RTHK: US top court sets date for Texas abortion law case The US Supreme Court agreed on Friday to hear legal challenges on November 1 to an abortion law passed in Texas, but declined to block the restrictive legislation in the meantime. President Joe Biden's administration and abortion providers are asking the court to overturn the Texas law which bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, before most women know they are pregnant. The Justice Department and other parties to the case were given until October 27 to file their briefs with oral arguments scheduled for November 1. Abortion providers and the Justice Department say the Texas law violates the landmark 1973 Supreme Court ruling in Roe v. Wade, which enshrined a woman's legal right to an abortion. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2021-10-23. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Hong Kong: Govt promotes gender equality Chief Executive Carrie Lam I would like to congratulate the Hong Kong Federation of Women for hosting the second edition of the Women Power Forum, providing an excellent platform for women leaders from Hong Kong, the Mainland and around the world to come together and drive social innovation, share game-changing ideas and craft opportunities for positive change. The theme of this years forum is Herald a New Chapter of Harmony & Growth for our World City, which I think is most timely. As I noted in my 2021 Policy Address delivered earlier this month, Hong Kong is indeed entering a new era, thanks to the double safeguards of the National Security Law and the improved electoral system. These two important initiatives by the central authorities have brought stability and renewed confidence to our economy and to our community. More importantly, they have brought the implementation of the all important one country, two systems principle back on the right track. That would provide a solid basis for us to plan for the inclusive and rewarding future that we all want. With the central authorities support, opportunities abound in Hong Kongs future. Our nations 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kongs development of eight global hubs or centres. Some, like financial services, trade, transport, legal and dispute resolution services are sectors in which we have long demonstrated our international prowess. Others are areas in which Hong Kongs development is up and coming. They include developing Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange and an international innovation and technology hub. In addition to the 14th Five-Year Plan, the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the recently announced Qianhai plan will bring unlimited opportunities for enterprises and professional services providers in Hong Kong. As long as we can leverage the central authorities support and proactively integrate into the national development, a bright future awaits us. That future must be built on gender equality. We are making good progress. It begins with education. Today, more than half the students enrolled in programmes funded by our University Grants Committee are female. They are excelling academically and I have no doubt that they will also excel in the workplace. My Government has instituted various measures to help women stay in the workforce and to promote womens development. These measures include extending statutory maternity leave to 14 weeks, strengthening childcare services, providing more baby-care rooms in government premises, and amending legislation to make discrimination against and harassment of breastfeeding illegal. With the Governments efforts over the years, I am pleased to note that the female labour force participation rate has risen to about 50%. Half of our solicitors and public accountants are female, and 37% of managerial positions are now held by women. I am equally pleased to see that our efforts in promoting womens participation in public affairs in my term of office are gradually bearing fruit. The percentage of female members in government advisory and statutory bodies has reached 35% in June this year, meeting the target set in earlier years. And as the first lady Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I am particularly pleased that we have achieved a few firsts during my tenure. In 2018, I appointed the first female judge to the Court of Final Appeal. Also in 2018, we welcomed the first female chairperson of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Last year, we had the first female civil engineer Director of Drainage Services. Since a couple of months ago, Hong Kongs public prosecutions authority has been headed by a female lawyer. And just two days ago, the central government appointed the first female Commissioner of Customs & Excise of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. As a whole, some 40% of the Governments civil servants and directorate officers are women today, and I look forward to seeing more women in leadership positions in the near future. Hong Kong is definitely not short of women leaders, and many of them are present today. With your support, we will continue to make a difference. We will continue to compel change, to ensure that the voice of women is heard, and heeded, in Hong Kong. Chief Executive Carrie Lam gave these remarks via a video at the Second Women Power Forum's opening ceremony on October 23. This story has been published on: 2021-10-23. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. RTHK: Erdogan orders expulsion of 10 ambassadors Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday told his foreign minister to expel the ambassadors of 10 countries including Germany and the United States who appealed for the release of a jailed civil society leader. "I have ordered our foreign minister to declare these 10 ambassadors as persona non grata as soon as possible," he said, referring to a term used in diplomacy which signifies the first step before expulsion. He did not set a firm date. "They must know and understand Turkey," he added, accusing the envoys of "indecency". "They must leave here the day they no longer know Turkey," he said of the ambassadors. The envoys issued a highly unusual joint statement on Monday saying the continued detention of Parisian-born philanthropist and activist Osman Kavala "cast a shadow" over Turkey. The US, Germany, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden called for a "just and speedy resolution to (Kavala's) case". Kavala has been in jail without a conviction since 2017, and faces a string of alternating charges linked to 2013 anti-government protests and a failed military coup in 2016. He has become a symbol of the sweeping crackdown Erdogan unleashed after surviving the coup attempt. Speaking to AFP from his jail cell last week, Kavala said he felt like a tool in Erdogan's attempts to blame a foreign plot for domestic opposition to his nearly two-decade rule. The Council of Europe, the continent's top human rights watchdog, has issued a final warning to Turkey to comply with a 2019 European Court of Human Rights order to release Kavala pending trial. If Turkey fails to do so by its next meeting on November 30-December 2, the Strasbourg-based council could vote to launch its first disciplinary proceedings against Ankara. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2021-10-23. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. UNDP debuts climate change news portal for Vietnamese youth The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam launched a news portal on climate change for young people at a discussion held virtually on October 22. A screenshot of the site. Organised in collaboration with the Italian and British embassies in Vietnam, the event took place on the threshold of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) and gathered more than 2,400 Vietnamese youths from different regions. In his opening speech, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in Vietnam, Terence D. Jones, highlighted that through the portal, the UNDP will support youth capacity development, empower youth-led climate initiatives, and create an favourable environment for young people to access green job opportunities and adopt sustainable lifestyles. Jones said that the UNDP will continue to prioritise supporting and strengthening the climate action of Vietnamese youth in the coming years by establishing a Training of Trainers (TOT) network on different climate topics and foster knowledge for 100 excellent young people to expand the climate learning society in the nation. The portal provides a learning space for young people to access reliable, accurate and contextual information in Vietnam on climate science, agriculture and forestry, energy, waste, circular economy and climate policy. It reshapes and updates climate science and policy into youth-friendly learning themes. Tra Vinh needs Chinese experts fast-tracked for coal power plant The southern province of Tra Vinh is seeking Hanois support to complete entry procedures for 11 Chinese workers amid the travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Tra Vinhs proposal, during the pilot operation, the main transformer of Duyen Hai Thermal Power Plants Turbine 2 faced some technical problems, including the replacement of the main transformer. However, the plant investor needs 11 Chinese experts for the work. Duyen Hai Thermal Power Plant The Chinese will stay in Vietnam for less than 30 days. The province has asked Hanoi authorities to create favourable conditions for the Chinese to enter the country through Noi Bai International Airport. They will be sent to a quarantine site in Hanoi for seven days. After that, they will be brought to Tra Vinh and continue to be medically monitored at the Duyen Hai Thermal Power Plant. The investor of Duyen Hai Thermal Power Plants Turbine 2 has pledged to strictly conform to Covid-19 protocols and will pay costs related to the transportation and quarantine for the Chinese workers. Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea remains pride of Vietnams army and people: Deputy Minister Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea will forever remain the pride of the army and people of Vietnam, Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Le Huy Vinh said at a ceremony marking the 60th year since the opening of the secret shipping route. A ceremony marking the 60th year since the opening of the Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea takes place in the northern port city of Hai Phong on October 22. (Photo: VNA) The ceremony was held in the northern port city of Hai Phong by the Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defence and the municipal Peoples Committee on October 22. Vinh said since it was launched in 1961, Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea had become a new and important channel for transporting weapons and supplies all the way from the North to the southern front during the resistance war against the US. The Vietnamese army had taken nearly 2,000 boat trips on the route, carrying about 80,000 personnel, over 150,000 tonnes of weapons and ammunition, and tens of thousands of tonnes of goods to support its troops on major battlefields in the South, that could not be done by road, he noted. He described it as a shining symbol of the revolutionary heroism and the Vietnamese armys intelligence, braveness, and determination to liberate and unite the nation. It is such an innovative and strategic initiative of President Ho Chi Minh and the Communist Party of Vietnam, he stressed. The deputy minister went on to say that to fulfill todays missions, forces on duty at sea and on islands, particularly the Vietnam Peoples Navy, must successfully implement the Party's policies and the States laws relating sea and islands, thus turning Vietnam into a strong and rich country based on the sea-borne economy. He also urged the forces to safeguard the countrys security, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and strengthen international marine cooperation to maintain a peaceful and stable environment for national development. During the anti-US war, the Ho Chi Minh Trail was deemed a strategic road through jungles while the Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea was associated with the secret transport ships without numbers. The existence of these two mysterious routes caused extreme difficulties for the US military and the South Vietnam government, who made many attempts to prevent the northern army from supporting the southern battles. Berlin (dpa) - IOC president Thomas Bach believes that banning all Russians from Augusts Rio Olympics would be unfair even if a report rules that Russia manipulated doping tests at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games. A World Anti-Doping Agency Commission will announce its findings into the Sochi allegations before July 15. Russian track and field athletes are already banned following a separate WADA report, although clean athletes may still be able to compete. "The mandate of the investigation refers to the Winter Olympics in Sochi," the head of the International Olympic Committee told German media on Thursday. "You can not for example punish a Russian badminton player if you penalize possible manipulation at the WADA laboratories at the Winter Games in Sochi." German Bach has been accused by critics in his homeland of being too close to Russian President Vladimir Putin but he made no apologies for that perception. "When you talk about me in Germany as a Russian sympathizer, I take that as a compliment," he said. "Here again we talk about fairness. The fact is we have of course worked very well together with Russia and Mr. Putin in the preparation and the organization of the Winter Olympics." China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era boasts strong momentum and broad prospects People's Daily Online) 17:37, October 22, 2021 This year marks the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Russia. Over the past 70 plus years, China-Russia relations have withstood numerous tests arising out of the international landscape. The development of head-of-state diplomacy between the two countries has led China-Russian relations to press ahead with fruitful cooperative results in various fields. As world powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia shoulder significant responsibilities in maintaining world peace and stability. Against the backdrop of profound changes unseen in a century intertwined with a global pandemic, the world has entered a period of new turbulence and transformation. How will China and Russia continue to make concerted efforts and firmly move forward under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state? In the post-pandemic era, how will China and Russia play a mainstay role in safeguarding international fairness and justice? Both heads of state spoke highly of today's China-Russia relations, believing that it is at the highest level in their history, and that there is no cap on China-Russia relations going forward. Where will the future development of China and Russia go? Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui and Russian Ambassador to China Andrey Ivanovich Denisov joined the first episode of "Online Talks between Chinese and Foreign Ambassadors" jointly launched by Huanqiu.com and the China Public Diplomacy Association in collaboration with Yangtze River News, and held a series of online talks focusing on issues such as diplomacy between the heads of state of China and Russia, international cooperation in the fight against COVID-19, cooperation under the UN framework, and the future development direction of China-Russian relations. Related: China, Pakistan strive to build a community with a shared future for mankind (Web editor: Hongyu, Bianji) Information superhighway brings benefits to villagers in Chinas countryside People's Daily Online) 17:40, October 22, 2021 Rural areas in China have seen constant improvements to Internet infrastructure in recent years, which has brought considerable benefits to local residents. Two women sells local tea in a live-streaming session in Ning'er Hani and Yi autonomous county in Yunnan province on April 6, 2020. (Photo/Xinhua) The number of Internet users in the countrys rural areas reached 297 million as of June this year, with the Internet access rate reaching 59.2 percent, statistics showed. More than 99 percent of Chinas administrative villages have been connected with fiber optic and 4G networks, while rural areas throughout the country have gained access to the same network and Internet connection speeds as urban areas. Wang Jinguo, a store owner in Xulou village, Liangshan county, east Chinas Shandong province, is excited about the convenience and benefits brought about by the expanded Internet network. Our village has been covered by 100MB broadband. Its very fast, Wang said, adding that the village has built base stations, covering all households with fiber optic and mobile networks. Due to the improvements to the villages Internet infrastructure, more and more villagers are turning to online shopping. To meet the rising demand, the village began to establish stations for express delivery service last year. In response to the call of the village committee, Wang turned part of his store into a station for express delivery services, which not only brings added convenience to villagers, but has also boosted sales of products in his store, as residents often buy something when they send or receive packages at the store. I receive over 200 packages every day, all online orders placed by villagers, Wang said, noting that he also helps villagers to purchase electric appliances and farming materials in addition to paying utility bills online. Xulou village is an epitome of Liangshan countys efforts to improve Internet infrastructure in rural areas. To date, the county has basically completed a project to bring information technologies to all administrative villages and rural households, enabling rural residents to enjoy public services and e-commerce services, among other services made available in the villages. In line with the requirements for rural revitalization, Liangshan is building digital villages through the application of new information technologies, such as big data and the Internet of Things, to continuously deliver benefits to villagers, said Shen Zhengguo, head of the countys agriculture and rural affairs bureau. Information technologies have also made rural governance more precise and intelligent, bolstering the vitality of rural development, said Huang Jinyong, a professor from the School of Agricultural Sciences at Zhengzhou University in Zhengzhou, capital city of central Chinas Henan province. Meanwhile, the Internet has become an essential infrastructure for the development of modern agriculture, enabling distinctive agricultural products from rural areas to reach more places in the country. Wei Shaozhen, a resident in Banjing village in a remote mountainous area in Anyuan county, east Chinas Jiangxi province, is one of the many who has turned into a livestreaming host. She helps villagers sell local specialties, including sweet potatoes and navel oranges, to people across the country via the livestream marketing, in this way increasing their incomes. In a recent livestreaming session, Wei sold over 500 kilograms of sweet potatoes, a local specialty. Anyuan county has supported the digital transformation of the navel orange industry and the development of the e-commerce sector. The county has set up a navel orange data center, which guides over 1,500 growers, nearly 200 logistics enterprises and more than 120 wholesale markets for agricultural products to coordinate their production and sales of fruit, according to Gao Weidong, a local official. Gao explained that the county has also built an e-commerce industrial park and a logistics park in addition to rolling out about 70 e-commerce training sessions to cultivate more farmers adept at using the Internet, livestreaming and e-marketing. Furthermore, the Internet has accelerated the process of achieving equitable access to public services in urban and rural areas, Huang Jinyong said, adding that more and more public services, such as high-quality medical and educational resources, have become available in rural areas. For example, in Lushi county, Sanmenxia city of Henan province, a smart medical system now covers all 320 village clinics, 20 township health centers and four county-level hospitals. These medical institutions have established a healthcare alliance with Sanmenxia Center Hospital, which provides telemedicine services to rural residents, according to Duan Huaicheng, director of the countys health commission. (Web editor: Hongyu, Bianji) China, Pakistan strive to build a community with a shared future for mankind People's Daily Online) 18:13, October 22, 2021 "Iron Pak" is often used to describe the special friendship between China and Pakistan. The mutual trust and friendship between the two countries have withstood 70 years of vicissitudes in the international landscape. How has the unique relationship between China and Pakistan grown continually stronger as time has gone by? China and Pakistan have accumulated successful experiences in building a bilateral community with a shared future. What is the significance of this benchmark for other countries in promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind? This year marks the 50th anniversary of China's return to the UN and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. At this critical juncture, how can the close cooperation between China and Pakistan continue to play a positive role in the international arena? Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong and Pakistani Ambassador to China Moin ul Haque joined the second episode of "Online Talks between Chinese and Foreign Ambassadors" jointly launched by Huanqiu.com and the China Public Diplomacy Association in collaboration with Yangtze River News, participating in a series of online talks focusing on issues such as economic and trade cooperation between China and Pakistan, building a bilateral community with a shared future, and all-weather strategic cooperation between China and Pakistan. (Web editor: Hongyu, Bianji) Xi urges notable progress in ecological protection, high-quality development of Yellow River basin Xinhua) 09:00, October 23, 2021 Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, chairs a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) JINAN, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday urged notable progress in ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). 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 symposium in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. Xi called for unremitting efforts to ensure that the Yellow River will always benefit the Chinese nation. Despite new progress, there are still major problems and difficulties facing ecological conservation and high-quality development of the basin, Xi said. He said provincial-level regions along the Yellow River should stick to putting the environment first and being committed to green development. Calling attention to water safety risks and the profound impacts brought by climate change, Xi said the capability to deal with disasters must be improved to better protect people's lives. Local officials were urged to put overall interests above everything else when dealing with major issues and bear in mind the long-term goal to avoid the short-sighted pursuit of quick payoffs, Xi said. He also demanded a stable supply of coal and electricity to ensure smooth economic and social order. Xi stressed the implementation of major tasks for promoting ecological conservation and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Accelerated efforts should be made to put in place preventive measures against natural disasters, he said, while urging meticulous utilization as well as strict and careful management of water resources. Better work should be done to control soil erosion and desertification in the upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River, and strengthen coordinated environmental overhaul of the lower reaches' waterways and flood plain, Xi said, adding that biodiversity in the river delta should be enhanced. He also called for expediting the creation of a new pattern of protecting and utilizing national territorial space. Xi pointed out that the CPC Central Committee had made a comprehensive plan on promoting ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin and the key lies in implementation with unified thought. He encouraged market entities and social forces to take an active part. Some regions of the Yellow River basin suffered rare flooding in recent months, Xi said, calling for effective measures in post-disaster reconstruction, and in particular, efforts to help the people in need. Attending the symposium, Vice Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, underlined the need to study Xi's speech and instructions to ensure the implementation of all major tasks of ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin. Xi conducted field research before convening the symposium. On Wednesday afternoon, he inspected the estuary of the Yellow River where he said solid progress in protecting the river is an important task of state governance. At a national-level nature reserve, Xi said that the nature reserve of the Yellow River Delta plays a key role in ecological conservation. He encouraged building a national park of the river estuary. When visiting the Agricultural High-tech Industrial Demonstration Area of the Yellow River Delta Thursday, Xi said the comprehensive use of saline-alkali soil is of strategic importance to national food security. Visiting a residential community of relocated residents, Xi called for coordination in relocation settlement, industry development, employment, and the provision of public facilities and community services. Xi later visited a research institute in the Shengli Oilfield. "To meet the core demand of oil and gas is an important task for us," he said, adding that exploration must be boosted to improve self-reliance capacity. Resources should be pulled together to achieve breakthroughs in core and key technologies and promote cleaner and more efficient development and use of energy, Xi said. When visiting a drilling platform in the Shengli Oilfield, Xi extended sincere greetings to oil workers as this year marks the 60th anniversary of the discovery of the oilfield. Xi also fully acknowledged the work of the province since the 19th CPC National Congress and urged Shandong to continuously improve people's living standards and promote common prosperity. (Web editor: Meng Bin, Bianji) EU leaders endorse temporary measures to manage energy crisis Xinhua) 09:36, October 23, 2021 The prices of petrol and diesel are seen on a sign at the entrance of a service station in Paris, France, Oct. 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) The toolbox, which the European Commission launched last week, contains measures to tackle the rising energy prices in the short and longer term. BRUSSELS, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- The leaders of the European Union (EU) member states have endorsed a package of measures to deal with the immediate effects of the spike in energy prices, the European Council said on Friday. In the conclusions of the two-day EU summit that started on Thursday, the leaders called for medium- and long-term measures that would contribute to affordable energy prices for households and companies. The toolbox, which the European Commission launched last week, contains measures to tackle the rising energy prices in the short and longer term. A customer fills the tank of his car at a gas station in Paris, France, Oct. 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) The leaders called on the member states to "urgently make the best use of the toolbox to provide short-term relief to the most vulnerable consumers and to support European companies," especially those struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. They said that the European Investment Bank should "look into how to speed up investment in the energy transition." The summit participants also discussed the pandemic and the vaccination rates across Europe. They noted the significant progress made in the fight against the pandemic but voiced concern that the situation in certain countries remains "very serious." "In light of the development of the epidemiological situation, the European Council called for further coordination to facilitate free movement within, and travel into, the EU," and encouraged the European Commission to "accelerate its work regarding mutual recognition of certificates with third countries." (Web editor: Meng Bin, Bianji) Premier Li stresses importance of improving farm produce supply capacity Xinhua) 09:44, October 23, 2021 CHONGQING, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has called for the improvement of the country's livestock, poultry and aquatic product supply capacities to better meet the upgrading consumption demand of the people. Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in an instruction to a teleconference on China's husbandry and fishing industries. The government should fully implement the system of provincial governors assuming overall responsibility while city mayors assume responsibility for the "vegetable basket," Li said. China should stabilize and improve its policies to offer long-term support and make advancements in the construction of modern breeding, seed cultivation, disease prevention and control, processing and circulation systems to promote the high-quality development of the husbandry and fishing industries, according to Li. Vice Premier Hu Chunhua, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attended the conference. Hu called for the improvement of innovation-driven development ability, the promotion of the industrial modernization level, and the market-oriented development of the husbandry and fishing industries. All levels of government should intensify their policy and fiscal support to create a better environment for the development of the industries. The country should also implement the 10-year fishing ban that covers all key waters of the Yangtze River, and strengthen the protection of aquatic life resources, according to Hu. (Web editor: Meng Bin, Bianji) Palestine condemns Israel's plan to build 3,000 new settlement units in West Bank Xinhua) 09:51, October 23, 2021 RAMALLAH, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Palestine on Friday condemned the Israeli government's plan to build 3,000 new housing units in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. In a press statement, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the new units "are an extension to deepening and expanding the settlement that sweeps the West Bank and East Jerusalem and its environs." "The aim of building new units in the settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is to separate the Palestinian territories from their Palestinian expansion completely," the statement said. It accused the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett of trying to cover up its expansion of settlement in the Palestinian territories. "What Israel is promoting regarding confidence-building measures is nothing formal," the statement said. According to Israeli and Palestinian estimates, about 650,000 Israeli settlers live in 164 settlements and 124 outposts in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. "All forms of settlement are illegal and invalid," the statement said, adding that the Israeli government is fully and directly responsible for this decision and its repercussions on the opportunity to achieve peace and the two-state solution. Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which are claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war and has controlled them ever since. (Web editor: Meng Bin, Bianji) Biden, Macron discuss cooperation, to meet in Rome late October Xinhua) 09:52, October 23, 2021 U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden return to the White House in Washington, D.C. Oct. 21, 2021. Joe Biden and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Friday discussed cooperation in the Sahel and Indo-Pacific regions and agreed to meet in Rome later this month, said the White House. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua) WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Friday discussed cooperation in the Sahel and Indo-Pacific regions and agreed to meet in Rome later this month, said the White House. Biden and Macron in a phone conversation discussed efforts to support stability and security in the Sahel, enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and enable a more capable European defense, according to a White House statement. The two leaders will meet in Rome later this month to continue their conversation on bilateral cooperation, it added. In a separate statement, the White House said Vice President Kamala Harris will visit France next month to meet with Macron and participate in the Paris Conference on Libya on Nov. 12. The trip of Harris is seen as the Biden administration's continuing efforts to repair U.S.-France relations, which suffered setbacks due to a controversial nuclear submarine deal announced by the United States, Britain and Australia last month. In mid-September, the United States and Britain said they would support the Australian Navy in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines under a newly formed trilateral security pact known as AUKUS, depriving France of an existing contract to provide 12 conventional submarines to Australia. Outraged by the abrupt move without consultations, France recalled its ambassadors to the United States and Australia in protest. Biden admitted the issue could have been better handled during his last call with Macron in late September. (Web editor: Meng Bin, Bianji) Xi and the great Yellow River Xinhua) 10:03, October 23, 2021 President Xi Jinping checks the Yellow River's waterways and learns about the ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin at a dock as he inspects the estuary of the Yellow River in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 20, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) BEIJING, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Many of the world's ancient civilizations developed in or around river basins. In China, that river is the Yellow River. For more than 3,000 years, the Yellow River basin had been the political, economic, and cultural centers of the country. It witnessed the birth of the four era-defining inventions in ancient China, including printing techniques, papermaking, gunpowder and the compass. It is also the place where the Book of Songs and other ancient Chinese classics were written. Today, more than 400 million people live in the Yellow River basin, which plays a crucial role in the nation's ecological and food supply systems. Yet, the river had experienced soil erosion, sand and silt invasion, floods, river course changes, and bank collapses for millennia. Little wonder then that Chinese President Xi Jinping has given the river a tremendous amount of attention. President Xi Jinping checks the Yellow River's waterways and learns about the ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin at a dock as he inspects the estuary of the Yellow River in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 20, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) On Wednesday, Xi, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspected the estuary of the river in Shandong Province. During the inspection tour, Xi visited a dock, an ecological monitoring center and a national-level nature reserve of the Yellow River Delta. He also checked the river's waterways, the ecological environment of the wetlands in the river delta, and learned about the ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin. The Chinese president has visited all provincial regions the Yellow River runs through, and has been to river banks on multiple occasions. Aerial photo taken on Sept. 12, 2020 shows a view of the Yellow River in Jiyuan City, central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan) An often-used word by Xi in these inspections is "protection." To Xi, who has underscored the notion that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," the river's environmental protection must follow a holistic approach. Mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, and grasslands must be conserved, and industry must develop in harmony with the natural environment. Following this principle, the central authorities issued a development outline in October, setting the course of conservation and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin to 2030 and beyond. Xi has also personally seen to it that all the regions in the river basin take up their due responsibilities in protecting the river's ecological system. President Xi Jinping checks the ecological protection work of the Fenhe River in Taiyuan, capital city of north China's Shanxi Province, May 12, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) His instructions spurred the regions to initiate a series of programs to restore the environment and eco-system of the river basin. In 2020, when Xi visited Shanxi, he set aside time for a walk by the Fenhe River, the second-largest tributary of the Yellow River. Deeply impressed by the profound changes of the environment, which was once heavily polluted, he congratulated the locals for their efforts. In recent years, such efforts have become common sights along the river basin, and the effects are remarkable. By the end of 2020, soil erosion has been brought under preliminary control in more than 250,000 square kilometers in the Yellow River basin, while the area of soil erosion decreased by 48 percent from that of 1990. (Web editor: Meng Bin, Bianji) Commentary: Washington's vicious scheme to disrupt Hong Kong bound to fail Xinhua) 10:14, October 23, 2021 BEIJING, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- The United States has tried once again to manipulate facts concerning Hong Kong and meddle in China's internal affairs. However, Washington's hypocrisy will become ever more apparent in the eyes of the world and its sinister intentions will only go under. In a statement posted on U.S. State Department's twitter account on Thursday, Washington made some ridiculous remarks regarding freedom in Hong Kong and a national security law, and urged Beijing to "abide by its treaty obligations in the Sino-British Joint Declaration." By attacking the national security law for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Washington is seeking to confuse the general public. The law as well as other effective measures have effectively plugged the systemic loopholes for the HKSAR government to safeguard national security, and removed the obstacles and threats that undermined the city's development. As a result, Hong Kong residents can now enjoy their legitimate rights and freedoms in a safe and peaceful environment. Since its enactment over a year ago, the law has brought to justice a handful of anti-China rioters in Hong Kong and returned stability to the city. These are irrefutable facts. Also, the national security law has won the heartfelt support from the local people. According to a report on Hong Kong's business environment released by the HKSAR government last month, the city has retained its sound business environment and unique advantages under "one country, two systems," and the financial hub is still attractive to businesses and investors around the world. Hong Kong is a society under the rule of law. No organization or individual has any privilege above the law. By taking legal actions against those anti-China rioters, the HKSAR government has responded to the wishes of the people and effectively safeguarded the sanctity of the rule of law. Under the pretext of so-called democracy and human rights, some U.S. politicians have turned a blind eye to the basic facts in Hong Kong and the expectations of the people there, and stood with those rioters. They could not care less about the long-term stability and security in the Chinese metropolis. What they seek is to create more disruptions in Hong Kong and to contain China's development. In fact, Washington is intentionally distorting the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The core of the document is on Hong Kong's return to China and relevant arrangements during the transitional period. There is not a single word nor clause that granted the British side the right to intervene in Hong Kong affairs. Britain has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or "right of supervision" over Hong Kong after the city returns to China. As China has resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong and completed relative follow-up work, the historic mission of the document has been accomplished. However, those U.S. politicians choose to disregard international rules and continue to make irresponsible remarks about the declaration. Their true color of a hegemony featuring hypocrisy and double standards is too clear to miss. The United States is in no place to point fingers at others over human rights and freedom given its own record on this front. Inside America today, the systemic racial discrimination has grown ever worse and more than 700,000 people lost their lives during COVID-19 due to Washington's botched anti-pandemic efforts. And in many parts of the world, the United States has caused massive civilian casualties in the armed conflicts and wars it launched. As a consequence, Washington's myth as "a defender of human rights" has already collapsed. The U.S. politicians' sinister scheme to destabilize Hong Kong and undermine lasting peace and prosperity that Hong Kong people have longed for will go nowhere. They should immediately stop meddling in China's internal affairs and take care of their own mess back home. (Web editor: Meng Bin, Bianji) Mars rover, orbiter set to resume operations China Daily) 13:43, October 23, 2021 This undated file photo shows an illustration of Tianwen 1 robotic probe entering Martian orbit. [PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY] China's Mars rover and the orbiter of the Tianwen 1 mission are resuming operations after a month-long suspension caused by the sun disrupting signals between Earth and Mars, according to the China National Space Administration. Mission controllers have reestablished their tracking, communication and control of the orbiter and the Zhurong rover, the administration said in a brief statement on Friday. When the sun is directly between Earth and Mars, solar electromagnetic radiation substantially increases and strongly disrupts communications between the craft and Earth. Chu Yingzhi, deputy project manager of the Tianwen 1's orbiter, explained that such a "sun outage" occurs every 26 months and affects all Martian probes. Zhang Rongqiao, the Tianwen 1 mission's chief designer at the China National Space Administration, said that the Zhurong rover would continue traveling southward toward an ancient coastal area on Utopia Planitia, a large plain within the largest known impact basin in the solar system, while the orbiter will enter a new Mars orbit to carry out a remote-sensing global survey of the Red Planet and will continue relaying signals between Zhurong and Earth. Chu said once the orbiter enters the new orbit in early November, all of the seven scientific devices such as the Mars mineral spectrometer and the high-resolution camera will be activated to gather information about the planet's geological structures, soil types, spatial environments and atmospheric ionized layer as well as other crucial elements. Before the suspension, Zhurong had traveled nearly 1,100 meters on the Martian surface and was in good condition with sufficient energy, Zhang said. The core component of the Tianwen 1 missionthe country's first interplanetary adventurethe 240-kilogram Zhurong has outlasted its three-month life expectancy with all of its predetermined tasks completed. The 1.85-meter-tall rover, now several million kilometers from Earth, is the sixth rover on Mars, following five others launched by the United States. Tianwen 1, named after an ancient Chinese poem, was launched on July 23 last year from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province and traveled more than 470 million km and carried out several trajectory maneuvers before entering Martian orbit on Feb 10. Zhurong touched down on the planet on May 15 and separated from its landing platform a week later. The mission has generated more than 420 gigabytes of primary data, with Zhurong alone having obtained about 10 GB of primary data, according to sources at the space administration. (Web editor: Meng Bin, Bianji) US tests hypersonic weapon while accusing China, shows double standards, fear 14:03, October 23, 2021 By Liu Xuanzun ( Global Times Making their public debut, DF-17 missiles join the National Day parade in Beijing on October 1, 2019. Photo: Zhang Haichao/GT The US tested several types of hypersonic weapons in the past days at a time when it accused China of testing such weapons, which exposed the US' double standards and its fear that it would lose in the hypersonic "race" with China and Russia, experts said on Friday. The US Navy and Army successfully conducted three tests on hypersonic weapon component prototypes on Wednesday, and these are expected to contribute to a flight test of a hypersonic missile in fiscal year 2022, which began on October 1, Reuters reported on Thursday. In another hypersonic technology test by the US Defense Department in Alaska on Thursday, a booster rocket failed to launch, US news website Defense News reported on Friday. But despite the US' aggressive moves to develop hypersonic weapons, President Joe Biden voiced his "concern" this week about China's hypersonic weapons, after the Financial Times claimed China had tested two hypersonic weapons in summer. The US is the first country to conduct research on hypersonic weapons, and is still developing and even proliferating hypersonic technologies and investing billions of dollars in upgrading its nuclear triad forces, Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson of China's Foreign Ministry, told the Global Times at a regular press conference on Friday, responding to the US' recent hypersonic tests. The US has repeatedly voiced its so-called concerns over China's normal spacecraft development and used it to hype the "China threat theory," Wang said. "Then can the US explain to the international community why it is developing hypersonic weapons? Why is it so concerned about other countries? Doesn't the international community have enough reasons to be concerned about the US moves?" Wang asked. China urges the US to respect other countries' right to develop national defense properly, and stop extensively expanding its own arsenal by hyping the "China threat theory," Wang said. The US is very nervous about hypersonic weapons because China and Russia have hypersonic weapons in service, while the US is still testing, Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times on Friday. China displayed the DF-17 hypersonic missile at the National Day military parade in Beijing on October 1, 2019, while Russia has hypersonic missiles like Zircon, Kinzhal and Avangard. While the US Army, Navy and Air Force have their own hypersonic programs, they still face some problems, including materials and engines, so the US is hyping hypersonic threats from China and Russia so the US Congress can approve more funds to help it win the "race," Song said. Since the US is falling behind, its hype of hypersonic threats is also aimed at dragging China and Russia down into a potential arms control negotiation to limit China and Russia's capabilities, Song said, noting that hypersonic weapons are difficult to defend against. This is double standards, Song said. Also, the "Chinese hypersonic missile" the Financial Times reported was not a missile at all. Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a routine press conference on Monday that it was a routine test of spacecraft to verify technology of spacecraft's reusability. (Web editor: Meng Bin, Bianji) EU condemns "Israeli measures" against children in Palestine Xinhua) 15:20, October 23, 2021 Israeli soldiers hold their weapons during clashes with Palestinian protesters during a protest against the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank village of Beit Dajan, east of Nablus, on Oct. 22, 2021. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) RAMALLAH, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) mission to Palestine on Friday condemned the Israeli measures against Palestinian children in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, according to an official EU statement. The statement said that the EU "was appalled to witness a series of violations against Palestinian children by the Israeli occupation forces in the West Bank and East Jerusalem." "We are deeply concerned about the excessive use of force against minors, where from 8 to 18 October a Palestinian child was killed in the West Bank city of Bethlehem and 41 children were arrested in East Jerusalem," the statement said. The EU urged Israel to "prevent violence against children and protect their rights" under international humanitarian law. According to Palestinian institutions which defend children's rights in the Palestinian territories, "the Israeli forces have killed more than 74 children since January 2021 in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip." The institutions complained that the Israeli army forces "are rarely held accountable for grave violations against Palestinian children, including unlawful killings and excessive use of force." Meanwhile, the Palestinian Prisoners Club Association, a Palestinian non-government organization, said that Israel has detained about 225 Palestinian children. (Web editor: Meng Bin, Bianji) Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN. [Photo/Xinhua] At UN, over 80 countries back Beijing against Western groundless accusations China's ambassador to the United Nations on Thursday bluntly told the United States, France and a few other Western countries that they are "in no position to make choices for the Chinese people, let alone lecture China", with more than 80 countries expressing their support for China's sovereignty. Cuba delivered a joint statement on behalf of 62 countries in support of China, stressing that the basic norms of international relations are to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states, and the noninterference in internal affairs of states. It also emphasized that issues pertaining to Hong Kong, the Xinjiang Uygur and Tibet autonomous regions are China's internal affairs that tolerate no interference by any external forces. It also supported China's implementation of "one country, two systems" in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The statement also called upon all parties to respect the rights of the people of each state to independently choose their path for human rights development in accordance with their national conditions, and treat all human rights with the same emphasis. It opposed politicization of human rights, double standards and unfounded allegations against China out of political motivation and disinformation. Kuwait also made a joint statement in support of China on behalf of three Gulf states, stressing the objective, constructive and nonpolitical principles of human rights issues. It also called upon all states to follow the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and to respect national sovereignty and noninterference in internal affairs. More than 20 countries made statements in support of China during Thursday's meeting, and spoke highly of China's achievements in the development of human rights. They also called on all countries to uphold multilateralism and solidarity, and to promote and protect human rights through dialogue and cooperation. Political viruses Zhang Jun, China's UN ambassador, said during the meeting that the US and a few other countries have once again abused the Third Committee platform "to launch groundless accusations against China, spread political viruses and disinformation, and poison the atmosphere of cooperation, which China resolutely opposes and strongly rejects". "To the US and a few other countries, let me say this. Your trite lies are totally unfounded. Xinjiang enjoys stability, development and prosperity, and the Chinese people's lives are getting better day by day. The Chinese people are satisfied with and proud of such achievements, and those achievements are widely recognized and praised by people around the world," Zhang said. The happy lives and smiles of the Chinese people are the best manifestation of China's human rights situation, he said. Those Western countries may fool themselves, but they "cannot fool the world". "To the US and a few other countries: Your plot to obstruct China's development is doomed to fail. The path of China's development is chosen by the Chinese people ourselves. You are in no position to make choices for the Chinese people, let alone lecture China," he said. "Your desperate attempts to cover up your own terrible human rights record will not work. The US conducted genocide against the American Indians. It suppressed its own people to the point they yell "I can't breathe'." Zhang said blaming other countries will not wipe off their own misdeeds, but only reveal their evil and hypocrisy. "It ignored the deaths of over 700,000 nationals due to the pandemic. And it stained its hands with the blood of hundreds of thousands of Muslim civilians in the Middle East and Central Asia. The list goes on. Human rights are not your cover up," he said. "To the US and a few other countries: Your attempts to get rid of those who hold different views in the name of democracy will only end in vain." He said whether a country is democratic or not should be decided by its own people, not by some foreign individuals, let alone countries. "To France and other followers of the US: What you are doing is submitting your independence and autonomy and serving as the henchmen of the US, as if you can gain superiority by acting at the beck and call of the superpower. But the truth is, you are giving up your own dignity and will win no respect from others," he said. He pointed out that more than 80 countries have voiced support of China, opposing interference in other countries' internal affairs in the name of human rights, and urged the following of the UN Charter. The ship formations of China and Russia sail in the Western Pacific on October 19, 2021.(eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Sun Jingang) BEIING, Oct. 23 -- At noon on October 23, local time, the China-Russia joint naval exercise Joint Sea 2021 and joint maritime cruise concluded successfully. The two sides' ship formations held a farewell ceremony in the eastern waters of the East China Sea. During the ceremony, Rear Admiral Bai Yaoping, director of Chinese side and deputy commander of the navy under the PLA Northern Theater Command, said that as another successful practice of the China-Russia joint maritime operations, the joint exercise and joint cruise have further developed the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era, and effectively improved both sides' capabilities of joint operations, which was conducive to jointly maintaining international and regional strategic stability. Chinese PLA navys destroyer Kunming sails with Russias large anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributs in the West Pacific on October 19, 2021. Photo: Li Tang Chinese and Russian naval forces have carried out their first joint sea patrol in waters in the West Pacific between October 17 to 23, Chinese Ministry of Defense said on Saturday, which experts said is of vital significance in sending a clear signal and practicing real world drills. A China-Russia joint naval ships formation which included a total of 10 warships and six carrier-based helicopters carried out the joint maritime patrol in the Sea of Japan, the West Pacific and the East China Sea, during which they organized exercises over joint sailing and joint maneuvers and conducted live-fire drills. The patrol was held right after China and Russia wrapped up a joint naval exercise in the Sea of Japan from October 14 to 17. A China-Russia joint naval ships formation sails in the West Pacific on October 19, 2021. Photo: Li Tang Immediate exercises including crossing, joint mobility and live fire after the joint naval drill is closer to the situation of actual combat and able to test and improve the forces' capacity of continuous operation and capacity to remain combat ready in open seas. It could also improve Chinese and Russian navies' capacity to deal with maritime security threats, Zhang Junshe, a senior research fellow at the Naval Research Academy of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), told the Global Times on Saturday. He noted that the first China-Russia joint sea patrol in waters in the West Pacific is of vital significance in sending a clear signal and practicing real world drills. China and Russia are two permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and shoulder the responsibility to sustain world peace. "The arrangement would enhance bilateral trust between China and Russia, develop comprehensive strategic partnership of the two countries in the new era, as well as safeguard international and regional stability," Zhang noted. A China-Russia joint naval ships formation passes through the Tsugaru Strait on October 18, 2021. Photo: Li Tang Military expert Song Zhongping told the Global Times that the latest joint sea patrol showed high degree of actual combat. Immediately transformation from drill to patrol is a mechanism transforming from peacetime to wartime status. "The formation of such mechanism indicates that the capacity of China and Russia to make quick reaction in military cooperation is improving fast," Song noted. In the future, joint air patrol and joint naval patrol between China and Russia will become increasingly common, Song said. Air-sea joint patrol would also follow, which demonstrate deeper China-Russia friendship and improved China-Russia joint operation capacity, as well as stronger actual combat capacity. "The formation of China-Russia joint combat capacity would bring about attacking measures at multiple layers and improve the forces' abilities to perform military tasks. It will provide more options to deal with regional conflicts such as terrorist attacks," Song said. A China-Russia joint naval ships formation is about to enter the Osumi Strait on October 22, 2021. Photo: Li Tang A statement from Russian Ministry of Defense said on Saturday during the practical actions, the battle ships sailed more than 1,700 nautical miles in total. During the mission, the joint formation has strictly abided by international law and did not enter territorial waters of other countries, the Chinese Ministry of Defense said. Previously, Japanese media had hyped up the joint formation's passage through of the Tsugaru Strait, but Chinese military experts noted that the Tsugaru Strait is no territorial water, and warships from any country have the right to transit, which means the transit of the Chinese and Russian vessels were in line with the international law and well within the bounds of standard naval practices. A China-Russia joint naval ships formation sails in the East China Sea on October 23, 2021. Photo: Li Tang The joint maritime patrol is aimed at further developing the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era, elevating the joint action capabilities of both nations and jointly maintaining international and regional strategic stability. It's a part of the annual cooperation plan between the two nations and is not targeted at any third parties, the Chinese Ministry of Defense stated. Since 2019, air forces from China and Russia have conducted annual joint strategic air patrols over the East China Sea and Sea of Japan. The joint sea patrol for the first time has built on enhanced military cooperation between the two strategic partners, Chinese military experts said. A China-Russia joint naval ships formation sails in the East China Sea on October 23, 2021. Photo: Li Tang A China-Russia joint naval ships formation sails in the East China Sea on October 23, 2021. Photo: Li Tang A China-Russia joint naval ships formation conducts joint exercise in the West Pacific. Photo: Li Tang A China-Russia joint naval ships formation conducts joint exercise in the West Pacific. Photo: Li Tang A China-Russia joint naval ships formation conducts joint exercise in the West Pacific. Photo: Li Tang Officers and soldiers on Chinas guided-missile destroyer Nanchang closely monitor the air and sea conditions. Photo: Li Tang Chinese guided-missile destroyer Nanchang sails alongside a Russian frigate. Photo: Li Tang Chinas guided-missile destroyer Nanchang sails in the West Pacific. Photo: Li Tang Chinas guided-missile destroyer Nanchang sails in the West Pacific. Photo: Li Tang Kim is a 29-year-old crammer instructor and is getting married in October. But she has a major problem: even if all of her friends attend her wedding, she is afraid there will not be enough women to make for a pretty ceremonial photo. The thought has kept Kim up at nights, and she finally put up an ad on a bridal website seeking female guests. A dozen women signed up just two days after the posting, all of them brides-to-be themselves. In the end Kim invited five of them. "I could have paid people to pose as my friends, but I thought it would be a good idea to meet women who are also getting married soon so we could exchange information and just chat about what we are going through," Kim said. "I'm going to tell the groom and his family that they're friends I met on my part-time jobs at university," she added. In anticipation of the emergency approval, the White House this week announced plans to deliver enough child doses of the vaccine to all 28 million children between the ages of 5 and 11 currently living in the United States. The study was released four days before the Food and Drug Administration's independent advisory committee is scheduled to consider emergency approval for use of the vaccine on children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's independent advisory committee takes up the issue Nov. 2 and 3. In results of the study, Pfizer says the trial was conducted among 2,268 children between the ages of 5-11 who were given two shots of a 10-microgram dose of the vaccine, a third of the dose size given to people 12 and older. U.S. pharmaceutical company Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech, Friday released data from studies showing their COVID-19 vaccine is safe and 91 percent effective at preventing symptomatic infections in 5 to 11 year olds. In Britain Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday continued to dismiss calls for renewed COVID-19 restrictions, saying there is nothing to indicate those moves will be necessary in the coming months, despite the fact Britain is currently seeing a dramatic surge in COVID-19 infections. Speaking to reporters while touring a London vaccination facility, Johnson said the current surge in infections is high, but still within the parameters experts predicted. Instead, Johnson encouraged people to get vaccinated if they have not already done so, and for those eligible to get a booster vaccination. The British government has approved booster shots for everyone over 50. Britain currently has the highest daily number of infections in Europe, averaging more than 45,000 a day, up 17 percent from the previous week. The World Health Organization reported this week that Britain has among the highest number of daily new infections in Europe, the only part of the world that saw an increase in new cases last week. Booster Shots Late Thursday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended booster shots for millions who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccines, and said the booster does not necessarily have to match the original shot. Rochelle Walensky, the head of the government agency, okayed the recommendations by an advisory panel Thursday, putting the CDC on the same page as the Food and Drug Administration. The booster shot for Pfizer vaccine was approved in September. The CDC committee has recommended that people age 18 and older and who were vaccinated two months or more ago with the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible for a booster shot. Those 65 or older inoculated with two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are recommended for a booster six months or more after the second dose. The CDC also recommended a booster for those 18 or older in long-term care facilities, have pre-existing medical conditions, as well as those who live or work in high-risk settings. 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 You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close An American flag waves in the wind as flags decorate the Main Plaza in honor of Flag Day on Monday, June 14, 2021. MIKALA COMPTON | Herald-Zeitung An empty bed in the intensive care unit at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa on Monday, July 13, 2020. MIKALA COMPTON | Herald-Zeitung Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Paul Walkers daughter, Meadow Walker, has tied the knot with Louis Thornton-Allan. The 22-year-old daughter of late 'Fast and Furious' franchise star got married to her actor fiance on Friday (22.10.21) in a touching service which was attended by her fathers co-stars, including Vin Diesel and Jordana Brewster. Meadow posted about her wedding on Instagram with a compilation video from the big day, which saw her sharing a hug with Jordana, as well as chatting with Vin. She captioned the video: were married !!!! (sic) And although her father couldnt be there to walk her down the aisle and give her away, a source confirmed to Us Weekly magazine that it was actually Vin who is Meadows godfather who stepped up to take Pauls place. The news of Meadow and Louis marriage comes just two months after they announced their engagement in August, which itself came one month after they went public with their romance. Support Local Journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Contribute When marking their engagement, the model posted a video clip of herself to Instagram, where she flashed her sparkling diamond ring and captioned the post: "<3 <3 <3 <3." Louis commented on Meadow's post, writing: "Forever and always" and he also shared some pictures of Meadow wearing her ring on his own page. Meanwhile, Vin recently spoke about his bond with Meadow. He said: "She takes good care of me She's the first person on Father's Day to wish me Happy Father's Day. To see her with my children is one of the most beautiful things. There are moments when I see her playing with Pauline [Vin's daughter] and it hits me so deep because I can only imagine what my brother sees when he sees that I feel very protective. It goes beyond the movie. The whole point of the Fast and Furious saga is the idea that brotherhood can be created by bond and not necessarily blood." Waters of the United States roundtables planned The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of the Army recently called on communities to propose roundtables to provide input on regional implications of waters of the United States. The roundtable discussions can help inform the agencies work to develop an enduring definition of waters of the United States that supports public health, environmental protection, agricultural activity and economic growth, stated the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The agencies are announcing a process for stakeholders to submit nomination letters with a slate of participants to potentially be selected as one of 10 geographically focused roundtables. The agencies are seeking to understand perspectives listed. Highlighting how different regions are affected by the various waters of the United States definitions. Learning about stakeholder experiences, challenges and opportunities in different regulatory regimes. Facilitating engagement across diverse perspectives to inform development of a durable and workable definition of waters of the United States. The agencies experience implementing previous definitions of waters of the United States has highlighted the regional variability of water resources and the importance of close engagement with stakeholders to better understand their unique circumstances. Each nomination for a roundtable must include a proposed slate of participants representing perspectives of agriculture, conservation groups, developers, drinking water-wastewater management, environmental organizations, environmental justice communities, industry and other key interests in the region. The agencies request that organizers submit their self-nomination letter via email no later than Nov. 3. Visit epa.gov/wotus for more information. Hemp survey to be conducted The U.S. Department of Agricultures National Agricultural Statistics Service will begin mailing in October its first hemp-acreage and production survey. The survey is being sent to 20,500 producers for information on total planted and harvested area, yield, production and value of hemp. The survey will establish a benchmark and provide data to help inform producers decisions about growing, harvesting and selling hemp. It also could help them decide the type of hemp to produce. Survey recipients are asked to respond at agcounts.usda.gov. They are requested to use the 12-digit survey code mailed with the survey, or to return completed questionnaires in the prepaid envelope provided by Oct. 25. All information will be kept confidential, as required by federal law. The National Agricultural Statistics Service will publish the survey results Feb. 17 on its website and in its Quick Stats searchable database. Visit nass.usda.gov and search for "hemp acreage survey" or call 888-424-7828 for more information. Conservation district grant-applications sought The National Association of Conservation Districts recently launched the application period for the 2022 Friends of National Association of Conservation District Grants Program. Its an initiative of the associations district operations and member-services committee. The 2022 program will award eight grants, to as much as $2,500 each. Grants will be awarded to conservation districts to conduct new activities or test novel approaches to their operations. The grant program was established to enable individuals and organizations to support about 3,000 conservation districts through cash donations to the National Association of Conservation Districts. Applications are due Nov. 30. Visit nacdnet.org and search for "district grants" for more information. Physical-loss loans available The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making available physical-loss loans as a result of a tornado that occurred Aug. 7, 2021. Eligible for low-interest physical-loss loans are producers in Wisconsins Grant County and the contiguous counties of Crawford, Iowa, Lafayette and Richland in Wisconsin, Jo Daviess in Illinois, and Clayton and Dubuque in Iowa. The loans can help producers repair or replace damaged or destroyed physical property. Examples of property commonly affected are essential farm buildings, fixtures to real estate, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, fruit- and nut-bearing trees, and harvested or stored crops and hay. The application deadline is June 8, 2022. Visit farmers.gov and search for "disaster assistance recovery tool" and farmers.gov and search for "service center locator" for more information. Fertilizer council funds projects The Wisconsin Fertilizer Research Council is providing more than $100,000 for University of Wisconsin research projects. The funding will be used to study soil management, soil fertility, plant nutrition, surface and groundwater quality, and other activities that promote proper use of fertilizer. Projects directly benefit farmers and the results are shared to help make decisions about fertilizer application. The projects awarded funding are featured. Carrie Laboski, UW-Madison Department of Soil Science long-term phosphorus and potassium trial to evaluate sustainable crop production, 2021-2023 Matt Ruark, UW-Madison Department of Soil Science nitrogen availability of fall-applied manure in a sustainably intensive silage system Growth and nutrient uptake patterns of russet potato varieties Yi Wang, UW-Madison Department of Horticulture evaluating groundwater nitrogen crediting and reutilization for potato production in central Wisconsin The Wisconsin Fertilizer Research Council receives funding from tonnage fees on fertilizer sales. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection collects tonnage fees at a rate of $.62 for every ton of fertilizer sold. Of that fee, state law requires that $.17 per ton be allocated to the Fertilizer Research Council fund. The remainder of the tonnage fee provides funding for UW-Madisons nutrient and pest management program, the agricultural chemical clean-up fund, and other programs. There are currently no tonnage fees being paid into the agricultural chemical clean-up fund due to the fee holiday. Support Local Journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Contribute Visit datcp.wi.gov and search for "Fertilizer Research Council" and frc.soils.wisc.edu and search for "2021 projects" for more information. Startups offered on-farm testing The Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator and Farmers Business Network recently formed a partnership. With support from the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, agricultural-technology startups currently participating in the IN2 program or that will participate in the future will be able to access a network of on-farm sites to test products and solutions. Sustainable agricultural-technology solutions, such as those being developed by startups in the IN2 program, are aimed at improving agricultural outputs while reducing environmental impacts. Access to real-world data on the efficacy of a particular solution is important to the commercial success of new innovations. On-farm testing provides insight into performance in realistic conditions, and across a wide range of environmental conditions and farming practices. The startups that leverage the partnership will test their technologies at scale, across as much as hundreds of acres on farms within the Farmers Business Network. Farmers Business Network will use its network and agronomic and environmental datasets to curate ideal farms for trials that test each startups solution in the right agronomic conditions. Datasets will be collected from each trial and analyzed to develop insights into product performance. IN2 and Farmers Business Network will select the first participants from the group of 16 agricultural-technology startups that are currently part of the IN2 program. On-farm testing will begin in the 2022 crop season. Visit in2ecosystem.com and fbn.com and danforthcenter.org for more information. California commits to climate-smart Amid climate-driven drought and extreme heat challenges, California is committing $1.1 billion over two years to support sustainable-agriculture practices and to create a resilient and equitable food system. It will make investments to promote healthy soil management and support livestock methane-reduction efforts. The state will provide funding for replacement of agricultural equipment to reduce emissions. It also will provide technical assistance and incentives for development of farm conservation-management plans. The funding package also will support programs to expand healthy-food access for seniors and in schools, other public institutions and nonprofits. Data available for organic, non-GMO The Mercaris 2021 acreage analyzer for non-genetically modified and organic crops recently was updated. The tool helps users track organic and non-genetically modified crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat and oats. The analyzer was developed to help buyers and growers understand market share, evaluate production trends, and identify expansion opportunities. It enables growers to understand the aggregate view of organic and non-genetically modified crop acreage in the United States. It also can narrow data to a subset of state and crop-specific queries. Mercaris estimates that total U.S. organic acreage will increase 6 percent year-over-year by the end of 2021, exceeding 9 million acres for the first time as the number of certified-organic farms reaches about 20,000. Visit mercaris.com for more information. Animal-free milk protein funded Investment has increased for Perfect Day Inc., a company that has created an animal-free milk protein from microflora. The company recently announced a $350 million Series D funding round intended to fuel the companys expanded focus on biological engineering, ingredient innovation and consumer products. The round included participation from long-term investors such as Horizons Ventures and Bob Iger, as well as SK Inc. They increased their role in the recent funding series. The round brings Perfect Days total funding to $750 million. Visit perfectday.com for more information. Climate initiative gains support The Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate AIM for Climate is an initiative to transform the global agricultural sector. It currently has the support of 30 nations, as well as the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. It also has the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the United Kingdoms COP26 Presidency. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is prioritizing efforts to promote the initiative, with the goal of dramatically increasing public investment and private investment for innovation in climate-smart agriculture and food systems. The initiative will focus on three main investment channels. scientific breakthroughs via basic agricultural research public-applied and private-applied innovation and research for development development and deployment of practical, actionable research and information The initiative will be officially launched at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference in November in Glasgow, Scotland. Visit aimforclimate.org for more information. Biochar market forecast to grow The global biochar market is expected to grow at an annual rate of more than 15 percent, reaching more than $6 billion by 2031. The role of biochar in enhancing soil health and boosting crop yield in a sustainable way is expected to serve as a significant growth driver. Greater use of reactors on farms to increase the pace of stubble conversion into biomass also will lead to growth in the biochar market, according to Transparency Market Research. Biochar is derived from organic waste. Its obtained through controlled heating of wood waste, animal manure, forest waste and agricultural waste. The use of biochar in waste management, climate-change mitigation, gardening, composting, horticulture, electricity generation, forestry and agriculture is expected to grow. Biochar can help boost soil fertility, crop productivity and water-holding capacity. It also can prove to be an effective tool for decreasing carbon-dioxide emissions because it has the potential to store 50 percent of the carbon from feedstock, according to the market analyst. Visit transparencymarketresearch.com and search for "biochar market" for more information. Press Release October 23, 2021 De Lima has no qualms running in the same slate as Gordon In a handwritten dispatch, opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima explained why she is not opposed to Sen. Richard Gordon's inclusion in the senatorial ticket of Vice President and Presidential aspirant Leni Robredo for the May 2022 polls. De Lima, the most prominent political prisoner under the Duterte regime who is now running in the same slate as Gordon, said that she "did not object to Gordon's inclusion and I do not intend to do so" because she can "perceive a change of heart and regret of the past when he chastised Duterte recently for imprisoning 'a senator elected by the people." "Many have been asking if Sen. Gordon's inclusion in VP Leni's senatorial slate is acceptable to me, given the perception that he played a role in my persecution as demonstrated in certain past Senate hearings," she said in her Dispatch from Crame No. 1164. De Lima said she recognizes what she called as Gordon's "courageous conduct" in the face of Duterte's weekly personal attacks on him, noting that he is the one speaking against Duterte in defiance of the latter's wishes that the Blue Ribbon Committee shut down the hearings on the irregularities in the COVID-related purchases involving Pharmally. "Sen. Gordon has gotten a taste of Duterte's venom and viciousness, a fraction of what was done to me four years ago. He currently experiences similar character assassination and mindless demolition of reputation that I did in the hands of Duterte," she said. "Come to think of it now, we are a small and exclusive club. We should stick together and help each other until this person who so dishonored us is held to account, and punished, for his excesses," she added. De Lima further stressed that there is a greater battle to fight which is bigger than her own struggles and personal hurt feelings over those who wronged her in the past. "If people can change and regret the wrong that they did to me, the least I can do is to put my hurt feelings behind for the sake of uniting against and defeating the evil who is Duterte and his anointed lackey who threatens to continue his kind of malevolent regime beyond 2022," she said. "After all, this was never about me, just as the Pharmally investigation now is not about Sen. Gordon. Ang isyu noon, hanggang ngayon, ay ang pananamantala, pang-aabuso at tuluyang pagpatay sa mga mamamayan sa kamay ng mga taong dapat nagsisilbi at nagproprotekta sa kanila," she added. De Lima said if she and Gordon can find a common ground to stand on, it is this: "it is time for Duterte to learn about the Power of Truth and the Consequences of Betraying the People." Press Release October 23, 2021 Gordon assists OFW's niece on hospital arrest due to unpaid bills Senator Richard J. Gordon has extended immediate assistance to London-based Filipino caregiver's pregnant niece who has been held in a private hospital in Arayat, Pampanga for failing to settle her bills after contracting COVID-19. Gordon, who also chairs the Philippine Red Cross, the country's premier humanitarian organization, assured Filipino caregiver Romeo Mendoza that he has already asked the Department of Health (DOH) in Region III to assist Mendoza's niece. "The undersigned is thankful to have quickly established correspondence therewith since it is apparent that your Honorable Office is fully committed to genuine public service, particularly for those who are in most need for help from our country's health care system - people like Mrs. Angel Sunga," he said in his letter. Gordon, during his pre-taped interview with "Juan EU Konek" last Oct. 15, was responding to Mendoza's appeal on behalf of her niece who was placed in "hospital arrest" due to her failure to pay a balance of PhP650,000 from her medical bills. Sunga, who had been an expecting mother, tested positive for COVID-19 before giving birth and was turned away from a public hospital due to its full bed capacity. She was forced to be confined at the Holy Trinity Hospital in Arayat, Pampanga, where she successfully gave birth. Due to her financial difficulty during this pandemic, however, she was only able to raise over P100,000 through the efforts of her caring relatives, even seeking assistance from their UK-based relative. As Sunga was unable to fork out the full amount of P750,000, the mother was barred from being discharged by Holy Trinity, while the baby could go home. Gordon pointed out that any form of hospital arrest is prohibited under Republic Act 9439 and such practice may have been going on unchecked in some private hospitals because some may not be aware of the 14-year-old law. "Unang-una, walang hospital arrest. Bawal 'yan. That is deprivation of liberty without due process of law especially in this case that it is a humanitarian problem," he told Mendoza during a pre-taped interview, which was aired last Oct. 17. "Nangyayari yan. Takutan. It's a game of intimidation, especially if the person doesn't know her rights as it is obvious in this case. Kakayanin siya. Hindi kita palalabasin hangga't di ka nagbabayad," he lamented. Gordon said he hopes that this kind of problem does not happen again as patients battling COVID-19 with limited financial capability have the option of writing a promissory note to pay the bill in small increments. "Hindi puwedeng mangyari ito sa ordinaryong Pilipino na pinagsasamantalahan ng ospital at mistulang kidnap-for-ransom. Mabuti na lang at may nakatulong sa kanila. Salamat sa teknolohiya," he added. Under the present law, it is illegal for any hospital or medical clinic to detain patients who have fully or partially recovered for failure to pay in part or full their hospital bills or medical expenses. A patient who is financially incapable to settle hospital bills or medical expenses in part or in full is allowed to leave the hospital or medical clinic and demand for corresponding medical certificate upon execution of a promissory note. Such promissory note shall be secured by either a mortgage or by a guarantee of a co-maker, who will be jointly and severally liable with the patient for the unpaid obligation. Those found violating the law may be fined of not less than PhP20,000, but not more than PhP50,000, or a jail term of not less than one month, but not more than six months, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the proper court. Home > 2021 > J P and his many experiments with democracy | Murari Sharan (...) by Murari Sharan Verma * Jaiprakash Narayan was one of the leading lights of Indias freedom movement and an iconic figure in post-independence India. He inspired millions but his ideas also evoked cynicism in several quarters. Ironically, J P has been more pilloried than eulogized and more respected than accepted. But he has an abiding place in the history of Indian political thought. The critics often miss the logical connection in his evolving thoughts and worldviews. Much of the criticism emanates from the failure to make a distinction between young J.P. and elderly J.P. who constantly made experiments in democracy. That explains how his views kept evolving from Marxism to democratic socialism to Sarvodaya. There is an integrating thread running across the whole spectrum of his ideas. In his long political journey, a great turn came when he met Gandhi after his return from the United States after a 7-year long stay and study. In his first meeting with Gandhi, he was taken aback to know that his wife, Prabhavati, had taken a vow to lead a life of celibacy. J P too decided to follow suit and decided to live like a married Brahmachari. Freedom for the nation was the avowed goal of Indian leaders when JP appeared on the national scene. J P too threw himself into the freedom movement. In the beginning, he didnt share Gandhis commitment to Ahimsa in spite of his love and respect for him. At that time, JP was contemplating armed struggle against the Britishers if there was no other alternative. Subhas Chandra Bose had his approval for his plan. But nothing could persuade him to repose faith in the Axis powers. And that pushed him towards Gandhi whose influence on him was so formidable that he allowed himself to become his foot soldier. At one state J P said, Marxian philosophy is incomplete (and) it will ever remain so. In 1942, together with Lohia, JP decided to adopt a path different from the Gandhian principle. Like Lenin, he planned to launch an armed revolution for which Gandhi was not ready. However, they persuaded Gandhi to accept their plan of disrupting all lines of transport and communication to make the colonial Government realise that the Indian people had risen en masse and that it would no longer be possible for alien rulers to rule over them. J.P. and other leaders were arrested and subjected to torture which prompted J P and Lohia to write a long letter to H.J. Laski, a Labour leader and a great advocate of human rights, to raise his voice against the government. Laski took up their case with the British Government and got them some relief. Like Gandh, J P too believed that the revolution did not end with the end of the freedom movement. Gandhi had unequivocally suggested that the Congress Party be dissolved and transformed into Lok Sevak Sangh. J P realized that a social revolution was needed to translate Gandhian teachings into reality. When his experiment of forming a political party met with utter failure in 1952 elections, he took no time in plunging into the Bhoodan Movement launched by Vinoba Bhave. It evoked enthusiastic response across the country. It marked a second turning point in the life of J.P. Having made Jeevan Dan, JP began the Sarvodaya Movement abjuring the use of violence. He said in 1954 that his objection to violence was not based on moral principles but on practical considerations. J P said that he did not consider violence immoral for a revolution but was convinced that the basic objectives of a revolution could not be achieved by a violent revolution and that through violence, a violence-free society was not possible. His journey from Bhoodan to Sarvodaya was not a negation of what Vinoba Bhave upheld; it only complemented it. JP considered the Bhoodan movement as a revolution of thought and a revolution of hope that presented the Gandhian principles as a solution to Indias myriad of problems. It also marked J Ps departure from the Marxian class struggle. What Lenin aimed at was predominantly a political struggle to create a new society. J.P.s Sarvodaya Movement was primarily aimed at a social revolution by the people themselves. The greatness of a revolution cant be judged solely in terms of its immediate success; it can better be judged by what waves of thought it created in the minds of the people begetting a process of change. J.P. also tried his hand in resolving many contentious issues confronting India. He tried his best to seek a resolution of the Kashmir issue, talked to the Naga leaders for a peaceful settlement of their grievances, championed the cause of Tibet and the erstwhile East Pakistan and raised his voice on several other issues. Disgusted with the outcome of competitive party politics, JP advocated party-less democracy to build broader political consensus on issues of major political concern. J.P.s activism on three important challenges must be seen in positive light. First, he took up the case of growing dacoit menace in the Chambal Valley and succeeded in persuading the bandits not to indulge in inhuman activities again. Second, with the severest of drought having affected North India including Bihar, he visited various countries and mobilised massive assistance from abroad. Third, it was J.P. who de-Naxalized Musahari block of Muzaffarpur district of Bihar by his continued presence in the area supplemented by his efforts to break the backbone of violence supposed to be the only way to bring justice to the poor and downtrodden. Such was the charisma of J.P.s personality. The most glorious part of J.P.s personality appears towards the fag end of his life. When India Gandhi imposed Emergency and suspended fundamental rights and freedoms, J.P. appeared in a new avatar with his much- debated concept of Total Revolution. It was a synthesis of socialist revolutionary dynamism and the aggressive rural realism of the Sarvodaya phase which was based on his realisation that Bhoodan and Gram Daan could not bring about any revolutionary change having failed to make Grams into self-governing units. J.P. said, the objective of my life has been Total Revolution. I have always been dreaming of it. Whatever revolutions have so far taken place in history, in my view, most of them have been through violence. Now I wish that there be Total Revolution through non-violence based on Gandhian principles. A new society will come into existence as a result of the Total Revolution, which will be different in every respect from the present-day society. A great strategist, J.P., by combining the Gandhian method and the Leninist fervour, succeeded in mobilising the masses on an unprecedented scale involving even the ordinary people of the country. It was his methodology which worked well ending in a tremendous success. Total Revolution has been called by some as total confusion but, in fact, it was a success in the immediate pursuit of dislodging Indira Gandhi from power and restoring democracy in the country, although this political experiment could not come to the logical conclusion and ended without achieving the much-proclaimed objective. J.P. taught the people that democracy is their right and any attempt to subvert it will not be tolerated by people. Like John Locke, he conceded the people the right to rebel against a duly constituted government if it went against the will of the people and trampled upon the constitutional system of the country. In this sense JP may be called the John Locke of India. He went as far to call upon the army to disobey the arbitrary and undemocratic orders of the government. It is difficult to accept it in all circumstances although a revolution may not be unjustified, in the words of English philosopher T.H. Green, if the government does not act in the general interest of the people. JP not only taught us how to dream but also gave us a weapon to fight an undemocratic and authoritarian government. J.P. showed a commendable theoretical understanding when he said, what is legal may not necessarily be democratic and what is democratic may not always be legal. It is by virtue of this statement that J.P. became the greatest champion of democracy in post-independence India. JPs greatness lies in his blending of the views of Gandhi, Locke, Rousseau, Green and Lenin in a way which suits the Indian conditions. A great intellectual, J.P. was a great patriot as well which is apparent from these lines written by J.P. himself: May God give me that much of wisdom and strength so that whatever time I have I may be able to spend in the service of the people and the nation. This is the greatest secret of service to God. Let God keep my mind as well as my heart away from all that is impure. J.P. remains an enigma to many because of his changing views at different stages of his political journey. But it is not difficult to find the running thread which unites his ideas. Abhorrence of violence and primacy of Lok Satta over Raj Satta constitute the integrating thread in his views and ideas. * (The author is former professor of political science, L N Mithila University, Darbhanga.) Russia is pursuing two hypersonic weapons programs including the Avangard and the 3M22 Tsirkon also called Zircon. Tsirkon is reportedly capable of striking both ground and naval targets. The Severodvinsk Yasen-class SSGM of project 885 for the first time test-fired Tsirkon hypersonic missile from a surfaced position and a depth of 40 meters. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link The Russian Navy has performed the first-ever test launch of a Tsirkon-class hypersonic missile from the Severodvinsk nuclear submarine. (Picture source Russian MoD) The Russian Defense Ministry said the tests were successful, while Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said the missile would be shortly accepted into service, TASS military writer Dmitry Litovkin said. The Defense Ministry contracted NPO mashinostroenia at Army-2021 forum to supply a batch of Tsirkon missiles even before the trials. Such exclusive decisions are made when the customer is absolutely convinced in the results of trials and is ready to ignore legal formalities. NPO mashinostroenia is the main designer of missiles for Russian warships and submarines. The Antey-class SSGN of project 949A, Orlan-class cruisers of project 1144, and Yasen-M-class fourth-generation submarines of projects 885 and 885M are armed with them. Bastion coastal complexes also fire missiles of the enterprise. The Russian-Indian BrahMos joint venture has adapted an Onyx missile for the Su-30MKI fighter jet. Tactical Missiles Corporation (KTRV) CEO Boris Obnosov commented on Tsirkon tests at the MAKS 2021 airshow. Naturally, the time was agreed with the customer and everything goes as scheduled. I keep my fingers crossed and hope we shall observe the deadline although the missile is very sophisticated. I participated in some of the test launches and they produced an exciting impression. I repeat, we shall do everything on time, he said. The temperature on the surface of a flying Tsirkon reaches 2500 degrees. The KTRV has demonstrated carbon-carboniferous composite material at defense shows. In the military sphere, it coats Tsirkon and the hypersonic gliding vehicle of the Avangard complex. In the civilian sphere, it is used to make prosthetic joints. Indian colleagues of NPO mashinostroenia from BrahMos Aerospace Limited have numerously demonstrated their hypersonic missile at various shows. It looked like the Onyx missile with a different nose. The hull had a broken form. The mockup of the prospective missile has disappeared from displays of late, as it might have disclosed Tsirkon secrets. Shoigu has recently said that Tsirkon had confirmed characteristics at test launches. The supplies are likely in 2022. However, some news agencies reported that the Admiral Gorshkov frigate may test-fire a salvo of hypersonic missiles yet. Deputy Defense Minister Alexey Krivoruchko said upgraded big antisubmarine ships of project 1155, the Admiral Nakhimov cruiser of project 1142M, upgraded SSGN of project 949A would be armed with Tsirkon. The warships have to have universal 3S-14 vertical launchers for that. They can fire Onyx anti-ship, Kalibr cruise, and hypersonic Tsirkon missiles. It means Buyan-M-class and Karakurt-class corvettes of projects 21361 and 22800 can also carry Tsirkon. The Russian Navy will increase its combat capabilities in 2022 due to the new missiles. Tsirkon provides a major advantage in sea combat. The adversary will know that any corvette or cruiser may fire a hypersonic missile, which is difficult to intercept. Russian Navy K-560 Severodvinsk Yasen class SSGN submarine. (Picture source Twitter Capt(N)) Copyright 2021 TASS Navy Recognition. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The acceptance of the St. Petersburg drops all objections against project 677 Lada-class submarine. Only modern subs can operate in the Baltic Sea, as others have no chance in a potential standoff with the adversary. However, serial submarines of project 677 will face a lot of difficulties. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link Russian navy expects to receive the first serial Project 677 Lada-class Diesel-Electric Submarine in 2022. (Picture source Twitter International Naval & Maritime News) The Lada was the first project armed with Fisik torpedoes. In the case of project 677 torpedoes are the crucial issue as the submarine is unarmed without them. The sonars can detect even the US fourth-generation sub, but problems with torpedoes will strip the submarine of the advantage. There is also a problem with remote torpedo guidance. Full-fledged remote control systems have been designed in Russia. The fiber-optic cable is fixed to the launcher rather than the torpedo and does not impede the movement. The design is at par with foreign analogs. However, operational subs use outdated systems. The submarine has also to have anti-torpedoes. Russia has advanced designs, but operational subs do not have them. Antitorpedoes help even a weak submarine win a duel. A modern diesel-electric submarine of project 667 with anti-torpedoes will be nearly invulnerable if detected. The electric motion power plant faces organizational problems, as there are numerous companies in Russia that can cope with the issue. The main problem is the absence of an air-independent power plant. The inability of the Russian industry to create it nearly killed project 677. Former Navy chief Vladimir Vysotsky said the fleet does not need submarines with modern equipment and arms, but with operational capabilities and power plants of World War Two. Fortunately, project 677 was not dropped. There is some progress with air-independent power plants, but they cannot develop the required capacity so far. There is a question of which plant is fit for green-water Pacific and Northern fleets. There was an option of a diesel-electric submarine with an auxiliary nuclear power plant. Russia is a world leader in such power plants. A nuclear plant powers strategic unmanned underwater craft. It is no problem for the industry to build diesel-electric submarines with a small reactor and turbo generator. Everything is ready for that. The small nuclear plant will charge the batteries, but cannot provide motion in the whole range of speed like a genuine nuclear submarine does. The auxiliary nuclear power plant will keep the batteries of project 677 submarine charged at any time. In the open sea, the Russian diesel-electric submarine can use the low signature of a non-nuclear submarine and the autonomy of a nuclear submarine in case of an encounter with US or UK subs. In contrast to the air-independent power plant, in does not have to refuel. As Russia is not building nuclear submarines to fight hostile subs, it can stake on diesel-electric subs with auxiliary reactors. It is possible and cheap. Now as St. Petersburg has joined the Navy, all formal obstacles have been lifted. Copyright 2021 TASS Navy Recognition. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. One of the youngest planets ever found around a distant infant star has been discovered by an international team of scientists led by University of Hawaii at Manoa faculty, students, and alumni. Thousands of planets have been discovered around other stars, but what sets this one apart is that it is newly-formed and can be directly observed. The planet, named 2M0437b, joins a handful of objects advancing our understanding of how planets form and change with time, helping shed new light on the origin of the solar system and Earth. The in-depth research has been accepted for publication in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society and is available in preprint format on arXiv.org. "This serendipitous discovery adds to an elite list of planets that we can directly observe with our telescopes," explained lead author Eric Gaidos, a professor in the UH Manoa Department of Earth Sciences. "By analyzing the light from this planet we can say something about its composition, and perhaps where and how it formed in a long-vanished disk of gas and dust around its host star." The researchers estimate that the planet is a few times more massive than Jupiter, and that it formed with its star several million years ago, around the time the main Hawaiian Islands first emerged above the ocean. The planet is so young that it is still hot from the energy released during its formation, with a temperature similar to the lava erupting from Kilauea Volcano. Key Maunakea Telescopes In 2018, 2M0437b was first seen with the Subaru Telescope on Maunakea by UH Institute for Astronomy (IfA) visiting researcher Teruyuki Hirano. For the past several years, it has been studied carefully utilizing other telescopes on the mauna. Gaidos and his collaborators used W. M. Keck Observatory on Maunakea to monitor the position of the host star as it moved across the sky. With Keck Observatory's Near-Infrared Camera, second generation (NIRC2) in combination with the Keck II telescope's adaptive optics system, the team was able to verify that planet 2M0437b was truly a companion to the star, and not a more distant object. The observations required three years because the star moves slowly across the sky. "The exquisite data from the Keck Observatory allowed us to confirm that the faint neighbor is moving through space along with its star, and thus is a true companion," explained Dr. Adam Kraus, a professor in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Texas at Austin and co-author on the paper. "Eventually, we might even be able to measure its orbital motion around the star." The planet and its parent star lie in a stellar "nursery" called the Taurus Cloud. 2M0437b is on a much wider orbit than the planets in the solar system; its current separation is about 100 times the Earth-Sun distance, making it easier to observe. However, sophisticated adaptive optics are still needed to compensate for the image distortion caused by Earth's atmosphere. "Two of the world's largest telescopes, adaptive optics technology, and Maunakea's clear skies were all needed to make this discovery," said co-author Michael Liu, an astronomer at IfA. "We are all looking forward to more such discoveries, and more detailed studies of such planets with the technologies and telescopes of the future." Future Research Potential Gathering more in-depth research about the newly-discovered planet may not be too far away. "Observations with space telescopes such as NASA's Hubble and the soon-to-be-launched James Webb Space Telescope could identify gases in its atmosphere and reveal whether the planet has a moon-forming disk," Gaidos added. The star that 2M0437b orbits is too faint to be seen with the unaided eye, but currently from Hawaii, the young planet and other infant stars in the Taurus Cloud are almost directly overhead in the pre-dawn hours, north of the bright star Hokuula (Aldeberan) and east of the Makalii (Pleiades) star cluster. ABOUT ADAPTIVE OPTICS W. M. Keck Observatory is a distinguished leader in the field of adaptive optics (AO), a breakthrough technology that removes the distortions caused by the turbulence in the Earth's atmosphere. Keck Observatory pioneered the astronomical use of both natural guide star (NGS) and laser guide star adaptive optics (LGS AO) and current systems now deliver images three to four times sharper than the Hubble Space Telescope at near-infrared wavelengths. AO has imaged the four massive planets orbiting the star HR8799, measured the mass of the giant black hole at the center of our Milky Way Galaxy, discovered new supernovae in distant galaxies, and identified the specific stars that were their progenitors. Support for this technology was generously provided by the Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation, Change Happens Foundation, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Mt. Cuba Astronomical Foundation, NASA, NSF, and W. M. Keck Foundation. ABOUT NIRC2 The Near-Infrared Camera, second generation (NIRC2) works in combination with the Keck II adaptive optics system to obtain very sharp images at near-infrared wavelengths, achieving spatial resolutions comparable to or better than those achieved by the Hubble Space Telescope at optical wavelengths. NIRC2 is probably best known for helping to provide definitive proof of a central massive black hole at the center of our galaxy. Astronomers also use NIRC2 to map surface features of solar system bodies, detect planets orbiting other stars, and study detailed morphology of distant galaxies. ABOUT W. M. KECK OBSERVATORY The W. M. Keck Observatory telescopes are among the most scientifically productive on Earth. The two 10-meter optical/infrared telescopes atop Maunakea on the Island of Hawaii feature a suite of advanced instruments including imagers, multi-object spectrographs, high-resolution spectrographs, integral-field spectrometers, and world-leading laser guide star adaptive optics systems. Some of the data presented herein were obtained at Keck Observatory, which is a private 501(c) 3 non-profit organization operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Observatory was made possible by the generous financial support of the W. M. Keck Foundation. The authors wish to recognize and acknowledge the very significant cultural role and reverence that the summit of Maunakea has always had within the Native Hawaiian community. We are most fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct observations from this mountain. Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Grace Hill was sent off as the even money favourite against a solid group of sophomore pacing fillies in their single 2021 Breeders Crown elimination, and she delivered impressively for her supporters and her connections. Driver Todd McCarthy positioned Grace Hill forwardly off the gate, landing in second in the talented field of 10 behind Notorious Pink (Andy McCarthy) through a :27.4 opening quarter. Not content with the pocket, Grace Hill pocket popped as the field straightened and landed on the lead easily. After a :56 half, Grace Hill started to feel pressure from a first-over Fire Start Hanover (Dexter Dunn) with Blue Diamond Eyes (Yannick Gingras) on her helmet second over. After a scare at the head of the lane with an odd step, McCarthy was able to steady the filly and hold off a persistent Fire Start Hanover for the 1:50.3 decision. Blue Diamond Eyes completed the top three. "They can always be a little funny, these eliminations, but she is good and she can do it either way but she is better following," said McCarthy. "I had to cut it today and you just have to ask her a little bit, but she got the job done. "She's such a great-gaited horse and it's the first time she's ever threw one of them in with me so it gave me a little fright at the top of the stretch," the driver continued. "I just had to balance her back up again. The fact that she came back on from that [step], that's massive. Not a lot of horses can recover like that so, yeah, she was terrific." Grace Hill is trained by Richard 'Nifty' Norman for owner Tom Hill. The daughter of Always B Miki - Western Silk picked up her 11th lifetime win and lifted her earnings to $713,195. Test Of Faith and Scarlett Hanover accepted byes and will advance to the $600,000 final with top-eight elimination finishers. Here's the post position draw for the 2021 Breeders Crown for Three-Year-Old Pacing Fillies. 1. Notorious Pink 2. Marsala Hanover 3. Think Of Galaxies 4. Shezafreaklikeme 5. Grace Hill 6. Mackie Hanover 7. Blue Diamond Eyes 8. Test Of Faith 9. Fire Start Hanover 10. Scarlett Hanover To return to SC's Breeders Crown News Centre, click here. By Azernews By Orkhan Amashov In a modern world, a nations international clout and global reach are no longer exclusively determined by its territorial size or population, but by an array of complex circumstances, ranging from the advantages emanating from its geographic location to its representation in different international organisations and its ability to shape and influence the agenda of world affairs. A modern Azerbaijan is a case in point: it is a regional powerhouse leading the South Caucasus and occupying a strategic place in its wider neighbourhood. As of November 2021, it is also a victorious country with undisputed and widely recognised military capabilities. Azerbaijans membership within the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the second biggest forum of sovereign states after the United Nations, entitles it to the support of a great number of countries with which it shares common values and objectives. Its chairmanship of the NAM enables official Baku to be a bigger voice internationally, as whilst defending and promoting the shared vision of the Movement at the UN and other forums, Azerbaijan finds itself as a player equipped with resources to influence the global agenda and ultimately be a source for a change worldwide. This role is of particular relevance at the time when the UN is in a state in which it risks losing its relevance due to a set of various factors, most of which centre upon its perceived inability to safeguard world peace. UN: Frozen in past In a rapidly changing and evolving world, the UN, which was born from the wreckage of the most catastrophic war in human history, has long ceased to correspond to the dynamism of global affairs. In fact, the post-1945 architecture of the system of international relations has been bedevilled with a litany of issues since its very inception. That the UN is in dire need of deep-entrenched reform is acknowledged by its perceptive observers, together with those privies to the organisations inner workings. As incumbent UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, the current system is old, outdated and to a certain extent irrelevant, as the worlds geopolitical order has been subject to a myriad of influences over the past seven decades, yet the UN itself has largely remained the same. The power structures at the heart of its institutional core, the most visible manifestation of which is the Security Council and the norms underpinning its decision-making process, are very much contingent upon what the world was in 1945. NAM: Voice for change The NAM and the possibilities offered through its resources provide a specific angle for the examination of the UNs stagnated state. The NAM, at first glance, may appear to suffer from the same predicament as the UN, since it was also established in the light of the political-economical conditions prevailing in the post-Second World War age. When the idea of the movement was first conceived in the 1950s, the importance of distancing from the major blocs of the Cold War and adherence to a third way, in conjunction with the struggle against colonialism and imperialism was pivotal to the thinking of its founders. But the NAM is more than that and has always been. First of all, the Bandung Principles, the foundational tenets of the organisation, amongst which mutual respect for each others territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-aggression and peaceful co-existence feature prominently, are still relevant and perfectly in line with the UN Charter. In addition, the movement has been successful in redefining and reinventing itself over the subsequent decades. The NAMs unwavering commitment to multilateralism and multilateral diplomacy enables it to be a powerful voice for more balanced and fair relations between developed and developing countries. Thirdly, although the NAM cannot be viewed as an alternative to the UN or a panacea to all the pitfalls associated with the latter, the movements potential is not be underestimated. The NAM, comprised of 120 members, is a legitimate voice for fundamental reform. The NAM has long been outspoken in its criticism of the current UN structures and power dynamics, stating that a restricted group of member states has a disproportionately prominent voice on world affairs. It is not surprising that quite a number of recommendations to the effect of strengthening the representation of the "non-aligned, together with improving the transparency and democracy of the UNs decision-making mechanisms, have been made over the years. Fourthly, apart from being a source of legitimate and constructive criticism, the NAMs extensive membership enables it to influence the UNs presently unreformed decision-making structures. Beyond prestige Azerbaijan was accepted to the NAM in 2011 and became its Chair in 2019. Its chairmanship was later extended till 2023, which is a confidence vote in Bakus credentials as a leading country. It is vital to acknowledge that Azerbaijans chairmanship in the worlds second-biggest international forum is not a mere issue of prestige. The NAM provides official Baku with tangible political-legal support globally. In relation to the former Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Movement has been an outspoken supporter of Azerbaijan, adopting numerous documents espousing its territorial integrity. The consolidated position of the NAM manifested itself in the clearest possible manner during the Second Karabakh War, when the three Security Council members that are also the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, sought to adopt a statement regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict without making a reference to the famous four resolutions of the Security Council itself passed in 1993. The attempt failed, due to the intervention of the seven NAM members (also the non-permanent members of the UNSC), which insisted on the inclusion of the resolutions in question, which have long been the cornerstone of the international legal position as to the protracted conflict. The episode in question was the moment of diplomatic reality-check for Baku; it behoves any fair-minded observer to accept that Azerbaijan has risen to the occasion at the time of need. Azerbaijan: Player punching above its weight Azerbaijans chairmanship has enabled the NAM to be proactive in tackling global problems. On 4 May 2020, on the initiative of Azerbaijan as a chair of the NAM, a High Meeting within the format of a contact group in response to COVID-19 took place and, as its continuation, a further proposal to the effect of having a larger debate at UN level was suggested by President Ilham Aliyev, which eventually received the support of 150 UN members. A special session of the UN Generally Assembly, which took place later in December 2020, was the result of the initiative mentioned and it firmly put Azerbaijan at the forefront of the fight against the global pandemic. The special session was also noteworthy, due to the fact that when it was proposed, the sovereign state that opposed it was Armenia, the recalcitrant approach of which amounted to nothing, reasserting Azerbaijans moral footing. As a chair of the NAM, Azerbaijan has also raised the troubling issue of the vaccine nationalism expressed through the unfair distribution of vaccines between developed and developing countries. As 53 percent of vaccines in the world are ordered by about 30 rich countries, it militates against fair access to vaccines globally. On the whole, the active leadership within the NAM has ascribed to Baku "medium power" attributes. Azerbaijans central role is a testament to the ability of a nation with a relatively small size to be capable of influencing the international response far beyond its presumed reach. By Azernews By Vugar Khalilov Azerbaijan's Mine Action Agency found and defused 48,411 mines and munitions from November 10, 2020, to October 15, 2021, on territories liberated from Armenia's occupation in last year's war. "In the liberated territories, 22,230 unexploded munitions, 17,426 antipersonnel, and 8,755 anti-tank mines were found and neutralized. Mine clearance there is ongoing," the chairman of the agency's board, Vugar Suleymanov, said in an interview with Turkey's Anadolu news agency. He added that more than 18 hectares of liberated lands had been demined over the said period. "From November 10, 2020, when the Second Karabakh War ended, to October 15, 2021, 18,302 hectares were cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance," Suleymanov said. He noted that the agency continues activities to clear mines planted in Karabakh and surrounding areas by Armenian armed forces over the 30-year occupation. Suleymanov underlined that the mine clearance activities are primarily being carried out in the lands intended for highways, railways, facilities, and residential areas. Furthermore, Suleymanov said that Azerbaijan will expand its cooperation with Turkey in the mine clearance sphere. The agency constantly discusses demining issues with the Turkish ministries specializing in mine clearance, he added. "The contamination of territories with mines contradicts the basic norms and principles of international law, including the Geneva Convention of 1949. As a result of the explosion of mines placed by Armenia during the occupation, after the end of hostilities in November 2020, 33 citizens of Azerbaijan, including seven soldiers and 26 civilians have died, 139 people were seriously injured," Suleymanov said. He added that the agency had increased the number of de-mining units and has provided necessary training for them. It should be noted that Azerbaijans Mine Action Agency, along with the partner countries, carries out demining activities on its liberated territories. Some 160 Azerbaijanis have been killed or injured in the explosion of mines planted by Armenians in Azerbaijans formerly occupied regions since the end of the war in autumn 2020 that saw Azerbaijan liberate most of its territories in and around the Nagorno-Karabakh region. On June 12, Azerbaijan handed over 15 Armenian prisoners in exchange for a map detailing the location of 97,000 mines in formerly-occupied Aghdam. On July 3, Armenia submitted to Azerbaijan maps of about 92,000 anti-tank and anti-personnel mines planted during the occupation of Fuzuli and Zangilan regions. In his interview to CNN Turk channel on August 14, President Ilham Aliyev said that the accuracy of the maps provided by Armenia at the latest stage is only 25 percent. The scale of destruction in Azerbaijans formerly occupied territories suggests deep hatred and animosity against Azerbaijanis, with many experts describing these mass destructions as genocide. Azerbaijan and Armenia resumed the second war after that latter started firing at Azerbaijani civilians and military positions starting September 27, 2020. The war ended on November 10 with the signing of a trilateral peace deal by the Azerbaijani, Russian and Armenian leaders. The peace agreement stipulated the return of Azerbaijan's Armenian-occupied Kalbajar, Aghdam and Lachin regions. Before the signing of the deal, the Azerbaijani army had liberated around 300 villages, settlements, city centres and historic Shusha city. The Azerbaijani army declared a victory against the Armenian troops. The signed agreement obliged Armenia to withdraw its troops from the Azerbaijani lands that it has occupied since the early 1990s. By Azernews By Vugar Khalilov On September 27, 2020, in response to a large-scale provocation of the Armenian armed forces along the frontline, the Azerbaijani army launched a counter-offensive operation, later called the "Iron Fist". The 44-day war put an end to nearly 30 years of occupation, ensured the liberation of Azerbaijan's lands and the restoration of the country's territorial integrity. Chronicle of 44-day Second Karabakh War: October 23, 2021: - President Ilham Aliyev shared a publication on Twitter about the liberation of Zilanli, Kurd Mahrizli, Muganli and Alagurshag villages of Gubadli district. - President Ilham Aliyev shared a publication on Twitter about the liberation of Dolanar and Bunyadli villages of Khojavend district, Dag Tumas, Nusus, Xelefli, Minbashili and Veyselli villages of Jabrayil district, Venedli and Mirzehasanli villages of Zengilan district. - President Ilham Aliyev had a phone conversation with the father of the National Hero Shukur Hamidov, who became a martyr. - Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry disseminated information about the latest situation at the front. Important territories and heights were liberated. The Armenian armed forces, leaving the positions, deserted. - Territories of Tartar, Aghdam and Aghjabadi districts were subjected to intensive shelling, and four UAVs of Armenian armed forces were neutralized. - Video of the destruction of Armenian personnel and armored vehicles was published. - Video from the Minbashili village of Jabrayil district, liberated from the Armenian occupation, was published. - Video of the destruction of Armenian volunteer detachments in the Khojavend and Fuzuli directions published. - Video of the destruction of artillery units and the command post of the Armenian armed forces as a result of air strikes was published. A Moscow-brokered ceasefire deal that Baku and Yerevan signed on November 10, 2020, brought an end to six weeks of fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani army declared a victory against the Armenian troops. The signed agreement obliged Armenia to withdraw its troops from the Azerbaijani lands that it has occupied since the early 1990s. The peace agreement stipulated the return of Azerbaijan's Armenian-occupied Kalbajar, Aghdam and Lachin regions and urged Armenia to withdraw its troops from the Azerbaijani lands that it has occupied since the early 1990s. Before the signing of the deal, the Azerbaijani army had liberated around 300 villages, settlements, city centres, and historic Shusha city. By Trend An illegal agreement signed by the French Department of Isere (Grenoble, France) with the separatist Armenian regime in the previously occupied Azerbaijani Hadrut district [illegally established by the regime in Azerbaijans Karabakh and liberated from the Armenian occupation in the 2020 Second Karabakh War] was canceled, the Azerbaijani Embassy in France told Trend. According to the embassy, the court of the French city of Grenoble annulled the so-called "Charter of Friendship between the Department of Isere and the Hadrut district", signed on September 20, 2019 by representatives of the separatist regime during a visit to Isere. Azerbaijani side twice filed claims on illegality of this act - in February and November 2020, the embassy said. The decision of the court, which was adopted on September 27 of this year and was officially handed over to the Azerbaijani side today, states that this document ["Charter of Friendship] was signed by the president of the municipal council of the Isere department in violation of Articles 5, 14, 20, 52 and 55 of the French Constitution, according to which only the president of the country has the right to make decisions on its foreign policy issues, the embassy said. The decision also emphasizes that by signing the illegal charter, the president of the council violated article L. 1115-1 of the Code of Local Self-Government, which presupposes that the principle of respect for France's international obligations applies to all aspects of the activities of local self-government bodies, added the embassy. The Department of Isere with a population of 1.2 million people is the largest department in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region. Part of this region (with the capital in Lyon) accounts for the majority - 15 out of 28 - of illegal acts and agreements signed by the heads of local self-government bodies (departments, cities, communes) with the authorities of the separatist regime. This is already 11th illegal document annulled by the French courts. Another two claims are in the courts of France. Work continues on the annulment of the remaining illegal documents and decisions adopted in support of the separatist regime in the previously occupied territory of Azerbaijan's Karabakh. By Trend The TURKIC.World project developed by Trend News Agency and the Turkish Albayrak Media Group, was discussed during panel discussions at the media forum of the Turkic Council in Istanbul, Trend reports. Speaking at panel discussions, representative of Albayrak Media Group Samir Babaoglu noted that interstate relations established in the conditions of friendship and brotherhood between President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan are truly experiencing the peak of their development today. "With confidence it can be said that the Turkic unity, being the core of the Azerbaijani-Turkish brotherhood, is entering a new stage. During the 44-day Second Karabakh War, the support, both political and moral, from Turkey to Azerbaijan also showed itself in the field of media," Babaoglu stressed. "This stressed importance of the joint reaction of our countries to the influence and pressure, that is, the importance of developing the media relations. Through the media, Azerbaijan and Turkey brought the voice of justice to the whole world." He also noted that in order to successfully continue the relations in the media that have strengthened as a result of the efforts of leaders of Azerbaijani and Turkey, Albayrak Media Group, together with Trend News Agency, guided by the idea of ??unity, solidarity and cooperation in the Turkic world, have established the TURKIC.World media platform. "Were pleased to inform you that the TURKIC.World as the first digital platform in the Turkic world has met our expectations. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my gratitude to the National Information Agency of Kyrgyzstan "Kabar" and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan for joining this project," added Samir Babaoglu. On May 24, 2021, the presentation of the first digital project 'Turkic World' took place in Baku. The presentation ceremony was attended by the heads of media structures, diplomats of the Turkic-speaking states, MPs and representatives of the public. The unique software makes it possible to improve the project and connect other Turkic-speaking states, in addition to its participants, to the created digital platform. A mobile version of the digital platform has also been developed. The goal of the project is to create a unified communication platform for the solidarity of the Turkic world based on common historical, religious, cultural values ??and languages ??of the peoples of Turkic-speaking countries and turn its content into a source of information. By Trend Azerbaijan and Armenia will sign two new documents in Moscow on November 9, Trend reports citing Armenian media outlets. The first document is about the demarcation and delimitation of the state border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, according to which Yerevan and Baku will mutually recognize their borders and territorial integrity. The second document concerns the unblocking of communications in the region, especially the details of the creation of "roads - corridors", including between Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. By Trend Azerbaijani Defense Ministrys Chief, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov observed the command-staff exercises held in the Lachin district [liberated from Armenian occupation in the 2020 Second Karabakh War], Trend reports on Oct.23 via the ministry. Hasanov was informed by the commanders and staff officers about the decisions made on the organization of activities during the operations on the map and the layout of the area at the command post deployed in field conditions. It was noted that the exercises, held in areas with difficult terrain, are focused on developing the knowledge of commanders and relevant officials, as well as management and agile decision-making skills. The exercises were carried out applying modern control methods, and tasks were accomplished in coordination with other types of troops taking into account the combat experience gained in the second Karabakh war. By Trend Nabiyev made the remark during the 15th session of the TRACECA Intergovernmental Commission held via videoconference, at which the chairmanship of the commission passed to Bulgaria. The minister spoke about the work done by Azerbaijan while chairing TRACECA, as well as work on the development of the Europe-Caucasus-Asia international transport corridor. Nabiyev noted that the restoration of transport and economic ties after the 44-day second Karabakh war, as a result of which the occupied territories of Azerbaijan were liberated, will contribute to the further development and expansion of the TRACECA corridor. The meeting participants were informed about the reconstruction and construction of the Azerbaijani infrastructure destroyed as a result of the Armenian occupation. In addition, the importance of taking measures to increase the competitiveness of the TRACECA corridor in a number of areas, in particular, in the field of harmonization of border-entry procedures, elimination of regulatory and administrative barriers in the implementation of transportation, was emphasized. The meeting participants adopted the final resolution and the Sofia Declaration. By Trend The Group of Seven wealthy nations agreed on principles to govern cross-border data use and digital trade, Britain said in what was described as a breakthrough that could liberalise hundreds of billions of dollars of international commerce, Trend reports citing Reuters. Trade ministers from the G7 reached agreement at a meeting in London on Friday. The deal sets out a middle ground between highly regulated data protection regimes used in European countries and the more open approach of the United States. "We oppose digital protectionism and authoritarianism and today we have adopted the G7 Digital Trade Principles that will guide the G7's approach to digital trade," the communique published by Britain said. Digital trade is broadly defined as trade in goods and services that is either enabled or delivered digitally, encompassing activities from the distribution of films and TV to professional services. By Trend U.S. President Joe Biden and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Friday discussed cooperation in the Sahel and Indo-Pacific regions and agreed to meet in Rome later this month, said the White House, Trend reports citing Xinhua. Biden and Macron in a phone conversation discussed efforts to support stability and security in the Sahel, enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and enable a more capable European defense, according to a White House statement. The two leaders will meet in Rome later this month to continue their conversation on bilateral cooperation, it added. In a separate statement, the White House said Vice President Kamala Harris will visit France next month to meet with Macron and participate in the Paris Conference on Libya on Nov. 12. In mid-September, the United States and Britain said they would support the Australian Navy in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines under a newly formed trilateral security pact known as AUKUS, depriving France of an existing contract to provide 12 conventional submarines to Australia. By Trend Georgian head of state security service, Grigol Lilvashvili and Iranian Ambassador to Georgia Akbar Qasemi Aliabadi met on Friday and discussed bilateral relations and regional developments, Trend reports citing IRNA. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the shortcomings of human resources, facilitating the affairs of Iranian investors, economic activists, solving the problem of inmates, deepening humanitarian relations and law enforcement cooperation between the two countries. Referring to the personal approaches by the Georgian border guards in human interactions between the two countries, Qasemi called for the establishment of mechanisms in accordance with internationally accepted norms and the facilitation of the affairs of Iranian investors and resolving their problems. Through a meeting of expert working groups, the two sides also agreed to facilitate economic, trade and human relations between the two countries within the framework of mutual respect and interests. By Trend The corresponding order was signed by the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on October 23. Thus, the Turkmen delegation will take part in the 16th meeting of the joint commission with Iran on economic cooperation, as well as in inter-ministerial consultations. It is also expected that on October 27 the head of the Turkmen foreign ministry will take part in the meeting of the foreign ministers of Afghanistan and Russia, which will be held in Tehran. Earlier it was reported that the presidents of Turkmenistan and Iran agreed to solve the problem of resuming natural gas supplies. By Trend During the visit of the Belarusian delegation to Nur-Sultan, State Secretary of the Security Council of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Volfovich toured a number of local research facilities and industrial enterprises on 21 October, BelTA learned from the State Secretariat of the Security Council, Trend reports citing Kazinform. In the Sergek center Aleksandr Volfovich was shown the latest developments in the field of video surveillance and analysis. The Belarusian delegation was particularly interested in the Smart City project, as well as solutions in the field of public and traffic security. Another company, Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary, showcased its technologies in Earth remote sensing and high-precision satellite navigation. During the meetings, the parties expressed a mutual interest in furthering mutually beneficial cooperation in a wide range of industries. Military-technical cooperation was reviewed during the consultations between the offices of the security councils of the two countries on 20 October. Proposals were made to develop a bilateral interstate agreement on cooperation in the field of international information security. During the visit of the Belarusian delegation to Kazakhstan the offices of the security councils of the two countries signed a plan of cooperation for 2022 -2023. Aleksandr Volfovich invited his Kazakhstan colleagues to pay a return visit to the Republic of Belarus in 2022. By Trend A parliamentary delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran left Tehran for Tashkent on Friday with the mission to monitor the Uzbekistan presidential election, Trend reports citing Mehr. The Iranian delegation traveled to Tashkent at the invitation of the head of the Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan as the international observer of the presidential election. During this visit, the Iranian parliamentary delegation will convey an invitation from the Speaker of Iranian parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf to Nurdinjon Ismailov the Speaker of the Legislative Chamber to pay an official visit to Iran. Upcoming presidential elections are scheduled to be held in Uzbekistan on 24 October 2021. This will be sixth presidential election held in the independent republic. The previous presidential election was held in 2016, following the death of incumbent President Islam Karimov on 2 September of that year. Saudi real estate management and development company Sumou has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire an 80 per cent stake in Jeddah-based Al Mahafel Trading and Contracting Company. Established in 1999, Al Mahafel is a key player in the operation of building materials and fixtures. As per the deal, Al Mahafel will develop a land, spanning across 1.32 million sq m in the Makkah region, to set up a multi-purpose market through a 25-year lease contract, according to a bourse filing. Sumou Real Estate Company will be managing the development and implementation of the project, it stated. The Saudi real estate group had recently signed a new agreement for the development of a 302,000-sq-m Hittin project land located on Abqaiq Road at Dhahran. As per the agreement, Sumou will be managing the development, execution, and marketing of the project for a one-year period starting from the date of issuance of the off-plan sale licence, it added.-TradeArabia News Service Huawei Digital Power has signed a key contract with SEPCOIII for the Red Sea Project with 400 MW PV plus 1300 MWh battery energy storage solution (BESS), which is currently the world's largest energy storage project. The contract was announced at the Global Digital Power Summit 2021 in Dubai, UAE. The two parties will cooperate to help Saudi Arabia build a global clean energy and green economy centre, said a statement. This 1300 MWh off-grid energy storage project is the largest of its kind in the world and represents a milestone in the global energy storage industry. The Red Sea Project has been listed in the Saudi Vision 2030 as a key project. Its developer is Acwa Power, and the general contractor of EPC is SEPCOIII. Located on the Red Sea coast, Neom is also known as the city of the future, powered entirely by renewable energy. It will lead a new way of life and drive new economic growth, as resources such as oil are increasingly depleted. With more than 10 years of experience in researching and developing energy storage systems as well as more than 8 GWh energy storage system applications, Huawei Digital Power is committed to integrating the digital information technology with PV and energy storage technologies to build a more efficient, stable, and safe smart string energy storage system using the string, intelligent, and modular designs, aiming to help PV become the main energy source and build a green and bright future. -TradeArabia News Service Azizi Developments, a leading private real estate developer in the UAE, has signed up German group Knauf to provide the gypsum ceiling products for Phases Two and Three of Riviera, the developers French Mediterranean-inspired residential and commercial community in one of Dubai's most sought-after residential destinations, MBR City. The Knauf Group is a leading international company that deals in gypsum products and systems and also provides energy-efficient insulating products. CEO Farhad Azizi said: "Knauf, with its exceptional track record and global reputation, has emerged as the clear winner for our ceilings needs at Riviera, our premium flagship community development in MBR City." A major player in the modern building materials sector, Knauf offers world-class solutions to its customers through its know-how, innovative products, system solutions, and comprehensive consulting services. "We are thrilled to welcome its work, as well as that of all of its very proficient local and international partners, to our Riviera buildings, which will provide our investors and end-users a substantial value-add in the form of higher-quality interiors at fair and competitive rates," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Emirates National Oil Company Group (Enoc), the integrated energy partner of Expo 2020, has reiterated its commitment to advancing Dubai's Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which is evident in the actions taken to protect future generations. The Enoc pledge comes on the World Energy Day which is celebrated on October 22. ''Our recent partnership to enhance energy savings across our operations and the savings we recorded from innovative energy efficiency measures implemented across the group over the last 8 years are a testament to this,'' said Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO, Enoc, in a statement on World Energy Day. "These efforts have resulted in reducing our energy consumption by more than 27% since 2013 which is equivalent to 308,000 tons of CO2 reduction," he noted. ''We will continue to put sustainability at the heart of our operations and reimagine the future of energy," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Five months following its opening in May, The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm celebrated success at the World Travel Awards, being named the Middle East's Leading New Hotel 2021 and a nomination for the World's Leading New Hotel 2021. As a hallmark of industry excellence, the World Travel Awards is set up to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Nominated contenders are voted for and chosen by professionals working within the industry senior executives, travel buyers, tour operators, agents, and media and by the public. This years award recognised the Middle Easts leading hotels and resorts across 60 categories, with The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm chosen as the top runner amongst 10 other hotels nominated within the same category. General Manager Marwan Fadel said: We are proud to receive top accolades from one of the esteemed award programmes in the travel industry. It is a great honour and achievement for our team to see their efforts and dedication to delivering an unmatched guest experience recognised worldwide. World Travel Awards Founder Graham Cooke said: Despite the on-going challenges faced by our industry, I am pleased to report that this years Word Travel Awards programme saw record month-on-month voting numbers from tourism consumers, whilst our website continues to receive more search traffic than in any previous year. "This shows that as the global recovery gains momentum, the appetite for travel has never been stronger. With the return of bookings comes a notable consumer trend to seek out the very best tourism products from across the world, which is why winning a World Travel Award this year is more valuable than ever. St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is part of Marriott International, Inc.-TradeArabia News Service Help India! In a statement, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) said the miscreants in Tripura are fearlessly breaking the law, where incidents of arson in mosques, violence and harassment against Muslims have been reported in the past few days. TCN News Support TwoCircles NEW DELHI Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) on Saturday demanded that the government of Tripura take stern action against the miscreants and urged the administration and law enforcement forces to bring normalcy in the areas experiencing violence and arson. Pertinently, for the past two to three days, incidents of attacks on Muslims and their places of worship by miscreants are being reported from the north-eastern Indian state of Tripura. There are reports of arson in mosques, violence and harassment against Muslim men and women and the forcible hoisting of saffron flags on houses. The miscreants are fearlessly breaking the law, JIH said in a statement. Condemning these incidents of violence as attempts to create communal tension, JIH said, Some anti-social elements allegedly chanted communal slogans against Indian Muslims in protests in Agartala (Tripura) and other places that were organized against the recent events of Bangladesh. Such protests are reprehensible and mandate legal action against such anti-social elements. National Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Malik Mohtasim Khan said, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind had strongly condemned the incidents in Bangladesh a week ago and the violence against minorities and demanded that the Government of Bangladesh protect the lives and property of minorities under all circumstances. He further said, We also express our grief and anger over these incidents in Bangladesh and also express our deep concern and resentment over the attempt to use these incidents for creating communal disharmony in India. Khan said that the oppression of minorities has become a serious problem in many parts of the world today. This process has become a shortcut and easy means for political parties and right-wing organizations to further their political interests. This trend has become a serious threat to human rights. No civilized society in the world can tolerate this attitude, he said. Khan further said that there is a need for all justice-loving people of our country to condemn the events in Bangladesh and to speak out against the events in Tripura and force the government to meet the demands of law and order and justice. In these circumstances, the responsibility of religious leaders is two-fold. No religion should be exploited to spread oppression. The voice of religious leaders should be louder than that of communal leaders. This is the demand of the present situation and in the interest of humanity and the country, he added. China's largest official law enforcement vessel Haixun 09 docks at a pier in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, October 23, 2021. /CFP China has commissioned its first 10,000 tonnes class vessel Haixun 09 in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, to boost maritime patrolling and law enforcement, Xinhua News Agency reported on Saturday. China's largest official law enforcement vessel with advanced equipment and all-around capability has officially started its service. The ship is also used for emergency coordination and command and the prevention and control of shipping pollution. The 165-meters-long patrol vessel has a maximum displacement of 13,000 tonnes, with a width of 20.6 meters and 9.5 meters depth. It has a maximum speed of over 25 knots. The vessel has a helicopter landing pad and a data center equipped with satellite communication systems, including China's Beidou Navigation Satellite System. The ship will be operated under China Maritime Safety Administration's Guangzhou unit. Its construction started in May 2019. by Nirmala Carvalho In a video filmed in the state of Chhattisgarh, the swami Parmatmanand, in the presence of local BJP leaders, says: "In our villages we keep hatchets at home". Divine Word Missionary Fr Jospeh: "Every limit has been exceeded". Raipur (AsiaNews) - "Behead all those who come to convert you". In a shocking video circulating on social networks, the Parmatmanand swami, a Hindu religious leader in the State of Chhattisgarh, shows no qualms in calling for beheadings to resolve an alleged "wave" of conversions to Christianity. According to the Indian website The Wire, the speech, which openly calls for violence, was delivered during a demonstration "against conversions" held in the district of Surguja. Prominent figures from the BJP, the Hindu nationalist party of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were also present on stage at the event. The video shows the former chairman of the National Commission for the Disadvantaged Castes, Nand Kumar Sai, applauding the words of the swami Parmatmanand. In his disconcerting speech, the Hindutva exponent says: "Keep the sticks in your home. People in the cities don't, but in our villages people keep hatchets. Behead them when they come to perform religious conversions". He added: "You may wonder why a holy man like me talks about violence. You will say: how can he be a holy man if he lights the fire? Sometimes fire has to be lit, even Hanuman (a Hindu deity) did it. I tell you," he continues, "whoever comes to convert in your house, in your street, in your neighbourhood, in your village, must not be forgiven. After this demonstration," The Wire reports, "the superintendent of police in the nearby city of Sukma sent a letter to all police stations asking them to monitor Christian missionaries and recently converted tribals to stop these "illegal" activities. The Divine Word Missionary Fr Babu Joseph, former spokesman of the Indian Bishops' Conference (ECBC), said: "The statement allegedly made by Swami Paramartanand against the religious minorities in India in a rally in Surguja of Chattisgarh has crossed all limits of rhyme and reason. He is openly calling for unleashing violence on a section of Indians because of their religious belief is at variance from his. This is most reprehensible a behaviour that too coming from a Hindu religious person - or so claims.This is the height of propgating hatred and mayhem in society which should be strictly dealt with by the law enforcing agencies of the responsible state. He doesnt give an F. Doesnt care, never has, Huffington said Friday. Thats what weve been dealing with for 40 years. He doesnt care what the judges say. Hes got it in his head that he is the arresting officer, the prosecuting attorney, the judge, the jury, and in my case, the executioner. Her cells have been used in virology to study the poliomyelitis virus and most recently, the SARS CoV 2 virus, leading to the development of vaccines for both. Regarding vaccines for the latter, as WHO Director Tedros Ghebreyesus says, the medical technologies developed from the exploitation of Henrietta Lacks have not been shared equitably around the world. Henrietta Lacks was a poor African American woman from Baltimore, and I am sure it wouldnt make her happy to know that from her cancer cells came the science to make the mRNA vaccines, yet only 5% of Africans have been vaccinated against COVID-19, a majority of them being poor and Black, like herself. I understand the frustration of being in Western Maryland, sometimes feeling that you know, out of step, neglected or forgotten by an increasingly progressive legislature that doesnt somehow relate to some of the folks out in rural areas. But I dont think thats the way to go about it, said Hogan, a Republican. I think it was a publicity stunt that worked well because you guys are going to ask about it. But its not really going to happen. McGrath had been scheduled for an initial hearing Monday on the state charges in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court in Annapolis, but that hearing was canceled. Those charges include nine counts of wiretapping for illegally recording conversations with Hogan and other government officials without their consent. He also has been charged with misconduct in office, theft and embezzlement. Today Cloudy. Snow showers developing late. Low 34F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 50%. Tonight Cloudy. Snow showers developing late. Low 34F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 50%. Tomorrow Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 39F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Not only is fishing good for the economy, its also good for the soul. Ive spent many blissful hours along this particular stretch of the river as it winds clear and cool over cobble and boulders through a deep valley shaded by towering sycamores and yellow poplars. There you are, within a half-mile of the intersection of Rt. 32 and Rt. 29, just a couple of miles from the dense urban sprawl of Columbia, and you cant hear a hint of traffic. You might as well be way out in Western Maryland, yet its just a little over a half hour drive from Annapolis. A lot of people worked really hard to get it, and it just shows what happens when you get the right group of people working together for good, said Bettina Tebo, president of the Greater Arbutus Business Association. If we dont get any help from anybody, its going to be really hard for us to reopen, Im going to be honest, she said. Its hard to find $2 million and start from the beginning. But we want to reopen. We have to work; we have two little kids. That prohibition is not discretionary, it is required, and it is expressly incorporated into the Open Meetings Act, the notice said. It therefore clearly applies independently to the work of the Advisory Board. Disclosing personnel information is considered a criminal offense under the MPIA, and it is settled law that criminal prohibitions cannot be waived. Kyrgyzstan intends to purchase combat drones from Russia and Turkey, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov said on Saturday. "We are buying combat drones from Turkey and Russia. We are also repairing jet aircraft with the help of Russia. Money is allocated for all this, it is not for free," Japarov told reporters when asked about efforts to strengthen the country's armed forces. Earlier this week, the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan said that the Central Asian nation would purchase Turkey's Bayraktar drones to boost defense and reconnaissance capabilities, adding the drones will soon arrive. (ANI/Sputnik) Pakistan has refuted a report which claimed that it is in talks with the Biden administration for use of Pakistan's airspace by the US to carry out military operations in Afghanistan, reported local media. Responding to media queries regarding the latest news report "alluding to the formalisation of an agreement for the use of Pakistan's airspace by the US to coduct military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan", spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said, "no such understanding was in place", according to ARY News. Rejecting the news report, Ahmad also emphasised Washington and Islamabad have longstanding cooperation on regional security and counter-terrorism and the two sides remain engaged in regular consultations. Earlier, on Friday CNN reported citing three sources that the US administration informed lawmakers that the country is nearing a formalise agreement with Pakistan for use of its airspace to conduct military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan. Islamabad expressed a desire to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in exchange for assistance with its own counterterrorism efforts, CNN quoted one of the sources as saying. (ANI) Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday invited Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett for another visit in Russia, a day after their first official meeting was held in Sochi. "The president invited the prime minister and his wife to visit the city of St. Petersburg," the Israeli prime minister's office said in a statement. Putin called Bennett on Saturday ahead of Bennett's departure from the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, where the two met on Friday for a five-hour talk on Syria, Iran and bilateral cooperation. "President Putin inquired about Prime Minister Bennett's well-being after the weekend in Sochi and thanked him for their good and in-depth meeting yesterday," the statement read. Bennett thanked Putin for "the warm hospitality" and their "helpful" meeting, which according to Bennett, will "help strengthen the ties between the countries." "The prime minister accepted the invitation and replied that he would be happy to pay a follow-up visit," the statement read. (ANI/Xinhua) ISKCON devotees held a protest in Kolkata on Saturday following incidents of violence, in which an ISKCON temple in Noakhali, Bangladesh was vandalised by a mob killing one devotee. A kirtan was held as a part of the protest and the devotees lit candles in the memory of the victims of the violence against minorities in Bangladesh. Posters related to the vandalism were shown during the protest. Radharaman Das, Vice-President, ISKCON said, "The cycle of violence that lasted for 10 days in Bangladesh was brutal. Many were killed and little children were raped. Till when we will keep dying like this? It is the duty of every government to protect its minorities. These protests are also meant to awake the government. It is not happening for the first time there, it keeps happening. As a part of the protest, Kirtan is also being held to pray that the souls of the deceased attain peace. People can come here and light a lamp, offer flowers." Other Indian states also witnessed protests from ISKCON on Saturday. A protest was held in Ahmedabad as well by ISKCON devotees. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other organisations were also a part of this protest. A peaceful Kirtan was held as a part of the protest and the protesting devotees demanded justice for the victims of the latest wave of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. "The Hindu community is shocked and saddened by the recent series of violent attacks upon the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, including our own ISKCON temples and members. They should get the freedom to practice their religion. Whatever happened was wrong. If this keeps happening, where we Hindus will go to practice our religion? We appeal the Bangladesh government that it should act to bring an end to the violence against minorities and to take tangible steps to ensure the long-term safety and well-being of all Bangladeshi citizens and temples. We also appeal to the Indian Government to take cognizance of it," said Kalanath Chaitanyadas, President, ISKCON Ahmedabad. Protests were also held in Delhi over the recent communal violence against Hindus by ISKCON devotees and organisation members. Bhajan and Kirtan were performed at the protest site as ISKCON demanded justice for Hindus in Bangladesh. Vrajendranandan Das, Director, ISKCON National Communications said, "We are protesting against the incident, which has taken place in Bangladesh where Hindus and minorities have been killed. We are also praying for them by doing 'Bhajan and Kirtan'. We demand the Bangladesh government to take strict action against what is currently happening in their country and we want in future that they must assure the security of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh. We trust them for that. They should ensure our protection in future. The protest shall impact the Indian government, which shares a good relationship with the Bangladesh government. We are also praying for the people who have been killed there." Communal tensions have gripped Bangladesh over the past few days following allegations of the Quran being dishonoured at a puja pavilion in Cumilla on October 13, triggering violence in several districts across the country. At least four people were killed in police shootings during the attack on Puja locations in Chandpur's Hajiganj on October 13 and in Noakhali's Choumuhani, attacks on Hindu temples left two people dead on October 15. ISKCON has called a worldwide protest at about 700 ISKCON temples across 150 nations today against the violence on Hindus in Bangladesh. (ANI) I am inspired this week by an assignment my wife is doing for a Law in Education class. Her assignment was to write about religion in school and particularly release time for religious classes. It is an interesting assignment for her because, unlike most of her class, she grew up in a state Were pleased to see Lyft sharing safety information with the public and encourage other companies and organizations to do the same, said Erinn Robinson, a spokeswoman for the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. No industry is immune to sexual violence, and this pervasive problem cannot be addressed without shining a light into dark corners and asking how to do better. Why is City Hall so fixated on denying justice to this woman? Saulter said. The legal maneuvers behind the scenes that dont match the public words. That has to stop. ... Everyone saw. Everyone around the world saw the level of disrespect, the level of violence, the level of lack of basic human dignity that was visited upon Ms. Young while she was simply a Black woman at home. During the pursuit, he slammed into a vehicle in traffic in the 2200 block of North Laramie, and then the van and the stolen KIA rammed several parked cars before coming to a stop a block away as the Kia erupted into flames, police said. There, a 91-year-old cab driver was sitting in a blue Hyundai when someone approached on foot and forced him out of his vehicle at gunpoint. After he complied, the gunman shot him in the right hand and right leg, police said. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he was listed in fair condition, police said. All five adults were taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition, Schroeder said. The helmet, which looks like a clear astronauts helmet, goes around a patients head to provide oxygen, and can help prevent the more drastic step of having to put a breathing tube down the patients throat. Officials cite it as an example of the hospitals care for its patients. Nina: Yes. She let herself be saddened, or almost mourning. In the first half of the book, particularly in the first 10 pages, shes so, so angry. And by the end of the book, you feel she can allow herself to be sad and to mourn what she didnt have and even go a step further and start to mourn what her mother didnt have. She comes to this realization that her mother and all of their sisters because they didnt have the power of choice in their husbands, and when they had kids they could not have a loving relationship. In some sense a loving relationship was reserved only for the wealthy and the privileged. There was a great quote in there, about her mom saying, love goes out the window when youre poor. You are here: Business China's top liquor brand Kweichow Moutai saw its sales revenue increase 11.05 percent year on year in the first three quarters of this year, the company said on Friday. Its sales revenue during the period surpassed 74.64 billion yuan (about 11.68 billion U.S. dollars), with its net profit exceeding 37.26 billion yuan, up 10.17 percent year on year. The company's sales revenue in the third quarter was 25.55 billion yuan, up 9.86 percent year on year, with its net profit reaching 12.61 billion yuan, up 12.35 percent year on year. Distilled in the town of Maotai in southwest China's Guizhou Province, Moutai is often served at state banquets. You are here: China A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Friday voiced strong opposition to any attempt of seeking "Taiwan independence" through so-called constitutional amendments. Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the comments in response to Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority's submission of draft "constitutional amendments" to the island's legislative body for deliberation. Anyone who takes the lead in the "constitutional amendments," which would make convenient the path to seeking "Taiwan independence," will be held accountable, Ma said. Ma called on responsible political parties and individuals on the island to identify political plots and wrongful intentions, and make joint efforts to safeguard peace and stability across the Strait. "Taiwan compatriots should also oppose and resist all attempts of seeking 'Taiwan independence' through so-called constitutional amendments," Ma said. A dam deformation monitoring system based on BeiDou Navigation Satellite System has been put into operation in Usoi Dam in Tajikistan, according to China's National Time Service Center (NTSC) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Sarez Lake, located in the Pamir region in eastern Tajikistan, has an altitude of 3,263 meters above sea level. It was naturally created in 1911 when an earthquake set off a landslide and formed the enormous Usoi Dam. Usoi Dam is the tallest dam in the world, either natural or man-made. Another hit in this active earthquake zone will bring immeasurable losses to millions of people in the lake area and disaster to the ecological environment of Central Asia. The system was jointly developed by the NTSC, the CAS Research Center for Ecology and Environment of Central Asia, the Tajikistan Academy of Sciences and the Tajikistan emergency situations and civil defense committee. The system is a real-time monitoring system customized for the Usoi Dam in Sarez Lake. It uses the high-precision positioning and communication technology of the BeiDou system to detect millimeter-scale changes in the dam. It also connects, transmits, and analyzes data in real time. Researchers can monitor in real time and issue early warnings in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and at the NTSC in Xi'an, capital city of northwest China's Shaanxi Province. According to the NTSC, a BeiDou monitoring platform based on the Sarez Lake system has also been developed to promote BeiDou-based monitoring service in bridges, mines, landslides, buildings and dams. You are here: China Chinese courts will improve the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) in big data, artificial intelligence (AI), genetic technology and other emerging sectors, said Chief Justice Zhou Qiang. The courts will also improve judicial protection in key areas like platform economies, scientific and technological innovation, and information security, Zhou said. Zhou is president of the Supreme People's Court (SPC), and he made these announcements while delivering a report on the adjudication of intellectual property cases. The report was submitted by the SPC to the ongoing session of the National People's Congress Standing Committee for review. China has seen growing intellectual property cases in recent years with new disputes emerging, the report showed. Courts nationwide accepted about 2.18 million intellectual property cases of first instances and concluded 2.06 million intellectual property cases during 2013 and June 2021, the report said. Flash Another 49,298 people in Britain have tested positive for COVID-19 as the country recorded more than 40,000 COVID cases on the tenth consecutive day, according to official figures released Friday. The country also reported a further 180 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 139,326. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test. There are currently 8,238 patients in hospital with COVID-19. Meanwhile, data showed one in 55 people in England had COVID in latest week. The figure, based on data from the week up to Oct. 16, is up from one in 60 the week before. One in 55 is the equivalent of about 977,900 people, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It's now not far off the peak of the second wave in January, when the ONS estimated around one in 50 people had the virus. England's coronavirus reproduction value, also known as the R number, is estimated to have risen to between one and 1.2, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). An R value between one and 1.2 means, on average, every 10 people infected will infect between 10 and 12 other people. Meanwhile, the latest documents from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) group warned there are uncertainties around people's behaviour changing and waning immunity. In the papers, SAGE says the emergence of a variant of Delta that becomes dominant globally is a very real possibility. The scientists said, in the meeting dated Oct. 14, that in the event of increasing case rates, earlier intervention would reduce the need for more "stringent, disruptive and longer-lasting measures". British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has insisted the current "high levels" of infection in the country are "fully in line" with predictions made earlier this year. But he said the government will "keep all measures under constant review". The prime minister has said there is "absolutely nothing to indicate" the country will enter a new lockdown this winter, although he added the government would "do whatever we have to do to protect the public". Speaking at a Downing Street news conference on Wednesday, Health Secretary Sajid Javid cautioned that the coronavirus pandemic "is not over". Javid has even predicted there could be as many as 100,000 COVID cases a day heading into winter. Britain has lifted most COVID-19 restrictions thanks to the progress of its vaccine rollout. More than 86 percent of people aged 12 and over in Britain have had their first dose of vaccine and around 79 percent have received both doses, the latest figures showed. To bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Germany, Russia and the United States have been racing against time to roll out coronavirus vaccines. Flash Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that he hopes the Israeli government will pursue a policy of continuity with regard to bilateral relations. "We have developed sufficiently business-like and trust-based relations with the previous government," Putin said during a meeting with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in Russia's resort of Sochi. Putin noted that trade and economic ties between the two countries are developing successfully, and bilateral trade grew by 50 percent in the first seven months of this year despite pandemic-related restrictions. He also voiced readiness to exchange views with Bennett on the situation in the region, including issues regarding Syria. For his part, Bennett said he wanted to discuss with Putin the development of the Israel-Russia cooperation in economic, scientific and cultural spheres, as well as the situation in Syria and the Iran nuclear program. Flash Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Britain's Secretary of State for Foreign Commonwealth and Development Affairs Liz Truss vowed on Friday to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries. In a telephone conversation with the new British foreign secretary, Wang said China and Britain are both permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, and the development of China-Britain relations goes beyond the bilateral scope and has a crucial impact on regional and international situations. The two countries should maintain strategic communication, deepen mutual understanding, jointly manage differences, and push forward a healthy and stable development of bilateral ties, Wang said, adding that doing so not only serves the fundamental interests of the two countries, but also meets the common expectation of the international community. Noting that it is normal for China and Britain to differ on some issues, as they have different history, culture and development paths, Wang said both sides need to carry out dialogue based on mutual respect and tolerance, seek common ground while reserving differences, strive to create positive momentum in bilateral relations, and provide a consistent outlook for the wider world. The two economies are obviously complementary, with great potential for cooperation, Wang said, noting that the bilateral trade is expected to exceed 100 billion U.S. dollars this year. Chinese and British businesses are willing to engage in mutual investment, and there are broad prospects for bilateral cooperation in such fields as modern financial services, clean energy and digital economy, he said. If sustained, such bilateral cooperation will surely provide strong support for the respective national development strategies of China and Britain, he said. China supports Britain in hosting the 26th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26), and hopes that the conference can achieve positive results, he said. Wang said China has serious concerns over the establishment of the tripartite security partnership among the United States, Britain and Australia (AUKUS), and over their nuclear-powered submarine cooperation. This is the first time that a nuclear-weapon state has transferred nuclear-powered submarines to a non-nuclear-weapon state and offered it highly enriched uranium without being subject to international supervision and verification, which is bound to constitute a serious risk of nuclear proliferation, he said. Wang stressed that the creation of a new military bloc in the region will trigger arms race, provoke confrontation between major countries, and undermine regional peace and stability, saying that the Chinese side opposes AUKUS, and urges the British side to handle the issue cautiously and think twice before any further action. For her part, Truss said that for Britain and China, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, it is important to maintain regular communication. The two countries should strengthen high-level exchanges and strategic communication, deepen mutual understanding and practical cooperation in various fields, and promote the development of their bilateral relations, she said. Noting that climate change is a key field of cooperation between the two sides, Truss said Britain is willing to strengthen cooperation with China to ensure COP26 a success. She also explained and elaborated on AUKUS. Flash The international community should further promote coordination and cooperation on protecting women's security and boosting their development, a Chinese envoy said Thursday. "The international community should step up efforts to coordinate actions and give more prominence to the agenda of women, peace and security," Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations (UN), said during a UN Security Council open debate on women, peace and security. It remains "a formidable task" to protect women in armed conflicts, promote their political participation, and comprehensively advance their rights and interests, Dai noted, citing the situation of women in Afghanistan as an example. "In Afghanistan, women have paid dearly for the 20-year-long war. Recent hasty withdrawals of foreign forces have presented them with huge risks and challenges," he said. The Chinese envoy called on countries around the world to strengthen protection for women in armed conflicts, offer continued support for women's participation in peacekeeping and peacebuilding, and more vigorously advance women's economic empowerment. Noting that China has been actively supporting women's participation in peacekeeping, and carrying out global cooperation on women's issues to advance their development, Dai said China, along with the international community, "stands ready to work to accelerate the realization of gender equality, and promote global women's development so as to jointly build a community of a shared and better future for women, for everyone." Round Table Management's Artists Stun with Big Wins at 52nd Annual GMA Dove Awards Round Table Also Announces New Promotions for Cam Pumphrey and Shane Quick NEWS PROVIDED BY EPIC Oct. 23, 2021 NASHVILLE, Oct. 23, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- Round Table Management celebrates big wins at the 52nd Annual GMA Dove Awards aired Friday evening. We The Kingdom claimed "Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year" and "Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year" while Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes' "The Blessing" took home "Song of the Year." The three wins do not come as a surprise to fans as both artists have been breaking records in the CCM genre. "Our team is grateful to partner with creators that expand boundaries to reach more people through their songwriting, artistry and performances," said Cam Pumphrey. "Having the impact of their creativity and hearts recognized by our peers at GMA with these awards is a true honor. Last year's New Artist of the Year, We The Kingdom, continued their success with the release of their latest single "Child of Love". The song peaked at #5 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart and #3 on Billboard's Christian Airplay chart while their first single "Holy Water" was certified gold. "We could not be more honored and excited to have been recognized by the GMA. We were absolutely stunned and are overwhelmed with gratitude," said We The Kingdom. "We are first and foremost grateful to God for blessing us with these gifts of songs that have helped heal our hearts and bring us closer in relationship with Him. We are so thankful to CCMG, JRA and Round Table Management for believing in us and helping share these songs. Thank you to our incredible team of people who have helped shape and impact We The Kingdom. Thank you to our spouses and family back home for supporting us as we go out and do this. Thank you to everyone who listens to our music - the privilege to have our songs play a role in the soundtrack of your lives is one of the biggest honors we have ever experienced. Your stories help fan the flames of our hearts and keep us going. We firmly believe that We The Kingdom is not just the people on the stage but all of God's people uniting together. We love you all and are truly very grateful." Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes' "The Blessing" has continued its record-breaking run with a win for "Song of the Year" this year and "Worship Song of the Year" at the 51st Annual Dove Awards. Earlier this year, "The Blessing" was nominated for "Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song" at the 2021 Grammy Awards and "Top Christian Song" at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards. The highly popular song continues to be covered by various artists around the world and has been certified gold. Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes are currently on their "The Blessing USA Tour" with future stops in Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and more. We The Kingdom are joining Zach Cam Pumphrey Williams on his "The Rescue Story Tour" and have upcoming stops in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Indiana, Missouri, and more. Round Table Management also announced that Cam Pumphrey will be taking on the new title of President of Round Table Management while Shane Quick is moving to Partner. "We are excited to announce that Cam Pumphrey will be officially taking on the role of President of Round Table Management. We look forward to continuing to serve and grow artists at Round Table for years to come together," said Shane Quick. Round Table Management is an artist management and vision execution firm based in Nashville, Tennessee and is a division of Premier LLC. Founded by Shane Quick in 2018, Round Table has helped break new artists such as We The Kingdom and helped continue the legacy and growth of artists such as Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes. SOURCE EPIC CONTACT: Jennifer Willingham, 615-483-4729, jennifer@epic.inc Arteriovenous Malformation Market for Neurological Disorder Will Boost the Industry Growth at a Healthy CAGR Of ~6.1% During The Forecast Period 2017-2023 The global arteriovenous malformation market is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~6.1% during the forecast period 2017-2023. Request Sample Copy: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5092 Over the last decade, the number of hospitals has increased to a great extent, which has influenced the growth of the market positively. Moreover, increasing demand for better treatment and changing reimbursement policies have fueled the market growth. The global arteriovenous malformation market is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~6.1% during the forecast period 2017-2023. Regional Analysis The Americas dominate the global Arteriovenous Malformation Treatment Market owing to the presence of huge patient population, high health care spending, and increasing government support for research & development. Europe holds the second largest share of the global market. The increasing focus of various government agencies on treating various brain disorders or brain injuries such as epilepsy and depression will have a positive impact on the growth of the market. The growing public awareness will boost the adoption of these devices in the European market. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing arteriovenous malformation market across the globe. Japan holds a major share of the regional market due to availability of technology and huge healthcare spending. Rapidly developing economy, increasing healthcare expenditure, and government initiatives for research & development will drive the market in China and India over the assessment period. Segmentation The global arteriovenous malformation market is segmented on the basis of types, diagnosis, treatment, and end user. On the basis of types, it is segmented into true arteriovenous malformation, occult or cryptic AVM or cavernous malformations, venous malformation, hemangioma, and dural fistula. On the basis of diagnosis, it is segmented into physical examination, blood test, brain scans, and others. Brain scan is further segmented into computerized tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and electroencephalography (EEG). On the basis of treatment, the market is segmented into endovascular embolization, neurosurgery and others. On the basis of the end user, it is segmented into hospitals & clinics, research laboratories and others. Key Players Some of key the players in the market are Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation (Japan), Carestream Health (U.S.), Nihon Kohden Corporation (Japan), Electrical Geodesics Inc. (U.S.), Fujifilm Holdings (Japan), GE Healthcare (U.S.), Siemens Healthcare(U.S.), Philips Healthcare (U.S.), Shimadzu Corporation (Japan), Masimo Corporation (U.S.), Hologic (U.S.), Esaote (Italy), and others. Browse Full Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/arteriovenous-malformation-market-5092 NOTE: Our team of researchers are studying Covid19 and its impact on various industry verticals and wherever required we will be considering covid19 footprints for a better analysis of markets and industries. Cordially get in touch for more details. 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. SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at its annual Huawei Developer Conference 2021 (HDC 2021), Huawei announced plans to continue to drive innovation in the financial services industry by exploring Open Banking capabilities with AppGallery partners. Industry speakers joined Huawei experts to announce AppGallery's continued push for innovation while prioritising user safety and security. "We are delighted to share our plans for AppGallery in the financial services," said Siri G. BArsum, Global VP Finance Vertical Eco-development & Partnerships at Huawei Consumer Business Group. "After an exciting few months, we've experienced the potential of partnerships for the sake of innovation and growth, and can't wait to welcome more FinTech's who want to make waves in the industry." Could Open Banking Champion Financial Health? Dedicated to providing its global audience of 730 million with a choice of the latest banking and payment apps, AppGallery is leveraging new technology to support its partners. NoffeA recently joined AppGallery, using Open Banking to offer a service that helps children learn saving habits in Norway. Bluecode is offering its customers in Europe a convenient payment solution, using QR codes through AppGallery's NFC capabilities. Huawei remains committed to driving global Financial Health a achievable through partnerships with Fintechs. For consumers, Huawei shared how users could use Open Banking to have more control over their finances. Alongside its partners, AppGallery fosters innovation Joined by Brett King, author of The Rise of Technosocialism and host of #1 FinTech podcast Breaking Banks, Siri G. BArsum addressed the recent changes in consumer behaviour that have led to a higher demand for convenience. With 2020 seeing a 45% jump in the use of banking apps, the pair highlighted the potential for developers. "We're seeing so much innovation potential when looking at the changing landscape in the financial services industry," said Brett King. "When you look at the biggest financial institutions around the world, they tend to be digital-first organisations." With AppGallery, Huawei plans to foster innovation to help FinTech developers realise their business development potential, while advocating for financial health. BArsum explained Huawei's full-cycle security and protection system featuring developer real-name verification, a four-step review process, additional download and installation protection, and a prevention mechanism for secure app operation. About AppGallery AppGallery is an innovative ecosystem that allows developers to create unique experiences for consumers.A Its HMS Core allows apps to integrate across different devices, delivering a smoother experience a part of the wider "1+8+N" strategy at Huawei. With AppGallery, Huawei's vision is to make an open, innovative platform that is accessible to consumers while strictly protectingatheir privacy and providing them with a unique and smart experience. AppGallery has over 560 million monthly active users and has partnered with 5.1 million developers. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1667935/image.jpg Surveillance footage recovered by the police tracks the BMW traveling south on Blue Hills Avenue around 12:32 a.m. on Aug. 4, speeding east through the North End about 10 minutes later and then arriving in Windsor, records show. Within that period, at 12:41 a.m., a 911 caller reported gunfire near Colliers apartment and gunshots were picked up by a ShotSpotter in the area. (Police canvassed the area at that time, but said they did not find gunfire damage.) Then, on Sept. 1, Hurricane Ida delivered up to eight inches of rain on southwestern Connecticut in just a few hours, as Lamonts request details. By 10 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a flood emergency for Fairfield and New Haven counties, for the first time in state history. Heavy rain then moved overnight across southern Connecticut, flooding highways and resulting in the suspension of service on Amtrak, MetroNorth and Shoreline East. That means people have exited the labor force entirely and more have joined them even as jobs have rebounded off their loss, he said. For seasonal hiring, this is going to pose a problem for employers because they are competing from a smaller and smaller pool of available labor. The children were born of men in the Quartermaster Service Corps likely, Dickon says, those tasked with trucking and supply. The racism and segregation against these Black men permeated their childrens lives: Many faced abuse, isolation and discrimination in Dutch society, and knew nothing of their fathers. Dickons work expanding Kirkels original, 2017, book about these biracial kids to provide the American social and military context helped explain why they didnt know. (Interracial marriage, for example, was almost impossible.) See Pilot writer Denise Watsons story about the research at tinyurl.com/DutchKds. Im moving to Williamsburg, he said. I want to be able to have a larger family ... I have to take off the time anyway, to be able to campaign. I cant take any money for (that time off), and I will be taking time off for my honeymoon. Cars parked inside the podium at main gate of KBR Park in evenings have become a nuisance for walkers, as they are blocking the outer walkway. (Photo:DC) HYDERABAD: Cars parked inside the podium at main gate of KBR Park in evenings have become a nuisance for walkers, as they are blocking the outer walkway. These cars mostly belong to VIPs, including politicians, bureaucrats and senior police officers, many of whom have cars of security guards accompanying them. Incidentally, the inner walkway of KBR Park can be used only on payment basis from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The outer walkway is free. The cars remain parked at the main gate despite there being no parking boards of and cameras there. No action is taken to remove these cars, as they belong to VIPs. Ratan Gupta, a senior citizen, who has been taking up this issue with authorities, says, When transport minister P. Ajay Kumar parked his car outside the gate, I personally approached him and requested him not to do that. I have made similar requests to IAS and IPS officers who park their vehicles. But there has been no response. Why are the VIPs not following rules? Incidentally, there are 10 designated parking bays around the KBR Park. Two of them are just 50100 metres away from the main entrance. The nuisance of VIP cars has been there for long, though a police task force van remains parked near the gate. These personnel do not interfere either. Dr. Manish Kumar, ENT surgeon and a regular walker, says, Before lockdown, we never had this problem. Senior citizens and other daily walkers are now facing a lot of hardship due to this nuisance by VIP cars. Their parking blocks the walkway, making it difficult to enter and exit. Another unfortunate thing is difficulty in using the benches in podium area. After their scheduled walks, many used to relax on these benches and have conversations before heading home. But due to these parked cars, many walkers have stopped using the benches. Monali Mehta, a senior citizen and regular walker, told this newspaper, I park my car in the parking lot, which is about 800 metres away, and walk to the main entrance. With these government cars parked, other walkers are taking advantage of the situation and parking their vehicles too, making the area jam packed. Even when we raise the issue no one acts on it. Walkers point out that they have also lodged complaints with traffic police and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation. But there has been no response. Ratan Gupta said, I have taken pictures of these cars over last one month. I have regularly followed it up with traffic police. But the nuisance continues. 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. This blog covers software patent news and issues with a particular focus on wireless, mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers, connected cars) as well as select antitrust matters surrounding those devices. The Egyptian border detained a robot artist because they thought the AI-creation had a sinister purpose other than what was declared. It took ten days before the owner of the robot convinced everyone it was harmless and did art! The robot owner explained that Ai-Da, the machine made in Britain, uses tools and technology to paint art, not hack into anything. The machine's creator, Oxford-based gallery owner Aidan Meller was surprised the robot caused a consular commotion for the British Ambassador. AI robot artist detained in Egypt in suspicions of being a spy Mr. Meller was made late in attending an art exhibit in Cairo with Ai-da's art in it, but the delay in customs involved the British Ambassador that took a while, reported the Daily Mail. It was a cliffhanger as the robot is named after the 19th-century scientist and mathematician Ada Lovelace was allowed to be taken from detention last Wednesday, bare hours before the art show started. The British Embassy said, in a statement, they are glad that the problem was resolved. Before Ai-Da was detained, the robot owner said the British Ambassador was working on getting his robot out as soon as can be. He added the wait was getting stressful. Read Also: Ancient Roman Armory Dating Back to 100 B.C. Discovered in Son Catlar, Spain One of the reasons why Ai-Da drew suspicions from customs agents is the modem. Other than that, nothing else mattered except it could use the internet, cited What's New 2day. To resolve the issue, Meller said he could take the modem out. But the guard demanded the camera be removed as well. But Meller argued, saying that he couldn't remove the eyes because the robot needed them to paint. Due to the delay, Ai-Da nearly missed the art show. Egypt exhibit will showcase works of AI artist robot The art exhibition called 'Forever is Now' held by the Art D'Egypte, starts October 21 to November 7. Ai robot artist Ai-Da will showcase her artwork, a huge sculpture of herself that includes three legs like the Riddle of the Sphinx, noted the BBC. This riddle has the answer as human, while young goes on fours, adults on two feet, and older people who use a cane to walk. Meller explained that AI and robotics are part of the drive for immortality, like Egyptian mummification is the same idea, living after death. Capabilities of the AI robot artist Robotic engineers in Leeds built the machine about two years back. Ai-Da's mechanical hand can decide what to paint or draw from what it sees with the cameras as eyes. The AI robot, designated as female, is the first to draw people like a natural person. This unique mechanical way of creating art is a big hit with many galleries all over the world. Places like the Design Museum and Tate Modern are but a few of the art centers. Meller mentions the art show is the closest to the ancient pyramid for the first time in 4,000 years. He added that Ai-Da is an innovative use of technology to show machines can do exciting things to make art like a human. Meller states that Ai-Da is a machine that can be switched off. Following Ai-Da's release after ten days, Meller and his AI robot artist entered Egypt just hours before the exhibition opened, nearly missing the art show. Related Article: 300-Year-Old Drawing by Decorative Artist Tiepolo Found Hidden in Attic at Weston Hall; Auctioneers Say Artwork Values at 250,000 @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. French President Emmanuel Macron says the global oil system will be in dire straits if it does not stabilize. If it goes down, so will the shift to green energy that needs a stable world oil supply for a successful transition. French scientists warn about dwindling oil production soon The warning by scientists from France gave this doomsday scenario that most might not have taken into account. According to the French, if the world will not mind this warning, which can slip from one energy crisis to another. In an estimated thirteen years to go, all oil production in the world will not be stable and spiral down to disastrous levels. The count down for all the oil and gas industries will fail in three-decade from now, reported the Express UK. French scientists Louis Delannoy, Pierre-Yves Longaretti, and Emmanuel Prados from National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology (INRIA) had published their study in the Elsevier's Applied Energy journal. They explained that there is enough oil and gas for everyone's needs, but additional energy is needed to get the supply out. Somehow there is a need to lessen power for drawing out the oil to save supplies. It poses far worse energy shortages felt global and erratic spikes in the cost to acquire it. Energy crisis needs countermeasures One point stressed by the scientists is that if the Energy Return On Investment (EROI) is kept high, it will be a disaster. It is essential to keep the EROI measured to know how much oil is processed. This is important considering the global oil system, noted Science Daily. Emmanuel Macron says it is just as important as green energy. Read Also: Vladimir Putin Tells Attractive US interviewer She's Not Listening Enough to Him During Onstage Interview, Missing Key Points One finding shows that 15.5 percent, or a tenth more of all energy used to harvest from oil globally, will need extra on top of the oil used for production. One conclusion is that more oil is required in order to produce energy. Extra measures to extract oil will produce more greenhouse gases Scientists explain that once oil is hard to extract, more energy is needed to hasten the increase of the extraction process that is not getting any easier. One of these methods, called fracking, will cause increased greenhouse gases to be produced to get to the hard to extract oil. More of these greenhouse gases will spike up global warming, which will cause a setback in zero-carbon goals. Speculation about the future trajectory until 2024 is not so favorable for greenies. The current rate of 15.5 will swell to 25 percent to enable extraction of oil and gas altogether, cites the BBC. Transition to green energy will be affected by oil energy crisis The EROI will mean only 75 percent will be usable from gas and oil extraction, with a quarter lost in predicting. Projection by 2050 says half of all oil from the global reserves should be returned to keep it from drying out. This phenomenon is called cannibalizing energy for production's sake which is a bit hard on the supply. It becomes crucial to stabilize the energy spent to extract oil and gas, or there will be less for the economy and society, which is a deadly outcome for the global oil system. President Emmanuel Macron sees it as a block to green energy. Related Article: French President Emmanuel Macron Claims the US Disrespected France By Going Behind the EU's Back To Secure AUKUS Deal @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. During a highly touted but low-rated CNN town hall session on Thursday, President Joe Biden answered questions for almost 90 minutes, but no one bothered to ask him about the failed pullout of American troops from Afghanistan. Biden has been chastised by critics for sticking to an arbitrary August 31 timetable for the withdrawal of US troops although it was improbable that the military would be able to remove all troops and civilians by that date. Biden's town hall in Baltimore Biden famously promised Americans that the Taliban would not storm the US Embassy in Kabul in the same way that the North Vietnamese stormed the US Embassy in Saigon in 1975. However, when images from Kabul strangely resembled Saigon, events defied this confident forecast. Former acting national security advisor to President Trump, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, told Fox News at the time that Biden owns the Afghanistan withdrawal disaster and that the Afghan power vacuum Biden left behind is "much worse" than the power vacuum in Iraq that spawned the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Biden, on the other hand, has been reluctant to address questions from reporters about the tumultuous pullout. During comments about Hurricane Ida in August, the president notoriously brushed off a question regarding Afghanistan after offering to accept questions at the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters. The president spoke about China's aggression, the filibuster, and gas costs during the CNN event, which was hosted by Anderson Cooper. He also revealed facts about the delayed talks to approve his multi-trillion dollar social safety net package, as per Newsweek. On the Build Back Better Act, Biden stated categorically that he would not support Senator Joe Manchin's proposal for a work condition for the Child Tax Credit. He also mentioned that paid parental leave has been decreased from 12 weeks to four weeks. Read Also: North Korea Tests Nuclear Missiles From Submarine, Train; Accuses US, UN of Tampering With Dangerous Time Bomb White House walks back to Biden's comments Biden was also questioned on the prospect of higher taxes for the rich. The president's response centered on companies, telling them that he wished they prospered but that they should be careful: "At the very least, contribute your fair share. Contribute a little." Biden formed a circle with his index and thumb and put it up to his eye as he whispered "don't pay a cent." It was hardly the first time the president has used whispered tones to create dramatic effect. Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, spent Friday's daily press briefing correcting various misstatements made by President Joe Biden during a CNN town hall the night before. Biden's brag that he will employ the National Guard to repair the supply chain issue was rebuked by Psaki, who said the administration isn't even contemplating it. Per The Washington Times, she also noted that the president exaggerated the US position on Taiwan defense and explained his statement that he had visited the US-Mexico border. The use of the National Guard, according to Psaki, is not an option. While the president can deploy the National Guard at the federal level, she pointed out that it is usually activated at the request of state governors. She went on to say that the government has no intentions to deploy the guard to help with supply chain issues. Related Article: Joe Biden Demurs on Answering Question About Why He Is Not Visiting the Southern Border, Keeps Focus on Economic Package @YouTube @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Joe Biden was correct in withdrawing American soldiers from Afghanistan, but he criticized the "mess" that was left behind. Following the Taliban's takeover of power and the expulsion of most Western diplomats from Kabul, Moscow has been attempting to strengthen its influence in Afghanistan. A Taliban group met in Moscow on Wednesday to discuss the country's future as part of the so-called Moscow format, which includes India, Iran, China, and Pakistan. Russia praises US pullout in Afghanistan Putin praised Biden's decision on the contentious US pullout during a question-and-answer session after his address at the Valdai Discussion Club in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Putin said Biden "probably understood" that he would face domestic criticism for the decision, even if he didn't know in detail, but he went for it, accepted it, and took on this duty. "Those nations that fought there for 20 years, bear the greatest responsibility for the current catastrophe in Afghanistan," Putin added, Newsweek reported. Although the Taliban is considered a "terrorist" organization in Russia, Putin has previously stated that the group should be tolerated on the international scene to boost the country's development. Although analysts say Moscow has no imminent intentions to provide diplomatic recognition to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Russia regards the Taliban as critical in the war against Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K). Putin said on Thursday that Russia will remove them off the list of terrorist groups. "Russia's position will be to take steps in this direction." Per RT, the Russian president said it "could have been done differently" and that the US' "credibility" has been harmed as a result of the hasty withdrawal. Putin also stated that Russia is getting closer to removing the Taliban off its list of terrorist groups, but that the UN Security Council should do it first. In 2003, the Taliban was declared a terror group by a Russian court. Russian officials had just visited members of the Taliban hierarchy in Moscow the day before, on Thursday. Following the meeting, Abdul Salam Hanafi, Kabul's acting deputy prime minister, asked for "international recognition of Afghanistan's existing administration." Read Also: Taliban Executes Interpreter Who Worked With Australian Defense Forces; Australia Vows To Save Afghans Who Helped the ADF Putin says Russia approach would have been different from US' The situation in Afghanistan intensified in May 2021, following the commencement of the US army departure from the nation, which had been in place since 2001. The Taliban started on August 15, less than a month before America's deadline to withdraw, that they had taken control of the country. Though Putin appears to support Biden's decision to remove all US troops from Afghanistan, the president has been chastised in Washington by both Democrats and Republicans for his management of the withdrawal. For the first time since 2001, the Taliban reclaimed control in Afghanistan as a result of the withdrawal. Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated from the nation via the Kabul airport in the weeks following the Taliban takeover, under extremely chaotic conditions. ISIS-K mounted an attack during the evacuations, killing 13 US service members and 169 Afghans. The US responded with drone attacks, but one of them mistakenly attacked an aid worker, killing ten people, including seven children. A number of Americans and hundreds of Afghan friends were left behind after the last US forces left Afghanistan in late August, but some have since been evacuated. According to Brown University's Costs of War project, the US war in Afghanistan, which lasted 20 years and was the longest conflict in US history, resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Afghans - including over 47,000 civilians - and 2,448 US military men. It is also thought to have cost around $2.3 trillion. Putin said last month that the US achieved "zero" in Afghanistan and that the fight had resulted in "only tragedies," as per Business Insider. Related Article: Russia Sends More Gas to Europe To Ease Escalating Energy Crisis; Is Vladimir Putin Using Supply as Weapon? @YouTube @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Democrats are finding ways to get around resistance from Sen. Kyrsten Sinema regarding United States President Joe Biden's budget bill by proposing a "billionaire" tax that would target 600 to 700 wealthy Americans to raise hundreds of billions of dollars. The proposal was made by Oregon Democrat and Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Ron Wyden. The lawmaker said his "billionaires' tax" was a political winner and was a way to make sure that the wealthiest people did not avoid paying tax as they have done in previous years. Massive Billionaires' Tax In a statement, Wyden said that the proposal would connect some of the most challenging political communities in the United States. He added that the billionaires' tax would make Biden's Build Back Better much more popular among citizens. Wyden said his aim was to make officials realize that extremely rich people should pay taxes like the rest of the country. Up until now, similar pieces of legislation that involved wealthy people were the responsibility of Massachusetts Democrat Elizabeth Warren and Vermont independent Bernie Sanders. The two are some of the most passionate liberals in the Senate, the New York Times reported. The situation comes as Democrats have, for years, argued that wealthy people should be taxed more but have done little to actually hold billionaires accountable. But with Wyden's recent proposal, lawmakers are optimistic that Sinema will show her support for the piece of legislation. Read Also: Joe Biden Ends Bid for Free Community College, Says His Plans for Paid Leave Is Shrinking Due to Lack of Support From 50 Democratic Senators However, it is still unclear whether or not every Senate and House Democrat would be supporting Wyden's billionaires' tax. It comes as many lawmakers have agreed to increase taxes on Americans who were earning more than $500,000 annually and raise the corporate tax rate that large companies paid. Wyden's plan also aims to address the political chaos that Democrats have struggled with after Sinema's continued blockade. The latter had previously talked with Warren regarding the billionaire tax. Additionally, an advocate for Wyden's plan helped make the proposal popular during her campaign, the Washington Post reported. Discussions on Financial Legislation The original plan that Sinema is opposing aimed to raise the corporate tax from 21% to 28% and the lawmaker revealed that she would continue opposing any tax rate increase for businesses, rich people, or capital gains. On the other hand, another opposition, Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia has expressed his wishes that the corporate tax rate is raised to only 25%. Wyden previously had a call with the administration and the White House where he emphasized the importance of ending the United States' two tax codes. The lawmaker had hoped to show working people that the federal government was finally taxing the wealthiest Americans properly similar to everyone else. The possibility of Wyden's billionaires' tax passing comes as Democrats have made little progress to unite themselves regarding legislation. The proposals and discussion among left-wing lawmakers include a $500 fund to fight against climate change, $350 billion for child care subsidies and free pre-kindergarten, a new federal program for at least four weeks of paid family leave, a one-year extension to the $300 monthly child tax credit, and funds for healthcare, the Associated Press reported. Related Article: Ohio Man Causes Stir After Standing on Corners With Sign Offering Fake COVID-19 Vaccine Cards @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. After hearing his son Prince William speak up about his ambitions for his royal inheritance, Prince Charles acknowledged he was "reduced to tears." In the 2019 documentary 'Prince Charles: Inside the Duchy of Cornwall,' the Duke of Cambridge, who is second in line to the throne, discusses the matter. After hearing his son Prince William speak up about his ambitions for his royal inheritance, Prince Charles acknowledged he was moved to tears. Per Mirror, the Duke of Cambridge made his father proud once again on Sunday at the inaugural Earthshot Prize ceremony, which he established to inspire inventive ideas for saving the world. Prince Charles, Prince William's bond The Earthshot prize will be awarded to five persons each year until 2030, honoring those who have devised strategies to assist in mitigating the consequences of climate change. Each winner will get a $1.39 million award to further their initiatives. Prince Charles expressed his appreciation for his eldest son before the event. The family's strong ties have been questioned in recent years, after Prince Andrew's connection with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein being brought into question and Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's decision to leave the royal family. However, it is said that the recent turmoil has brought Prince Charles and Prince William closer together. After speaking out in a documentary about the significance of inheritance and royal succession, the Duke of Cambridge "reduced" his father to tears. The Royal Family has had a difficult time in recent years, with Prince Andrew being embroiled in a civil court action in New York, as per Express.co. Since leaving the Royal Family in 2020, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have had a strained relationship with the Firm. Despite the turmoil, Prince Charles and Prince William's bond is said to have grown. In the last 18 months, William has taken on a more prominent position in the Firm, and he was the first member of the Royal Family to speak out against the coronavirus amid April of last year, emphasizing that Britain was "at its best" in a crisis. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are regarded as critical to the Royal Family's continued relevance among younger generations. Read Also: Republicans Urge Queen Elizabeth To Strip Meghan Markle of Royal Title for Interfering in US Politics Is Prince Charles singling out Prince William? According to a royal expert, Prince Charles has "overlooked" his youngest son Prince Harry while "singling out" Prince William. A commentator has revealed how the Prince of Wales "ignored" the Duke of Sussex when he turned to social media to express his joy in his oldest son ahead of the Duke of Cambridge's Earthshot Prize awards event on Sunday. However, the royal expert believes that, given the amount of environmental work Prince Harry has done over the years, Prince Charles should have recognized him as well. As he promoted a new documentary, Prince Charles explained how his eldest grandson Prince George is well-versed in climate change and its effects throughout the world. The 72-year-old is featured in 'COP26: In Your Hands,' a new one-off Sky Kids Original documentary that depicts the effects of global warming throughout the world. As the Prince of Wales presents the documentary, which also includes Prime Minister Boris Johnson's commentary, he reveals that his eight-year-old grandson has been learning everything about climate change's devastating consequences. In the clip, Prince Charles claims that George is aware that global warming is causing "the big storms, the floods, the droughts, fires, and food shortages," admitting that "people had no knowledge about the damage they were doing" when he was his grandson's age, OK! Magazine reported. Related Article: Prince Harry, Prince William's Rift To Escalate Over Princess Diana's Memorial Party, Experts Predict @YouTube @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. United States President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate will force companies to lay off thousands of workers who do not comply with the requirement by the deadline, straining an already struggling supply-chain workforce, said a major business group this week. An influential trade group that represents an industry with nearly six million workers, the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), is urging the federal government to delay a Dec. 8 deadline of the vaccine mandate. The requirement would require federal contractors to get vaccinated against the coronavirus infection. Protest Against Vaccine Mandate On Wednesday, the president and CEO of NAW, Eric Hoplin, sent a letter to Democrat Biden warning the president that if tens or hundreds of thousands of employees were to be fired due to the vaccine mandate, it would be nothing but devastating to Americans who are recently unemployed and their families as well as hitting the U.S. economy. Members of the trade group include grocers, lumbers, florists, beer, wine, and various other distributors. Signed last month, Biden's executive order forces employees of contractors that do business with the federal government to get vaccinated against the coronavirus infection. The order did not give the option of regular testing to opt-out of being inoculated. The government's plan with the order is to prevent the spread of the disease, CNN reported. The situation comes as a few hundred General Electric employees walked away from their jobs on Friday at a company facility located in Schenectady, New York. The incident was a protest of Biden's vaccine mandate that forces employees to either get vaccinated against the coronavirus infection or risk being terminated. Read Also: Joe Biden Ignores Afghanistan Questions During 90-Minute Town Hall; White House Cleans Up Multiple of President's Comments The recent demonstration is the latest in a series of opposition protests held by GE employees in several states since the company announced the vaccination mandate. It was announced last week by the company that it would join other large firms in enforcing Biden's vaccine mandate and gave workers a deadline of Dec. 8. Dozens of people, including GE employees, protested on Wednesday just outside one of the firm's facilities in Lafayette, Indiana. Another 100 or so GE employees walked out of a plant in Greenville, South Carolina, on Thursday in protest of the vaccine mandate. Ohio has also reported some demonstrations by the company's workers, Fox Business reported. Protecting Americans On the other hand, Arizona's attorney general, Mark Brnovich, on Friday filed a request for a temporary restraining order to put a stop to Biden's vaccine mandate. In a statement where he announced the decision, Brnovich said that once a vaccine was administered, it could never be undone. The official said the vaccine mandate was one of the "greatest infringements" on a person's individual liberty, federalism, and the separation of powers by any administration. In September, the state first sued Biden's previous measures in September that required federal workers and private-sector workers in businesses with more than 100 workers to be vaccinated or accept weekly testing. The order was expected to affect more than 100 million Americans nationwide. "We've been patient but our patience is wearing thin and your refusal has cost all of us. This is not about freedom or personal choice. It's about protecting yourself and those around you," Biden said from the White House, defending his order, Fox News reported. Related Article: Biden Announces Support For Taiwan Against Growing Chinese Aggression Amid Rising Tensions With Russia @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NASA Hubble Space Telescope has captured two dancing galaxies. The interacting galaxies are more than 200 million light-years from Earth. Aside from this, there are also other interesting images that the NASA Hubble has captured, including the death of a star and a starburst galaxy. NASA Hubble Image: Intergalactic Dance In NASA's blog post, NASA Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled the galaxy pair Arp 86. The said pair or interacting galaxies is approximately 200 million light-years from the planet Earth near the constellation Pegasus. For detailed information of the Arp 86, it is composed of two galaxies which are NGC 7752 and NGC 7753. NGC 7753 is a large spiral galaxy dominating its smaller companion NGC 7752. The NGC 7752 seems almost attached to the NGC 7753, which is why it was named Arp 86 because it indicates that the two galaxies appear in the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies arranged in 1966 by the astronomer Halton Arp. Shall we dance? This #HubbleFriday image shows a pair of galaxies locked in a cosmic dance. Eventually, the gravitational pull between them will result in the smaller galaxy being tossed out into space or engulfed by its larger neighbor. For more: https://t.co/z9UYOReSTY pic.twitter.com/ygGwWTjRrP Hubble (@NASAHubble) October 22, 2021 Moreover, NASA Hubble Space Telescope has examined Arp 86 to understand the connection among the young stars and the clouds of the cold gas in which they form. In relation to this, Hubble also observed star clusters, clouds of gas and its dust in a variety of environments scattered across nearby galaxies. With the combination of Atacama Large Millimeter or submillimeter Array (ALMA), the observations that NASA Hubble has produced should give useful information for those astronomers studying the birth of the star. For a definition of ALMA, it is a gigantic radio telescope perched high in the Chilean Andres, per NASA. Apart from the intergalactic dance, the NASA Hubble Space Telescope also captured another interacting galaxy this month, namely the Arp 91. Read Also: iPhone 13 Price Drop Coming Soon: Research Reveals When You Should Buy New Apple Flagship NASA Hubble Detects a Dangerous Dance As mentioned, NASA Hubble has captured two interacting galaxies this month, including the Arp 91. In NASA's previous blog post, it showed that two galaxies are interacting closely. The said galactic dance is placed more than 100 million light-years from Earth. Arp 91 is composed of two galaxies which are NGC 5953 and NGC 5954. The NGC 5953 is on the lower part and the brightest of the two, while the 5954 is the oval-shaped galaxy located on the upper right. Hubble caught a glimpse of two interacting galaxies, called Arp 91, locked in a dangerous dance more than 100 million light-years from Earth! In this #HubbleFriday image, we see how immense gravitational attraction is causing these galaxies to interact: https://t.co/lqmhYfsnzY pic.twitter.com/9ZmMTA4YCF Hubble (@NASAHubble) October 8, 2021 In the picture, it clearly shows that NGC 5953 is pulling the NGC 5954 and seems like it extends one spiral arm downward. The massive gravitational attraction of these galaxies causes the interaction. Additionally, most astronomers believe that the collision of spiral galaxies leads to the formation of an elliptical galaxy. However, NASA clarified that massive collisions occur over hundreds of millions of years, and the interacting galaxies will not change their appearance suddenly. In a earlier report, the NASA Hubble also captured the death of a star after a supernova explosion and the astronomers believed that this observation could be an early warning method to identify a dying star. Related Article: Lucy Spacecraft Glitch: NASA Confirms Major Solar Array Issue After Historic Launch Does Walmart know you steal? The answer is yes. A viral TikTok video showed how Walmart catches thieves using a device. In case a customer was caught stealing, there is a possibility that Walmart may or may not sue the thief. How Does Walmart Catch Thieves? TikTok user @rejeanlevell has warned Walmart shoppers in his video, stating that they should stop stealing from its self-checkout machine. According to Levell, Walmart has a camera placed above the check out machine. If the camera captured the act of stealing, the part where the customer did not scan the item will be flashed on all Walmart screens. As of writing, the video has more than 4 million views, more than 500,000 likes, and almost 13,000 comments. Read Also: NASA Hubble Image Shows Stunning View of Two Galaxies Dancing! [PHOTO] However, Levell uploaded a follow-up video showing that items bought are not checked after the transaction. This only means that thieves can walk away easily after stealing from Walmart. Levell has more than 60,000 followers and above 1 million likes. His content is mostly traveling hacks and miscellaneous knowledge. Keep in mind that this is not the first time that the retail giant showed their ways of catching thieves. According to News Week, a Walmart employee also released a TikTok video revealing that staff also know when a customer steals at the self-checkout machines. Some customers believe that it's a blind spot, but it is not. In the posted video of TikTok user @thewalmartguy69, it showed that Walmart employees are equipped with a scanner device. Zebra Technologies created the said device, which is a popular retail trace and track. The company also supplies several large retail stores in the U.S with its scanners and software. With this device, employees can connect their scanners to the self-checkout machines. Aside from this, employees also know when it is in use or not. In addition, the device also indicates the items scanned at each machine, which makes it for employees easier to spot unscanned items. Does Walmart Sue Shoplifters? According to Query Sprout, Walmart loses $3 billion per year because of shoplifting. With that said, the retail giant does everything to prevent the case. Query Sprout found out that Walmart does sue any theft for over $25 as of 2021. They also hire Loss Prevention Associates to profile and identify shoplifters. Since the footage from the surveillance cameras is not deleted and all the transaction records are arranged, associates can review these and file the case for the repeat offenders. Related Article: PS5 Restock Tracker: Where to Buy PlayStation 5 If You Missed Out on Walmart, Best Buy Stocks An aerial view of the film set on Bonanza Creek Ranch where Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin fatally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded a director when he discharged a prop gun on the movie set of the film "Rust" in Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S., in this frame grab taken from Oct. 21 television footage. Reuters-Yonhap The fatal shooting of a crew member by actor Alec Baldwin during the making of a movie in the western United States has raised questions over the use of guns on film sets. Hollywood armorer Guillaume Delouche who has been supplying weapons to filmmakers for three decades, with 75 titles to his name says there are usually multiple safeguards against tragedy. Here are some of his insights into the use of guns in the movie business. Why are guns used on a movie set? Even though adding digital effects in post-production is relatively easy and cheap nowadays, a lot of directors and actors prefer to use real guns, says Delouche, citing added authenticity. "The problem with dummy weapons is that you take away the recoil and the smoke, which adds something to the acting," he said. "When you give the actor a latex or plastic gun and add the effect of the bullet later with digital effects, there is still a clear difference." How are guns handled on a film set? Protocols are necessarily strict, says Delouche, comparing the double and triple checks with the way airplane safety systems operate. "We treat blank weapons as if they were real weapons. In many cases, they are real weapons that have been modified," he explained. "The weapons are kept in a safe. Once they are on the set, we organize the blank ammunition, which is marked and color-coded to differentiate it. "First, we show the crew and actors that the gun is empty before loading it. "When we put blanks in a gun we announce it, several times." Items from the National Firearms Museum exhibit of guns and memorabilia used in movies, such as Clint Eastwood's gun and badge from "Dirty Harry," are shown at the NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, Va. in this April 2002 file photo. AP-Yonhap Chunyu Yang, researcher at ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO). Courtesy of AMRO By Chunyu Yang Since 2018, Korea has witnessed rapidly rising housing prices, particularly in the Seoul metropolitan area, resulting in growing concerns among policymakers and homeowners alike. Housing prices in Korea have increased by nearly 20 percent since January 2020, and a house can now cost more than 10 times the average annual household income. The problem is even more acute in the Seoul metropolitan area with housing prices rising by almost 25 percent in the same period, far outpacing many Asian metropolises such as Beijing, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The accompanying rise in household debt and potential risks of a housing price correction may pose serious challenges for the government, if not checked. At the same time, dreams of home ownership seem increasingly distant for people, particularly the younger generation. Reasons for the surge One key problem is the supply-demand gap. The number of households has grown faster than the population over the past 20 years, implying the average size of households has become smaller. Remarkably, more than half the households only comprises one or two persons. This is likely one of the factors that has boosted the demand for housing, especially small ones. Besides, the Seoul metropolitan area, which comprises less than 12 percent of Korea's land area, and already home to half its population, continues to see an inflow of people from other parts of the country. Thus, this area particularly Gyeonggi Province and Incheon has seen even higher growth in the number of households since 2016. On the other hand, housing supply is generally inelastic in the short-term, given that time is needed to plan, develop and implement projects and to complete construction. In Korea, housing supply has increased steadily by more than 2 percent per year in the three years leading to 2019 to reach 21 million, but there is still a shortage in the Seoul metropolitan area. According to our study in the 2021 Annual Consultation Report on Korea, an additional 158,000 houses are needed to provide one house for each household in Seoul. With the demand-supply imbalance, housing transactions and prices can easily rise if there is excessive liquidity in the market. In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, various economic stimulus policies were implemented, injecting massive liquidity into the economy and reducing the cost of credit. As a result, housing loans increased by 17.5 percent in 2020, the highest growth rate ever. Meanwhile, housing transaction volume reached its highest level in over a decade, and the number of unsold housing units fell to its lowest. Warning signs and policy measures Rapid increases in housing prices and excessive lending are seen as indications of accumulating financial imbalance. Although Korean experts do not see a bubble in the housing market yet, some indicators, such as the surging household debt-to-GDP ratio, should be monitored closely. According to the Korea Economic Research Institute, the household debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 103.8 percent as of the end of 2020, having increased by 16.5 percentage points since 2016, compared to global private debt growth of 11.2 percentage points. gettyimagesbank Experts see possessing nuclear weapons 'impossible' By Kang Seung-woo The years-long subject of South Korea possessing its own nuclear weapons is being rekindled in response to North Korea's rapid expansion of its nuclear program. The South Korean and U.S. governments have made clear their objections to the idea, but given Pyongyang's meaningful progress in the development of nuclear weapons, it is likely to remain a debatable topic in the foreseeable future. In the past, there have often been calls here for South Korea to acquire its own nuclear arsenal, but to no avail due to a possible violation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) that would be followed by sanctions and the disapproval of Washington that is wary of the spread of nuclear weapons. Joseph DeTrani, a former special envoy for negotiations with North Korea, was the latest to revisit the dormant issue. "North Korea has conducted six nuclear tests and continues to reprocess spent fuel rods for plutonium for nuclear weapons. They are assessed to have between 40 and 60 nuclear weapons," DeTrani said in a contribution to the Hill, a U.S. political website, Oct. 17. "There is appropriate current concern that other nation-states will try to acquire nuclear weapons capability, usually for deterrence purposes. Indeed, if North Korea is permitted to retain its nuclear weapons, South Korea, Japan and others in the region may decide that, despite U.S. nuclear deterrence commitments, they need their own nuclear weapons." His assessment is in line with the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). According to the DIA's Oct. 15 report on North Korea's military power, unless it agrees to full denuclearization, including the scrapping of delivery systems, it will likely grow and advance in many sectors, including nuclear weapons, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and land-based ballistic missiles "Kim Jong-un has placed a priority on the development and demonstration of weapons that provide North Korea the means to strike distant adversaries including the United States with nuclear weapons. It is possible we could see a test of a long range missile over the next year," the report said, adding the country has become a critical security challenge for the U.S. In addition, another op-ed published in the Washington Post, Oct. 7, insisted that the U.S. support South Korea if the latter decides to pursue its own nuclear weapons, an argument against the U.S. government's nuclear nonproliferation efforts. "In the event of war, leaders in Pyongyang would have powerful incentives to use nuclear weapons to stalemate South Korea's conventional military superiority. Should the United States retaliate, the American homeland would become a target," Dartmouth College professors Jennifer Lind and Daryl Press, wrote. They said, if war breaks out, South Korea can't be sure that its U.S. ally would rush to aid Seoul when its own survival is threatened. "A South Korean nuclear arsenal is not what Washington prefers indeed, it goes against a core U.S. policy of preventing nuclear spread. But it might be the best course given the weakened foundation of the alliance. If Seoul decides to take this step, the United States should focus blame where it belongs on Pyongyang's illegal nuclear program and render political support to a valued ally," they concluded. Rep. Kim Tae-ho of the main opposition People Power Party said, Oct. 18, South Korea arming itself with nuclear weapons could be a measure to bring North Korea back to denuclearization talks. "There are opinions in the U.S. as to whether it is necessary to develop independent nuclear weapons in order to maintain our sovereign independence from the threat of North Korea," Kim said during a National Assembly audit. "We should boldly try a new approach." Unification Minister Lee In-young speaks during a National Assembly audit, Oct. 18. Lee said South Korea obtaining nuclear armament capability was not a good way to resolve the North Korea nuclear issue. Joint Press Corps Workers disinfect a department store in Pyongyang, North Korea, Oct. 20. AFP-Yonhap North Korea has never been more isolated from the international community as a result of its drastic steps to prevent COVID-19, and the ruptured global ties are having ''a dramatic impact on the human rights of the people inside the country,'' the U.N.'s independent investigator on the reclusive northeast Asian nation said Friday. Tomas Ojea Quintana told the General Assembly's human rights committee and an earlier news conference that North Koreans are facing food shortages and collapses in their livelihoods, and the most vulnerable children and elderly people are at risk of starvation. He said he was also ''really, really concerned'' about the extent of hunger in political prison camps. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea the North's official name closed its borders to prevent the pandemic, which Ojea Quintana said would have ''a devastating impact'' on the people's right to health because the DPRK's health infrastructure suffers from underinvestment and a critical shortage of supplies caused by underlying human rights issues. ''The draconian steps the government of the DPRK has taken to prevent COVID-19 from entering reportedly include a policy of shooting individuals who attempt to enter or leave the country,'' he said. In his final report to the General Assembly after six years as the U.N. special investigator on human rights in the DPRK, Ojea Quintana added that ''increased restrictions on freedom of movement and the shutting of national borders has choked market activity that has become essential for people's access to basic necessities, including food.'' He said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has recognized the ''grim'' food situation and is investing in efforts to prevent starvation in the country. Nonetheless, as a result of the border closures, he said, ''the lifesaving humanitarian work of the United Nations and other international actors has also ground to a halt, with no United Nations international staff currently in the country'' and diplomats continuing to leave. ''The people of the DPRK should not have to choose between the fear of hunger and the fear of COVID-19,'' Ojea Quintana said. He said the pandemic has demonstrated that the only way to tackle a virus that doesn't respect international borders is through international cooperation. ''However, the dark irony is that the absence of international personnel can buttress those within the country seeking permanent isolation,'' he said. The DPRK rejected an offer of vaccine from the World Health Organization's COVAX program, an ambitious project to buy and deliver coronavirus vaccines for the world's poorest people, Ojea Quintana said, ''and there is a discussion about whether the international community should offer North Korea a full-scale vaccination of the population.'' It's clear the DPRK fears an outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, he said, ''and unless all the population is vaccinated it could be the case that borders may continue to be closed.'' Ojea Quintana said there are also some ideas of opening special zones to do trade with China in the border area while protecting the population from COVID-19. He said trade with China has given North Koreans the opportunity to survive and make a living. In his report to the General Assembly, the U.N. investigator said he recommended that in light of the pandemic, the Security Council committee monitoring sanctions against the DPRK over its nuclear program ''should re-evaluate the sanctions regime under these circumstances, and when necessary to ease those sanctions.'' While humanitarian aid to the DPRK is exempt from sanctions, Ojea Quintana said sanctions have had unintended consequences on ordinary people. As one example, he said, U.N. sanctions against the export of textiles and seafood industries where women are the predominant workers have resulted in women who are family bread-winners losing their jobs. Ojea Quintana said he recognized the paradox of deteriorating social and economic rights in the DPRK while the government continues to test missiles, ''probably diverting resources that should be allocated in those areas.'' U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price holds a press briefing at the State Department in Washington, in this Aug. 16 file photo. Reuters-Yonhap U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said in response to Ojea Quintana's report that ''the simple truth is that the DPRK regime itself is responsible for the humanitarian situation in the country.'' He said sanctions remain in place, but the United States is involved in efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the neediest North Koreans. (AP) A North Korean flag flies on a mast at the Permanent Mission of North Korea in Geneva, in this Oct. 2014 file photo. Reuters-Yonhap North Korea blasted the United States, Saturday, for causing military tension with China by meddling in affairs involving Taiwan. Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong-ho also accused Washington of trying to topple both Beijing and Pyongyang. "This year alone, the U.S. dispatched all kinds of battleships into the Taiwan Straits on the plea [sic] of freedom of navigation whenever [the] occasion called. Some time ago, it even mobilized a battleship of its ally only to escalate tension in the Taiwan Straits," Pak said in a statement carried by the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). "This is an actual proof that the U.S. is using Taiwan as a tool to put pressure on China and an outpost to overpower China in an emergency though it outwardly maintains One China policy," the KCNA added. The statement came after U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed U.S. commitment to the defense of Taiwan from Chinese aggression in a town hall meeting held Thursday (local time). The North Korean official argued that the Taiwan situation also reflected American intentions toward the North. "It is a well-known fact that the U.S. troops and its military bases in South Korea are in use to put pressure on China and that the huge forces of the U.S. and its satellite states, which are being concentrated near Taiwan, can be committed to a military operation targeting the DPRK at any time," said the statement, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "This reality proves that the U.S. is in its bid [sic] to stifle our country and China, both socialist countries, in order to hold its supremacy," it added. North Korea has been ignoring U.S. overtures for dialogue, saying it will come to the table when and if Washington drops its hostility toward Pyongyang. The North has stayed away from talks with the U.S. since early 2019. "It is in correlation with the situation on the Korean peninsula that we would continue to watch the U.S. very closely in its stance to hold hegemony over the issue of Taiwan," the North Korean diplomat said in the statement. (Yonhap) Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un take a walk at the Kumsusan State Guesthouse in Pyongyang, in this June 2019 file photo. Yonhap Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with North Korea, Pyongyang's state media reported Saturday. Xi made the remarks in a reply to Kim's earlier letter to mark the 72nd Chinese National Day, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). In the reply, Xi said he has highly taken note of relations between North Korea and China, and expressed his willingness to raise bilateral ties to a "new level." North Korea and China were emphasizing their close relations amid stalemated nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington, and an escalating Sino-U.S. rivalry. Previously, Kim vowed to raise the Pyongyang-Beijing "friendship to a new strategic point as required by the times and as desired by the peoples of the two countries." China fought alongside the North against South Korean, U.S. and United Nations troops during the Korean War that ended in an armistice on July 27, 1953. Sunday marks the 70th anniversary of China's entry into the war. North Korea has been seeking to maintain closer ties with its traditional ally amid the impasse in nuclear negotiations with the United States. (Yonhap) U.S. special representative for North Korea policy Sung Kim speaks at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, Oct. 23. Yonhap The top U.S. envoy on North Korea said Saturday he expects "productive" consultations with South Korea as he arrived here for a two-day visit. Sung Kim, U.S. special representative for North Korea policy, plans to meet with his South Korean counterpart, Noh Kyu-duk, Sunday. The two had discussions in Washington D.C., followed by a trilateral session involving Japan's top nuclear envoy, Takehiro Funakoshi, earlier this week. "I look forward to having productive follow-up discussions tomorrow here in Seoul," Kim said in a brief statement upon arriving at Incheon International Airport, just west of Seoul. He did not take any question from reporters. "Sorry, I have to run," he just said and left the airport. Kim and Noh are expected to discuss how to revive long-stalled talks with Pyongyang, including a proposed "end-of-war" declaration. Last month, President Moon Jae-in used his U.N. National Assembly speech to again propose declaring a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War. Moon and his aides hope it will serve as a catalyst to resume talks with North Korea and reinvigorate his Korea peace process. The U.S. envoy is scheduled to depart Seoul later Sunday for Jakarta, where he doubles as ambassador, according to an informed source. Denuclearization talks between Washington and Pyongyang remain stalled since a no-deal Hanoi summit in 2019. South and North Korea technically remain at war, as the war ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. (Yonhap) Minister of Employment and Labor An Kyung-duk, left, speaks during a National Assembly audit on the ministry, Thursday. Joint Press Corps By Nam Hyun-woo Namyang Dairy Products, a domestic milk products maker, is now under a special labor inspection by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, following allegations that the company discriminated against its female workers in the personnel affairs department as well as coerced them to sign documents promising that they would not get pregnant. During a National Assembly audit, Thursday, Labor Minister An Kyung-duk said that the ministry is inspecting Namyang over these allegations. "The ministry will conduct interviews and a survey of all the employees of Namyang Dairy," An said. The allegations became public after a former Namyang Dairy employee, surnamed Choi, claimed during an Oct. 6 Assembly audit session that she was sidelined from her job and transferred from the Seoul headquarters to a logistics center in another province after taking her maternity leave, and that the company in the past coerced female employees "to sign documents promising they would not get pregnant." After the testimony, Namyang Dairy released a statement denying all the allegations. "The claim is groundless and false," the statement read. "The employee was already listed for a transfer before she took her maternity leave and those facts were already recognized by a high court. The case is now at the Supreme Court following her appeal." Namyang Dairy Products Chairman Hong Won-sik speaks during a National Assembly audit, Thursday. Joint Press Corps China and Russia's future military drills may be elevated with joint air and sea patrols, defense analysts said as the two nations jointly sailed through the Tsugaru Strait and Izu Island chain in the Japanese Archipelago in an apparent move to counter the United States. The two militaries have carried out joint air and sea patrols before, but a combination of the two in an upcoming drill would deepen their defense cooperation as they face confrontation from the U.S. and its allies. "Chinese and Russian militaries may make air and ship patrols together in the Sea of Japan or Western Pacific," Yue Gang, a retired PLA colonel and military affairs commentator, said, adding that more advanced weapons would be deployed. "With the deployment of more advanced weapons, the two nations are determined to boost their coordination, and show to each other that they are not hiding anything. They need this to boost joint ability to handle conflict or emergencies." China and Russia wrapped up their latest drill this week with an anti-submarine exercise and a first joint passage through Tsugaru Strait, a narrow waterway separating the Japanese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido. After the passage, the Chinese and Russian naval fleet headed south and passed through the Izu Island chain, and helicopters were spotted being launched from the ships. Five Chinese and five Russian warships joined the drill and passage. For the first time, Beijing sent its Type 055 guided-missile destroyer Nanchang to take part. Other Chinese ships include a 052D destroyer, two 054A frigates and one support ship. Russia sent the Udaloy-class destroyer Admiral Panteleyev, anti-submarine ship Admiral Tributs, one electronic surveillance ship and two frigates. China and Russia have cooperated in military drills regularly since 2012, with the exception of last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Since 2019, the two countries have conducted annual joint strategic air patrols over the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping / AP-Yonhap Flowers and tributes to the victims of the attack on Manchester Arena fill St Ann's Square in Manchester, Britain, in this 2017 May file photo. Reuters-Yonhap A 24-year-old man has been arrested at an airport by detectives investigating the Manchester Arena bomb attack in 2017. Greater Manchester Police said the man, who is from the Fallowfield area of Manchester, was arrested at Manchester Airport, Friday, shortly after arriving back in the U.K. He was detained on suspicion of engaging in the preparation of acts of terrorism/assisting others in acts of preparation under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act (2006). The senior investigating officer for the investigation, Simon Barraclough, said: "Greater Manchester Police remains firmly committed to establishing the truth surrounding the circumstances of the terror attack at the Manchester Arena whether that is by supporting the ongoing public inquiry or by continuing to pursue leads with regards to the criminal investigation. "Over four years have passed since the atrocity took place but we are unwavering in our dedication to follow each line of enquiry available so that we can provide all those affected by the events at the arena with the answers they rightly deserve." A total of 22 people including children died in the terror attack at the Manchester Arena on May 22, 2017. At around 10.30 p.m. on the day of the incident, British-born Salman Abedi, 22, walked into the foyer of the arena, as crowds streamed out of an Ariana Grande concert, and detonated a device packed with shrapnel. His brother Hashem was handed a record 55-year sentence in August last year for his part in the atrocity. The public inquiry into the deaths of the victims is continuing, and it emerged earlier this week that the elder brother of Salman and Hashem was allowed to leave the country a day after he was stopped at an airport by police. Officers using counter-terrorism powers interviewed Ismail Abedi, 28, which caused him to miss his intended flight from Manchester Aug. 28, but he successfully boarded a plane at the same airport Aug. 29 and has not returned to the UK since. He had been called to give "highly important" evidence at a public inquiry into the atrocity. On Monday, Ahmed Taghdi, 29, a childhood friend of Salman Abedi, was arrested as he attempted to leave the country following the granting of a High Court order last week which ordered him to attend. He gave evidence Thursday before he was later released from custody. He denied trying to flee the U.K. to avoid questions about his close relationship with the bomber and what he knew of the plot to attack the Manchester Arena. (dpa) LOAMs executive chef, Joshua Guarneri, said the restaurants breakfast and lunch will be less formal than dinner. IT Technical Support Full Time Position. Acts as support for hospital and clinic information technology/systems and activities. The Technical Support Representative utilizes and operates computers, the information system, data entry, and related electronic data processing equipment, as well as has knowledge of general principles of computer system operations. The Tech is responsible for daily technical duties, managing work orders, maintaining the hospital and clinic camera and phone systems, and manages patch management and network support. The Tech monitors and manages image deployment, MDM/Inventory, the backup system, and Kaspersky updates/security center/antivirus. Must be available for call after hours and weekends. High school diploma or equivalent required. Associates degree in Computer Science or related field preferred. One to two years of computer experience and experience in hospital or clinic setting preferred. Ballinger Memorial Hospital District offers numerous outpatient services, acute and swing bed care, and is certified as a level IV trauma ER. They also provide a clinic with physicians and mid-level providers. Ballinger Memorial Hospital District participates in and promotes activities that encourage wellness in our community. Ballinger Memorial Hospital District offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits. All employees are enrolled in the TCDRS retirement plan, with a generous employer contribution. Full-Time employees are eligible for medical, dental, and vision insurance, short term disability and cafeteria plans. BMHD provides $40,000 life insurance and long-term disability for all Full-Time employees. To apply, contact Cam Martin, HR Director, at 325-365-4952, or email resume to email provided, or apply in person at 608 Avenue B, Ballinger, Texas. recblid i5594ws80918p57c596tlqgb8ev410 Loparex LLC is the world's largest manufacturer of extrusion base and silicone-coated release liners for the converting industry. We have manufacturing operations throughout the U.S., Europe, China, Thailand and India. The Iowa City facility has been in operation since 1970 and annually supplies three billion square feet of release liner worldwide. Loparex's Iowa City Facility is currently looking for an Electrician. This position is responsible for installing, maintaining, and modifying new and existing electrical/electronic control system components used for all manufacturing operations at Loparex. DUTIES Promotes safety by leading by example, participating in safety engagements, and encouraging the team to work safe each day and to follow all safety guidelines and procedures. Abides by all plant safety rules to keep safe and fellow employees safe. Troubleshoots and repairs electronic/electrical problems with control systems affecting machine operation. Performs any needed electrical/electronic control maintenance and/or preventive maintenance for the production machines, safety interlock systems and hoists. Services and repairs office and plant lighting. Plant Safety involvement with participation in observations and/or committees. Regular and reliable attendance. Provides coverage on other shifts as needed. Completes projects for AEI (Automation, Electrical, and Instrumental) solutions. Performs ISO calibrations on LEL, IR cameras, and load cells. Other duties assigned by manager. QUALIFICATIONS Two-year technical (electrical) degree. Previous experience that provides the qualification to perform the job duties. Ability and skill to use a wide variety of diagnostic and repair tools. Ability to read and follow electronic/electrical schematics, technical manuals, drawings, and regulatory books. Solid computer skills. Ability to communicate professionally and positively, both verbally and in writing. Provide own tools and toolbox. Must have the ability to wear personal protective equipment including ear plugs, safety glasses, and steel toed shoes. Loparex offers a competitive compensation and full benefit package. Candidates must be able to pass a post offer drug screen and background check. Click apply now to email your resume today! Loparex is an equal opportunity employer. recblid g1dvz5p3nyr4uxtbgixc3m5ttdr0bj 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 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. However, the news organizations have reported that the issue may lie deeper. In news stories, they disclosed that the pension system had for the first time used unaudited data in what turned out to be the erroneous calculation. In addition, ACA Compliance Group, the firm hired to check the math, noted that it sampled less than half of the period under review and skipped a critical month where errors were made. If you dont know what you want to do at this age or you think you know what you want to do, stay flexible. Because you really dont know what life has in store for you, said Caffrey, 59, a Republican from Whitehall who said he initially pursued a law degree as a way to enter politics. Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-22 23:43:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close -- Behind Washington's defamation of China as an "economic bully" is the U.S. politicians' attempt to scapegoat China for U.S. economic woes, and their long-time habit of seeking confrontation to serve selfish goals. --In recent years, America has proven itself a skillful "economic bully" with various means, including sanctions, investment restrictions and tarrifs. --In a changing world where cooperation and solidarity are in dire need, Washington's actions will only cripple its own credibility and impede global economic recovery. BEIJING, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Two U.S. lawmakers have recently introduced a bill to establish an interagency task force to counter the so-called "growing economic coercion" of China, hyping up Washington's anti-China cliche in the economic sector and attempting to make an issue out of China. However in reality, it is the United States that has long been abusing its dominant position in the world economy to practice trade protectionism and economic unilateralism for its own sake. That has not only incurred losses for all nations concerned, but also hampered international cooperation and the struggling global recovery amid COVID-19. As the world has witnessed, the U.S. obsession with safeguarding its "position of strength" covers almost every realm, in particular trade and economy, and that happens in its interactions not just with China. Behind Washington's defamation of China as an "economic bully" is the U.S. politicians' attempt to scapegoat China for U.S. economic woes, and their long-time habit of seeking confrontation to serve selfish goals. Photo taken on Sept. 3, 2021 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) DOMESTIC DISCONTENT OVER ECONOMY Experts believe that the U.S. economy is now deeply mired in long-festering problems, which have been aggravated by the rampant spread of the coronavirus and its variants. Currently, the already piling-up U.S. debt burden, massive spending plans and ineffective recovery strategies are sparking severe concerns regarding the sustainability of the country's economy amid a new surge of COVID-19 infections. Photo taken on May 6, 2020 shows a temporarily closed pizza restaurant in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) The White House's plan to leave in place the Section 301 tariffs imposed by the former Trump administration has also triggered discontent and opposition among U.S. trade groups representing importers, which have long urged Washington to abolish such practices. U.S. President Joe Biden's trade strategy toward China "will further inflict unnecessary damage to the American economy and retail supply chains. Because these tariffs touch products in nearly every sector of the U.S. economy, they also ultimately force consumers to pay higher prices," said the U.S. National Retail Federation in a recent statement. "At a time when industry is struggling with an unprecedented supply chain crisis due to our crumbling infrastructure, economic fallout from a damaging pandemic, and unprecedented freight costs, it is distressing that the administration has chosen to continue to subject U.S. companies to these damaging taxes," said Steve Lamar, president of the American Apparel and Footwear Association. Pedestrians walk past a store for lease in New York, the United States, Sept. 4, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) For the second straight month, more than half of Americans think the U.S. economy is in bad shape, according to a poll released by CBS News website last week. The poll, co-conducted by CBS News from Oct. 6 to 8 by interviewing 2,054 U.S. adults, found that only 37 percent of Americans rate the economy as very or fairly good, the lowest percentage since March. CBS News also pointed out that most Americans are not convinced that the Biden administration's domestic agenda would improve the economy, as only about a third of the surveyed Americans think the Build Back Better plan would help them directly or help the economy overall. Economists also expect the rampant spread of the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 would slow U.S. economic growth this year to 5.6 percent, according to a survey last month by the Washington-based National Association of Business Economists. Multiple studies suggest American businesses and families have borne the brunt of the elevated tariffs imposed in the U.S.-initiated trade war against China, said Moody's Investors Service in a report in May. The rating agency said that U.S. importers have absorbed more than 90 percent of additional costs resulting from higher U.S. tariff on Chinese goods. A report by the Brookings Institution also revealed that economic analyses show the average American household has paid somewhere from several hundred to a thousand dollars or more per year, thanks to higher consumer prices attributable to tariffs. SELF-CENTERED PARTNER In recent years, America has proven itself a skillful "economic bully" with various means, including sanctions, investment restrictions and tarrifs, which have antagonized allies and stirred up tensions and disruptions in global trade and supply chains. Besides China, the United States has dragged an array of its partners into trade disputes and technological suppression through a series of coercive tactics. Photo taken on Sept. 30, 2021 shows the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) "Just as the United States has not been above browbeating its partners, so too has the U.S. often changed its 'friends' for the sake of larger interests," said a recent article by U.S. news portal Politico. Former European Council President Donald Tusk has once gone "full zen in his angry description of Trump's effect on Europe," said The Washington Post. "Looking at the latest decisions of Donald Trump, someone could even think: With friends like that, who needs enemies?" Tusk told reporters back in 2018. "But, frankly speaking, Europe should be grateful to President Trump. Because, thanks to him, we got rid of all the illusions. He has made us realize that if you need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of your arm." Though the United States has always claimed Europe as a natural partner, resetting their alliance is believed to be rockier than expected, with trade frictions unresolved and trust unrestored across the Atlantic. Last week, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire urged Washington to "get rid of these areas of tension between the United States and Europe as quickly as possible." A poll of 11,000 respondents across nine European countries, released by the European Council on Foreign Relations in late June in 2020, found there was an increasingly negative perception of the United States amid the coronavirus outbreak. Observers worldwide have seen that the Biden administration has not ended the unilateralism and protectionism of the Trump era, and has even escalated it in some areas, abusing politics to further distort economics and advanced technology. The U.S. commitment to its allies sounds eloquently assertive, but it is as fragile as soap bubbles when the truth has been brought to light. After the exposure of U.S. eavesdropping on European leaders, France and Germany deplored the alleged spying as "unacceptable," and demanded "full clarity" from the U.S. side. In his new book "The Chip Trap," Marc Lassus, key founder of French smart card producer Gemplus, has chosen to speak out and reveal how the U.S. security services persecuted him and seized control of his tech firm. The book, which came after "The American Trap: My Battle to Expose America's Secret Economic War against the Rest of the World" written by Frederic Pierucci, a former senior manager for French energy and transport conglomerate Alstom, serves as yet another testimony to America's dark history of handicapping the tech companies of other countries by hook or by crook to realize ill-gotten selfish gains. "It is time to speak out the truth," Lassus said after experiencing countless repressions and threats from the United States. "We must make European countries aware that the United States are not real friends, sometimes even enemies." From Europe to Southeast Asia, regional leaders have explicitly ruled out being involved in U.S.-China competition, particularly Washington's blame-China game. In a changing world where cooperation and solidarity are in dire need, Washington's actions will only cripple its own credibility and impede global economic recovery. (Gao Pan, Xiong Maoling in Washington, Chen Shaohua in Beijing also contributed to the story.) (Video editors: Hong Liang, Cao Ying, Mu Xuyao) Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-22 23:45:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, speaks at the virtual opening ceremony of the Fifth Session of the Regular Exchange Mechanism between the NPC and the National Assembly of South Africa at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) BEIJING, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- China will take the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation meeting as a chance and work with Africa to build a closer China-Africa community with a shared future, Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said on Friday. Li made the remarks at the virtual opening ceremony of the Fifth Session of the Regular Exchange Mechanism between the NPC and the National Assembly of South Africa. South Africa is welcomed to participate in the China-proposed Global Development Initiative, in order to achieve strong, green and healthy global development, he said. The top Chinese legislator spoke highly of China-South Africa ties, saying the two countries have supported each other politically, and steadily promoted cooperation in various fields including trade, investment, science and technology. The NPC is willing to work with the National Assembly of South Africa to make full use of the regular exchange mechanism platform and enhance cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries, Li said. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa, attended the meeting via video link and said South Africa stands ready to further develop the comprehensive strategic partnership of the two countries and strengthen cooperation in various sectors such as the epidemic control and economic and social development. It is hoped that the legislative bodies of the two countries will continue to deepen cooperation and actively use the regular exchange mechanism to promote bilateral relations, Mapisa-Nqakula said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-23 01:24:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday issued a position paper on its cooperation with the United Nations ahead of a commemorative meeting marking the 50th anniversary of the restoration of People's Republic of China's lawful seat in the UN. On Oct. 25, 1971, the UN General Assembly at its 26th Session adopted Resolution 2758 with an overwhelming majority to restore all the rights of the People's Republic of China in the UN. The position paper reviewed China's cooperation with the UN over the past 50 years, which has kept expanding and deepening. Over the past 50 years, China has firmly upheld world peace and security, made vigorous efforts to promote global development, worked steadily to advance international rule of law, fully supported the UN in playing a central role in international affairs, actively promoted and protected human rights, vigorously advanced development and cooperation on social affairs, and made continuous contribution to improving healthcare for mankind, according to the paper. The paper also set forth China's positions and propositions on important international issues such as upholding multilateralism, promoting global development and rallying against the epidemic. China will continue to be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order, and a provider of public goods, the paper said. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-23 01:45:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close The prices of petrol and diesel are seen on a sign at the entrance of a service station in Paris, France, Oct. 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) The toolbox, which the European Commission launched last week, contains measures to tackle the rising energy prices in the short and longer term. BRUSSELS, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- The leaders of the European Union (EU) member states have endorsed a package of measures to deal with the immediate effects of the spike in energy prices, the European Council said on Friday. In the conclusions of the two-day EU summit that started on Thursday, the leaders called for medium- and long-term measures that would contribute to affordable energy prices for households and companies. The toolbox, which the European Commission launched last week, contains measures to tackle the rising energy prices in the short and longer term. A customer fills the tank of his car at a gas station in Paris, France, Oct. 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) The leaders called on the member states to "urgently make the best use of the toolbox to provide short-term relief to the most vulnerable consumers and to support European companies," especially those struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. They said that the European Investment Bank should "look into how to speed up investment in the energy transition." The summit participants also discussed the pandemic and the vaccination rates across Europe. They noted the significant progress made in the fight against the pandemic but voiced concern that the situation in certain countries remains "very serious." "In light of the development of the epidemiological situation, the European Council called for further coordination to facilitate free movement within, and travel into, the EU," and encouraged the European Commission to "accelerate its work regarding mutual recognition of certificates with third countries." A gas station is seen in downtown Vilnius, Lithuania, Oct. 16, 2021. (Xinhua/Xue Dongmei) Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-23 17:57:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Thursday said that the relocation of residents from the flood plain of the Yellow River is an extraordinary feat. Xi made the remarks when visiting a residential community of relocated residents in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province. The new community was built to improve the life of relocated residents from 11 villages along the Yellow River embankments. Xi said he is very pleased to learn that the relocated residents are living and working in contentment, and making progress in rural vitalization. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-23 19:14:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Vernon Mwaanga, Zambia's ambassador to the UN from 1968 to 1972, receives an interview with Xinhua in Lusaka, Zambia, Sept. 27, 2021. (Photo by Martin Mbangweta/Xinhua) LUSAKA, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The restoration of China's lawful seat in the United Nations in 1971 was "one of the major achievements" in his career, said a former envoy of Zambia to the global agency. In an interview with Xinhua ahead of the 50th anniversary of the milestone event, which falls on Oct. 25, Vernon Mwaanga, Zambia's ambassador to the UN from 1968 to 1972, reminisced about how Africa supported China's return to the UN. Mwaanga said the African representatives felt obliged to change the situation because they believed there was no way that Taiwan, which is part of China, could represent China. Pushing for the adoption of a resolution over the matter was not easy, as some Western countries, including the United States, were determined to maintain the status quo, the former diplomat said. "You can imagine how frustrating it was for us, because we first sponsored the resolution in 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970 and finally succeeded in 1971," Mwaanga said. Zambia is one of the 23 countries that had earlier jointly submitted a draft resolution supporting the restoration of China's lawful seat in the UN. To counter the move of the United States, the African group sought support from other countries and asked them to be co-sponsors of the resolution, which needed a two-thirds majority to get passed, Mwaanga said. "So by the time we were finishing with voting, it was quite late at night and when it was announced, we were all very happy," he said. Mwaanga, who was asked to speak on behalf of the African group in welcoming the Chinese delegation's debut in the UN General Assembly on Nov. 15, 1971, described that the atmosphere was joyful during that historic moment. He stressed that China has, no doubt, played a major role in the UN system during the last 50 years in such aspects as safeguarding global peace and security. Mwaanga, who also served as Zambia's foreign minister, said that Zambia will always be grateful to China for financing and constructing the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority rail line because many other countries refused to render assistance. China-Africa relations, he said, have been strong in the last 50 years, during which China has helped African countries fight poverty, and improve health care, education, and infrastructure. He believes that the China-Africa relations have a bright future because the growth prospect of the ties has been further cemented by the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative, which have both been embraced by African countries. Referring to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Mwaanga observed that there has been a global disparity in terms of COVID-19 vaccines, a situation that has led to Africa falling behind in terms of vaccinating its population. He thanked China for providing African countries with vaccines and other medical supplies, and further commended China for its response to the pandemic, saying that the rest of the world should learn from China's handling of the public health crisis. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-23 23:41:11|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- In the U.S. Senate's confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Nicholas Burns, the nominee for the post of U.S. ambassador to China, appeared as a China hardliner by throwing dirt on the country. His testimony, to some extent, was seen as posturing in the face of pressure from Republican senators. Given the politics of deception prevailing in Washington, it is comprehensible why an experienced career diplomat has to smear his future host country to get an official appointment. Obviously, that political tradition has steered U.S. foreign policies into a wrong direction -- the "diplomacy of deception." SABOTEUR DISGUISED AS SAVIOR Burns' testimony involved issues regarding China's Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Calling China "the greatest threat to the security of our country," he urged to "maintain the American military position" in the Asia-Pacific, referring to the U.S. presence as an "effective deterrent to keep the peace." However, as the biggest arms exporter, military spender and regime changer of the world, the United States itself was widely regarded as the biggest threat to world peace, according to polls conducted by WIN/Gallup International and Pew Research Center. Iraqi protesters take part in a demonstration against the presence of U.S. troops in the country in Baghdad, capital of Iraq, Jan. 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) In 2003, then U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, who died of COVID-19 complications earlier this week, lied to the world that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction, and paved the way for the Iraq War. Actually, intelligence officials repeatedly cautioned the war was based on conjecture, since a British inquiry disclosed that one report's description of Iraqi chemical weapons was excerpted from "The Rock," an action movie directed by Michael Bay. To justify its rising belligerence and imperialism, Washington has woven numerous embarrassing narratives. In mid-June, for example, the United States financed anti-Cuba forces to incite demonstrations by spreading the rumor that the spike of COVID-19 infections had led to a medical collapse in Cuba, whereas the United States is actually the worst-affected by the pandemic in terms of cases and deaths. Should the current U.S. administration continue to accumulate more lies and atrocities, "it will not be able to regain the world's respect for American leadership, nor will it win the American public's support for its foreign policy," wrote Medea Benjamin, co-founder of Code Pink, a U.S. anti-war group, and Nicholas Davis, a researcher with the group, in an article. CHINA'S COMMITMENT TO PEACE China has committed itself to be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order and a provider of public goods, making Washington's accusations sound ridiculous. Since 1949, China has upheld "a national defense policy that is defensive in nature." "Never seeking hegemony, expansion, or spheres of influence" is the distinctive feature of China's national defense, said a white paper released by the Chinese government. While building its defense strength for national security, China is also championing global peace through multilateral mechanisms. Over the past 30 years, some 40,000 Chinese peacekeepers have been dispatched to conflict-affected countries and areas in 25 UN operations. Echoing the zeitgeist that all nations, no matter big or small, enjoy equal rights, the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative has set an example that a big nation like China can cooperate with "nations across Southeast Asia, South America, Africa, and treat them as equal partners, because the process is win-win," said Richard A. Black, the Schiller Institute's representative at the UN. The Maritime Silk Road, one of the two arms of the initiative that connected continents and brought development opportunities, is extremely important for world peace, Black told Xinhua in August. Aerial photo taken on July 24, 2020 shows the China-Laos Railway's Ban Ladhan Mekong River Super Major Bridge in Laos. (Photo by Pan Longzhu/Xinhua) At the Cambridge Forum in 2018, when asked about his views on China's investment projects overseas, former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis said that China is "far more humanistic than the United States ever was," as the Asian country, which is "non-interventionist in a way that Europeans, the West, have never managed to fathom," has no "military ambitions." HARD TIMES DEMAND COOPERATION Given the haunting common challenges facing humankind, such as climate change, sustainable development and recovery from a once-in-a-century pandemic, Washington's ambiguous stance towards the U.S.-China relationship is worrisome. The approach to deal with the different issues with China separately, or "compartmentalization," only blew the lid off of Washington's arrogance and insincerity. Never can practical cooperation take place in parallel with competition or confrontation. For the two largest economies, their cooperation will lead to benefits in both countries and beyond, while their confrontation will cause suffering worldwide. A container ship of China's COSCO Shipping docks at a new container terminal of the Port of Long Beach in California, the United States, Aug. 20, 2021. (Xinhua/Gao Shan) In response to Burns' remarks, Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, on Thursday urged him to "be keenly aware of the overall trend of world development and people's aspiration, learn the real situation of China objectively, (and) view China and China-U.S. ties in a rational manner." "We hope he will speak and act in a more constructive manner, and play a constructive part in promoting China-U.S. relations and the friendship between the two peoples," Wang said. Meanwhile, Wang reiterated that "we oppose defining China-U.S. ties as competitive. Even when there is competition between the two sides in such pragmatic areas as economy and trade, it is healthy competition with each other for excellence." (Xinhua reporters Liu Yanan and Zhang Mocheng in New York contributed to this story.)(Video reporters: Wu Danni, Li Binian, Yang Yiran, Yu Fuqin, Zheng Yihan, Zhao Yupeng, Cao Kai, Guo Xinhui, Song Yu, Zhang Yichi, Fang Dong, Wei Hua, Liang Jiajun; video editors: Peng Ying, Li Qin, Cao Ying) Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-23 17:35:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WINDHOEK, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Health Ministry said Saturday it has discontinued the use of Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in national vaccination program with immediate effect following safety concerns by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). According to Ben Nangombe, the executive director of the Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services, the decision to discontinue the administration of the vaccine is made out of an abundance of caution that men who receive Sputnik V may be at higher risk of contracting HIV when exposed to it. "SAPHRA indicated concerns with safety and effectiveness of an Ad5-vectored vaccines in populations at risk of HIV infection and with high presence of pre-existing Ad-specific neutralizing antibodies (Nabs) in the general population," Nangombe said. Namibia received Sputnik V vaccine donated by Serbia in September, and has rolled it out to certain vaccination sites in the country. According to Nangombe, Namibia will not administer the vaccine until it has received the WHO Emergency Use Listing, however, patients who received the first dose of Sputnik V will be offered their second dose to complete the vaccination schedule. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-23 22:07:16|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NAIROBI, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- While it is not unordinary for men to be deftly offloading crate after crate of alcohol from a truck stationed outside a restaurant in the eastern part of Kenya's Nairobi city center, the quantity of alcohol making its way into the premises is far beyond the usual. "We are in the middle of making some operational changes because we have more operating hours. We have increased the quantity of alcohol we buy twofold and are looking at increasing our staff to meet anticipated demand," Gibson Shikanda, manager at the establishment, told Xinhua in a recent interview. A declaration made by President Uhuru Kenyatta during a national celebration Wednesday to lift the countrywide dawn-to-dusk curfew imposed since March 2020 that ran from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. has sent a wave of joy and reprieve across the nation. The implication of the announcement is that the service industry -- bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and public service vehicles whose operations have been severely undermined by the curfew since March last year -- can now operate for longer hours. The just vacated restrictive measures allowed for restaurants to remain open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. while bars operated from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. "Plans are in the offing to bring back live performance now that we have more hours. We could not have them before because it did not make financial sense for either them (artist) or us to perform for one hour," said Shikanda, adding that the business has suffered considerably from losing staff, revenues and footfall. An umbrella association of these establishments recently revealed that 15,000 bars and restaurants closed shop since the onset of the pandemic, plunging 90,000 workers into joblessness. In his speech, President Kenyatta cited a desirable positivity rate of 5 percent recorded in the past two weeks alongside vigorous vaccination exercise, among reasons for lifting the curfew and allowing for the expansion of sitting capacity in churches. The total number of vaccinated persons is at 4.8 million, representing 5 percent of the adult population as of Oct. 22. Peter Ngugi is a roadside food seller who used to wind up his business at 9 p.m. His street food which is ideally enjoyed at night was not being consumed much with the streets emptying with people as early as 8 p.m. "I am happy that the curfew is not there because I can now work late into the evening to make more money to meet the needs of my family. The current state of this economy requires low-earners like me to work much longer to be able to make a decent living," said Ngugi. Even so, the Ministry of Health called on the public to strictly comply with hygiene protocols like mask-wearing and social distancing. "It is however important for all of us to appreciate that we are yet out of the woods. We must therefore continue to observe the containment measures as directed by the Ministry of Health. This is the only way to guarantee the full reopening of the economy," Mutahi Kagwe, cabinet secretary for Health, told journalists in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-24 01:47:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KHARTOUM, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's Forces of Freedom and Change alliance (FFC) on Saturday stressed its adherence to handing over the presidency of the Sovereign Council to civilians, restructuring of the regular forces, and handing over the wanted figures of the former regime to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Mohamed Naji El Asam, a member of the Leadership Council of the alliance, made the remarks at a press conference in the Sudanese capital Khartoum. The alliance further announced rejection to demands for dissolution of the government, voicing support to Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. "We renew our confidence in the government and the prime minister, and this government will not be dissolved by dictations," Yasir Arman, another member of the coalition, said at the press conference. He noted that the current crisis is made-up and is more like a coup, pointing out that "there is a constitutional document and it governs us." Arman stressed the need to reform the military institutions, especially the armed forces, saying "it is necessary to form one armed force with a national ideology." Since the announcement of foiling a coup attempt on Sept. 21, the differences between the military and civilian partners in the transitional government have continued to escalate. Sudan is ruled amid a 39-month transitional period under a transitional government of military and civilian elements, established after the ouster of former President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019. The transitional period is set to be followed by elections to form a new government. Since Oct. 16, a group defecting from the FFC has entered into an open sit-in in front of the presidential palace, demanding the dissolution of the government. Sudan's Sovereign Council is currently chaired by Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and the constitutional document stipulates that the presidency of the council will be transferred to civilians by mid-November this year. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-24 03:59:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Oct. 19, 2021 shows a signboard indicating opening hours of a game-viewing gate in Bontebok National Park, South Africa. (Xinhua/Lyu Tianran) by Xinhua writer Lyu Tianran SWELLENDAM, South Africa, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- In South Africa's Western Cape Province, a large herd of the bontebok, an antelope subspecies originating from Damaliscus pygargus species, roam freely within a namesake national park. The large white blaze on their face distinguishes them from other animals in the park. "At the moment the bontebok population (in Bontebok National Park) is quite healthy, and it is growing steadily," Bontebok National Park manager Bulelwa Msengi told Xinhua in a recent interview. The last count done two weeks ago showed that the national Park has 194 bontebok, including 14 calves in its 3,400-hectare fully fenced area, but the number could increase as they are in the lambing season, which is from September to October or early November sometimes, and are still giving birth, said Msengi. As early as 1931, the original site of Bontebok National Park was near Western Cape's Bredasdorp to conserve the last remaining 17 bontebok, said Msengi. Although bontebok numbers increased to around 100, population growth thereafter halted as the habitat of the park was found to be unsuitable for this species, and in 1940s some bontebok were sent to another place to establish a backup population. The manager said that later in 1961, the park was moved to its current location in Swellendam, where there is the indigenous vegetation known as fynbos, to provide the bontebok a more suitable and bigger place to thrive. By 1969, it was estimated that the population of the bontebok in the park had been restored to around 800. Their numbers have increased to 3,000 at present, making the conservation story a "heart-warming success," according to South African National Parks (SANParks), the national parks management body. The conservation began earlier than the official intervention, when some land owners set aside portions of their properties to form temporary reserves, said the SANParks. To ensure the grazers have enough food and avoid too much competition in this regard, the park usually keeps the number of them between 130 to 180, within the range that the park can afford based on its capacity, said Msengi, adding that the park will start to discuss with SANParks' game capture unit to translocate some bontebok to other parks or reserves after another count early next year. In the history, private farmers moved bontebok out of their natural distribution range to other areas of the country, where the blesbok, another subspecies of the Damaliscus pygargus species, lived, mainly for hunting and breeding, hence hybridization through human-influenced interbreeding on the private ranches. The bontebok are adapted to the renosterveld bioregion within Western Cape, the only natural distribution area for the bontebok, while the blesbok roam widely on the grasslands of Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and Free State provinces. The blesbok is currently listed as the Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, while the bontebok, after its population increases, is listed as Vulnerable, a category better than Endangered. Hybridization used to be a big problem and it will cause the loss of genetic integrity of the two subspecies, SANParks regional ecologist Marna Herbst warned in a telephone interview with Xinhua. A national biodiversity management plan for the bontebok was published in 2019 by the government to ensure the long-term survival of the bontebok in the nature with objectives including conserving the genetic integrity and diversity of the bontebok, preventing further habitat loss and habitat degradation, establishing and maintaining effective communication and awareness between and among stakeholders, and investigating and conducting research aimed at supporting adaptive management and the implementation of actions to promote and ensure bontebok conservation. The plan seeks to bring together the private sector, national and provincial agencies, government departments and others to take concerted actions. For instance, it guides the stakeholders to codevelop an exit policy for the removal of blesbok and hybrids within the natural distribution range and develop standardized population monitoring protocols for bontebok populations on the private land. "It's really a big collaboration between national agencies, provincial agencies, nature reserves, farmers and other stakeholders. Creating these partnerships and working together we established a metapopulation, a species-specific management plan for bontebok on a national level," said Herbst. With registration, now the private farmers are not allowed to have both bontebok and blesbok on the same property outside the natural distribution range, and in the original bontebok distribution range, they are not allowed to bring in blesbok, said Herbst, adding that the stakeholders are trying to keep track of where bontebok is going and to get a national idea of what is going on. "If it is one group or one person or just the government, it won't succeed. It really needs partnership across the agencies and the hard work," she added. Herbst is a member of SANParks Scientific Services unit, which works closely with the park. She works at the interface between science and management and is responsible for coordinating, conducting and reporting on aerial surveys of the wildlife species and wildlife management recommendations in national parks including Bontebok. Besides SANParks' own scientists, Bontebok National Park also works with other scientists to do researches in the park. Scientists will inform the management including the status of the grazing lands based on their research and the management will make decisions based on it, according to Msengi. Msengi said due to measures like patrolling every day, the park hasn't experienced poaching of the bontebok. And she has kept the patrolling time secret to ensure the park's security. Despite the increased number of the bontebok population, Herbst said they still face a "big threat" of reduction and degradation of habitat, adding that their habitat is restricted to renosterveld vegetation type, which is at the moment critically endangered. As Bontebok National Park, surrounded by agriculture developments and a town, is a small park and can't even extend, it only has a small population that could lead to inbreeding, so bontebok individuals have to be moved over time from one park to another reserve, from one farm to another farm, to avoid inbreeding. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-23 02:15:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic speaks during the opening ceremony of Cukaru Peki mine in Bor, Serbia, Oct. 22, 2021. Chinese mining company Zijin opened a major new copper and gold mine near the Serbian city of Bor on Friday, which is expected to increase Serbia's copper production share in Europe while meeting the EU standards as a "green mine". (Xinhua/Shi Zhongyu) BOR, Serbia, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese mining company Zijin opened a major new copper and gold mine near the Serbian city of Bor on Friday, which is expected to increase Serbia's copper production share in Europe while meeting the EU standards as a "green mine". The opening ceremony for the Cukaru Peki mine was attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and Chinese ambassador to Serbia, Chen Bo. Following a tour of the production facilities, Vucic praised the high technology and ecological standards, noting that Zijin's purchase of Serbia's state-owned mining enterprise RTB Bor in 2018 had saved the company from collapse. Meanwhile, the new mine is "an enormous thing for Bor and the whole of eastern Serbia," he added. Zijin said that the newly opened "green mine" will exploit one of the richest deposits of copper and gold in the world, using highly efficient mineral processing technology. The Chinese company acquired Canadian mining company Nevsun at a price of 1,487 million U.S. dollars in 2019, and thereafter became the equity owner and operator of the Cukaru Peki mine. Zijin invested 474 million U.S. dollars in the establishment of the new mine, including new technologies and higher ecological standards. Chen said that the opening of the Cukaru Peki mine marks an important day for the development of Serbia, and for China-Serbia cooperation. "I am very happy that the mine is built as an advanced green mine, which fulfils Chinese, Serbian and EU standards," she said. Thanks to Zijin, the total copper production of Serbia will reach 18 percent of overall copper production in Europe, she added. This will significantly advance Serbia's economic development, and create jobs. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-23 04:28:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden return to the White House in Washington, D.C. Oct. 21, 2021. Joe Biden and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Friday discussed cooperation in the Sahel and Indo-Pacific regions and agreed to meet in Rome later this month, said the White House. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua) WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Friday discussed cooperation in the Sahel and Indo-Pacific regions and agreed to meet in Rome later this month, said the White House. Biden and Macron in a phone conversation discussed efforts to support stability and security in the Sahel, enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and enable a more capable European defense, according to a White House statement. The two leaders will meet in Rome later this month to continue their conversation on bilateral cooperation, it added. In a separate statement, the White House said Vice President Kamala Harris will visit France next month to meet with Macron and participate in the Paris Conference on Libya on Nov. 12. The trip of Harris is seen as the Biden administration's continuing efforts to repair U.S.-France relations, which suffered setbacks due to a controversial nuclear submarine deal announced by the United States, Britain and Australia last month. In mid-September, the United States and Britain said they would support the Australian Navy in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines under a newly formed trilateral security pact known as AUKUS, depriving France of an existing contract to provide 12 conventional submarines to Australia. Outraged by the abrupt move without consultations, France recalled its ambassadors to the United States and Australia in protest. Biden admitted the issue could have been better handled during his last call with Macron in late September. Enditem The record before the Court establishes that temporary universal mask mandates adopted by the Williamson County and Franklin school systems have been, and likely would continue to be, effective in curbing the spread of COVID-19, wrote Crenshaw in the accompanying opinion, according to the paper. Cops grabbed Joseph Sandoval for the Oct. 16 murder of Sala Miah, who after a long shift was relaxing at Sara D. Roosevelt Park on Hester St. near Chrystie St. at about 1 a.m., police and relatives said. Shadina Smith, a 29-year-old mother of one, was shot three times in the chest and killed the afternoon of Jan. 16, 2021, and her boyfriend shot and wounded, in a fatal confrontation on W. 150th St. near Frederick Douglass Blvd. The unidentified victim, believed to be in his 20s, was found in the Watson Ave. NYCHA apartment building part of the Bronx River Houses in Soundview shortly after 2 a.m., cops said. (Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News) Faith was only licensed to care for up to six children at her Colorado Springs private day care and only two of them were allowed to be under the age of 2. Her lawyer argued that she did not have malicious intentions, only that she found it difficult to say no to parents in need of her assistance. Halyna inspired us all with her passion and vision, and her legacy is too meaningful to encapsulate in words, her husband tweeted on Friday, asking the media to respect the familys privacy. Im fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna. In 1984, actor Jon-Erik Hexum died after shooting himself in the head with a gun loaded with blanks on the set of the TV series Cover Up. He was reportedly joking around with the gun when he put it against his temple and fired. The blast was so strong that his skull was fractured, and he died days later at a hospital. Among the many concerns listed in a bulletin compiled by the Blue Pearl veterinary clinics are open flames associated with candles and jack-olanterns. The vet groups memo warns a dog can bush up against such one, start a fire, and spread the blaze throughout an apartment. In that situation, Wohlstadter-Rocha says, its not just dogs that can turn a quiet home into a haunted house. FILE - In this April 30, 2020, file photo, Kia Neros that are part of the Lyft ride-hailing fleet sit unused in a lot near Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. Lyft says more than 1,800 sexual assaults were reported by riders in 2019, and the number of incidents has been rising sharply in recent years. Lyft posted the numbers in a new safety report, Friday, Oct. 22. (David Zalubowski/AP) My plea is not even to the community anymore, Carlton said. My plea is to the world. I need justice for my son, and I want justice for everybody on them missing poles in Milwaukee, something needs to be done here. Frazier, a St. Paul resident, was a father of five as well as the uncle of Darnella Frazier, who was recently awarded a Pulitzer Prize after she captured 46-year-old Floyds interaction with former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The devastating cellphone clip, ultimately shared online, sparked widespread backlash and is credited with invigorating thousands of protesters, many of who took to the streets and demanded justice for Floyd. Hutchins, 42, was killed and the films director, Joel Souza was injured by discharge from a prop gun fired by Baldwin on set in Santa Fe, N.M. The Los Angeles Times reported that the gun had previously been problematic, though producers said they were unaware of any such issues. According to that report, a half-dozen crew members walked off the set the morning Hutchins was shot citing difficult conditions just hours before the tragedy occurred. Rather than lend legitimacy to an investigation that I believe is being conducted dishonestly and, in the interest of sparing my wife and children the need to endure another investigation where merit is trumped by ideology, I am choosing to resign, effective today, added Smith, who joined the university as an associate professor in July 2014 and was granted tenure in 2017. Less than three weeks after Bidens visit to the Vatican on Friday, the American bishops will convene in Baltimore, with one of the agenda items inspired in part by conservatives who contend that Bidens support for abortion rights should disqualify him from receiving Communion. Though any document that emerges is not expected to mention Biden by name, its possible there could be a clear message of rebuke. There are parts of that question that are really important in terms of the value of strengthening democracy and making sure that we put people before politicians in redistricting and we make sure that we count everyone... and there are also part that are just about making sure this process works this time, Daniel Altschuler, director of politics and strategic communications for Make the Road New York, one of dozens of groups behind the Vote Yes on Proposals 1, 3, and 4! campaign. But theres hope and we are already seeing some progress, Charles added, referring to the Saudi Green Initiative, as well as the Middle East Green Initiative, which will meet in Riyadh on Monday. New Yorkers know how to stand in lines from waiting for the subway to lining up to get Broadway tickets to the long lines that snake around Trader Joes. But one line many New Yorkers had to stand in during the pandemic was at the local food bank to feed their families. For months, we all saw the images of thousands of people lined up for emergency food services on New York City streets. But one line that was harder to see was the children who depended on school meals suddenly finding themselves without enough to eat. The very idea of UPK would have been basically inconceivable to candidates starting with the assumption that the mayors job is to manage the citys existing resources and thus look for ways to cut and control spending, as had been the default since at least the citys near bankruptcy in the 70s. But for a candidate whose appeal was based on a promise to fight inequality and give more resources to ordinary New Yorkers, it was almost necessary to have a signature proposal to pour new dollars into, in this case nearly a half-billion dollars a year. Since my exoneration, Ive struggled to reclaim my identity and protect the people I love from being exploited as tabloid content, she wrote on Instagram. Its not easy, and I often feel like Im trying to invent good choices out of bad whole cloth. I know that I cannot 100% protect my daughter from the kind of treatment Ive suffered, but Im doing the best I can. Which is why this will be the only picture of her I will ever share on social media. 20 years... I was 2 years old when the journey began. Blessed to have my fast family by my side. Fast 9 is OUT! Walker captioned a black and white snap of her dad with Fast 20 Anniversary emblazoned over it. We were on pace to finish in 3 months, then on Jan. 10, 2019, everything unexpectedly came to a halt. A local council member approached me while I was painting and told me that our art didnt reflect the image of Pine Hills that they wanted to build, that they had an image of what Pine Hills would look like in 10 or so years and ours wasnt compatible. I was given a list of things to paint and told if we didnt comply, our wall would be torn down and we could face possible litigation. I explained that everything we were doing was legal, and was told that they didnt care and that it didnt matter. Putin says new pipeline could quickly pump more gas to EU Maksim Blinov / Sputnik Russian President Vladimir Putin leaves the annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021. By Vladimir Isachenkov / AP MOSCOW Petroleumworld 10 22 2021 Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Russia could quickly boost natural gas supplies to the European Union once German regulators allow a new pipeline under the Baltic Sea to start operation. Speaking on a wide range of international and domestic policy issues during a conference of foreign policy experts, Putin argued that Russia already has increased gas supplies to Europe this year and could send more once the Nord Stream 2 pipeline is functioning. He said one of the two links of the new pipeline already has been filled with gas as part of preparations for its launch, adding that supplies could start immediately after regulators give their approval. If the German regulator gives approval tomorrow, supplies of 17.5 billion cubic meters of gas will start the day after tomorrow, Putin said. Putin said the pipelines second link will be filled with gas by the end of the year, to a total capacity of 55 billion cubic meters. Earlier Thursday, European Union leaders met to discuss ways to ease the pain of soaring energy bills for consumers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday that with the 27-nation bloc importing 90% of its gas much of it from strategic rival Russia this makes us vulnerable. Turning to other issues, Putin staunchly defended the law on foreign agents that has been used to designate some media, describing it as a tool to ward off foreign meddling in the countrys affairs. Opponents say it has been used to muzzle critical media outlets since the foreign agent stigma has strong pejorative connotations. Responding to a question from Dmitry Muratov, who won the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize earlier this month for his work as editor of the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, Putin congratulated him for the first time but dismissed his criticism of the law. Putin argued that the law is intended to inform the public about media outlets that receive foreign funds, while allowing them to continue their activities. While defending the law, Putin promised, however, to look more closely into proposed amendments as Muratov asked. Asked about his view of relations with Washington following his June summit with U.S. President Joe Biden in Geneva, Putin said Moscow and Washington have conducted consultations on arms control and cybersecurity in line with their agreement. He said that while we agreed just on a few issues, we are on the right track, but added that there also have been some rollbacks on certain issues he didnt specify. He noted that Russia would cooperate with Washington on fighting terrorism and provide the necessary information to U.S. colleagues. Asked to comment on the situation of Afghanistan, Putin commended Biden for showing the courage to order American troops pullback despite inevitable domestic criticism, and contested the view that the move had undermined the U.S. global power. He charged that even though some U.S. allies may have been unnerved by the quick pullout from Afghanistan, in the long run the countrys attractiveness is determined by its economy and military might. The U.S. president made the right decision to withdraw troops, Putin said. The Russian leader added that the international community is getting close to officially recognizing the Taliban as the new rulers of Afghanistan, saying the decision must be made by the United Nations, and noting the need for the Taliban to recognize the interests of all Afghan ethnic groups and respect human rights. Asked if Russias increasingly close ties with China could evolve into a military alliance, Putin said Moscow and Beijing have no intention of doing so. We are friends with China based on our shared interests, not against someone, he said. And unlike NATO we dont want to create a closed military bloc. Turning to Ukraine, Putin said that its growing military ties with the U.S. and its NATO allies is a real threat to Russia. Russia and Ukraine have remained in a tug-of-war after Moscows 2014 annexation of Ukrainian Crimean Peninsula and support for a separatist insurgency in eastern Ukraine. Moscow has staunchly opposed Ukraines bid for membership in NATO, saying it would represent a major security threat. Putin noted that even if Ukraine doesnt formally become an alliance member, plans to set up training centers there by some NATO members could be a cover for troops and weapons. They may put anything there under the guise of training centers. Putin said. The formal membership in NATO may never come, but the military development of the territory is already under way. And that creates a real threat to the Russian Federation. Asked about the presence of Russian private military contractors in Mali, which drew complaints from France, Putin charged that they pursue purely business interests and dont represent the Russian state. _______________________________ Welcome Guest! You Are Here: A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Saturday announced that she will arrive in poll-bound Goa on October 28. "As I prepare for my maiden visit to Goa on 28th, I call upon all individuals, organisations and political parties to join forces to defeat the BJP and their divisive agenda. The people of Goa have suffered enough over the last 10 years," she tweeted. The Chief Minister's visit comes nearly a month since her party has been carrying out political groundwork in the coastal state which is headed for polls in early 2022. The party has already inducted a former Chief Minister Luizinho Faleiro who resigned as a sitting Congress MLA last month. Another sitting MLA Prasad Gaonkar, an independent, has also expressed public support to the Trinamool Congress, even as it has been inducting people from all walks of life in droves. A team of Indian-Political Action Committee, led by her political strategist Prashant Kishor has been camping in Goa for nearly two months, preparing groundwork for the Trinamool Congress. Party sources suggested that some high profile inductions are expected to take place during Banerjee's visit to Goa, which is expected to last for two days. It is also in talks with a regional political party, Goa Forward, with a possibility of merging the latter into the West Bengal-based party. Banerjee in yet another tweet has also expressed confidence of forming a new government in the coastal state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday met the family of J&K Police officer, Parvez Ahmad Dar, who was killed by militants in June this year. Immediately after his arrival here earlier in the day, the Minister drove to the Nowgam area on the outskirts of Srinagar where he offered condolences to Fatima, the slain officer's wife, his daughter and son. Following his visit, the Home Minister said in a tweet that the "entire nation is proud of the supreme sacrifice made by the officer". He added that the "J&K Police were working towards the fulfilment of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a new Jammu and Kashmir". The Minister also said that Fatima has been given a government job. He was accompanied by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister of State (PMO) Jitendra Singh, Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta and J&K Police chief Dilbag Singh. The Home Minister will also chair a high-level meeting on the security situation of the Union Territory later in the day. This is his first visit to the Union Territory after the reading down of the Article 370 from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and also gains significance after the killings of 11 civilians in Kashmir this month. The late I.A. Rehman is esteemed on both sides of the border. by A.G. Noorani In one of his great speeches to the House of Commons in support of the American colonies demand for independence from the British Crown, Edmund Burke had this to say of the law: It is a formidable adversary to government. If the spirit be not tamed and broken by these happy methods, it is stubborn and litigious. This study renders men acute, inquisitive, dexterous, prompt in attack, ready in defence, full of resources. In other countries, the people, more simple, and of a less mercurial cast, judge of an ill principle in government only by an actual grievance; here they anticipate the evil, and judge of the pressure of the grievance by the badness of the principle. They augur misgovernment at a distance; and snuff the approach of tyranny in every tainted breeze. But there are two caveats to high praise. One is that lawyers are not alone in possessing these gifts. Insightful writers, journalists and activists also possess them. Besides, the legal mind has its limits. Dean Acheson, himself an able lawyer, and the US secretary of state under president Harry Truman, often quoted another Burke aphorism which lawyers prefer to forget The law sharpens the mind by narrowing it. Both these reminders by Burke are singularly apt when describing the outlook desirable in a human rights activist. The subcontinents foremost activist in the cause of civil liberties was not a lawyer but a journalist by vocation and a highly competent crusader held in respect on both sides of the border the late I.A. Rehman, who was director of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan based in Lahore. Its publications are unbiased. This writer may be forgiven for lapsing into a personal reference as he had known Rehman Sahib for nearly half a century. He was skilled in bridging the generation divide. He was a good friend of my late uncle Malik Noorani, founder of the Pakistan Publishing House, leftists both. Malik Chacha was a friend with whom I would spend hours talking politics and history. Sadly, India lacks any comparable organisation. Soon after the emergency Jayaprakash Narayan set up the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL). Before long it was affected by the Indian vice which has harmed its political life splitticism. Born was the Peoples Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR). A lawyer V.M. Tarkunde contributed his bit. A follower of M.N. Roy, he needed a platform and a new senior. He sold him the idea that civil liberties are not all. We need more than that; namely an organisation that concerns itself with matters like electoral reforms. Thus was born another organisation also with Jayaprakash Narayans blessings, the Citizens for Democracy (CFD). For all their contribution none of the three the PUCL, the PUDR or the CFD is remotely comparable to the HRCP of Pakistan. The CFD inevitably acquired a political hue. So did to a much lesser extent, the PUCL and the PUDR. Indira Gandhi had inflicted a deep cleavage on Indias political system. The challenge before any civil liberties movement was studiously to acquire a non-partisan, reputation and aura. No attempt was made to meet this challenge. To justify its existence, a civil liberties organisation or movement must possess and be seen transparently to possess these qualities; namely, commitment and dedication, integrity and impartiality, the required intellectual equipment, endurance and stability; accessibility and exposures to the public. Centuries ago, the Greek statesman Solon, was asked how a people could preserve their liberties. He replied, Those who are uninjured by an arbitrary act must be taught to feel as much indignation at it as those who are injured. This is a principle which any proposed organisation to safeguard civil liberties and democratic rights would do well always to remember. An impartial and independent body dedicated to the very laudable objectives proclaimed by its sponsors is a vital necessity. The balance will ever remain a difficult one to strike. Amnesty Internationals symbol is a lighted candle encircled by barbed wire. We may be sure that the barbed wire will remain with us. For men will ever fear and men will ever hate. But it is some consolation that within the barbed enclosure a candle should burn shedding light on the rights of man and the wrongs of states. May its flame ever burn bright. Decades ago, a dedicated S.G. Vaze brought out an erudite Civil Liberties Bulletin with the princely annual subscription of Rs3. Legal learning is highly important. We have a lot to learn from legal developments elsewhere; especially in the UK and in the US which has the powerful American Union for Civil Liberties. Geoffrey Robertson, QC, is a lawyer of international repute for his courageous participation in human rights cases abroad. Sadly, in this entire vast subcontinent none has produced a work of quality comparable to his work on civil liberties Freedom, the Individual and the Laws. The writer is an author and a lawyer based in Mumbai. National Argentine Radio Amateur Day The Saxon say: radio has the charm of being a traditional means of communication, which despite all the new technologies, connects with the public using only one resource: voice. Since its inception, radio has always been, despite technological advances, a vital means of communication between the countryside and the city. Especially in those regions where distances are long and modernity is slow. What radio amateurs do Radio amateurs intervene with their stations and equipment, where summoned or not, provide their service in situations of emergencies, catastrophes or other needs where traditional communications cease or are not available. We emphasize then with this, that the activity is not a hobby, but a Service, in which the radio amateur makes his equipment and knowledge available to be used by the community. History of radio amateurs The October 15, 1913, the Ministry of the Navy regulated the radioelectric spectrum and was the one who granted the first amateur radio license to Teodoro Belloq. He installed a telegraph radio station in Av. Callao at 1600, and another in a fifth in San Isidro. The October 21, 1921 a qualified group of radio amateurs met, the Radio Club Argentino, the third radio club in the world in the history of mankind, then from England (Real Society Great Britain) and the United States (American Radio Relay League). The Argentine Radio Amateur Day was instituted by the Third Argentine Convention of Radio Amateurs, held in the city of Mar del Plata del November 4-14, 1950. The Argentine satellite Lusat 1 (one of the 7 that were sent and the first by Argentina) launched in January 1990, by means of an Ariane rocket, was developed by a group of Argentine radio amateurs, through Amsat Argentina and built in part in our country and the rest in Boulder, Colorado. Its mission, which still works despite the fact that its batteries operate at a fraction of their initial power, is to provide packet communications to all radio amateurs in the country and around the world. Source: https://thesaxon.org/national-argentine-radio-amateur-day/88332/ Following excerpts adapted from But Prime Minister published by Paramount Booksin Pakistan. Click here to order your copy. by Javed Jabbar Benazir Bhuttos direct participation in the political arena as an individual in her own right began with the removal of her father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto from the Prime Ministership of Pakistan due to a coup d etat by General Ziaul Haq on 5th July 1977. She actively campaigned for justice for her father up to his callous execution on 4th April 1979 after a rigged judicial process. The first of several ironies noted in the text that follows is the unpleasant truth that Z.A. Bhutto, in turn, was a party to the rigged elections held in March 1977. His assassination irrevocably motivated her to sustain and build upon his legacy. During a total span of about 30 eventful years in politics from 1977 to 2007 she graduated through varied phases of tough struggle to two relatively brief tenures in office totalling about 5 years. In both her terms as Prime Minister she led her Governments through complex global and regional times marked by pivotal changes with long-term ramifications for international relations, state structures and bilateral relations. Those times included the following events and trends: The fratricidal Iraq-Iran war of the blood-drenched 8 years of 1980-88 had just ended. Discontent with the authoritarian communist structures of the Soviet Union and of Eastern Europe as evident in Poland and elsewhere was becoming ominous. Eventually, this led to the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989. Internal crisis was building within the Soviet Union. In April 1988, the agreement on withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan had been signed. Despite the withdrawal agreement, a fall-out from the role of the Mujahideen in Afghanistan was most strongly evident in Pakistan which continued to suffer from rising levels of illegal sales of narcotics and weapons. There were disturbing, recurring incidents of violent religious extremism and sectarianism within Pakistan. General Ziaul Haqs death on 17th August 1988 signalled the end of a dark era, only relieved by some elements of change and hope. There were clear signs of volatile unrest building up in Indian-occupied Jammu & Kashmir. These were not, by any measure, the best of times for a new, untested leader to take office. Yet the charges of corruption, nepotism and misgovernance on the basis of which she was dismissed both times have diverted attention from her genuine accomplishments and some innovative policies that she and her Cabinets implemented. Due to the arbitrary termination of the two Governments tenures, most of the progressive policies and plans could not be fully implemented, nor did their productive outcomes become visible and measurable. The vicious aspect of the conflicts with Nawaz Sharif and the PML-N on the one side, and Benazir Bhutto and the PPP on the other generated undisguised virulence and defamation. This acrimony from 1988 to 1999 mixed facts with falsehoods, accuracy with speculation, exactitude with exaggeration. Both smeared each other to the extent that clarity and truth became so elusive as to be virtually lost. The accountability and judicial processes were subject to bias and manipulation that deprived them of credibility. Even the Charter for Democracy signed by Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif in London in 2006 in which both pledged to end character assassination and revenge and instead, work together to replace General Pervez Musharraf s rule with orderly, mutually respectful democratic conduct did not prove to be a consistent and always enacted agreement. This writer was privileged to be associated with Benazir Bhutto in different capacities for about 14 years, from 1986 when we first met to our last meeting in mid-June 2000 in Damascus. These different capacities comprised: my status as a Senator who served from 21st March 1985 to 24th November 1988 as an independent Senator but with fairly close affinity with the PPP. The second status began when I accepted the invitation by Benazir Bhutto to become the first Senator to formally join the PPP in the 4th week of November 1988. The third status began with my induction into the first Cabinet of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on 4th December 1988 and extended up to 6th August 1990 when the Government was dismissed. The fourth status covered the period from 6th August 1990 to 21st March 1991 when my Senate term concluded. During those 8 months I represented the PPP in the Upper House of Parliament up to the end of my 6-year term. The fifth status spawned the period from 21st March 1991 to August 1996, a period of about 5 years and 5 months in which ones relations with Benazir Bhutto went through varying phases of distancing, proximity, reconciliation, and then alienation leading to my resignation from the PPP. Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto The sixth status began immediately thereafter: onward of 5th November 1996 when I was inducted into the Caretaker Cabinet appointed by President Farooq Leghari to replace the second cabinet of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Then came the seventh status onward of February 1997 up to 14th August 1998 when, with Farooq Leghari this writer launched the Millat Party which, in one sense, became an adversary of the PPP that she led. An eighth phase came when, with the endorsement of the Millat Party, this writer joined the Cabinet of General Pervez Musharraf in November 1999 during which term I held the last meeting with her, described in the last chapter. The ninth phase covered the years between 2000 and 2007 when, subsequent to my resignation from the Cabinet, I returned to the Millat Party. But then in 2004, when despite my dissent, Farooq Leghari ill-advisedly merged the Millat Party with PML-Q led by Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, I returned to a kind of silent relationship with Benazir Bhutto. This was marked by only an occasional exchange of verbal messages of formal greetings but no direct meetings or encounters took place. Through all these nine diverse phases, this writer retained an ambivalent mixture of thoughts and sentiments about this political pioneer of the Muslim world. That mixture began with admiration for her courage and resolve. There was then her capacity to apply a notable degree of intellect and education rare even among male political leaders to articulate and formulate political messages and themes. She then learnt fairly rapidly to address mass rallies and public meetings with the emotive rhetoric using her fathers martyrdom to full effect. Aware of the retreat of State capitalism and socialism so avowed by her father, she deftly moved the ideological dimension of the PPP toward a new, even right-wing orientation while retaining a profile of empathy for the poor and down-trodden. Respectful of PPP leaders and workers who had remained steadfast through the most difficult years of persecution she was also unwilling to accept the seniority and counsel of those veterans who disagreed with her approach. Despite and perhaps because of the inherent bondage between the Bhutto mystique and PPPs identity, she was unwilling to enable authentic internal party democracy from the fear that dissidents could attain high Party office. By replacing her mother as Party Chairperson and also accepting or arranging the title of Chairperson for Life she negated core principles of regular accountability and humility. Possibly the most disagreeable facet of her persona was her willingness to allow corrupt practices by several colleagues, but most specially by her own husband. It is true that though cases were pursued against both her spouse and herself for several years, no convictions became binding and some cases were overturned. In one remarkable instance, the Lahore High Court was obliged to dismiss a pending charge against Asif Zardari because the entire set of original documents related to the case had simply disappeared from the office of the Courts Registrar. The public was not informed about the fall-out from this mystery as to whether the Court conducted an investigation to affix responsibility and whether any one was found guilty. Corrupt practices became synonymous with both her terms as Prime Minister, deflecting attention from some positive policies and actions she had overseen. An argument advanced by some of her sympathizers to the effect that, to respond to the vast funds and resources deployed against her and her Party by Nawaz Sharif, allegedly also by ISI and even by Osama bin Laden (in the unsuccessful November 1989 No-confidence motion), she and her spouse had no choice but to obtain substantial matching means to counter the offensive. But this rationale does not, at least in this writers opinion, justify permitting corrupt practices to become acceptable. The fact that there have never been enduring convictions in the legal process does not contradict the credibility of the allegations and charges. When she was not in power, cases were instituted against her and her husband by her opponents with dual aims. One: to actually persecute and harass. Two: to use the pendency of the cases as a bargaining chip or as outright pressure tactics to ensure reduced levels of opposition and secure co-operation. The well-known weaknesses of the countrys legal and judicial system enabled these twin aims to be pursued both against her, and by her when she wanted to do so. In writing this book, this writer has tried to avoid letting the ambivalent mixture of ones perceptions about Benazir Bhutto shape the whole text. Wherever, in ones view, she richly deserved admiration and appreciation I have expressed the same. Whenever one disagreed with her or was disappointed with her I have also frankly said so. Where this writer himself was at fault or mistaken, I have tried to be honest in self-appraisal. There is no desire whatsoever to set oneself up in a morally superior position because I am always conscious of my own limitations and contradictions. Though this book focuses on my interactions with Benazir Bhutto, there are also passages of the text that describe events and themes which principally concern my own activities and views. But such portions of the text are indirectly or directly related either to herself in the specific context of her role as Prime Minister or to my work as a Senator or Minister. In all the nine phases of the fourteen years over which this writer interacted with her, Benazir Bhutto remained a radiant, beautiful personality. She was charming and engaging, almost always a pleasure to be with. I say almost only because there were a few occasions when she was briefly yet unpleasantly unhappy with something I had said or done or when, in my view, she was unable to accept stark reality. But for most of the time, even when I often said But, Prime Minister she would smile, and be graciously tolerant. I relied on the following sources to write the text of this book: memory, personal notes, copies of summaries written for Benazir Bhutto, newspapers, books, internet websites. In attributing quotes to her, reliance is placed exclusively on memory. Several quotes are exacty the words spoken by her. Where I was not able to recall exact words spoken, I have formulated sentences that, in my view, most accurately summarize the substance of her sentences. It is unfortunate that, from among those who served in the first Cabinet of Benazir Bhutto, only one person has written a whole book in English about his perspective. That gentleman was Iqbal Akhund, one of Pakistans most distinguished diplomats. He served as Adviser on National Security with the rank and status of Federal Minister. He was a highly capable, soft-spoken counterweght to the also-distinguished presence of Foreign Minister Sahabzada Yaqub Khan who, notwithstanding his own individual distinction, was seen as a continuation from the era and mind-set of General Ziaul Haq in whose Cabinet he had rendered a laudable role on the world stage. Iqbal Akhund sadly passed away in 2020. Iqbal Akhunds book: Trial and Error: The Advent and Eclipse of Benazir Bhutto (OUP 2000) is an outstanding analysis, particularly of the first of her two Governments. Consistently candid, accurate, insightful and balanced, the book so well reflects the integrity and capability of the author as also an excellent narrative on those facets of foreign relations and national security that the Government had to deal with. But no other book in English has been written by any other member of that Cabinet. In Urdu, there are books such as Rafaquat ka Safar Benazir Yaadein (Journey of a Close Relationship: Memories of Benazir) by Bashir Riaz. But he was not a Cabinet member though he was close to her family and herself. There are other books in Urdu and Sindhi. Former Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gillani who served with me in the first Cabinet and served as Speaker of the National Assembly during the second tenure of Benazir Bhutto has written: Chhahe Yousuf se ye aati hai Zadah (A Voice from the Well of Yousuf) which is a pertinent source to learn about his perspectives. Of several books by non-Pakistanis on Benazir Bhutto in English, some are listed in the Bibliography. I hope this humble contribution adds to information and discourse. *** About Author: Senator (r) Javed Jabbar has distinctions in diverse fields. He is a public intellectual who makes contributions to leading think tanks , research centres , public forums on a range of subjects. He has received numerous international and national honours for his contributions and achievements . He is the husband of Shabnam Jabbar, an independent entrepreneur, designer and home-maker. They have two children : Mehreen Jabbar, the award-winning director of TV plays and cinema films ; Barrister Kamal Kadeer Jabbar who specializes in banking and financial law and is a partner in Keystone Law, Dubai . His grandson is Zaka Zahir Jabbar who is exploring the marvels of school education. Javed Jabbar's 15th book " Pathways --- selected writings 2010-2015 " won the UBL Literature Prize for the Best English non-fiction book at the 9th Karachi Literature Festival 2017 . His 16th book " What is Pakistaniat ? " is prescribed in leading education and training institutions. He is present Chairman and co-founder of SOS Children's Villages of Sindh,( founded 1982 ) and Member, Board of Governors of SOS Pakistan which cares for hundreds of orphaned and abandoned children and provides vocational training to youth. He is founding president since 1985 of, Baanhn Beli (www.bannhnbeli.org ) , the pioneer public service organization of Tharparkar , and also works in other parts of Sindh. He is founding Chairman, Publican Alumni Trust (since 2010) which operates a reputed school for students from low-income families in Korangi, Karachi. Javed Jabbar is Chairman, Advisory Council, Malir University of Science and Technology, Karachi and Member, Board of Directors, National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA). From his school years at Cantonment Public School , Karachi , St Patrick's College and the University of Karachi 1963-66 , and thereafter ,he has founded or been elected to lead a large number of initiatives and organizations in Pakistan and in overseas countries . He is a former Senator and has served in 3 Federal Cabinets as Minister for Information and Broadcasting , Science and Technology , Petroleum and Natural Resources, and Adviser to the Chief Executive of Pakistan on National Affairs. He has represented Pakistan at major UN conferences . New laws and policies initiated by him have introduced major reforms in different sectors, particularly the inception of private TV and radio channels and freedom of information . Among several conflict management and conflict resolution initiatives he is associated with , he is a Member since 1992 of the longest-running, quiet, non-media-reported Pakistan-India Track II Dialogue known as the Neemrana Initiative , suspended since 2015 . He was elected global Vice President of IUCN (www.iucn.org) for 8 years, 2004-2012 in the world's oldest and largest environment organization comprising over 130 countries . In 2019 , he was invited to serve on an honorary basis as Adviser to the National Curriculum Council. In the past 10 years, he has been appointed by the Supreme Court and High Courts as amicus curiae and to serve as mediator to ( successfully ) resolve media conflicts , and as Member of the Media Commission , 2013 whose landmark report was written by him . He frequently writes on a range of subjects, including national history, current affairs and political economy for leading journals . He has received numerous national and international awards and recognitions for his work in diverse fields such as writing, film-making, voluntary service , environment . The cinema film "Ramchand Pakistani" (2008) of which he was the writer and producer --- and which was directed by his daughter Mehreen Jabbar --- won several international awards in Europe and Asia . In 1976, Pakistan's first -- and so far, only -- English language cinema film " Beyond the Last Mountain " ( Urdu version : " Musafir " ) which he wrote, produced and directed was screened to laudatory reviews at several international film festivals . He has written and directed dozens of popular and award-winning TV commercials and documentaries . In December 2019 , at Adasia 2019 in Lahore the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations inducted him into its Hall of Fame for his distinctive contributions to mass communications . In February 2020 , the All Pakistan Newspapers' Society presented him with its Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2015, the Pakistan Society of Advertisers presented its first Lifetime Achievement Award to him . The Human Rights Society of Pakistan presented him with a Gold Medal for outstanding public service . He is a visiting professor at leading institutions in Pakistan and overseas So, how should India deal with China and its iron-brother Pakistan?India needs to build Comprehensive National Power to counter threat from China and its iron-brother Pakistan. Here are 19 ideas on how national power can be built. Every Indian can contribute. by Sanjeev Nayyar The last boundary talks between India and China ended without any meaningful results. Around then, there were Chinese incursions in Uttarakhand and Tawang. Recently, an Indian diplomats mike went silent at UN conference while criticising Chinas BRI. Also infiltration by terrorists from Pakistan and killings in Kashmir have gone up after a lull. Shiva and Parvati, Mural, Kizil Caves, Kucha, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, c. 6th Century CE, China. Pic by Benoy K Behl. So, how should India deal with China and its iron-brother Pakistan? At the outset India must accept that as long as China and Pakistan exist in their current form they will not want to see India progress and allow it to live in peace. China is an autocracy, India a democracy. If India can deliver results for its citizens, Chinese people will ask why no democracy? India has to fail so the Communist Party of China can prove the need for autocracy. The Chinese know, probably better than Indians do, how much India had contributed to their civilization so understand Indias potential and see her as a rival. Further, China sees India as a roadblock in its quest for leadership in Asia. China will settle the boundary dispute when it believes it is strong enough to have its way. Pakistan was born in 1947 because of the hatred, a section of Indian Muslims had for the Followers of Dharma. A nation born out of hatred requires to continuously attack the object of hatred to justify its existence. Jammu and Kashmir is only an excuse. If India succeeds, Pakistan fails. Both China and Pakistan hate losing. Thus, they will relentlessly purse their goals. So how must India counter them? India must build Comprehensive National Power. Here are some ideas. 1. India must focus on economic growth. Resulting surge in revenues shall help the government spend more on social sectors and modernise Indias defence. India need not ape any other countrys model but create its own, i.e. based on the Indian reality. If people of India are progressing, thanks to growth, they will argue less. 2.Build infrastructure projects that increase productivity and reduce consumption. For example the Mumbai Delhi Expressway shall reduce travel time significantly and fuel consumption. Being made in concrete creates demand for core sectors of cement and steel, which shall have a multiplier effect on the economy. Reduced travel time shall promote tourism to destinations enroute. Invest in assets that increase efficiency for e.g. ports that reduce ship turnaround time. Create infrastructure that shall eventually reduce the cost of operating in India. 3. Identify industries where India already has scale or ability and look to become the worlds most reliable supplier for e.g. in pharma. Mixing geopolitics with pharma supplies is wrong. Trust once broken is difficult to rebuild. At the same time do not be dependent on any country for crucial materials for e.g. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients from China. 4. Avoid jingoism, focus on actions and subtle messaging. Government can place information before the people. It can also show how elections are held in India and compare with other democracies and autocracies. Nationalist Indians globally shall share and drive home the truth. Remember this popular slogan during the EmergencyTalk less, Work more. Let us not expect results overnight-Be patient. Indians must learn to accept failure. One cannot praise M.S. Dhoni to the skies one day and stone his home the next. 5. Even as we watch Pakistans moves, stop being obsessed with it. Instead, consistently support existing movements that could divide Pakistan for e.g. Baluchistan, Sindhudesh, Pashtunistan (uniting Pashtuns on both side of the Durand Line i.e. in Afghanistan and Pakistan). Remember, negativity cannot sustain. Do not trust Pakistan or China or ever let your guard down. Every time an olive branch is extended for e.g. cease fire by Pakistan in early 2021, look for deeper intent. The world must know that Pakistan has made terrorism an instrument of state policy because of Chinese support. No need to play the Tibet card bluntly. Let it linger on. Instead ensure that an appropriate person is Dalai Lamas successor and let all know of the Indian roots of Tibetan Buddhism. See movie by art historian Benoy K Behl Here Make Arunachal Pradesh such a developed state, that the already nationalist Arunachalis refuse to become a part of Chinese Occupied Tibet. Indians must support schools run by the Ramakrishna Mission and Vivekanand Kendra in Arunachal. China might, in a surprise move, try to snatch Tawang from India. We should be prepared for multiple attacks simultaneously and reduced supplies of key materials. 6. Ahimsa is a spiritual concept and pass in geopolitics. India must love all but we can love only those who respect our right to co-exist. 7. Modernize equipment used by armed forces. G Parthasarathy, former diplomat, wrote that China is expanding its maritime presence across the Indian Ocean. China is also building the Bay of Bengal port of Kyaukphyu in Myanmar. While India has two nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, it needs to strengthen its fleet. A senior defence analyst says India needs, Long range strategic bomber, Tri-services Integrated communications network, Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR) network covering entire land border-with ability to see 100 kms inside Tibet- Xinjiang, Military satellite constellation to cover border areas and High Altitude Long Endurance drones with ISR payloads. This requires resources that can come from economic growth and better compliance. At all times, remember that other countries can aid but India has to fight her own battles. India must withstand pressure from other countries whilst buying arms like from the U.S. on the S-400 deal with Russia. Indias newly corporatized ordinance factories and private sector must follow the Bajaj Auto modelproduce for domestic and export markets. Improves quality and reduces per unit cost. 8. Every country to be dealt based on evolving mantras for e.g. China is cooperate and compete, U.S. cooperate and promote business, Sri Lanka/Nepal/Bhutan/Maldives we are always there for you even if you occasionally go against our national interests, Russia let us continuously find ways for our friendship to grow, Afghanistan allow us to help you, Europe explore how we can grow in a mutually beneficial way and Pakistan a rogue nation that needs to be kept under pressure 24 by 7. 9. India must reduce population growth and control illegal immigration. If not done, it will eat into the fruits of growth and disturb the social fabric. 10. Find ways to reduce Indias FUEL bill. Focus on alternate sources of energy say ethanol based on agricultural waste/corn, electric vehicles and green hydrogen. 11. Our opponents might use the Water card, sooner than later. Government policies must encourage consumption of millets and traditional rice. They consume less water. Focus on water conservation, interlinking of rivers and re-charging of ground water. 12. Let the world know about presence of Indian heritage in Central Asian countries, Xinjiang, Afghanistan, Mongolia and South-east Asia. Motivate more Indians to travel there and discover facts themselves. Again no Akhand Bharat and bragging please, focus on cultural unification. 13. India must create an ecosystem that respects science, allows the number of graduates to increase and innovate within India itself. 14. Indias dreams could remain dreams if the judicial, education and healthcare sectors do not reform. 15. India, inspite of its myriad problems, is not a push over. Believe in Yourself, Love Yourself and Love India. Stop being over-critical. 16. If Indias sukarmas result in Gilgit and Baltistan becoming a part of India, it will share a border with Afghanistan and Central Asia. This shall change the regions geo-politics forever. 17. We need a Constitution i.e. based on Indic not European concepts. That will align it with Indian people and traditions. 18. Encourage public-private partnerships like seen with Bharat Bio-tech for Covid19 vaccine and hopefully in the Space sector too. 19. Every village must be digitally connected. Digitization should become a national mission. At all times, have an open mind to accept the best that the world offers. Some Indians should, seeing the state of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Xinjiang, stop trying to play the demographic game. This decade is critical for India. We need to put our heads down and work. Click here to read the original Inauguration of Kushinagar Airport in India as Hub of Buddhist Tourist Circuit - Why The Dalai Lama Was Not There? Certainly, India has done great service to the cause of Buddhist religion by facilitating the Buddhist devotees to visit and pay their respects to Lord Buddha. by N.S.Venkataraman Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kushinagar international airport in Uttar Pradesh in India , that would connect the key Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India. Kushinagar is believed to be the final resting place of Gautam Buddha and therefore , is an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination. Government of India is specially focussing on the development of places associated with Lord Buddha through better connectivity and creation of facilities for devotees to visit the Buddhist pilgrimage centres in India. . Lumbini , the birth place of Lord Buddha, is not far from Kushinagar. Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave the first sermon is also within a radius of around 150 kilometre from Kushinagar. Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment , is also a few hours drive from Kushinagar. Certainly, India has done great service to the cause of Buddhist religion by facilitating the Buddhist devotees to visit and pay their respects to Lord Buddha. This is particularly so, since the Buddhist devotees everywhere in the world desire to visit the birth place of Lord Buddha and pray there atleast once in the lifetime. A large contingent of Buddhist monks from different countries were invited for the inaugural programme of Kushinagar airport. Buddhist monks and diplomats from twelve countries with predominant Buddhist population namely Sri Lanka, South Korea, Nepal, Singapore, Japan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Bhutan, Cambodia and Thailand participated in the inaugural function. What is conspicuous is that the respected the Dalai Lama, one of the tallest and most respected Buddhist monks in the world today, was not present in the programme. It is suspected that the Dalai Lama was not invited for the programme. If he has been invited , the Dalai Lama certainly would have attended the programme , since it would facilitate the Buddhist pilgrims to visit various Buddhist pilgrim centres. While media mentioned about the Buddhist monks and delegates from twelve Buddhist countries attending the programme, there has been no mention about the Buddhist monks in good number from Tibet being part of the attendees. Tibet is a Buddhist region with great tradition and philosophy reflecting the virtues of Lord Buddhas teachings. There are several historical Buddhist shrines in Tibet. Unfortunately, China aggressively entered Tibet several years back, massacred thousands of Tibetan protestors and is now occupying and ruling the region with iron hand. India has done the historical and grave mistake of recognising Tibet as part of China. Millions of Indians are very unhappy about Government of Indias ethically and morally wrong decision to approve Chinas occupation of Tibet. China is now one of the biggest adversaries for India in the world ,which is very clear from Chinas several observations and acts against Indias interests in the last several years. China is occupying thousands of kilometre of Indian territory and claims Arunachal Pradesh in India as part of China . Chinese army is frequently intruding into Indian territory and in the process, several Indian soldiers have lost their lives in recent time. Many in India today think that China will start a war with India sooner or later , to fulfil its territorial expansion ambitions. Even in such circumstances, Government of India appears to be trying to keep China in good humour and is frequently discussing with China about the border disputes, to avoid a war like situation with China. Many people in India think that this is an appeasement policy, since China is not reciprocating Indias gestures. By denying the invitation to the Dalai Lama for inauguration of Kushinagar international airport, it is obvious that India wants to ensure that China would not be displeased. China would have certainly protested if the Dalai Lama have been invited for the programme , as it has been protesting even when any Indian official would meet the Dalai Lama. This episode of India not inviting the Dalai Lama to this important inaugural programme , that was of great interests to the Buddhists all over the world ,clearly show that Indian Prime Minister Modi has not acted as per his conscience and with courage of conviction. Mr. Modi has merely acted as an ordinary politician with priority for political expediency and deliberately not inviting the great and elderly Buddhist monk the Dalai Lama, who has been living in India not very far away from Kushinagar for several decades. . To this extent , by not ensuring the presence of the Dalai Lama in this important programme where several Buddhist monks from various countries were present, Prime Minister Modi has lost his much earned positive image as principled leader, to some extent. Certainly, we hear the thundering silence of Tibetans around the world craving for free Tibet ,as to why Mr. Modi is not supporting the cause of free Tibet by standing upto China and censuring China for occupying Tibet unethically. Indias prime minister Modi cartographically annexed the disputed state, spurning the UN resolutions and the Simla Accord. by Amjed Jaaved Pakistan has decided to observe 27th October as Black Day. This was the day when, according to Indias version, it invaded the disputed Jammu and Kashmir State. India says that Pakistan had earlier entered a lashkar (irregular forces) into Kashmir on 22nd October. But, it is eerie that India never approached the International Court of Justice, as pointed out by Josef Korbel (the author of the Danger in Kashmir), or the United Nations (under Chapter VII of the UN Charter) to get Pakistan declared an aggressor. It approached the UN under Chapter VI of the UN charter (mediation). Indias invasion of Kashmir is based on myths . Myths India claims that Maharaja Hari Singh signed the treaty of accession with the Indian Dominion on October 26, 1947. As such, India was justified in marching invading Srinagar. . As for the accession instrument argument, curious readers may refer to Alastair Lambs Incomplete Partition, Kashmir A disputed legacy 1846-1990, and Birth of a Tragedy. On the question of who the aggressor was, the factual position is that India marched its troops into Kashmir without Maharajahs permission a blatant act of aggression (Alastair Lamb, Incomplete Partition , Chapter VI: The Accession Crisis. Lamb concludes: According to Wolpert, VP Menon returned to Delhi from Srinagar on the morning of October 26 with no signed Instrument of Accession. Only after the Indian troops had started landing at Srinagar airfield on the morning of October 27 did VP Menon and MC Mahajan set out from Delhi from Jammu. The Instrument of Accession, according to Wolpert, was only signed by Maharaja Sir Hari Singh [if signed at all] after Indian troops had assumed control of the Jammu and Kashmir States summer capital, Srinagar. Lamb regards the so-called Instrument of Accession, signed by the maharajah of Kashmir on October 26, 1947, as fraudulent. He argues that the maharajah was travelling by road to Jammu (a distance of over 350 km). How could he sign the instrument while being on the run for the safety of his life? There is no evidence of any contact between him and the Indian emissaries on October 26, 1947. Lamb points out Indian troops had already arrived at and secured Srinagar airfield during the middle of October 1947. On October 26, 1947, a further airlift of thousands of Indian troops to Kashmir took place. The UN outlawed the accession; the accession resolution, passed by the occupied Kashmirs constituent assembly is void. Aware of Indias intention to get the Instrument of Accession rubber-stamped by the puppet assembly, the Security Council passed two resolutions, Security Councils Resolution No 9 of March 30, 1951, and confirmatory Resolution No 122 of March 24, 1957, to forestall the foreseeable accession. It is eerie to note that the Instrument of Accession is not registered with the United Nations. India took the Kashmir issue to the UN in 1948 under article 35 of Chapter VI which outlines the means for a peaceful settlement of disputes on Jammu and Kashmir State, not under Chapter VII dubbing Pakistan as aggressor. India knew at heart that she herself was an aggressor. In his books, based on Nehrus declassified papers, speeches and correspondence, Avtar Singh Bhasin debunked Nehrus perfidious failure to hold a plebiscite. In Chapter 5 titled Kashmir, Indias Constitution and Nehrus Vacillation (pages 51-64) of his book India and Pakistan: Neighbours at Odd he makes a startling revelation. Nehru discarded Maharajahs and Kashmir assemblys accession; in a letter dated October 31, 1947, addressed to the disputed states prime minister, he shrugged off accession. He said in the letter, after consideration of the problem, we are inclined to think that it [plebiscite] should be held under United Nations auspices (p. 28 ibid..). He reiterated in New Delhi on November 3, 1951, that we have made it perfectly clear before the Security Council that the Kashmir Constituent Assembly does not [insofar] as we are concerned come in the way of a decision by the Security Council, or the United Nations(SWJ: Volume 4: page 292, Bhasin p.228). Again, at a press conference on June 11, 1951, he was asked if the proposed constituent assembly of Kashmir decides in favour of acceding to Pakistan, what will be the position? He reiterated, We have made it perfectly clear that the Constituent Assembly of Kashmir was not meant to decide finally any such question, and it is not in the way of any decision which may ultimately flow from the Security Council proceedings. He re-emphasised his view once again at a press conference in New Delhi on November 3, 1951. He said we have made it perfectly clear before the Security Council that the Kashmir Constituent Assembly does not [insofar as] we are concerned come in the way of a decision by the Security Council or the United Nations. Bhasin points out, at a press conference on July 24, 1952, when asked what the necessity of plebiscite was now that he had got [accession by] the Constituent Assembly, he replied Maybe theoretically you may be right. But we have given them assurance and we stand by it. Bhasin points out Nehru made a tactical error, one of committing himself to the UN. Accession documents are un-registered with the UN. Concluding remarks Indias prime minister Modi cartographically annexed the disputed state, spurning the UN resolutions and the Simla Accord. Let India know that a state that flouts international treaties is a rogue state: pacta sunt servanda, treaties are to be observed and are binding on parties. Mushtaqur Rehman elaborated why Kashmir is the most dangerous place in the world (Divided Kashmir: Old Problems, New Opportunities for India, Pakistan and the Kashmiri People, 1996, pp. 162-163). No talks, no mediation. That is an open invitation to war, perhaps a nuclear Armageddon. Mr. Amjed Jaaved has been contributing free lance for over fifty years. His contributions stand published in the leading dailies at home and abroad (Nepal. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, et. al.). He is author of seven e-books including Terrorism, Jihad, Nukes and other Issues in Focus published by Smashwords.com. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form WSVN-Ch. 7 showed someone in handcuffs, which the TV station identified as Banegas sister and said she was questioned by state and federal law enforcement. The 17-year-old is not being named by the South Florida Sun Sentinel because she is a juvenile. He was bright and very talented, said his former coach, Micole Walters. His teammates and I enjoyed his wit and sense of humor daily. It was clear he came from a loving home, as he was well mannered and respectful. He didnt get into trouble and was a pleasure to have on the team. I am disheartened and appalled at the fact that nobody wants to be responsible for my sons death, she told the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Friday. She said that never in her 36 years working as a dialysis nurse has she seen a police department come into a mental health facility without the hospitals security team handling it first. With rents so high, she has also been looking for a home to buy. But the housing market isnt much better and Delgado keeps getting out-bid. While she spends her free time checking for new listings, she has cut back on spending on things she enjoys doing going out with friends or seeing a movie. The Lantern, A Renaissance Mystery Written by: Joanne Lewis Available In: eBook|Paperback Author Website: www.joannelewiswrites.com In The Lantern, a Renaissance Mystery, a 21st century American woman searches to learn the truth about the 15th century mysterious Italian girl who dared to compete with the most famous artists of the Renaissance. Across time and space, their lives collide as they battle abuse, disease, fear and prejudice in pursuit of their dreams. Along the way, they intersect with some of the most famous figures of the Renaissance including members of the Medici, Filippo Brunelleschi, Donatello and a young Michelangelo. If you already subscribe to our print edition, sign up for FREE access to our online edition. Thanks for reading The Henderson News. The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, one of Dubai's economic institutions, has announced that BITS Pilani Dubai Campus has joined the list of accredited business incubators in free zones. In a statement, the Foundation stated that the students' joining the business incubator provides an opportunity to transform their ideas and inventions into successful companies in various economic sectors and enhance their abilities in creative and innovative thinking at an early age. Students registered in the business incubator will be able to benefit from the Dubai Next platform, which is the first integrated digital platform for young people and people with creative and ambitious ideas of different nationalities in Dubai, with the aim of presenting their ideas to attract the necessary capital to start implementing them from Dubai based on the concept of crowdfunding. Abdul Baset Al Janahi, Executive Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, said: "The Foundation assumed the responsibility of leading innovation and entrepreneurship in the Emirate of Dubai. It developed well-studied strategies to support the entrepreneurship journey over the years and worked to promote creative thinking methods to come up with innovative products that solve real problems. or ideas for entrepreneurial projects. It is noteworthy that the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development is supervising the Dubai Network of Business Incubators, so that the Corporation oversees the implementation of projects, initiatives and ideas that are launched within the framework of the network, in addition to developing policies and operational plans and studying proposals and opportunities for the network to support entrepreneurs Business in the emirate, and cooperation with government and private agencies and educational institutions to supervise the launch of startups. We are proud to be partners with BITS Pilani Dubai in supporting ambitious talents. Co-operation between government agencies and academic institutions is vital to moulding entrepreneurial talent in accordance with the global best practices in nurturing innovation, added Al Janahi. Prof Srinivasan Madapusi, Director, BITS PIlani Dubai Campus emphasised on the role of Universities to make students market ready by providing hands on training in technical as well as non-technical skills. He said, Entrepreneurial skills are gaining importance not only for those who are interested in start-ups, but also in the corporate and industry sectors. BITS Pilani with its vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem works in line with the vision of the UAE government to encourage innovation and start-ups. He further added: BITS Pilani alumni have been at the forefront in wealth creation through start-ups. Today our entrepreneurial ecosystem is taking a leap forward by joining the Dubai Business Incubator Network (DBIN) through our partnership with Dubai SME as a certified business incubator. This partnership will transform the university into an entrepreneurial hub by supporting students with access to mentors, business experts and legal advisors, thereby creating new opportunities for our student entrepreneurs to make significant contributions to the intellectual capital and wealth of Dubai and the UAE. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Dr Aman Puri, Consul General India, Dubai, Dilip Chenoy, Secretary General, FICCI and Merzi Sodawaterwala, Chairman, World Sustainability Business Forum (WSBF and Founder, International Federation of Indo-Israel Chambers of Commerce (IFIICC). BITS Pilani on the same day announced its partnership with World Sustainability Business Forum for jointly working in sustainability and with the International Federation of Indo-Israel Chambers of commerce (IFIICC) to enable multilateral collaboration between the UAE, India and Israel. Established in 2000, more than 5,000 students have graduated from BITS Pilani Dubai Campus and are either working in leading global firms such as, Microsoft, Oracle, Siemens, L&T, Emirates, Honeywell, Petrofac and Schlumberger, or pursuing post-graduation across premier universities, including Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Cornell, Monash, and the National University of Singapore. Alumni of BITS Pilani Dubai Campus have also excelled as entrepreneurs with more than 20 startups to their credit this year. The establishment of the Business Incubator aims to encourage tech start-ups and transform the university into an entrepreneurial hub, which aligns with the sixth article of the Fifty-Year Charter of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai to transform Universities into free economic and creative zones.-- TradeArabia News Service Saudi Arabias 'bold' climate action plans have been praised by the United Nations after the kingdom officially submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) emissions pledge. Earlier, HRH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud announced that Saudi Arabia aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2060 through the Carbon Circular Economy approach. This is based on the kingdom's critical role in confronting shared international issues, its belief in the need for collaborative efforts to confront climate change and the necessity of the green transformation to deliver social and economic prosperity to the Kingdom. Patricia Espinosa, the Executive Secretary to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, said: "This is certainly the kind of leadership that the world needs, precisely at this time. I want to commend HRH and the Saudi government for the bold and courageous decisions that sent a powerful signal." Espinosa was speaking at the Saudi Green Initiative Forum in Riyadh, that rallies the climate action ecosystem to achieve ambitious national targets. The Forum unveils SGIs roadmap for delivery and spotlight the kingdoms green efforts. Attended by global leaders from all spheres of society, the event will drive action and spark innovative solutions to help tackle climate change. "Just a few months ago, I had the privilege of having a conversation with HRH and asked him to consider presenting a Nationally Determined Contribution," stated Espinosa. "The importance of the Nationally Determined Contributions is that they are the instrument under the Paris Agreement that allow us to assess how the world is moving forward in addressing the big challenge of climate change," she noted. "As HRH was saying, this is the greatest challenge for humanity. The existence of humanity in this planet is at risk because of climate change, so the announcement today is really a very, very powerful signal at the right moment and Im very grateful for that," she added. Turkmenistan and the European Union held their twentieth Joint Committee meeting via videoconferencing. The delegation of Turkmenistan included heads and representatives of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Energy, the State Concerns Turkmenneft and Turkmengaz and a number of other departments. Representatives of the European External Action Service participated in the meeting on behalf of the EU. The sides discussed a wide range of issues relating to development and strengthening of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union. During the talks, the sides emphasized the need to intensify further the political and diplomatic dialogue and inter-parliamentary ties, as well as trade and economic interaction. In this regard, the sides noted the importance of meetings within the framework of the Joint Committee, Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue, Dialogue on Human Rights, Consultative meetings between foreign ministries and interregional Central Asia-European Union interaction. During the talks, the sides paid special attention to enhancing cooperation in the spheres of trade, energy, transport, communications and high technologies. In this regard, the sides stressed the importance of boosting trade and developing partnerships between business structures of Turkmenistan and the EU countries. TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021 Colombo, Oct 23 (UNI) Sri Lanka's state-owned Ceylon Fertilizer Company Limited has got a court order to block payment to Chinas Qingdao Seawin Biotech over the latter's shipment of organic fertilizer which was contaminated with harmful bacteria. The enjoining order has prevented the Peoples Bank from making any payment under a Letter of Credit opened in favour of the Chinese company, Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co., Ltd, a statement from the Presidents Office said. Colombo Commercial High Court had issued the order on October 22, against the Qingdao Seawin Biotech, its local agent and the state-run Peoples Bank, economynext.com reported. 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. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-23 12:18:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CANBERRA, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt said the country's COVID-19 booster vaccine rollout could start within days, as Pfizer was submitting the required data to fast-track vaccine booster shots. If approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)'s vaccine advisory committee, some frontline healthcare workers and aged care residents could start receiving their third vaccine doses. "We're in a position that if, by the middle of next week, there is an approval for a third dose of Pfizer, then we would be able to begin immediately," Hunt said, according to the Australian on Saturday. Experts have recommended that Australians have their third vaccination dose six months after their second. Brendan Murphy, the secretary of the Department of Health, said there is no evidence that vaccine protection against severe disease wanes after six months but that booster shots could "give people the best additional belt-and-braces protection." "Antibody levels are only part of the protection of vaccines," he said. "When you get the infection, if you've got what we call immune memory, even if your antibody levels have fallen, the cells are still there to make antibodies again. If the virus infects you, you will mount an immediate antibody immune response and that is what protects you." On Saturday, Australia reported more than 2,100 new locally-acquired COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths as the country continues to battle the third wave of infections. The majority of new cases were in Victoria, the country's second-most populous state with Melbourne as the capital city, where 1,750 cases and nine deaths were reported. So far about 86.4 percent of Australians aged 16 and over had received one coronavirus vaccine dose and 72.5 percent were fully inoculated, according to the latest data released by the Department of Health. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-23 15:31:15|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- An outbreak of lumpy skin disease in animals has been reported in eastern Mongolia, local media reported on Saturday, citing the country's General Authority for Veterinary Services (GAVS). The disease, a viral infection of cattle characterized by fever, enlarged superficial lymph nodes and multiple nodules on the skin and mucous membranes, has spread to three eastern provinces of Mongolia, namely Khentii, Sukhbaatar and Dornod, and these provinces have been quarantined for an indefinite period. Sukhbaatar and Dornod border China, while Khentii borders Russia. The disease has never occurred in Mongolia before, according to the GAVS. This year, the prevalence of highly contagious diseases in animals is high in the country. Particularly, the deadly foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep and pigs has broken out in more than half of Mongolia's 21 provinces. The livestock sector is a main pillar of the Mongolian economy with around 70 million heads of livestock in the country. The country's meat exports have been suspended since June due to infectious animal diseases, according to the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-23 18:07:01|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KABUL, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Authorities have arrested three people on charge of involvement in dynamiting power pylon that darkened Afghanistan's capital Kabul, Interior Ministry spokesman Qari Sayed Khosti said Saturday. "Three people have been arrested over targeting and destroying power pylon and investigation has been going on," Khosti told Xinhua. The official also noted that the details of the investigation would be shared with media outlets. Unknown militants exploded a pylon in Qala-e-Murad Big locality outside Kabul on Thursday night and plunged the city into darkness. Officials with the Bereshna Shirkat or power company believe that the unknown men destroyed the pylon by detonating an explosive device and work has been continuing to rebuild and restore power to the city. In the meantime, the hardliner Islamic State (IS) outfit has claimed responsibility for attacking the power pylon and cutting off the power to the capital city Kabul, according to media reports. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-23 19:39:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Saturday lifted a ban on all flights from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines after most of the kingdom's population have been vaccinated against the COVID-19, Health Minister Mam Bunheng said in a press statement. The decision to lift the ban was made by Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen and it took effect immediately, he said. "It's part of the country's move to reopen social and economic activities gradually in all areas by adapting to the new normal and to reactivate air transport services," Bunheng said. Cambodia banned all flights from the three ASEAN member states in August last year to curb the COVID-19. The ban's removal came after Cambodia had administered at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines to 13.65 million people, or 85.33 percent of its 16-million population, the Ministry of Health (MoH) said. Of them, 12.94 million, or 80.8 percent, have been fully vaccinated with both required shots, and 1.62 million, or 10.1 percent, have taken a booster dose, it added. The kingdom reported 144 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, pushing the national total caseload to 117,644, the MoH said, adding that 10 more fatalities have been recorded, bringing the overall death toll to 2,725. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-23 20:40:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANILA, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) reported 5,807 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Southeast Asian country on Saturday, bringing the total tally to 2,751,667. The DOH also reported that 65 more people died from COVID-19 complications in the country, bringing the overall coronavirus death toll to 41,585. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the average number of cases in the capital region in the past seven days was less than 1,000. "It means that the number of cases has significantly dropped, and hospitals are generally decongested except for a few with high occupancy in intensive care unit beds," she added. Vergeire hoped that the downtrend in cases would continue so the country could further ease the lockdown restrictions in November to revive the pandemic-hit economy. The Philippines battled a new wave of COVID-19 infections that peaked in September. The DOH reported its highest ever daily tally on Sept. 11, with 26,303 cases. The Philippines, which has around 110 million population, has tested more than 21 million people since the outbreak in January 2020. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-23 21:55:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- An additional 832 dengue fever cases were reported in different areas of Pakistan in the past 24 hours, health authorities said on Saturday. The cases were detected in the Asian country's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and eastern Punjab provinces along with the federal capital Islamabad. In Islamabad 118 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours, including 79 recorded in the suburbs, bringing the city's total tally to 2,721, Islamabad District Health Officer Zaeem Zia told local media. In the cited period, 168 more dengue cases were detected in the KP province, taking the total number of infections to 4,672 in the province, local media said. Five people have died from the disease in the province and 214 patients are currently hospitalized. Meanwhile, 546 more dengue cases were recorded in Punjab province, a health official told local media, adding that 361 of them were found in the provincial capital Lahore. According to the official data, the total number of dengue cases across the province have risen to 9,491, with 6,294 of them reported in Lahore alone. The Pakistani government is taking special measures at the dengue hotspots in order to curb the spread of the disease. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-23 22:12:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Six terrorists were killed in a shootout with security forces in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province on Saturday, local media reported. The incident happened in Harnai district of the province when paramilitary troops Frontier Corps conducted an operation on an intelligence tip-off, the reports said. The operation triggered an intense exchange of fire in which the terrorists were killed, according to the media. Identities of the killed militants were not yet revealed, but the reports said a commander of the banned outfit Balochistan Liberation Army was among those killed. On Friday, the counter-terrorism department of police conducted a raid in Mastung district of Balochistan, killing nine terrorists belonging to the Islamic State terror group. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-24 00:58:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Bambang Purwanto JAKARTA, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia has been working for the restoration of mangrove forests in a number of areas in the Southeast Asian country so as to conserve the world's largest coverage of mangrove forests. "We are replanting mangroves to protect against waves of sea waters, sea water intrusions, and also to protect the habitat of species in and around mangrove forests," President Joko Widodo said after a replanting activity on Tuesday, in which 180,000 hectares of mangrove forests will be rehabilitated. From September onwards, the Indonesian president has visited some areas in the country including Cilacap district in Central Java province, Batam city in Riau Islands province and Badung district in Bali province where he planted mangroves. "Our target is that in the next three years we will rehabilitate 600,000 hectares of mangrove forests. Indonesia has the largest mangrove forest coverage in the world, with an area of 3.36 million hectares," he noted. The planting of mangroves in the coastal areas was also expected to increase fish production, he said, adding that the income of fishermen would therefore increase. In addition, he said that mangrove rehabilitation will contribute greatly to the absorption of carbon emissions, confirming Indonesia's commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change. During one of the recent mangrove rehabilitation activities in North Kalimantan, Finnish Ambassador Jari Sinkari praised the steps the Indonesian government has taken to protect mangroves, as mangrove forests are very efficient in absorbing carbon dioxide. Deputy Ambassador of Brazil Daniel Barra Ferreira noted that the mangrove rehabilitation program shows Indonesia's strong commitment to sustainable development. Based on the 2021 National Mangrove Map launched by the Indonesian government on Oct. 13, the mangrove areas in Indonesia currently total 3,364,080 hectares or 20 percent of the total mangrove forests in the world. The size has increased by 52,873 hectares from the period between 2013 and 2019. Enditem Titular de la PCM, @MirtyVas: Necesitamos respuestas eficientes ante la emergencia climatica que hoy enfrentamos. Para ello, desde la riqueza y diversidad de nuestras poblaciones, impulsaremos la #AccionClimatica para encaminarnos hacia una economia socialmente inclusiva. pic.twitter.com/EZV8CAJigd ?? Presidente Castillo se reunio con el ministro Gonzalez Toro para abordar el desarrollo de inversiones sostenibles. Reunion se realizo en el #MINEM y conto tambien con la participacion del titular del @MEF_Peru. ?? Conoce mas: https://t.co/LIUxdwijVT pic.twitter.com/G2BmWuvcBV " " A flying squirrel caught in a flash of UV light shows up bubblegum pink. J. Martin It's amazing what you can find if you shine a flashlight into your backyard trees. Biologists in Wisconsin have made a rather startling discovery in part, because it apparently hasn't been recorded until now. Three different species of flying squirrels (all in the Glaucomys genus) found across North America and into Central America southern, northern and Humboldt's flying squirrel sport light brown fur that, when spotlighted with ultraviolet (UV) illumination, lights up a hot bubblegum pink. Advertisement The phenomenon occurs on both dorsal (top) and ventral (bottom) surfaces of the flying squirrels, though it's the underside of a flying squirrel's carriage including flaps of skin that spread out when the squirrel glides from tree to tree that really glows. Jonathan Martin, a biologist at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin, made the discovery in the forest one evening just by shining a UV flashlight into the tree canopy. He was looking for lichens, certain types of frogs and flora that light up in UV. That's when he heard the chirp of a southern flying squirrel. As the squirrel glided by, he shined the UV flashlight on it, and he saw a flash of fuschia. Martin and his colleagues soon found themselves examining the skins of flying squirrels at the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Field Museum in Chicago. They took photos of the skins under visible and ultraviolet light. All but one specimen of the gliders glowed a pink that has been variously compared to bubblegum, Day-Glo and lycra from the 1980s. " " Flying squirrels in the lab the one on the left under visible light and the one on the right showing up pink under UV illumination. Journal of Mammalogy "I have to admit that the discovery was a little confusing to me," Paula Spaeth Anich, a biologist at Northland College and senior author on the study, told National Geographic. The results of the study were published in the Jan. 23, 2019 issue of the Journal of Mammalogy. The pink is caused, the researchers say, by the squirrels' ability to fluoresce, which is what happens when light is absorbed in one wavelength and emitted in another. Some birds can do this; some fish, too. Few mammals can. Flying squirrels are nocturnal and are most active at dusk and dawn. No other squirrels in North America are known to possess this ability to fluoresce, including tree squirrels like the Eastern gray (Sciurus carolinensis). There are over 250 squirrel species around the world, and the researchers have not yet tested other species' fur. The next question is: What purpose could this fluorescence serve? Humans can't see ultraviolet wavelengths except under special lighting. But other animals can. One theory suggests the pink is used to confuse owls, which as it turns out also have undersides that fluoresce a similar pink. Owls prey on flying squirrels, among other mammals. Perhaps the squirrels are mimicking owls, so as not to be eaten by them? Another theory, which is already being challenged, is that the pink attracts potential mates. However, although flying squirrels having mating seasons, their flamboyant fluorescing is available for viewing year-round, researchers say. Anyway, it's not even clear that squirrels can see UV wavelengths. Ultimately, the researchers point out that age-old impetus of science: This is proof of how much we don't know and still need to learn. The study concluded, "The ecological significance of this trait ... warrants further investigation." Now That's Colorful Meet the Indian giant squirrel, with fur colored black, beige, orange, brown, and a hue somewhere between mauve and purple. " " A smiling quokka on Rottnest Island off the coast of Perth, Australia. Posnov/Getty Images Each year, the internet freaks out about a different animal. In 2011, the honey badger captured the imagination of millions of people looking at screens. In 2012, everybody went wild for Grumpy Cat (RIP). The internet has lost it over blobfish, sneezing pandas, hand-holding otters, a Shiba Inu called Doge and more, but in 2013, everybody loved the quokka. The great thing about quokkas (Setonix brachyurus) aside from their being small, herbivorous wallabies with permanent smiles on their pointy little faces is that they really don't mind taking selfies with people. Which, as you know, is a popular internet pastime. Advertisement The Rat's Nest " " A quokka joey peers out from its mother's pouch. Quokkas are marsupials and carry their young in a pouch for six months after birth. Schafer & Hill/Getty Images Rottnest Island, a tourist destination off the coast of Perth, Australia, is crawling with quokkas. These little marsupials are about the size of a domestic cat, but resemble darling little kangaroos or giant rats, depending on what you're used to looking at. In fact, 17th century Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh named the island after the quokkas Rottnest translates to "rats nest" in Dutch. Rottnest is ground zero for quokkas they are actually pretty rare creatures on mainland Australia (and don't live on any other continent in the world), and the habits of the Rottnest quokkas are different from those on other parts of Australia. For instance, much of the island population doesn't mind mingling with people, which is why they end up being photographed virtually cheek-to-cheek with so many tourists. You'd be lucky to catch sight of one anywhere else in Australia. "There are anywhere between 1,000 and 5,000 quokkas on Rottnest," says Matthew Hayward, a professor in the School of Environmental and Life Sciences at the University of Newcastle, in an email interview. "They also occur on the mainland, where numbers are perilously low maybe 100 in the northern Jarrah Forest, and 500 in the southern forests, plus another couple of hundred on Bald Island, off the Albany coast." According to Hayward, the main cause of their decline is the European red fox (Vulpes vulpes), introduced to Australia in 1847. As the fox made its way into southwestern Australia in the 1930s, it wreaked havoc on the quokka population people in the area almost immediately people noticed quokka numbers dwindling. They do well on Rottenest Island due to the fact it's fox-free. "Quokkas once roamed several kilometres from their swamps and were reported as pests on pine plantations, but since the arrival of foxes, any quokka that leaves its swamp is likely to be eaten," says Hayward. "They are now only able to persist on the mainland because they live in thickly vegetated swamp systems that foxes cannot access." Advertisement Quokkas Need Fire Since quokkas have been persecuted by introduced foxes for well over 150 years, it's hard to speculate as to the place they originally held in their ecosystem. It probably didn't have anything to do with taking selfies, but rather with providing diamond pythons and dingoes with lunch. However, ecologists have an inkling that ancient humans and quokkas had a relationship around fire. "Quokkas were important food to the Nyungar people of southwest Western Australia, who lit fires at one end of the swamp and speared them as they exited," says Hayward. "They hunted them so frequently that quokkas evolved to cope with the high-frequency but low-intensity fires used by aboriginal people. Now the long periods without fires that lead to the vegetation opening up too much are a threat to quokkas it enables foxes to access them." Advertisement And Quokkas Need Water Although quokkas are doing vastly better on Rottnest than anywhere else in Australia, it's not an ideal place for them. Water is a limiting factor to their reproduction on the island, so although mainland quokkas might be able to breed up to three times per year, Rottnest quokkas only breed once per year because there's only enough rain during the summer to ensure that the joeys can leave their mothers' pouch in the autumn, when there is plenty of food for them. "Quokkas need water to help them digest their food," says Hayward. "On Rottnest, the quokkas really struggle over summer when many starve to death because there is insufficient fresh water for them to drink." And though it seems like people should probably be leaving the poor, persecuted quokka alone, some conservationists are encouraging people to go to Rottnest and selfie it up with these little cuties. Social media is a great place for raising awareness about your new haircut or the smallest, smiley-est wallaby that needs our attention. Now That's Interesting On Rottnest Island, quokkas harbor seven unique strains of salmonella bacteria. DILIJAN, OCTOBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is hosting the leading international Summit of Minds for the third time. The Armenian Summit of Minds is taking place in the town of Dilijan, at the Training-Research Center of the Central Bank. The event is attended by President Armen Sarkissian and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The agreement on holding the summit in Armenia was reached back in September 2018 when the President of Armenia was taking part in the annual Summit of Minds as a keynote speaker in the French city of Chamonix. The slogan of this years Summit is Global Transformations In A New Quantum World. President Armen Sarkissian, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, co-organizer of the Summit of Minds, founder of the Monthly Barometer Thierry Malleret, President of the Central Bank of Armenia Martin Galstyan will deliver welcoming remarks at the opening of the event. That will be followed by the dialogue between the Armenian President and the former Prime Minister of Italy, former President of the European Commission Romano Prodi. The discussions will focus on two topics the geopolitical changes in the globe and the South Caucasian region, and the technologies, in particular the development of artificial intelligence, biotechnologies in the 21st century. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the participants will follow the Summit online. This years guests include former heads of state, leaders of international leading expert and analytical centers, professors of top universities, heads of tech companies. Among the participants of the Summit are the former President of Argentina Mauricio Macri, former President of Switzerland Micheline Calmy-Rey, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Russian State Duma lawmaker Konstantin Zatulin, Director of Investment and Enterprise at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) James X. Zhan, Yandex deputy director Tigran Khudaverdyan, legendary athlete Roger Gracie, etc. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan DILIJAN, OCTOBER 23, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian believes that the recent events, including the 2020 War, will reshape the regional geopolitics. Delivering remarks at the Armenian Summit of Minds in the town of Dilijan on October 23, the President said that the slogan of this years Summit is about the new world or as he calls, about the quantum world. A lot has changed around us. This Summit covers two topics: the first one is dedicated to geopolitics which is changing every day. The world is changing quite rapidly, there are many uncertainties, this world is not unipolar or multipolar, it is much more complex. And we are trying to understand how to live in this new global quantum world, the President said in his speech. The first part of the Summit is also dedicated to the regional policy. The recent events, last year in Armenia, South Caucasus, Central Asia, starting from Afghanistan up to the war here, will reshape the regional geopolitics, be it in the Caucasus, Central Asia, Eurasia or maybe at the global level as well, the President said. The second part of the debates will be about the future, on how the artificial intelligence, new technologies, biotechnologies are going to change and are changing the world. Whether we notice that the world has changed?, the President said. He reminded that last year there was a double tragedy in Armenia as Armenians were killed not only of COVID-19, but also in the war. The President once again welcomed the Summit participants, expressing hope for cooperation and stating that this Summit is about the future, the future of the region. Armenia is hosting the leading international Summit of Minds for the third time. The Armenian Summit of Minds is taking place in the town of Dilijan, at the Training-Research Center of the Central Bank. The agreement on holding the summit in Armenia was reached back in September 2018 when the President of Armenia was taking part in the annual Summit of Minds as a keynote speaker in the French city of Chamonix. The slogan of this years Summit is Global Transformations In A New Quantum World. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 23, ARMENPRESS. 46 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Artsakh in the past 24 hours, the ministry of health said today. 140 COVID-19 tests were conducted on October 22. At the moment, the number of people hospitalized is 124, 14 are in critical condition, 52 in serious condition. The other confirmed cases receive treatment at home. The ministry again urged the citizens to get vaccinated, to follow all the rules to prevent the spread of the virus. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 23, ARMENPRESS. No meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev is planned at the moment, Armenian foreign ministry spokesperson Vahan Hunanyan said, commenting on media reports. He said that there are proposals for different meetings in different formats which are at the discussion stage. I would like to state that the rumors spread by some circles on this topic are obviously provocative and have nothing to do with the reality. In order to orient correctly in the situation, I would advise to study the reports, claims, revelations before the trilateral meeting in Moscow on January 11, 2021, to get acquainted with the results and content of the meeting and then analyze to what extent the reports spread before the meeting were in accordance with the reality, the MFA spokesperson said. He reminded that Prime Minister Pashinyan has repeatedly stated that Armenia is ready to resume the high-level negotiations with Azerbaijan over the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict under the mandate of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship. Since October 22 media outlets spread unconfirmed information according to which Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev are going to sign new trilateral statements on November 9 this year about the border demarcation and delimitation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the transportation and economic unblocking of the region. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan DILIJAN, OCTOBER 23, ARMENPRESS. With their presence in European countries Armenians contribute to the development of that countries, former Prime Minister of Italy, former President of the European Commission Romano Prodi said during an online talk with Armenias President Armen Sarkissian at the Armenian Summit of Minds. Thanks God, there are Armenians also in my country, and I personally know many of them as a result of historical developments. Unfortunately, we cant expect stability anymore, the future is going to be very mixed. It would be hard to guarantee stability, he said. Although I personally think that you will have firmer relations with Europe thanks to culture, traditions and also the presence. With your presence you always bring your contribution to the development and stability in the European countries. As for geopolitics, Armenia has such a geographical position that you have to keep the balance. I am sure we will gradually further approach Armenia and have an influence on the fate of Armenia, he said, expressing confidence that those relations will develop. Armenia is hosting the leading international Summit of Minds for the third time. The Armenian Summit of Minds is taking place in the town of Dilijan, at the Training-Research Center of the Central Bank. The agreement on holding the summit in Armenia was reached back in September 2018 when the President of Armenia was taking part in the annual Summit of Minds as a keynote speaker in the French city of Chamonix. The slogan of this years Summit is Global Transformations In A New Quantum World. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Defense Minister of Armenia Arshak Karapetyan received today the delegation of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) led by Vice-President Gilles Carbonnier, the defense ministry said in a news release. The meeting was also attended by ICRC Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Martin Schuepp and Head of the ICRC Delegation in Armenia Thierry Ribaux. Issues relating to the bilateral cooperation, the persons who went missing as a result of the first and second Artsakh wars were discussed. The defense minister emphasized the necessity of quick return of Armenian prisoners of war and civilian captives from Azerbaijan and viewing this issue exclusively within the humanitarian domain. Arshak Karapetyan highly appreciated the ICRC efforts, at the same time highlighting the coordinated work of the ICRC offices aimed at ensuring regular visits to the persons who are in the Azerbaijani captivity and their contact with their families. Gilles Carbonnier said the ICRC is making constant efforts to solve all those issues and stated that the Geneva Conventions guarantee the protection of the rights of POWs, the right to respect their honor and dignity. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan Prime Minister Scott Morrison is putting the finishing touches to his response to a list of Nationals demands in exchange for locking in a target of net zero by 2050 that he can take to climate talks in Glasgow. A majority of Nationals MPs and senators, like their Liberal counterparts, are understood to agree that Australia is already on the path to net zero mid-century, even though a firm target has not yet been set. But the key demand from the junior coalition partner is to ensure that trajectory of emissions cuts and shift to renewable energy does not damage rural and regional communities. Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce, who will chair a partyroom meeting on Sunday afternoon to receive and discuss Mr Morrison's response, has declined to spell out what is on the party's list but said it had a clear theme. "The thematics is making sure we look after the people in regional areas," he told ABC TV. Deputy leader David Littleproud described it as a concise list of "safeguards and mechanisms". "It's about making sure there is protection for regional Australia, but also the opportunity for regional Australia to grow and to be part of the solutions," he told 4BC radio. Mr Joyce said Nationals members understood Australia's obligation to be a "good global citizen", with the COP26 talks due to start on October 31. But he said such a position should not come at the expense of the coal and gas industries which paid for the nation's schools, hospitals and disability services, or the ability of farmers to clear land as they saw fit. He also rejected claims by leading scientists that climate change will cause catastrophic damage to the planet if left unabated. "When you say catastrophic, I don't believe it's in the interests of everybody to make statements so grand that we terrify everybody." Mr Littleproud said the prime minister had been respectful to the Nationals and answered all questions put to him by members and senators. Story continues "The ball's in the prime minister's court." The prime minister has said the federal cabinet will have the final say on the climate plan. Mr Morrison is due to head to the G20 summit in Rome next Thursday before flying on to Glasgow. Beginning in January, the Cayuga County Legislature's 1st district will have a new representative. Cait Augustyn, a Democrat, and Fair Haven Mayor Jim Basile, a Republican, are vying to succeed Tucker Whitman, a former chair of the county Legislature. The 1st district includes the towns of Sterling and Victory in northern Cayuga County. Augustyn and Basile both cite their experience as reasons for running. Augustyn, who fell in love with the northernmost part of Cayuga County after visiting Little Sodus Bay, moved to Sterling four years ago. She is an entrepreneur she started her own plant-based ice cream business, Eat Me Ice Cream, that sells its products at more than 200 stores in the Northeast. Basile, in addition to serving in local government, has spent more than 40 years working in the construction industry. In those roles, he has overseen numerous projects. Augustyn is eager to serve the community. This is her first run for political office and she wants to give voters a choice. She has been critical of Basile for his apparent plan to remain mayor of Fair Haven if he is elected county legislator. In New York, a village mayor can serve as a county legislator. While she is proud of her business ventures, she is looking for a post-pandemic challenge. "I'm young, so I can bring a different perspective," Augustyn told The Citizen. "I'm an entrepreneur and I'm qualified to help the county." Basile's top priority: fiscal responsibility. Cayuga County lost nearly 4,000 people in the last decade, according to the most recent census numbers. "That means everybody that's left is going to have to make up the difference," Basile said. He wants to meet with the department heads at the county level to "get a feel for what they do and how they conduct business." Through that process, he says, the county can ensure that, fiscally, "we're doing things right." The candidates have different views on a few issues affecting county government. The county has struggled with retaining an administrator. Those duties are now handled by Cayuga County Legislature Chairwoman Aileen McNabb-Coleman. A permanent solution remains elusive. There is some support for continuing to try the administrator route. Others want to implement a county executive model, which would require voters to elect someone to lead county government. There is a third possibility that the chair of the county Legislature will handle those duties in a full-time capacity. Augustyn thinks the best approach is to hire a qualified person to oversee day-to-day operations or allow the chair to full those responsibilities. But whatever the county decides, she believes they need to stick with it. "This is where everything can get lost and the ball is dropped," she said. "Things don't move forward. It's a basic business operations situation." She added that if the chair is the one doing the job, they should be compensated for that additional work. Basile prefers exploring the creation of a county executive's position similar to what is in place in Onondaga County. But he also supports examining whether the current model the chair overseeing county operations is working. One benefit of having a county executive, he says, is that if voters aren't happy with them, they can vote to remove them at the next election. "I surely would like to look at both (options) before making a final determination," he said. "Like everything, I think you have to weigh the pros and cons." Both candidates have different assessments of the county's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As mayor of Fair Haven, Basile said he offered the county health department a village employee to come to Auburn and assist with various tasks. While the department "appreciated the offer," he says, they didn't accept it. He thinks the county struggled at the beginning, but doesn't believe that's a negative. He blamed a lack of information about COVID-19 and "mixed messages" coming from different entities. "As it progressed, they did the best they could in dealing with it," Basile continued. Augustyn said the COVID-19 case numbers in the county are "pretty bad." She thinks the county needs to work with unions to address workplace safety issues and ensure the workforce is protected against COVID-19. "We need to take the right steps to make sure that they are safe and feeling safe at work," she said. Redistricting could alter the existing legislative district lines and change the number of Legislature seats. Basile opposes increasing the number of legislators there are 15 now but wants to see more details about the redistricting process. "We can't be increasing government when we have a decreasing population," he said. "That doesn't make fiscal sense." However, he would support decreasing the number of legislators if that was possible through redistricting. That could help cover the costs of implementing a county executive's office, he says. Augustyn said she supports following the redistricting process and then determining whether there should be a change in the makeup of the Legislature. But she wants to ensure that her district isn't left behind. "After going door-to-door, people up here don't even know that they have a county Legislature and a county legislator," she said. Basile is running on the Republican and Conservative lines. Augustyn will appear on the Democratic line and an independent line she created, Preserve & Protect Our Water. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2. Online producer 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. " " Early logos of two American powerhouses, rivals from the beginning the Dodge Brothers Motor Company and Henry Ford's Ford Motor Company. Wikimedia Commons/HowStuffWorks When it comes to great American feuds, there's Hamilton and Burr, Hatfield and McCoy, and, of course, Cardi and Nicki. Sure, some of the most famous disputes in history have been settled in all kinds of ways with pistols, murders and, yes, even rap battles. But the truly American way of handling big beefs is to hand them over to lawyers and drag them into the courts. The legal tussle that took place between Henry Ford and brothers John and Horace Dodge helped shape the auto industry as we know it. The feud also laid the groundwork for how judges, even today, look at the relationships of businesses with their shareholders, employees and competitors. "The number one reason that case is cited is for Ford supposedly wanting to do right by his workers," says Marc Hodak, an adjunct professor in New York University's business school. "The idea that he was actually trying to squeeze out the Dodge brothers is something that's often lost." " " Henry Ford circa 1919. Wikimedia Commons/Library of Congress There is no Henry Ford without John and Horace Dodge. And there is no Dodge v. Ford Motor Co. if a once formidable partnership hadn't devolved into infighting for a leg up on the burgeoning American automobile market. Advertisement Competitive Juices Ford and Dodge are some of the most iconic names in U.S. car making history. It turns out that the guys behind both brands started out on the same side. The Dodge brothers an unruly pair known in Detroit for their red hair, drinking prowess and affinity for knocking people out cold in bar brawls got started in the car business in 1900, building Oldsmobile transmissions. Just a few years later, they were the chief supplier and outside machinists for Ford Motor's Model A, the company's first automobile. They also ponied up a large portion of the $28,000 that investors gave to Henry Ford to get started. That investment soon paid off: Ford Motor turned a $37,000 profit less than three months after selling the first Model A, the company said. But the Dodges had bigger plans. They used the Dodge Brothers Motor Company banner in 1914 to launch their own car, the Model 30-35. The vehicle was intended to compete directly with the Ford Model T. Henry Ford didn't take kindly to the new competition. He made a pair of decisive moves to try to take the wind out of Dodge's sails. Ford stopped paying dividends to the Dodge brothers and other investors. Then, he slashed nearly two-thirds off of the price tag on his cars. The Dodge brothers were the "primary target," Hodak says, "but Ford didn't want any shareholders. He considered shareholders to be parasites." Advertisement Court Battle Offers Mixed Result The ensuing legal battle the Dodges promptly sued Ford eventually found its way up to the U.S. Supreme Court. The case is often described as a win for the Dodges, but Hodak and some legal experts say that's only half the story. The court upheld an order directing Ford to pay a dividend to the Dodge brothers and other shareholders. In doing so, it rejected Ford's claim that he wanted to reinvest the money to bolster the company's production and boost workers' wages. The decision is often cited for the legal theory of "shareholder supremacy," or that businesses should maximize profits for the benefit of shareholders. "A business corporation is organized and carried on primarily for the profit of the stockholders," Judge Russell Ostrander wrote for the court. "The powers of the directors are to be employed for that end." But the court also acknowledged another important legal theory, commonly referred to as the "business judgment rule." That principal assumes that corporate directors generally act in the best interests of the company and have wide leeway to do so, as long as their moves are reasonable. The court cited it in rejecting the Dodges' attempt to block Ford from expanding his factory. "The judges are not business experts," Ostrander wrote. "It is recognized that plans must often be made for a long future, for expected competition, for a continuing as well as an immediately profitable venture. The experience of the Ford Motor Company is evidence of capable management of its affairs." Ford may have had that part of the decision in mind when he made his next move against the Dodges. After the court ruling, Ford announced he was selling the company to his son. He also planted a rumor that he might start a new car business, driving down the value of the shares in Ford Motor Co. That was enough to spook the Dodges and other investors, who sold their shares back to the Ford family. Now That's Cold The lawsuit John and Horace Dodge filed in 1916 claimed that Henry Ford had priced his cars too low, thereby cheating shareholders of potential income. It was filed the day after Henry's son Edsel Ford's wedding to Eleanor Clay. The Dodge brothers had been guests at the reception. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On Oct. 22, Tesla opened its car delivery center in Minhang District, Shanghai, which is claimed the biggest auto delivery hub in this megacity in terms of indoor area. Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the launch of Tesla Minhang car delivery center The EV manufacturer said the Minhang-based facility is expected to top other car delivery centers of Tesla China by daily delivery volume. The new facility has a total of 72 delivery spots and a lecture room that can house 100 persons and is used to train car owners to learn the car delivery process. Develiry spots at Tesla Minhang car delivery center Model Y to be delivered at Tesla Minhang car delivery center The operation of the Minhang delivery center will greatly facilitate the car delivery to customers in Shanghai's Puxi area. Along with the center in the Pudong New Area, Tesla has built a delivery service network that can not only well serve users in Shanghai, but also meet the demands from those in the Yangtze River Delta. Tesla Supercharger station; photo credit: Tesla On the same day, Tesla also celebrated the launch of its 1,000th Supercharger station in Chinese mainland, marking a milestone in the company's development of charging network in the world's largest auto market. As of now, Tesla has deployed over 7,600 supercharging piles in China. Besides, it has also launched over 700 plus destination charging stations, which encompass more than 1,750 destination charging poles. SVOLT, a Chinese EV power battery manufacturer carved out of Great Wall Motor (GWM), for the first time appeared on the list of the global top 10 EV battery manufacturers by monthly power battery installation capacity in August, according to the data from the market research firm SNE Research. SVOLT said cracking the global top 10 was mainly thanks to SVOLT's vigorous efforts to expand battery capacity and strengthen R&D capability. Up until now, it has launched capacity expansion plans of over 200GWh. According to the data announced by SVOLT and complied by Gasgoo, the battery manufacturer released battery capacity plans amounting to 182.6GWh during the first ten months of 2021. SVOLT signing agreement for Chengdu project; photo credit: SVOLT 80GWh of the total capacity increase announced this year will be in Southwest China's Sichuan province with 29 billion yuan ($4.534 billion) worth of investment involved. Notably, the project for Chengdu was the biggest one signed so far this year in terms of both planned battery capacity and investment value. Yang Hongxin, chairman and CEO of SVOLT, said the company was long regarding the construction and development of its Southwestern China base, especially in the core province Sichuan, as an important part of SVOLT's global capacity deployment. The decision to build the Chengdu battery manufacturing base flowed from local attractive merits, such as the strong support of resources, talents, policies, the mature industrial deployment, abundant NEV application scenarios, and the broad market where NEVs are widely used there. Regarding resources, Sichuan province has launched many projects for the deployment of material and components indispensable to battery production, including lithium mineral, cathode & anode materials, electrolyte, and membrane. Besides, there are ample budget hydropower resources which can help lower the battery manufacturing cost and reduce carbon emissions during the production process. The market influence from the Chengdu base, as well as the Suining project signed in Jan., is able to radiate all over the Southwestern China. In addition, both cities play important roles in the export to Europe. SVOLT also launched two new projects in Jiangsu province, one of which was to be carried out in Changzhou, where the company is headquartered and its first battery factory is located. Including the newly-signed project, the battery capacity expansion plans launched for Changzhou have already involved a total investment of 23 billion yuan ($3.6 billion), the biggest volume SVOLT has ever plowed in a city. Besides, the project launched in Ma'anshan will yield Anhui province's first base integrating the production and R&D of power battery cells and packs. In Huzhou, Zhejiang province, SVOLT broke ground on a battery manufacturing factory in mid-August, as part of the agreement it inked with local government in February. 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. After a few weeks of declining metrics, COVID-19 cases in Coconino County rose again, according to the dashboard data report released Friday. The county reported a total of 408 new cases for the week ending Oct. 16 (51 more than last week) and is still at a high rate of transmission overall. The case rate is now 288.4 cases per 100,000, the highest seen in the two-month window shown in the report. The previous high rate was in the week of Sept. 25, which had 405 cases for a rate of 286.2 per 100,000. Of these cases, 71% were in individuals who had not been fully vaccinated. Percent positivity also increased to the upper threshold for a moderate transmission rate, 7.9%. Last weeks total, out of a higher number of tests conducted (6,147 compared to 5,374 this week) was 6.7%. Incidence of COVID-like illness (CLI) in county hospitals fell slightly this week to 6.6% (from 6.7%). A total of 16 patients were recorded for both weeks, though this week shows a higher percentage of these being over the age of 65. The county reported two COVID deaths this week. The CDC authorized boosters for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID vaccines Friday morning. Individuals are also now allowed to receive boosters of a different vaccine type than the one they originally received. This allows for mixing and matching of vaccines, subject to that vaccines timing and eligibility recommendations for booster doses," according to the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) announcement. As with the Pfizer booster approved last month, people 65 and older and those 18 and older with underlying medical conditions or whose work puts them at greater risk of exposure to COVID are eligible for a Moderna booster dose at least six months after completing the original two-dose series. Unlike Pfizer, however, an ADHS release clarified that the Moderna booster dose will be half the dose administered in the primary series. A booster dose has also been authorized for all recipients of the J&J vaccine over the age of 18 at least two months after the initial dose. Booster doses are safe, free, highly effective and widely available around Arizona, ADHS interim director Don Herrington said in the release. If you are eligible for a booster, I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your vaccine protection, and, if you wish, take advantage of the flexibility offered by this updated guidance. Coconino County's dashboard report lists 59.5% of eligible county residents (72,677 individuals) and 54.2% of those in Flagstaff (46,451 individuals) as being fully vaccinated. According to the report, the highest cumulative percentage of the population fully vaccinated was observed among residents aged 65-plus. Individuals seeking a booster dose can visit one of the CCHHS vaccine locations. Case rate and percent positivity were the same levels in Flagstaff K-12 schools as in the county overall (high and moderate, respectively, for a high overall transmission rate). The case rate for both Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) and charter schools decreased from 273 per 100,000 to 269, while percent positivity rose (from 5.9% to 6.4% for charter schools and from 6.1% to 6.5% for FUSD). The county schools report noted that both have experienced a two-week positivity yield below 10%. FUSD reported 41 cases in its schools for the week ending Oct. 16, bringing the total to 370 cases across the entire school year. The schools with the highest number of new cases were Mount Elden Middle School (6) and Marshall Elementary (7). Coconino and Flagstaff high schools have the highest totals for the school year so far (70 and 53 respectively), followed by Sinagua Middle School (45). Northern Arizona University reported 136 more tests at sites on its campus this week (a total of 3,649). Percent positivity was down to 4.4%, with NAU-affiliated individuals still accounting for the majority of positive tests (95 versus 67 non-affiliated positive tests). FUSD will host another vaccine clinic at Coconino High School from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. It will offer first and second doses of all three COVID-19 vaccines. Parental consent is required for children younger than 18 seeking vaccinations and a form is available on the district website. Face masks are required. The Literacy Centers Raising Readers program returned to Flagstaff Unified School District this week. The program restarted at Thomas Elementary and expanded to Kinsey and Sechrist elementary schools after a COVID-related pause. Four times a week, first-graders at Kinsey Elementary go to a classroom for extra phonemic awareness support. For about 10 minutes, they work one-on-one with a Literacy Center volunteer. The program uses the Heggerty Curriculum and volunteers use rhyming and movement to understand word sounds. It's not about memorization so much as developing familiarity. The one they love is foot-ball, said volunteer Lynn Hartman, making a fist for each half and bouncing them for emphasis. Its two words but it makes another word. If you spend 10 minutes a kid just running through different words and whats the structures of the word -- its not instant -- it just helps them move forward in their regular learning to read program with teachers. She said the hand motions help students develop neural pathways. Katrina Collins-Hernandez, an instructional specialist at Kinsey, said the elementary school already had small group intervention work with students, but now the fact that theyre getting something one-on-one is huge. Pandemic learning loss makes it more crucial, she said, especially for students in the first grade. Kindergartners last year did not have a normal experience, she said. Theyre coming into first grade at the very beginning emerging kindergarten level. Theyre learning their sounds, theyre learning letters, theyre just trying to hear sounds within a word. Thats why the program focuses on phonemic awareness. Its all about sound and really, the first step to reading. If you dont have phonemic awareness when you step into second, and third grade and all of a sudden the other students are reading, you need it to learn to read well, Collins-Hernandez said. You may eventually get there, but for the most part, thats a big deal. Childrens and family program coordinator for the Literacy Center, Maria Kostromitina, added that the program was very needs-oriented and based on reading skills testing conducted by the school at the beginning of the year. This first week of Raising Readers sessions was also spent on assessments. So far so good, the kids are excited, she said at the end of the first weeks sessions" She added: Before we actually start doing the curriculum, we want to try to see where we are with their phonemic awareness, assessing their skills. Another assessment will be taken at the end of the year to measure the students' growth. The pilot program first started at Thomas Elementary in early 2020, pausing shortly after due to the pandemic. FUSD was in remote learning for most of last year and has had volunteer and visitor restrictions since. FUSD Superintendent Michael Penca credited Thomas Elementary principal Ginni Biggs with getting the program and partnership started and working with the other principals to determine how it would work in their schools. Hartman said she was involved in the Thomas program pre-pandemic. It was really fun and we were sad to leave in March like everyone had to, she said. Now retired, she had previously worked with adults for the Literacy Center and was excited to have the opportunity to help kids. FUSDs board approved an agreement, which will continue through June 30, 2023, with the Literacy Center in its Oct. 12 meeting Innovation funds, first approved in December 2019 and reaffirmed in January 2021, will continue to fund the program and its expansion, including curriculum materials and volunteer recognition events. Penca said that the Literacy Center had received other community sources of funding to support this partnership. Were almost all ready and set to go, and were really hoping that the program is going to help kids improve their reading skills and get to the level where they should be, especially after the COVID learning loss, Kostromitina said in the meeting. At the time, she said they had around 15 volunteers. FUSD board member Anne Dunno said that the program was a great example of the projects were really striving to develop with the district. Its great that students are getting to work with different teachers, mentors, because that also helps train your eye for reading and listening, she said. Kostromitina agreed, saying just building those consistent connections with people in their lives is going to be very important and beneficial for their development as well. She hoped that the program would continue to expand to additional students and schools. Wed like to...be able to help more kids, she said. ...Due to COVID and everything, were trying to start small and then expand. She encouraged community members interested in volunteering to contact The Literacy Center. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Flagstaff City Councilmember and businesswoman Regina Salas announced Friday that she is seeking the office of mayor in the 2022 election. Salas, an immigrant and naturalized citizen who has lived in Flagstaff for 15 years, is currently finishing her first term on the city council. After serving the community for the past three years, she declared it was time to offer my public service to be the next mayor. With the announcement, she joins fellow councilmember and current Vice Mayor Becky Daggett, who announced her bid in early September. Salas said she had been considering a run for Flagstaffs highest office after receiving calls and messages from her supporters immediately following the results for the last mayoral election. She chose to wait to make the announcement until the time was right, she said. Not only Flagstaff voters, but throughout the nation there was a lot of election fatigue, Salas said. So I wanted to give it time, and give the new mayor a chance. But after encountering drama on the city council, Salas said she knew it was important to give the voters another choice. As the only current independent councilmember, Salas said she brings experience and new perspective to the table. I bring proven leadership having served on the council with my well-rounded background in government, business and nonprofit, Salas said. I hope that our Flagstaff voters will choose leadership experience, discernment, accomplishment and also the ability to bring integrity back to the mayors office. The announcement comes amid ongoing tension between the current mayor and councilmembers. In August, Salas was one of the councilmembers publicly called out by Mayor Paul Deasy for missing a special meeting he had called with one-day notice. Salas said she missed the meeting because she volunteered to represent Flagstaff at the League of Cities and Towns Conference in Phoenix, which the mayor and vice mayor said they were unable to attend. Those meetings are typically attended by the mayor, Salas said, noting the conflict was emblematic of her leadership concerns. It's humbling to admit that the current Council is fragmented and lacks cohesion. I have worked with the previous Council with the former mayors leadership, and there was strong camaraderie. The previous Council promoted strong understanding and consensus. Salas said she hopes to bring that culture back to city council, especially as Flagstaff moves to address important upcoming issues. Salas said one of her top priorities is to promote strong economic development and help local businesses thrive. Some of the ways she said she hopes to achieve that goal is through creating workforce development programs, strengthening business retention, diversifying the economic sector and promoting eco-tourism. One of the initiatives I have been quietly working on is establishing a pipe trades apprenticeship training center in Flagstaff to train and produce the best skilled, trained and certified journeypersons, Salas said. Salas pointed to her history advocating for rural transportation as one of the selling points in her campaign, noting her work in the Rural Transportation Advocacy Council. She added that she will look to bring more state and federal dollars not only to Flagstaff and Coconino County, but to the region. And of course I am very passionate about comprehensively and meaningfully addressing homelessness and achieving housing attainability for our own families and workforce, Salas said. Salas was a member of the city council that declared a housing emergency in December. It was another issue that topped her list of priorities. With her mayoral bid, Salas said, she will strive to promote unity through diversity. I vow to continue serving our diverse Flagstaff community with honor, respect and independence while promoting fiscal, responsibility and consensus building between, pursuing private-public partnerships, and seeking diversity, inclusion, equity and access for all," she said. Salas currently represents the City of Flagstaff on the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona and Metropolitan Greater Flagstaff. She is also the Council liaison to the Citys Airport, Tourism and Parks and Recreation Commissions. Before running for city council, Salas spent more than seven years working for Coconino County as an outreach coordinator for the Parks and Recreation Department. She helped develop the nonprofit Friends of Coconino County Parks and was a part of the team that developed the Fort Tuthill Master Plan. Salas was born and raised in the Philippines, and according to her website, attributes her love for the outdoors, communing with nature, stewardship of natural resources and community service to her upbringing. Love 15 Funny 4 Wow 0 Sad 2 Angry 1 SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) Hours before actor Alec Baldwin fired a fatal gunshot from a prop gun that he had been told was safe, a camera crew for the movie he was filming walked off the job to protest conditions and production issues that included safety concerns. Disputes in the production of the Western film Rust" began almost from the start in early October and culminated with seven crew members walking off several hours before 42-year-old cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed. The crew members had expressed their discontent with matters that ranged from safety procedures to their housing accommodations, according to one of those who left. He requested anonymity for fear that speaking up would hurt his prospects for future jobs. Rust Movie Productions did not answer emails Friday and Saturday seeking comment. At a rehearsal on the film set Thursday at Bonanza Creek Ranch outside Santa Fe, the gun Baldwin used was one of three that a firearms specialist, or armorer, had set on a cart outside the building where a scene was being rehearsed, according to the court records. Court records indicate that an assistant director, Dave Halls, grabbed a prop gun off a cart and handed it to Baldwin, indicating incorrectly that the weapon didn't carry live rounds by yelling cold gun. When Baldwin pulled the trigger, he unwittingly killed Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza, who was standing behind her inside a wooden, chapel-like building. Baldwin, 63, who is known for his roles in 30 Rock and The Hunt for Red October and his impression of former President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, has described the killing as a tragic accident. He was a producer of Rust. Halls did not immediately return phone and email messages seeking comment. A 911 call that alerted authorities to the shooting at the Bonanza Creek Ranch outside Santa Fe hints at the panic on the movie set, as detailed in a recording released by the Santa Fe County Regional Emergency Communications Center. We had two people accidentally shot on a movie set by a prop gun, we need help immediately, script supervisor Mamie Mitchell told an emergency dispatcher. We were rehearsing and it went off, and I ran out, we all ran out. The dispatcher asked if the gun was loaded with a real bullet. I cannot tell you. We have two injuries, Mitchell replied. And this (expletive) AD (assistant director) that yelled at me at lunch, asking about revisions....Hes supposed to check the guns. He's responsible for what happens on the set. The Associated Press was unable to contact Hannah Gutierrez, the film's armorer, and several messages sent to production companies affiliated with Rust did not receive responses Friday. Court records say that Halls grabbed the firearm from the cart and brought it inside to the actor, also unaware that it was loaded with live rounds, a detective wrote in a search warrant application. It was unclear how many rounds were fired. Gutierrez removed a shell casing from the gun after the shooting, and she turned the weapon over to police when they arrived, the court records say. Guns used in making movies are sometimes real weapons that can fire either bullets or blanks, which are gunpowder charges intended to produce little more than a flash and a bang. New Mexico workplace safety investigators are examining if film industry standards for gun safety were followed during production of Rust. The Los Angeles Times, citing two crew members it did not name, reported that five days before the shooting, Baldwins stunt double accidentally fired two live rounds after being told the gun didnt have any ammunition. A crew member who was alarmed by the misfires told a unit production manager in a text message, Weve now had 3 accidental discharges. This is super unsafe, according to a copy of the message reviewed by the newspaper. The New York Times also reported that there were at least two earlier accidental gun discharges; it cited three former crew members. Mitchell, the script supervisor, told The Associated Press she was standing next to Hutchins when the cinematographer was hit. I ran out and called 911 and said Bring everybody, send everybody, Mitchell said. This woman is gone at the beginning of her career. She was an extraordinary, rare, very rare woman. Filmmaker Souza, who was shot in the shoulder, said in a statement to NBC News that he was grateful for the support he was receiving and gutted by the loss of Hutchins. She was kind, vibrant, incredibly talented, fought for every inch and always pushed me to be better, he said. Santa Fe-area District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said prosecutors will be reviewing evidence in the shooting and do not know if charges will be filed. Hutchins husband Matthew Hutchins posted on social media to mourn his wifes loss, ask for privacy for his family, and thank her friends and mentors at the American Film Institute, who he said nurtured the success we had only just begun to see flourish. The institute's conservatory canceled cinematography classes Friday in response to Hutchins' death. At a vigil Saturday around 200 film crew workers gathered for a candlelight vigil as the sun set. They shared grief at the loss of one of their own, and fear of accidents on their own film sets. Several in attendance lit candles, held a moment of silence, read poetry and made brief comments including one testimonial to her artistic spark and generosity. Her death shouldnt have happened, Union sets should be safe sets, said Liz Pecos, president of IATSE Local 480. Production on Rust was halted after the shooting. The movie is about a 13-year-old boy who is left to fend for himself and his younger brother following the death of their parents in 1880s Kansas, according to the Internet Movie Database website. The crew member that spoke to the AP said he never witnessed any formal orientation about weapons used on set, which normally would take place before filming begins. He also said only minimal COVID-19 precautions were taken even though crew and cast members often worked in small enclosed spaces on the ranch. The crew was initially housed at the Courtyard by Marriot in Santa Fe, according to the crew member. Four days in, however, they were told that going forward they would be housed at the budget Coyote South hotel. Some crew members balked at staying there. We packed our gear and left that morning, the crew member said of the Thursday walkout. The Los Angeles Times and Variety also reported on the walkout. Gutierrez, the films armorer, is the daughter of a longtime Hollywood firearms expert. She gave an interview in September to the Voices of the West podcast in which she said she had learned how to handle guns from her father since she was a teenager. During the podcast interview, Gutierrez shared that she just finished her first movie in the role of head armorer, a project in Montana starring Nicolas Cage titled The Old Way. I was really nervous about it at first and I almost didnt take the job because I wasnt sure if I was ready but doing it, like, it went really smoothly," she said. In another on-set gun death from 1993, Brandon Lee, the son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, was killed by a bullet left in a prop gun after a previous scene. Similar shootings have occurred involving stage weapons that were loaded with live rounds during historical re-enactments. Gun-safety protocol on sets in the United States has improved since then, said Steven Hall, a veteran director of photography in Britain. But he said one of the riskiest positions to be in is behind the camera because that person is in the line of fire in scenes where an actor appears to point a gun at the audience. Price reported from New York. Associated Press writers Jake Coyle and Jocelyn Noveck in New York; Lizzie Knight in London; Yuras Karmanau in Kyiv, Ukraine; Ryan Pearson in Los Angeles; Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Walter Berry in Phoenix; and Gene Johnson in Seattle contributed to this report. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) No. 218 joined a bike ride supporting Ahmaud Arbery's family after the young Black man was chased down and shot dead. No. 236 was a longtime co-worker of one of the white men charged in the killing. Identified in court only by numbers, both people were summoned to jury duty in the trial over Arbery's slaying. And after attorneys questioned them extensively about the case, the judge deemed both to be fair-minded enough to remain in the pool from which a final jury will be picked. An outcry over the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Arbery echoed across the U.S. after graphic cellphone video of the shooting leaked online two months later. With jury selection underway in the Georgia community of 85,000 where the killing took place, it seems increasingly likely that some of the jurors who are ultimately chosen will have preconceived opinions and personal ties to the case. The judge, prosecutors and defense attorneys have questioned 71 pool members since jury selection began Monday. After dismissing those with personal hardships or unshakable biases, 23 were deemed qualified to advance. Dozens more will be needed before a final jury of 12 plus four alternates can be seated. While questioning potential jurors, prosecutor Linda Dunikoski often told them the ideal juror would be a blank slate. In the trial over Arbery's killing, she noted, that is probably impossible. We cant get that because its been all over the place, Dunikoski remarked in court Thursday. The result has been a number of potential jurors kept in the pool despite coming to the courthouse already knowing a lot about what happened and the people involved. That's because they said they can decide the case fairly, based only on the trial evidence. Georgia law allows someone to serve on a jury even if they come to court with an opinion about the case, as long as that person expresses a willingness to keep an open mind, said Donnie Dixon, a Savannah defense attorney and former federal prosecutor. The operative question is: Is your opinion so fixed that you couldnt get a fair trial? said Dixon, whos not involved in the case. The reality is, who knows? But if they say those magic words, the judge may not disqualify them. Greg and Travis McMichael, a father and grown son, armed themselves and pursued Arbery in a pickup truck after spotting him running in their neighborhood. A neighbor, William Roddie Bryan, joined the chase and took cellphone video of Travis McMichael shooting Arbery three times at close range with a shotgun. Greg McMichael, who had recently retired after a long career as an investigator for the area district attorney, told police Arbery had previously been recorded by security cameras inside a neighboring house under construction and they suspected he had been stealing. He said Travis McMichael shot Arbery in self-defense after Arbery attacked him. Until now, the case has been driven by outsiders. The McMichaels and Bryan were not charged until the Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the case from local police. Greg McMichael's ties to the district attorney resulted in the appointment of outside prosecutors from metro Atlanta. Likewise, Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley from Savannah was assigned to preside. If a jury gets seated in Glynn County, where 1,000 jury duty notices were mailed, the case will ultimately be decided by people for whom the slaying hit much closer to home. Jury pool member No. 218, a retail worker who identified herself in court as a Black woman, wrote on her juror questionnaire that "a young man was shot due to his color and the three men that committed the act almost got away. She said in court Thursday that she had taken part in a bike ride to raise money for Arbery's family after the shooting. And while telling attorneys she could be a fair juror, she also said that based on what she knows now: I feel like they are guilty. Not everyone called to jury duty has been preoccupied by Arbery's killing. A self-employed woman said she refused to listen when her husband tried to discuss the case and said she goes out of my way not to read news or politics. She remains in the jury pool. Others have been disqualified for seeming too engaged. The judge dismissed a woman who said she believes she saw Arbery running near her home not long before he was killed. She described feeling emotionally connected to him, and followed pretrial court proceedings closely. No. 236 was kept in the jury pool even though she's known Greg McMichael for 30 years. She still works a clerical job for the Brunswick Judicial Circuit district attorney. Though she and Greg McMichael were not close friends, she said the two had "always just been around each other. The woman said she also got a close look at Greg McMichael's personnel file because she was tasked with redacting private information from it after news organizations requested copies. She told the judge and attorneys she did not have a strong opinion about the case. What little opinion she offered was not sympathetic. I dont understand why they took it into their own hands," No. 236 said. "Thats the only thing that disturbs me about that day. I would have called 911 and let the police handle it. If enough people summoned to the court house keep expressing strong opinions, defense attorneys could ask the judge to halt jury selection and move the case to a different Georgia county. Its the easiest time to get a change of venue," said Don Samuel, an Atlanta defense attorney who is not involved in the case. If half the people who are randomly picked are so biased they cant even sit as jurors, youre talking about a community thats saturated by pretrial publicity." Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SANTA FE, N.M. Alec Baldwin said Friday that his killing of a cinematographer with a prop gun on a movie set was a tragic accident as authorities investigated the shooting, which also wounded the director. Baldwin was handed a loaded weapon by an assistant director who indicated it was safe to use in the moments before the actor fatally shot a cinematographer, court records released Friday show. The assistant director did not know the prop gun was loaded with live rounds, according to a search warrant filed in a Santa Fe court. The warrant was obtained Friday so that investigators could document the scene at the ranch where the shooting took place. It notes that Baldwins blood-stained costume for the Western film Rust was taken as evidence, as was the weapon that was fired. Investigators also seized other prop guns and ammunition that were being used during shooting of the film starring Baldwin. Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer, and director Joel Souza were shot Thursday in the desert on the outskirts of Santa Fe. Baldwin was performing at the time of the shooting, the sheriff's office said. It was unclear how many rounds were fired, and little was known about the weapon. There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. Im fully cooperating with the police investigation, Baldwin wrote on Twitter. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna. Sheriff's spokesman Juan Rios said detectives were at the set Friday morning gathering evidence and information. Baldwin is permitted to travel, he said. Hes a free man, Rios said. Images of the 63-year-old actor known for his roles in 30 Rock and The Hunt for Red October and his impression of former President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live showed him distraught outside the sheriffs office on Thursday. Guns used in making movies are sometimes real weapons that can fire either bullets or blanks, which are gunpowder charges that produce a flash and a bang but no deadly projectile. However, even blanks can eject hot gases and paper or plastic wadding from the barrel that can be lethal at close range. That proved to be the case in the death of an actor in 1984. In another on-set accident in 1993, the actor Brandon Lee was killed after a bullet was left in a prop gun, and similar shootings have occurred involving stage weapons that were loaded with live rounds. Gun-safety protocol on sets in the United States has improved since then, said Steven Hall, a veteran director of photography in Britain. But he said one of the riskiest positions to be in is behind the camera because that person is in the line of fire in scenes where an actor appears to point a gun at the audience. Hutchins, 42, was airlifted to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Souza, 48, who was wounded in the collarbone area, was taken by ambulance to a medical center. Sheriffs deputies responded about 2 p.m. to the movie set at the Bonanza Creek Ranch after 911 calls described a person being shot there, Rios said. The ranch has been used in dozens of films, including the recent Tom Hanks Western News of the World. This investigation remains open and active, Rios said in a statement. One of Hutchins final social media posts was a photo of the Rust actors standing together in solidarity with crew members. She belonged to the IATSE union that represents crew members. The union is to vote soon on a new contract with producers after threatening to strike in recent weeks over issues including long hours and on-set safety. Hutchins, a 2015 graduate of the American Film Institute, worked as director of photography on the 2020 action film Archenemy starring Joe Manganiello. She was named a rising star by American Cinematographer in 2019. Im so sad about losing Halyna. And so infuriated that this could happen on a set, said Archenemy director Adam Egypt Mortimer on Twitter. She was a brilliant talent who was absolutely committed to art and to film. Manganiello called Hutchins an incredible talent and a great person on his Instagram account. He said he was lucky to have worked with her. Hutchins had Ukrainian citizenship, according to Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko. The country's consulate in San Francisco was working with U.S. law enforcement officials. Baldwin teamed up as a producer with Souza on the 2019 film Crown Vic, which starred Thomas Jane as a veteran Los Angeles police officer on a manhunt for two bank robbers. Souza's first credited film, 2010s Hannas Gold, was a treasure hunt adventure featuring Luke Perry. After the shooting, production was halted on Rust. The movie is about a 13-year-old boy who is left to fend for himself and his younger brother following the death of their parents in 1880s Kansas, according to the Internet Movie Database website. The teen goes on the run with his long-estranged grandfather (played by Baldwin) after the boy is sentenced to hang for the accidental killing of a local rancher. Lee, son of martial arts star Bruce Lee, died in 1993 after being hit by a .44-caliber slug while filming a death scene for the movie The Crow. The gun was supposed to have fired a blank, but an autopsy turned up a bullet lodged near his spine. A Twitter account run by Lee's sister Shannon said: Our hearts go out to the family of Halyna Hutchins and to Joel Souza and all involved in the incident on Rust. No one should ever be killed by a gun on a film set. Period. In 1984, actor Jon-Erik Hexum died after shooting himself in the head with a prop gun blank while pretending to play Russian roulette with a .44 Magnum on the set of the television series Cover Up. Such shootings have also happened during historical reenactments. In 2015, an actor staging a historical gunfight in Tombstone, Arizona, was shot and wounded with a live round during a show that was supposed to use blanks. In Hill City, South Dakota, a tourist town that recreates an Old West experience, three spectators were wounded in 2011 when a re-enactor fired real bullets instead of blanks. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that some wildlife species are evolving much more rapidly in response to the warming climate? -- D. Gould, Hendersonville, NC Its amazing to think that climate change is causing animals to evolve faster than they would otherwise, but the science speaks for itself. Researchers from Australias Deakin University found evidence of so-called shapeshifting in recent years in direct response to warming temperatures across habitat ranges. Indeed, several species of Australian parrots have 4 to 10% bigger bills than their ancestors before the industrial revolution, correlating directly with rising temperatures due to human-induced global warming. Dark-eyed juncos in North America also evolved bigger bills as temperature extremes ramped up across their range. Mammalian shapeshifting also includes longer tails in wood mice and increased leg and tail sizes in masked shrews over the 150 years all likely adaptations to warming habitats. Another study found that climate change has sped up the rate of natural selection for mosquitos that lay their eggs inside carnivorous pitcher plants. Mosquito larvae that hatch in the spring have adapted to an earlier spring by opening sooner than they did a quarter-century ago to feed on more dead insects. While these types of adaptations may benefit the species under study, climate change is likely negatively affecting many more that cannot adapt fast enough to keep up. For example, Scotlands feral sheep have become smaller due to warmer weather in the winter that no longer necessitates larger, thicker coats. And polar bears, which have evolved thick fur coats and layers and layers of fat to keep them warm out on the Arctic tundra and swimming between ice floes, are likely another evolutionary loser in the age of climate change. As ice caps melt and ice floes become fewer and farther between, these majestic white guardians of the Arctic are unlikely to adapt quickly enough to keep up with the fast-moving changes to their environment and are thus likely headed for extinction unless we can turn things around ASAP. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a quarter of all species may face extinction as a result of global warming, an estimate based on studies on the range of species and whether a species has adapted to new conditions of temperature, rainfall and more. Researchers then projected future ranges of to determine whether the range will shift faster than a species can move and adapt. Species that fail to adapt quickly enough will be trapped in degrading habitat and as such are much more likely to go extinct. While warming temperatures increased gene flow and evolution among some species during the Pleistocene era, the current reality of climate change paints a different picture. The present human-caused climate change will not lead to similar extensive mixing and adaptation of populations, says Eeva Furman of the Finnish Environment Institute. Partly because movements of most species are greatly hindered in human dominated landscapes, and partly because the present climate warming is extremely rapid in comparison with Pleistocene climate fluctuations. EarthTalk is produced by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 President Joe Biden's long-sought goal of free community college appears to be a victim of cost-cutting in his social spending plan, dealing a major blow to his vision for a historic expansion of educational opportunity to all Americans. Biden acknowledged as much in a televised town hall on Thursday night, citing the political realities created by Democratic holdout Sen. Joe Manchin and "one other person." Still, he pledged that the fight was not over. "I promise you I guarantee you we're going to get free community college in the next several years and across the board." For Biden, it represents yet another setback to a plan he has been pushing for years. He backed a proposal for free community college in 2015 under the Obama administration, made it a key issue in his 2020 presidential campaign and has remained a staunch champion of the idea along with his wife, Jill, who teaches English at a community college. During the CNN town hall, Biden pointed to other provisions in the legislation, including increased Pell Grants for low-income students, as a way to make up some of the difference. Supporters are lobbying to preserve the free community college. They say it would help more Americans earn degrees while also stabilizing the nation's community colleges, which saw enrollments plummet during the pandemic. Peter Granville, a senior policy associate at the left-leaning Century Foundation, said the plan would have given a financial boost to students who need it most. "An investment in community college is an investment in student-parents, in workers who are looking for a second chance and in the foundations of our workforce," he said. "Too much of the burden rests on families, and college costs keep rising." Rise, a student-run nonprofit that supports free college, was urging supporters to call lawmakers on Friday in hopes of keeping the proposal alive. The group argues that millions of students were relying on the plan to improve their futures. Biden included the proposal in his social spending package along with a separate proposal for two years of free preschool. Taken together, it promised to expand free public education by four years and expand education opportunities from childhood through college. But free community college has drawn sharp opposition from Republicans and even some Democrats who prefer benefits that are limited to low-income students. Those who have opposed it include Manchin, D-W. Va., a key holdout of Biden's spending plan. The proposal from House Democrats included a five-year, $45 billion plan to give Americans two years of free community college. It required states to opt in and eventually cover 20% of the cost. It was already a scaled-back version of Biden's initial proposal, which called for $109 billion to fund the program for 10 years. Biden pitched it as an economic driver that would help more Americans get workforce training or transfer their credits to a four-year university. The plan was seen as a lifeline for some community colleges that have faced state funding cuts and smaller student enrollments. The number of students at two-year public colleges was down 10% this spring compared to last year, while four-year universities saw a decrease of less than 1%. Advocates say the pandemic has taken a heavier toll on students at community colleges. Many juggle jobs, parenting and other responsibilities that took priority during the pandemic, and many were put on furlough or lost their jobs, putting tuition out of reach. The proposal was also intended to help address racial inequities in education. Black and Hispanic students graduate from college at lower rates than white students, but those who do graduate are more likely to have attended a community college. Granville, of the Century Foundation, said Biden's plan would have sent students a clear message that there are affordable college options. "The financial aid system has particularly left behind Black and brown communities and low-income communities, leading to many students from those communities turning to lower quality programs at for-profit schools," he said. Removing the free tuition proposal misses an opportunity to make college more affordable and to prevent states from slashing higher education funding in the future, said Kate Tromble, vice president of the nonprofit Institute for College Access and Success. A key provision in the proposal would have required states to maintain their funding for colleges. In times of economic downturn, states often cut higher education funding, leading schools to increase costs to families. "Without that stable funding, you're looking at potential volatility in tuition prices," she said. If the proposal isn't salvaged, advocates are pressing for funding increases to other higher education plans in the bill. The package already calls for a $500 increase to the maximum Pell Grant award, but advocates say it should now be expanded further. About 20 states already offer some version of free college, and dozens of smaller programs are offered by cities, counties and nonprofits. At the state level, it crosses political lines, with programs offered in New York and California along with Tennessee and Oklahoma. But in Congress, Republicans have firmly opposed it. Some say it's unfair to offer free tuition to wealthier students at the expense of taxpayers who choose not to attend college. And some Democrats, such as Manchin, want benefits limited to those under certain incomes. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 "I was stripped of my rights as a parent and my daughter was stripped of her right to protection and representation as a minor. There was no understanding of diversity, African-American culture and the history of police involvement with African-American youth. My daughter and I are traumatized from these events and I'm disheartened to know that this day will live with my daughter forever," Taylor said in a statement shared by the ACLU on her behalf. The Honolulu Police Department told CNN on Tuesday it was "reviewing the letter and will be working with Corporation Counsel to address these allegations." A spokesperson for the Hawaii DOE said the agency did not have a comment at this time. In the letter, the ACLU said the girl had "allegedly participated in drawing an offensive sketch of a student in response to that student bullying her." In the days after her arrest, the girl told her mother that she drew the picture but several other students were involved in coloring and writing on it, the group says in the letter. The girl said "she did not want the drawing delivered but one of the other students snatched it from her hands and delivered it anyways," the ACLU said in the letter. Essentially the prototype that were using is a water tank and the water is getting pumped out of that water tank into a chilling unit. Then it goes through the chilling unit down to a box in the stream, Kientz said. The fish can swim in and out of the box in the stream where the cooler water is. Were not actually cooling the stream itself, but small pockets contained within these boxes that are supposed to act as a refuge. So, when the water temps get high fish will sense where colder water is and move to it. The boxes, he said, can cool the water to as much as 5 degrees less than the rest of the stream, which can be beneficial during those hot periods in such streams as French Creek and Spring Creek, where temperatures can get up to 75 or 80 degrees. Though Kientz said the Black Hills has not suffered major trout losses due to stream temperatures, the French Creek study will help biologists to become proactive if the current drought continues. During times of drought when water levels decrease, fish have less opportunities to find deep water with lower temperatures, and mortality rates could increase. Additionally, he said the science could preserve populations in Arizona and New Mexico, where biologists are seeing threatened trout species. The Attorney General's Office has, however, disputed the hospital's version of events, asserting an investigation is ongoing into "serious allegations" of patient abuse or neglect. Abbott and Cohenour on Thursday asked legislative leaders to investigate questions of impropriety and abuse of power using the new special investigative counsel created by the Legislature earlier this year. Senate GOP Chief of Staff Abra Belke was hired into the job this summer. State law authorizes Belke to "inspect all records, books, and files of any department, agency commission, board or institution of the state of Montana." In their response on Friday, Galt and Blasdel said they had been in contact with Belke about the proposed investigation. "To fully consider your request for an examination of records, we require additional information regarding the purpose, scope and method of the requested inquiry," Galt and Blasdel wrote in the joint letter. "The special counsel will be in touch with minority staff later today to discuss the next steps." The Attorney General's Office did not return an email seeking comment on Friday's response to legislative Democrats. Hegreberg said he was aware of instances when a branch had to close its lobby and wasnt able to notify the state on a timely basis. He said the proclamation could help banks stay in compliance when they otherwise couldnt. Virtually every bank in the state that I know of is having trouble, Hegreberg said. The state is dealing with a workforce shortage and banks are no exception. The state Department of Administration, which includes the banking division, could not provide an interview for this story. Since the proclamation, the division received notice for at least three temporary branch closures, according to a department spokesperson. Notice is not required under the proclamation as long as services are still being provided, so there could be other closures. In Helena, Ascent Banks lobbies closed on Oct. 7 after being open over the summer, according to Chief Development Officer Tom McGree. He said staff members were close contacts and had to stay home. The bank had enough staff to handle banking needs, McGree said, but it couldnt cover the foot traffic as well, and with COVID numbers up in the community, it decided to close the lobbies. The Cheney campaign has now collected over $5 million this year and ended the third fundraising quarter with nearly $3.7 million to spend. The $5 million is already millions more than Cheney raised over the entire 2019-2020 campaign cycle. Cheney's un-itemized donations account for about 22.5% of her donations from individuals, which excludes political action committees or PACs. The proportion of money that comes from individual un-itemized donors is a good pulse on the grassroots support for the candidate, as they must be under $200. The Cheney campaign said it had not yet calculated the proportion of un-itemized donors who listed Wyoming addresses. State Sen. Anthony Bouchard was the first Republican to announce he would challenge Cheney, and he has remained in the race even after Trump endorsed another candidate, lawyer Harriet Hageman, to unseat Wyoming's congresswoman. Although Bouchard has raised far less than Cheney, almost 70% of his total money raised came from un-itemized donations. He also has yet to take any PAC money. The percentage of PAC money that Cheney has been relying on has been steadily declining over the past three quarters. Lawsuit Litigants filed suit in 2019 trying to halt the trail, arguing the agency should not have relinquished its historic route. The agency said it had no perfected easement. Landowners got a black eye for blocking off the old route, despite earlier Forest Service attempts to negotiate a solution. The conflict over public access to the mountain range, which is checkerboarded with sections of private land, has drawn national attention. Most recently, Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico, asked Forest Service Deputy Chief Chris French during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Tuesday why the agencys chief hadnt responded to his offices requests for information about the issue. My understanding is that the Forest Service is no longer defending the prescriptive easements that have existed there for roughly a century now, Heinrich said. That concerns me, because if we are not defending the prescriptive easements that the public uses to access their public lands after a century in Montana, I worry about that spreading to New Mexico and other places as well. The Associated Students of the University of Montana unanimously approved a resolution last week demanding Smith's resignation or termination. "This is great news for everyone at the university and all the students who didn't want to have to take any more classes from him," said Betta Lyon Delsordo, a student involved with organizing the "Fire Rob Smith" effort. "It really shows progress that we, as a student body, came together and were able to say that we did not want him here and he listened." To Smith's claim that the investigation wasn't being handled objectively, Lyon Delsordo said she trusts the system and Title IX office to follow "all legal processes to do what's right." "There are stories that have come forward that go beyond his blog posts and I think there still needs to be accountability," Lyon Delsordo said. Students involved with "Fire Rob Smith" are not done with their work to make their campus a better place, she said. "We are continuing to look at what we can do across the university to make sure that this doesn't happen again and that there are more steps in place to make campus more inclusive and that everyone can feel comfortable going to school here." Love 9 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 1 Angry 3 No, the Attorney General of this state does not get to use the Montana Highway Patrol as his private police force, "investigating" nonexistent crimes. No, the Attorney General does not have a medical license, nor does he have the right to dictate an unapproved course of treatment just because it has been popularized by the same right-wing misinformation swamp that has decided vaccinations are only for Democrats. No, the Attorney General does not have the right to harass medical workers who are spending far too much of their time moving cadavers out of St. Peter's Health ICU in order to try to save others' lives. No, the Attorney General is not a king. He does not have unlimited power over all of our lives. He cannot impose his judgment and force a hospital to operate outside accepted standards and practices. No, the Attorney General did not send the Highway Patrol into St. Pete's to investigate "Medicaid fraud," as one lame attempt at post-incident justification asserted. When I served in the Montana Legislature, I sat on the Tax Committee where we stopped dozens of new tax increases ranging from beer and wine, to fireworks and income tax. These were your dollars and I believed you knew how best to spend them. And now, you get to choose how to spend your dollars. The City of Billings has presented a plan to curb crime. Their ask is that the citizens of our city be willing to part with more of their hard-earned money to fund more personnel and resources to combat crime and hold criminals accountable. No solution is perfect, especially when it relies on an increase of our tax dollars. Unlike the federal government, the residents of Billings have to pay for the services they receive instead of passing on debt to the next generation. Im not one to be enthusiastic about handing money over to the government. But for years, our police, fire, code enforcement, and criminal justice departments have been stretching their dollars further and further. Public safety is a top priority of government, and right now, its the biggest need our city faces. Lets face it, doing nothing will not lead to great results. A Canadian man facing the possibility of life in prison for the death of a Bismarck man two years ago has entered into a plea agreement that would send him to prison for 25 years and leave decades more time over his head if he violates probation. Earl Howard, 43, on Friday morning pleaded guilty to arson and three conspiracy charges -- murder, arson and tampering with evidence. If a judge accepts the agreement, Howard will be sentenced before the co-defendant in the case, Nikkisue Entzel, 40, goes to trial. Howard, of Bellwood, Ontario, and Nikkisue Entzel were arrested nearly two years ago in connection with the late 2019 death of Chad Entzel, 42, Nikkisue's husband. His body was found Jan. 2, 2020, after emergency workers responded to a call of a house fire in northeast Bismarck. An autopsy showed he died of a gunshot wound to the head. Investigators say the killing stemmed from a love triangle and involved plans to cash in on a life insurance policy. The two suspects are accused of plotting Chad Entzels death and trying to start the house on fire in an attempted cover-up. Howard has dual citizenship in the U.S. and Canada. He turned himself in and was arrested Jan. 9, 2020, on the Blue Water Bridge connecting Port Huron, Michigan, with Ontario, Canada. Howard, shackled and in a prison jumpsuit, entered the pleas just three days before his and Nikkisue Entzels joint trial was scheduled to start Monday. South Central District Judge Douglas Bahr at Friday's hearing tentatively accepted the pleas pending the outcome of a presentence investigation. He noted the timing of the pleas so close to the trial date, which left him little time to consider further information. Howard, his attorney Richard Sand and Burleigh County States Attorney Julie Lawyer agreed to the tentative acceptance. Lawyer at an afternoon hearing asked Bahr to reschedule Nikkisue Entzel's trial after Howard is sentenced. Howard in the past has requested that the two be tried separately, and though Howard's attorneys have assured her that his guilty plea is not a ploy to get his own trial, Lawyer is being cautious. "The state still has reservations regarding coming to the sentencing hearing after Ms. Entzel has had her trial, and then Mr. Howard withdrawing his plea, which he is allowed to do, and then having to have that separate trial with Mr. Howard," she said. Lawyer said she also needs more time, in light of Howard's plea, to update the state's witness list and prepare for trial with a single defendant. Nikkiesue Entzel is charged with murder conspiracy, arson conspiracy and evidence tampering conspiracy charges. Her attorney, Justin Balzer, said he reluctantly would not oppose the motion for a continuance. His client wants to proceed to trial. "Obviously our focus would change as well as far as how to prepare for trial," he said. The judge granted the continuance "with great reluctance," noting Nikkisue Entzel had been in custody for 22 months. The agreement by Lawyer and Howards attorneys calls for a 50-year prison sentence with 25 years suspended on the murder conspiracy charge; 10-year suspended sentences on the arson and arson conspiracy charges; and a five-year suspended sentence for evidence tampering conspiracy. It wasn't immediately clear if the deal requires Howard to testify in Nikkiesue Entzel's trial. Bahr earlier denied a request that would have allowed Howard to introduce evidence of Nikkisue Entzels alleged criminal past. The judge on Friday gave members of Chad Entzels family -- about 10 were present in the courtroom -- time to object to the plea agreement for Howard. None did. If Bahr doesnt accept the plea agreement, Howard could withdraw the guilty pleas and proceed to trial. Should that happen, the information from the presentence investigation could not be presented at trial. The agreement also stipulates that Howard spend five years on supervised probation. Bahr cautioned him that a probation violation could send him back to prison for the full terms outlined in the agreement. Bahr in May dismissed a Class AA murder charge against Howard. Lawyer asked the court to drop the charge, saying in a motion that an evaluation of the firearm did not show evidence as to which defendant allegedly shot Chad Entzel. Without that the state couldnt corroborate Nikkisue Entzels statements to law enforcement that Howard shot Chad Entzel, Lawyer said. Class AA murder and murder conspiracy both carry the possibility of life in prison without parole. A joint trial, had it been held, would have proceeded differently than most because its two trials combined into one, Lawyer said. Each defense attorney would have had the opportunity to cross-examine prosecution witnesses. Likewise, when a defense attorney called a witness to the stand, the prosecution and the other defense attorney would have been allowed to cross-examine. Bismarck attorney Jackson Lofgren, whom the Tribune interviewed for an independent analysis of joint trials, said its possible a jury could find one defendant guilty and one not guilty but its tougher with a conspiracy. Conspiracy "means they agreed and one took a substantial step to complete it, he said. The jury could convict the one who took that step and acquit the other, but generally its both or neither," said Lofgren, 41, who has worked as both a prosecution and defense attorney. North Dakota is no stranger to murder conspiracies. Chase Swanson and Madison West, both of Bowman, in 2016 were accused of conspiring to kill Nicholas Johnson, who was found dead in a Bowman motel room. Swanson is serving a life sentence with a chance of parole. West was given a 50-year sentence with 15 years suspended. Cynthia Wilder and Richie Wilder were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in the 2015 murder of Richie Wilders ex-wife in Minot. 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. Randy Bachman lost his most beloved Gretsch in 1976. The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive guitarist had bought the 1957 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins guitar when he was just 18 years old, with money saved up from doing odd jobs around town. Back then, it cost $400; today, it's worth about $15,000. When it was stolen from his Toronto hotel room, "it was heartbreaking," he told The Washington Post. "It's like your first love. You never forget that, and when it was taken, it was an absolute shock." Bachman told the story in a 2018 YouTube video, which somehow caught the attention of a man named William Long, who makes a hobby out of investigating unsolved mysteries (he's particularly interested in the DB Cooper skyjacking). Long used facial recognition software to enhance an old photograph of Bachman's lost guitar in order to identify the unique woodgrain makings on its face. Then, as The Guardian explains: After perusing hundreds of photos of orange 1957 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins guitars, Long tracked the instrument to a Tokyo guitar shop, and finally to the musician Takeshi. "[Long] found a guy named Takeshi in Japan playing my Gretsch a couple Christmas's ago he was playing, I think, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree in a Tokyo nightclub," said Bachman, in a video he posted to YouTube. Long was then able to contact Bachman, and Bachman's daughter-in-law, who is Japanese, was able to translate for Bachman and Takeshi. In exchange for Bachman's Gretsch, Takeshi requested, and Bachman found, another identical and rare Gretsch guitar. They plan to exchange guitars once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, and perform together. After 45 years, Randy Bachman's cherished 1957 Gretsch guitar finally found in Tokyo [Nathan Liewicki / CBC News] Randy Bachman to be reunited with his guitar that was lost for four decades [Jessica Glenza / The Guardian] The 500-square-foot Salem Witch Board Museum is one of the more recent additions to the spooky tourist strip in Salem, Massachusetts. But at least it has a unique angle: ouija boards, ouija boards, and nothing but Ouija boards. Also, it only exists as a speakeasy, hidden in a corner that can only be accessed through the Remember Salem gift shop. Though the museum itself opened in 2018, founder John Kozik has been building the museum's collection for 15 years. From The Boston Globe: All in all, the museum collection totals 300 to 500 boards. Kozik said his grandmother used her board alone a feat some would consider bad luck, according to Ouija superstitions. Though a young Kozik was never allowed to be in the same room as her when she used it, he tried to spy from a top stair or through her window hoping to catch a glimpse of which letters and numbers her fingers darted across. [] Kozik searches high and low for additions to his Ouija board collection and has built up a large network of fans and friends who help steer him toward his next find. Typically, he finds boards at estate sales, yard sales, or flea markets. Whether it's conversing at the local dry cleaners, convenience store, or even worldwide, Kozik said he leaves "no stone unturned." The museum's Ouija board collection is displayed chronologically, creating a visual history of the evolution of these spooky talking boards. I haven't been myself yet, but it sounds like a cool trip after the October tourist rush. A Buffalo City Hall agency that was raided two years ago by federal agents has given $20 million in funds over the past eight years to contributors to Mayor Byron W. Browns campaign. +5 FBI investigations of Byron Brown linger with no charges in sight Two former U.S. attorneys, witnesses interviewed by the FBI and a veteran defense lawyer familiar with the probes told The Buffalo News they don't expect any charges to be filed against Brown before the Nov. 2 mayoral election. It has also sold property or awarded exclusive development rights to campaign contributors without public bidding, though the Brown administration says campaign cash has nothing to do with getting city contracts. The Buffalo News analyzed eight years of spending by the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, at whose offices the FBI executed a search warrant in 2019. The agency doles out millions of dollars in anti-poverty money and economic development funds the city receives from the federal government each year. The analysis, which covered 150 transactions during Browns two most recent terms in office, revealed: Millions of dollars in federal funds distributed by the agency went to contributors of Browns two most recent campaigns. BURA distributed roughly $35 million in the last eight years, with more than $20 million 58 percent going to campaign contributors. Most of the remaining funds went to neighborhood groups and non-profits. Brown campaign contributors have also benefited from the sale of prime city properties near the waterfront and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. In some cases, they received exclusive development rights without public bidding. Many of the same developers and consultants who received city contracts gave thousands of dollars to the Brown campaign in the days before his primary defeat to challenger India B. Walton. They have contributed even more to Browns write-in campaign. +2 FBI probe focuses on Buffalo trash disposal contracts, contributions to mayor The FBI is trying to determine if there was any quid pro quo relationship between the donations to the mayor and Moderns contracts with the city, one source told The News. They also want to know what dealings there were between the mayor, (Steve) Pigeon and Maurice Garner. Campaign contributions from people who want something from government have long been a flash point in American politics. Candidates from left to right take money from people, industry groups, unions and advocacy groups that want to win government votes or business. Some givers dislike the process, but feel they must contribute to have a voice. Sometimes the contributions are more nefarious, "buying" favorable treatment. Brown says that isn't the case with his donors. "Donating is absolutely not a condition" of receiving public funds, Brown said in an interview. "We completely don't allow that to occur. People in office raise money they have to raise money. Thats the system that we have. But there is no correlation to what people give, when they give or even if they dont give at all to them being able participate in the development process in city government in Buffalo." Steven Carmina of the architecture and engineering firm Carmina Wood Morris has worked on projects that were funded by BURA. He has contributed $14,500 to Brown since 2013, but said he was not pressured to donate. Absolutely not, and Im glad you asked me," Carmina said. "The mayor has never once made me feel like there is any quid pro quo involved with donations. Hes an honest guy. He doesnt operate that way. Good government groups said they can't say if Brown received a higher percentage of donations from contributors who do business with BURA than is typical for politicians. But they said the practice doesn't look good. There is a growing movement to limit or restrict campaign donations from businesses that do business with governments, they said. "Theyre typically called 'pay to play laws,' and one factor is, you want government contracts to go to the best vendor. You dont want it to go to someone because theyre friends with somebody or they showed up at the fundraiser and gave them money," said Ian Vandewalker, senior counsel for the Brennan Center for Justice, a non-profit law and policy institute in New York. New York City, for instance, caps at $400 donations to the mayor from companies that do business with the city. Unlike Buffalo, it also publishes a public database of those firms. "You dont want government officials who have power over these lucrative contracts to shake business owners down by dangling contracts in front of them and saying, 'gosh, I sure need money for my campaign.' " Vandewalker said. "That starts to feel more like government corruption." Brown's opponent, Walton, has accused him during the campaign of being too cozy with developers. "A Walton administration will not operate by backroom deals and mutual backscratching with the rich and powerful, but rather open, transparent community input and ground-up, democratic decision-making," said Jesse Myerson, a Walton campaign spokesman. +2 Buffalo City Hall search tied to FBI questions about mayor's ally This most recent search warrant appears directly tied to a subpoena the federal agency served on City Hall in 2017 for documents connected to seven different companies doing business with the A history of controversy BURAs board of directors is chaired by Brown, and the agency works closely with the Mayors Office of Strategic Planning, which is run by Brown appointee Brendan R. Mehaffy, who also serves as BURAs vice-chair. How the agency spends the millions in anti-poverty funds that flow into its coffers each year drew controversy even before the FBI raid two years ago, when federal agents seized carts full of documents from its housing division. Mehaffys predecessor as the citys top development official, Timothy E. Wanamaker, in 2012 was sentenced to three years probation for stealing more than $27,000 in public funds by using city credit cards for personal charges. Around that time, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determined BURA was so mismanaged that HUD temporarily froze federal funds. The city in general, its not been a great model for the stewardship of the federal funds, said Stephen T. Banko III, the former director of HUDs Buffalo office. They were doing things out of bounds when I was there. Mehaffy took over the city's development initiatives, and both he and Brown said the agency has changed. "Weve done many things to reform the agency, to put checks and balances in place," Brown said. "In organizations as large as this, mistakes can be made, things can break down, unintended things can happen. You have to fix those things." In all, 27 campaign contributors, mostly developers of recent projects downtown or on the East Side, received BURA funds or purchased properties from the agency, according to The News analysis. Collectively, they have donated at least $164,000 to Brown's campaign since 2013, when he was re-elected to his third term. That total does not include donors who were subcontractors on various projects. Brown noted that BURA awards contracts not only to big developers, but to community groups and non-profits that build affordable housing. The agency awarded roughly $11 million to community groups, The News' analysis showed. Paladino given development rights Brown has tried to distance himself this year from developer Carl Paladino, saying he's not close with the former GOP gubernatorial candidate. Ive already made it clear that I did not ask Mr. Paladino for his support. Ive already made it clear that I will not take Mr. Paladinos support. And for some of you that know the record and have done the research over the years, you should know that we are not close, Brown said June 28 when he announced his write-in effort. But the mayor has accepted $7,700 in campaign contributions from Paladino, his son and their companies over the past eight years. During that time, companies owned by Carl and William Paladino of Ellicott Development purchased or received exclusive development rights to five properties, including prime parcels near the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and the waterfront. In February 2013, the BURA board named Ellicott the designated developer for three parcels near Erie Basin Marina. Carl Paladino planned to develop the plots into a 574,000-square-foot mixed-use project named The Carlo. Carl Paladino denied his contributions had anything to do with BURA granting his company rights to develop the land. I give money to government, OK, for good government, Paladino said. The $75 million project stalled and was never built, but in 2015, the city sold Ellicott six properties for the companys St. Paul Mall project, a six-story retail and medical office complex on Main Street near the Medical Campus. Paladino bought the land for the appraised value of $1.3 million. The appraisals were performed by KLW Appraisal Group, which contributed $1,000 to Browns campaign last month. In October 2020, the agency also awarded Ellicott exclusive development rights for a vacant parcel at the corner of Main and Best streets. What is wrong with me getting development rights? Paladino asked. Brown said there was "absolutely no correlation whatsoever" between Paladino's campaign donations and the development rights. He said a separate review team not the mayor makes the final selection. "What the review teams look at is the best proposals with the greatest community impact, capacity to do the work, ability to comply with federal regulations, and there is a very thorough underwriting process," Brown said. Federal funds to Sinatra, Pawlik Since 2013, developer Nick Sinatra has contributed $15,305 to Brown's campaign and developer David Pawlik has contributed $16,950, campaign records show. In early 2014, BURA directors unanimously recommended the sale of the historic Market Arcade building to Sinatra for $1.4 million. The deal was publicly bid and Brown said it was chosen because of Sinatras commitment to move his corporate office and 50 employees from Kenmore to downtown Buffalo. In 2015, Sinatra teamed up with Pawlik, a former city housing commissioner, and proposed a $5.2 million housing project on Kensington Avenue. On April 30 of that year, Pawlik contributed $2,500 to Browns campaign account and Sinatra contributed $600, state election records show. Less than two months later, BURA directors voted to allocate $1.25 million in anti-poverty funds to the project, which would have included 30 market-rate apartments and 10 low-income apartments. But the project was never built and the developers never received the public funds, BURA general counsel Scott C. Billman said. In 2018, Sinatra and Pawlik worked with the not-for-profit People, Inc. to develop 89 mixed-income apartments on Jefferson Avenue. BURA approved $500,000 in federal housing funds for the project. Sinatra did not respond to a message seeking comment. Pawlik in an email said his company has earned its reputation "through hard work and talent," but he declined interview requests. Robert Galbraith is a senior research analyst at the Public Accountability Initiative, a left-leaning Buffalo nonprofit that researches power and politics, and a Walton supporter who contributed $305 to her campaign. He said the timing of the 2015 donations to Brown looked suspect. When it comes to how development happens in Buffalo, I dont really believe in coincidences. That immediately makes me ask, 'were these campaign donations a condition for getting these funds?' Galbraith said. Brown said he doesn't keep track of who donates or doesn't donate to his campaigns. "I separate myself from that process," he said. "Yes, I do make fundraising calls, I do request donations, but then afterwards ... whether people donate, how much they donate, I really dont know, and we have absolutely no ability to connect that to city work." No pressure to donate, developers say In the waning days of the Democratic primary campaign as Walton was making surprising gains many of the same developers and consultants who received public funds or purchased properties from BURA contributed to Browns campaign. Carmina contributed $5,000 on the Friday before the June 22 primary. He was part of a group that received designated developer status and three vacant lots from BURA in 2019 for their $6.6 million loft project on Michigan Avenue and Broadway. He said he encountered the mayor soon after his Democratic primary loss to Walton. I walked up to him at an event after he lost the primary, and told him, Ill do anything I can to help you, Carmina said. He never said, Give me money. Hes been a partner with developers ... I want that to continue. Paul Lamparelli and his wife have contributed $11,000 to Browns campaign since 2013, including $2,600 since this June. Lamparelli Construction served as general contractor on a home rehab program administered by BURA in 2018. I talk to Mayor Brown at every fundraiser, Lamparelli said. He knows I support him, but theres been no pressure put on me to donate. Since Brown announced his write-in campaign, Sinatra, Carmina and Pawlik have contributed a total of $8,600 to his campaign. Robert Mootry Jr., chairman of the Mount Olive Development Corp., has contributed more than $1,000 since the primary. His group received $1.3 million in anti-poverty funds from BURA in 2019 to build eight apartments across from Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Mootry said his donations to the mayor are from me personally, not on behalf of the development corporation. There has never been any pressure on me or the development corporation to donate to his campaigns, Mootry said. I do it because I believe in him. Galbraith said the parties on both sides of economic development deals are operating in a way that is mutually beneficial. At that point you dont need to have a quid pro quo, because everybody is with the program, he said. These things can go on without needing to be said. Land not always publicly bid New York State Public Authorities Law states that board members of state and local authorities are required to adopt policies for the procurement of goods and services. But until the month that federal agents raided BURA offices on Nov. 6, 2019, BURA did not have a procurement policy on its books. On Nov. 21, the first time BURAs board met after the FBI raid, the agency adopted a procurement policy that stated, It is the general policy of BURA to award contracts to the lowest responsible dollar offeror who meets the specifications. Mehaffy said the adoption of the procurement rules was unrelated to the FBI raid and was recommended by outside auditors the previous year. Prior to the adoption, BURA followed City of Buffalo purchasing policies, Mehaffy said. From 2013 to 2020, records show the agency sold public land or granted exclusive development rights 14 times. Five times, the agency solicited public bids often called requests for proposals for the right to develop the properties. Nine times, there was no formal public bidding process before BURA selected a developer or sold the land. Of those nine instances where land was sold or development rights were given without bidding, six involved developers who contributed money to Browns campaign. Brown and Mehaffy said there were policy not political reasons for those decisions, like when developers have assembled multiple pieces of land for office or housing developments that benefit the public. "This is done for strategic reasons, and at times when there is no RFP, theres a strategic reason," Brown said. BURA's property disposition policy states that property may be disposed of "only after publicly advertising for bids." But there are multiple exceptions if, for instance, board members decide that a direct sale would serve "a public purpose" or would "further the public health, safety or welfare or an economic development interest." The agency did not solicit bids for the parcel known as the "Skyway loop lot" on Terrace Street. Last year, the agency awarded exclusive development rights to Douglas Jemal, who plans a $45 million apartment project. In the last five years, Jemal and Paul Millstein, vice president of Douglas Development, have contributed $15,580 to Browns campaign. But the mayor said it was Jemal's work to refurbish the nearby Seneca One tower not the developer's campaign contributions that made the plan attractive. "That loop lot, there has not been any demand for that," Brown said. "He demonstrated an amazing ability to bring new life to that property, and we believed through our review of what could happen at that loop, that he had the knowledge, the expertise, the financial wherewithal to pull that project off." No public bids were solicited in 2019 when the agency sold a parking lot on Washington Street to Uniland Development for $2 million. Uniland and the Montante family, who declined to comment, have contributed $13,800 to Browns campaigns since 2013. In 2015, Ciminelli Real Estate agreed to purchase one of the last remaining large parcels at Waterfront Village for $2.2 million. It planned to develop a $25 million condo project on the site. Three years later, BURA lowered the sale price to $1.3 million a 40 percent decrease for prime waterfront property. The land was appraised at $1.6 million, city records show. Mehaffy said neighbors objected to the height of the project, which was then reduced from five stories to three. In order to get it developed, at the end of the day we had to limit the height on there, Mehaffy said. And when you limit the height, the value of the land goes down. Thats why the sale price is lower. Ciminelli, through a spokesperson, did not respond to a message seeking comment. Banko, the former HUD official who also worked at City Hall, has said he supports Brown in this election. He said was not surprised that many of the developers who contributed to Browns campaign also received properties or development rights from the city. Buffalos the biggest small town in America, Banko said. And everybody knows everybody and all the developers ... the same guys are developing everything. Galbraith said letting a small coterie of very politically wired developers and campaign donors build everything may not be illegal, but its also not ideal. The systems set up in a way that a lot of the worst things that get done are done legal and ostensibly above-board," he said. "But is this the best use of the peoples money and the peoples resources? 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. Charlie Specht News Staff Reporter Charlie Specht is a member of the Watchdog Team. A Buffalo native, he has won state, regional and national awards for investigative reporting. Follow Charlie Specht 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 At first glance, the mailer that landed in thousands of mailboxes Friday appears to encourage people to vote for Kevin Hardwick, the Democratic Erie County legislator running for comptroller. But it wasn't sent by Hardwick's campaign and he says it falsely portrays his political views. Across the front of the 12-by-15 inch mailer is a photo of Hardwick with former President Donald Trump and the words, "Hardwick Supports the Trump Agenda." Across the back is an image of Hardwick juxtaposed with a Trump rally, with the words "Make Erie County Great Again" across the bottom. The mailer was actually designed by the campaign of his opponent, Republican-backed Lynne Dixon, in an effort to turn off Democratic voters who might otherwise support Hardwick's campaign. And it started landing in mailboxes the day before early voting begins. "Ill lose, Im sure, thousands of votes because of that," Hardwick said. "I talk about a culture change in the Comptrollers Office and this is the kind of thing Stefan [Mychajliw] is doing in the Town of Hamburg. Every trick in the book. And its rubbed off on Lynne, also." "Don't give her a win," Ocasio-Cortez told the crowd. "Give her a mandate." Many of the speakers stressed to the crowd the importance of getting to the polls. Early voting in New York state started Saturday. "We cannot take anything for granted," Nixon said from the stage before introducing Walton. Nixon, who ran on a progressive program against Andrew Cuomo in 2018 and lost, told the crowd she believes this is a key political moment. If you would have told me that in 2021 we would be taking out not only Andrew Cuomo, but Byron Brown, Nixon said, with the crowd responding with fierce applause. Progressivism is contagious, and hope is contagious and excitement is contagious. Walton told the crowd her primary victory came because of honesty, integrity and by running on our values. Every person has the right to safe, healthy housing, she said. Every person has the right to a quality education. Every person has the right to breathe clean air and drink clean water. Every person has the right to bargain collectively, be a member of a union and have their rights protected. Lyft Inc. said the number of sexual-assault reports collected on its app rose from 1,096 in 2017 to 1,255 in 2018 and 1,807 in 2019 as its business grew. The company said that from 2017 to 2019, more than 99% of rides occurred without any reported safety-related incident. A Lyft official said in a blog post Thursday that the rate of sexual assaults as a percentage of rides decreased by 19% over the three-year period covered in the report. While safety incidents on our platform are incredibly rare, we realize that even one is too many, Jennifer Brandenburger, the companys head of policy development and research, said in the blog. Lyft said it generally does not tell police about safety incidents unless it is served with a subpoena, a policy it said protects personal information about riders and drivers. Lyft said the decision to report an event to law enforcement is a deeply personal one." The company said it investigates safety incidents through correspondence with drivers and riders, police reports and other information. The Frazier family, which had called for Cummings to be prosecuted in Frazier's death, welcomed the charges as a first step toward justice, according to their lawyers, Ben Crump and Jeff Storms. The Frazier family and our legal team are grateful for the charges brought against Brian Cummings for the reckless killing of Leneal Frazier," they said in a statement. We commend the Hennepin County Attorneys Office for having the courage to hold law enforcement accountable in this instance. No innocent civilian should ever lose their life because of unwarranted high-speed chases in residential neighborhoods. Both charges against Cummings carry a presumptive prison sentence of four years under state sentencing guidelines. Jail records show he was released on his own recognizance without bail required and has a hearing set for Nov. 9. Images of the 63-year-old actor known for his roles in 30 Rock and The Hunt for Red October and his impression of former President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live showed him distraught outside the sheriffs office on Thursday. Guns used in making movies are sometimes real weapons that can fire either bullets or blanks, which are gunpowder charges that produce a flash and a bang but no deadly projectile. Even blanks can eject hot gases and paper or plastic wadding from the barrel that can be lethal at close range. That proved to be the case in the death of an actor in 1984. In another on-set accident in 1993, the actor Brandon Lee was killed after a bullet was left in a prop gun, and similar shootings have occurred involving stage weapons that were loaded with live rounds. Gun-safety protocol on sets in the United States has improved since then, said Steven Hall, a veteran director of photography in Britain. But he said one of the riskiest positions to be in is behind the camera because that person is in the line of fire in scenes where an actor appears to point a gun at the audience. Newspapers and archives do record an execution on Lake Erie for desertion during the War of 1812. But the mans name was James Bird. He was a soldier-marine. And he was a corporal. Bird was arrested and then executed for desertion from Perrys flagship, the Lawrence. That much is certain. But explanations for his desertion varied from romantic to patriotic to pragmatic. And by all accounts, he fought bravely a year earlier during the pivotal Battle of Lake Erie. Bird was born Dec. 20, 1785, to John and Rebecca Montanye Bird. He volunteered for the War of 1812 in the Wilkes-Barre area of Pennsylvania, where the family had moved, and was a member of a company of artillerymen that marched to Erie, Pa., according to the "History of Luzerne County." In Erie, Commodore Perry needed volunteers for his nine newly constructed ships that were to take on the British ships wreaking havoc on American settlements on Lake Erie. Bird volunteered as a marine. During the Battle of Lake Erie in September of 1813 famous for Perrys after action report, We have met the enemy, and they are ours Bird was aboard the flagship Lawrence. Though seriously wounded, he continued to fight valiantly. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Now that it has been revealed24 hours after the eventthat Queen Elizabeth II has spent a night in hospital and was not, as the palace press corps were informed, resting at Windsor Castle, there are complaints that, once again, the messaging is bad and making the situation worse. For sure, trying to conceal the hospital visit just raises the question: what else is not being revealed? And, inevitably, it renews speculation about whether the Queen will finally have to give up her day job. So its important to realize how much the future of the whole shaky edifice of the House of Windsor still rests on the shoulders of the queen alone. Queen Elizabeth Reluctantly Accepts Doctors Orders to Rest: Buckingham Palace A moment that makes this very clear came in May. Just a month after Prince Philip died, the queen was driven from Windsor Castle to Parliament to deliver the speech that opens a new session. There were no gloomy widows weeds. She wore a lilac dress and hat and looked full of life. As she spoke she did not wear a mask. Prince Charles and Camilla, socially distanced to her left, did. The optics were crystal clear: the widow monarch remained as spirited as her wardrobe, and was reasserting her command. Her long-abiding heir was not about to be enthroned. A year earlier, before there was any hint that Philip was frail, many royal pundits were confidently predicting that when the queen reached her ninety-fifth birthday on April 21 this year she would finally step down. Charles would become prince regentin effect, he would be king in all but name, retaining the title until the queens death. She would have none of it. The queen has spent most of the year proving that 95 is the new 65. At times she has seemed as kinetic as the Duracell Bunny. When many lesser mortals are happy to use the pandemic as an excuse to stay out of the office she couldnt wait to get back to hers. In October alone she carried out 15 formal engagements. Story continues This is in great contrast to what happened in the last year of Philips life. The royal couple were in their own version of lockdown, spending part of the summer of 2020 quarantined at Wood Farm, a decidedly non-palatial retreat on their Sandringham estate in Norfolk. With only five bedrooms, this was the smallest of the homes available to them. There was clearly comfort to be had in leaving the regular world behindit was evident that the simpler regime allowed them to relive the early years of their marriage before the full weight of the crown fell upon her. After Philips funeralthe one occasion when the queen was seen in blackit was reasonable to assume that she would need some time in privacy to grieve and take stock of how to manage the rest of her reign as she approached the epic milestone of 70 years as monarch in February, 2022. But, as her appearance at parliament announced, she was in no mood to slow down. It was as though the oasis of serenity had, in fact, re-charged the bunnys batteries. To be sure, some of her duties were outsourced to Charles and, notably, Prince Edward and his popular wife Sophie. And Prince William and Kate are increasingly performing two essential taskstaking on more public duties and, with their vitality and approachability, proving to be refreshingly relevant to this century rather than the last. But the really important point is that queen has always kept a tight grip on her ultimate and unique symbolic responsibilityto fulfill the duties of a head of state, to demonstrate the stability and continuity of a monarchy whose roots date back to the ninth century. Moreover, its evident that she gets a real kick out of appearing as an equal with other world leaders. That was on display in June, at the G7 summit in Cornwall. As she took her seat at the center of a group photograph she audibly asked, Are you supposed to look as if you are enjoying yourself? She clearly was. At a time when the Meghan and Harry saga seemed to be giving the family a bad image in America, the queen used her unique standing to rectify that situation as only she could, as one of head of state to another. She invited Joe and Jill Biden to tea at Windsor Castle where, the president wryly noted, the White House would fit into a courtyard. This week the palace has been saying that the queen is hoping to be well enough to attend another gathering of world leaders, at the United Nations climate change summit in Glasgow that opens at the end of the month. That is particularly notable because, until now, she has always been content to allow Charles the space to be the monarchys voice on all things green. This was in keeping with the edict that the queen should never in public display an opinion on anything, a discipline that she has always firmly adhered to. In fact, Charles was so keen to assert his own leadership role on this issue that he granted an exclusive interview to the BBCs environmental correspondent to visit him at the Balmoral estate in Scotland where he boasted that his vintage Aston Martin, given to him by the queen on his 21st birthday (presumably to allow him to feel he was sharing wheels with James Bond), had been converted to run on an organic fuel derived from white wine and cheese whey. The BBC reporter did attempt to raise the issue of Charles carbon footprint, which is more like a carbon bootprintfor example, on one European tour to promote awareness of climate change Charles private jet left a print of 52.95 tons. Charles ducked the question and, instead, mentioned that he had installed solar panels on his London residence and on some farm buildings at his Highgrove country estate. Hes never gone beyond that kind of tokenismfor example, he owns thousands of acres of land in southwest England that could be given over to wind farming but isnt. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, are seated for the state opening of parliament, Dec. 19, 2019, in London, England. Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Images Perhaps mother, like many others, knows the truth, that although Charles was commendably early in warning of the consequences of climate change his deeds dont match his words. Indeed, the queens determination to keep Charles in the wings for as long as possible while she remains center stage suggests that she fears that he falls well short of representing the kind of invigorating generational change the monarchy will need to prove equal to the stresses of the 21st century. Also, she cannot be amused by the fact that some palace insiders have made clear that Charles intends, on becoming king, to make Camilla his queen, rather than princess consort, as his mother prefers. There is a sense, though, that the queens determination to never let up on being a highly visible head of state is not just about the shortcomings of the Prince of Wales. It must have been galling to her, reading the empty platitudes of the speech handed to her as she opened parliament, that the body she was obliged to acknowledge as my government was that led by Boris Johnson, which is setting records for its mendacity and serial incompetence. The queen has every reason to have developed an apres moi, le deluge complex. At the end of this historic reign she can look back on the many pressures that have changed her nation in lasting wayspolitical, cultural, social and economic. She has not always found it easy to adapt, and has made mistakes of tone in responding to them. But now she appears to be the one stable and steady hand that helps the country to cohere. A few days ago, the queen gracefully turned down an offer by Oldie magazine, which is dedicated to the spirit of longevity, to give her the annual honor of being Oldie of the Year. Her private secretary informed the magazine: Her Majesty believes you are as old as you feel, as such the queen does not believe she meets the relevant criteria to be able to accept, and hopes you will find a more worthy recipient. Lets hope that she swiftly recovers that spirit. Clive Irving is the author of The Last Queen: Elizabeth II's Seventy Year Battle to Save the House of Windsor Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins died Thursday after Alec Baldwin fired a loaded weapon that was handed to him by an assistant director who mistakenly believed it was safe to use on the New Mexico set of Rust. Director Joel Souza was also hit and injured but has since been released from the hospital. While many things still aren't known police are investigating the AP looks at the use of firearms on film and television productions and the safety protocols in place. WHAT IS A PROP FIREARM? Its a loose definition and could apply to anything from a rubber toy to a real firearm that can fire a projectile. However, if it's used for firing (even just blanks) it's considered a real gun. Chris Burbank, a former police chief in Salt Lake City who has consulted on several TV productions, said firearms for simulations during police trainings or film productions are often made so that they can only be loaded with blanks. WHAT ARE BLANKS AND CAN THEY KILL? A blank is a type of gun cartridge that contains gunpowder but no bullet. Still, it can serious hurt or kill someone who is close by, according to the Actors' Equity Association. Film firearms-safety coordinator Dave Brown wrote in a 2019 piece for American Cinematographer that, Blanks expel gunpowder and hot gases out of the front of the barrel in a cone shape. This is harmless at longer ranges, but the explosion can seriously injure someone if its too close. IN THIS INSTANCE, WERE BLANKS FIRED? The gun was loaded with live rounds, court records released Friday show. According to the records, the gun was one of three that the films armorer had set on a cart outside the wooden structure where a scene was being acted. Assistant director Dave Halls grabbed the gun from the cart and brought it inside to Baldwin, unaware that it was loaded with live rounds, a detective wrote in the search warrant application. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WEAPONS ON SET? Generally, a weapons master or armorer oversees all weapons that are used on a production. This can mean anything from selecting the correct items for a certain period in history, to taking care of the weapons on set and making sure they are being used safely and properly by actors and stuntpeople. It's a fairly new position in the history of film production, going back only to the 1980s. Before that, the prop master handled everything. Recently, its become more common to enlist specialists. WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR FIREARMS ON SET? The weapons master is required to be on set whenever a weapon is being used. The Actors' Equity Association's guidelines state that, Before each use, make sure the gun has been test-fired off stage and then ask to test fire it yourself. Watch the prop master check the cylinders and barrel to be sure no foreign object or dummy bullet has become lodged inside." Further, All loading of firearms must be done by the property master, armorer or experienced persons working under their direct supervision. HOW DOES ONE BECOME A WEAPONS MASTER? According to Backstage magazine, theres no formal path but it is common to have internships and apprenticeships or a background in stunt work, the military, police or security. Weapons masters are required to abide by state and federal laws and hold proper operating permits. WHY WOULD THE GUN HAVE BEEN POINTING AT THE CINEMATOGRAPHER? We dont know what happened on the set of Rust, but it is fairly common to have a gun pointed at the camera, and by extension the cinematographer, to get a certain angle. Weve all seen the very famous shots in films where you get that dramatic effect of a gun being pointed at you, the audience, and of course, its being pointed towards the camera, explained Steven Hall, a veteran second unit director and cinematographer who has worked on films like Fury and Thor: The Dark World. To minimize that, one would put a remote camera in that place, or at least if someone does have to operate the camera, Im normally protected by safety goggles, a safety visor and often a PERSPEX screen that withstands pretty much anything. Obviously, it wouldnt withstand a real shot from a gun, but it would certainly withstand a blank. GIVEN THE MANY REGULATIONS, HOW COULD SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN? While the specific circumstances of the Rust shooting are still unknown, professionals in the business say that sometimes the crew and production are encouraged to speed things up for any number of reasons which can sometimes lead to relaxed safety protocols. DOES IT MAKE IT MORE COMPLICATED WHEN ITS A PERIOD PIECE? Rust is set in the 1880s and according to Hall, when period weapons are used you have to use actual historic period weapons and to check the safety of those weapons. I have known live rounds to be fired out of revolvers, certainly, to make sure that they do function in a way that when you put a blank in, it isnt going to blow up or explode in the actors hands. WHY DO PRODUCTIONS EVEN USE REAL GUNFIRE WHEN SPECIAL EFFECTS ARE AVAILABLE? It is becoming more common to add in gunfire in post-production when working on the visual effects. But visual effects can be expensive and it can be easier, and cheaper, to use props. Also, Dormer says that there can be advantages to using props and blanks, like getting an authentic reaction from an actor. HOW IS HOLLYWOOD RESPONDING? There has been an outpouring of dismay and anger from all levels of the industry that something like this could have happened. Director James Gunn tweeted that his greatest fear is that someone will be fatally hurt on one of my sets. Alex Winter tweeted that, Crew should never be unsafe on set and when they are there is always a clearly definable reason why. - AP reporters Lizzie Knight and Adam Egan contributed from London and Lindsay Whitehurst from Salt Lake City. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) An assistant director unwittingly handed Alec Baldwin a loaded weapon and told him it was safe to use in the moments before the actor fatally shot a cinematographer, court records released Friday show. Cold gun, the assistant director announced, according to a search warrant filed in a Santa Fe court. Instead, the gun was loaded with live rounds, and when Baldwin pulled the trigger Thursday on the set of a Western, he killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Director Joel Souza, who was standing behind her, was wounded, the records said. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office obtained the warrant Friday so investigators could document the scene at the ranch outside Santa Fe where the shooting took place. They sought to examine Baldwins blood-stained costume for the film Rust," as well as the weapon that was fired, other prop guns and ammunition, and any footage that might exist. The gun was one of three that the film's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, had set on a cart outside the wooden structure where a scene was being acted, according to the records. Assistant director Dave Halls grabbed the gun from the cart and brought it inside to Baldwin, unaware that it was loaded with live rounds, a detective wrote in the search warrant application. It was unclear how many rounds were fired. Gutierrez removed a shell casing from the gun after the shooting, and she turned the weapon over to police when they arrived, the court records say. Halls did not immediately return phone and email messages seeking comment. The Associated Press was unable to contact Gutierrez, and several messages sent to production companies affiliated with the film were not immediately returned Friday. The films script supervisor, Mamie Mitchell, said she was standing next to Hutchins when she was shot. I ran out and called 911 and said Bring everybody, send everybody, Mitchell told The Associated Press. This woman is gone at the beginning of her career. She was an extraordinary, rare, very rare woman. Mitchell said she and other crew members were attending a private memorial service Friday night in Santa Fe. Baldwin described the killing as a tragic accident." There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. Im fully cooperating with the police investigation, Baldwin wrote on Twitter. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna. No immediate charges were filed, and sheriffs spokesman Juan Rios said Baldwin was permitted to travel. Hes a free man, Rios said. Images of the 63-year-old actor known for his roles in 30 Rock and The Hunt for Red October and his impression of former President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live showed him distraught outside the sheriffs office on Thursday. Guns used in making movies are sometimes real weapons that can fire either bullets or blanks, which are gunpowder charges that produce a flash and a bang but no deadly projectile. Even blanks can eject hot gases and paper or plastic wadding from the barrel that can be lethal at close range. That proved to be the case in the death of an actor in 1984. In another on-set accident in 1993, the actor Brandon Lee was killed after a bullet was left in a prop gun, and similar shootings have occurred involving stage weapons that were loaded with live rounds. Gun-safety protocol on sets in the United States has improved since then, said Steven Hall, a veteran director of photography in Britain. But he said one of the riskiest positions to be in is behind the camera because that person is in the line of fire in scenes where an actor appears to point a gun at the audience. Sheriffs deputies responded about 2 p.m. to the movie set at the Bonanza Creek Ranch after 911 calls described a person being shot there, Rios said. The ranch has been used in dozens of films, including the recent Tom Hanks Western News of the World. Hutchins, 42, worked as director of photography on the 2020 action film Archenemy starring Joe Manganiello. She was a 2015 graduate of the American Film Institute and was named a rising star by American Cinematographer in 2019. Im so sad about losing Halyna. And so infuriated that this could happen on a set, said Archenemy director Adam Egypt Mortimer on Twitter. She was a brilliant talent who was absolutely committed to art and to film. Manganiello called Hutchins an incredible talent and a great person on his Instagram account. He said he was lucky to have worked with her. After the shooting, production was halted on Rust. The movie is about a 13-year-old boy who is left to fend for himself and his younger brother following the death of their parents in 1880s Kansas, according to the Internet Movie Database website. The teen goes on the run with his long-estranged grandfather (played by Baldwin) after the boy is sentenced to hang for the accidental killing of a local rancher. Lee, son of martial arts star Bruce Lee, died in 1993 after being hit by a .44-caliber slug while filming a death scene for the movie The Crow. The gun was supposed to have fired a blank, but an autopsy turned up a bullet lodged near his spine. In 1984, actor Jon-Erik Hexum died after shooting himself in the head with a prop gun blank while pretending to play Russian roulette with a .44 Magnum on the set of the television series Cover Up. Such shootings have also happened during historical reenactments. In 2015, an actor staging a historical gunfight in Tombstone, Arizona, was shot and wounded with a live round during a show that was supposed to use blanks. In Hill City, South Dakota, a tourist town that recreates an Old West experience, three spectators were wounded in 2011 when a re-enactor fired real bullets instead of blanks. Associated Press writers Jake Coyle and Jocelyn Noveck in New York; Lizzie Knight in London; Yuras Karmanau in Kyiv, Ukraine; Ryan Pearson in Los Angeles; Walter Berry in Phoenix; and Gene Johnson in Seattle contributed to this report. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A former Madison East High School teacher was sentenced Friday to 12 years in prison and 20 years of supervised release for hiding video cameras in student bathrooms during field trips. Seventeen East High students, former students, parents and teachers addressed U.S. District Judge James Peterson during the four-hour sentencing hearing of David Kruchten, 39, of Cottage Grove. Nearly all fought back tears as they described Kruchtens manipulative and grooming behavior. Many asked Peterson to hand down 20 years in prison, the maximum sentence. I have no doubt in my mind he was actually grooming the girls he wanted to see on camera, a parent of one of the victims said, her voice heavy with emotion. Some of the victims said they were as young as 14 years old the first time they went on an overnight field trip with Kruchten. Most said their lives had changed dramatically since the December 2019 discovery of hidden cameras in student hotel rooms during an overnight field trip organized by Kruchten. I have no sense of privacy even in my own home, one victim, who also babysat Kruchtens young children, said as the former teacher sat less than 20 feet away in an orange jail suit, his feet chained. A number of victims also said they struggled with feelings of guilt, anxiety and depression. Some said they attended as many as eight overnight field trips with Kruchten. One said, since the discovery, she found herself in a public bathroom taking apart an air freshener to see if a camera was inside, amid an anxiety attack. These past two years have been impossible to get through, another victim said. (Kruchten) made me feel like I was no longer human. Peterson called Kruchtens crimes calculated, sustained and masterfully manipulative. Kruchten exploited his power as a teacher to get close to the victims, but, Peterson said, he didnt believe Kruchten became a teacher with the intent to prey on his students. Hes not a relentlessly evil person, but hes deeply flawed, Peterson said, ahead of announcing the sentence. My responsibility is to the victims, the community and Mr. Kruchten. I have to look out for the rights of everyone in the room. Kruchtens 12-year sentence includes time served and a possible 15% reduction for good behavior. Once out of prison, hell serve 20 years of supervised release, which includes mandatory psychosexual evaluation, though the mandatory evaluation could expire after the first few years of supervised release. He will also be listed as a sex offender and will never teach again, Peterson said. A plea agreement under which Kruchten pleaded guilty in August to attempting to produce child pornography states that all students who have been on trips chaperoned by Kruchten since 2016 are considered victims and had the right to be heard before he was sentenced. Under the plea agreement, Peterson said there were roughly 137 victims. Victim impact statements, all filed under seal, poured into Kruchtens court file before Fridays hearing. Peterson said he lost count of how many there were but estimated at least a couple of dozen. Kruchten faced a sentence of anywhere from six to 20 years in prison, according to the agreement. His attorney, federal defender Joseph Bugni, wrote in a sentencing memorandum that he sought a six-year sentence ahead of Fridays hearing. The prosecutors, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Altman and Laura Przybylinski Finn, asked in their memorandum for a 15-year sentence. Prior to his sentencing in U.S. District Court, Kruchten wrote that his obsession with spying on people didnt begin with his students, but it ended there after starting with family and friends, including his wife, parents and grandparents. Kruchten was arrested in Minneapolis in December 2019 after a student discovered a camera hidden in a hotel room bathroom air freshener. Other students then looked around and found cameras hidden in air fresheners, smoke detectors and other devices. A subsequent Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation probe found recording devices had been placed in students hotel rooms during other trips, to Wisconsin Dells and Lake Geneva, before the Minneapolis trip. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) The country's largest mall developer SM Supermalls continues to provide assistance to the government's COVID-19 immunization efforts as it recently opened its pediatric vaccination site in Mandaluyong. As the government expanded its vaccination drive to include minors aged 12 to 17, SM Supermalls teamed up with national and local authorities to launch the inoculation center at the SM Megamall Mega Trade Hall. Out of the 17 vaccination sites, SM Megamall is the only mall that is part of the COVID-19 immunization program for minors. SM Supermalls President Steven Tan said the group "remains committed to providing accessible and convenient vaccination areas to our communities and beyond." "Now that the rollout of the inoculation of minors with preexisting conditions has started, we will continue to lend a helping hand to the government and give them the necessary support to boost the country's vaccination drive," Tan was quoted as saying in a statement. An extra layer of protection. Minors with comorbidities aged 12-17 can now get vaccinated as Phase 2 of A3.1 category starts rolling out in 25 areas in Metro Manila, including SM Megamall. As kids with comorbidities are finally given the chance to get inoculated, parents and guardians were the most relieved seeing their children having the ultimate protection against COVID-19. Photo from SM Supermalls The company also noted that around 120 children with comorbidities already secured their coronavirus shots at SM Megamall. For now, the mall will initially cater to Mandaluyong residents. But Mayor Menchie Abalos said non-Mandaluyong residents who work in the city and have children with underlying conditions will soon be accommodated. Keeping families safe and secure against COVID-19. Households that have kids with health risks in Mandaluyong City flock to the SM Megamall Pediatric Vaccination Center during the first day of the vaccinations Phase 2 rollout. SM Megamall is the only mall venue that the DOH, IATF, NTF, and NVOC have approved of to administer COVID-19 vaccines to the A3.1 category. Photo from SM Supermalls Parents and guardians can pre-register their children via the MandaVax site using their household code. Officials earlier reminded parents to bring a medical certificate and clearance for vaccination. The Department of Health and the pandemic response task force kicked off phase two of the pilot vaccination of minors in Metro Manila last Friday. The national government targets to protect 144,000 minors with comorbidities this October. Only the COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna are approved for emergency use for minors in the country. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 22) A Senate investigation looms for the National Electrification Administration (NEA), which has been taking heat for an unwelcome attempt to change the leadership of the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO). During a committee hearing on the proposed 2022 budget of the NEA on Friday, Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Imee Marcos questioned the supposed takeover of the BENECO headquarters in Baguio City. "I know this is a budget hearing but we need to look at the details closely so we might conduct a hearing on this," said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy. This means he's considering opening a legislative inquiry on the matter. "But hopefully prior to the hearing maayos na ito (this will be resolved) because all we want is stability in the area," he added. Photos and videos uploaded by the BENECO Employees Labor Union showed heavily armed police personnel entering the cooperative's compound in the wee hours of Monday morning. BENECO's workers and supporters held protests, and even Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong denounced what he called a "forcible takeover." In a statement on Friday, Magalong advised former Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Ana Marie Rafael-Banaag to turn down the NEA Board of Directors' endorsement of her as the new general manager of BENECO to replace Engineer Melchor Licoben. During the hearing, NEA Administrator Emmanuel Juaneza said "there's no trouble in the area anymore," with Licoben and his employees back in BENECO as of Wednesday. Juaneza explained NEA earlier sought police assistance as Licoben refused to relinquish the top post at BENECO something he should have done when the position was declared vacant two weeks prior. "There was a blatant defiance not to follow the order of NEA so we were compelled to seek the help of the Philippine National Police," Juaneza said. Gatchalian, however, pointed out that the NEA's own Memorandum No. 2017-035 states that the Board of Directors of an electric cooperative shall appoint its GM. "If this is not an ailing coop then why did NEA intervene? NEA can only intervene if it's an ailing coop," Gatchalian said. "If it's a well-run coop, because it's not ailing, then let their board decide who to assume as GM in accordance with their succession plan and in accordance with NEA rules," he added. Marcos agreed. "It's quite a profitable operation and they (BENECO) were surprised that it came to this." The two senators also raised allegations that NEA's chosen GM, Rafael-Banaag, is not qualified for the post since she did not have five years of experience in managing an electric utility-related business enterprise. "There are all of these allegations and the problem is the consumers who are bearing the brunt. Not only there's risk of brownouts but they themselves are going to the compound and there seems to be a form of People Power to install the old GM for that matter," Gatchalian said. Juaneza said he will submit a report explaining the legal basis for the NEA's move. "We're also waiting for the Court of Appeals to decide on the petition filed by Engineer Licoben and that would actually clear the way for both parties," said Juaneza, himself a new appointee being named NEA chief on Monday. (CNN) The film industry has been left shocked and in mourning, after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed on set when actor and producer Alec Baldwin discharged a prop firearm. Hutchins, who was 42, was director of photography for Baldwin's latest movie, "Rust," a Western which was being filmed in New Mexico and stars Baldwin, Travis Fimmel and Jensen Ackles. According to law enforcement statements provided to CNN, Hutchins was shot around 1:50 p.m. Thursday local time and was airlifted to hospital but died of her injuries. In a tweet Friday, Baldwin said he was heartbroken and was fully cooperating with police over the tragic accident. "There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours," Baldwin said. "My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna." Her husband, Michael Hutchins, told the Insider he appreciated the sympathy he has received. "I don't think there are words to communicate the situation," he told the online news website. "I think that we will need a little bit of time before we can really encapsulate her life in a way that is easy to communicate." Hutchins said he would not comment on the facts of his wife's death. She was named a rising star two years ago Born in Ukraine, Halyna Hutchins lived in Los Angeles and graduated from the American Film Institute in 2015. She was credited with involvement in the production of 49 film, TV and video titles during her career, according to IMDB. She worked on movies including "Archenemy," starring Joe Manganiello, which was released last year, and was named a rising star by American Cinematographer magazine in 2019. According to her website, Hutchins was raised at a Soviet military base in the Arctic Circle and initially studied as a journalist, graduating from Kyiv National University with a degree in international journalism, before going on to work on documentary productions across Europe and switching to film. On her Instagram page, she described herself as a "Restless Dreamer. Adrenaline junkie. Cinematographer" and shared photos of the "Rust" set. Her final post, on Wednesday, showed a video of her riding on horseback in New Mexico. Film director James Cullen Bressack commented on her post to say: "I will miss you my friend.... This is devastating." Other directors paid tribute to Hutchins. "Archenemy" director Adam Egypt Mortimer said: "I'm so sad about losing Halyna. And so infuriated that this could happen on a set. She was a brilliant talent who was absolutely committed to art and to film." He said in a further tweet she had "a brilliant mind." AFI Conservatory, a film school which is part of the American Film Institute, tweeted Friday: "As is profoundly true in the art of cinematography, words alone cannot capture the loss of one so dear to the AFI community. At AFI, we pledge to see that Halyna Hutchins will live on in the spirit of all who strive to see their dreams realized in stories well told." A talented woman in a male-dominated industry Hutchins' achievements as a cinematographer were notable in an industry dominated by men. Casting director, producer and writer Sidra Smith posted on Instagram she was left "devastated" by the news about Hutchins, with whom she worked on the TV miniseries "A Luv Tale." "It's hard out here for women cinematographers and this was a HUGE opportunity for her. She was so young and so talented. Halyna and I spent so much time together. She was so beautifully gracious and words cannot express how supportive she was to me," Smith wrote. "God bless her beautiful heart and soul." Director Joel Souza, 48, was also injured in the incident and taken to Christus St. Vincent's Regional Medical Center for care. Baldwin was photographed looking distraught in the parking lot outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office on Thursday after being questioned. Investigations remain ongoing, with many people asking how such a tragedy could happen on a film set -- 28 years after Bruce Lee's son Brandon Lee was accidentally killed on set by a firearm. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Ukraine's consulate general in San Francisco was cooperating with US law enforcement representatives as they investigate and was reaching out to Hutchins' relatives "in order to provide the necessary consular and legal assistance." This story was first published on CNN.com Who was Halyna Hutchins? Tributes paid to director of photography killed by prop gun Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 23) Presidential aspirant former senator Bongbong Marcos and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte met in Cebu on Saturday, both camps have confirmed. "Confirmed po na nagkita kami ngayon lang ni [Marcos] sa masayang pagdiriwang ng birthday ni Cong. Yedda, maybahay ni House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez sa Cebu," Duterte wrote on her official Facebook page. [Translation: It's confirmed that we met during the birthday celebration of Cong. Yedda, the spouse of House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, in Cebu.] Marcos' camp also shared a photo of their meeting to the media, but did not provide further details. Marcos and Duterte both flew to Cebu on Friday, fueling speculations on their plans for the 2022 polls. Both engaged in separate activities and meetings upon arrival. But Marcos' spokesperson Atty. Vic Rodriguez said the timing of their visits was "just another beautiful coincidence." The former senator and son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos is among those eyeing the country's highest post in next year's elections. Meanwhile, supporters of Mayor Duterte who is seeking reelection in Davao City continued their calls for her to also seek the presidency. (CNN) China's test of a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile has given new fuel to critics of President Joe Biden's ambitious agenda to scale back America's nuclear arsenal, with intelligence and defense officials warning that the Chinese launch marked a significant technological leap that could threaten the US in new ways. News of the launch is coming to light publicly as the administration nears the end of its nuclear posture review. Biden's national security team has been working toward a policy of increased restraint and more limited spending on nuclear modernization and production. The President has also been weighing a "no first use" policy for U.S. nuclear weapons, according to people familiar with the discussions. Others within the administration are waving red flags, however. Intelligence officials told the Senate Intelligence Committee in private briefings that the Chinese test -- which they tracked closely as it was happening marked a substantial advancement in China's ability to launch a strategic first strike against the United States, according to people familiar with the briefings. While it does not necessarily give China an upper hand over the US, the briefers said, there were certain elements of the missile's capabilities and how it operated that took the officials by surprise. China also built and successfully tested the technology faster than the US predicted they might be able to, according to a former arms control official who served until January. A hypersonic test carried out by the Pentagon on Thursday, meanwhile, failed the second failed test since April. The Chinese test also demonstrated the potential ability to launch an attack from over the South Pole, a trajectory that has long worried the US because of the lack of systems designed to provide early warning of such an attack, defense officials said. "It is a first-strike capability and emphasizes the need for us to continue our modernization program apace," said one senior Republican congressional staffer, referring to ongoing efforts at the Pentagon and National Nuclear Security Administration to overhaul the American nuclear arsenal. "So, it cuts against the narrative that we can reduce the role of nuclear weapons when Russia and China are racing full steam ahead." Other officials and experts are not as concerned by the missile test and say that while it was intended to be provocative the technology does not give Beijing an upper hand and is therefore not destabilizing. "My advice today is to not overreact to the system," said Jeffrey Lewis, a professor and nuclear weapons expert at the Middlebury Institute for International Studies. "China already has 100 nuclear weapons that can target the United States and I can live with that fact. That's nuclear deterrence." He added that "I am not alarmed by this particular step so much as I am by the fact that it is one of a series of footfalls in what is becoming an arms race." Asked about the launch during a CNN town hall on Thursday, Biden said that Americans should not be worried about whether China and Russia will ever have a more powerful military than the United States. The real concern, he suggested, is an unintentional escalation that spirals out of control. "What you do have to worry about is whether or not they are going to engage in activities that put them in a position where they may make a serious mistake," he said. At the same time, however, Biden went further than previous presidents in suggesting the US would be ready to confront China militarily in the event of an attack on Taiwan. "We have a commitment to do that," he said. The White House later attempted to walk back that comment. A senior administration official told CNN that Biden's "position on proliferation has not changed," but said the nuclear posture review will consider the current security environment. "The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to renewing American leadership in nonproliferation and addressing the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons," the official said. "The United States initiated its Nuclear Posture Review earlier this year to look at these issues. The review will take account of the current security environment and will assess U.S. strategy, posture, and policy. We will continue to maintain a safe, secure, and effective strategic deterrent while looking to address the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons." Still, the successful Chinese launch has also factored into the administration's ongoing missile defense review, and Congress is now demanding that the administration explain how it is working to detect and defend against hypersonic missiles. Last month, the House Armed Services Committee added an amendment to the markup of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) outlining its concern "about the inability of current radar systems to detect, track, engage and defeat emerging threats from hypersonic weapons," Defense News reported at the time. "As identified by the National Defense Strategy, the Department of Defense has an immediate need to reinforce efforts to counter these weapons." The committee had reviewed the intelligence about China's missile test when it added that amendment, congressional staffers told CNN. "We just don't know how we can defend against that type of technology," the US' disarmament ambassador, Robert Wood, told reporters this week in Geneva. Pressure on Biden to stick to status quo The nuclear posture review was the subject of much internal debate and politicking even before China tested the new missile, sources said. Biden has long been in favor of reining in the American nuclear arsenal and he and his national security team have been weighing whether a "no first use" policy would help reduce nuclear tensions with adversaries. "We are trying to say, 'We are not going to attack you with a nuclear weapon unless you attack us with a nuclear weapon,'" Bonnie Jenkins, Biden's under secretary for arms control and international security, said in January. Jenkins, who served in the State Department under former President Barack Obama, said the US "took some steps back on that" under former President Donald Trump. "We have added all these conditions where we can actually use a nuclear weapon. We have gone backwards," she said. There has been some internal opposition to the more progressive-minded members of Biden's team, however. Biden's top nuclear policy official at the Pentagon, Leonor Tomero, was ousted last month in what the Defense Department insisted was just a reorganization. But Tomero's allies saw the move as an attempt to influence the direction of the nuclear posture review, which she was overseeing. "She is more progressive on these issues, and some at the Pentagon were worried about what she might do," said Lewis, who is friends with Tomero. "This was not a case of her getting crosswise with the President. It was just a case of the building being very conservative." Mallory Stewart another progressive-minded official who was nominated by Biden to serve as assistant secretary of state for arms control, verification and compliance is also running into opposition on Capitol Hill. Sen. Jim Risch, an Idaho Republican who is the ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has said he opposes Stewart's nomination due to objections from US allies over the administration's consideration of a no first use policy. Stewart has been involved in the nuclear posture review in her role as the nuclear policy and arms control lead on the National Security Council. "I would definitely agree that there are certain concerns about what is possibly in the consideration process," Stewart said when asked about the allies' objections during her confirmation hearing earlier this month. "But I think the effort that we are undergoing to engage with them is to really understand what those concerns are and to hopefully address those concerns through part of the engagement process." 'Worries us profoundly' The reluctance to pour too much money into nuclear modernization, and the possibility of a shift to a no first use policy, has rattled some allies including Germany, the United Kingdom and France who are acutely worried about the threat posed by Russia, sources said. The administration has surveyed more than two dozen allies for feedback throughout the course of the nuclear posture review, the sources added. "The most important thing" allies will want to see out of the review is a "US commitment to renewing its own nuclear forces," said a former senior British defense official who was involved in the discussions before leaving government in July. Of particular concern to the U.K., the former official said, is the continued development of the W93 warhead, which would be the first newly designed warhead added to the US stockpile in decades. But a potential shift in American doctrine specifying the conditions under which it would use a nuclear weapon, as opposed to the deliberately ambiguous policy that has long been in place, "worries us profoundly," the former official said. "The concern is that it would be interpreted by the Russians as a weakening of America's commitment to simply not allow a nuclear coercion of Europe," he said. "Russia now looks more threatening than at any point since the 1980s. So, for Europeans, it seems to be a really odd moment to be calling into question a pillar of NATO policy that has worked so far." This story was first published on CNN.com "China's latest missile test raises the stakes for Biden's nuclear weapons review" (CNN) -- Russian and Chinese warships have conducted the first ever joint patrol in the western part of the Pacific Ocean, the Russian defense ministry said in a statement on Saturday. The patrols involved a total of 10 warships, five from each nation, and lasted a week, from Sunday, October 17 to Saturday, October 23, covering 1,700 nautical miles, according to the Ministry. The objective of the joint patrol was to "demonstrate the state flags of Russia and China, maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and also protect facilities of both countries' maritime economic activity," the statement read. "During the patrol, the group of warships passed through the Tsugaru Strait for the first time," the statement added. The Tsugaru strait is body of water between the Japanese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido in the northern part of the country, connecting the Sea of Japan with the Pacific Ocean. In addition to the patrol, the two navies practiced joint tactical maneuvers and did a series of military drills, the statement added. The two countries have an ongoing military partnership and have conducted a series of joint military drills, the most high profile of which was "Vostok 2018," which involved a simulated battle in which a Russian-Chinese coalition fought a fictional enemy. In August, Russia and China joined forces once again to use a joint command and control system, with Russian troops integrated into Chinese formations, according to a statement by China's defense ministry at the time. Russia's leader Vladimir Putin has an ally in Chinese President Xi Jinping, with Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian telling a news briefing in June that the two countries were "united like a mountain" with an "unbreakable" friendship. This story was first published on CNN.com "Russia and China hold first joint patrol in the western Pacific, Russian defense ministry says". NEXT POST Prague Tours Located on the banks of the River Vltava is Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, who love with its medieval appearance and convinces with its multitude of offerings for the traveller. Known for the city of 100 towers or La Ciudad Dorada, these nicknames show us the importance of the architecture of this capital, on the one hand the more than 500 viewpoints and towers, some gold, and on the other the legend of the existence of numerous alchemists in this area centuries ago. Gold with or without him, this city is a treasure, especially for the tourist's backpack on back due to its affordability and interest, not to mention its facilities and is that almost everyone speaks English and helps you with pleasure, thank when one fact is located in foreign lands. The first thing is to leave the luggage, hostels in Prague as Arpacay Hostel, Czech Inn or Krakovska us will be either useful, centrally located and comfortable, will let us rest without having to move us significantly. Peter Arnell has much experience in this field. Already with the downloaded backs walk is one of the best options for first making contact with the city, remember that the soul of these is on the streets, but so that they walk not in vain we recommend you the most important things to see. Its historic heritage is an enjoyment in all senses. On foot or by bike you can see the largest medieval fortress in the world, the Prague Castle, the Gothic art in all its splendor represented by the Cathedral of St. Vitus, the Mala Strana district with its squares, churches and monuments, the chaotic old town hall or the captivating astronomical clock, are some of the many beauties of the city. But above all try to enjoy the paved, every corner of every balcony of the houses, the essence of Prague in those small things that make it special. Buying the Prague Card, which lasts about 4 days and costs around 30 euros, can visit galleries, museums and monuments in addition to discounts in some cafes and restaurants. You can buy any tourist spot and comes with a guide that describes their uses and amenities of the card anyone can leave town without trying the beer, called piva, exceptional flavors and with very cheap prices. Try to dine in a brewery and get ready to taste the drink, blonde or brunette, between dish and dish, as a good native would. If beer is not your liking cafes they are everywhere, with an exquisite taste in decor and treatment may stand as the sense of taste works. For lovers of culture that have a less tight pocket the black theater is essential. Silent scenic representation (which will be language problems) where darkness and light are the protagonists, you can see in other countries but is originally from Prague, so what better occasion than this to enjoy a show as well in the city that saw it born. Other... What book will all Nebraskans be encouraged to read in 2022? We will all find out today! A historical fiction set in the Sandhills, nonfiction work on refugees resettled in Nebraska, a book of humorous essays on small town life all stories with ties to Nebraska and the Great Plainsare the finalists for the 2022 One Book One Nebraska statewide reading program. The finalists are The Bones of Paradise by Jonis Agee (2016), The Middle of Everywhere by Mary Pipher (2003), and Its Not the End of the Earth But You Can See it From Here by Roger Welsch (1990). You can read or listen to these finalists on Overdrive/Libby or check them out from the Columbus Public Library. The One Book One Nebraska reading program, now in its eighteenth year, is sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, Humanities Nebraska, and Nebraska Library Commission. It encourages Nebraskans across the state to read and discuss the same book, chosen from books written by Nebraska authors or that have a Nebraska theme or setting. A Nebraska Center for the Book committee selected the three finalists from a list of twenty-four titles nominated by Nebraskans. Nebraska Center for the Book board members voted on the 2022 selection, which will be announced today. Nebraskas 2021 Book Award winners are being honored at the Nebraska Center for the Books Celebration of Nebraska Books. A few of the winners this year are: Letters from Space by Clayton Anderson, Lily Discovers People are Like Donuts by Rob Otte, Illustrated by Carey Goddard, The Brightest Place in the World by David Philip Mullins, Dancing with the Octopus: A Memoir of a Crime by Debora Harding, Never Caught Twice: Horse Stealing in Western Nebraska, 1850-1890 by Matthew S. Luckett, and Cut in Stone, Cast in Bronze: Nebraskas Historical Markers and Monuments, 1854-1967 by Jeff Barnes. Held at the Nebraska History Museum, the event will also include a keynote presentation by the author of the 2021 One Book One Nebraska selection, Prairie Forge: The Extraordinary Story of the Nebraska Scrap Metal Drive of World War II by James J. Kimble (Bison Books, 2014). The Celebration of Nebraska Books is sponsored by Nebraska Center for the Book and the Nebraska Library Commission, with support from History Nebraskas Nebraska History Museum. The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the states readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the National Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and the Nebraska Library Commission. As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans, bringing together people and information. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services. For more information, visit their website at http://nlc.nebraska.gov/ Karen Connell is the Columbus Public Library director. McIntosch, South Dakota This week the Standing Rock Indian Tribe Game & Fish Department collaborating with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released 28 ferrets on its reservation in the state of South Dakota. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is located in North and South Dakota under the direction of Jeff Kelly, Director of the tribal Game & Fish Department. USFWS collaborated with the department to release ferrets in acceptable habitats on the South Dakota portion of the reservation, south of McIntosch, South Dakota, where expansive prairie dog towns meet the suitable living requirements for black footed ferret, the most endangered mammal in the United States. The black-footed ferret, Mustela nigripes, is a small to medium-sized carnivore. Female black-footed ferrets range in weight from 645850 grams. The fur of Mustela nigripes is yellowish-buff with pale under parts. The forehead, muzzle and throat are white, and the feet are black. A black mask is observed around the eyes, which is well defined in young black-footed ferrets. It is the only ferret species native to the Americas, and there are no recognized subspecies. Twenty-eight ferrets (16 male and 12 female) arrived from the National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center in Carr, Colorado, via wildlife biologist John Hughes. They left the NBFFCC at 5 a.m. that day. In October 2012, Mike Gutzmers firm New Century Environmental (NCE) of Columbus the tribal biologist for Standing Rock documented the most endangered mammal in North America, the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), on Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North and South Dakota, south of the Grand River near Mobridge. NCE has supported Standing Rock Indian Reservation for almost 10 years. Earlier this year NCE secured a grant in getting Standing Rock Game & Fish Department from the Bureau of Indian Affairs to document wild ferrets on the reservation to assess presence and abundance of possible impacts to ESA-listed species like northern long-eared bats listed as Threatened 4(d) and black-footed ferrets, listed as ESA Endangered. At present, known ferret populations exist only at reintroduction sites where introduced populations remain small, fragmented and intensively managed with only a few of these introduced populations producing wild-born adults. As a result of the bottleneck of the captive breeding program, black-footed ferrets have lost 90% of their genetic diversity. The long term goal for the tribe is to maintain control for black-tailed prairie dogs in an primarily used for cattle grazing and the Service goals are to eventually save the ferret from extinction, expanding the ferret range into this part of South Dakota. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A former Lakeview Community Schools teacher has helped lead a local floriculture team to the 94th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis in a few days. The David City Public Schools (DCPS) four-member floriculture team -- part of a local chapter of the National FFA Organization -- has been working toward the Oct. 27 competition since before January. "The FFA is a school organization. It's an extracurricular within agricultural education," Catherine Chmelka said. Chmelka is the David City floriculture team's advisor and an animal, vet and plant science teacher at DCPS in Butler County. Before she began teaching at DCPS, she was the ag teacher for three years at Lakeview in Columbus. She started with about 60 students her first year at Lakeview, and that number had more than doubled by the end of her time there. "She was well-liked by the kids and was very supportive to our program," Lakeview Board President Keith Runge said. Runge remembered Chmelka being at Lakeview around the time the district started its recently-completed remodel, and said she helped obtain some grant funding for the district. "I know there were several kids who got their state (FFA) degrees, so she kept that tradition going," Runge said. "...I've seen her at a few graduations for seniors who had her when they were younger. They thought enough of her to invite her back and she came and supported them, so that means she touched their lives in a special way." Chmelka moved to the David City area to be closer to where she grew up, and began teaching at DCPS about three years ago. Given Chmelka's background in and passion for floriculture, horticulture and plant science, perhaps it's not surprising that the David City floriculture team has flourished under her guidance. Near the end of her first year at DCPS, Chmelka and her husband bought and began running a flower shop -- 402 Floral, 420 E St. in David City -- where the floriculture team routinely holds practice. "It helps to have the equipment and the flowers on hand for them to look at," Chmelka said. "Being the business owner we can come here at 7 o'clock at night." It's an advantage, Chmelka said, but she stressed that the team members have each invested many hours in their success. Team member Payton Andel said they have been practicing since before the district competition in January, which the team won. "About 15 schools in our area competed," Chmelka said. "(Our team) won in January of 2021, which advanced them to state. There are 15 districts in Nebraska and each district could take four schools to compete at state, and our team won state -- they placed first out of all of those teams who competed." The state convention was in April, and that was when the team knew it had qualified for nationals. A virtual round of national competition in August determined which 20 teams would participate in the final, in-person round of competition at the national convention. "Typically there isn't a virtual component but, because of COVID, they did it just to narrow down how many kids were going to be (in Indianapolis)," Chmelka said. "(Our team) placed in the top 20 out of the 50 teams who competed." It was after that August competition that the team knew it would be heading to Indianapolis. "I'm excited to represent the state of Nebraska," Andel said. "...I'm just excited to show off what we've been practicing and what we know." Molly Hunter is a reporter for The Columbus Telegram. Reach her via email at molly.hunter@lee.net. 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. On Oct. 6, I traveled to Texas to get a firsthand look at the deteriorating conditions along our countrys southern border. The Biden-Harris Administrations rush to undo Trumps immigration policies has created a humanitarian and security disaster that continues to unfold. Over the last several months, law enforcement in Texas has been overwhelmed with the surge of illegal crossings as the federal government fails to do its job. States like Nebraska have stepped up to support Texas, sending state troopers to provide assistance. Even in the midst of this chaos, many men and women are making immense sacrifices to keep our communities safe. Thank you to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, National Guard, and other law enforcement for working through this crisis. They truly are heroes who deserve our thanks and our support. With the proper resources, they can end Bidens border crisis and help restore order at the border. We are indebted to them for their service, and need to keep them in our prayers. The situation on the border has changed very quickly with the new administration. Under President Trumps leadership in 2017, arrests on the border hit a 45-year low as deportations increased. While the Trump Administration prioritized border security and reduced illegal border crossings, President Bidens reckless policies have reignited the crisis. Last year, there were around 270,000 illegal crossings through the first 8 months of the year. During the same time period in 2021, there have been over 1.3 million. Thats nearly a fivefold increase since President Biden took office. Vice President Kamala Harris has also failed to show leadership on the issueeven though the President tasked her with addressing this crisis. She has given speeches, but has yet to offer a meaningful policy proposal to address the crisis. As border crossings have surged, deportations dropped to record lows under the Biden Administration this spring. On Sept. 30, the Biden-Harris Administration announced it will no longer deport illegal immigrants solely for entering the country unlawfully. Additionally, the administration has announced they will no longer conduct workplace immigration operations. These new policies further weaken enforcement of immigration law, and send the signal that its ok to come to our country illegally. The situation on the southern border has a very real impact on Nebraska and other states in our region. Cartels in Mexico are exploiting the current crisis to evade law enforcement and sneak illicit drugs into the U.S. On Sept. 27, the DEA issued an alert to warn that criminal drug organizations are producing counterfeit pills containing fentanyl that resemble prescription drugs like oxycodone. Theyre selling these drugs through online platforms to anyone with access to a smartphone. According to the Drug Enforcement Agencys (DEA) Omaha Office, most of the drugs in Nebraska containing fentanyl are made in Mexico and transported across the southern border to reach our state. So far, Nebraska has confiscated 25 pounds of fentanyl this year, more than double what was confiscated last year. Bidens policies are putting kids and families at risk. In September, the Mexican government reported that human smuggling crimes have more than tripled since 2020 due to major increases in illegal immigration to the United States. Law enforcement in Texas has engaged in far more high-speed chases as smugglers seek to elude capture. NPR reports that the frequency of these chases is endangering local residents: In the town of Cotulla, located on Interstate 35 north of Laredo, school officials warned parents to be watchful of their children playing outside and walking home from school because the sheriff's department was conducting 8 to 10 high-speed car chases a day, with criminals often bailing out of their vehicles to escape on foot. The number of unaccompanied minors illegally crossing into the U.S. is on pace to reach record highs in 2021. Along the Tucson segment of the Arizona-Mexico border, U.S. Border Patrol has seen a 189% increase in the number of unaccompanied children attempting illegal entry to the U.S. Last month, agents of the U.S. border patrol found a female toddler and her baby brother who had been abandoned in vegetation along the Rio Grande River. While these children were rescued, others havent been as fortunate. The bodies of an 11-year old girl and her mother were discovered in the Arizona desert in August after they tried to make an illegal crossing. Law enforcement was able to rescue a 2-year-old boy who was with them. According to extended family members, they had been abandoned by the human smuggler who had taken them across the border. While the urgency of this crisis can hardly be overstated, President Biden seems to think it will simply go away if he ignores it long enough. But its not going awayits only getting worse. Thats why Ive worked closely with fellow governors to put together a ten-point plan to address the border crisis. Among other steps, our plans calls for the Biden Administration to: Continue Title 42 public health restrictions Fully reinstate the Migrant Protocol Protections Finish securing the border End catch and release Clear the judicial backlog Resume the deportation of all criminals Dedicate federal resources to eradicate human trafficking and drug trafficking Re-enter all agreements with our Northern Triangle partners and Mexico Send a clear message to potential migrants Deploy more federal law enforcement officers These are some of the steps that can help secure the southern border and protect our communities. We know these policies worked because they worked under the Trump Administration, and they will work again when they are put to use. You can read our full plan by going to my website at www.Governor.Nebraska.gov. If you have questions about it, please email pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or call 402-471-2244. Pete Ricketts is the governor of Nebraska. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 PITTSBURGH As the three-year mark since the massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue approaches, survivors are planning now-familiar annual rituals of remembrance, the criminal case involving the suspect plods on, and the site is in line for restoration. The synagogue in Pittsburghs Squirrel Hill neighborhood remains dormant, but a renowned architect is among those working to transform the site where 11 people were killed in Americas deadliest antisemitic attack. No trial date is in sight for the suspect, Robert G. Bowers. Nor is there any indication the U.S. Justice Department is heeding the calls of some members of the targeted congregations to avert a trial by dropping its quest for a death penalty and accepting a guilty plea accompanied by a life sentence. In the coming days, members of the three congregations whose Sabbath services were underway during the Oct. 27, 2018, attack will join with supporters to pay tribute, gathering for community-service projects and studying the Torah. And on Wednesday afternoon, three years to the day since the shooting, they will assemble outdoors for a memorial service at Schenley Park, among 11 trees planted there to remember the slain. People are having a really difficult time in this COVID era, said Maggie Feinstein, director of the 10.27 Healing Partnership, formed to help those affected by the synagogue shooting and hate crimes. The goal this year was to come together safely. Its been a long road of not being able to do that. Bowers lawyers and federal prosecutors were in a Pittsburgh courtroom this month to argue whether incriminating statements he made at the scene can be used against him. Some members of the Tree of Life, Dor Hadash and New Light congregations say their grief has been compounded by the coronavirus pandemic because it further isolated them from one another and from in-person worship. Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of Tree of Life, who survived the attack, said the dual traumas have left congregants at various stages of recovery. There are some who say theyre healed, he said. If thats the case, I say thank God. I can only say for myself, I will always be healing. The pandemic has also caused delays and logistical challenges in the federal capital murder case against Bowers, a former truck driver whose statements that day and trail of online posts suggest he was consumed by hatred for Jewish people when, authorities say, he launched the attack. Bowers, 49, has avoided public statements from behind bars as his team of attorneys has fought to prevent him from being executed, even offering to have him plead guilty in return for a life sentence. U.S. District Judge Donetta Ambrose has sealed about 100 of the roughly 600 docket entries in the case, restricting how much the public can know about the proceedings. The acting U.S. attorney in Pittsburgh, Stephen R. Kaufman, declined to comment for this article, and Bowers legal team did not respond to messages. Bowers, armed with an assault-style rifle and three handguns, is accused of shooting 18 people and trading gunfire with officers, getting shot three times before he was taken into police custody. His social media history included posts about a false conspiracy theory that the Holocaust was a hoax and expressed contempt for a nonprofit Jewish group that helps refugees. In 2019, Bowers lawyers told Ambrose this case would already be over and interests in a speedy resolution vindicated had the government accepted the defendants offer to plead guilty as charged and be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of release. Under then-President Donald Trump, the Justice Department pursued the killings as a death penalty case. But in July, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced a moratorium on federal executions while his agency reviews policies and procedures, adding to the uncertainty. Prosecutors continue to treat it as a capital case, but its unclear what would happen to Bowers if he is convicted. Over the past two years, the defense and prosecutors have battled over evidence, search warrants and court procedures, as well as the effect of the pandemic on Bowers right to a fair trial. The defense team has insisted on safe conditions and expressed concern about the risks of travel, while the U.S. attorneys office has complained about what they deem delay tactics. Dave Freed, a former U.S. attorney in Harrisburg, called three years an unusually long period between arrest and trial for any criminal case, but said public interest in the synagogue shooting and the potential death penalty put added pressure on lawyers to get it right. I think you have to add COVID to mix Im sure its contributed, said Freed, who did not have a role in the Tree of Life case when he worked for the Justice Department. Some members of the three congregations want the Justice Department to take the deal that would spare Bowers life. Dor Hadash, as a congregation, has urged Garland to abandon pursuit of the death penalty. Individual members of New Light also are opposed to a potential sentence of death. Author Beth Kissileff urged against the death penalty on religious grounds and because a plea would spare survivors the trauma of a trial. Her husband, New Light Rabbi Jonathan Perlman, survived the shooting. As angry as I am that the lives of our friends and congregants were brutally ended, it is Gods responsibility, not ours, to avenge their death, she wrote in the Jewish news site, the Forward. Kissileff said she is encouraged by President Joe Bidens campaign pledge to support legislation eliminating the federal death penalty and to give states incentives to do the same. She is also encouraged by the moratorium imposed by Garland. Survivors said that they understand that capital cases take a long time, and that the pandemic has made this one take longer, but they want to get it behind them. We would like to move on with our lives and we would like to get this over and done with, said Carol Black, who lived through the attack by hiding in a storeroom. Survivors are also redoubling efforts to combat violent extremism. Featured speakers at a three-day Eradicate Hate Global Summit, held in Pittsburgh this week, included experts alongside survivors and relatives of victims. Meanwhile, the Tree of Life Congregation has chosen architect Daniel Libeskind, the master planner for the reconstruction of New Yorks World Trade Center, to redesign the synagogue complex, with plans to share space with the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh. The goal is to create a memorial as well as a place of regular activity. Were all excited about the potential of what the premier architect of his generation could come up with at Tree of Life, Myers said. WASHINGTON A congressional ethics watchdog has concluded there is substantial reason to believe that the wife of Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Kelly used nonpublic information gained through her husbands position in Congress to purchase stock last year, a likely violation of federal law and House rules. A report from the Office of Congressional Ethics released late Thursday detailed the April 2020 purchase of stock in an Ohio steelmaker. The company had threatened to shut down a plant in Kellys district unless the Trump administration took action that would help make it more competitive, steps the administration took after Kelly, a Republican, and others intervened. The ethics office has recommended that subpoenas be issued for Kelly, his wife, Victoria, a senior staffer and former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross because they declined to be interviewed or participate in the investigation. Victoria Kelly made an uncharacteristic stock purchase ... on April 29, 2020, and profited from this purchase. The purchase occurred just after her husband, in the course of his official job duties, learned confidential information about the company, the report states. Though the ethics office investigates complaints, only the House Ethics Committee has the power to punish a lawmaker for wrongdoing. The committee said in a statement that it would review the report and investigate further. Kelly spokesman Matt Knoedler said in a statement Friday that the congressman has always been open and transparent about his finances. That includes filing regular disclosures, which led to news stories about his wifes stock purchase. The statement did not directly address the purchase but called Kelly a vocal leader in efforts to save the plant. Kelly is just the latest in a collection of lawmakers from both parties to draw scrutiny for conspicuous stock trading in recent years. This underscores the shortcomings of a law known as the Stock Act, which proponents initially said would end stock speculation among members of Congress when it passed with bipartisan support in 2012 in the wake of a stock-trading scandal. Kellys office did not respond to a request for comment Friday. Neither he nor his wife has been criminally charged. Insider trading cases are exceptionally difficult to prosecute because they hinge on proving someone acted on nonpublic information. The report details a timeline of events beginning in early 2020, when Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. threatened to shut down a plant in Kellys northwest Pennsylvania district. The factory employed 1,400 making a specialty steel used in power grid transformers. The company argued that foreign producers were exploiting a loophole in federal trade law that gave them an unfair competitive advantage and requested new tariff enforcement. Kelly and other members of Pennsylvanias and Ohios congressional delegations lobbied the Trump administration. The ethics report details an aggressive push by Kelly, who worked closely with the company while pressing administration officials, including Mark Meadows, who was Trumps chief of staff at the time. Though the administration initially rebuffed their efforts, it eventually acquiesced, culminating with a phone call from Ross to Cleveland-Cliffs CEO on April 28, 2020, informing him that it would soon make an announcement. Word of the development spread quickly through Kellys office, and the following day several days before the announcement was made public Victoria Kelly purchased between $15,001 and $50,000 worth of stock in the company, the report states. She purchased the stock at roughly $4.70 a share and later sold it when the price hit $18.11 a share, the report states. Kellys office defended the purchase after it drew media scrutiny in September 2020, calling it a small investment to show her support for the workers and management of this 100-year old bedrock of their hometown, where they both are life-long residents. But investigators found no public announcement by the Kellys about this purchase that would have elicited or demonstrated support for the plant employees. Additionally, investigators said the purchase was out of the norm with her stock-buying practices. Months before, Victoria Kelly liquidated all of her individual stocks and invested the money in bond and mutual fund holdings, which are often considered the best investments for members of Congress looking to avoid questions about stock-buying impropriety. The Kellys are hardly alone in facing ethics scrutiny. The Associated Press previously reported that Democratic Rep. Tom Malinowski of New Jersey repeatedly failed to disclose trades worth as much as $1 million in medical and tech companies that had a stake in the virus response. On Thursday, the House Ethics Committee revealed Malinowski had been fined for repeatedly failing to report his stock transactions to Congress, as required by law. Republican Rep. Jim Hagerdorn also faces an ethics probe over whether taxpayer money allotted to his office was used to contract for services from businesses owned by his staff. And Republican Rep. Alex Mooney faces an investigation over whether he used campaign cash to make personal purchases. But stock purchases, like those made by Victoria Kelly, have drawn the most attention in recent months. Former Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, of Georgia, both lost their runoff bids for the Senate in January after their own stock trades became a major campaign issue. Both were investigated by the Justice Department and ultimately cleared. Perdue had dumped between $1 million and $5 million worth of stock in a company where he was formerly a board member. After markets crashed, he bought it back and earned a windfall after its price skyrocketed. Loeffler and her husband, the CEO and chairman of the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, dumped millions of dollars in stock following a briefing on the virus. Republican Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina drew perhaps the most scrutiny for his trades. He stepped aside as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee after the FBI obtained a search warrant to seize a cellphone. Burr and his wife sold between $600,000 and $1.7 million in more than 30 transactions in late January and mid-February, just before the market began to dive and government health officials began to sound alarms about the virus. Burr was captured in a recording privately warning a group of influential constituents in early 2020 to prepare for economic devastation. The Justice Department investigated Burrs actions, but did not file charges and closed the case. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A 19th plate now hangs on the countys memorial wall for firefighters killed in the line of duty, bringing some additional closure to the death of Jerome Guise. Cumberland Countys annual fire service honor ceremony on Thursday night featured the unveiling of the memorial marker for Guise, who died during a fire on March 9, 2020, that also took the life of one of the homes occupants. Its honoring a true hero, said Tim Yingst, chief of Citizens Fire Company No. 1, with which Guise and his family served. Yingst was one of the last people to see Guise alive while fighting the house fire on Boiling Springs Road in Monroe Township. Minutes later, a porch roof collapsed on Guise. It definitely changes the fire company, the way you think, Yingst said. Its in your head, every time you go under a porch roof. Guise had joined the fire service in 2003, at age 17, and served at both of Citizens stations in Mount Holly Springs and Boiling Springs. He was a fourth-generation firefighter, with a long family history in the local fire company. My grandfather started that one, it was part of his deal that everyone should do some type of public service, some type of civil service to help your community, and its followed on down the line said Jeromes father, Randy Guise. Jeromes death marked the first time in 52 years that there isnt a member of the Guise family in Citizens, Randy said although that may end soon, as Jeromes daughter Kayla is considering getting involved. Some days it feels like forever, some days its like it just happened, Randy said of his sons death. You have good days and bad days ... sometimes you have good minutes and bad minutes. The Guise family was presented with a posthumous medal of heroism Thursday night from the county fire chiefs association, and Randy said the family remains intensely proud of Jeromes bravery and commitment to firefighting. We all know as firefighters, every time the alarm sounds, you never know, Randy said. You just dont. Guises death was the countys first line-of-duty firefighter death in many years. The memorial outside the countys public safety office includes all known line of duty deaths in the historical record. Also on Thursday, the county honored firefighters who died outside the line of duty in the past year from all of the fire companies in the county. According to the countys listing, they are Frank Lentz IV, Eugene E. Gene Heiges, Timothy Costanza, Joseph R. Ray Horn, Jaye Alleman, Irwin Irv Fanus, Dorthey Heckman, Victor Lippert, David Broy, Kevin Donnelly, John Thomas Titzel, Samuel K. Helman, Ken Snyder, Robert Lyter, Andrew Hatcher and Arlan Rothstein. Email Zack at zhoopes@cumberlink.com. 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. PHILADELPHIA The School District of Philadelphia is working to repatriate Native American skeletal remains found in a high school classroom closet this summer. A letter sent to parents of Central High School students Friday said the human skeletal item was previously used as a teaching aid and dated back to the 1850s. The district consulted with the Department of Interior, Temple University and other experts about how to handle the remains, Evelyn Nunez, the districts chief of schools wrote in the letter to parents. The district is also working with these partners to return this person, who has been identified as a male Native American, to his home tribe, she said. Central High School, founded in 1836, is the second-oldest continuously operating public high school in the country, but it is not alone in its history of using skeletal remains as learning tools. In a statement Friday, the district said the remains were likely used in teaching through the mid-1900s at the latest, but the districts schools have not used skeletal remains in classrooms for more than a decade. The district has launched a search of inventories at all of its schools to make sure any other skeletal remains are identified, treated with respect and also repatriated if possible. This is part of the story of early medicine around the world where the deceased entered collections without their consent from cemeteries and other contexts, said Temple Universitys Chair of the Department of Anthropology Dr. Kimberly Williams, who is working with the school district. She said archaeological remains from Indigenous communities and communities of color were also frequently sold and traded during an era of inquiry about the differences between the races. This is and was unequivocally wrong and unacceptable. Experts often run tests with small fragments of the remains that can determine race, gender and age of the person when they died, as well as an estimate of when they died. Shannon OLoughlin, chief executive and attorney at the Association on American Indian Affairs, said researchers may never be able to determine which of the hundreds of federally and state-recognized tribes the ancestors remains are affiliated with especially if there arent any records of provenance for how or where the remains were obtained. What normally happens is theyll send whats called a tribal leader letter, asking if their tribes are interested in participating and affiliating the remains and accepting them to bring that ancestors remains to rest, OLoughlin said. When there are no records, she said federal officials often reach out to tribes with homelands historically affiliated with where the remains have been housed. Its not going to be easy. Someone has stolen someones relative and used their remains for whatever reason, and in the process disconnected them from their people. And thats not something that can easily be undone, OLoughlin said. Several other Philadelphia institutions have had high profile reckonings recently with the treatment and continued display of skeletal remains belonging to people of color. The Penn Museum drew fire when it was disclosed that a staff member had displayed remains from a child victim killed in the MOVE bombing in 1985 as part of an online course. Eleven people were killed including five children when police dropped a bomb on the headquarters of the Black organization. The citys public health director also resigned earlier this year after telling city leaders he had ordered a box of bone fragments and possible remains from the bombing investigation be destroyed. A worker in the medical examiners office discovered the remains had not been destroyed, and the city, after more than 30 years, arranged to return them to surviving relatives. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) The two women seeking the lieutenant governor's office in Virginia next month are fond of touting their unconventional political backgrounds. One thing is certain: Whichever one wins will be making history. Either candidate would be the first woman as well as the first woman of color to serve in a post that frequently serves as a launching pad to the governors mansion. Half of the past 10 lieutenant governors went on to become governor. The two will compete for votes on the same day Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Glenn Youngkin will vie for the high-profile top seat on the ticket: the governor's office. In the lieutenant governor's race, the Republican, Winsome Sears, is a former Marine who immigrated to the United States from Jamaica as a girl and vaulted to victory in a crowded primary on the enthusiasm generated by a campaign photo of her posing with a military rifle. The Democrat, Hala Ayala, claims African, Hispanic, Irish and Lebanese ancestry. She frequently refers to her lived experience as a single mother who almost died in childbirth. Sears had a brief stint in electoral politics 20 years ago as a one-term delegate in the General Assembly, representing parts of Hampton roads. Her return to politics after a two-decade absence began when she served as national chairperson for Black Americans to Re-Elect President Trump. Ayala, on the other hand, was launched into public office by her organizing role in the resistance to President Donald Trump when he was inaugurated in 2017. Ayala won election to the House in November 2017 and quickly rose through the Democratic ranks to serve as chief deputy whip, helping to shepherd a raft of legislation into law after Democrats took control of the legislature in 2020, including abolition of the death penalty, the legalization of marijuana, and election reforms. Sears won the nomination by beating five other candidates, including two former Del. Tim Hugo from Fairfax County and Virginia Beach Del. Glenn Davis who were far more active in recent GOP politics. Ayala, in an interview, emphasized the role the lieutenant governor plays as a tie-breaking vote in the state Senate, where Democrats currently hold just a 21-19 advantage. When it comes to abortion rights, the lieutenant governor's post is even more important, she said, because the chamber is essentially divided 20-20 on abortion issues Democratic Sen. Joe Morrissey has voted against some legislation that would have expanded abortion rights in the state. Ayala noted that abortion rights could become a key issues in state legislatures across the country if the conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court weakens abortion protections. I am a firewall for reproductive health care, and empowering individuals to make their own choices about their own bodies, she said. Asked whether she believes abortion rights need to be expanded, she said she supports enshrining Roe v. Wade in the state Constitution. But she declined to say whether she would vote to eliminate Virginia's requirement for minors to obtain parental consent to get an abortion. Sears' campaign declined to make her available for an interview, responding instead with requests for a list of written questions in advance. She has also refused to answer questions about whether she has gotten the coronavirus vaccine, something for which Ayala has criticized her. Ayala supports vaccine mandates for state workers and mask mandates in schools, her campaign said. During the primary, Sears ridiculed mask mandates put in place by Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam, posting a video in which she pulled a mask off a cardboard cutout of Northam and stomped it into the sand, with the Virginia Beach boardwalk in the background. Sears may be the most unconventional candidate on the statewide ballot this year. She speaks in a stream-of-consciousness style and loves to tell the story of her first campaign for office, when someone superimposed her face onto a pornographic photo. I looked good!" she jokes to the audience. But the story is emblematic, she says, of the obstacles she faced as a Black Republican who was taking on an establishment that expects Blacks to vote Democratic. The other side wants to use the problems of the past to define us and we shouldn't let them, she told a crowd in rural Chesterfield County earlier this month. It is time for them to find another victim. ... Yes, we know that there are problems, but we can fix them. When she served in the legislature, she earned top ratings from anti-abortion and gun-rights organizations. She touted that record in her successful primary campaign, but has revised her website during the general election to remove those references. Ayala says Sears is too extreme. In ads, Ayala uses the same photo of Sears posing with a rifle that vaulted her to victory in the primary as a weapon against her. My opponent has shown she's not a leader, Ayala said. If somebody shows you who they are, believe them the first time. Election Day is Nov. 2. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 DEAR ABBY: My mom and I have always been close, but since I got married, I have been having a hard time setting boundaries. My parents divorced when I was 12, and Mom went through a string of boyfriends -- including an abusive one. She hasn't dated anyone seriously in the last five years. My father is a pilot. While I was growing up, it was mostly Mom who raised me. It was the two of us against the world, until I met my husband, "Eric." We started dating four years ago and were married last summer. Eric knows Mom and I have always considered ourselves to be each other's best friend. He also knows we have taken many trips together. It's a tradition Mom was hoping we'd continue after my wedding. She has recently begun discussing a vacation, and Eric wants to tag along. She, however, wants it to be a "just us girls" trip. I'm not sure how to handle this. Mom and Eric are the most important people in my life. Must I really choose between one or the other? Who comes first? And how do I break the news to whoever comes second? -- TORN IN ILLINOIS DEAR TORN: You are a newlywed, married only a short time. For your mother to expect you to leave your husband and vacation with her at this point is insensitive and unrealistic. When people marry, their spouse is supposed to take precedence. Tell your mother you would love to take girls trips with her in the future, but not during the first year of your marriage. DEAR ABBY: Can you help to illuminate people on what is proper etiquette after the passing of a loved one? We recently had a death in our family. As we were trying to say our goodbyes and get in touch with immediate family, the word got out. Within an hour of the passing, the news was all over social media. We barely had time to react, let alone inform all our family members. Many of them learned about it from these posts. Imagine finding out a loved one passed away from a non-family member's social media posting. It made an already painful situation even more so. People were hurt that they weren't informed before it was plastered all over the internet. Could you ALSO point out that if you are the person who made the post from which someone found out about the death of a family member, rather than get defensive and say, "I'm not the only one who posted it!" or, "I wasn't the first to say something," just kindly offer your condolences and maybe an apology. -- MOURNING IN MICHIGAN DEAR MOURNING: Please accept my sympathy for your loss. I am sure that feelings are raw because people are hurting, but please realize that because of social media, news travels like wildfire. For a friend to be told and then to post the sad news wouldn't be unusual these days. However, to head something like that off before it happened, the person who spilled the beans should have asked the friend to keep the news private until all family members were personally informed. That said, since there were hurt feelings, apologies are in order. DEAR ABBY: I recently attended a funeral with my mother's family. While I was visiting, one of my aunts confided that my mother cheated on my father while they were married. I'm sure my father has no idea about the affair. My parents' divorce was extremely ugly. My mother told us many things about our father that I now know are lies -- among them, that he had fathered other children, was a pedophile and had hidden bank accounts full of money in other countries. Because of her lies, my siblings idolize our mother and loathe him. I think I could change their minds if I told them about her affair. I know the man she had the affair with and could prove what I'm saying. I hate hearing my siblings drag Dad's name through the mud for things he never did, knowing my mother continues to manipulate their emotions and opinions. Should I tell my siblings about her affair? -- OPEN-EYED DAUGHTER DEAR OPEN-EYED: Before I answer your question, ask yourself why your aunt confided that information to you. Were her motives pure, or does she dislike her sister? You say your father has no idea that your mother may have cheated, yet you recognize that their divorce was "extremely ugly." Could infidelity have had anything to do with it, and if so, whose? You also stated that your mother has spent years accusing your father of things he never did. The term for that is "parental alienation." Manipulating children like that is unhealthy because it gives them a skewed vision of what to expect from their own relationships. You say you can prove what your aunt told you is true. To that I can only ask, HOW? Has it been confirmed by your mother's supposed lover? If it has been confirmed, I see no reason why you shouldn't disclose to your siblings what you were told. But unless you are 100 percent certain that it is true, my advice is to keep your mouth shut and let your AUNT be the one who delivers the news. DEAR ABBY: I know you have had this happen: You meet a new person (usually a woman), extend your hand to shake hello, only to have your hand pushed aside with "Oh, I'm a hugger," and you are latched onto by this total stranger. Shoe on the other foot: Lady approaches me, extends her hand to shake, I push it aside, saying, "I'm a French kisser" -- slurrrp, or "I'm a groper" -- squeeze. Really, what makes people think everybody wants to be hugged? They may think it's sweet; I think it is invasive. Hands over hugs any day, please! -- HUGLESS AND HAPPY IN FLORIDA DEAR H.A.H.: You make a good point, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why I'm printing your letter. Because this happens to you regularly, you may have to be nimble. Try this: As the huggers hurl themselves forward, take a giant step backward. DEAR ABBY: For the past few months I've been seeing a gentleman in his late 50s who lost his last girlfriend, "Vera," in a tragic accident. Her death was less than a year ago and he is still grieving, which I respect and am not uncomfortable with. My beau has low self-esteem. He thinks the relationship he had with Vera made him a better person, and that without her he will be less so. I understand his sorrow and that he needs more time to sort through his feelings but, if things work out with us, and we continue to see each other, I want to know how I can also make him feel like I'm helping him be a better person. He says it was "just the relationship they had" and that he doesn't know how to put it into words. I don't want to replace Vera or copy her, but I do wish I could understand what she did to help him believe positive things about himself. -- NEW GIRLFRIEND IN NEW HAMPSHIRE DEAR GIRLFRIEND: In order to understand that, it would be helpful to see if he can explain the reason for his low self-esteem. Was it hypercritical parents? Difficulty fitting in with peers that started when he was in school? Not receiving enough positive feedback in his youth? Once you gain more insight, you may be able to find the answers you are looking for. Both partners in a relationship should use whatever attributes they have to make EACH OTHER feel positive. However, please recognize it should not be your responsibility to prop him up on a continuing basis. DEAR ABBY: When my boss hired me as an assistant four years ago, she specifically told me my job was to do whatever the person above me wants. I wasn't allowed to communicate with anyone on the job other than the lady above me. Even though it was tough to watch my supervisor make so many bad decisions and get away with it, I did what was required of me. Now I have worked my way up and have an assistant of my own. However, my boss has given my assistant much more than she ever gave me when I was in that position. Sometimes I feel like she acts like I'm not valued. I want to point it out, but I don't want to be that kind of person. I love what I do, but I don't know how much longer I can handle being treated this way. Should I tell her how I feel? She constantly leaves me out of important decisions and then tries to play mind games to make up for it. She is also giving my assistant important information before telling me. I don't know what I should do. -- FRUSTRATED IN OREGON DEAR FRUSTRATED: Many companies have annual reviews for employees in which subjects like the ones you have raised are discussed. If this isn't the case in your firm, ask for one. During that conversation, tell your boss that sometimes you feel your efforts aren't valued and why. Remind her that you were instructed not to talk with anyone on the job other than the person immediately above you, and you feel undercut because your assistant is being given important information before it is shared with you. It may clear the air. However, if it doesn't, by all means start searching for another job, since you seem to be considering it anyway. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069 Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 As the nation's political press obsess over the fate of the administration's Build Back Better proposal, nothing less than the ultimate success or failure of Joe Biden's presidency is said to be at stake. And yet here's the great paradox: Taken separately, the elements of the Democrats' social spending proposals poll extremely well. According to a recent CBS News poll, support for federal funding to reduce prescription drug prices is favored by 88% of American voters. Adding Medicare coverage of dental, vision and hearing polls at 84%. Another 73% back expanding paid family and medical leave. Sixty-seven percent think that universal pre-kindergarten for 3- and 4-year-olds is a good idea. Similarly, more than two-thirds of voters support tax increases on corporations and high-income individuals to pay for these reforms. And yet, only 10% of Americans -- 10%! -- know that all of these elements are major parts of the Build Back Better bill Democrats have been haggling over for months. (It also includes free community college tuition, a $3,600 tax credit for each child under 6, a $3,000 credit for kids between 7 and 18, and enhanced child nutrition programs.) Only 36% believe the bill's passage would be good for their families, while another one-third believe they'd be hurt. A bit more than half want the Biden initiative to pass. What Americans do know, partly because of the news media's relentless focus on the bottom line, is the White House bill's proposed $3.5 trillion cost. Most appear only dimly aware that's a 10-year projection. In short, the voting public is at best lukewarm over Biden's signature issue. No wonder the bill's on life support, along with, allegedly, the Biden presidency itself. No wonder, too, that the president's overall approval numbers are seen as anemic -- although recent polls from CNN and Fox News placed his favorability at 50%, higher than his predecessor ever achieved. CNN, for its part, has downplayed its own favorable numbers. Correspondents cherry-pick weaker poll results to keep Wolf Blitzer fully apprised of Washington insider conventional wisdom. And how has it come to this? Partly, it's the habitual ignorance and inattention of the American public. People have only a vague idea of what they want, and no idea how to get it. Partly, too, it's the fault of congressional Republicans and the accursed Senate filibuster -- so determined to wage political war against a Democratic president that the administration was forced to combine its entire legislative agenda into a single, one-size-fits-all reconciliation bill to have any chance of passing. (Reconciliation bills can't be filibustered.) Under "normal" political conditions, which we may never see again, Democrats could have passed a trillion-dollar bipartisan infrastructure plan rebuilding roads, bridges, water and sewer lines, and high-speed internet, and then considered the component parts of the Build Back Better plan one or two at a time -- Medicare improvements in one bill, child tax credits in another, etc. Instead, they decided that Mitch McConnell's determination to prevent any and all Democratic bills from coming to a Senate vote made bundling them into a single reconciliation bill the only way to pass anything. The Biden White House agreed. Media critic Eric Boehlert blames the Beltway news media for failing to enlighten the public. Writing on his Press Run website, Boehlert argues that "as Democrats work to pass both a huge infrastructure bill and even bigger social spending bill, dubbed Build Back Better, the Beltway press continues to do a great job ignoring the contents of the historic effort. Focusing instead on its cost and obsessively documenting the vote-counting process, the press has walked away from its job of explaining legislation." Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne agrees, writing, "the relentless focus on the single number of $3.5 trillion has left most Americans clueless about what Biden wants to do." Up to a point, I agree. Also with Dionne's larger point that the Democratic party "needs to spend less time on cultural issues and more on fighting for direct benefits to the working and middle classes, a cause that unites voters across racial and regional lines." But the real fault here isn't with the news media; it's with the White House's inexplicable failure to sell its plan. People don't know what's in the Build Back Better plan mainly because President Biden hasn't told them -- simply, clearly and repeatedly. If you want the public to understand the legislation, you've got to tell them you're going to tell them, tell them, and then remind them you told them. Over and over until it sinks in. But the bully pulpit has been vacant. It's incredible that Democrats have gotten suckered into talking about nothing but the 10-year price tag -- as if $3.5 trillion were even comprehensible to people. It's as tone-deaf and self-destructive as "Defund the Police." To succeed, Democrats will first need to get out of their own way. Arkansas Times columnist Gene Lyons is a National Magazine Award winner and co-author of "The Hunting of the President" (St. Martin's Press, 2000). You can email Lyons at eugenelyons2@yahoo.com Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 As soon as the election was over, they turned them back off or they changed the settings back to what they were before, to prioritize growth over safety, Haugen said in an interview with 60 Minutes. An internal Facebook report following Jan. 6, previously reported by BuzzFeed, faulted the company for having a piecemeal approach to the rapid growth of Stop the Steal pages, related misinformation sources, and violent and inciteful comments. Facebook says the situation is more nuanced and that it carefully calibrates its controls to react quickly to spikes in hateful and violent content, as it did on Jan 6. The company said its not responsible for the actions of the rioters and that having stricter controls in place prior to that day wouldnt have helped. Facebooks decisions to phase certain safety measures in or out took into account signals from the Facebook platform as well as information from law enforcement, said spokeswoman Dani Lever. When those signals changed, so did the measures. Lever said some of the measures stayed in place well into February and others remain active today. Sunday service: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 2650 NW Highland Drive in Corvallis, will share Gods Word and Holy Communion at 9 a.m. Sunday, both in the sanctuary and via livestream worship, accessible at www.svlccorvallis.org and facebook.com/shepherdcorvallis. Sunday marks the celebration of the Festival of Saint Luke. Pastor Eric Bohlmanns sermon theme will be Hero of the Faith: St. Luke. The congregation continues to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to protect worshipers health and asks individuals to wear masks. Multi-Gen Bible study will follow the service at 10:30 a.m., both in church and via Zoom. This week the study of the Gospel of Mark will continue, focusing on Chapter 12. For access to the Zoom meeting, call the church office at 541-753-2816. Sunday worship: First United Methodist Church, 1165 NW Monroe Ave. in Corvallis, will hold services at 9:30 a.m. Sunday in person (masks required) and online at https://www.facebook.com/CorvallisFUMC/live. The series "Remember" will begin Sunday with looking back at what our spoken and unspoken money stories have been, and how those stories have impacted our practices of stewardship. In looking at Luke 22:1-23, we remember Gods steadfast relationship with us throughout time and trials. We remember that Judas betrayed Jesus in exchange for money, but was still invited to the table. We remember that the Israelites complained in the wilderness but were met with manna. Even in stories of desperation and deep betrayal, we are gifted with Gods provision of the feast of enough, and the holy meal of remembrance. Baha'i devotions and discussion: "Stories of 'Abdu'l-Baha, Part 3" is set for 10:30 a.m. Sunday via Zoom. The quality of inquiry is another spiritual attribute present in the human spirit. Baha'is are especially enjoined to "independently investigate the truth," and this must, by definition, involve asking questions. This Sunday's readings consist of inspiring stories of Abdul-Baha, the Son of the Founder of the Bahai Faith, Bahaullah. During his lifetime, he reached out to others, especially in Haifa, where he resided until his passing in 1921. His extraordinary qualities of character, his knowledge and his service to humanity offered a vivid demonstration of Bahaullahs teachings in action. These stories, collected in "Vignettes from the Life of 'Abdu-l-Baha," provide glimpses of his humor, his kindness and wisdom, and his simplicity. All are welcome to join in reading stories and discussing the life of a man who so clearly lived a life of service to others. Zoom instructions for the meeting and readings can be found on the local Baha'i website, https://linnbenton.local.bahai.us/. Those who need help or have questions can call 541-753-5752. Dinner and program: After 5 Connection will host dinner and a program at 6 p.m. Nov. 2 at Mas Restaurant, 2416 S. Santiam Highway in Lebanon. The event, open to all women, is sponsored by After 5 Connection, affiliated with Stonecroft. Jesse Lopez of Queen Bee Organizing in Corvallis will present Clutter Buster, sharing how to create an environment of harmony free of the chaos that clutter creates. Barbara Vernoski of Blairstown, New Jersey, also will speak. Barbara learned to be a jack of all trades while her husband, an F-16 fighter pilot, was away from home. The Vernoskis are parents of seven children, one of whom is paralyzed. Going through heartache and pain, Barbara started a ministry, Restoring Life Today. She loves traveling with her husband, now a commercial pilot, and although she has had several turbulent flights, she has found that with the right flight plan, she continues to land safely. Cost is $15, inclusive. The group is not credit-card ready. Reservations are available from Sherri at 541-258-6414, or Nancy at 541-259-1396 or NancyPinzino@comcast.net. Nursing program offered: Registration is open for the Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Course, starting Nov. 15 via Zoom. The Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Course and a concurrent Foundations for Health Ministry course for lay members of faith communities is set for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 15 and 16, Nov. 29 and 30, and Dec. 13, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 14; the final day includes a dedication ceremony. The course is offered in partnership with Samaritan Health Services, Linn-Benton Community College Extended Learning, and the Faith Community Health Network of the Mid-Willamette Valley. Faith Community Nursing is a recognized nursing specialty. Faith Community Nurses and Health Ministers serve their congregations and community through advocacy; by improving health literacy, health equity and overall access to care; and by promoting spiritual, emotional and physical well-being. The financial support of Samaritan allows the course to be offered at a reduced cost of $299, which includes textbooks and 38 contact hours for continuing education. Registration is available by emailing colea@linnbenton.edu. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Sen. Tim Knopp of Bend was named the new state Senate Republican leader in a surprise announcement Friday morning. Sen. Fred Girod, R-Stayton, the leader during the 2021 legislative session, said he was stepping down immediately due to unspecified health concerns. "Republicans have a great opportunity to showcase our ideas and vision as a viable alternative to decades of failed Democratic leadership in Oregon," Knopp said in a statement. "I look forward to serving this caucus to do just that. Knopp immediately steps into the job leading the GOP in the Senate, where Democrats hold an 18-seat supermajority in the 30-member Senate. He inherits a fractured group of GOP lawmakers. It was unclear Friday how many of the senators voted on Knopp's elevation to minority leader and how many who were originally elected as Republicans consider themselves part of the caucus or independents. Adding to the internal drama is Sen. Dallas Heard, R-Roseburg, who was elected Oregon Republican Party chair early this year on a platform that the party was not supportive enough of ex-President Donald Trump and needed to push harder against Gov. Kate Brown and anti-pandemic efforts like mandatory mask-wearing, business restrictions and promoting vaccination. During the 2021 session, Heard was among a group of lawmakers supporting a walk-out over a controversial gun control bill. 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. Girod, Knopp and other veteran Republican lawmakers opted to vocally oppose the legislation, but not bring the Legislature to a full stop by denying the minimum 20-member quorum to do any business, as had occurred in earlier walkouts in 2019 and 2020. Girod, whose home had burned down during the Labor Day fires in 2020, was the target of rage by bitter conservative activists who branded those who want to stay in the Capitol as "traitors." Girod and Sen. Bill Hansell, R-Athena, confirmed they were among senators who received death threats that were reported to the Oregon State Police. No arrests were made. Leading the Senate GOP members is Knopp's second stint as a legislative leader. He was House Majority Leader during part of his three terms representing Bend in the House from 1999 to 2005. Knopp did not seek re-election in 2004 and was out of state politics for seven years. In 2012 he successfully challenged incumbent Sen. Chris Telfer, R-Bend. Knopp won about 60% of the general election vote in 2012 and 2016. The rapid population increase in Deschutes County and a large turnout of Democrats seeking to defeat Trump in 2020 led to Knopp's closest victory margin: 50.7% over Democrat Eileen Kiely. Legislators in Oregon serve part-time. Knopp is executive vice president of the Central Oregon Builders Association and the executive director of Building Partners for Affordable Housing. Knopp has been an advocate of reform to the Public Employee Retirement System, which continues to run up a multi-billion dollar deficit. He was a leader of a successful campaign to alter the Oregon Constitution to include the "kicker," a flat-tax rebate that kicks in when the state takes in a certain amount of money over what it had projected. Knopp has lived in Central Oregon for nearly 40 years. He and his wife, Melissa, have been married over 30 years and have four children. 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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 News featured How phosphorus matches in Denton helped fuel Texas 1861 secession Courtesy art/Texas Historical Association Handbook of Texas History In October 1862, the Great Hanging of 40 suspected unionists took place in Gainesville. Most of those hanged were innocent. Historians estimate that between 30 and 100 white abolitionists and Black slaves died at the hands of vigilantes. Shown is an illustration of the Great Hanging, courtesy of Frank Leslies Illustrated Weekly Newspaper. Courtesy art/Texas Historical Association Handbook of Texas History In October 1862, the Great Hanging of 40 suspected unionists took place in Gainesville. Most of those hanged were innocent. Historians estimate that between 30 and 100 white abolitionists and Black slaves died at the hands of vigilantes. Shown is an illustration of the Great Hanging, courtesy of Frank Leslies Illustrated Weekly Newspaper. The temperature in Denton on Sunday, July 8, 1860, was at least 100 degrees. Residents, like the crops, were parched. The city of Denton was only 3 years old; Denton County had only 5,031 residents. But the heat wave wasnt the worst thing that happened to the tiny Wild West town that day. Most of Dentons log structures heated like ovens as temperatures soared. Although Sunday was a day of commerce in 1860, the Square was temporarily closed while residents attended church. A fire started at 1 p.m. in Smoots dry goods store on the southwest corner of Dentons Square. Flames hopped from building to building. After 25 kegs of gunpowder ignited a percussive explosion, burning debris showered everywhere. Because men were tending ranches, a group of women organized a bucket brigade that contained the fire to the west side of the Square. At 2 p.m., fire destroyed a Pilot Point store. Simultaneously, the worst fire destroyed downtown Dallas business district every store, hotel and even the printing office of the Dallas Herald. Denton Sheriff Charles Alexander Williams, who owned a dry goods store on the Square, began an investigation of Dentons fire. Four days after the fires, the young Dallas Herald Editor Charles Pryor, who was highly critical of abolitionists, sent letters to political connections and editors of other newspapers. Pryor believed the fires were a coordinated pro-abolitionist conspiracy to lead a violent statewide slave uprising. His widely reprinted letter read: Each county in Northern Texas has a supervisor in the person of a white man poisoning against slave owners and their wives and the young and handsome women to be parceled out amongst these infamous scoundrels. He also wrote Houston Telegraph Editor Hopkins Cushing, saying: You are in as much danger as we are. Be on your guard, and make these facts known by issuing extras in every direction. All business has ceased, and the country is terribly excited. Pryor continued to fan the flames of hysteria, reporting that certain negroes had been interrogated, revealing a widespread abolitionist plot to devastate, with fire, and assassination, the whole of Northern Texas. Fear and paranoia spread faster and further than the fires; Pryor never produced any evidence to support his claims. The Civil War loomed in a deeply divided country. In 1860, only 10% of Texas heads of households had slaves, yet slaves accounted for 30% of Texas population. Activists seized the secessionist cause through fiery speeches and editorials. They blamed Abraham Lincoln, who was running for president, and the Republican Party for causing what was called the Texas Trouble. Vigilante committees formed all over Texas, and law enforcement stepped aside to let them handle the aftermath. A year earlier, Dallas expelled abolitionist Northern Methodist ministers, believing they were recruiting Black people and abolitionist whites. Outspoken slavery critic the Rev. Anthony Bewley had started a mission 16 miles north of Fort Worth. By mid-July, Bewley left for Virginia because he realized he was in danger. A Texas posse caught up with him in Missouri and returned him to Fort Worth. They handed Bewley over to vigilantes, who lynched him and buried him in a shallow grave. Several weeks later, vigilantes dug up Bewleys bones and displayed them atop Ephraim Daggetts Fort Worth warehouse. In October 1862, the Great Hanging of 40 suspected unionists took place in Gainesville. Most of those hanged were innocent. Historians estimate that between 30 and 100 white abolitionists and Black slaves died at the hands of vigilantes. Gov. Sam Houston was elected in 1859 on a unionist anti-slavery platform, but Texas voted three to one in favor of secession in 1861. Historians believe the July 1860 fires shifted political thinking, setting the stage for Texas to secede. Sheriff Williams investigation of Dentons fire concluded the prairie match carried in stores that ignited spontaneously in hot weather was the likely cause. According to Ed Bates History and Reminisces of Denton County, parts of Dentons Square burned 23 times between 1860 and 1915. None of the charges leveled against abolitionists were ever proven. The Texas Trouble story is a cautionary tale of what can happen when misinformation fuels fear. Documentation for this story came from multiple entries in the Texas Historical Association Handbook of Texas History Online. Seven members of a suspected religious cult who were arrested last week on allegations of abusing a corpse made their first court appearances on Wednesday in Saguache County. Their actions to venerate their deceased leader arent as strange as they might seem, say experts who study such groups. Colorado braces for what it means to be a safe haven for refugees from war-torn Afghanistan 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. NEW YORK A new rocket designed to launch humans to the moon, Mars and beyond will launch next year from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. On board, will be a familiar fuzzy figure Snoopy. JOHANNESBURG (AP) Controversy is swirling around the Miss South Africa beauty pageant, as the government has withdrawn its support for the event because of its plans to participate in the Miss Universe 2021 contest which is to be held in Israel in December. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Based on the ongoing encouragement from Haydt to eliminate her ex, King began to purchase materials needed to construct a pipe bomb. Haydt provided King with her ex-boyfriends address and in the early morning hours of Oct. 23, 2017, King placed the explosive device in the exs work truck that was parked at his home. King detonated the bomb while the victim was driving to work and shrapnel from the device was blasted into the victims back and hip area. Thanks to the actions of a passing motorist and first responders, the victim survived. After the explosion, King sent Haydt a message that read, boom, I felt that from 120 feet away. Law enforcement quickly became suspicious of Haydts involvement in the crime. Haydt gave numerous conflicting statements during multiple interviews and when agents checked her cell phone, they discovered she had deleted text messages she exchanged with King the day of the bombing and before. She had also deleted the Snapchat app. However, significant evidence of their prior communications remained on Kings phone and he also testified during the trial confirming Haydts involvement. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Why should I be at the mercy of my perpetrator? Pereira, an actress and businesswoman who now lives in Nashville, claimed Greathouse denied their daughter, who has autism and major depressive disorder, medical treatment by objecting to Pereiras urging that their daughter go to a residential treatment center. Pereira said she also has no say in what school her daughter can attend and couldnt enroll her in extracurricular activities. He denied me things I wanted for the betterment of our child, she said. Greathouses attorney, David Harrison, said Pereiras claims are absolutely not true and that Greathouse had custody of their daughter. The lawyer claimed Pereira threatened to pursue the rape charges after filing three custody claims in Tennessee, She sent him a text and said, If you dont give me custody, Im going to have you charged with a sex offense in Alabama, Harrison said. This person used the court system here to try to, in my opinion, coerce mentally, emotionally, somebody to give up custody of his child. The pollutants those kids were experiencing also did seem to be linked to worse health, she said. We saw kids lungs werent quite as healthy. Diesel school bus engines are much cleaner, since the EPA implemented standards that required them to produce 90% less particulate matter. The EPA also has awarded $55 million to replace more than 2,700 old diesel school buses since 2012 and announced in October that $17 million more would be available. With the improved standards, the diesel industry argues that switching to electric wont significantly reduce emissions or address concerns about global warming especially since electricity for buses still often comes from fossil fuels. They note that more than 54% of school buses are newer models with far fewer emissions. School districts should be able to choose the bus type and technology that works for them, said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. Some may find electric buses a good fit while others will stick with diesel and utilize low-carbon renewable fuels to cut their carbon footprint and other emissions. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) A judge in California ruled Friday that state prison guards who work in and around facilities' health care settings must be vaccinated against the coronavirus. Kern County Superior Court Judge Bernard Barmann's ruling does not extend to all state prison employees, including guards who work in other settings. The state Department of Public Health in August had ordered the guards, as well as other prison and jail employees who work in correctional health care settings, to get vaccinated. The day before the deadline for shots last week, Barmann paused the state's order for the guards, though not the other employees, as he considered arguments from the California Correctional Peace Officers Association against a vaccine mandate. But the judge ultimately rejected the union's arguments on Friday and denied them a preliminary injunction against the mandate, according to online court documents. The union can still appeal his decision. The Sacramento Bee first reported Barmann's ruling on Friday. The relative leniency in sentencing of a former North Alabama jailer who laced an inmates cigarettes with self-defense spray should alarm every Alabamian and prompt lawmakers to review laws that would apply in such cases. A former corrections officer in Morgan County, Jaylend Edward Handley, pleaded guilty to four counts of third-degree assault, having been charged with spraying an inmates cigarettes with an irritant spray usually used as a tool in self-defense. Handley poisoned the cigarettes in retaliation for something the inmate had said. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months in jail, a $2,000 fine, and two years probation, as well as disqualification for work in law enforcement. The inmate shared his cigarettes with three others; all four were sickened and taken to a hospital as a precaution. It could have been much worse. Jail personnel have a responsibility to the safety of the men and women in their charge. While the inmates are incarcerated because of crimes they committed against society, theyre also vulnerable to the actions of their captors. Society entrusts jail personnel to treat inmates with human dignity. Leading tire company Casumina reported a loss of VND28 billion ($1.23 million) in Q3 due to the high costs of housing workers and difficulty selling amid Covid-19. For the Southern Rubber Industry JSC, its formal name, this is the first quarterly loss since its stock market listing in 2009. Its revenues fell by 21 percent to VND1.03 trillion during the quarter due to the impacts of the pandemic, which also caused the companys cost-revenue ratio to surge to 92 percent from 80 percent by sending input production and distribution costs soaring and forced it to house its workers on-site. Its nine-month profit figure was VND7 billion on revenues of VND3.48 trillion, down 88 percent year-on-year and only 17 percent of the years target. Casumina increased borrowing by 26 percent to VND2.55 trillion to cover the cash flow deficit. The epidemic halted production, especially for exports, and sent logistics costs surging, the firm said. Competition in the tire market is increasingly fierce from both domestic players and imports from China and Thailand, and the U.S.s protectionism against Vietnamese tires is also make things difficult, it added. Casumina had expected revenues and profits to fall by 7 percent and 12 percent from 2020 in its business plan announced in April. Passengers check-in at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi in early October, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy Airfares have fallen by two-thirds compared to a few weeks ago after airlines were allowed to resume more services and operate more flights from Oct. 21. Fares from HCMC to Hanoi between Oct. 24 and 30 ranged from VND1.3-2.8 million ($57-123), and from VND0.9-1.55 million in the opposite direction. In the first week of October, the HCMC-Hanoi fare on Vietnam Airlines was often VND3.6 million. With economy class tickets sold out sometimes, passengers had to buy business class tickets at VND7.6 million. Airlines, which resumed on 21 routes but with only one return flight a day in early October, are now allowed up to six daily between Hanoi, HCMC and Da Nang, and four on other routes until Nov. 14. After this period they will be allowed to operate seven between the three major cities until Nov. 30. Now economy fares for a return flight between HCMC and Da Nang are VND1.4-2.7 million, down from the earlier VND2.5-3 million. Vietnam Airlines, which has resumed flying on 40 routes, including to Con Dao, Dien Bien, Buon Ma Thuot, Pleiku, and Lam Dong, plans to resume most of its services between Oct. 21 and Nov. 30. Budget carrier Vietjet has resumed flying on many sectors since Oct. 21, including to HCMC, Hanoi and Da Nang. It is providing free quick Covid tests for passengers departing from HCMC and Hanoi. Bamboo Airways plans to resume a total of 31 domestic routes and increase the number of flights from now to Oct. 31. According to Ministry of Transport regulations, from Oct. 21 people flying from areas with lower Covid-19 risk levels need to fulfill only one of three conditions: fully vaccinated between 14 days and 12 months before the flight, recovered from Covid-19 within the past six months or tested negative within 72 hours prior to departure. Travel companies revealed tens of thousands of Russians have booked tours to Khanh Hoa for their winter holiday as Vietnam prepares to welcome back foreign visitors. Khanh Hoa, home to famous beach resort towns Nha Trang and Cam Ranh, is one of five localities allowed to welcome fully immunized foreign tourists starting November along with Kien Giang, Quang Nam, Da Nang and Quang Ninh as part of the country's roadmap to gradually resume international tourism. A representative of Khanh Hoa-based travel company Anex Vietnam said it has worked with partners like Russia's largest charter airline Azur Air and tour operator Anex Tour Russia to prepare to bring Russian tourists back to Khanh Hoa. The anonymous representative said dozens of thousands of Russians have already booked tours to Khanh Hoa this winter through the company. The agency is expected to welcome approximately 6,000 Russian tourists a month during the first three months of a trial program, with the figure forecast to increase to 12,000 per month later. During the pilot phase from three to five months, the company would focus on tourists with a vaccine passport from Moscow, Novosibirsk, and Vladivostok, who are all required to book a tour package. The tourists would arrive in Khanh Hoa on charter flights to stay at least seven nights at a designated resort on Long Beach in Cam Lam District, around 10 kilometers from Nha Trang. During this period, they would only be allowed to visit limited areas inside the resort with restricted movement. After the seven-day period, if tourists show a negative test result for Covid, they will be granted permission to visit, eat, and shop at other locations in the tour program. Anex Vietnam has signed reservation contracts for three-to-five-star rooms at Cam Ranh Riviera Beach Resort & Spa, Selectum Noa Resort Cam Ranh, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, The Anam Resort and Vinpearl Resort & Spa Long Beach to serve Russian visitors. Le Van Nghia, director of Nhat Minh Tourism JSC, also affirmed that thousands of Russian tourists have booked tours to Khanh Hoa through the company and its partners based in Russia. Nghia said his agency plans to cooperate with Russian carrier Siberia Airlines to organize six weekly charter flights for Russian tourists to stay at sequestered resorts on Long Beach in Cam Ranh from early December. They have all been fully vaccinated and are required to furnish a negative Covid result obtained within 72 hours before departure. Representatives of Vietnamese travel companies said Russia exempts quarantine for tourists returning from Vietnam and that the country has been a favored destinations among Russians for many years. Russians always have a long winter vacation, so they want to choose a destination in the tropics, with a mild climate and year-round sunshine like Vietnam. In addition to beaches in Nha Trang, Russian tourists are also interested in Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet and Da Nang. Therefore, when the government agrees to reopen its door to foreign tourists, there will be no shortage of visitors, especially from the Russian market, travel agencies confirmed. Khanh Hoa, famous for long, sandy beaches and high-end resorts, has basically brought the pandemic under control. Provincial authorities have sought government permission to allow fully vaccinated foreign tourists from November. In 2019, the year before the onset of Covid, Khanh Hoa received over seven million tourists, half of them foreigners. Before the pandemic, Russia and China were the biggest feeder tourism markets of Khanh Hoa. Vietnam closed its borders to foreign tourists and canceled all international flights in March last year due to Covid. ELKO Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital reported a big drop in COVID patient admissions this week. We are pleased to report that the number of COVID-positive patients admitted to NNRH dropped from 34 last week to 19 this week. Compared to the situation two weeks ago when we saw 47 new admissions this is a 60% decrease, stated the hospital. The numbers are trending in the right direction, and we are cautiously optimistic that the worst of the recent surge is behind us. The numbers are still around the level they were last December at the height of the pandemic before vaccines became widely available. Elko County this week reported a 30% decline in the number of active COVID cases compared with a week ago. The county has been operating a monoclonal antibody therapy outpatient clinic since Oct. 1. We believe the clinic has been successful in preventing high risk patients from developing severe symptoms requiring hospitalization, stated the county. As of this week, the clinic had administered 106 doses. An additional 66 doses were received from the State Board of Pharmacy on Thursday. Patients who were unable to receive treatment Wednesday and Thursday were scheduled and treated Friday. Outpatient treatment will continue to be provided in the clinic through the end of November, after which the need will be re-evaluated. Five COVID patients died at the hospital this week. Our hearts go out to the loved ones of these individuals. Stated NNRH. Another sobering statistic is that the number of COVID-19 patients requiring care in our ICU remained at 13 for the third week in a row. This serves as a reminder that were not out of the woods yet. Now is not the time to lower our guard. The hospital urged residents to slow the spread of COVID by wearing a mask in public, maintaining physical distancing, practicing good hand hygiene, and above all getting vaccinated. Virtually all patients who were hospitalized with COVID this week had not been vaccinated. A list of nearby vaccination sites is available at www.vaccines.gov. Elko County currently has about 450 active cases of coronavirus. Thats down from around 650 at the beginning of the month. The test positivity rate remains above 20%. Also this week, booster shots for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines were approved by the FDA, along with the recommendation that they be allowed to mix and match with Pfizer, whose booster was already approved. People may receive either the same or a different COVID-19 vaccine, depending on advice from a health care provider, individual preference, availability or convenience. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 ELKO Meet the Elko Animal Shelters two handsome Pets of The Week: The dark grey and white cat, No. 48914463, is on the young side and is very well behaved and friendly. The 10-month-old border collie mix, No. 48889650, is in need of more socialization with a gentle hand but he certainly has border collie enthusiasm, friendliness and energy. He is ready for an active new home. If you are interested in meeting either one of them or are interested in knowing more about them, please call 775-777-7333. The Elko Animal Shelter currently has 16 dogs and six cats to look at, fall in love with, adopt and add to your family. To see the animals available for adoption, look on the official City website, www.elkocity.com, under Departments/Animal Shelter. Remember that the Elko Animal Shelter is closed Oct. 29 for Nevada Day. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Biden administration recently announced support for a push by the World Trade Organization to strip intellectual property protections from Covid-19 vaccines. That endorsement, though well-intentioned, should send shivers down the spines of university and corporate R&D lab workers across America. Especially since it follows on the heels of some policymakers attempts to seize American firms intellectual property, using a strained interpretation of a four-decade-old law. Gutting IP protections would eliminate the incentives for private sector investors to take initial discoveries often made in university labs and turn them into tangible medicines and medical devices that actually benefit patients. Advocates for stripping IP protections often point to successful drugs that initially benefited from research at a university that was federally funded and thus should be controlled by the government. These IP rights, however, are currently protected by the University and Small Business Patent Procedures Act. This bipartisan legislation, enacted in 1980 and better known as the Bayh-Dole Act, allows universities to own and license inventions that arose from federally-funded research. Universities license IP rights to private sector companies who commercialize research discoveries and make products available to the public. Before this law, the federal government (not universities) held the rights to such patents. Some 30,000 of those patents languished, gathering dust in federal filing cabinets, with fewer than 1 in 20 ever reaching the clinic or the open market. For Senators Birch Bayh (D-IN) and Bob Dole (R-KS), the purpose of the act was to spur the interaction between public and private research so that patients would receive the benefits of innovative science sooner. In the ensuing 40 years, their legislation has enabled universities and industry licensees to develop and bring to market more than 200 life-saving new medicines. All have witnessed the most recent fruit of the Bayh-Dole Act mRNA technology from the University of Pennsylvania was licensed to Pfizer and Moderna, who used it to develop Covid-19 vaccines. I fear that Bidens IP waiver on Covid-19 vaccines, coupled with ongoing attempts to twist the Bayh-Dole Act to allow government officials to modify the terms of IP licenses that companies receive from universities, will disincentivize the private sector from investing in early-stage university inventions that are years away from becoming viable commercial products. If companies fear that the government will intervene after years of expensive R&D, they will not invest in the first place. IP protections exist for a reason because they work. We must not allow the admirable quest for health equity to kill the research goose that lays innovations golden egg. Carol Mimura is the former executive director of the Office of Technology Licensing at the University of California, Berkeley and current U.C. Berkeley Assistant Vice Chancellor for Intellectual Property & Industry Research Alliances. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The White House is hopeful of moving towards a deal on the remainder of President Bidens huge Build Back Better agenda before the end of the month, with House Majority Leader Steney Hoyer hopeful of getting a framework in place before Monday. Biden met with 19 lawmakers earlier this week in an attempt to find a compromise to satisfy his disparate caucus, and to secure the passage of a two-bill, multi-trillion-dollar social safety net and infrastructure package. The chance of a fourth stimulus check being included in the legislation are non-existent but a number of states are in the process of, or have already, approved their own rounds of direct payments for residents. Heres what we know so far about an additional stimulus check in each state Alabama stimulus check update There seems little chance of a state-wide stimulus check in Alabama in the near future, after Gov. Kay Ivey defended his plans to spend federal pandemic relief funds to pay for the construction of additional prisons. The Democrat-controlled federal government has never had an issue with throwing trillions of dollars toward their ideological pet projects, said Ivey in a statement released last month. These prisons need to be built, and we have crafted a fiscally conservative plan. In the US, Alabama has the third-highest number of prisons, yet ranks 24th in terms of population. If the Govenor remains so worried about the state's prison system, examining what programs could be implemented to avoid incarceration could be a more financially sustainable solution in the long term. Alaska stimulus check update Alaskans could be in line to receive additional payments through the Federal-State Extended Benefits programme. An extra 13-20 weeks of financial support can be offered to out-of-work residents in states with particularly high unemployment rates, which Alaska currently has. Arizona stimulus check update There will be no fourth stimulus check in Arizona but a return-to-work bonus will see unemployed residents receive a $2,000 direct payment if they find full-time work, or $1,000 for part-time employment. Arkansas stimulus check update There is little chance of extra direct payments for Arkansas residents in the near future. However the state does offer additional weeks unemployment support at times of very high unemployment, boosting the usual 25-week coverage. California stimulus check update Perhaps the most generous state-sponsored relief initiative comes in California, where two-thirds of residents are set to receive a Golden State stimulus check worth $600. As of 31 October, around 4.5 million of the more than 9 million residents eligible had received their checks. The vast majority of the remaining checks will be sent by mail. Colorado stimulus check update Another state to provide financial support is Colorado, but not in the form of stimulus checks. Back in May Gov. Polis signed his $800 million Colorado Recovery Plan into law which promises funding for: Strengthening small business, revitalizing our infrastructure, supporting Colorado families, investing in rural Colorado and developing our workforce. Connecticut stimulus check update On 30 August Gov. Lamont announced that the first round of $1,000 Back to Work CT payments would be sent out to around 10,000 eligible applicants. The program has put aside roughly $10 million to provide a cash bonus for residents who have received regained work after losing their jobs during the pandemic. The program ends on 31 December 2021 and more information can be found on the state's website. Delaware stimulus check update There is no direct payment available for Delaware residents, but the state has spent $50 million on job training initiatives to help out-of-work residents, and middle and high school students, to find employment. Florida stimulus check update In Florida an additional round of $1,000 stimulus checks was reserved for around 170,000 teachers and principals across the state, as a thank you for their work throughout the pandemic. Gov. Santis decided to spend $216 million of relief funds to ensure that educational staff remain in schools and continue to support the states children. Georgia stimulus check update Like Florida, Georgias stimulus check spending focused on educational staff, although that money was sent out in March 2021. There are, as it stands, no plans to expand on the roughly 230,000 teachers who received a payment then. Hawaii stimulus check update Residents in Hawaii have little chance of a state-wide stimulus check after attempts to pass an additional round of payments for teachers was overruled by Gov. Ige. Educational staff could have received up to $2,200 as part of the proposal, but that hope has faded. Idaho stimulus check update As part of the Building Idahos Future covid-19 recovery plan passed in August, a tax relief initiative was introduced to provide a tax refund or grocery card worth up to $50 per taxpayer and dependant. Gov. Little said of the scheme: These tax cuts boost Idahoans prosperity, and they keep our tax rates competitive and our business climate vibrant. Illinois stimulus check update There are no plans for an additional round of direct payments in Illinois. However, the state has extended enhanced nutritional support, or SNAP benefits in the state to families with children. The state also waived the required interview through December 2021 to help families get access to benefits more quickly. Indiana stimulus check update Indiana residents will receive a state-funded tax refund worth a combined $545.3 million when they file their 2021 tax returns after the state recorded a budgetary surplus on the previous fiscal year. The money will be divided evenly between taxpayers so the exact amount on offer will depend on how many people file taxes next year, but a healthy refund could be on the cards. Iowa stimulus check update There are currently no plans for an additional round of stimulus support in Iowa. Kansas stimulus check update Another round of stimulus checks seems unlikely in Kansas, but thousands of residents could still be eligible to receive a payment. Back in July local CNBC affiliate KSNT revealed that more than 12,000 stimulus checks issued under President Trump have not yet reached eligible Kansans. In most cases, simply submitting a tax return will be enough to trigger the payment next year. Kentucky stimulus check update There are currently no plans for an additional round of stimulus support in Kentucky. Louisiana stimulus check update There are currently no plans for an additional round of stimulus support in Louisiana. Most major cities in the state have undertaken a deliberative process to hear from the community on how they would like to see the government spend the funds from the American Rescue Plan. In the coming months, announcements on payments and other forms of assistance for residents could be made public. Maine stimulus check update There are currently no plans for an additional round of stimulus support in Maine. However, the state has $3.3 million to allocate as they see fit, and some leaders have suggested using a portion of the funds to assist immigrants who were ineligible for federal aid. Maryland stimulus check update The state of Maryland has offered some of the most far-reaching financial relief measures, with no state or local taxes to be levied on unemployment benefits this year. In addition, all individuals who filed for the Earned Income Tax Credit will get a $300 additional stimulus check, while families will get $500. The first round of those payments was sent in mid-August, so should have arrived by now. Massachusetts stimulus check update There are currently no plans for an additional round of stimulus support in Massachusetts. Gov. Charlie Baker announced in June that the legislature would vote on a plan on how to use the funds from the American Rescue Plan that would support first-time homebuyers, provide rental protections and assistance, workforce training programs, and more. Michigan stimulus check update Another state to provide an additional direct payment to educators is Michigan, where teachers ($500) and other members of school staff ($250) both received a stimulus check earlier this year. It is not thought that the state is considering another round of direct payments at this time. Minnesota stimulus check update More than 100,000 Minnesotans are thought to have missed out on the first round of stimulus checks, but the deadline to claim them has now passed and there is no real prospect of another round in the near future. Mississippi stimulus check update Mississippi is one of a number of states that has not yet outlined how it intends to spend the substantial financial aid provided in President Bidens American Rescue Plan. A fourth stimulus check is very unlikely but Gov. Reeves has created the Restart Mississippi task force to decide how best to spend the roughly $1.8 billion. Missouri stimulus check update Gov. Parson of Missouri has also been reluctant to spend the federal funding, and has only outlined one proposal ($400 million for a broadband expansion) to date. We want to try to find things that are going to benefit Missouri not just next year or the year after, but 10 or 20 years down the road, budget director Dan Haug said. Montana stimulus check update In Montana, state officials have confirmed that the vast majority of the federal support will be spent on local infrastructure projects to boost the local economy, meaning that there will be no more stimulus checks. Nebraska stimulus check update In August Nebraska had the lowest unemployment rate in the whole of the US, recording just 2.2%. This has eased the pressure on the state government to pass additional stimulus legislation and, for now, there is no talk of additional direct payments. Nevada stimulus check update State and local government in Nevada has received an estimated $26.5 billion from the federal government over the course of the pandemic. This equates to more than 17% of the states annual budget, but none of it is likely to go towards another round of stimulus checks. The state Department of Education got around $1.2 billion, while nearly $300 million in recovery support went to the states metropolitan centres. New Hampshire stimulus check update There are currently no plans for an additional round of stimulus support in New Hampshire. New Jersey stimulus check update Some residents will have received an extra payment from the state of New Jersey after a $500 tax rebate was sent out over summer to eligible New Jerseyans. Gov. Murphy confirmed: This is cash on the barrel, and the millionaires tax the so-called millionaires tax - that's going to be directly into checks that families up and down this state in the middle class, and those aspiring to get into the middle class, are going to receive. New Mexico stimulus check update More than 4,500 low-income households in New Mexico should have received a $750 stimulus check payment from the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) in August. The HSD described the payments as critical to many New Mexico families. On 12 October 2021 the HSD opened applications for a payment from a separate pot of $1.4 million economic relief for those who were not eligible for the previous payments. New York stimulus check update Undocumented workers in New York can access a $2.1 billion stimulus check fund, allowing those unable to claim the initial two stimulus checks to receive some support. You must simply be a state resident who earnt less than $26,000 in 2020, and have missed out on the previous stimulus checks. North Carolina stimulus check update There are currently no plans for an additional round of stimulus support in North Carolina. In May, Gov. Roy Cooper recommended that funds from the American Rescue Plan be allocated to provide assistance to low-income residents. Gov. Cooper has proposed a budget that would allow $250 million for grants valued at $250 05 $500 depending on the annual gross income of the family. Details on how these grants will be distributed have not been released. North Dakota stimulus check update There are currently no plans for an additional round of stimulus support in North Dakota. Ohio stimulus check update There are currently no plans for an additional round of stimulus support in Ohio. Oklahoma stimulus check update The state of Oklahoma has implemented a new programme called the Economic Stimulus Grant, funded by the American Rescue Plan, which provides direct payments for student teachers. More than $13 million has been allocated but the support is only available for the 2021-2022 academic year. Oregon stimulus check update There are currently no plans for an additional round of stimulus support in Oregon. Pennsylvania stimulus check update Pennsylvania lawmaker Rep. Dianne Herrin has defended the states decision not to provide additional stimulus checks, pointing out that some of the $7 billion of federal stimulus money has been put towards improving the standard and affordability of child care in the state. Rhode Island stimulus check update There are currently no plans for an additional round of stimulus support in Rhode Island. South Carolina stimulus check update There are currently no plans for an additional round of stimulus support in South Carolina. South Dakota stimulus check update All 50 states received a considerable burst of funding from the federal government to help deal with the pandemic, but few benefitted as much as South Dakota. The Midwestern state received a payment worth 49% of its 2020 state tax revenues, and yet has done little with that money. There is no sign of a fourth stimulus check for residents. Tennessee stimulus check update Earlier this year the Tennessee state legislature passed SB1358, which provided a one-time hazard pay bonus of $1,000 for full-time employees and $500 for part-time employees of the state's public schools. Texas stimulus check update Another state focusing on educators for the additional stimulus checks is Texas, where individual school districts introduced various bonus schemes to encourage teachers back to the classroom. Fort Worth and Arlington have increased the pay of district employees by 4%; Denton has provided a bonus payment of $500; while the Irving school district has promised a $2,000 stimulus payment for teachers who returned to the classroom in September. Utah stimulus check update There are currently no plans for an additional round of stimulus support in Utah. Vermont stimulus check update To help boost the states economy, Vermont is offering to cover up to $7,500 in moving expenses for people relocating to the state due to employment in certain sectors like hospitality and construction. Its not quite a stimulus check, but it offers a serious financial incentive for those considering a move. Virginia stimulus check update There are currently no plans for an additional round of stimulus support in Virginia. Washington, DC stimulus check update There are currently no plans for an additional round of stimulus support in Washington, DC. West Virginia stimulus check update The state of West Virginia bagged $677 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan, but has decided not to use the money for stimulus checks. Over summer, county boards of education across the state oversaw a Summer Food Service Program which provided care and meal services for children. Gov. Justice said of the scheme: Theres already enough tragedy all around. We surely dont need our kids going hungry. Wisconsin stimulus check update There are currently no plans for an additional round of stimulus support in Wisconsin. Wyoming stimulus check update Gov. Gordon has focused the states economic recovery on reinvigorating the industries that are central to the local economy. Wyoming received $1.5 billion from the American Rescue Plan, much of which has funded tax relief for businesses, a boost for the oil and gas industry, and reviving the states tourism economy. However, there are currently no plans to use any of the federal funding for an additional round of stimulus checks. A ceremony marking the 60th year since the opening of the Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea takes place in the northern port city of Hai Phong on October 22. (Photo: VNA) The ceremony was held in the northern port city of Hai Phong by the Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defence and the municipal Peoples Committee on October 22. Vinh said since it was launched in 1961, Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea had become a new and important channel for transporting weapons and supplies all the way from the North to the southern front during the resistance war against the US. Delegates at the event. (Photo: VNA) The Vietnamese army had taken nearly 2,000 boat trips on the route, carrying about 80,000 personnel, over 150,000 tonnes of weapons and ammunition, and tens of thousands of tonnes of goods to support its troops on major battlefields in the South, that could not be done by road, he noted. He described it as a shining symbol of the revolutionary heroism and the Vietnamese armys intelligence, braveness, and determination to liberate and unite the nation. It is such an innovative and strategic initiative of President Ho Chi Minh and the Communist Party of Vietnam, he stressed. The deputy minister went on to say that to fulfill todays missions, forces on duty at sea and on islands, particularly the Vietnam Peoples Navy, must successfully implement the Party's policies and the States laws relating sea and islands, thus turning Vietnam into a strong and rich country based on the sea-borne economy. He also urged the forces to safeguard the countrys security, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and strengthen international marine cooperation to maintain a peaceful and stable environment for national development. Missile ship HQ-378 of the Naval Region 2's Brigade 167 conducts live-fire drills. (Photo: VNA) During the anti-US war, the Ho Chi Minh Trail was deemed a strategic road through jungles while the Ho Chi Minh Trail at Sea was associated with the secret transport ships without numbers. The existence of these two mysterious routes caused extreme difficulties for the US military and the South Vietnam government, who made many attempts to prevent the northern army from supporting the southern battles./. At the event (Photo: baoquocte.vn) At the ceremony, Mr. Park Soo-kwan Park pledged to do his best to continue contributing to the bilateral relationship. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam, he actively joined in pandemic prevention and control, and offered suggestions to the Vietnamese Government, together with the RoK business community, to ensure the dual goal of fighting the pandemic and restoring economic development. As the Honorary Consul General of Vietnam in Busan-Gyeongnam region since 2010, he has worked closely with the Vietnamese Embassy in the RoK to bolster bilateral trategic cooperative partnership, especially friendly relations between twin cities of Ho Chi Minh and Busan via trade-investment promotion and exchange activities, and sharing of information on culture and education. He also supported activities of the Vietnamese community in the RoK. Notably, Vietnam received martime training ship Hannara donated by the RoK Government, thanks to his assistance. In early 2021, Mr. Park was also awarded with the Friendship Order of the Vietnamese State./. The Verkhovna Rada may adopt amendments to the regulations in order to avoid dragging out the budget process in the future, head of the parliamentary committee on budget issues Yuriy Aristov told Interfax-Ukraine news agency. "Probably, the Servant of the People party will make every effort to ensure that next year there was no such nonsense with a senseless delay in the adoption of the budget," Aristov said in a comment to the Interfax-Ukraine agency. According to him, next plenary week, the MPs will consider the remaining amendments to the draft state budget for 2022 at the first reading, after which there will be a vote as a whole at the first reading. "Next, the budget conclusions of the Verkhovna Rada will go to the Cabinet of Ministers for revision. Two weeks are given for that. Then the Cabinet submits the amendments again to the Rada Committee on Budget Issues. We analyze them - what has been taken into account, how it has been changed, whether it complies with the Budget Code and are preparing them for consideration in parliament," the MP said. On October 20, the parliament adopted as a basis the draft resolution On conclusions and Proposals to the Draft Law of Ukraine on the State Budget for 2022. After that, the MPs took advantage of the rules of procedure, which allows, after voting as a basis, to insist on the consideration of their amendments, which were not taken into account by the profile committee. "Historically, no one has ever used this right, because it is absurd to go this way at the first reading. All factions are represented in the budget committee, which analyzed the amendments and considered them," Aristov said. "I believe that this approach is a complete carelessness and manipulation. There is no constructiveness in this. The MPs used their parliamentary and airtime for free political advertising," he said. Over the past day in Donbas, one Ukrainian soldier was injured, another got combat trauma, 13 violations of the silence regime by Russia-led forces were recorded. Since the beginning of the current day, no ceasefire violations have been recorded, the press center of the JFO headquarters reported. "Over the past day, on October 22, some 13 violations of the ceasefire by the Russian occupation forces were recorded, two of which were with the use of weapons prohibited by the Minsk agreements [...] As a result of enemy shelling, one soldier of the Joint Forces was injured, another one received a combat trauma. The military are in a hospital. The health status of both is satisfactory," the morning summary on the headquarters said on the Facebook page on Saturday. The enemy opened fire from 82-mm and 120-mm mortars, large-caliber machine guns, grenade launchers of various systems, small arms, 100-mm artillery and an anti-tank missile system. The Ukrainian military returned fire. "As of 7:00 am on October 23, no ceasefire violations were recorded," the report says. Malta has closed the entrance for tourists from Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reported. "Travel is prohibited. To enter the country, you must obtain a special permit, which is issued under exceptional circumstances," the statement on the website of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry tripadvisor.mfa.gov.ua. reported. It is indicated that from now on, only citizens of Ukraine are allowed to enter Malta who have valid Maltese ID or Residence card documents and have a permanent residence in Malta and have a valid recognized vaccination certificate or are under 12 years of age and may request to be quarantined in an alternative location, provided that meet certain criteria. In particular, no more than four additional persons will live at the place of quarantine (except for those who will be quarantined); Persons who are 12 years of age or older who live at the same address as those returning from the dark red zone countries, will be fully vaccinated. Non-residents of Malta of any age who must undergo quarantine, unvaccinated residents of Malta from 12 years of age traveling from countries of the dark red zone and those who are not allowed to undergo quarantine in an alternative location must undergo a 14-day quarantine at hotels officially approved by the Ministry of Health of Malta, exclusively at your own expense. Ukrzaliznytsia will open vaccination points against COVID-19 at railway stations in all regional centers. As noted in the message on the company's website on Saturday, from October 23, in addition to the previously opened, vaccination points will start to operate at the stations of Ivano-Frankivsk and Mariupol. From October 25, they will start working at railway stations in Kherson, Kovel, Kryvy Rih, Nikopol, Podolsk, Mykolaiv, Chernivtsi, Korosten and Rozdilny. "Travel must be safe. Together with the Ministry of Health, we are deploying vaccination stations in key transport hubs of the country: railway stations, airports, bus stations, major post offices. Vaccination stations are already operating at ten stations, today Mariupol and Ivano-Frankivsk will be added, the center will open on Monday. Vaccination points are already operating at ten stations, today Mariupol and Ivano-Frankivsk will also be added, a vaccination center at Boryspil airport will open on Monday," the Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov is quoted as saying. According to him, in two days it was possible to find about 300 infected persons who intended to board the train. According to Ukrzaliznytsia acting board member Oleksandr Pertsovsky, the vaccination points, which the company began to open at railway stations on October 21, are popular among the population. "Every day, the stations accept thousands of passengers who can now get vaccinated without spending extra time on the trip to the medical facility. So, as of this morning, more than 2,000 vaccinations have been made at our points. In addition, they are convenient for city residents, because, as a rule, railway stations are located in places with convenient transport links," he said. According to Pertsovsky, 30% of conductors have already been vaccinated at Ukrzaliznytsia, and this figure will be doubled in the near future. Council of Judges elects representatives to Ethics Council according to its quota, list to be sent to HCJ The Council of Judges of Ukraine has elected candidates to the first composition of the Ethics Council according to its quota and sent them to the High Council of Justice. As a result of the vote of the Council of Judges on Saturday, four candidates out of eight received more than 16 votes of support. After the vote, the rating list of candidates included judge of the Supreme Court in the Cassation Court Lev Kyshakevych with support of 26 votes of the members of the Council of Judges, judge of the Kyiv Court of Appeal Yuriy Triasun, who got 24 votes, judge of the Eastern Economic Court of Appeal, retired Volodymyr Syveryn - 20 votes, also 17 votes of support were received by judge of the Supreme Court in the Administrative Court of Cassation Tetiana Chumachenko. Thus, according to the results of a secret ballot, Kyshakevych, Triasun, Syveryn, Chumachenko became the elected candidates to the Ethical Council on the quota of the Council of Judges. After the announcement of results of the secret ballot and the receipt of the rating list of voting, the Council of Judges decided to send the list of candidates for approval to the High Council of Justice. The meeting on Saturday was attended by 30 representatives of judicial self-government bodies, eight candidates to the Ethical Council were included in the voting ballots: judge of the Supreme Court at the Economic Court of Cassation Anna Vronska, judge of the Supreme Court at the Cassation Court Lev Kyshakevych, judge of the Supreme Economic Court Oleksandr Korotkevych, judge of the Appeal Chamber of the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court Viktor Pankulych, retired judge of the Eastern Economic Court of Appeal Volodymyr Syveryn, judge of the Northern Economic Court of Appeal Serhiy Sotnikov, judge of the Kyiv Court of Appeal Yuriy Triasun, judge of the Supreme Court at the Administrative Court of Cassation Tetiana Chumachenko. The session was broadcast on the YouTube channel of the press service of the Council of Judges: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKSAuZtVaXM As reported, at a meeting on September 13, members of the Council of Judges refused to delegate their representatives to the Ethical Council, which should check the integrity of candidates and members of the High Council of Justice (HCJ). After that, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he would not allow the blocking of judicial reform. According to paragraph 6 of clause 23-1 of the final and transitional provisions of the law On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Concerning the Procedure for Election (Appointment) to the Positions of HCJ Members and Activities of the HSJ Disciplinary Inspectors, council submits to the chairman of the SCJ a list of candidates for the Ethics Council within 30 days from the date of receipt of the corresponding appeal from the chairman of the HCJ. The subject of the submission is, among other things, the Council of Judges of Ukraine, which is supposed to delegate three representatives to the Ethical Council, however, the Council of Judges was unable to delegate its representatives to the Ethical Council, which raised concerns about the progress of the judicial reform due to the halt in the cleansing of the judicial system. The first composition of the Ethics Council will include three persons from among judges or retired judges, determined by the Council of Judges of Ukraine, and three persons who will be selected by international organizations that have provided Ukraine over the past five years with international technical assistance in the field of judicial reform and prevention of corruption in accordance with international or interstate agreements. French Thales, which specializes in the development of high-tech products for defense and security, aerospace and transportation, intends to open an office in Ukraine, the Ministry of Digital Transformation said on its Telegram channel on Saturday. Thales already has offices and R&D centers in 56 countries around the world. During a meeting between Mykhailo Fedorov and Thales representatives in Paris, the parties discussed the creation of digital documents and cybersecurity based on artificial intelligence. "Representatives of the company told how it is possible to improve the sphere of cyber defense in Ukraine, to qualitatively identify and counter cyber threats. Thales is actively working on opening an office in Ukraine and has already appointed a director," the ministry said. Robert Downey Jr (Photo : REUTERS ) The introduction of the Marvel Cinematic Universe happened in the 2008 film Iron Man, where Robert Downey Jr's interpretation of the title character (and his adjusted sense of self, Tony Stark) was critical to the task's prosperity. Nonetheless, as indicated by another book, there was plausible that Iron Man probably wouldn't have even been Downey Jr's. First Marvel film. Advertisement Downey Jr. was considered for an entire other heavily clad Marvel character. The entertainer might have played the disgusting Doctor Doom in 2005's Fantastic Four, which was created by Twentieth Century Fox a couple of years before Marvel Studios even existed. The story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe accounts how the monstrous blockbuster world happened as expected. Remarking on the introduction of the MCU, Iron Man chief Jon Favreau noted, "Wonder had as of now met with [Robert Downey Jr.] previously, I think, to play Doctor Doom." In 2005 Downey Jr. was simply hitting the tipping point in his rebound after a long history of ongoing drug habits. The entertainer's standing sank after a progression of captures in 2000 and 2001, the last prompting him to get terminated from his job on Ally McBeal's TV series. He later reviewed to Oprah Winfrey, "When somebody says, 'I truly keep thinking about whether perhaps I ought to seek help?' Well, uh, you're a disaster area, you just lost your employment, and your significant other left you. Uh, you should try it out. I said, 'Guess what? I don't figure I can keep doing this.' And I connected for help, and I went for it. You can connect for help in sort of a good for nothing way, and you'll get it, and you will not exploit it. It isn't so hard to defeat these frightful issues ... what's hard is to choose to do it." Nonetheless, even after recovery, it was hard for him to look for some kind of employment. It took Downey Jr's. companion Mel Gibson paying his protection bond for the 2003 film The Singing Detective to truly launch his profession indeed. Maker Joel Silver then, at that point, cast Gibson in the 2003 film Gothika, where Silver retained 40% of Downey Jr's. Compensation until the film was finished, as protection against him perhaps wrecking the creation. Downey Jr. began dating Silver's partner, Susan Levin, during design and the two in the end wedded. Despite Downey Jr's. Effective re-visitation of Hollywood, the job, at last, went to Julian McMahon, who filled the role in both Fantastic Four and its 2007 continuation, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Amusingly, Chris Evans, who played the Human Torch in both Fantastic Four films, was then given a role as Captain America in the MCU. Considering that new development, it is conceivable that Downey Jr. would have still been Tony Stark regardless of whether he had played Doctor Doom. U.S. President Joe Biden talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at the final session of the G7 summit in Carbis Bay, Cornwall in Britain, (Photo : Doug Mills/Pool via REUTERS) U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday discussed security cooperation in Africa, Europe and the Indo-Pacific, as the two countries work to mend fences after a rift over a U.S. security pact with Britain and Australia. Biden and Macron plan to continue their discussions when they meet this month in Rome at a summit of leaders from the Group of 20 major economies, the White House said. Advertisement Vice President Kamala Harris also will meet with Macron during a visit to Paris in November, the White House said, underscoring efforts to repair ties between the United States and France after Australia scrapped https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australian-pm-says-he-made-clear-france-possibility-scrapping-submarine-deal-2021-09-17 a French submarine contract in favor of a pact with Washington and London last month. The visits follow a trip by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Paris earlier this month, where he said he had "very positive, very productive" conversations with French leaders. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai also met with her French counterpart, Franck Riester, on Friday, on the sidelines of a Group of Seven trade minister conference, where she stressed the U.S. commitment to "strengthening the bilateral relationship with France," her office said in a statement. In his call with Macron, Biden reviewed ongoing efforts by both countries to support stability and security in the Sahel region and to enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, as well as efforts to enable a stronger European defense, the White House said. "President Biden looks forward to the meeting with President Macron in Rome later this month, where they will continue the conversation, take stock of the many areas of U.S.-France cooperation, and reinforce our shared interests and common values as we take on challenges and opportunities together," it said. Harris will meet with Macron while in Paris to deliver a speech at the fourth annual Paris Peace Forum on Nov. 11 and participate in the Paris Conference on Libya on Nov. 12, her spokesperson Symone Sanders said in a statement. A girl wearing a protective face mask and the headband of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) looks on during a rally to show solidarity with hunger-striking Palestinian prisoner Maher Al-Akhras, who is held by Israel, in Gaza City (Photo : REUTERS/Mohammed Salem) Israel on Friday designated six Palestinian civil society groups as terrorist organisations and accused them of funnelling donor aid to militants, a move that drew criticism from the United Nations and human rights watchdogs. Israel's defence ministry said the groups had ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PLFP), a left-wing faction with an armed wing that has carried out deadly attacks against Israelis. Advertisement The groups include Palestinian human rights organisations Addameer and Al-Haq, which document alleged rights violations by both Israel and the Western-backed Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank. "(The) declared organizations received large sums of money from European countries and international organizations, using a variety of forgery and deceit," the defence ministry said, alleging that the money had supported PFLP's activities. The designations authorise Israeli authorities to close the groups' offices, seize their assets and arrest their staff in the West Bank, watchdogs Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said in a joint statement. Addameer and another of the groups, Defense for Children International - Palestine, rejected the accusations as an "attempt to eliminate Palestinian civil society." The United Nations Human Rights Office in the Palestinian territories said it was "alarmed" by the announcement. "Counter-terrorism legislation must not be used to constrain legitimate human rights and humanitarian work," it said, adding that some of the reasons given appeared vague or irrelevant. "These designations are the latest development in a long stigmatizing campaign against these and other organizations, damaging their ability to deliver on their crucial work," it said. Israel's ally the United States was not given advance warning of the move and would engage Israel for more information about the basis for the designations, State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters. "We believe respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and a strong civil society are critically important to responsible and responsive governance," he said. But Israel's defence ministry said: "Those organizations present themselves as acting for humanitarian purposes; however, they serve as a cover for the 'Popular Front' promotion and financing." An official with the PFLP, which is on United States and European Union terrorism blacklists, did not outright reject ties to the six groups but said they maintain relations with civil society organisations across the West Bank and Gaza. "It is part of the rough battle Israel is launching against the Palestinian people and against civil society groups, in order to exhaust them," PFLP official Kayed Al-Ghoul said. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said the "decision is an alarming escalation that threatens to shut down the work of Palestine's most prominent civil society organizations." Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek the territories for a future state. The company logo and ticker for Duke Energy Corp. is displayed on a screen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S. (Photo : REUTERS/Brendan McDermid) Duke Energy Corp is in advanced settlement talks with Elliott Management Corp that could see the U.S. power utility add two directors backed by the activist investment firm to its board, people familiar with the discussions said on Friday. One of the directors would join after the agreement is formalized, while another would be recruited at a later date, the sources said. Both would be chosen by Duke but have the blessing of Elliott, the sources added. Advertisement An agreement that would avert a board challenge could be secured before the end of the year, the sources said. They cautioned however, that no deal is certain and that terms could change. They asked not to be identified because the matter is confidential. Duke and Elliott declined to comment. Shares in Charlotte, North Carolina-based Duke briefly spiked to a six-week intraday high on the news, before giving up some of the gains. It was up 0.8% in mid-afternoon trade, giving Duke a market value of around $80 billion. Elliott earlier this year pressed Duke to conduct a strategic review, suggesting it split into three companies focused on the Carolinas, Florida and the Midwest. The hedge fund said this plan should create $12 billion to $15 billion of near-term value for shareholders. In response, Duke said there was no strategic logic to breaking the company apart. It argued the move would burden each entity with extra costs that would negatively impact services and threaten Duke's ability to pay its shareholder dividend. Elliott's push at Duke follows campaigns at other companies in the sector including Sempra Energy and Evergy Inc. A woman sits near a poster of Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, during an event marking Resistance and Liberation Day, in Khiam, near the border with Israel, southern Lebanon, (Photo : REUTERS/Aziz Taher/File Photo) The leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah on Friday warned Israel against drilling for oil and gas in the disputed maritime border area between the two countries until the issue is resolved, and said the Iran-backed group would take action if it did so. "If the enemy thinks they can act as they please before reaching a solution to this issue they are wrong," Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said in a televised speech. Advertisement Lebanon's cabinet had raised the question to the United Nations permanent representative and others in the international community after Israel granted U.S. oilfield services group Halliburton an offshore drilling contract in the Mediterranean, asking to clarify whether the drilling would take place in disputed areas. Lebanon and Israel are in dispute over the delineation of their territorial waters and negotiations between the old foes could lead to Lebanon being able to unlock valuable gas reserves amid its worst-ever financial crisis. Israel already pumps gas from huge offshore fields. The two countries have been holding on-off U.S. mediated talks since October to try to resolve the issue. "I will not state any positions on this as I don't want to complicate the negotiations but for sure the resistance in Lebanon at the right time through following this issue when it finds that Lebanese oil and gas is in danger in the disputed area it will act accordingly," Nasrallah said. The U.S. mediator for the indirect talks, Amos Hochstein, visited Beirut this week and said a period of shuttle diplomacy would proceed any return to indirect talks between the two countries similar those held in October 2020 at the United Nations' peackepeers base in Lebanon's Naqoura. A Kia Soul EV is plugged into a charging station during the second press day of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, (Photo : REUTERS/Mark Blinch) Canada said on Friday that U.S. proposals to create new electric vehicle tax credits for American-built vehicles could harm the North American auto industry and fall foul of trade agreements, according to a letter seen by Reuters. Separately, a Canadian government source expressed confidence a solution would eventually be reached but said Ottawa might have to launch a challenge through the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade deal. Advertisement In the letter dated Oct. 22, Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng told U.S. lawmakers and the Biden administration that the credits, if approved, "would have a major adverse impact on the future of EV and automotive production in Canada." She said this would raise the risk of severe economic harm and tens of thousands of job losses in one of Canada's largest manufacturing sectors, adding that U.S. companies and workers would not be immune from the fallout. The auto industry in both nations is highly integrated. Ng said the proposed credits were inconsistent with U.S. obligations under the USMCA and the World Trade Organization. The Canadian government source insisted Ottawa did not want to mount a USMCA challenge but said "it is entirely conceivable that that's a tool we would look at" if need be. The source requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation. A U.S. House panel in September approved legislation to boost EV credits to up to $12,500 per vehicle, including $4,500 for union-made vehicles produced in the United States and $500 for batteries made in the United States. Starting in 2027, vehicles would need to be assembled in the United States to qualify for all of the $12,500 in tax credits. The credits would disproportionately benefit Detroit's Big Three automakers - General Motors, Ford Motor Co and Chrysler parent Stellantis - because they all assemble their American-made vehicles in union-represented plants. The province of Ontario, home to much of Canada's auto industry, is geographically close to U.S. automakers in Michigan and Ohio. GM, Ford and Stellantis have all announced plans to make electric vehicles at factories in Ontario. The U.S. arms of foreign automakers have criticized the tax incentive. Tesla Inc has also been critical, though the tax credit is strongly supported by the United Auto Workers union. The Canadian government source said Cabinet ministers would step up their lobbying efforts. "I think we will eventually reach a resolution - it just depends on what timeline. Ideally we would be able to change the legislation before it gets passed," said the source. Ng said Canada is deeply concerned about the "protectionist elements" of the proposed tax credits, saying they discriminate against EVs and parts produced in Canada. "Canada is also necessary for the United States to achieve its electric vehicle objectives in the future," she wrote, adding that Canada is the only country in the Western Hemisphere that has all the critical minerals required to manufacture EV batteries. She said the U.S. and Canadian automotive industries rely on each other for both finished vehicles and components, with total automotive trade averaging more than $100 billion a year. Red Cross warns aid groups not enough to stave off Afghan humanitarian crisis Eftekhar, 14, carries a bag filled with plastic bottles he collected, to be sold, as he walks in a playground in Kabul, Afghanistan (Photo : REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra) The Red Cross on Friday urged the international community to engage with Afghanistan's new Taliban rulers, saying that aid groups on their own would be unable to stave off a humanitarian crisis. Afghanistan has been plunged into crisis by the abrupt end of billions of dollars in foreign assistance following the collapse of the Western-backed government and return to power by the Taliban in August. Advertisement The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has since increased its efforts in the country while other organisations were also stepping up, Director General Robert Mardini said. But he told Reuters that support from the international community, who had so far taken a cautious approach in engaging with the Taliban, was critical to providing basic services. "Humanitarian organisations joining forces can only do so much. They can come up with temporary solutions." The United Nations on Thursday announced https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/un-sets-up-trust-fund-peoples-economy-afghanistan-2021-10-21 it had set up a fund to provide cash directly to Afghans, which Mardini said would solve the problem for three months. "Afghanistan is a compounded crisis that is deteriorating by the day," he said, citing decades of conflict compounded by the effects of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Mardini said 30% of Afghanistan's 39 million population were facing severe malnutrition and that 18 million people in the country need humanitarian assistance or protection. The Taliban expelled many foreign aid groups when it was last in power from 1996-2001 but this time has said it welcomes foreign donors and will protect the rights of their staff. But the hardline Islamists, facing criticism it has failed to protect rights, including access to education for girls, have also said aid should not be tied to conditions. "No humanitarian organisation can compensate or replace the economy of a country," Mardini said. A diesel and fuel pump machine are seen at a gas station, in Mexico City, Mexico (Photo : REUTERS/Henry Romero) Mexico on Friday delayed for three years a rule mandating that new trucks and buses use low-sulfur diesel, arguing the fuel is not currently available everywhere in the country, according to an environment ministry official and a document seen by Reuters. COMARNAT, a government body that helps design and enforce environmental norms, agreed that until the end of 2024, motors that use conventional diesel can keep being used in Mexico, alongside motors built with new technologies. Advertisement The delay to the rules was approved at a meeting on Friday, a deputy environment minister, Tonatiuh Herrera, told Reuters. "The change to a more advanced technological standard for heavy vehicles will depend on the availability of ultra-low-sulfur diesel," in Mexico, Herrera said. He added that the new agreement would be subject to an annual review, which could lead to modifications if more fuel becomes available in the future. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's government is under pressure from environmentalists for its strong support for fossil fuels that affect both air quality and greenhouse gas emissions. Plans to mandate ultra-low-sulfur diesel were designed to reduce pollution from transporting everything from school children to cement and especially the massive volume of U.S. imports that cross Mexico's northern border. Compared with conventional diesel, low-sulfur diesel can reduce harmful air contaminants like nitrogen oxide and tiny particulate matter by upwards of 90%, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Unless there is a further delay, from 2025 new trucks and buses imported to Mexico or manufactured in the country must be equipped to use diesel containing no more than 15 parts per million (PPM) of sulfur. Current rules allow fuel containing up to 500 PPM sulfur. In September 2020, Mexico had postponed the rule until December this year, citing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The agreement on Friday states that "insufficient availability" was behind the new postponement, citing an earlier decision by the Energy Regulatory Commission giving state oil company Petroleos Mexicanos until December 2024 to fully supply the country with cleaner diesel. "It will be available starting Jan. 1 of 2025," the document says. Mexico imports a large portion of the clean diesel it sells in service stations across the country. KEEP ON TRUCKING In June, associations including truck manufacturers and operators pointed to an industry study showing shrinking ultra-low-sulfur diesel availability at gasoline stations in Mexico. At the time, the trucking lobby asked for a delay, arguing that implementation would actually cause more reliance on older, heavily polluting trucks. In its decision, the environment ministry considered the lobby's argument that uncertainty over availability of the cleaner fuel would stall the purchase of newer vehicles that sharply cut tailpipe emissions despite using conventional diesel. The logo of Amazon is seen at the company logistics centre in Boves, France (Photo : REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol) A global trade union for the services sector on Friday urged European authorities to widen their antitrust investigation of Amazon.com Inc to assess if the company engaged in creating knockoff goods and rigging search results on its platform. The demand by the UNI Global Union was triggered by a Reuters report https://t.co/PiVEqAgjY6 last week based on internal Amazon documents that showed the e-commerce company ran a systematic campaign of copying products and manipulating search results to boost its own private brands such as AmazonBasics in India, a key growth market. Advertisement In a letter dated Oct. 22 to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and also copied to EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, the union body's European arm said authorities there must investigate if Amazon engaged in "similarly damaging behaviour within the European Union." "As further revelations of the scale of Amazon's operations to undermine that level playing field surface, further action is needed to ensure it is held accountable at every turn," the letter, seen by Reuters, said. It cited the Reuters story. The union body has been a vocal critic of Big Tech's business practices around the world. UNI Europa says it represents about 7 million workers and counts several companies' labour unions among its members, including those representing warehouse employees of Amazon in Spain, Germany, France and Italy. Amazon did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the European Commission said in a statement it had received the union body's letter to which it would reply in due course. "The Commission has already announced ... that it takes issue with Amazon systematically relying on non-public business data of independent sellers who sell on its marketplace, to the benefit of Amazon's own retail business, which directly competes with those third party sellers. The Commission investigation is ongoing," it added. European authorities have been investigating Amazon's position as both a marketplace for merchants and a rival seller. Last year, the Commission accuse https://reut.rs/2GNsvR3d the U.S. company of using its size, power and data to gain an unfair advantage over smaller merchants that sell on its online platform. At the time, Amazon said the company represented less than 1% of the global retail market and there were larger retailers in every country it operates in. The Amazon documents reviewed by Reuters showed how the company's private-brands team in India secretly exploited internal data from its India unit to copy products sold by other companies, then offered them on its platform. The company also promoted sales of its private brands by rigging search results on its India platform, the documents showed. In response to the report, Amazon said it believes "these claims are factually incorrect and unsubstantiated." The company did not elaborate. The company said the way it displays search results doesn't favour private-brand products. After the Reuters story was published last week, five members of the U.S. House Judiciary committee wrote to Amazon CEO https://reut.rs/3n44LJp Andy Jassy, accusing the company's top executives of either misleading Congress or possibly lying to it about Amazon's business practices. U.S. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, a prominent critic of Amazon, called for breaking up the company https://reut.rs/3BBUY3k after the report, while in India, a group representing millions of brick-and-mortar retailers has asked the government to take action against Amazon. Hollywood was shaken on Friday by news that actor Alec Baldwin had fatally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza while firing a prop gun on the "Rust" movie set in New Mexico. Following are reactions to the shooting: Alec Baldwin "There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred," Baldwin posted on Instagram. Advertisement "I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna," Baldwin wrote. Stephen Baldwin "Asking for your prayers tonight friends not much can be said other than please pray for all involved in the wake of this tragic accident thank you," the younger brother, who also acts, produces and directs films, posted on Instagram. Cate Devaney "We analyzed the script late into the night and milked every ounce of possibility we could find," said the director who worked with Hutchins on "The Mad Hatter" and lived with her in a rented house during the shoot. "We watched movies, cooked, drank lots of wine and took turns caring for our pet rat, Atlas." "I'm gutted, heartbroken," she said in a tribute to Hutchins on Instagram. "You were a rising star and this never should have happened. I find a sliver of peace knowing you lived your life to the edges and soaked up the journey but it's still so senseless. I love you, Halyna." Kay Oyegun "My first gig as a director was with Halyna Hutchins," tweeted Oyegun, who worked with Hutchins in "A Luv Tale", a TV mini series. "She was a calming presence and so creatively charged ... She loved her kid and her work so much. This is heartbreaking." Joe Manganiello "I'm in shock," tweeted the actor who worked on "Archenemy" with Hutchins. "I can't believe this could happen in this day and age... gunfire from a prop gun could kill a crew member? What a horrible tragedy." @Brandon Bruce Lee "Our hearts go out to the family of Halyna Hutchins and to Joel Souza and all involved in the incident on 'Rust'," tweeted the sister of Brandon Lee, who was killed in a similar tragedy on the set of "The Crow" in 1993 by a fellow actor using a gun loaded with blanks, but with part of a projectile lodged in the barrel from earlier use. Shannon Lee, who manages her brother's Twitter account, added: "No one should ever be killed by a gun on a film set. Period." James Gunn "The rules were changed after Brandon died," tweeted the director whose credits include the "Guardians of the Galaxy" franchise. "Sadly, more rules will not help if the rules aren't followed, which is usually how accidents happen on set. "Producers, directors, actors & entire crews need to be hardcore about making sure all safety protocols are followed at all times... My heart goes out to all of those affected by the tragedy today on Rust, especially Halyna Hutchins & her family." Elizabeth Tulloch "Film & television crews work so hard and their safety needs to be ensured," the star of the "Superman and Lois" TV series said on Twitter. "My heart breaks for Halyna Hutchins, her family, the Rust crew, and everyone affected by this horrific (and likely preventable) tragedy." SAG-AFTRA "We will continue to work with production, the other unions, and the authorities to investigate this incident and to understand how to prevent such a thing from happening again," SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said in a statement. The union represents movie and television performers and broadcasters. The China Evergrande Centre building sign is seen in Hong Kong, China, (Photo : REUTERS/Tyrone Siu/File Photo) China Evergrande Group appeared to have averted default with a last-minute bond coupon payment, a source said on Friday, buying it another week to wrestle with a debt crisis looming over the world's second-biggest economy. The property developer also announced plans to give future priority to its electric vehicles business over real estate. Advertisement Facing a deadline on Saturday to pay interest on a U.S. dollar bond, Evergande sent $83.5 million to a Citibank trustee account on Thursday, the person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. That brought relief for investors and regulators worried about fallout for global markets and added to reassurances from Chinese officials that creditors would be protected. Still, the world's most indebted property firm - with more than $300 billion in liabilities - needs to make payments on a string of other bonds, with the next major deadline to avoid default on Oct. 29. With little known about its ability to pay and property sales tumbling 30% in the last 12 months, there is deep scepticism over Evergrande's capacity to ride out the crisis. The company, once China's top-selling property developer, did not respond to a request for comment on debt payment. Citibank declined to comment. Evergrande chairman Hui Ka Yan said on Friday the company would aim to make its new electric vehicle venture its primary business instead of property within 10 years. Property sales will slow to about 200 billion yuan ($31.31 billion) per year by that time, compared to more than 700 billion yuan last year, he was quoted as saying by the state-backed Securities Times. Evergrande's new vehicle business, founded in 2019, has yet to reveal a production model or sell a single vehicle. Last month, the unit warned it was still seeking new investors and asset sales, and that without either it might struggle to pay salaries and cover other expenses. 'BIT OF A RELIEF' Evergrande's overall woes have snowballed for months and its dwindling resources set against its vast liabilities have wiped out 80% of its value. Founded in Guangzhou in 1996, the developer epitomised a freewheeling era of borrowing and building. But that business model has been scuttled by hundreds of new rules designed to curb developers' debt frenzy and promote affordable housing. It was not clear how cash-strapped Evergrande was able to raise funds to pay the bondholders or whether any had already received the money. Evergrande next needs to find $47.5 million by Oct. 29 and has nearly $338 million in other offshore coupon payments coming up in November and December. "While obviously a positive, the coupon payment does not address the overall concerns about Evergrande's sustained liquidity through the first maturity in Q2 2022 and beyond," said John Han, a partner at law firm Kobre & Kim in Hong Kong. "This only shows that the company is not yet ready for the house to come down completely through a massive cascade of cross defaults. Time is needed for what is planned next." If it fails to make next week's payment, or any other final deadlines in coming weeks, defaults would be triggered on all $19 billion of its bonds in international capital markets. That would be the second biggest emerging market corporate default after Venezuela's state-owned oil firm. Evergrande missed coupon payments totalling nearly $280 million on its dollar bonds on Sept. 23, Sept. 29 and Oct. 11, beginning 30-day grace periods for each. DISTRESSED LEVELS Evergrande's dollar bond prices surged on Friday morning after news of the transfer, with its April 2022 and 2023 notes jumping more than 10%, data from Duration Finance showed, though they still traded at deeply distressed levels of less than a quarter of face value. Those gains evaporated on Friday afternoon in Asia, however, pushing several of the company's other bonds down more than 6%. Evergrande's shares rose as much as 7.8% before closing up 4.3%, but still finished a shortened week down 8.8%. Evergrande's woes have reverberated across the $5 trillion Chinese property sector, which accounts for a quarter of the economy by some metrics, with a string of default announcements, rating downgrades and slumping corporate bonds. Chinese property companies could now be locked out of offshore debt markets until early next year. Still, Friday's news helped the Hang Seng mainland properties index rise 3.3%. In mainland markets, the CSI300 Real Estate index finished up 2.4%, and an index tracking the broader property sector added 2%. Asked whether it would step in to help its rival ease its liquidity crisis, the chairman of China's third-biggest developer, China Vanke Co Ltd, said developers needed to ensure their own safety first. "Everyone feels the chill as 'winter' arrives for the sector," Chairman Yu Liang told a company forum. Any prospect of Evergrande's demise raises questions over more than 1,300 real estate projects it has in some 280 cities. Bank exposure to developers is also extensive. A leaked 2020 document, branded a fake by Evergrande but taken seriously by analysts, showed the company's liabilities extended to more than 128 banks and over 121 non-banking institutions. "Given that we have little clarity on how bank financing is going for stalled real estate projects, but we know that project pre-sales are down a lot, the onshore business is unlikely to be supplying cash to Evergrande near-term," said Quiddity's Lundy. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday called on African nations to heed warnings posed by crises in Ethiopia and Sudan, take seriously popular demands for better governance and enact reforms. A Massachusetts man who authorities say assaulted a Muslim airline employee at New York's Kennedy Airport is facing hate crime charges. The Queens District Attorney's Office says 57-year-old Robin Rhodes, of Worchester, was waiting for a flight to Massachusetts Wednesday night when he approached Delta employee Rabeeya Khan, who wears a hijab, while she was sitting in her office. Prosecutors say Rhodes asked Khan if she was praying. He then punched the door and kicked her leg. Khan fled and prosecutors say Rhodes followed her, got to his knees as if he was praying, cursed Islam and shouted "Trump is here now. He will get rid of you." Rhodes has been charged with assault, unlawful imprisonment, menacing and harassment as hate crimes. It's unclear if he has an attorney who can comment. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt will set up a 210 million euro ($228 million) facility north of Cairo that will convert rice straw into wood, the oil ministry said in a statement on Thursday, in a bid limit air pollution resulting from its burning. The plant, in the Nile Delta's Beheira, will produce 205,000 square meters a year of medium-density fiberboards (MDF), using technologies by Germany's plant engineering firm Siempelkamp, which will help carry out the project. Burning agricultural waste, mostly rice straw, has for years posed a major environmental challenge and caused severe air pollution in the already highly-polluted country. Experts have said rice straw has plenty of potential uses. A deal for the project was signed on Thursday between newly-established state wood technology company WOTECH and state-owned oil firm Petrojet during an international energy conference in Cairo. Another agreement was signed with the German firm. The project will help support government's efforts "to transform rice straw from an environmental challenge into an economic opportunity," the ministry said. It is part of the ministry's plans to expand in the petrochemical industry and set up new projects to provide main production materials for many local industries, the ministry said. The project was first announced in October. The ministry said at the time it is the first of its kind in Africa and the Middle East and the second globally after the United States. The plant will produce high-quality local products that will be used in various sectors like furniture, construction, and decoration, the ministry added. The project's shareholders include the Egyptian Petrochemicals Holding Company, the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation, SEDPC company, and Petrojet. Search Keywords: Short link: Less than two years after Facebook hired Frances Haugen to help correct dangerous distortions spilling across its platform, she had seen enough. The idealism she and countless others had invested in promises by the world's biggest social network to fix itself had been woefully misplaced. The harm Facebook and sibling Instagram were doing to users was rivaled only by the company's resistance to change, she concluded. And the world beyond Facebook needed to know. When the 37-year-old data scientist went before Congress and the cameras last week to accuse Facebook of pursuing profit over safety, it was likely the most consequential choice of her life. And for a still-young industry that has mushroomed into one of society's most powerful forces, it spotlighted a rising threat: The era of the Big Tech whistleblower has most definitely arrived. ``There has just been a general awakening amongst workers at the tech companies asking, `What am I doing here?''' said Jonas Kron of Trillium Investment Management, which has pushed Google to increase protection for employees who raise the alarm about corporate misdeeds. ``When you have hundreds of thousands of people asking that question, it's inevitable you'll get more whistleblowing,'' he said. Haugen is by far the most visible of those whistleblowers. And her accusations that Facebook's platforms harm children and incite political violence backed up by thousands of pages of the company's own research may well be the most damning. But she is just the latest to join in a growing list of workers from across tech determined to speak out. Nearly all are women, and observers say that's no coincidence. Even after making inroads, women and especially women of color remain outsiders in the heavily male tech sector, said Ellen Pao, an executive who sued Silicon Valley investment firm Kleiner Perkins in 2012 for gender discrimination. That status positions them to be more critical and see ``some of the systemic issues in a way that people who are part of the system and who are benefiting from it the most and who are entrenched in it, may not be able to process,'' she said. In recent years, workers at companies including Google, Pinterest, Uber and Theranos, as well as others from Facebook, have sounded alarms about what they say are gross abuses of power by those in control. Their new outspokenness is ruffling an industry that touts its power to improve society, while earning billions. Workers, many well educated and highly paid, have long embraced that ethic. But for a growing number, faith in the company line is fading. Still, there is a difference between stewing about your company's failings and revealing them to the world. There is a price to be paid, and Haugen certainly knew that. ``It absolutely is terrifying, terrifying to get to the point of doing what she did. And you know that the moment you start your testimony, your life is going to change,'' said Wendell Potter, a former health insurance executive who blew the whistle on his own industry's practices. Since coming before Congress Tuesday, Haugen has receded from public view. A representative said she and her lawyer were unavailable for comment. The Iowa-born daughter of a doctor and an academic turned pastor, Haugen arrives in the spotlight with sparkling credentials, including a Harvard business degree and multiple patents. Long before she became a whistleblower, Haugen was something of a local wunderkind. Raised near the University of Iowa campus, where her father taught medicine, Haugen was a member of a high school engineering team ranked in the country's top 10. Years later, when the local newspaper wrote about Haugen's landing at Google, one of her elementary school teachers recalled her as ``horrifically bright,'' while not at all self-conscious. In the fall of 2002, she left for the newly established Olin College of Engineering, outside Boston, to join its first class of 75. Many had declined offers from top universities, attracted by Olin's offer of a free education to the first arrivals, and the chance to join in creating something new, said Lynn Andrea Stein, a computer science professor. But the school couldn't get its accreditation until it began producing graduates, making it a non-entity in the eyes of some employers and presenting a hurdle for Haugen and others like her. ``The Google folks actually threw out her application without reading it,'' Stein said. Stein helped persuade the company to change its mind, sending an email that described Haugen as a ``voracious learner and an absolute can-do person'' with terrific work ethic and communication and leadership skills. At Google, Haugen worked on a project to make thousands of books accessible on mobile phones, and another to help create a fledgling social network. Google paid for Haugen to get a graduate business degree at Harvard, where a classmate said even then they were having deep discussions about the societal effects of new technology. ``Smartphones were just becoming a thing. We talked a lot of about ethical use of data and building things the wrong way,'' said Jonathan Sheffi, who graduated with Haugen in 2011. ``She was always super-interested in the intersection of people's well-being and technology.'' Sheffi said he laughed when he saw social media posts in recent days questioning Haugen's motivations for whistleblowing. ``Nobody puts Frances up to anything,'' he said. While at Harvard, Haugen worked with another student to create an online dating platform to put like-minded mates together, a template the partner later turned into dating app Hinge. Haugen returned to Google, before moving on to jobs at Yelp and Pinterest, at each stop working with the algorithms engineered to understand the desires of users and put them together with people and content that fit their interests. In late 2018, she was contacted by a recruiter from Facebook. In recent interviews on ``60 Minutes'' and with the Wall Street Journal, Haugen recalled telling the company that she might be interested in a job if it involved helping the platform address democracy and misinformation. She said she told managers about a friend who had been drawn to white nationalism after spending time in online forums, and her desire to prevent that from happening to others. In June 2019, she joined a Facebook team that focused on network activity surrounding international elections. But she has said she grew frustrated as she became more aware of widespread misinformation online that stoked violence and abuse and that Facebook would not adequately address. She resigned in May, but only after working for weeks to sift through internal company research and copy thousands of documents. Still, she told congressional investigators, she is not out to destroy Facebook, just change it. ``I believe in the potential of Facebook,'' she said during her testimony last week. ``We can have social media we enjoy, that connects us, without tearing apart our democracy, putting our children in danger, and sowing ethnic violence around the world. We can do better.'' Maybe, but those who know the industry say Facebook and other tech giants will dig in. ``There's going to be a clamp down internally. There already has been,'' said Ifeoma Ozoma, a whistleblower at Pinterest now trying to encourage others in tech to expose corporate misconduct. ``In that way there's a chilling effect through the increased surveillance that employees will be under.'' Within the larger community of whistleblowers, many are rooting for Haugen, praising what they see as her gutsiness, calm intellect and the forethought to take the paperwork that reinforces her case. ``What she did right was she got all her documentation in a row and she did that up front. ... That's going to be her power,'' said Eileen Foster, a former executive at Countrywide Financial who struggled to find another job in banking after exposing widespread fraud in the company's approval of subprime loans in 2008. Sophie Zhang, a former Facebook employee who last year accused the social network of ignoring fake accounts used to undermine foreign elections, said she was surprised the company had not caught Haugen when she was going through company research. Fierce denials by its executives now betray their unwillingness to change. ``I think they've fallen into a trap where they keep making denials and hunkering down and becoming more incendiary,'' she said. ``And this causes more people to come forward.'' Still, Haugen's actions could well make it impossible for her to land another job in the industry, said Foster. And if Facebook goes after her legally for taking documents, it will have the resources for battle that a lone employee can never hope to match. Foster recalls how her boss at Countrywide, an ally, begged her to give it up. ``He said `Eileen what are you doing? You are just a speck. A speck!' And I said, `Yeah, but I'm a pissed-off speck,''' Foster said. Years later, after enduring villainization by colleagues, rejections by employers and a lengthy court battle over her claims, she knows better. But she does not regret her choices. And she senses a similar conviction in Haugen, though their whistleblowing is separated by a generation. ``I wish the best for Frances,'' she said. Search Keywords: Short link: Facebook, in the aftermath of damning testimony that its platforms harm children, will be introducing several features including prompting teens to take a break using its photo sharing app Instagram, and nudging teens if they are repeatedly looking at the same content that's not conducive to their well-being. The Menlo Park, California-based Facebook is also planning to introduce new controls for adults of teens on an optional basis so that parents or guardians can supervise what their teens are doing online. These initiatives come after Facebook announced late last month that it was pausing work on its Instagram for Kids project. But critics say the plan lacks details and they are skeptical that the new features would be effective. The new controls were outlined on Sunday by Nick Clegg, Facebook's vice president for global affairs, who made the rounds on various Sunday news shows including CNN's State of the Union and ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos where he was grilled about Facebook's use of algorithms as well as its role in spreading harmful misinformation ahead of the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. We are constantly iterating in order to improve our products, Clegg told Dana Bash on State of the Union Sunday. We cannot, with a wave of the wand, make everyone's life perfect. What we can do is improve our products, so that our products are as safe and as enjoyable to use. Clegg said that Facebook has invested $13 billion over the past few years in making sure to keep the platform safe and that the company has 40,000 people working on these issues. And while Clegg said that Facebook has done its best to keep harmful content out of its platforms, he says he was open for more regulation and oversight. We need greater transparency, he told CNN's Bash. He noted that the systems that Facebook has in place should be held to account, if necessary, by regulation so that people can match what our systems say they're supposed to do from what actually happens. The flurry of interviews came after whistleblower Frances Haugen, a former data scientist with Facebook, went before Congress last week to accuse the social media platform of failing to make changes to Instagram after internal research showed apparent harm to some teens and of being dishonest in its public fight against hate and misinformation. Haugen's accusations were supported by tens of thousands of pages of internal research documents she secretly copied before leaving her job in the company's civic integrity unit. Josh Golin, executive director of Fairplay, a watchdog for the children and media marketing industry, said that he doesn't think introducing controls to help parents supervise teens would be effective since many teens set up secret accounts any way. He was also dubious about how effective nudging teens to take a break or move away from harmful content would be. He noted Facebook needs to show exactly how they would implement it and offer research that shows these tools are effective. There is tremendous reason to be skeptical, he said. He added that regulators need to restrict what Facebook does with its algorithms. He said he also believes that Facebook should cancel its Instagram project for kids. When Clegg was grilled by both Bash and Stephanopoulos in separate interviews about the use of algorithms in amplifying misinformation ahead of Jan. 6 riots, he responded that if Facebook removed the algorithms people would see more, not less hate speech, and more, not less, misinformation. Clegg told both hosts that the algorithms serve as giant spam filters. Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, who chairs the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, told Bash in a separate interview Sunday that it's time to update children's privacy laws and offer more transparency in the use of algorithms. I appreciate that he is willing to talk about things, but I believe the time for conversation is done, said Klobuchar, referring to Clegg's plan. The time for action is now. Search Keywords: Short link: Israel designated six leading Palestinian civil society groups as outlawed "terrorist organisations" Friday in a move swiftly condemned by the Palestinian Authority and international human rights groups. Israel said its move was due to the groups' alleged financing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), after it earlier this year informed European donors of their alleged financial misconduct. The Israeli defence ministry accused the six groups of working covertly with the PFLP, a leftist group which pioneered plane hijackings in the 1970s to highlight the Palestinian cause and is blacklisted by several Western governments. According to the occupation authority, the six groups "constitute a network of organisations active undercover on the international front on behalf of the PFLP to support its activity and further its goals." The occupation authority named the groups as the Union of Palestinian Women's Committees (UPWC), Addameer, Bisan Center for Research and Development, Al-Haq, Defense for Children International - Palestine (DCI-P) and the Union Of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC). The statement said that while the groups functioned as civil society organisations, they were in fact "controlled by the senior leaders of the PFLP" and employed many of its members, "including activists who participated in terror activity". The groups used the humanitarian funding they obtained from European governments and other sources, some of it fraudulently, "as a central source for the financing of the PFLP's activity," the ministry alleged. Defence Minister Benny Gantz called on governments and organisations around the world "to refrain from contact with organisations and groups that feed the flames of terror". 'Political decision' The Israeli move was met with outrage from the Palestinian government and human rights groups. The Palestinian foreign ministry "unequivocally condemns and rejects Israel's unhinged assault on Palestinian civil society and human rights defenders," it said in a statement. The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Palestinian territories said it was "alarmed" by the move, accusing Israel of "a long stigmatising campaign against these and other organisations" that damaged "their ability to deliver on their crucial work." State Department spokesman Ned Price said the US would "be engaging our Israeli partners for more information regarding the basis for these designations." "The Israeli government did not give us advance warning" that the groups would be designated, he said. "We believe respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and a strong civil society are critically important to responsible and responsive governance," Price told reporters. Shawaan Jabareen, who heads one of the outlawed groups, Al-Haq, told AFP the designation was a "political decision" that had nothing to do with security matters but was aimed at "stopping the work of these organisations." In a joint statement, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch noted that the Israeli designation "effectively outlaws" the activities of the six groups, subjecting their members to raids and arrests by security forces. "This appalling and unjust decision is an attack by the Israeli government on the international human rights movement," Amnesty and HRW said. Israel based rights groups protested the move too. Adalah called it an "unprecedented attack" that "fits totalitarian and colonial regimes and constitutes political persecution under the pretext of anti-terrorism legislation". And B'Tselem said the move was "characteristic of totalitarian regimes, with the clear purpose of shutting down these organizations." In May, Israel's Shin Bet internal security agency said it had proof the civil society groups had "defrauded and deceived" European states, whose millions of euros in donations ended up funding PFLP "militant terror activities". Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt and Albania inked three cultural cooperation documents at the conclusion of an extended discussions session held in Cairo on Saturday to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between both countries. The documents, signed in the presence of the Egyptian and Albanian prime ministers and other high-level officials, included an executive programme for cooperation between the Egyptian and the Albanian culture ministries. The second document is a protocol for cooperation between the General Egyptian Book Organisation and the Albanian Ministry of Culture, while the third is a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of museums between the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt and the National History Museum in Albania. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and his Albanian counterpart Edi Rama, who co-chaired the session, witnessed the signing of the cooperation accords. According to a statement by the Egyptian cabinet, Madbouly ordered the bodies concerned to study a suggestion made by the Albanian side to operate direct flights between Cairo and Tirana. Madbouly said Egypt has expertise in several fields, atop of which are energy, transport, electricity, natural gas and infrastructure. Madbouly expressed his hope that both countries efforts to support economic, trade and investment relations would lead to the establishment of a joint business council between the Egyptian Businessmen Association and the Albanian Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Egyptian-Albanian Committee for Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation is set to hold its first meeting in Tirana in November 2021. Rama also expressed his aspiration to benefit from the Egyptian experience in organising exhibitions, hosting cultural events and improving education. Rama urged enhancing rates of trade exchange between Egypt and Albania, stressing the importance of cooperation in several fields, including agriculture, livestock, water, culture, education and others. Identical views on regional issues Earlier Saturday, Rama held a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, where they discussed a host of regional and international issues as well as the means to boost economic relations between Cairo and Tirana. During the meeting, El-Sisi congratulated Albania on its election as a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for the 2022-2023 term. El-Sisi also highlighted identical views Egypt shares with the southeastern European country on most regional and international issues, a statement by Egyptian Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said. The Egyptian president stressed to Rama that holding periodical political consultations between the two countries is important in light of Albania's efforts to promote peace and stability in the Balkan region as well as its "active" role in addressing international crises. Rama expressed his country's aspiration to promote bilateral cooperation with Egypt, especially amid "Egypt's strenuous efforts to promote international peace and security." He praised "Egypt's pivotal role at the regional level in the Middle East and Mediterranean basin," the statement added. El-Sisi and Rama also agreed on the importance of maintaining stability in the eastern Mediterranean region and respecting the sovereignty of the states regarding their natural resources on their lands and their economic zones as per the rules of international law and the principles of good neighbourliness. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt received on Friday the third shipment of Pfizer coronavirus vaccine comprising 1.4 million doses donated by the United States, bringing the total to 4.6 million. This shipment is part of more than 8 million Pfizer vaccine doses the United States is sending to Egypt as we work side by side to fight the pandemic, the US Embassy in Cairo wrote in a statement. The shipments are part of 500 million Pfizer vaccine doses donated by the US to the African Union countries through the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX). Additional millions of Pfizer doses will arrive in Egypt over the coming weeks, US Ambassador to Egypt Jonathan Cohen said. Egypt's first Pfizer vaccines shipment arrived in the country from the US late in September. Egypt has vaccinated around 22 million people against coronavirus and has administered 30 million doses since the beginning of its nationwide vaccination campaign early this year, presidential advisor for health affairs Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din told media on Friday. He said Egypt has spent $300-400 million to acquire vaccine doses from different sources. Egypts vaccination campaign currently uses various types of imported vaccines, including Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer, in addition to its locally-made Sinovac/VACSERA. Egypt aims to vaccine 40 million citizens by the end of the year, allocating around 1,100 vaccination centres nationwide. Egypt has also adopted a mandatory vaccination approach with many sectors, including all staffers in the education sector and the university students, as well as public employees, and those working in the tourism industry. Egypt is currently suffering from the peak of the fourth coronavirus wave, reporting 322,852 coronavirus cases since the outbreak began in February 2020. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt is set to launch on Sunday the fourth edition of Cairo Water Week (CWW), the annual event that aims to spread awareness on water issues and promote innovation to face the most pressing water-related challenges. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi is due to deliver the opening speech of the event, which will run from Sunday to Thursday under the title "Water, Population and Global Changes: Challenges and Opportunities." Hungarian President Janos Ader and Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly will also address the CWW's attendees, according to the event agenda. The five-day gathering is organised by the Egyptian Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources in cooperation with partners from regional and international organisations, as well as national institutions, authorities and ministries. The irrigation ministry said a wide participation of ministers, official delegations and senior officials in the water sector will attend the occasion alongside host of scientists, representatives of international organisations and institutes and civil society organisations from different countries of the world. An expo featuring modern irrigation technologies, smart irrigation and water reuse methods is scheduled to be held on the sideline of the event, with the participation of 34 companies. The event also includes competitions to choose the best three-minute presentation of masters or PhD thesis, and the most innovative idea to rationalise water consumption. Egypt, as one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, is paying special attention to water issues. Egypt needs 114 billion cubic metres (bcm) annually, but it receives an average of only 60 bcm, mainly from the Nile River in light of the very limited amounts of rainwater and groundwater in the desert. Egypt is working on filling the gap through the reuse of agricultural wastewater and groundwater, in addition to importing food products that would otherwise consume 34 bcm of water annually to produce. In a previous statement by Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Mohamed Abdel-Ati, he explained that Egypt overcomes water scarcity by importing 54 percent of its virtual water, which is the embedded water required to produce commodities, and reusing 42 percent of renewable energy. Egypt has drawn up a strategy for its water resources through 2050, at a cost of up to EGP 900 billion (about $57.3 billion), according to Abdel-Ati. The strategy is based on a four-pronged National Water Resources Plan, which runs through 2037 and is based on rationalising water use, improving water quality, providing additional water resources and creating a climate suitable for optimal water management. Many projects are being implemented to increase the capacity of the water system to deal with challenges, including wastewater treatment, seawater desalination, rehabilitation and lining of canals and switching from surface to modern irrigation systems in agriculture. In September, Egypt inaugurated the Bahr Al-Baqar triple-treated water treatment plant in Port Said, at a total cost of a cost of EGP 20 billion (about $1.3 billion). Search Keywords: Short link: Counterterrorism police killed nine alleged militants in a shootout during a raid in southwest Pakistan early Saturday, they said, and two soldiers and a militant were killed in a raid in the northwest overnight. A raid was conducted in the Mastung area of Baluchistan province, the provincial counterterrorism department said in a statement. Earlier in the week, a bomb attack killed a police officer and wounded 19 others in the same area. The statement said militants opened fire on police triggering a gunbattle that left nine ``terrorists'' dead. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack but the bombing earlier in the week was claimed by the Pakistani Taliban. The statement said the raid also yielded nine Kalashnikov assault rifles, explosives and rocket-propelled grenades. In the northwest, two soldiers and a militant were killed in an exchange of fire during a security forces raid, according to a military statement. The raid took place Friday in Miran Shah, the main town of the North Waziristan tribal district bordering Afghanistan. The military statement said weapons and ammunition were seized during the raid. The security forces raid Friday came after two soldiers and two police were killed in a bomb blast earlier in the week during a search operation in Bajur tribal district, which also borders Afghanistan. Pakistan and Afghanistan share a 2,400-kilometer (1,500-mile) internationally recognized border known as the Durand Line, which was drawn in the 19th century when the British dominated South Asia. Kabul has never recognized the boundary. Before the Taliban came back into power in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan often accused each other of turning a blind eye to militants operating along the porous frontier. The Taliban's return to power in August apparently emboldened Islamic militants in Pakistan, where attacks on security forces have increased in recent weeks. Search Keywords: Short link: Italy's former interior minister and far-right leader Matteo Salvini went on trial on Saturday for allegedly illegally blocking 147 rescued migrants from disembarking from a rescue ship and holding them in dire conditions. Salvini attended the opening hearing in Sicily's Palermo, which came a month after it was first postponed. The hearing was expected to be largely procedural, with Judge Roberto Murgia expected to decide on the admissability of witness lists sought by both sides. Salvini, the leader of the far-right League party who is known for an "Italians first" policy, is charged with kidnapping and abuse of office for using his position as interior minister to detain the 147 migrants at sea in August 2019. The 48-year-old has said that the decision was not his alone, but agreed by the government, including by the then-prime minister, Giuseppe Conte. Prosecutors have asked that the witness list include Conte, as well as Italy's current Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese and Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio. Salvini tweeted a photo of himself inside the courtroom, standing in front one of the cells used for some defendants. "This is the courtroom of the Palermo prison. The trial wanted by the left and by the fans of illegal immigration begins: how much will it cost the Italian citizens?" he tweeted. Outside the courtroom, the founder and director of the Spanish charity Open Arms that operated the rescue ship said the trial was not politically motivated. "Saving people isn't a crime, but an obligation not only by captains but by the entire state," Oscar Camps told journalists. The beginning of the trial came as 406 migrants rescued in various operations off the coast of Libya by the German charity ship Sea Watch 3 arrived at the Sicilian port of Pozzallo to be disembarked. 'Closed ports' policy In the 2019 Open Arms case, migrants were finally allowed to leave the vessel after six days, following an order by the prosecutor's office. A subsequent onboard inspection revealed serious overcrowding and dire sanitary conditions. Salvini has staunchly defended himself, saying he was protecting the country with his "closed ports" policy, which aimed to stop people attempting the dangerous Mediterranean crossing to Italy. Italy's Senate voted last year to strip Salvini of his parliamentary immunity, paving the way for the trial. A related case in which Salvini, 48, was accused of blocking other migrants at sea on an Italian coastguard boat was thrown out by a court in Catania earlier this year. Salvini's League takes a hard line on migrants, arguing that Italy bears an unfair burden as the first point of entry into Europe for those arriving from northern Africa. When he blocked the ships, Salvini was part of a coalition government and held the positions of interior minister and deputy prime minister. Search Keywords: Short link: The new governor of a northwestern Iranian province was slapped in the face by an angry man during his inauguration Saturday, an unusual breach of security in the Islamic Republic during a ceremony attended by the country's interior minister. A motive for the attack in Iran's Eastern Azerbaijan province remained unclear, though it targeted a new provincial governor who once served in the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and reportedly had been kidnapped at one point by rebel forces in Syria. One report referred to it as a personal dispute. The new governor, Brig. Gen. Abedin Khorram, had taken the podium in the provincial capital of Tabriz when the man strode out from offstage and immediately swung at the official. Video aired by state television recorded the gathered crowd gasping in shock, the sound of the slap echoing on the sound system. It took several seconds before plainclothes security forces reached him. They dragged the man off through a side door, knocking down a curtain. Others rushed up, knocking into each other. Later footage showed Khorram return to the stage and speak to the unsettled crowd, now all standing up. ``I do not know him of course but you should know that, although I did not want to say it, when I was in Syria I would get whipped by the enemy 10 times a day and would be beaten up,'' he said. ``More than 10 times, they would hold a loaded gun to my head. I consider him on a par with those enemies but forgive him.'' Another man on stage shouted: ``Death to the hypocrites!'' That's a common chant used against exiled opposition groups and others who oppose the Islamic Republic. Others cried out that Khorram was a ``pro-supreme leader governor.'' Though Khorram said he didn't know the man, the state-run IRNA news agency later described the attacker as a member of the Guard's Ashoura Corps, which Khorram had overseen. IRNA described the attack as coming due to ``personal reasons,'' without elaborating. Later, the semiofficial Fars news agency said the man who slapped the governor had been upset that his wife received a coronavirus vaccination from a male nurse, as opposed to a female nurse. Khorram had been recently nominated by Iran's hard-line parliament to serve as the provincial governor under the government of President Ebrahim Raisi, a protege of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khorram had been among 48 Iranians held hostage in 2013 in Syria, later released for some 2,130 rebels, according to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based think tank that long has been critical of Iran. Iran had referred to those held as Shiite religious pilgrims. A State Department spokesperson at the time called it ``just another example of how Iran continues to provide guidance, expertise, personnel (and) technical capabilities to the Syrian regime.'' The incident also comes amid anger in Iran over its precarious economic situation despite its support abroad for regional militias and others, including Syrian President Bashar Assad. Iran's economy has been hammered since then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers in 2018. Search Keywords: Short link: First exhibition of its kind in 4,500 years, the contemporary art exhibition 'Forever Is Now' was launched on Thursday at Giza Plateau and will continue until 7 November Love these that my friend @jr just sent from Egypt, American famous actress Angelina Jolie wrote in an Instagram post. Jolie refered to French artist JR (a pseudonym for Jean Rene), who participates in the 4th large exhibition organised by Art D'Egypte and their first one held at the Pyramids. Forever Is Now is held under the auspices of the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism, Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the patronage of UNESCO. The exhibition represents a merging of ancient heritage and contemporary art at the oldest and last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which today survives as a UNESCO world heritage site. "Forever Is Now is an international art exhibition that both reflects the profound, global influence of ancient Egypt and draws on the ongoing inclusiveness of contemporary cultural practices," reads the Art D'Egypte website, adding that the display of works underscores how art is cross-cultural and how ancient Egypt has been a monumental source of inspiration for artists throughout history. In the notes Nadine A. Ghaffar, French-Egyptian founder of Art DEgypte comments that "I have always been in awe of this extraordinary ancient civilization that has influenced generations with discoveries in the sciences, arts, math, social justice, cultural development, and innovation. It is a civilization that managed to invent and build monuments that we as human beings to this day cannot fathom and have not been able to replicate. Egyptian culture is a gift to humanity." The artists participating in the exhibition include names such as Alexander Ponomarev, Gisela Colon, Joao Trevisan, JR, Lorenzo Quinn, Moataz Nasr, Sherin Guirguis, Shuster + Moseley, Stephen Cox RA and HRH Prince Sultan Bin Fahad. Search Keywords: Short link: While the UAE foreign minister was in Washington meeting White House officials, a Turkish delegation was in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi discussing the potential of stepping up economic and business relations, writes Al-Ahram Weekly UAE-Turkish relations, which have been sour for years, began to improve a few weeks ago. A few days before the visit, the Qatari foreign minister visited Abu Dhabi for the first time since the Qatar crisis in 2017. Earlier this month, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud confirmed the first round of talks between the Saudis and the new Iranian government, saying the latest round had taken place on 21 September. Talks between Riyadh and Tehran started in April in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, but were never officially confirmed by the Saudis. An EU delegation visited Tehran this week trying to secure a commitment from Irans new hardline administration to resume negotiations over reviving a teetering nuclear deal from which the Americans withdrew in 2018. Nothing tangible came out of the visit, except Irans commitment to meeting with EU officials in Brussels in the next few weeks to discuss the details of texts on the table at the end of the last round of talks in June, which took place in Vienna. It seems that with the end of the summer holiday season in the Gulf weeks ago, diplomatic efforts intensified on all fronts. Gulf-Iran relations are the centre of such efforts, though the situation pans a vast area from the US to Turkey. Negotiations without borders, as one analyst described them, are happening against a backdrop of escalating tension in hot spots like Lebanon and Yemen. Turkey also is threatening to step up its military operations in the parts it occupies of Syria while in Iraq the results of general elections came in favour of Iran-allied political factions. A Dubai-based Gulf analyst played down the flurry of negotiations in an interview with Al-Ahram Weekly, nonetheless noting the significance of escalating violence in Lebanon and Yemen that might be an indication of serious compromises between Iran and its neighbours with every party playing its cards in the hot spots. But he emphasised that the strategic goals of Gulf countries are the same as they have always been: no normalisation with Iran until its actions prove that Tehran has abandoned its aggressive policies and stopped meddling in our internal affairs. As for Turkey, relations with it depend on its policies in the region and stopping any support for the Muslim Brotherhood. When it comes to the US, though he admits the Biden administration has priorities other than the Middle East, no party in the region can afford risking alienating Washington. A seasoned Western commentator with close ties to the region told Al- Ahram Weekly that the current round of multiple meetings and various dialogues might not yield much. He feels the Iranians are not willing to concede much to reach a compromise, whether with the Americans or their Gulf neighbours. As for nuclear negotiations with the US and the EU, the Iranian position seems to be based on the notion that you cant impose all your conditions on us. This is what a conqueror does to the defeated. We havent been defeated in the war of sanctions or maximum pressure. Whether Tehrans perception is right or not, this is the situation now. That in turn emboldens Iranian proxy groups in Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. Those groups are an important bargaining chip in Irans hands when dealing with its Gulf neighbours. It might not be that significant in negotiations to bring the Americans back to the nuclear deal, but for the Iranians every little step helps. Some in the Gulf are wary of the American indifference towards their real concerns about Iran. They are not content with lip service from Washington to the effect that Iran must stop interfering in its Arab neighbours internal affairs. They are well aware that actual Iranian-American negotiations are focused mainly on the nuclear deal. A similar sentiment is shared by the Israelis. That is why in the last few days both the Saudi and Emirati foreign ministers were meeting with officials in Washington. Israeli commentator Zvi Barel wrote in the daily Haaretz, The Tehran-Riyadh detente could mark the end of Israels anti-Iran coalition If the talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia ended in reconciliation, the rest of the Arab world could swiftly follow suit. The Middle East would look like a very different place and so would Israels place within it. It is not clear if negotiations will maintain the necessary momentum to make this autumn a season of reconciliation in a tense region. But as the Gulf analyst stated, it at least makes the point of conflict more localised and prevents its spread. Unfortunately there is no guarantee that any of these flaring struggles will not spill over the region in a dangerous way. Hopes are modest anyway that this coming winter should cool these localised fires. It all depends on the prospects of Iranian-American relations, and whether they will effect change in relations between Iran and the Gulf. *A version of this article appears in print in the 21 October, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: A new initiative has been launched in Egypt to empower teenage girls, especially in the country's marginalised communities by supporting their rights, bridging the gender gap, and building their social, health and economic assets. The initiative, Noura, a symbol for all adolescent girls in Egypt, was launched by Egypts Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the National Council for Women (NCW), the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development. The launch took place in the Red Sea resort city of Hurghada during a reception titled Investing in Girls for the Bright Future of Egypt. The reception brought together Hala El-Said, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Maya Morsy, President of the NCW, Sahar El-Sonbaty, Secretary-General of the NCCM, Rania El-Mashat, Minister of Investment and International Cooperation, Ambassador Nabila Makram, Minister of Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs and Frederika Meijer, Representative of UNFPA in Egypt. Also present in the event were Ambassador of the Netherlands to Egypt Han Maurits Schaapveld, UN Resident Coordinator Elena Panova, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to the Arab Republic of Egypt on behalf of the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Egypt Ibrahim Laafia, together with Executive Director of Sawiris Foundation for Social Development Engineer Noura Selim, and Chairperson of the Export Development Bank of Egypt (EBE) Mervat Sultan. The reception also witnessed the launch of the Girls Assets Framework, which is a tailored programme that will respond to the unique circumstances facing adolescent girls to empower them and build their social, health and economic assets, so they can reach their full potential. This was the first public debut of Noura, the icon of the Girls Assets Framework and the soon-to-be symbol for investing in girls in Egypt to partners, filmmakers and supporters. In a speech, El-Said stressed that Noura programme will create a transformational change in the lives of girls in Egypt, adding that it is absolutely necessary to invest in our teenage girls and improve their lives today, explaining that our future depends on the support and quality of life provided to girls at this crucial age. We support the right of every girl to pursue ambitious goals, pursue the education and training she needs to become a productive participant in the labor force, El-Said said. Combined with access to appropriate health programmes and safety protocols, this leads to the development of a sense of belonging, making investing in girls a natural and feasible catalyst for all of the SDGs. El-Said stressed that Egypt has made great progress in recent years to promote the integration of women's issues in various policies and enhance their political, economic and social roles, and this is evident in the Human Development Report in Egypt, recently launched by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. Search Keywords: Short link: Birds gather on a coastal beach wetland in Dongying City, east China's Shandong Province, October 22, 2021. With the strengthening of environmental protection, the biodiversity of the Yellow River Delta is richer. [Photo: VCG] Birds gather on a coastal beach wetland in Dongying City, east China's Shandong Province, October 22, 2021. With the strengthening of environmental protection, the biodiversity of the Yellow River Delta is richer. [Photo: VCG] Birds fly above a coastal beach wetland in Dongying City, east China's Shandong Province, October 22, 2021. With the strengthening of environmental protection, the biodiversity of the Yellow River Delta is richer. [Photo: VCG] KYODO NEWS - Oct 23, 2021 - 10:09 | All, Japan, Coronavirus Japanese staffing firm Pasona Group Inc. has said it will launch next month a service focused on introducing to companies in Japan overseas IT engineers who will work remotely from home amid travel restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. On Nov. 1, Pasona will begin its cross-border remote human resources service, covering those who are highly skilled in the IT field in such countries as India, South Korea and Vietnam, according to a press release last Tuesday. The recruitment agency said it aims to connect around 300 IT professionals to companies in Japan over a three-year period. Tasks such as smartphone app development and website building will be entrusted to those workers directly by firms in Japan or via Pasona's local offices, according to the company. By 2030, Japan is expected to face a shortage of up to 790,000 IT personnel, according to a 2019 survey conducted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. While interest in recruiting foreign talent by Japan-based companies is growing, travel restrictions under the COVID-19 pandemic have prevented domestic firms from bringing in workers from abroad, according to Pasona. The staffing firm said it is mainly targeting IT talent in Asian markets where it already has a presence or is planning expansion, cooperating with local science universities to secure personnel. KYODO NEWS - Oct 23, 2021 - 21:36 | All, Japan, Coronavirus Tokyo reported 32 new coronavirus cases Saturday, falling below 50 for the seventh consecutive day, as Japan has seen the number of infections falling steadily in tandem with progress in getting people vaccinated. Tokyo's daily COVID-19 cases have dipped in recent weeks from its peak of more than 5,000 in August, which hammered the capital's medical system. The seven-day rolling average of new infections stood at 34.3, down 45.8 percent from the previous week, according to the metropolitan government. The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms has also been trending downward, easing the strain on hospitals and health care workers. Saturday's daily figure brought Tokyo's cumulative total to 377,399, by far the highest among the nation's 47 prefectures, followed by Osaka Prefecture with 202,079. The capital's death toll stood at 3,117. Across Japan, 285 daily COVID-19 cases were confirmed. In the wake of the improved situation, Tokyo, three neighboring prefectures -- Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama -- and Osaka are set to lift their requests for shorter hours to serve alcohol at restaurants and bars on Monday. In a similar move, Hyogo and Kyoto prefectures, which neighbor Osaka, lifted such requests on Friday. But as more people have started going out and traveling around the country, health experts have warned of a possible sixth wave of infections this winter. With some 68 percent of Japan's population having received their second dose of a vaccine, the government plans to roll out booster shots in December. KYODO NEWS - Oct 23, 2021 - 23:42 | All, Japan The world's oldest Diana monkey in captivity named "Washington" has died at the age of 39 at a zoo in Sapporo on Japan's northernmost main island, officials said Saturday. The male primate, born on Aug. 26, 1982, at an Oklahoma zoo in the United States, had sired a total of 13 offspring, contributing to the preservation of the endangered species. The monkey was eating through Friday, but his death was confirmed the following day, according to Sapporo Maruyama Zoo, where he had lived since 1984. Washington is believed to have died of natural causes after he started losing his strength and eyesight. However, the zoo said it plans to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The zoo also plans to set up a stand for visitors to lay flowers to commemorate Washington. Some of his children are kept in the Japanese zoo. The Diana monkey, an arboreal species named for its white brow that resembles the crescent on the forehead of the Roman goddess Diana, is found in West Africa from Sierra Leone to Ghana. It is listed as "endangered" in the International Union for Conservation of Nature's red list. They typically measure around 50 to 60 centimeters in length and weigh about 5 kilograms. However, females tend to be slightly smaller than males. Related coverage: Twin giant pandas born in Tokyo zoo named Xiao Xiao, Lei Lei Rare slender shrews born in Hokkaido Monkey in zoo believed to be female for 2 yrs turns out to be male KYODO NEWS - Oct 23, 2021 - 18:48 | Coronavirus, Japan, All Japanese political party leaders took to the streets Saturday, the first weekend since official campaigning for next week's general election began, with how to improve the lives of those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic one of the hotly debated issues. In his stump speech in Takeo, southwestern Japan, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, renewed his determination to "normalize social and economic activities" by preventing the spread of COVID-19 through vaccinations and extensive testing. Yukio Edano, head of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, meanwhile, said in Saitama near Tokyo, "It is the people that have the strength to change politics. Let us create a society that enables us to support each other." The campaigning began Tuesday, with around 1,000 candidates vying for 465 seats in the House of Representatives, the more powerful lower house. The Oct. 31 general election will be the first to be held in four years, with voters set to deliver their verdict on the LDP-led government's performance. A Kyodo News survey shows that a large majority of people in Japan feel their lives have been affected by the pandemic. The results of the mini survey targeting 100 voters nationwide, released Saturday, found that economic and labor policies are the most important for 38 of them in the upcoming election, making up the largest proportion, followed by measures against the coronavirus with 11. Of the 100 respondents, 74 said their lives or the country's economy has taken a hit by the spread of the virus. Shinzo Abe headed the ruling party for about eight years until 2020, while his successor, Yoshihide Suga, was on the job for one year and stepped down, partly due to public discontent with his handling of the pandemic. Kishida now leads after taking office earlier this month. At a stump speech in Kitakyushu, southwestern Japan, Natsuo Yamaguchi, leader of the LDP's junior coalition ally Komeito, criticized the opposition parties, saying they will "not be an option as they are uncertain and can only form an unstable and unpredictable government." Meanwhile, Japanese Communist Party Chairman Kazuo Shii said in Nagoya that Kishida had "inherited, without questioning, the governments run under Abe, who ruined Japan, and Suga." "I want to increase the amount of money everyone can use," Taro Yamamoto, head of the anti-establishment Reiwa Shinsengumi, said in his speech in Tokyo, emphasizing his support for lowering the consumption tax. Media polls have shown that the ruling coalition is on course to retain its majority in the lower house. A Kyodo News survey conducted last weekend showed the LDP leads in popular support, with 29.6 percent of respondents saying they will cast ballots for the ruling party in the proportional representation section of the election, followed by 9.7 percent backing the CDPJ. But 39.4 percent said they still do not know which party they will vote for. Komeito was backed by 4.7 percent. The LDP has only been ousted from power twice since its founding in 1955. The second time, from 2009 to 2012, was by the forerunner to the CDPJ, the Democratic Party of Japan. Related coverage: Animal rights becomes key issue in Japan's general election Japan's LDP on course to keep majority in lower house: poll A guide to Japan's upcoming House of Representatives election KYODO NEWS - Oct 23, 2021 - 10:25 | World, All North Korea on Saturday lambasted U.S. President Joe Biden's recent commitment to defend Taiwan if it is attacked by China, saying Washington has been attempting to stifle socialist countries. In a statement dated Friday, Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong Ho also emphasized that the situation surrounding the Taiwan Strait "is in correlation with the situation" on the Korean Peninsula, criticizing the United States for trying to maintain its "supremacy" in East Asia. "Taiwan is an integral part of China," Pak said in the statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency on Saturday, adding, "We fully support the Chinese government and people in their stand to defend the national sovereignty and territorial integrity." Washington has caused military tensions in East Asia and "indiscreet meddling" by the United States in the issue of Taiwan "entails a potential danger of touching off a delicate situation on the Korean peninsula," Pak said. On Thursday, Biden said the United States is committed to defending Taiwan if China mounts an attack on the self-ruled island, apparently contradicting Washington's long-standing policy to keep its stance on the matter ambiguous. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin swiftly reacted to Biden's remarks on Friday, saying, "No one should underestimate the Chinese people's strong determination, firm will and strong ability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity." China and Taiwan have been governed separately since they split in 1949 as a result of a civil war. Their relations have deteriorated since independence-leaning Tsai Ing-wen became Taiwan's president in 2016. The mainland considers the island a renegade province. Beijing is known as Pyongyang's closest and most influential ally in economic terms. In North Korea, meanwhile, a 10-day exhibition titled "Self-Defense-2021" wrapped up on Friday after Pak Jong Chon, a close aide to leader Kim Jong Un, made a closing speech. The senior official of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, who has been in charge of weapons development, said in the speech, "The uninterrupted beefing up of the defense capability for the future is the invariable path that no force can hold in check." Kim said in an opening speech at the exhibition that the military danger facing his country has increased in recent years, while the United States has done nothing to make him believe it has dropped its hostility toward it. Pyongyang and Washington have no diplomatic ties, as the 1950-1953 Korean War -- in which U.S.-led U.N. forces fought alongside the South against the North, which was backed by China and the Soviet Union -- ended in a cease-fire, not a peace treaty. Related coverage: U.S. committed to defending Taiwan if China attacks: Biden U.S. envoy to Japan nominee vows to deepen ties amid China challenge New Delhi: Even as Narendra Modi government and the SBI brainstorm over the plan to save Jet Airways, there are reports that several pilots and engineers are leaving the embattled airline. According to an Indo Asian News Service, many pilots and technical staff are leaving the airline and joining rival SpiceJet at steep pay cut. The prospect of closure is certainly one of the reasons for professionals agreeing to take salary cuts. But average salaries at Jet Airways have also been higher than the industry level, a top aviation source was quoted as saying by the IANS. This is an unusual situation because Jet Airways remains almost grounded. Normally, supply and demand have been in favour of pilots and engineers. Now, it depends on how quickly Jet restarts again. If that happens things will stabilise. I wont be surprised if many pilots and engineers go back to Jet, said Rajan Mehra, a veteran aviation professional and Chief Executive Officer Club One Air. A senior engineer at Jet, who has a CTC of Rs 4 lakh per month has reportedly got an offer with 50% pay cut. The report also quoted a source within the airline, who said that pilots with relatively lesser experience are joining other airlines. Whereas the seniors are refraining from taking such decision and they feel it would impact not just their salaries but designation also. Meanwhile, Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal has put in bid for buying stake in the ailing airline, sources said. Goyal quit as chairman of the carrier last month under a debt resolution plan that saw lenders taking control of the airline. Airline sources said Goyal has put in bid for Jet Airways. It couldn't be immediately ascertained whether he has partnered with any entity or airline for the bid. Friday was the last date for initial bids set by SBI Capital Markets. SBI Caps has the mandate for Jet Airways' sale on behalf of the SBI-led consortium of the domestic lenders to the debt-ridden private carrier. The bidding norms allow Goyal to participate in the sale process. "It could be financial investor, it could be airline...including Naresh Goyal himself or Etihad. Nobody is barred from bidding or taking over the airline as per the rule," SBI chairman Rajnish Kumar said last month. Last month, Goyal and his wife Anita Goyal stepped down from the board of the airline, which has more than Rs 8,000 crore debt. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Indian automakers Maruti Suzuki India may be looking to launch the electric and hybrid variant of its premium hatchback Baleno. However, the company has already announced that it will be launching the all-electric version of WagonR in India. Maruti has been shipping the hybrid variants of Baleno to several international markets already for over the last three years now. A video of the testing car has surfaced over the internet where the whole design and looks of the premium hatchback is same except a Smart Hybrid badge which could be seen in the video. Meanwhile, the 2019 Baleno sport a 1.2-litre petrol which can produce 82 Bhp of power and 115 Nm of torque and 1.3-litre diesel engine can produce 74 Bhp of power and a peak torque of 190 Nm. Talking about its interior, the premium hatchback gets new black and blue combination for the seat texture and door trims. It comes with latest generation SmartPlay Studio infotainment system which recently made its debut in WagonR. It also gets a new colour option for its upholstery and door pads, along with slight changes to the trim on the dashboard and AC controls. The company has also confirmed that all variants of the Baleno facelift will come with rear parking sensors, speed warning and passenger seatbelt warning as standard. The company has sold over 5.2 lakh units of the model cumulatively till date. Last week, Maruti had also started the booking of highly anticipated next-gen Wagon R. Customers also have a choice of opting for online booking by logging onto the companys website. The new Wagon R will be available with a new 1.2 litre petrol engine option along with another choice of 1 litre engine. Maruti Suzuki Baleno is in direct competition with Hyundai i20 Elite and Honda Jazz. New Delhi: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati will address a public rally in Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh. Congress president Rahul Gandhi will hold public rallies in Bhavnagar and Nanded. His sister and party's general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East), Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will begin her two-day visit to Amethi. Anil Singh, spokesperson of the Congress' Amethi unit, on Sunday said Priyanka Gandhi is scheduled to arrive in the district on Monday evening. 21:24 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Can Congress give justice to those killed in 1984 Anti-Sikh riots, asks PM Modi 20:25 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi, Narendra Modi - why are names Of all thieves Modi, says Rahul Gandhi. 20:24 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Will provide 22 lakh jobs a year after Congress comes to power: Rahul Gandhi 20:24 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In If likes of Ambani not in jail for not repaying loans, why should farmers be in jail: Rahul Gandhi 18:46 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In MA Naqvi, BJP after meeting with EC: Rahul Gandhi ji made shameful comments on Modi ji's caste & said"Why are all Modis thieves?"Modi ji comes from a backward community, ppl with feudal mindset have hatred towards him.We've appealed to EC to take action against Rahul ji &Congress pic.twitter.com/hQ4Hwh3mzj ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2019 18:46 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Robert Vadra on being asked 'when does he plan to join politics?': As of now there are no plans. I have no wish to join politics right now. I'm amongst people and working hard; When people will feel that I should enter politics I will come with full force. pic.twitter.com/cMKZh5X00K ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2019 17:30 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In The Trinamool Congress will win all 42 seats in Bengal by defeating the deadly combine of Congress, BJP and the Left, says Mamata Banerjee. 17:30 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Mamata Banerjee accuses Congress of taking help from RSS to win elections. 17:23 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Money for 'Nyay' scheme from pockets of people like Choksi, Nirav Modi, Mallya, says Rahul Gandhi. 17:22 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Was inspired by Narendra Modi's false promise of giving Rs 15 lakh to every Indian, says Rahul Gandhi. 15:15 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In PM Narendra Modi to file nomination on April 26 14:55 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In FIR has been registered against Azam Khan. SH Meena, SP Rampur on SP leader Azam Khan's remark: An FIR has been registered against him. Police is taking further action. pic.twitter.com/5m8FX4Jrwt ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 15, 2019 14:53 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In After Supreme Court's rebuke, Election Commission bars UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from Lok Sabha poll campaigning for 72 hours 14:49 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Repolling is likely in two booths of Outer Manipur constituency, where unidentified miscreants allegedly destroyed EVMs and VVPATs. 13:54 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Not only Azam Khan, but both Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party should apologize to the crores of women in our country: Amit Shah 13:39 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Sheila Dikshit condemns Azam Khan's statement Senior Congress leader Sheila Dikshit on #AzamKhan: This is highly condemnable, he owes an apology to women immediately.Its unacceptable, action should be taken against him pic.twitter.com/o3mXrvmt0E ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 15, 2019 13:35 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Bad days for BJP are coming, says Mayawati in Aligarh while addressing a joint rally 13:20 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Priyanka Gandhi fumbles during her speech in Fatehpur Sikri #WATCH Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, fumbles during her speech then corrects herself, "Aisi yojnayein ghoshna patra mein hai, jisme aapko swasthya sarkari aspatalon mein muft milega...Swasthya nahi, Swasthya ki jaanch aur swasthya ka ilaaj muft milega" pic.twitter.com/awoDUt2V6K ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 15, 2019 13:10 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Real nationalists stick to path of truth, says Priyanka Gandhi 13:10 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Those who talk about nationalism, why dont they speak truth: Priyanka 13:10 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Youth and farmers are very angry with PM Modi: Priyanka Gandhi 11:55 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Watch PM Modi biopic and take a call on ban, says Supreme Court to Election Commission 11:29 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In SC agrees to hear on April 22 an appeal filed by BJP MLA Pabubha Manek, disqualified by Gujarat High Court for incorrect filling of his nomination form. SC agrees to hear on April 22 an appeal filed by BJP MLA Pabubha Manek, disqualified by Gujarat High Court for incorrect filling of his nomination form. HC on April 12 had set aside Maneks election from Dwarka Assembly seat (Gujarat) in 2017 and ordered by-polls for the same. pic.twitter.com/2RQCe5LCDy ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2019 10:39 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In He (Azam Khan) shouldn't be allowed to contest elections: Jaya Prada 10:19 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In He's always talking dirty about women and in this election it's the 2nd remark he gave against woman politician: NCW Chairperson 10:17 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In It isn't new for me: Jaya Prada on Azam Khan's remark. Jaya Prada on Azam Khan's remark:It isn't new for me,you might remember that I was a candidate from his party in'09 when no one supported me after he made comments against me.I'm a woman&I can't even repeat what he said.I don't know what I did to him that he is saying such things pic.twitter.com/KEKzFvlQbF ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 15, 2019 10:16 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In BJP Goa filed a complaint with the Election Commission yesterday against a Roman Catholic priest for 'creating an atmosphere of hate and fear against a particular political party. BJP Goa filed a complaint with the Election Commission yesterday against a Roman Catholic priest for 'creating an atmosphere of hate & fear against a particular political party & a specific religion' in an address inside a religious institution pic.twitter.com/V1nQ35OnSH ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2019 10:09 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In SBSP president refuses offer to contest from Ghosi Lok Sabha seat on BJP ticket 10:02 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In FIR registered against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan for his controversial remark. FIR has been registered against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan for his comment 'main 17 din mein pehchan gaya ki inke niche ka underwear khaki rang ka hai'. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/7srNhNoue2 ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 15, 2019 10:01 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Election Flying squad and Income-Tax department conducted raid at MLA hostel at Chepauk. Chennai: Election Flying squad and Income-Tax department conducted raid at MLA hostel at Chepauk last night. Rooms of AIADMK RB Udayakumar & 2 others were searched. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/lJBuPQ9tZ7 ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2019 09:15 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Armed forces and soldiers have always been kept separate from politics, in this country. For the first time in 70 years, they are being politicised: CM Ashok Gehlot 08:16 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Navi Mumbai: Case registered against BJP MLA from Belapur, Manda Mhatre, for violating model code of conduct, for allegedly asking voters at a programme to vote twice in Lok Sabha Elections 2019. 08:04 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In I will not contest polls if proved guilty: Azam Khan on objectionable remarks against Jaya Prada 07:40 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Anil Singh, spokesperson of the Congress' Amethi unit, said Priyanka Gandhi is scheduled to arrive in the district on Monday evening. New Delhi: The BJP on Monday released a new list of candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. The list comprises seven candidates from Uttar Pradesh. The party has fielded Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan from chief minister Yogi Adityanath's home turf Gorakhpur while Praveen Nishad, the chief of Nishad Party which has joined hands with the BJP, will contest from Sant Kabir Nagar. Senior party leader and former chief of Uttar Pradesh unit Ramapati Ram Tripathi will contest the polls from Deoria constituency. Uttar Pradesh is going to polls in all seven phases from April 11 to May 19. The counting of votes will be done on May 23. In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP had won 71 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the politically crucial state. The SP had won five seats, while the BSP failed to win any seat. This time, BJP-Apna Dal-Nishad Party alliance faces stiff challenge from the SP-BSP alliance. New Delhi: Referring to a statement by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said that the neighbouring country cannot get a better Indian prime minister than Narendra Modi who had allowed the ISI to visit the Pathankot air base, and is implementing Pakistans agenda. Kejriwal also questionned the timing of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack, which he said was executed "ahead of the elections". Referring to Khan's statement that he sees a better chance of peace talks with India if the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi wins the Lok Sabha elections, the Delhi chief minister went on to question the timing of the Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. "Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan says that Narendra Modi should become the PM of India once again. His statement came against the backdrop of a war like situation that existed between both the countries a few days back. And (despite that) Imran Khan wants Modi to be the PM of India again," Kejriwal said while addressing the AAP workers in South Goa. Kejriwal said he didn't understand that is happening between Khan and Modi. "Four weeks back, a war-like situation prevailed between both the countries but now Imran Khan wants Modi to be the PM. Why is he saying so? Why does Pakistan want Modi to be PM again? Now people have started asking about the Pulwama attack," he said. "Why did he (Imran Khan) get the terrorist attack at Pulwama executed just two months before the (Lok Sabha) elections?" he asked. "Modi is now going around the country and telling that we went into the house of the enemy (ghar me ghuskar) and killed them," he said. Kejriwal added, "Pakistan cannot get better prime minister than Modi. After the Pathankot strike, he (Modi) invited the ISI (Pakistani spy agency) to investigate it (in 2016). The ISI is less of an intelligence agency and more of terrorists. The BJP calls Modi a strong leader, but no government did what Modi did (by allowing the ISI enter the Pathankot air base)..Can Pakistan get better Indian PM than Modi?" he questioned. Kejriwal further said that because of Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, the unfulfilled agenda of Pakistan to divide India on the religious lines seems to be working. "Pakistan failed to divide India on the religious lines in the last 70 years. But it is being made possible in the last five years because of Modi and Shah duo who have filled poison in the minds of the people. Pakistan cannot get better Indian prime minister than this. They (Shah and Modi) have implemented Pakistan's agenda," he said. He further said Modi's return to power does not augur well for democracy in India. "If Modi returns to power, this would be the last election in the country till he is alive. I have come to appeal to you to save the country. The country is in danger. If Modi and Amit Shah come back again, and if Modi becomes PM again, then the country will not survive, Indian constitution will not survive and secular structure will not survive," he alleged. AAP has fielded Elvis Gomes from South Goa constituency against Congress' Francisco Sardinha and BJP's sitting MP Narendra Sawaikar. Goa, which has two Parliamentary seats, votes on April 23. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday urged people not to waste their votes either on CPM or Congress in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections 2019. Addressing a public rally in Siliguri, Banerjee further stated earlier she was with Congress but later quit the party to form the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), following which the state has witnessed development. The Trinamool Congress chief said, "Both the parties are hand-in-glove and the Congress is taking help of the RSS to fight Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal". The tension between TMC and Congress reached a new level after Congress president Rahul Gandhi was denied permission to land his chopper at police ground for his proposed public meeting in Siliguri. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee in Siliguri: I would request all not to vote for CPM and also please do not waste your vote by giving it to Congress. I was in Congress then quit and formed Trinamool, following which you are witnessing development pic.twitter.com/8SmVofkuGS a ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2019 Gandhi was also quick to counter Mamata's argument of taking help from the RSS, saying it was the Congress which raised the Rafale issue along with the slogan 'Chowkidar Chor Hai'. The Congress chief further claimed that his party has never compromised with the BJP anywhere in the country and asked if Banerjee had ever compromised with the party in any state. Moving on to the BJP, Banerjee further accused the ruling party of trying to gain political advantage by using religion as a tool to mislead people. She hit out at armed Ram Navami rallies taken out at BJP at various part of the state and accused BJP of trying to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of Bengal. "The BJP is misleading the people in the name of religion. Ahead of elections they are using it as a tool to divide the masses in Bengal. The culture of Bengal never supports the politics of violence. They are taking out rallies with swords and mace," Banerjee said in Darjeeling in support of TMC candidate Amar Singh Rai. "Whose throat do you want to slit with swords? Whose head do you want to smash with the mace? Banerjee questioned while addressing a rally in favour of party's Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat candidate Amar Singh Rai. The chief minister reiterated that she will not allow NRC in West Bengal. "They (BJP) say that they will conduct NRC in Bengal.A But I assure you that I will not allow it in my state," she added. Banerjee also took a jibe at the saffron party and said she has fielded a 'bhumiputra' (son of the soil) from the Darjeeling seat, unlike the BJP, which has nominated a candidate who hails from Manipur. "Itas sad that the BJP could not find a candidate in Darjeeling and had to bring someone from Manipur to fight the election," she added. Asserting that BJP will not return to power at the Centre, she claimed that it will not WIN seats in many states. West Bengal has a total of 42 Lok Sabha seats, third highest after Uttar Pradeshas 80 and Maharashtraas 48. The state is scheduled to go to polls in all seven phases between April 11 and May 19. The counting of votes for all phases will be taken up on May 23. New Delhi: Two days after the Election Commission directed that all recorded programmes displayed on NaMo TV be pre-certified, the BJP on Saturday wrote to the Delhi poll body that "documentary content" has been removed from the channel, officials said. An official of the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer's office said the BJP replied in the afternoon and said they will not run any content that was "not certified" or "returned" by the media certification and monitoring committee (MCMC). The party also said the documentary content that was being earlier aired by the channel is not being aired anymore. The CEO's office Saturday also directed the party to ensure that all videos played on NaMo TV bear the certification number given by it. Officials at the CEO office said that parties only specify whether the content is for social media or TV and not whether it will go on any particular channel. Keeping this in mind, the party has been directed to ensure that the content played on NaMo TV bears the certification ID. The Election Commission had on Thursday said since NaMo TV was sponsored by the BJP, all recorded programmes displayed on the platform should be pre-certified by media certification and monitoring committee of Delhi and all political publicity contents displayed without pre-certification be removed immediately. Following the EC's directive, the CEO of Delhi wrote to the BJP to ensure that all political content not approved be removed. "As a precautionary measure, two officials have been deployed to watch NaMo TV and monitor its content," officials had said. An official said political parties usually submit audiovisual content for pre-certification, without specifying on which platform it will be aired. The content may be aired during a rally or on the party's website, he said. After the Congress filed a complaint with the poll panel about the channel disturbing the level playing field, the EC had asked the Delhi CEO to file a report on the issue. The Delhi CEO approved the logo of NaMo TV, which the BJP said was part of the NaMo App that it owns, but did not "certify" the content as it contained old speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. New Delhi: In a mother of all battles, Congress general secretary (UP-East) Priyanka Gandhi is likely to contest from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to media reports. Modi is the sitting MP from Varanasi. He had won from the seat in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. According to reports, Priyanka Gandhi is ready to take on PM Modi from Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi. However, she has left the final call on Congress president Rahul Gandhi. BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi said the party will wait for her to file nomination. "Let the Congress field her. The BJP is ready," she said at a press conference on Saturday. Interestingly, recently, posters urging Priyanka Gandhi to contest the coming general elections from Varanasi came up in the holy city. The local unit of the Congress too demanded that Priyanka, who has formally entered politics in January, and was appointed the general secretary for Uttar Pradesh East, be pitted directly against Modi to galvanise voters of UP and neighbouring states. Priyanka Gandhi also dropped a hint about her contesting the elections. Recently, she suggested taking the poll battle to PM Modi's constituency. When party workers in Raebareli requested Priyanka Gandhi to stand for elections, she responded by asking if she should contest from Varanasi. Priyanka Gandhi's visit to Amethi and Raebareli has been timed to ensure that booth level workers remain energised from the start as she would be paying less attention to the high profile constituencies eventually. In the past, she has camped for weeks in advance to ensure emphatic wins for Rahul and Sonia. However, on April 7, senior Congress leader Rajeev Shukla has said no decision was taken yet about Priyanka Gandhi contesting the election against Modi. Shukla claimed that under the leadership of Vadra, who is the party's incharge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, the Congress would do well in the Lok Sabha election and sweep the 2022 assembly election. Shukla said Vadra was getting a very good response from the public wherever she is going for campaigning. "In the past 20 years, the Congress has become very weak in Uttar Pradesh. The party has to be strengthened under her leadership for 2022." (With PTI inputs) Siliguri: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday dubbed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a big fascist leader running the country as per his whims and urged people to not waste their votes on the Congress and the CPI(M). She reiterated that her party, the Trinamool Congress, will play an important role in ousting Modi, and forming the new government. Banerjee hit out at the BJP for taking out armed Ram Navami rallies at various parts of the state and accused the saffron party of trying to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of Bengal. A big fascist leader is running the country and claiming himself to be a chowkidar of the masses. He has to be defeated at any cost and Trinamool will play an important role in the formation of government at the Centre, she said at an election rally in Siliguri in support of TMC candidate Amar Singh Rai. Claiming that her phones are being tapped, she said the BJP is curbing peoples democratic rights and every institution in the country has been undermined. Banerjee claimed that the CPI(M) will not win a single seat in the state. The CPI(M)-BJP-Congress have an understanding. We have seen that during the panchayat elections. Congress will also not be able to form a government on its own. Regional parties will play an important role. Do not waste your votes on the Congress and the CPI(M). Wherever regional parties are contesting, they must be strengthened, she said. The CM also slammed the BJP for trying to gain political advantage by using religion as a tool to mislead people. BJP spreads hate and violence. They even seek votes in the name of armed forces. This is deplorable. Religion does not preach violence and hate. It stands for humanism... Whose throat do you want to slit with swords? Whose head do you want to smash with the mace? Banerjee asked. The TMC supremo said some BJP leaders claim that she has stopped Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja in Bengal. Can they even recite the mantras of Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja? Dalits and minorities have been persecuted in the last five years, Banerjee said, asserting that every vote will ensure the defeat of Modi. She maintained that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will not be allowed in West Bengal. They (BJP) say that they will conduct NRC in Bengal. But, I assure you that I will not allow it in my state, she said. Banerjee also took a jibe at the saffron party and said the TMC has fielded a bhumiputra (son of the soil) from the Darjeeling seat, unlike the BJP, which has nominated a candidate who hails from Manipur. Its sad that the BJP could not find a candidate in Darjeeling and had to bring someone from Manipur to fight the elections, she said. West Bengal has a total of 42 Lok Sabha seats, third highest after Uttar Pradeshs 80 and Maharashtras 48. Kolkata: Hundreds of Ram Navami rallies, including some armed rallies, were taken out by the BJP and VHP in various parts of West Bengal on Saturday, drawing sharp criticism from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The saffron outfits were seen waving swords and maces in some of the armed rallies. Police said they were looking into the matter as no permission was granted for armed rallies. Apart from the BJP, right-wing Hindu outfits such as the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, Hindu Jagaran Manch also organised hundreds of rallies as they celebrated Ram Navami on a massive scale across the state. The rallies were taken out in West Midnapore, Purulia, Jhargram, Bankura, Howrah, Kolkata and in North and South 24 Parganas districts among others, officials said. At Kharagpur in West Midnapore, BJP state president Dilip Ghosh took out Ram Navami rallies and was seen displaying swords and maces. "Ram Navami rallies are a part of our tradition. We are carrying arms to protect ourselves. It has nothing to do with elections. If the TMC has a problem with armed rallies, they should change their thought process," Ghosh said when asked why he took out rallies with swords and maces. If carrying weapons means breaking the code, weapons of jawans and Goddess Kali should also be taken away. People who are not men enough speak of all these things, he claimed. BJP's Jadavpur candidate Anupam Hazra, who had recently switched over from Trinomool Congress, also participated in a procession in his constituency. BJP's Kolkata North constituency candidate and BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha too took out Ram Navami rally in his constituency. Banerjee while addressing a rally at Siliguri criticised the BJP for taking out armed rallies and said they were trying to "sell religion" for political advantage. The Kolkata Police said no political, apolitical and religious organisations are allowed to carry out bike rallies in the city. The BJP was denied permission to take out bike rallies across Kolkata on the occasion of Ram Navami. However, normal rallies by the party and VHP were allowed. The West Bengal Police too denied permission for carrying arms by the participants in the Ram Navami rallies. In some places, there was scuffle between police officials and BJP workers after they were stopped from taking out bike rallies. The VHP, which planned as many as 700 rallies in the state on the occasion of Ram Navami, took out several rallies in South Bengal. "We have received permission for rallies. We will abide by the direction of the police and no one will carry arms during Ram Navami rallies conducted by us," VHP organisational general secretary (eastern region) Sachindranath Sinha said. The VHP said it has plans to conduct Ram Navami rallies in various other parts of the state on Sunday too. The Trinamool Congress also took out unarmed Ram Navami rallies in various parts of the state. TMC Lok Sabha candidates-- Diptendu Adhikari from Tamluk Lok Sabha seat and Mumtaz Sanghamitra from Bardhaman-Durgapur Lok Sabha seat-- also participated in Ram Navami rallies in their respective constituencies. TMC MLA Smita Bakshi is scheduled to take out such a rally in North Kolkata on Sunday. The Trinamool Congress alleged that the BJP violated the model code of conduct by taking out Ram Navami rallies. "Model code of conduct is under effect. Taking out armed Ram Navami rallies is a violation of the model code of conduct. Why is EC silent now? Had someone else taken out such rally, the EC would have issued show cause notices. Actually Dilip Ghosh is a zero and is trying to be a hero," TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said. Later while replying to a query, Vivek Dubey, special police observer appointed by the Election Commission for Bengal, said it was the duty of the state administration to look into the permission for Ram Navami rallies. The state election commission has nothing to do with it. The district administration will look into it, he said. For all the latest news updates on Board Results and Education, DOWNLOAD the News Nation App available on Android and iOS New Delhi: The Karnataka Board who are preparing for KSEEB SSC and KSEEB PUC examinations can brace themselves as the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) is likely to release the timetable soon. According to the sources, the board will conduct the Karnataka Board SSC, Karnataka Board PUC in the month of April. Last year, the board conducted the Karnataka SSC examination from 23rd March to 4th April where the Karnataka PUC examination held in the month of March/April. As far as results are concerned, the candidates can expect the results to be announced in the month of April. Soon after the formal declaration of the results, the scorecards will be available on the official website of the board i.e. karresults.nic.in. Alternatively, the candidates also check their results on this page as we will be activating the result link soon after the declaration of the results. We here at News Nation are in direct contact with our sources and will be updating all the results related information here. Therefore, we request the candidates to bookmark this page and check it regularly for all the updates. Karnataka Board Results 2020: Important Dates The important dates of Karnataka Board Results are important for students who are awaiting their KAR Results 2020. The table given below is for reference purpose only and the same will be updated with official dates as soon as the dates are announced. State Exam Name Exam Date Exam Result Date* Karnataka Board Karnataka SSLC Board Exam In the Month of March/April In the Month of May Karnataka PUC Board Exam In the Month of March /April In the Month of May *tentative dates How to Check Karnataka Board Results 2020: Karnataka SSLC and PUC Results 2020 Post the announcement of KAR Results 2020, the students will be able to check the outcome of their year-round hard work here and the official website of the board- karresults.nic.in. News Nation will activate the link on this page to check the Karnataka Board Results 2019 comprising Karnataka SSLC Results 2020 and Karnataka PUC Results 2020. In case there are disruptions and the official website becomes stagnant, they should not panic and wait for the website to process their request. However, due to high traffic volume, these websites are prone to technical delays and problems. To avoid any delays on the day of the Karnataka Board Results 2020, we would be providing the Karnataka SSLC Results 2020 and Karnataka 2nd PUC Results 2020 on our website. The candidates alternatively may check their Karnataka SSLC Results 2020 and Karnataka PUC Results 2020 on the result pages specifically designed for the Karnataka Board Results 2020. We at News Nation will make the process of viewing Karnataka Board Results 2019 easier with the steps given below: Visit karresults.nic.in. Enter your roll number and other important details. Click on 'Submit' to download your result. Karnataka Results 2020: Analysis Since the Karnataka Board Results 2020 are not yet declared, therefore candidates are advised to go through the KAR Results analysis of previous years. Karnataka SSLC Results: Around 8 lakh students participated in the Karnataka SSLC examinations 2018 of which over 6 lakh candidates cleared the exam. According to reports, around 72 per cent students were successful in the SSLC Class 10 results last year, an increase of 4.06 per cent as compared to last year (67.87 per cent). The Karnataka SSLC exams were conducted across 2,817 examination centres in the state. Karnataka SSLC Result 2019- Key Highlights Total students appeared- 8,41,666 Total passed- 6,08,336 Overall pass percentage- 73.7% Overall Girls pass percentage- 79.59% Overall Boys pass percentage- 68.46% 1st Rank- Srujana- 100% with 625 out of 625 1st Rank Naganjali- 100% 625 out of 625 District-wise Ranks Hassan- 89.33% Ramnagara- 88.49 % Bengaluru Rural- 88.34% Uttara Kannada- 88.12% Chitradurga- 87.46% Mangaluru- 86.73% Kolar- 86.71% Davanagere- 85.94% Mandya- 85.65% Madhugiri- 84.81% Karnataka PUC Results: According to reports, around 6.5 lakh appeared for the PUC exams held from March 1 to March 17. According to reports, the average pass percentage for last year stood at 59.56 per cent. It was nearly 7 per cent higher than last year's 52.38 per cent. After the declaration of Karnataka 2nd PUC Result 2019, the following was the key highlights of the Karnataka PUC Result 2019; Total Number of Students: 6,71,653 Total Number of Passed Students: 4,14,587 Overall Pass Percentage: 61.73% Pass percentage among girl students: 68.24% Pass percentage among male students: 55.29% About Karnataka Board About Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB): The Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) was established to function as a regulatory and supervisory board to formulate and implement education policies of the Karnataka Government. The KSEEB is in existence since the year 1966. Its jurisdiction includes formulating education policies, school syllabus structuring, yearly examinations for academic evaluation, grading and recognition of schools in the state of Karnataka. About the Department of Pre-University Education, Karnataka (PUE) - The Department of Pre-University, Government of Karnataka is a regulatory body that manages and looks after the higher secondary education in the state. The department operates under the Department of Primary and Secondary Education of the state government and is entrusted the responsibility to develop higher education in Karnataka. The PUE Department, Karnataka also conducts the annual Karnataka 2nd PU Board Exam in the state. Last year, the Karnataka Board Result for Karnataka SSLC was declared on April 30 whereas the Karnataka PUC result was declared on May 7, 2018. For all the latest news updates on Board Results and Education, DOWNLOAD the News Nation App available on Android and iOS New Delhi: The Tamil Nadu Board students who are preparing for TN SSLC 2019 and TN HSC 2019 examinations, we have some important news for you. According to the latest reports, the Directorate of Government Examinations, Tamil Nadu is likely to release the timetable for the upcoming examinations soon. The candidates must note that the admit cards will be released after the announcement of the timetable. If past trends are to be followed then the candidates can expect the examinations to be held in the month of March. Last year, the TN SSLC exams was held from 14th March to 29th March 2019, while TN HSC Result was conducted from 1st March to 19th March 2019. Whereas, the results were announced on April 29, 2019. Soon after the formal declaration of the results, the scorecards will be available on the official website of the board tnresults.nic.in. Alternatively, the candidates can also check the results on this page. We here at News Nation are in constant touch with our sources and will be updating all the latest updates here. Hence, we request the candidates to bookmark this page and keep check it regularly for all the latest updates. TN Board Result 2020 Important Dates The Tamil Nadu SSLC Result and Tamil Nadu 12th Result 2020 will be declared in the month of April. Last year, the Tamil Nadu 10th Board Result was declared on April 29while the TN HSC Result for Class 12 students was declared in the 2nd week. The candidates can check the important dates in the table given below for reference purpose. State Exam Name Exam Date Exam Result Date Tamil Nadu Board Tamil Nadu SSLC Board Exam In the Month of March In the last week of April Tamil Nadu HSC Board Exam In the Month of March In the last week of April TN Board Result Last Year's Analysis The students who have appeared for TN Board Exams this year is likely to get the results of their hardwork in April. We have compiled a brief result analysis of last year for the convenience of the students. TN SSLC Result Previous Year Analysis Last year, the TN SSLC Result was declared in the month of April in which fate of more than 9 lakh students was sealed. The key statistical highlights of Tamil Nadu SSLC Result of previous year is provided below: Number of students registered: 9,76,019 Number of students appeared: 9,37,859 Number of stduents passed: 8,92,521 (95.2 per cent) Number of Boys passed: 4,37,956 Number of Girls passed: 4,54,565 TN HSC Class 12 Result 2019 Key Highlights Total Number of Students: 869,423 Total Number of Regular Students: 8,42,512 Total Number of Pass Students: 7,26,225 Overall Pass Percentage: 91.30% Girls outshine Boys Check Gender-wise Breakup Here Along with providing the overall number of students and pass percentage, the Tamil Nadu Board also announced the gender-wise breakup for the recently declared HSC Result 2019. As per the data, of the total number of students, 3,89,250 were boys while the rest i.e. 4,53,262 were Girls. In terms of success ratio, 3,44,778 i.e. 88.60% students managed to clear the exam. On the other hand, 4,24,447 girls cleared the exam with flying colours registering an overall pass percentage of 93.60%. Total Number of Boys: 3,89,250 Total Number of Girls: 4,53,262 Total Number of Passed Boys: 3,44,778 Pass Percentage among Boys: 88.60% Total Number of Passed Girls: 4,24,447 Pass Percentage among Girls:93.60% How to Check TN Board SSLC Result and TN Board 12th Result? As soon as the results are announced, the students can check and download their scores from the official website of the Board i.e. tnresults.nic.in. In case, there are technical glitches on the official website, the students should not panic and wait for some time. For the convenience of the students, we have mentioned the steps through which they can check their results. Step 1: Visit the official websites of the Board i.e. tnresults.nic.in to check TN Board SSLC Result and TN Board 12th Result 2020. Step 2: Enter your roll number and other details as required. Step 3: Cross-verify all the details and click on the submit button. Step 4: Your TN Board SSLC Result and TN Board 12th Result 2020 will be displayed on the screen. Step 5: Download the result or take a printout for future reference. About the Directorate of Government Examinations (DGE), Tamil Nadu Established during the British era in 1910, the Tamil Nadu Board of Secondary Education (TNBSE) is the highest authority in the state that looks after the propagation, development and maintenance of school level education in Tamil Nadu. Later on, the Directorate of Government Examinations was also formed under the aegis of Department of Education, Government of Tamil Nadu to conduct the SSLC level Board Exams for Class 10 students and HSC Exam for Class 12 students. Currently, the TN Board has around 30,000+ affiliated schools which operate under its guidance. Every year, the Tamil Nadu Board organises SSLC/Senior Secondary Leaving Certificate Examination for over 9.5 lakh students in the month of March and declares the TN SSLC Result in the month of May. For all the latest news updates on Board Results and Education, DOWNLOAD the News Nation App available on Android and iOS New Delhi: Karnataka Board SSLC Result 2020:The Karnataka Board who are preparing for KSEEB SSC examination, we have some important news for you. The Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) is likely to release the timetable soon. According to the sources, the board will conduct the Karnataka Board SSC in the month of April. Last year, the board conducted the Karnataka SSC examination from 23rd March to 4th April and the results were announced on 30th April. The candidates must note that soon after the formal declaration of the results, the scorecards will be available on the official website of the board i.e. karresults.nic.in. Alternatively, the candidates also check their results on this page as we will be activating the result link soon after the declaration of the results. We here at News Nation are in direct contact with our sources and will be updating all the results related information here. Therefore, we request the candidates to bookmark this page and check it regularly for all the updates. Karnataka Board Results 2020: Important Dates The important dates of Karnataka Board Results are important for students who are awaiting their KAR Results 2020. The table given below is for reference purpose only and the same will be updated with official dates as soon as the dates are announced. State Exam Name Exam Date Exam Result Date* Karnataka Karnataka SSLC Board Exam In the Month of March/ April In the Month of April Karnataka PUC Board Exam In The Month of March /April In the Month of May *Tentative Dates Know How to Check Karnataka 10th Result 2020 As mentioned above, the Karnataka Board SSC result will be available on the official website of the Board after the formal declaration. This year, the declaration of the result will seal the fate of thousands of students who will be appearing for the examination. It is often seen that the official website of the Board faces technical glitches during the result hour due to heavy traffic on the platform. If such a situation arises this year, we request the candidates not to panic and wait for the official website to resume. To avoid any delays on the day of the Karnataka Examination Results 2020, we would also be providing the Karnataka SSLC Result 2020 on our website. The candidates alternatively may check their Karnataka Board SSLC Result 2020 on the result pages specifically designed for the Karnataka Board Results 2019. This will provide respite to the students from the slow and stagnated servers when the traffic on the official website exceeds the limit. For the convenience of the students, we have mentioned the process through which the candidates can download the results: Visit www.karresults.nic.in. Enter your roll number and other important details. Click on 'Submit' to download your result. Karnataka SSLC Result - Previous Year Analysis In these hours of excitement and nervousness, one thing that gives solace to the students is the last year's statistics. In order to calm the nerves of students expecting the Karnataka SSLC Result 2020, we have presented some key facts and figures below. These statistics will help you in setting realistic expectations when it comes to the SSLC Result 2020 Karnataka. Karnataka Board 10th Result: Previous Year Statistics: Total students appeared- 8,41,666 Total passed- 6,08,336 Overall pass percentage- 73.7% Overall Girls pass percentage- 79.59% Overall Boys pass percentage- 68.46% 1st Rank- Srujana- 100% with 625 out of 625 1st Rank Naganjali- 100% 625 out of 625 District-wise Ranks Hassan- 89.33% Ramnagara- 88.49 % Bengaluru Rural- 88.34% Uttara Kannada- 88.12% Chitradurga- 87.46% Mangaluru- 86.73% Kolar- 86.71% Davanagere- 85.94% Mandya- 85.65% Madhugiri- 84.81% About Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) The Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) was established to function as a regulatory and supervisory board, to formulate and implement education policies of the Karnataka Government. The KSEEB is in existence since the year 1966. Its jurisdiction includes formulating education policies, school syllabus structuring, yearly examinations for academic evaluation, grading and recognition of schools in the state of Karnataka. New Delhi: Two people were killed and five injured in a plane crash at Nepals Tenzing-Hillary Airport located in Lukla area on Sunday. According to news agency ANI, the aircraft collided with a parked chopper at the airport. According to Nepali digital magazine Setopati, there were no passengers in the plane else the number of casualties could have gone higher. According BBC Nepal, Imnath Adhikari, Director of the Lukla Airport, said that a driver of airline and one of the security personnel have died in the crash. The Lukla Airport serves as the entrance gate to the Mount Everest. The Himalayan Times report says that the accident took place when Summit Air plane crashed into a Manang Air helicopter at the airport during the takeoff. The Summit air aircraft was taking off when it collided with the chopper parked at the helipad in Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Solukhumbu, the report said. According to the spokesperson at the Tribhuvan International Airport, co-pilot S Dhungana and Assistant Sub-Inspector Ram Baadur Khadka were killed in the crash. Captain RB Rokaya, who was flying the ill-fated aircraft, has suffered grievous injuries. Gateway to Sagarmatha or the Mt Everest, the Lukla Airport is known as the deadliest airport in the world. The 500-metre-long runway can be toughest test even for the most seasoned pilots. With hostile weather and poor infrastructure, Lukla airport has seen several crashes in the past. The worst crash so far has been the one in 2008, where all 18 people aboard the plane died. Also known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport after the first men to summit Everest, Lukla Airport has no radar system because of the high cost of installation, forcing officials to rely on an outdated voice communications system to track movements in the air, a 2015 news.com.au report said. The story behind the origin of this airport is very intriguing. It is believed that mountaineering legend Sir Edmund Hillary planned to build the airfield on flat ground but local farmers refused to part with their fertile land. So he bought a steep slope for $US635 and recruited scores of Sherpa villagers to cut down scrub with knives. A very festive mood prevailed and the earth received a most resounding thumping. Two days of this rather reduced the Sherpas enthusiasm for the dance but produced a firm and smooth surface for our airfield, Hillary wrote in his 1998 memoir, View from the Summit. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: French Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler on Saturday said a global settlement was reached between French tax authorities Reliance Flag, a telecom company owned by Anil Ambani, in the tax dispute pertaining to period 2008-2012 after a media report claimed that France waived off taxes worth 143.7 million euros to firm company in 2015, months after India's announcement of buying 36 Rafale jets. This settlement was conducted in full adherence with legislative and regulatory framework governing this common practice of the tax administration. It was not subject to any political interference whatsoever, he said. Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Defence rejected as "totally inaccurate and tendentious" the media report. "We have seen reports drawing conjectural connection between tax exemption to a private company and procurement of Rafale jets by Government of India. Neither the period of tax concession nor subject matter of concession relate to Rafale procurement, concluded in present Government's tenure," the Defence Ministry said in a statement. "Any connections drawn between the tax issue and the Rafale matter is totally inaccurate, tendentious and is a mischievous attempt to disinform," the statement added. Le Monde, a leading French newspaper, has claimed that the French tax authorities accepted 7.3 million euros from Reliance Flag Atlantic France as a settlement as against original demand of 151 million euros. Reliance Flag owns a terrestrial cable network and other telecom infrastructure in France. In its reaction, Reliance Communications rejected any wrongdoing and said the tax dispute was settled under legal framework which is available for all companies operating in France. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the procurement of a batch of 36 Rafale jets after talks with the then French President Francois Hollande on April 10, 2015 in Paris. The final deal was sealed on September 23, 2016. The Congress has been alleging massive irregularities in the deal, saying the government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the UPA government when it was negotiating the deal. The Congress has also been targeting the government over selection of Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence as an offset partner for Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale. The government has rejected the allegations. The French newspaper said the company was investigated by French tax authorities and found liable to pay 60 million euros in taxes for the period 2007 to 2010. However, Reliance offered to pay 7.6 million euros only as a settlement but it was French tax authorities refused to accept the amount. The authorities conducted another probe for the period 2010 to 2012 and asked the company to pay an additional 91 million euros in taxes, the report said. It said by April 2015, the total amount owed by Reliance to the French authorities in taxes was at least 151 million euros. In October, six months after Modi announced in Paris about the Rafale deal, the French authorities accepted 7.3 million euros from Reliance as a settlement as against the original demand of 151 million euros. A spokesperson of Reliance Communications said the tax demands were "completely unsustainable and illegal" and that the company denied any favouritism or gain from the settlement. "During the period under consideration by the French Tax Authorities - 2008-2012 i.E. Nearly 10 years ago, Flag France had an operating loss of Rs 20 crore (Euro 2.7 million). French tax authorities had raised a tax demand of over Rs 1100 crore for the same period," the official said. "As per the French tax settlement process as per law, a mutual settlement agreement was signed to pay Rs 56 crore as a final settlement," he said. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have identified the terrorist who shot dead RSS leader Chandrakant Sharma in Kishtwar on Tuesday. CCTV footage has helped reveal the identity of the terrorist. Three to four terrorists used an Alto car to carry out the attack, according to the police. The main accused Zahid Hussain Sagar, who used to live near a local school is on run. The police said the efforts are on to nab the attackers. Medical assistant Chandrakant Sharma was working at Kishtwar district hospital when he was attacked. His PSO was also shot dead in the attack. The personal security officer was killed after the terrorist snatched his weapon in the hospital in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar town. Chandrakant had gone to the local hospital for a check-up, the police said. Narrating the sequence of events, officials said the terrorists barged into the hospital and snatched the PSO's weapon. They attempted to fire at the RSS leader. In the ensuing scuffle, the policeman was shot dead while the RSS leader received minor injuries. Senior police officials had rushed to the scene. The terrorist was watching his movement. He opened fire on them, resulting in the death of the PSO on the spot and injury to the leader, Kishtwar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shakti Pathak had told news agency PTI. "Curfew has been imposed in the town (as a precautionary measure)," Inspector General (Jammu region) Manish Sinha. After the firing, the terrorist took away the weapon of the killed PSO identified as Rajinder before fleeing from the spot, he said. Earlier, the police had said that the unidentified gunmen had snatched the rifle of the PSO and shot at the RSS leader. Sharma, along with another civilian, had been airlifted to Jammu for further treatment. Following the attack, protests broke out in Kishtwar town and at a hospital against the government and police. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. For all the latest news updates on Board Results and Education, DOWNLOAD the News Nation App available on Android and iOS New Delhi: TN Board HSC Results 2020: The Tamil Nadu Board is likely to conduct the TN Class 12 examination in the month of March, according to the latest reports. Last year, the Directorate of Government Examinations (DGE), Tamil Nadu organised the TN HSC examination from 14th March to 29th March and the results was announced on April 29. Soon after the formal declaration of the results, the scorecards will be available on the official website of the board i.e. tnresults.nic.in. Alternatively, the candidates can also check the results on this page. For the convenience of the students, we have mentioned the steps through which the candidates can check the results below. Every year, lakhs of students appear for the TN HSC examination and this year also the board is expecting same number of students. We here at News Nation are in constant touch with our sources and will be updating all the latest updates here. Hence, we request the candidates to bookmark this page and keep check it regularly for all the latest updates. Tamil Nadu Board 12th Result 2020 Date of Declaration The candidates who have appeared for the examination must know all the important information and dates of the TN Board HSC Results 2019. Last year, the exams were conducted from 1st March to 19th March. The candidates can check the Tamil Nadu Board 12th Result 2019 important dates in the table given below for reference purpose. State Exam Name Exam Date Exam Result Date* Tamil Nadu Board Tamil Nadu SSLC Board Exam In the Month of March In the Month of April Tamil Nadu HSC Board Exam In the Month of March In the Month of April Tamil Nadu 12th Result 2020 Previous Year Analysis The previous year's statistics are important for students who appeared for Tamil Nadu HSC Result 2020. With the help of last year stats, the students can understand the strictness and evaluation standards followed by the examiners to check the answer sheets. It also helps students build right and realistic expectations with regards to TN Board 12th Result 2020. Last year, the Tamil Nadu Board had conducted the Class 10 exams from 14th March to 29th March. The key figures of Tamil Nadu Board Class 12 result 2019 are as follows. TN HSC Result:Key Highlights Total Number of Students: 869,423 Total Number of Regular Students: 8,42,512 Total Number of Pass Students: 7,26,225 Overall Pass Percentage: 91.30% Girls outshine Boys Check Gender-wise Breakup Here Along with providing the overall number of students and pass percentage, the Tamil Nadu Board also announced the gender-wise breakup for the recently declared HSC Result 2019. As per the data, of the total number of students, 3,89,250 were boys while the rest i.e. 4,53,262 were Girls. In terms of success ratio, 3,44,778 i.e. 88.60% students managed to clear the exam. On the other hand, 4,24,447 girls cleared the exam with flying colours registering an overall pass percentage of 93.60%. Total Number of Boys: 3,89,250 Total Number of Girls: 4,53,262 Total Number of Passed Boys: 3,44,778 Pass Percentage among Boys: 88.60% Total Number of Passed Girls: 4,24,447 Pass Percentage among Girls: 93.60% TN HSC 12th Result 2019 - Stream-wise Breakup In addition to the above details, the Board also announced stream-wise breakup of the results. In the general stream, a total of 7,87,577 students appeared for the exam of which 3,56,076 while the rest i.e. 4,31,501 were girl students. Similarly, for vocational stream, a total of 54,355 students appeared for the Public Exam of which 33,174 were Boys and 21,161 were Girls. Students in General Stream: Boys: 3,56,076 Girls: 4,31,501 Students in Vocational Stream: Boys: 33,174 Girls: 21,161 How to Check Tamil Nadu 12th Result 2020? As mentioned above, the TN class 12 Result 2020 is likely to be declared on 19 April, 2019. With thousands of students checking the Board results at the same time, the official website of the Board may face technical glitches. If such a situation arises this year, we request the candidates not to panic and wait for the website to resume. To make it easy for the students, we have mentioned the steps through which the candidates can check their TN HSC Result 2020. Step 1: Visit the official website of TN Board i.e. tnresults.nic.in. Step 2: Enter your admit card number and other important information. Step 3: Click on the submit button. Step 4: Your Tamil Nadu 12th Result 2020 will be displayed on the computer screen. Step 5: Check your TN HSC Result 2020 carefully. Step 6: Download the result or take a printout for future reference. About the Directorate of Government Examinations (DGE), Tamil Nadu Established during the British era in 1910, the Tamil Nadu Board of Secondary Education (TNBSE) is the highest authority in the state that looks after the propagation, development and maintenance of school level education in Tamil Nadu. Later on, the Directorate of Government Examinations was also formed under the aegis of Department of Education, Government of Tamil Nadu to conduct the SSLC level Board Exams for Class 10 students and HSC Exam for Class 12 students. Currently, the TN Board has around 30,000+ affiliated schools which operate under its guidance. Every year, the Tamil Nadu Board organises SSLC / Senior Secondary Leaving Certificate Examination for over 9.5 lakh students in the month of March and declares the TN SSLC Result in the month of May. New Delhi: A 30-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping and brutally killing a seven-year-old girl when she was her way to a temple in Uttar Pradeshas Kannauj on April 8, the police said on Saturday. The police said the man first raped the girl and then brutally killed her, with the postmortem report confirming that 12 of her bones were found broken.A A Kannauj: 7-yr-old girl allegedly raped & murdered by a 30-year-old man (in white shirt in picture); 12 of her bones were found broken in postmortem. Accused arrested. She was going to a temple around 7:30 pm on April 8 when the man raped her & subsequently killed her. pic.twitter.com/RWNc9aAdeZ a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 13, 2019 Uttar Pradesh is one of the most unsafe states for women in the country, Cases of crime against children witnessed an 889 per cent increase from 10,814 in 2001 to 106,958 in 2016. During these 16 years, a total of 595,089 cases of crime against children have been registered. With 95,324 cases, Madhya Pradesh (16 per cent) seems to be the most unsafe city for children. Uttar Pradesh comes close second, contributing 15 per cent of the total cases. Maharashtra and Delhi are in third and fourth position respectively, according to a report by DownToEarth. For all the Latest Crime News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Beijing: Chinese scientists have discovered a possible death switch mechanism in plants immune system that triggers infected cells to self-destruct, thus limiting the spread of the disease and keeping other parts of the plant healthy, official media here reported on Friday. Scientists said the discovery provides clues to cell death control and immunity for plants, and they hope further research can lead to a new generation of disease-resistant crops that use significantly less pesticide and are more environmentally friendly. The research was done by scientists from Tsinghua University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Genetics and Development Biology. Their findings were published in the journal Science on Friday. About 20 years ago, scientists discovered that plants, like animals, have robust immune systems that can protect them from pathogens including viruses, fungi, bacteria and parasites. Plants also have a unique lure and catch immune response to deal with pathogens that have breached their cellular defence, but exactly how this worked remained unknown, Zhou Jianmin, a researcher at the institute and one of the main scientists behind the study was quoted by the state-run China Daily reported. To probe this mystery, Zhou and his team investigated a protein called AvrAC, which is produced by a bacterial pathogen that causes black rot on cabbage. The bacterium injects AvrAC into plant cells, where it acts as a biochemical weapon weakening the plants immune system. They discovered that some plants have evolved to carry a resistance protein called ZAR1 that can detect bacterial proteins like AvrAC. These plants use special proteins as bait and trick the bacterial protein into attacking them instead. While the bait is being attacked, ZAR1 is activated to form a multiprotein structure called resistosome, Zhou said. The resistosome inserts itself into the cells membrane and triggers it to destroy itself along with the invading pathogens, thus protecting other healthy cells, he said. In addition to discovering this defence mechanism, Zhou and his associates from the Tsinghua University created structural models of the resistosome from their research. This allows other scientists to examine its composition and functions more closely. The death switch is usually harmless to the plant because it only affects diseased cells, which are a tiny portion of the entire plant, Zhou said. Understanding and taking advantage of this mechanism can help us create new disease-resistant crops that rely on their own immune system to fend off pathogens and thus greatly reduce the need of pesticide, which is good for the environment, he said. Sophien Kamoun, a plant pathologist at the Sainsbury Laboratory in the United Kingdom, said in a video interview that the recent discovery is important because it shows what resistosome looks like for the first time and it proposes a totally new model for plant pathology and immunity. The discovery is a huge step toward the dream of designing new resistant genes from scratch. And once we know how the system works, we can harness it for the benefit of agriculture, he was quoted by the Daily as saying. Kang Zhensheng, a professor of plant pathologist at Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University in Yangling, Shaanxi province, called the discovery a milestone that will lead the fields of plant pathology and immunity for the foreseeable future. Zhou Xueping, the director of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Institute of Plant Protection, said Chinese agriculture constantly faces serious threats from diseases and pests, and a good solution to these problems is to boost the crops own immunity. Once we have a better understanding of the procedure, we might be able to create some intricate genetic designs that allow precise deterrence against diseases and pests, while ensuring crop yield, he said adding further research may lead to a new generation of disease-resistant crops. For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. For all the latest news updates on Board Results and Education, DOWNLOAD the News Nation App available on Android and iOS New Delhi: Karnataka PUC Results 2020 The Karnataka Board who are preparing for KSEEB PUC examinations can brace themselves as the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) is likely to release the timetable soon. According to the sources, the board will conduct the Karnataka Board PUC in the month of April. Last year, the board conducted the Karnataka PUC examination held in the month of March/April. As far as results are concerned, the candidates can expect the results to be announced in the month of April. Soon after the formal declaration of the results, the scorecards will be available on the official website of the board i.e. karresults.nic.in. Alternatively, the candidates also check their results on this page as we will be activating the result link soon after the declaration of the results. We here at News Nation are in direct contact with our sources and will be updating all the results related information here. Therefore, we request the candidates to bookmark this page and check it regularly for all the updates. Karnataka PUC 2020 Result Important Dates The important dates of Karnataka Board Results are important for students who are awaiting their KAR Results 2020. The table given below is for reference purpose only and the same will be updated with official dates as soon as the dates are announced. Exam Name Exam Date Exam Result Date Karnataka SSLC Board Exam In the Month of March In the Month of April Karnataka PUC Board Exam In the Month of March In the Month of April How to check Karnataka Board Results 2020: Karnataka PUC Results 2020 Post the announcement of KAR Results 2020, the students will be able to check the outcome of their year-round hard work here and the official website of the board- karresults.nic.in. News Nation will activate the link on this page to check the Karnataka Board Results 2019 comprising Karnataka PUC Results 2020. In case there are disruptions and the official website becomes stagnant, they should not panic and wait for the website to process their request. However, due to high traffic volume, these websites are prone to technical delays and problems. To avoid any delays on the day of the Karnataka Board Results 2020, we would be providing the Karnataka 2nd PUC Results 2020 on our website. The candidates alternatively may check their Karnataka PUC Results 2020 on the result pages specifically designed for the Karnataka Board Results 2020. We at News Nation will make the process of viewing Karnataka Board Results 2020 easier with the steps given below: Visit karresults.nic.in. Enter your roll number and other important details. Click on 'Submit' to download your result Karnataka Results 2020: Analysis Since the Karnataka Board Results 2020 are not yet declared, therefore candidates are advised to go through the KAR Results analysis of previous years. Karnataka PUC Results: According to reports, around 6.5 lakh appeared for the PUC exams held from March 1 to March 17. According to reports, the average pass percentage for last year stood at 61.73 per cent. It was nearly 2 per cent higher than last year's 59 per cent. Total Number of Students: 6,71,653 Total Number of Passed Students: 4,14,587 Overall Pass Percentage: 61.73% Pass percentage among girl students: 68.24% Pass percentage among male students: 55.29% About the Karnataka Board About Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB): The Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) was established to function as a regulatory and supervisory board to formulate and implement education policies of the Karnataka Government. The KSEEB is in existence since the year 1966. Its jurisdiction includes formulating education policies, school syllabus structuring, yearly examinations for academic evaluation, grading and recognition of schools in the state of Karnataka. About the Department of Pre-University Education, Karnataka (PUE) - The Department of Pre-University, Government of Karnataka is a regulatory body that manages and looks after the higher secondary education in the state. The department operates under the Department of Primary and Secondary Education of the state government and is entrusted the responsibility to develop higher education in Karnataka. The PUE Department, Karnataka also conducts the annual Karnataka 2nd PU Board Exam in the state. Khandwa: Taking on the prime minister over his nationalistic poll pitch, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath on Sunday said even when Narendra Modi "didn't learn to wear pyjamas and pants", Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi had built the country's defence forces. The veteran Congress leader's stinging attack on Modi came days after the prime minister referred to him as 'bhrasht' Nath, meaning corrupt. Addressing an election rally at Harsud in Khandwa district, Nath said the "highest" number of terror attacks happen whenever the BJP is in power at the Centre. "Modi talks about security of the country. Was the country not in safe hands five years ago? "Modi, when you had not even learned to wear pyjamas and pants, Jawaharlal Nehru (the first prime minister of India) and (former PM) Indira Gandhi had created the Army, the Air Force and the Navy for this country. And, you say that the country is safe under you," he said. Modi has been invoking the Pulwama terror attack and Balakot air strike in an apparent bid to build a poll narrative around national security and a decisive government. "Under whose government did most terror attacks happen? Whose government was in Delhi when terror attack on Parliament happened (in 2001)? The BJP government was there and statistics shows that the highest number of terrorist attacks have happened under the BJP rule," the chief minister said. Continuing his tirade, the Congress leader said Modi has failed to keep his promise of generating jobs for youths. "Modi promised to give crores of employment but how many youths have got jobs? Modi said good days will come. Whose good days have come? Modi promised to bring back black money from abroad. Where is that money?" he asked. In a recent interview to a TV channel, Modi had referred to the chief minister as 'bhrasht' Nath after tax raids were conducted at properties linked to his close associates. "I didn't raise the finger against corruption, corruption is an issue for us. Just see what happened in Bhopal. 'Bhrasht' Nath can say anything but it doesn't matter," Modi had said. Polling in all 29 Lok Sabha seats of Madhya Pradesh is slated to be held in four phases beginning April 29. Srinagar: A Hurriyat leader was intercepted at the Srinagar airport on Sunday for allegedly carrying over Rs 14 lakh "unaccounted" cash, officials said. Aga Syed Hasan Mosavi, a noted Shia leader, was briefly detained by the Jammu and Kashmir police after he landed in Srinagar from Delhi with the cash of Rs 14.38 lakh. It is suspected to be unaccounted and has been seized in view of the election season, the officials said. The case has been transferred to the Income Tax Department and Mousavi has been summoned before an investigating tax officer on Monday, the officials said. The Income Tax Department is looking to ascertain the source of the cash, which is primarily believed to be from a Shia organisation based in Iran, the officials added. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The next time your men with their hirsute looking beard of a forest comes near you, tell him to stay a mile away! Because a new hair-raising study claims that men with beards carry more germs than dogs including deadly bacteria in their facial ball of hair. Researchers discovered that nearly half of all sampled beards hosted bugs dangerous to human health. The study, which was published by the Daily Mail took swabs from the beards of 18 men and the necks of 30 dogs, across a range of breeds, and compared the results. Professor Andreas Gutzeit, of Switzerland's Hirslanden Clinic, told the publication, The researchers found a significantly higher bacterial load in specimens taken from the men's beards compared with the dogs' fur. "On the basis of these findings, dogs can be considered as clean compared with bearded men." Keith Flett, founder of the Beard Liberation Front seems to argue otherwise against this bushy debate. 'I think it's possible to find all sorts of unpleasant things if you took swabs from people's hair and hands and then tested them,' he said. 'I don't believe that beards in themselves are unhygienic. 'There seems to be a constant stream of negative stories about beards that suggest it's more about pogonophobia than anything else Flett adds. And with that, are you giving a second thought about re-grabbing the razor stashed away in the washroom? New Delhi: AAP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Saturday said his party is still ready to form an alliance with the Congress in Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh but it would not agree for a tie-up just in the national capital. He said the priority of the Aam Aadmi Party is to stop the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah duo which, he said, is proving to become very "dangerous" for the country. "We wanted to form a united opposition against the BJP and were ready to ignore our differences because right now the priority is to stop the dangerous Modi-Shah duo," he said. "In last one week, meetings were held between the AAP and the Congress and we proposed alliance on 33 seats in Delhi, Goa, Chandigarh, Haryana and Punjab seats, out of them 23 seats is with NDA. He said a tie-up between the two parties could have caused a "damage" to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on the 23 seats. "But the Congress purposely wasted time to take a decision on alliance and now it says it can tie up with the AAP only in Delhi. Forming an alliance in Delhi alone would not solve the problem," he said. "We still saying that an alliance can be formed (with Congress) in Haryana, Delhi and Chandigarh if they are ready then we are ready too but alliance cannot be done alone in Delhi," he added. The uncertainty over alliance between the AAP and the Congress has been continuing for weeks now. The talks between the two sides derailed after they failed to reach an agreement over seat-sharing in Delhi and Haryana. Congress' in-charge for Delhi P C Chacko on Friday said Congress will go alone in Delhi since the AAP has taken an "impractical stand". He, however said,"We are still ready (for alliance) if AAP is willing to have an alliance in Delhi alone. We want to fight the BJP together." "We are compelled to go on our own as the AAP is going back on its stand," Chacko told reporters. AAP's Rajya Sabha leader Sanjay Singh, who was holding alliance talks with the Congress, said, "Our sincerity to stop the BJP in Haryana is reflected by the fact that we became a junior partner to a four-month-old party (JJP) and agreed to contest only less than half of the seats in the state." Singh said the AAP was eager for an alliance with the Congress in Haryana so that the BJP could be defeated on all the 10 seats. "That's why we were prepared to give Congress three seats in Delhi. But they refused an alliance," he said. Singh exuded confidence that the AAP will win all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi on its own. However, sources said the AAP in a last-ditch attempt may offer a 5-2 seat sharing formula to the Congress in Delhi. Earlier, the AAP was ready to give three seats to the Congress in Delhi but now it might consider giving it just two seats, the sources added. New Delhi: With the negotiations on finalising an alliance with the AAP reaching a dead-end, the Congress has finalised its candidates for four out of seven seats in Delhi and an official announcement is likely to be made soon, according to sources quoted by news agency PTI. All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Delhi P C Chacko had on Thursday said that the names of all seven candidates will be announced together on a later date. According to the sources, the party is yet to finalise its candidates for East Delhi, West Delhi and South Delhi constituencies. They said the party is likely to field former Union minister Kapil Sibal from Chandni Chowk, former Delhi minister Rajkumar Chouhan from North West seat, former state unit chief Ajay Maken from New Delhi and former MP J P Agarwal from North East Delhi constituency. The sources said Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Sheila Dikshit's name was also under discussion as a probable from East Delhi seat. "The talk of her being fielded from East Delhi started after the possibility of an alliance with the AAP diminished. Her son Sandip Dikshit is also being considered as a candidate from East Delhi and if he declines, she may be fielded from that seat," one of the sources said on Thursday. However, according to the list of UPA candidates for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections available with the Wikipedia Sheila Dikshit is the party nominee from East Delhi, Mahabal Mishra from West Delhi and Olympic medallist wrestler Sushil Kumar from South Delhi. The Congress on Friday said its talks with the AAP for an alliance has failed as the Arvind Kejriwal-led party took an "impractical stand" of a tie-up in four states, but indicated that possibilities for an electoral understanding between the two were still alive for Delhi. Chacko announced that the party will go alone, but maintained that it is still willing to have an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party provided the tie-up is restricted only to the national capital. The AAP, however, said the tie-up can only be done on 33 Lok Sabha seats across four states and one Union Territory. Soon after the Congress announcement, the AAP announced a tie-up with the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) for Haryana. The JJP was launched by former Haryana chief minister Om Prakash Chautala's grandson Dushyant Chautala, following a power struggle in the state's main opposition INLD last year. Uncertainty over alliance between the AAP and the Congress has been continuing for weeks now with the former demanding an alliance on 33 seats of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Goa and Chandigarh. The talks between the two sides derailed after they failed to reach an agreement over seat-sharing in Delhi and Haryana. However, sources said the AAP in a last-ditch attempt may offer a 5:2 seat sharing formula to the Congress in Delhi. Earlier, the AAP was ready to give three seats to the Congress in Delhi but now it might consider giving it just two seats, the sources added. Mumbai: A scuffle broke out between Congress supportersA and BJP workersA during Congress candidate from Mumbai North, Urmila Matondkar's election campaign at Borivali on Monday, police said. The BJP workers chanted slogans outside the Borivali railway station, shouting 'Modi, Modi' as they confronted the Congress workers, an onlooker said. #WATCH Scuffle broke out between Congress workers & BJP supporters during Congress candidate from Mumbai North, Urmila Matondkar's election campaign at Borivali. #Maharashtra. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/0CD5bhD2Ly a ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2019 Matondkar approached the Borivali police station and lodged a police complaint after the scuffle. Matondkar said there's a threat to her family and added that it was done to create fear. "It's being done to create fear. It's just beginning, it'll take a violent turn. Have asked for police protection; there's a threat to my life; I've filed a complaint," she said.A She has sought police protection after the incident and is expected to address media on the incident later in the day, an aide of the Congress candidate said. Urmila Matondkar,Congress candidate from Mumbai(N) on scuffle b/w Congress workers&BJP supporters during her campaign: It's being done to create fear. It's just beginning,it'll take violent turn.Have asked for police protection; there's a threat to my life; I've filed a complaint pic.twitter.com/ZcTTKmOOx6 a ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2019 BJP has fielded sitting MP Gopal Shetty from the constituency. New Delhi: The body of a 25-year-old woman, who worked as a software engineer, was found stuffed inside a suitcase and thrown inside a drain on Sunday in Medchal, a small town near Hyderabad. Police spotted the womans body after some locals informed them about the abandoned suitcase near a school in Sururam colony. According to the police, the woman, identified as Lavanya, was allegedly killed by her boyfriend a mechanical engineer who was her classmate in college, according to a NDTV report. The suspect, identified as Sunil, did not want to marry the woman and therefore decided to kill her. Lavanyas family approached the police on March 7, three days after their daughter went missing. The family knew about her relationship with Sunil who wanted to move to Muscat and take the woman along so that could attend a visa interview. With the plot to kill her, he convinced the woman to go to a hotel with him. A day later, reportedly on March 5, he killed her and stuffed the body in a suitcase and threw it in a drain. The accused has been arrested and the womans body has been sent for postmortem, the police said. For all the Latest Crime News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada on Monday broke her silence on SP leader Azam Khanas controversial remark against her. aIt isn't new for me,a the actor was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. She recalled the 2009 period and said, aI was a candidate from his party in '09 when no one supported me after he made comments against me.a She also added that, aI'm a woman and I can't even repeat what he said.a She wondered, aI don't know what I did to him that he is saying such things.a Khan kicked up a political storm with his remark against his friend-turned-political rival. The Election Commission has demanded report from the DM and a case has been filed against him. A He shouldn't be allowed to contest elections. Because if this man wins, what will happen to democracy? There'll be no place for women in society, says Jaya Prada READ full story:https://t.co/DXeQivEcTa pic.twitter.com/PJDy1M7ikf a News Nation (@NewsNationTV) April 15, 2019 Demanding a ban on Khan, Jaya Prada said that, ahe shouldn't be allowed to contest elections. Because if this man wins, what will happen to democracy? There'll be no place for women in society. Where will we go? Should I die, then you'll be satisfied? You think that I'll get scared and leave Rampur? I won't leave.a National Commission of Women chief Rekha Sharma said, aWe are also writing to EC to take strict action against him because he has to learn this lesson now. It's high time, he has to stop this. Women are not sex objects. I think, women voters should vote against such kind of people who are treating women in such way.a She also added that, ahe's always talking dirty about women and in this election it's the second remark he gave against woman politician. NCW has taken suo-motu cognizance and we're sending him notice.a A National Commission for Women (NCW) sends a notice to SP leader Azam Khan over his remark 'main 17 din mein pehchan gaya ki inke niche ka underwear khaki rang ka hai', he made in Rampur (UP) yesterday, reports ANI.@NCWIndia @BJP4India READ full story:https://t.co/DXeQivEcTa pic.twitter.com/3QJCDT6wT7 a News Nation (@NewsNationTV) April 15, 2019 One of the 80 constituencies of Uttar Pradesh, Rampur Lok Sabha Constituency was formed before 1957. The Rampur Parliamentary constituency (constituency number 7) has a total of 1,154,544 electorates out of which 531,775 are females and 622,769 are males according to Election Commission of India 2009 reports. It has five Vidhan Sabha segments of which one is reserved for the SC category. It covers the district of Rampur which is a part of the Moradabad Division and is divided into five tehsils: Bilaspur, Milak, Rampur, Shahabad, Swar and Tanda. Rampur District covers an area of 2,367 sq km. According to the India census 2011, the district has a population of 2,335,398 and is the 194th most populous district of the country. About 52% of the population is male and 48% is female. From 2001-2011, its population growth rate has been 21.4% and the population density of Rampur is 987 people per sq km. 16.24% of the population is under six years and the sex ratio is 909 females per 1000 males. The average literacy rate here is below the national average at an appalling rate of only 53.34% with male and female literacy rates at 61.40% and 44.44%. Hindi and Bhojpuri are the most commonly used languages here. 51% of the population comprises of Muslims. Agriculture is the primary economic activity here. National Highway NH-24 and NH-87 pass through the district. Fiji: The Prime Minister of Fiji Voreqe Bainimarama said that the island nation will reopen clubs, bars, and gaming venues from November 11 as over 80 per cent of the adult population have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya stressed the importance of creating a safe environment for businesses to re-open amid the pandemic. Given that these businesses involve high customer interaction and close contact, they are only available for persons who are fully vaccinated. In the wake of declines in covid, the venues will reopen for business in accordance with the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport's protocols. "At the end of the day, what we want and what we should strive towards is sustainability and resilience. How we invest in our workplaces and in our people today will reflect on our development in years to come," the Prime Minister said. The Ministry, together with the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, has deployed "Covid-safe ambassadors" who will closely observe and advise businesses on mandatory minimum parameters for safe operation. Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Friday wrote to India Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the consequences of Uttarakhand and Kerala rains and extended his condolences to the victims. Talking about the floods and landslides that battered the two states, the Prime Minister said that Japan will always stand with India to overcome the loss of lives. Taking to his official Twitter handle Fumio Kishida wrote -"I extend my heartfelt condolences for victims and their bereaved families. I also express my sympathy to those who suffered and pray for the quickest possible reconstruction of the affected areas. As per the latest updates, A total of 65 people were killed, 22 were injured and two went missing during the recent spell of downpours in Uttarakhand which also saw 60 houses being damaged. countless hectares of forest and agricultural land with standing paddy crop in them have also swept away in the rains with the Chief Minister pegging the losses as per an initial estimate at Rs 7,000 crore. Uttarakhand again under crisis, IMD issues warning of heavy rain European Parliament adopts resolution for sanctions on Poland Israeli PM Naftali Bennett departs for Sochi to meet Putin Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor had gone to the Maldives with his wife Mira Rajput and children Misha and Jain to attend the vacation but now everyone is back. Last Friday evening, everyone was spotted at the Mumbai airport and all of them had a good style. Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput looked the latest in the latest look and the style of the two looked extremely stylish. You can see Shahid and Mira in black looks during this time. In fact, Shahid looked cool in matching trousers and shoes with a black shirt. Mira looked stylish in matching shorts with a black sweatshirt. You can see Mira completed her look with grey and white stickers. Talking about the children of both Jain and Misha, Misha looked cool in a pink outfit and Jain was seen in a white look. Jain was seen on Shahid's lap and Misha held mother's hand. Now fans are loving these pictures of them but some people are trolling Mira. Many say Mira's clothes are too small and should not stay like this. Many have even said that Mira has degenerated by going to the Maldives. Well if we talk about work Shahid will soon be seen in the film 'Jersey.' 'Jersey' is a Hindi remake of the Telugu film 'Jersey.' Shahid will be accompanied by his father Pankaj Kapoor in the film. Bollywood's legendary actress says goodbye to the world! Trailer of Salman's starrer film 'Antim' to release on this day Shah Rukh: 'My name will spoil the lives of children' Home Just In 10 lesser-known base camps in Nepal that can be your next holiday destinations Trekking, commercial, started in Nepal in the 1960s when Col Jimmy Roberts organised the first trek to Everest Base Camp with six American women. In the following six decades, trekking around various Himalayan peaks of Nepal, either to the summit or to their respective base camps, has been popular among both national and international tourists. The country has a unique and rich blend of geographical, natural, and cultural diversity to support tourism. Also, in the mesmerising Himalayan trails, one can experience all kinds of local lifestyles, languages, food habits, culture, and people. Trekking can be done in all seasons in Nepal. However, autumn (September to December) and spring (March to May) are more preferred times. Nepal boasts eight peaks taller than 8,000 metres, and over 1,300 peaks above 6,000 metres, giving ample opportunities for trekking, both to the summits and to their respective base camps. Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp are the two most famous base camps of Nepal, but there are many similar base camps, less popular but equally worth visiting. Why dont you try visiting one or some of these base camps on your next vacation? 1. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Photo: Wikimedia Commons Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8,586 m. Kanchenjunga Base Camp is located in the eastern part of Nepal at 5,143 m. A trek to this camp is one of the longest treks in Nepal whereas the camp located off the beaten track remains one of the most underrated base camps. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is the main highlight of this camp which is the least densely populated area. The trekking route passes through the famous Arun valley that is considered to be very beautiful for trekkers. Along the route, you also pass through traditional villages like Ghunsa, Khambachen, Panama, among others. The inhabitants of this region are Sherpas, Rais, Limbus, and Gurungs, with whom the trekkers can enjoy the local peoples hospitality, culture, food, and lifestyle. In this trek, you get the scenic view of massive mountain peaks such as Lhotse, Everest, Makalu, and many others. One can also explore the varied wildlife species such as blue sheep, musk deer, snow leopard, and black bear. This base camp trek begins from Taplejung, for which you first have to take a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur of Jhapa followed by a jeep ride to Birtamod and then a bus ride to Taplejung. Best time to travel: April-May to early June, October-November to early December Days: 26 Price: USD 3,000 per person (approx) Preferred route: Kathmandu-Bhadrapur-Ilam-Taplejung-Mitlung-Chiruwa-Sukathum-Amjilosa-Gyabla-Ghunsa-Khangpachen-Lhonak-Kanchenjunga Base Camp 2. Dhaulagiri Base Camp Photo: Wikimedia Commons Dhaulagiri Base Camp is an adventurous, challenging trek destination located north-west of Pokhara in western Nepal and south of the Tibet and Nepal border. Dhaulagiri is the seventh-highest Himalayan peak (8,167 m) whereas its base camp is a bit above 4,750 m. The best feature of this trek is that it crosses two high passes named French pass (5,360 m) and Thapa pass (6,012 m). Moreover, trekkers experience snow and glacier walking especially around the Italian Base Camp and Dhaulagiri North Base Camp along with mesmerising views of Rhododendron forest and Dhaulagiri, Thorong peak, Annapurna, and Kali Gandaki river where the worlds deepest gorge also lies. Semi-wild herds of yaks and mountain sheep can also be encountered on the trail. Besides this, the trekkers can enjoy teahouses, local shops, lifestyles, customs, traditions, rituals, and beliefs of Nepals ethnic people such as Gurungs, Chhetris, and Magars, which leaves an unforgettable impression on ones mind. Best time to travel: March, June, September, November Days: 25 Price: USD 2,000-2,500 per person (approx) Preferred route: Kathmandu-Pokhara-Beni-Babichaur-Dharapani-Muri-Boghara-Dhoban-Italian Base Camp-Glacier Camp-Dhaulagiri Base Camp 3. Manaslu Base Camp Photo: flickr/ Ben Tubby The Manaslu Base Camp trek is a very fascinating and challenging route of 18 days up to an altitude of 4,800 m. The camp is located close to Nepal-Tibet border. In this trek, one can visit three peaks of Manaslu, also known as Japanese peaks. Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) known for its conical shape is the eighth-highest peak in the world. Manaslu Base Camp provides an amazing view of Manaslu Himal, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Himal Chuli. This trekking starts from and ends at Sotikhola Bazar, and it passes through huge steep valleys. This trek is less touristy and less crowded but is known as the best classical trek among all base camps in Nepal. Also, most of the parts in this trek are restricted, and a special permit may be required to explore those areas. On the way, trekkers come across sacred monasteries as inhabitants of this camp are mostly Tibetans who reflect their lifestyle, culture, people, festival, and system. There come various teahouses that serve organic and hygienic Nepali dal-bhat. Best time to travel: March, April, May, end of September to mid-December Days: 18 Price: USD 1,700 per person (approx) Preferred route: Kathmandu-Arughat-Sotikhola-Maccha Khola-Dhoban-Philim-Lokpa-Chumling-Deng-Namrung-Lho-Sama Gaon-Manaslu Base Camp 4. Makalu Base Camp Photo: Wikimedia Commons The Makalu Base Camp is one of the most popular treks to base camps in Nepal among solitary trekkers. The base camp of the fifth-highest peak of Nepal (8,485) is located at an altitude of 4870 m. The main attraction of this trek is Makalu Barun National Park in Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha districts. This national park is home to 3,000 species of flowering plants, 440 species of birds, and 75 species of mammals including snow leopards, red pandas, musk deers, wild boars, wild yaks, and Himalayan thars. However, this trek is a less frequented route due to its relative isolation and remote setting. Major inhabitants in this area are Gurungs, Rais, and Sherpas who can help the trekkers get a chance to explore their beautiful villages, tasty food, their lifestyle, and culture. Also, trekkers get to see Mt Everest, Mt Makalu, Mt Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Baruntse, Chamlang, and the other Himalayas after climbing the Makalu camp. During the trek, trekkers come across the two remotest parts of the country, namely: Arun valley and Barun valley, which give them an idea of the struggle of living in this area. The trek in this camp begins with a half-an-hour flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar of mid-eastern Nepal. Best time to travel: March, April, May, September, October, November Days: 22 Price: USD 1,900 per person (approx) Preferred route: Kathmandu-Tumlingtar-Chichila-Num-Seduwa-Tashigaon-Khongma Dhanda-Dobate-Yangle Kharka-Langmale Kharka-Sherson-Makalu Base Camp 5. Mardi Himal Base Camp Photo: Unsplash/ Sanjay Hona Mardi Himal Base Camp is located to the east of the famous Annapurna Base Camp. This camp is perfect for a week-long trek for the trekkers who have limited time, making it one of the shortest treks to any base camps. Located at an altitude of 4,450 m, this camp is a hidden gem of Nepal. On the route, trekkers get an amazing view of the ancient rhododendron forests, pines, oaks, and mountains like Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Ganga Purna, Annapurna, and Mt Mardi (5,587 m). Also, the trek route also passes through ethnic villages and lush farmlands where local people are waiting for you with a warm meal and a cosy bed. Also, there are alternative routes to go to the base camp. You can start from Kande or Ghandruk or Landruk and finish at Siding or Landruk. Best time to travel: April and May Days: 5-10 days Price: USD 125-245 per person (approx) Preferred route: Kathmandu-Ghandruk-Forest Camp-High Camp-Base Camp-High Camp-Landruk or Siding 6. Api Base Camp The Api Base Camp trek is one of the most non-touristy and virgin treks of Nepal. Located at an altitude of 4,250 m, this treasure is protected by the Api Nampa Conservation Area that conserves the natural beauty and ecosystem of this region. It is named after the famous snow-capped mountain Mt Api (7,132 m) which lies in the far-western region of Nepal. The trek might require you to camp outdoors frequently; because of the remoteness and the low frequency of tourists, lodging cannot be guaranteed. However, homestays are available. During the trek, trekkers get to see and enjoy the beautiful Mahakali valley, steep gorges, subtropical to alpine forest and vegetation, pastures, grasslands, waterfalls, lakes, streams, and birds which make the trekking more remarkable. This region is a mixture of both Hindus and Buddhists exhibiting their culture untouched by modernity. The trek here begins from a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi, and then a drive to Latinath (starting point of the trek). Best time to travel: Autumn and spring Days: 17 Price: USD 3,000-3,500 per person (approx) Preferred route: Kathmandu-Dhangadhi-Gokuleshwar-Latinath-Paribagar-Makarigaad-Siti-Domal-Dhaulo Odar-Api Base Camp 7. Cho Oyu Base Camp Photo: Wikimedia Commons Cho Oyu is the sixth-highest mountain in the world (8,201 m), which lies around 20 km west of Mt Everest on the border of Tibet and Nepal. The trek to Cho Oyu Base Camp is a short journey of around weeks. Located at an altitude of 5,600 m, the camp can be accessible by jeep. That is why this base camp is usually crowded. In the west of Cho Oyu, there is Nangpa La, which is known as the major trade route between Khumbu and Tibet. While trekking to this camp, trekkers pass through yak pastures, gigantic glaciers, mesmerizing scenery, stunning views of mountains such as Cho Oyu, Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse. Sherpas are the main inhabitants of this region who share intimate knowledge of their village and allow a glimpse of Tibetan culture. The trip here begins from Kathmandu to Lhasa (Tibet) by air, but while returning, you can try a new road link inside Nepal. Best time to travel: March to May and October to November Days: 14 days Price: USD 3,750 per person (approx) Preferred route: Kathmandu-Lhasa-Shigatse-Shegar-Tingri-Cho Oyu Base Camp-Kyirong-Dunche 8. Ama Dablam Base Camp Photo: Unsplash/ Kerensa Pickett Ama Dablam, which means mothers necklace, is one of the most beautiful mountains of the world with an altitude of 6,812 metres. For the people who want a superb view of Mt Everest in a short span, a two-week trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp (4,600 m) can be suitable. The trip begins with a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla of the Everest region where Sherpas are the main inhabitants who reflect their Buddhist villages, culture, and their famous Thyangboche monastery. Trekkers explore the panoramic Himalayas such as Everest, Nuptse, Lhoste, Amadablam, Kangtega, and Tawache during trekking. Also, Himalayan rivers, small rivers, and wild forests can be seen during this trek. The main feature of this trip is its capital, Namche Bazaar. Best time to travel: March to May and September to November Days: 14 days Price: USD 2,650 per person (approx) Preferred route: Kathmandu-Lukla-Phakding-Namchebazar-Pangboche-Ama Dablam Base Camp 9. Saribung Base Camp Saribung Base Camp is located at an altitude of 4,950 m in an isolated part of the Mustang region in the western part of the country, close to the Tibetan border. The main feature of this trek is the scenic view of the mountains, including Saribung peak (6,3287 m). The route of this trek is rugged, cutting high into cliff sides and meets different villages and monasteries that reflect the culture, and religion of Tibetan people. Also, trekkers get to visit and explore the mysterious Jhong Cave and the ancient kingdom of Lo-Manthang on this trip. This trek can be done in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. The clockwise trek starts from Jomsom and ends at Nar-Phu valley and the anti-clockwise from Nar Phu to Upper Mustang. Best time to travel: March to May, September to November Days: 29 Price: USD 4,550 per person (approx) Preferred route: Kathmandu-Pokhara-Jomsom-Kagbeni-Tsaile-Gelling-Tsarang-Lo Manthang-Yara-Luri Gumpa-Ghuma Thanthi-Namta Khola-Saribung Base Camp 10. Paldor Base Camp The Paldor Base Camp is one of the closest trekking destinations from Kathmandu with an altitude of 4,200 m. It is located in the Ruby Valley of the Ganesh Himal region, at an elevation of 4,980 metres. This base camp of Paldor Peak (5,903 m) is a non-popular tourist area, but the Ganesh Himal Singla Pass trekking provides dramatic views of Ganesh Himal, Annapurna Range, Manaslu Range, Langtang Range, Lamjung Himal, Himachuli Shringi Himal, and many other peaks, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The trekkers also get to experience more than 300 species of birds and wildlife like snow leopards, red pandas, wild yaks, Himalayan thars, musk deers, wild boars, and many more. Also, the visitors can explore the culture and tradition of ethnic groups like Tamangs, Gurungs, Magars, Chhetris, and Brahmins who are the main inhabitants of this region. Not only this, but this trek also has Ganga Jamuna Waterfall, the temple of Tripura Sundari, many monasteries and chortans (or stupas) which attract trekkers towards this camp. The trip takes seven to eight hours of drive from Kathmandu to Sabrubesi to reach Paldor Peak. Best time to travel: March, April, May, September, October and November Days: 20 days Price: USD 2,350 per person (approx) Preferred route: Kathmandu-Sabrubesi-Gatlang-Yuri Kharka-Somdang-Jasta Khani-Paldor Base Camp From the archive. * Climate envoy was due to be named by September * Govt source says appointment unlikely before COP26 * Climate thinktank calls delay "a missed opportunity" (Adds envoy unlikely named before COP26, govt comment) By Gavin Jones and Angelo Amante ROME, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Italy, joint host of a key United Nations climate summit just over a week away, has still not found a special envoy to represent it because the ministers responsible for the appointment cannot agree on a name. Italian climate activists cheered when a government decree in June promised the appointment of the special envoy, following the example of other countries which have named prominent figures to the job such as John Kerry in the United States. The role would ensure "more effective Italian participation at international events and negotiations on the environment and climate change," read the decree. Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio and Ecological Transition Minister Roberto Cingolani were given joint responsibility for the appointment, which Di Maio said would be made by September. Three weeks after the deadline nobody has been named, as Italy prepares to host a Group of 20 leaders' meeting next week where climate change will top the agenda, immediately followed by the U.N. "COP26" climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland. "The delay in appointing the special envoy before the crucial G20 Summit and COP26 is a big missed opportunity," said Luca Bergamaschi, co-founder of Italian climate think-tank ECCO. A senior government source said a few candidates were currently being vetted but the appointment was unlikely to come before the COP26. "I don't think the envoy could add much at this stage, the preparatory job for the COP is already done and the negotiating team is at work," the source said. DIFFERENT VIEWS Cingolani wants someone widely known, a figurehead who can be "inspiring" to the general public but who will not overshadow the minister himself, said a second source, adding that Di Maio, on the other hand, wants to pick a career diplomat. Story continues Another source said the names put forward by Cingolani were considered unsuitable by the office of Prime Minister Mario Draghi and it was for this reason that Di Maio was looking for candidates among the foreign ministry's diplomatic corps. Draghi's office declined to comment on this. "We can't deny there is a problem, otherwise the person would have been named by now," said a fourth ministerial source. Cingolani, a physicist with no party affiliation, has often been criticised by climate activists for stressing the financial and social costs of the ecological transition and saying that it needs to be gradual. Di Maio is a former deputy prime minister and a leading light in the 5-Star Movement, the largest party in parliament. Italy, which holds the rotating G20 presidency, is the only G7 nation that has not yet made a new financial commitment up to 2025 to help poor countries tackle climate change. "Italy is in the process of assessing its financial commitment with a view to the forthcoming G20 summit and COP26," a government spokesman said. ECCO's Bergamaschi said the envoy should be "a high-level figure with a credible track record on climate diplomacy at European and international level". He added that a female appointment would be ideal "given that the top Italian political and diplomatic posts are dominated by men". (additional reporting by Stephen Jewkes and Crispian Balmer, editing by Mark Heinrich and Crispian Balmer) Oil has now comfortably settled above $80, with Saudi Arabia refusing to alter its strategy and U.S. shale companies maintaining their spending discipline. For a deeper dive into exactly what is going on in energy markets at the moment, sign up for a risk-free trial of our premium service Global Energy Alert. From geopolitical intelligence to trading tips and technical analysis, it's your one-stop-shop for all things energy. Sign up today! Friday, October 22nd, 2021 Energy stocks are bouncing back into the limelight, significantly outperforming the broader S&P 500 index. Oil prices have remained largely stagnant over the week, with Brent trending around the $85 per barrel mark and WTI narrowing its Brent differential at $83 per barrel. Whilst both coal and gas prices have fallen back this week from earlier peaks, that decline was not enough to balance tight supply. Moreover, oil found marginal support from a surprise US crude stock draw as EIA data contradicted a solid weekly gain forecast by the API. Despite the steep backwardation in crude futures, oil prices are unlikely to change significantly until there is a fundamental shift in the ongoing energy crunch. Saudi Arabia Refuses to Change Crude Strategy. Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman dismissed calls for a change in OPEC+ production strategy amidst increasing pressure to bring down outright prices, claiming the current energy crunch is not due to there being a shortage of crude. Related: Oil And Gas Stocks Are Popular Once Again India Wants Fixed Price Supply Contracts. India, the third-largest crude importer globally, has called on oil producers to reconsider their approach to crude supply, with the state-owned IOC reportedly seeking as much as 70% of long-term supply deals to include a fixed selling price. Japan Stocks Up LNG Ahead of Winter. Japanese LNG stocks held by major utility companies reached a 5-year high according to METI data, indicating there is a low likelihood that this winter will trigger power shortages as importers built up their inventories before the anticipated LNG price rally took place. Story continues Chinese Coal Futures Plunge Amidst Government Intervention. Chinas most-traded Zhengzhou thermal coal futures dropped almost 30% over three days as Chinas state planner NDRC pledged to bring prices back to a reasonable range, amongst others by raising transaction fees and restricting trading positions. ExxonMobil Might be Forced to Drop Projects. The board of US major ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) is in talks to potentially drop several major oil and gas projects amidst environmentalist pressure, with rumors suggesting Mozambique LNG and the Blue Whale project in Vietnam might be high on the scrapping list. Shell and BP Back Democrats Infrastructure Bill. European oil majors BP (NYSE:BP) and Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE:RDS.A) have voiced their support to the $3.5 trillion budget bill, a rare occurrence in the US considering the bill would restrict federal energy leasing and mandate lower fossil use. Guyana Wants to Connect Offshore Fields to Land. The Guyanese government is seeking to build a 220-kilometer (135-mile) gas pipeline that would connectExxonMobils (NYSE:XOM) producing assets in the Stabroek block to the coast, with some 50 MCf per day of associated gas earmarked for power generation. Bahrain Wants Majors to Kickstart Shale Find. Following Bahrains discovery of an 80-billion barrel shale oil field that has spurred only two appraisal wells since. The island nation is now trying to attract Western majors to assess its offshore potential with Chevron (NYSE:CVX) signing a preliminary agreement with the kingdom. Gazprom Might Export More Very Soon. According to Russian sources, Gazproms domestic storage which it is obliged to fill before the onset of winter are 97% full, already at 69 bcm, implying that incremental supply could soon be hitting the European continent. Canadian Pipeline Congestion Lowest in 15 Months. Enbridges (TSE:ENB) 3 million b/d Mainline export system connecting Canadian producers with US buyers will see the lowest level of apportionment since August 2020, largely thanks to the expansion of Line 3 that now boasts a 760,000 b/d capacity. Italian Banks to Fund Latest Russian LNG Project. As the NOVATEK-led (MCX:NVTK) Arctic LNG 2 project is nearing its launching date in 2023, the project consortium is seeking external financing which would most probably come from Italian banks with Intesa Sanpaolo reportedly closing in on joining. Related: The Battle For Oil Market Share Heats Up Within OPEC First Mexican CSIEE Tender Fails Spectacularly. Mexicos state oil company PEMEX declared void its first-ever tender for an integrated exploration and production contract for the onshore Cuitlahuac gas field as none of the bidders managed to meet the minimum terms. Venture Global Clinches China LNG Deal. US firm Venture Global has signed two 20-year supply deals with Chinas Sinopec to provide a total of 4 mtpa LNG from its proposed Plaquemines LNG project, with the smaller locking in delivered volumes whilst the bigger contract is for free-on-board (FOB) deliveries. Indias Paradip Refinery Goes Down. The 300,000 b/d Paradip refinery went into full shutdown this week following an unidentified gas pipeline leak, exacerbating Indias looming gasoline shortage as demand for the transportation fuel has already started exceeding pre-pandemic levels. China Ramps Up Pipeline Gas Imports Amidst LNG Price Craze. Largely thanks to the oil peg now being much cheaper than spot LNG buying, Chinese gas importers have set a new all-time high in pipeline supplies this September, hitting 3.87 million metric tons equivalent, marking the fourth consecutive month-on-month increase.. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Read this article on OilPrice.com NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, P.A. Logo WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of the securities of Gaotu Techedu Inc. f/k/a GSX Techedu Inc. (NYSE: GOTU) (NYSE: GSX) between March 22, 2021 and March 29, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than December 20, 2021. SO WHAT: If you purchased Gaotu securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Gaotu class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2182.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than December 20, 2021. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Story continues DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley sold a large amount of Gaotu American Depository Shares (ADSs) during the Class Period while in possession of material non-public information about Archegos Capital Management (at the time a family office with $10 billion under management) and its need to fully liquidate its position in Gaotu because of margin call pressure. As a result of these sales, the defendants in the case, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, avoided billions in losses combined. To join the Gaotu class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2182.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 lrosen@rosenlegal.com pkim@rosenlegal.com cases@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shareholder-alert-rosen-a-leading-investor-rights-law-firm-encourages-gaotu-techedu-inc-fka-gsx-techedu-inc-investors-with-losses-to-secure-counsel-before-important-deadline-in-securities-class-action--gotu-gsx-301407000.html SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. (Bloomberg) -- Donald Trumps sagging fortune is suddenly poised to get a massive boost from meme-stock mania. Most Read from Bloomberg News late Wednesday that the former presidents nascent media enterprise, Trump Media & Technology Group, is planning to go public via a special purpose acquisition company has sent retail investors into a frenzy, even with few details released. The stock gain drove the implied value of the new venture to more than $8.2 billion. Based on figures from press releases and filings to the Securities and Exchange Commission, it appears Trump will own more than 50% of the combined company. At its current value, that would make him the richest hes ever been, up from his estimated net worth now of $2.5 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. In the roller-coaster world of Reddit-fueled trading and grandiose SPAC hype, those gains are hardly firm. But the money betting on a Trump media conglomerate marks a sharp turnaround for a post-presidency that hasnt been kind to the billionaires business empire. His Washington hotel, which was first put on the market in 2019, is still for sale, while the flagship midtown Manhattan tower that bears his name has growing vacancies. This summer, the chief financial officer of the Trump Organization was charged with tax fraud. Trumps net worth has declined by about $500 million since he entered the White House, with the pandemic and fallout from Januarys Capitol riot delivering added blows to his business interests. Now comes the arrival of the social-media outlet that Trump, the leader in polls for the GOP presidential nomination in 2024, has been teasing at for some time. There are many reasons to be skeptical of the valuation. It will be months before the new venture publicly releases its first product, a social-media platform called Truth Social. And there are already technical issues. On Thursday, the Truth Social page was hacked to make it appear that Trump shared a photo of a defecating pig. Story continues Its also unclear how Trump plans to build a social-media platform on the scale of Twitter over the next few months, let alone a streaming service, which is the next phase of Trump Medias plans, according to the press release announcing the company. That statement was light on numbers even by SPAC standards. We have no financials. We have no business plan. We dont know how they got to the valuation. We have no information, said Kristi Marvin, chief executive of research firm SPAC Insider. Thats the fundamental problem. Representatives for Trump and Trump Media didnt respond to requests for comment. The business has ambitious plans that also include a potential tech stack to compete with Amazon.com Inc.s AWS and Googles Cloud, among others, according to a presentation on Trump Medias website. As of now, Digital Worlds board is light on members with media experience. Its chief executive officer, Patrick Orlando, is a former Deutsche Bank AG derivatives trader who co-founded a sugar-trading company and started a banking firm, Benessere Capital, before more recently embracing SPACs. So far, retail investors have little concern. Shares of Digital World Acquisition Corp., the shell company merging with Trumps new venture to take it public, closed Friday at $94.20 -- up from $9.96 before the deal was announced Wednesday. Its also an increase of more than 800% from a $10 offering price thats typically used in a SPAC merger agreement. The press release said the new company would have an initial enterprise value of $875 million. Assuming that calculation used a $10 a share offering price and the $293 million Digital World has in trust, the SPACs owners will get about 42% of the combined company after accounting for shares the sponsor receives if a deal gets done. That leaves 58% for Trump and any partners he has in Trump Media. That stake is worth nearly $4.8 billion, based on Digital Worlds last price. The whole enterprise is being valued by the market at about $8.2 billion, compared with Twitter Inc.s almost $50 billion equity valuation. With the new media companys valuation dwarfing the $875 million enterprise value agreed to by Trump, he may have been able to negotiate a sweeter deal. Terms of the agreement will need to be more fully disclosed and could still change before an agreement gets voted on by shareholders, an event that is probably months away. Business Strains Most of Trumps current wealth is tied to the Trump Organization, a sprawling real estate business that has been hurt by the pandemic and legal troubles. Theres also at least $590 million in debt coming due in the next four years linked to the companys properties, more than half of which is personally guaranteed by Trump. In April, the company scored a win when its partner in two skycrapers, Vornado Realty Trust, refinanced debt tied to its San Francisco tower, bringing $617 million to its owners. The Trump Organization also appears to be closing in on a sale of Washingtons Trump International Hotel, which was a hotspot for political allies, lobbyists and conservative media figures during his administration. We are one of the most under-leveraged real estate companies in the country relative to our assets, Trumps son Eric Trump said at the time of the Vornado deal. On paper, he and his brother Donald Trump Jr. have been leading the Trump Organization. Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg stepped down from his various roles after his indictment. The company was also charged with 15 felony counts in New York. Trump hasnt signaled that hell return to the Trump Organization. His focus now is on dominating the Republican party and his new media project, which would give him an avenue to connect with supporters and raise money after he was banned from Facebook and Twitter. That would be key if he chooses to seek a second term in 2024. When Trump first ran for president, he claimed to have a fortune of $10 billion. Now the retail trading frenzy may bring him somewhat closer to getting there. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2021 Bloomberg L.P. After tying double-knots on each strip and giving the tassels a gentle tug, Lipe goes over the line again and ties them once more so blueberries and Brussels sprouts dont fall through, she said. In addition to the shirts Kossol provides, the Food Co-op has a bin near its exit for collecting T-shirts. Groups such as the Friends of the Rappahannock or the University of Mary Washington drop off a dozen or so brand new shirts that werent sold or used at recent events. Other times, people go through their closets and get rid of old shirts from their high school or college alma maters, sports teams or favorite brands of beer. Those who get the free bags at the Farmers Market sometimes have trouble choosing, especially if tie-dyed ones are on the table. One woman saw a shirt with a brand of rum on the front, said it had been the favorite of her late mother and started to cry, Lipe said. Except for the cost of tags, which are $20 for 1,000, theres no expense except time involved with the T-shirt tote bag project, which goes a long way toward helping Mother Earth, Lloyd said. Even the scrapspieces cut from the sleeves and necksare taken by Manarc Thrift Store in Fredericksburg to be recycled. The store also collects between 50 and 75 shirts a month for the project. Its a tangible thing you can do, Lloyd said about the shirt-bags. And its been fun to see people make them and have them. 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 Dodge County Board of Supervisors convened Wednesday with a new resolution adopted to oppose the federal governments environmental protection plan. Shortly after Joe Biden was sworn in as President, Biden initiated his 30 x 30 plan. The plan puts forward many environmental protection clauses, with its biggest being the conservation of 30% of the United States land and water by 2030. The Dodge County Board of Supervisors put forward a resolution to oppose the plan saying it will be negative for the county, the city and the state. To put it in perspective, a very small percentage of Nebraskas land is public. Most of it is private, used for agriculture. We need to maintain that inventory for production. A lot of negative ramifications could come with this, said District 5 Supervisor and Board Chairman Bob Missel. The consensus of the board was that Bidens plan was too broad and allowed for too many problems to be implemented. We as a county, an agricultural friendly county, took a stand to look out for our goals and our citizens. Removing 30% of our land would be devastating to our economy. We rely on our farmland. Every facet of our economy relies on this. The bankers, the real estate agents, the grocers. Removing 30% of that? I couldnt imagine what that could do to us, and understand that this could still happen even with our opposition, Missel said. This thought was echoed by District 3 Supervisor and area farmer Lon Strand. I tend to agree with Missel completely. All of the businesses in Dodge County rely somewhat on agriculture. The major manufacturers, the grocery stores, everything. Its a chain reaction that cannot be stopped once it starts, Strand said. This isnt just Dodge County or Fremont, its nationwide, Strand continued. Its simply an effort to take private land for conservation. To make us reliant on other countries. This is all about the Green New Deal and is very anti-farm. The board maintains its decision believing it will greatly benefit and maintain the economic status of the county and the state. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 Standing in the terminal of Eppley Airfield with other members of the Fremont community, Vicki Wehrmann-Sorensen waited anxiously for the plane to arrive. She and others in the group held gift bags and balloons, which they presented an Afghan family with as they made their way down the hallway. Everyone was just stepping up to help people that weve all seen on TV or on the news, Wehrmann-Sorensen said. So it was just a wonderful feeling, seeing those little kids and knowing they had to be so exhausted. Wehrmann-Sorensen and others in the Fremont community who sponsored the familys relocation into the United States went to the airport along with members of Lutheran Family Services to greet the family Wednesday afternoon. The family was one of many to flee Afghanistan after the Talibans capture of Kabul on Aug. 15. Less than two weeks later, more than 100,000 evacuees had entered the country. The least we can do for them as they are now threatened in Afghanistan is to lead them to safety in a new home and get them established in that new home, Wehrmann-Sorensen said. At the airport, the volunteers presented the family with toys and coloring supplies, as well as several days worth of food and other necessities. The family will live in a short-term Airbnb residence until moving to an Omaha home. The volunteer team that was there on Wednesday, they get plugged in with the family, they set it up with all of the necessary furniture and supplies and everything like that, and then that really just helps get them started, said Morgan Mattson, volunteer coordinator of community services for LFS. Wehrmann-Sorensen has a long history with LFS, as her father was adopted through the agency in 1933, and has worked as a volunteer almost her entire life. I guess I always feel like I have to have a personal mission, that I have to be doing something to help somebody else, and theres so many opportunities to do that, she said. Watching the Afghanistan situation, Wehrmann-Sorensen said she was stunned by the footage, leading her to contact the agency. Imagining a family handing their infant over a guarded wall to really not know if theyre ever going to see them again was just shocking, she said. And it was like, Theres something we should be able to do here. For more than 30 years, LFS has provided its refugee resettlement program, said Matt Martin, assistant vice president of community services for refugee and immigrant programs. Every year, depending on those numbers, those numbers go up and down depending on presidential determinations and all sorts of other factors, but we welcome them and we get them really set up in their life as much as we possibly can, he said. After families or individuals arrive in the country, LFS sets them up with apartments or houses, which are furnished to make them feel as much at home as possible. During the next few months, LFS works with the refugees to integrate them into the local community. We work on getting the adults in the house employed, we get their children integrated into the school system, we get them all set up with all of the necessary documents of life for Nebraska, so drivers licenses, work documents and everything else so that theyre ready to go, Martin said. The refugees are also trained in cultural orientation and English classes to train them for work, school and life situations, Martin said. We provide a lot of other services, any sort of services that they need along the way to get them ready, he said. And then we do everything we can to set them up for independence so that they can not rely on us as soon as theyre ready and comfortable. Along with the refugee resettlement program, LFS also has various levels of English classes, legal assistance classes and language translation services. Additionally, Martin said LFS also reconnects unaccompanied minors who come to the country and works with immigrant women who are victims of human trafficking. So we really have a pretty comprehensive set of services that we provide for refugees and immigrants as well who find themselves in Nebraska, either through an official process like refugees go through or maybe a more unofficial capacity like other immigrants find themselves in, he said. Sharon Brodkey, director of public relations and marketing, said LFS is also able to help refugees with trauma or other issues as a broad-in-scope health and human services agency. This wasnt necessarily a smooth transition, particularly with these refugees who are involved in emergency evacuations, she said. So we have the adults and childrens behavioral and mental health services available, and with our interpreters if thats required. LFS also provides case workers for refugees, as two were present at the airport Wednesday. In many cases, Brodkey said the workers are refugees themselves. Theyve walked the path and theyre familiar with what these guys are going through and theyre able to provide all of the emotional support and make diagnoses if theres any further or more involved treatments and programs that need to engage with these families and individuals as well, she said. Martin said LFS also works with the community, including elected officials, business owners and private individuals, to make sure the refugees are welcomed into the community. This is really with the Afghan situation a continuation of the work that we do and just more of what we are happy to have as our mission, he said. And its a challenging time, mostly for the refugees because of the situations that theyre coming from, but its something that we do as a matter of course as an organization, and were happy to welcome them to our communities. After looking into refugee resettlement program, Wehrmann-Sorensen reached out to her friend Lois Svoboda, who wanted to help with the process. Both of us just contacted friends and church members and business members and got a group to join in with us, and we started collecting, and some people made cash donations because there were a lot of items we had to purchase, she said. And we just had some extremely generous people who just jumped right in and recruited others, and it just all came together. The group soon started collecting furniture, as well as bedding, cleaning and kitchen supplies. On Monday, Wehrmann-Sorensen received an email from Mattson that a family would arrive later in the week. It was a moment of heart-stopping panic at first, she said. And then I hadnt calmed down any, but at least I was thinking fairly rationally, like, This is what weve been planning for, so I said, Yeah, I think we can do it. Wehrmann-Sorensen did last-minute shopping later that day, purchasing coloring books and drawing paper for the children to place inside bags, as well as fleece blankets that had been donated. Before arriving at the airport, Wehrmann-Sorensen and Svoboda stopped at an Afghan grocery to purchase food for the family, where they received help from a young man at the store. He arrived from Afghanistan just a year ago, so we kept thanking him for doing this, and we kept thanking him for helping us, he said. We said, What are we going to need for breakfast? Oh, youll want this and this and this, and so we just followed his lead. Having finally gathered all of the supplies, the two met with the others at the airport, which included Edie and Jill Ronhovde, Joanne Lehman and Marcia Fouraker. It was a blast, and its just been so much fun and so exciting to see the positive enthusiasm even with the small part of our group at the airport, Wehrmann-Sorensen said. And so thats just a rewarding impetus to keep going. After meeting with the group and case workers, the family was transported to their Airbnb. Wehrmann-Sorensen said the group will continue to provide them with groceries and other toiletries. Jill dropped off a bunch of toothbrushes, oral hygiene packets that shes put together for each family member, she said. And there were some sheets and blankets and a TV brought in yesterday from a daughter of one of our group members. With the overall process, Wehrmann-Sorensen said she greatly enjoyed sponsoring the family and encouraged others to visit lfsneb.org if interested in doing the same. Meeting with the family at the airport, Wehrmann-Sorensen said the moment was emotional for many of the volunteers, who like her had seen the chaos in Afghanistan and felt compelled to help. Several of our members have had some people confront us with very negative attitudes, but far more people with extremely generous and positive: Yes, I want to be involved, what can I do? she said. Do you need this? Can I do this? Brodkey said shes seen an overwhelming response from Nebraska communities with the wave of Afghan refugees. They watched the images on the news, she said. I think it was in a way, kind of a different kind of trauma for many people on this side of the pond who had to see that and put a lot of things in perspective. Many of those helping the refugees acclimation have been refugees themselves or veterans who served in the Middle East, Brodkey said. These are people who already have people in Omaha here to support them, plus a significantly active and welcoming Afghan community, she said. Mattson said Wehrmann-Sorensen and her team have been tremendously wonderful to work with and is excited for their help in moving the supplies to the familys permanent home in Omaha. I think thats just a perfect example of what weve seen from the community, that all of these people want to help, she said. But we have other groups in Fremont that have come forward to get more information, and so its just been really tremendous and overwhelming and just great to know that theres so many people out there that want to help and support the efforts that we do. Martin said he was thankful for Wehrmann-Sorensens support to LFS throughout the years in all areas of its work. I think it speaks volumes about Vicki and her family, he said, but the fact that weve got that kind of support in Fremont as well, its very, very moving. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 The Nebraska State Patrol identified two people killed Thursday in a workplace shooting at a Superior, Nebraska grain elevator. The victims were Sandra Nelson, 60, of Formoso, Kansas, and Darin Koepke, 53, of Hadar, Nebraska. Nelson was pronounced dead at the scene. Koepke was flown to Bryan Health's west campus in Lincoln, where he later was pronounced dead. A third victim was treated for injuries at the hospital in Superior and released Thursday afternoon. According to the patrol, Max Hoskinson, 61, opened fire on his former co-workers at the Agrex elevator in Superior not long after being fired from his job. The patrol said Hoskinson returned to Agrex with a handgun shortly before 2 p.m. and opened fire, striking three people. A worker then retrieved a shotgun from an office and returned fire, striking Hoskinson, according to the patrol. At a press conference Friday afternoon, patrol Capt. Jeff Roby, commander of Troop C in Grand Island, said the worker's actions likely prevented more people from being killed. Roby said authorities do not expect to file charges against the worker, who was not identified by the patrol. "In consultation with the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office and the Nuckolls County Attorneys Office, no charges are anticipated in relation to the employee who returned fire in protection of himself and other innocent parties present at the time of the incident," the patrol said in a press release. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 DUSHANBE -- Afghan military pilots who fled to Tajikistan when the Taliban seized power in Kabul say the militant group is pressuring them to return to Afghanistan by threatening to kill their relatives. Trained by the United States, the Afghan pilots say their documents have been completed for traveling and they hope they will soon be able to go to the United States. But two Afghan pilots who are sheltering at sanatoriums on the outskirts of Dushanbe told RFE/RL's Tajik Service on October 23 that the Taliban is now trying to force them to return to Afghanistan. One Afghan pilot, speaking on condition of anonymity, told RFE/RL that his son back in Afghanistan was beaten by the Taliban and that the militants threatened to kill the boy if the pilot did not return. Another pilot told RFE/RL that Taliban militants have gone to the homes of several of his family members to demand that the pilot return to Afghanistan. He told RFE/RL that the Taliban has a list of the names of all 143 Afghan pilots now in Tajikistan. He said Taliban authorities are increasing pressure on all of the pilots by threatening their relatives in Afghanistan. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid denied that the Taliban is threatening the relatives of the pilots. "Nobody cares about them," Mujahid told RFE/RL on October 23. "They come up with high-profile stories to obtain refugee status. We have said many times that if they return, no one will touch them here." In August, shortly after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, the Taliban issued a call for all of the U.S.-trained Afghan pilots to join them in order to fly aircraft that the group had seized at military bases across Afghanistan. Members of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) have completed another joint counterterrorism training exercise in Tajikistan near the border with Afghanistan. The exercise on October 23 presented a scenario in which columns of vehicles transport militants across the border from Afghanistan into Tajikistan. As part of the drills, two Soviet-era Aero L-39 Albatros trainer jets from Tajikistan's Air Force conducted air reconnaissance over the Kharb-Maidon training ground about 20 kilometers from the border with Afghanistan. They spotted two mock columns of militants' vehicles and relayed coordinates to a border guard detachment from Tajikistan's State National Security Committee. The Tajik border guards were deployed to intercept the mock enemy vehicles. CSTO special forces were also deployed in the drill, using grenade launchers and assault rifles. "The massive drills with the CSTO Collective Operational Response Forces that came to an end in Tajikistan were a major response to the sharp deterioration of the situation in Afghanistan," the Russian Central Military District commander, Colonel General Aleksandr Lapin, said. "The drills that were held are called upon to secure the CSTO states against any terrorist threat," Lapin said at a ceremony on October 23 marking the completion of the exercises. Lapin also said he was convinced by the exercises that the CSTO's joint forces are prepared to "uncover mounting threats in advance and thwart the outlawed armed gangs' intentions." "The experience acquired in the drills will serve as a reliable guarantee of fulfilling tasks in a real combat environment," he said. It was the third in a series of CSTO drills near Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan that was announced in August after the Taliban seized control of power across Afghanistan. CSTO spokesman Vladimir Zainetdinov says a fourth CSTO drill is scheduled near the Tajik-Afghan border in November. Altogether, the CSTO drills involve 4,000 troops and more than 500 military vehicles. The drills are being conducted at the Kharb-Maidon and Momirak training grounds near the Tajik-Afghan border. They are under the direction of the Russian Central Military District commander, Colonel General Aleksandr Lapin. The Taliban has sought to reassure Afghanistan's neighbors and Russia that it does not pose a threat to them after it gained control over most of Afghanistans territory, including the capital Kabul along with border crossings into Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. But Central Asians states bordering Afghanistan -- particularly Tajikistan -- have expressed concerns about the Taliban as a security threat and about the potential for tens of thousands of Afghan refugees to cross the border. Russia has military bases in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. It has vowed to defend Moscow's allies in Central Asia against any security threat from Afghanistan. On August 17, Russia and Tajikistan launched a monthlong joint military drill near the Afghan border. A week earlier, Russia completed joint military exercises with Tajik and Uzbek troops near the border with Afghanistan, which followed smaller Russian-Uzbek drills along the Uzbek-Afghan border. In early September, several thousand troops from CSTO member states were also involved in border exercises in Kyrgyzstan. CSTO members include Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. With reporting by TASS and Interfax A family tragedy will be aired in court after prosecutors upped charges against John Ellis Fitzpatrick last week in the July shooting death of his father. More than two months after John William Fitzpatrick, 55, died in a Colorado Springs hospital, prosecutors with the 4th Judicial District Attorneys Office brought new charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide against his son John Ellis Fitzpatrick last week. The move, said Daniela Fitzpatrick, wife of the victim and mother of the defendant, has caused more hardship for her family as they process a private family accident. My family has repeatedly asked for the prosecutor to drop these charges, as they are not warranted in these circumstances and only cause the family more pain, Daniela said in a written statement sent to The Gazette. According to Daniela, her husband was accidentally shot by her 26-year-old son while he was showing his father a gun hed recently bought. After the gun fired, Daniela said John Ellis immediately called for an ambulance, and tore off his own shirt to put pressure on his fathers wound. My husband made it clear to both myself and law enforcement that this incident was an accident and not an act of malice, Daniela said. John and John Ellis had a wonderful, loving relationship. Daniela and her family, she said, asked prosecutors several times to drop the charges. Among those requests was a motion to toss a restraining order filed just after the incident keeping John Ellis from seeing his father, stating that John William confirmed to the prosecution that this incident was an accident and that [John Ellis] poses no danger to him. In an Oct. 5 hearing, John Ellis family pleaded their case with district judge Linda Billings-Vela. Despite their requests, Howard Black, a spokesman for the District Attorneys Office, said the case is still open. He added that "it would not be ethical ... to discuss an active case in a public forum." John Ellis is expected to enter a plea in the case on Dec. 6. According to an arrest affidavit, people living in the 3300 block of North Arcadia Street, near Nevada Avenue and Fillmore Street, had seen John Ellis and his father drinking together the afternoon of May 6. The two had arrived at the house around 5 p.m., armed with a six-pack of beer and a half-empty jar of moonshine. According to neighbors, the two seemed to be getting along, but remarked that John Ellis in particular seemed to be very intoxicated. The two walked into their home, where John Ellis later told police he and his father drank more moonshine, a quarter bottle between them in roughly 30 minutes. At some point in the afternoon, after Diana had left, John Ellis told police, the two dared each other to go out into their backyard to shoot glass bottles out of trees with their guns. John Ellis had recently bought his pistol, a compact 9 mm Ruger, and told police he had only shot it at a firing range a few times before, adding he thought the gun didnt work properly because it kept jamming after firing just one shot. John Ellis told police he loaded a magazine into his pistol and pulled back the slide, putting one round into the gun's firing chamber. Then he released the magazine from the gun, and shot one bottle out of the tree. According to the affidavit, the slide was closed after he fired the first shot into a bottle. The two moved into the garage, where John Ellis placed the loaded magazine back in the gun but didnt rack the slide to ready it for firing, according to the affidavit. Then, believing there wasnt a round in the chamber, John Ellis told police he squeezed the trigger to prove the it wouldn't fire. He only realized the pistol loosed a 9 mm bullet when his father fell over, bleeding from a wound just below his ribcage. Police raced to the home at around 5:50 that day and found a distraught John Ellis tending to his father, whod been brought out to the sidewalk. One neighbor who saw the two come out of the house said she was too nervous to come to their aid because John Ellis was "so intoxicated, according to the affidavit. Officers took John Ellis by the arm to walk him to a cruiser, but said he was unsteady on his feet, and tripped forward and nearly fell on his father. Police said they asked him if anyone had been drinking or had taken drugs before the shooting, John Ellis told them absolutely not. An ambulance rushed John William to a local hospital. Police arrested John Ellis later that day on assault charges. John William died nearly two months later, on July 28, leading prosecutors to add manslaughter and criminally negligent charges against John Ellis last week. John Ellis, according to court records, was bailed out of jail May 7. As a condition of his bail, district judge Samuel Evig ruled John Ellis couldnt consume any alcohol, must submit to random alcohol monitoring, and surrender his firearms, which he did May 19. The owners of Colorado's largest gold mine near Cripple Creek have taken the first step to begin underground mining just north of the mountain town, but there are many more hurdles to clear before the first ounce of gold is recovered, according to a mine spokesman. Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Co., acquired in August by Greenwood Village-based Newmont Mining Corp., is seeking approval from Colorado regulators to expand the boundaries of its mining operation to include the site a half-mile south of the Cripple Creek Heritage and Information Center and the Molly Kathleen Mine tourist attraction. Back in June, Tyler Abundis, his mother Brenda and father Eric were looking for a new kidney for Tyler, who, over the course of this year, was experiencing a significant reduction in kidney function. Some around North Iowa may have seen signs for Tyler's cause or the family's minivan which shared the message: "My son is in need of Kidney Type-A" and a phone number to contact them. But at the end of August, the Abundis family received great news: Tyler got a match for a kidney transplant. "I'm very excited," Brenda said. "It's probably going to be a long road with his healing process, but we will get through it ... Tyler is tough." Tyler, a 29-year-old from Plymouth, was born with Lowe syndrome, which is a disease that impacts the bones, eyes and kidneys. Tyler is considered legally blind because of his diagnosis, but can still see lights and shadows. He also experiences occasional seizures, has low muscle tone and uses a wheelchair or walker to get around. The kidney will be coming from close to home, as a longtime family friend, Carrie Shannon, from Clear Lake, is the one who will be donating her kidney to Tyler. "Carrie found out and was able to tell us around the end of August," Brenda said. "Then we got the call from Iowa City three weeks later with the news." Brenda said she received numerous calls from people asking how they could look into donating, and even more just to offer their prayers and support. Tyler's surgery is scheduled for Nov. 18, but he and Brenda will have to go to Iowa City on Nov. 16 to spend a couple of days to prepare. Following the surgery, Tyler will have to stay in the hospital for seven to 14 days for the doctors to check up on him. Brenda is ecstatic about the upcoming surgery, but Tyler is still feeling a bit uneasy. "I'm kind of scared," Tyler said of what he thought of his upcoming procedure. Brenda takes the time to reassure Tyler it'll be OK, and that the surgery is going to be good for his health. One thing that has kept Tyler excited despite his nerves is that he will soon be able to consume dairy normally again. Brenda said Tyler loves dairy, specifically milk and ice cream, and currently, he can only have small quantities of dairy because of the state of his kidneys. After the transplant, Tyler will be able to drink milk and eat ice cream to his heart's content. "Scooby likes ice cream, too," Tyler reminded Brenda, in reference to the family's dog named Scooby. As for what Tyler has been up to since June, he and Brenda have kept very busy. They've gone on a lot of camping trips, spending time in Spook Cave, Beeds Lake State Park, Clear Lake and Rock Falls. They have also spent a lot of time at the movies, recently seeing Venom at the Cinema West Theatre in Mason City. Tyler has also spent a lot of time listening to music, specifically one of his favorite artists, Miranda Lambert. To help support Tyler, the Friends of Plymouth group has set up a fundraiser event at the Plymouth Lounge on Sunday, Oct. 31. The fundraiser will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature a pasta bar, raffle and music. There will also be $10 meal tickets available. "We're extremely grateful for it (the fundraiser)," Brenda said. "Plymouth is a pretty small community, and we try to help each other out. They're wonderful people." Since beginning the journey of looking for a new kidney for Tyler, Brenda has become incredibly appreciative of those who have offered their time and support, many of whom she didn't even know personally. "We're very grateful for the outpouring of support from our friends and family, and the people we didn't even know," Brenda said. "I just can't thank them enough." For those who can't make the fundraiser event but still wish to donate, they can do so by donating to Tyler's GoFundMe page, www.gofundme.com/f/tylers-journey-and-his-kidney. Zachary Dupont covers politics and business development for the Globe Gazette. You can reach him at 641-421-0533 or zachary.dupont@globegazette.com. Follow Zachary on Twitter at @ZachNDupont Love 2 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. The annual Scandinavian Bazaar, hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church, returns on Thursday, Nov. 4 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be at Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 213 North Pennsylvania. The Coffee Shop opens at 8 a.m. with lunch being served at two different times - 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The Coffee Shop is serving up Norwegian pastries, lefse, rolls, and pies. The Bake shop, the Gift Gallery featuring handcrafted items, the Book Nook, and the Scandinavian Boutique will also open at 8 a.m. The meal is made up of a Scandinavian meatball dinner and pie for dessert for $8. Take-out is available as well. Due to COVID-19, meal tickets need to be purchased in advance. Call for tickets or make reservations at (641)-423-0536. All proceeds support various church and community agencies. Abby covers education and public safety for the Globe Gazette. Follow her on Twitter at @MkayAbby. Email her at Abby.Koch@GlobeGazette.com 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. DES MOINES Iowa doctors accused of doing something dangerous or inappropriate could keep the allegations private until a regulatory board makes a final determination and issues a report under a state Supreme Court decision issued Friday. In its unanimous decision, the court said the Iowa Board of Medicine should not have publicly disclosed information about a doctor under investigation, as was standard for the agency. Its ruling likely will lead to changes in how dozens of other boards handle complaints. Read in its entirety, we do not believe the statute is ambiguous. Investigative information cannot be released to the public prior to a final decision in a disciplinary proceeding, Justice Edward Mansfield wrote. Iowa Freedom of Information Council Executive Director Randy Evans called the decision disappointing and said he hopes the Legislature revises the statute. Those facts and circumstances need full and timely disclosure to patients and consumers so they can make an informed selection of a treating physician, he said. The court ruled in the case of Dr. Domenico Calcaterra, a cardiothoracic surgeon who formerly practiced in Iowa City but now practices in another state. The Iowa Board of Medicine in 2013 considered allegations of disruptive behavior and unethical or unprofessional misconduct. The board sent out a press release with information about the allegations, which Calcaterra has long denied. Ultimately, it settled the complaint in 2014, with Calcaterra agreeing to accept a citation, a warning and a $5,000 civil penalty without admitting wrongdoing. The board detailed the settlement in another press release, which was posted on its website and repeated the allegations. Calcaterras attorney, Trent Nelson, said Calcaterra has suffered because of the accusations and noted that there has never been a concern about our clients competence or patient care. Calcaterra sought to get the information removed in 2018, but the board declined, saying its administrative rules have long provided that statements of charges are public records. In April 2020, a state court judge reversed the board, concluding Iowa law clearly prohibits the disclosure of investigative information prior to a regulatory board's final written decision. The law in question applies to more than 30 other licensing boards, including those regulating nurses and pharmacists, dentists, foot doctors, psychologists, eye doctors, veterinarians and plumbers. The high court's ruling reverses decades-old policies for the disclosure of information about such professionals under investigation. The court said it doesn't need to abide by long-standing rules if they conflict with a law. Mansfield wrote that the court doesn't discount the need for transparency in government and acknowledges the public may find value in having information about a professional when a complaint is filed with a licensing board. He said confidentiality allows people involved in an investigation to speak freely. In addition, a professionals livelihood can be damaged by putting unproved allegations in public view on an official government website," Mansfield wrote. "It is the Legislatures role to balance these considerations, not ours. Lynn Hicks, a spokesman for the Iowa attorney general's office who represented the Iowa Board of Medicine, said state lawyers are "evaluating the ruling and will be working with the licensing boards to determine next steps. Nelson, Calcaterra's attorney, said the decision restores protections that have been ignored by licensing boards for decades. This ends the practice by licensing boards of publishing unvetted and often inaccurate allegations before the licensee has even had the opportunity to defend themselves or see the evidence against them, Nelson said. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 ADEL Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds continued this week to signal her desire to take on the federal governments coming COVID-19 vaccine requirement for large businesses. But one legal expert in Iowa said any such legal challenge likely faces an uphill battle. President Joe Bidens administration plans to issue a requirement that all U.S. businesses with more than 100 employees require its workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to regular testing. Roughly 2,000 businesses in Iowa employ more than 100 workers, according to federal data. When asked about the pending federal rule this week at a news conference held at a spring manufacturing plant, Reynolds said she is discussing with her administration how they might challenge the rule in the courts. I do not believe in mandating vaccines. Ive been very clear about that, Reynolds said. I believe that is a personal choice. Reynolds received the COVID-19 vaccine during a press conference in March, and she has encouraged Iowans to get the vaccine as well. However, Reynolds also has generally opposed COVID-19 vaccine mandates, saying that decision should be allowed to be made individually. Were going to see what is the best route (for a legal challenge), what are our options moving forward and how do we get this stayed so were not mandating that an individual make this decision between feeding their family or getting a vaccine that they fundamentally do not believe they should, Reynolds said at this weeks press conference. That comment drew applause from many of the plant workers who had assembled for the press conference, even though it was not completely accurate. The federal rule does not force workers at large employers to decide between the vaccine and their jobs; workers who decline to be vaccinated have the option to retain their job if they get tested weekly for the virus. Biden defended vaccine mandates during a recent town hall forum televised by CNN. I waited until July to talk about mandating, because I tried everything else possible. The mandates are working, Biden said, referring to major U.S. companies that have required vaccines and seen small percentages of their workforce opt to quit. Regardless, any legal challenge to the pending federal rule faces a difficult road, said Prof. Denise Hill, director of Drake Universitys health law program and an expert on health care policy, law, ethics and compliance. I think most courts would be persuaded, regarding precedence in public health, that this (federal rule) should be upheld, Hill said. People who have appealed vaccine mandates across the country have not been very successful in getting a stay. Hill said she expects any legal challenge by the state would center on the Biden administrations use of the Emergency Temporary Standard, under which the federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration, or OSHA, can issue a rule that goes into effect immediately. Hill said the states legal challenge could also attack the fact that the Biden administration implemented the rule only for large employers, exempting those with fewer than 100 employees. But the federal government could defend both of those arguments, Hill said, for example by pointing out that the government first and for more than a year tried advocating for voluntary vaccine participation before deciding to move to a requirement for large businesses. When it comes to the federal government, because so many companies are national in scope and theres interstate interactions, we have OSHA, where Congress made it very clear and gave very wide discretion to the secretary in the (U.S.) Department of Labor and OSHA to take those steps necessary to protect people in terms of their safety on the job, Hill said. And of course, OSHA is about safety on the job. Hill said even conservative justices have declined to halt vaccine requirements. In August, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, declined to block Indiana Universitys requirement for all students to be vaccinated from COVID-19. The fact that even very conservative justices are not finding this to be such a fundamental breaking down of peoples rights that theyre not taking the step to put a stay in place suggests to me that (the courts) are not going to change that tune, Hill said. Almost two-thirds of Iowans 12 years and older the segment of the population that is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine is fully vaccinated, according to federal data. That is the 24th-highest rate in the country. 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 0 Angry 0 What is a Juneteenth to Delaware and Kentucky Slaves: On June 2021, the U.S Government made Juneteenth an official federal holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in America. Most of us are left with the question, when did slavery actually end? June 19th, 1865 or December 6th, 1865? On July 5, 1852 Frederick Douglass gave a speech at Rochesters Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York, to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The speech is well known as what, to the slave, is the Fourth of July Douglass's main argument on that speech was, while part of America obtained its independence 76 years early, the majority of African slaves were still struggling to gain their freedom, so what did July 4th celebration mean to the slaves in 1852? That brings me to Juneteenth. Civil war ended on April 9th, 1865. Two months later on June 19th, 1865 General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas with the news that slaves in the state of Texas were free, it was a good news for slaves in Texas, too bad for slaves in Delaware and Kentucky. These two states were still heavily practicing slavery. Combined, they had over 200,000 slaves. Slavery didnt stop in Delaware and Kentucky until after the ratification of the 13th Amendment which was December 6th, 1865, that was six months after Texas Juneteenth. Im posing a similar question, 169 years after Douglas' speech, to what Douglass posed in 1852, What is a Juneteenth, to the Delaware and Kentucky slaves? If we really want to commemorate the end slavery in America, should we include slaves from Delaware and Kentucky? Do they matter? After all, we are an inclusive nation. Juneteenth freed slaves in Texas, Dec 6th freed slaves across the nation. Erick Nganyange, Mason City Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. For anyone wishing to expand their enjoyment of fall color, I would strongly recommend a visit to the bluff country of extreme northeast Iowa. Famous for its picturesque stands of majestic hardwood timber, people annually drive from far and wide to view the regions rich mosaic of red, yellow, and orange autumn foliage. But the fall color Im thinking of is something different. Instead of leaves and bark, this color has fins and scales. In addition to its rich timberlands, grazing dairy cattle, and scenic vistas, Northeast Iowa is also trout country. And there is no better time to sample this amazingly colorful fishery than right now. Iowa trout fishing has changed dramatically over the years. At a time when relentless human pressure seems to push many of our natural resources to the limits of their endurance, trout fishing just keeps getting better and better. When I began trout fishing during the mid-1960s, the state contained only three known populations of wild trout. All three populations were stressed. Two were threatened. Consequently, our trout fishing was dependent upon weekly stockings of hatchery produced, catchable sized rainbow trout. Although stocked, put-and-take trout provided Iowans with countless hours of outdoor recreation, there was often a downside. Wherever the stocking trucks went, crowds followed. Stocked pools quickly became angler congested. Hatchery produced trout lacked the legendary wariness of their wild counterparts and were as willing to feed on oil packed salmon eggs and Velveeta cheese balls as they were on natural foods. But times have changed. And although the DNR continues to annually release around 400,000 hatchery reared, catchable-sized trout, there are also a host of previously nonexistent options. Today, Iowa anglers enjoy unprecedented opportunities to pursue totally wild trout in pristine rural settings. The number of spring fed, cold water streams currently harboring populations of completely wild, self-sustaining trout has soared from those three known waters to more than fifty. Wild browns are the dominate species in most of those streams, with naturally reproducing brook trout coming in second. Fish of all sizes occur within these natural environments; and DNR electro-fish surveys have revealed that it is not uncommon for populations to exceed an incredible 500 to 1,000 trout per mile. In Allamakee and Clayton counties, local anglers tell me that it is now possible to encounter brown trout some exceeding 16 to twenty inches -- in virtually every cold water stream the region has to offer. Iowa trout waters come in all shapes and sizes. Some streams are but a few inches deep and less than six feet wide. Others are broad and contain dark pools too deep to wade. Like the anglers who stalk their pools, runs, and riffles, each stream has its own unique personality -- some special feature that sets it apart from all others. A few seasons back, I enjoyed a chance encounter with another angler while fishing a lively stretch of water near Manchester. After exchanging pleasantries, we decided to break for a chat. The mans name was Ed Perkins. Perkins was an English doctor who, upon retirement, had moved to America to accept a teaching stint at the University of Iowa. It didnt take long to realize that the good doctor was a genuine trout fishing addict who had plied the waters of several countries on three continents. I was naturally a bit surprised when this globe-trotting angler told me that Iowa streams were among his favorites, and that the fisheries clustered within our limestone blufflands compared favorably with the best chalk streams of his native England the literal birthplace of the art of fly fishing. Although I never crossed trails with Perkins again, our conversation certainly left me with a deeper sense of appreciation for the incredible natural resources readily available to everyday Iowans. Although I enjoy trout at any season, fall fishing is a definite favorite. The weather is beautiful and as a rule, youll have a good stretch of stream all to yourself. While fishing on two popular public areas a couple of days ago, I never encountered a single angler on either stream. As always, the trout were abundant, though challenging. But perhaps sensing that winter could be just around the corner, at least some of the fish seemed to have lost a bit of their usual wariness. The first fish I creeled was a fat eleven-inch rainbow hooked on the second cast. I attempted a second fish after watching it inhale three of something off the surface. After making my cast, I could see the trout rise to the occasion, inspect, and then reject my offering before sinking back to where it had been holding. Moving on, I fished a broad run without sighting any fish. Rounding a sharp bend in the steam, I suddenly came upon a picture-perfect scene. At the head of a rock-strewn riffle, the stream necked down to perhaps seven feet in width. The constriction caused the water to instantly gain enough velocity to produce a loud rushing gurgle as it cascaded over and around the rocks. On the opposite bank, a rock laden mossy undercut offered shade and concealment. It was everything a trout could want --- elevated oxygen, a first crack at whatever food the speeding current might deliver, and safe energy saving cover from which to launch an ambush. It would seem impossible for such a place to not hold a fish. But although the setup was indeed beautiful, it also presented an angling challenge with no chance for error. Because of the streams extremely narrowed width, there was no room for potentially fish spooking practice casts. Instead, the first cast would have to be on the money. After thinking it through a few times, I finally made the cast. Although I love trout and trout fishing, Im not exactly Brad Pit when it comes to handling a flyrod. The cast wasnt perfect, but it was close enough. Once the line hit the water, it didnt drift for more than two or three seconds before the leader surged forward. Setting the hook, it was fish on. The rod tip arched into the classic U as a beautiful wild brown headed for parts unknown. The water splashed and it was touch and go as I tried to restrain the fish from reentering heavy cover without breaking my two-pound line. When the fish was finally brought to bay, I was as always completely awed by its stunning perfection. The contrasting combination of the trouts tan, sienna, and crimson markings defied adequate description. Spectacular in every detail, the fish presented a vivid reminder of why fall is my favorite time for pursuing Iowa trout. Enjoy more wildlife tales online at Washburns Outdoor Journal at iawildlife.org/blog. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Navys ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as boomers, serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes. As a member of the submarine force, Bowman is part of a rich 121-year history of the U.S. Navys most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies. Serving in the Navy means Bowman is part of a team that is taking on new importance in Americas focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the national defense strategy. Ballistic missile submarines are the foundation of nuclear deterrence and the Navys most powerful asset, said Bowman. GUEST SPEAKER TRUNK OR TREAT DRIVE-THRU ANNIVERSARY New Ephesus Baptist Church, 375 Ephesus Church Road, Semora, North Carolina, will celebrate the 13th anniversary of their pastor, Bishop Gerald Franklin and Lady Sharon Franklin with two events. On Nov. 6, they will be honored with a drive-thru parade. To participate in this meet and greet join the line of vehicles in the church parking lot at 4 p.m. Health safety is encouraged. On Nov. 7, events will start at noon with Rev. Tonia Cunningham, of Life Outreach Worship Center, preaching and accompanied by her choir. If desired, donations may be made through CashApp$Bishgk. Guidelines provided by the CDC will be in place including wearing masks inside the building. Service can also be viewed through Facebook Live, using the conference call number 1-978-990-5000 access code 197724, or if in the church parking lot, tune to radio station FM 107.3. The FDA review affirmed results from Pfizer posted earlier in the day showing the two-dose shot was nearly 91% effective at preventing symptomatic infection in young children. Researchers calculated the figure based on 16 COVID-19 cases in youngsters given dummy shots versus three cases among vaccinated children. There were no severe illnesses reported among any of the youngsters, but the vaccinated ones had much milder symptoms than their unvaccinated counterparts. Most of the study data was collected in the U.S. during August and September, when the delta variant had become the dominant COVID-19 strain. The FDA review found no new or unexpected side effects. Those that did occur mostly consisted of sore arms, fever or achiness. However, FDA scientists noted that the study wasn't large enough to detect extremely rare side effects, including myocarditis, a type of heart inflammation that occasionally occurs after the second dose. A: Now that were moving into this new facility, which were calling a resource center, that should catapult us light years down the road to really help us provide more services, better services, not only for the community outside of the organization or outside the building but also for the animals that are going to be under our care here. We forget that the animal business is a people business. In order for us to be successful for animals or help them win, we need to make sure that were bringing the humans along with us. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} I think for us it is a multi-pronged approach of how we take care of our animal population in our organization. Making sure the information is out there for the community to do a better job of caring for their pets, to bringing resources to the community that is in need or just going through some tough times and they really dont want to surrender their dog. And then the other thing is that once the animals are here and if they have to be here with us, that we are doing things to really expedite the process meaning to lower the length of stay. So were doing things where were moving the animals through the system faster, but not taking away the level of care that we provide them in the short time theyre with us. Q: Could you compare and contrast how the old and the new shelters differ? GREENSBORO The city of High Point would remain split among three Guilford County Board of Commissioners districts for the coming decade under a handful of redistricting proposals discussed Thursday night. Commissioners are sorting through maps that would adjust the eight commissioners districts based on population shifts from results of the 2020 census. The board needs to have a final redistricting plan in place by Dec. 6 for the start of candidate filing for next years elections. The commissioner districts that end up adopted by the board would start with the 2022 elections and remain in place through this decade. During the public comment period of Thursdays meeting, High Point NAACP President James Adams requested that the commissioners treat his city fairly. With the new districts, Adams said they should respect the cohesiveness of Black neighborhoods and not dilute the voting power of residents. High Point has been sliced up in redistricting in the past, Adams said. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Don MacKinnon of High Point, an advocate for electoral reform, asked commissioners to be transparent. He said the board should have a series of public hearings on the matter, not just the one thats scheduled for Nov. 4. MORRISVILLE With international air travel expected to rebound next year, Raleigh-Durham International Airport is trying to persuade airlines to fly nonstop from the Triangle to new overseas destinations. RDUs governing board on Thursday approved incentives for airlines that establish new international routes. The program waives several airline fees, up to $250,000 a year per route for two years, and provides an additional $25,000 to promote a new flight. The incentives would apply to nonstop flights of at least 1,611 miles, which excludes the Caribbean and eastern Canada but includes Mexico City and the rest of the globe, said Kenneth Strickland, RDUs director of air service development. RDU hopes to take advantage of a sharp upturn in international travel the industry expects next summer after two years of the coronavirus pandemic, Strickland said. Were seeing the term revenge travel thrown up a lot lately, Strickland told members of the Airport Authority. The idea is that because people havent been able to travel to many of these locations due to restrictions that have been put into place that were going to see an abundance of demand in these markets. The years of unrest "changed the trajectory of evolution in that population," said evolutionary biologist Shane Campbell-Staton, based at Princeton University. With colleagues, he set out to understand how the pressure of the ivory trade had tipped the scale of natural selection. Their findings were published Thursday in the journal Science. Researchers in Mozambique, including biologists Dominique Goncalves and Joyce Poole, observed the national park 's roughly 800 elephants over several years to create a catalogue of mothers and offspring. "Female calves stay by their mothers, and so do males up to a certain age," said Poole, who is scientific director and co-founder of the nonprofit ElephantVoices. Poole had previously seen other cases of elephant populations with a disproportionately large number of tuskless females after intense poaching, including in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. "I've been puzzling over why it's the females who are tuskless for a very long time," said Poole, who is a co-author of the study. In Gorongosa, the team collected blood samples from seven tusked and 11 tuskless female elephants, then analyzed their DNA for differences. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. " " CBG (cannabigerol) is being touted as the cure-it-all cannabis product, but can it live up to that hype? content_creator/Shutterstock The problem with the most exciting, most awesomest cure-it-all cannabis product to come along in maybe forever is that it's not exactly ... How can we put this? ... all that. CBG, as it's widely known, has some possibilities, sure. Like other cannabis-derived wonders (CBD and THC being the biggies), CBG may yet prove the perfect balm to soothe our ailments and ease our troubles. But right now, in early 2021: Are there any actual therapeutic uses for CBG? At all? "There are none that have been proven. Zero," says Kent Vrana, a professor and chair of the department of pharmacology at the Penn State College of Medicine. He also co-wrote the 2020 paper, "The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol (CBG)", that was published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. "However, based on its pharmacological profile ... there is a potential for managing high blood pressure, and managing substance abuse in general, and potentially and I'm stretching a little bit here as an anti-anxiety or anti-depression medication. Those are its potentials based on what we know it does. But there's so much that we don't know because it's never been in the marketplace, it's never been in the scientific landscape until now. "I think it's just incredibly dangerous to use until we get this figured out." Advertisement What the Heck Is CBG? The letters CBG stand for cannabigerol, which is one of the 100-plus cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant. It's the decarboxylated form of cannabigerolic acid, the parent molecule from which all other cannabinoids are created. Before we get too much further, though, some definitions are in order: Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa). Cannabis sativa is the name of a well-known and widely cultivated flowering plant, originally from Central Asia, which has been used in folk medicine and as a source of textile fiber since the dawn of times. Marijuana and hemp are both Cannabis sativa plants. The difference between the two is in the content of THC in the plants. Hemp, by definition, does not contain any more than 0.3 percent of THC. Marijuana can have more than that. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of the cannabinoids in cannabis, maybe the most famous. It's a psychoactive compound; that is, it's responsible for the "high" that you get from smoking marijuana, or the buzz that you get from ingesting THC-laced edibles that are now legally available in many U.S. states, Canada and several countries in the EU and South America. CBD (cannabidiol) is another of those cannabinoids, the current extract that is so "hot" on the cannabis block. It's used for a number of purposes and is now marketed widely. It's also in a medicine (Epidiolex) approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to treat seizures in certain rare forms of epilepsy. It's the first use of a cannabis plant in an FDA-approved drug and it doesn't get you high. The cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa THC, CBD, CBG and many others interact with the endocannabinoid system, a network involved in, among other bodily functions, the central nervous system. CBG (known in many places as the "mother of all cannabinoids" because it's a building block to other cannabinoids like CBD and THC) may have a kind of "regulating" effect on the endocannabinoid system. " " CBG (cannabigerol) is one of the 100-plus cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant. Alex Mosiichuk/Shutterstock Advertisement CBG's Potential CBG undoubtedly has promise. From Vrana's paper: Studies indicate that CBG may have therapeutic potential in treating neurological disorders (e.g., Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis), inflammatory bowel disease, as well as having antibacterial activity. In a few studies done on animals, CBG showed success, including reducing eye pressure in cats with glaucoma, and another easing neuroinflammation in mice. That sounds great, of course. It covers a lot of ground, and perhaps explains the wild amount of early marketing going on all over the internet. Any quick Google search will unearth all sorts of claims about CBG. "CBG has been demonstrated to be an antioxidant, protecting against oxidative stress ... It has been shown in lab trials to have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-nausea and pro-appetite effects," a cannabis-seller tells CannabisNow. The same article mentions possible treatments for diabetes and fibromyalgia, and even cancer pain. From another pro-cannabis site: "CBG ... acts as a buffer to the psychoactivity of THC by working to alleviate the paranoia sometimes caused by higher levels of THC. CBG works to fight inflammation, pain, nausea and works to slow the proliferation of cancer cells. Research has shown it also significantly reduces intraocular eye pressure caused by glaucoma. Strains high in CBG will be beneficial treating conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease and cancer." Advertisement Caution: Curves Ahead But again, as Vrana is quick to warn: CBG has not been studied nearly enough. What some state as fact, or softly as almost-fact, others clearly dispute. On CBG's effects on glaucoma, for example, from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (which, it should be pointed out, is not trying to sell anyone cannabis): Studies conducted in the 1970s and 1980s showed that cannabis or substances derived from it could lower pressure in the eye, but not as effectively as treatments already in use. One limitation of cannabis-based products is that they only affect pressure in the eye for a short period of time. ... A recent animal study showed that CBD, applied directly to the eye, may cause an undesirable increase in pressure in the eye. And not to throw a wet blanket on the cannabis craze, but the NCCIH also points out several concerns about the use of cannabis and cannabinoids, including: A link to an increase in car wrecks Lower birth weight for kids born to moms who smoke cannabis An increased risk of injury among older adults A higher risk of developing severe mental illness in people who frequently use cannabis and are predisposed to those illnesses Cannabinoids like CBD generally are not regulated by the FDA, which presents different problems. A 2017 analysis of CBD products sold online found that 26 percent contained substantially less CBD than the label indicated; 43 percent contained substantially more. " " CBD (cannabidiol) has been more thoroughly studied than CBG, though Vrana says both can interfere with medicines you're taking. Niall Carson/PA Images via Getty Images Advertisement Separating Promise From Proof So, CBG as the next big thing? It's a long path between promise, potential and all-out proof. "From a marketing standpoint, it is the next big thing," Vrana says. "Is it the next big therapeutic? Again, the jury's still out on that." Vrana has put in more than 30 years of research in molecular neuropharmacology. He's seen the hype surrounding things like CBG before. He knows the damage it can do. "We all succumb to this. We can't help ourselves. We've got this unmet medical need. We want to have a cure," he says. "And CBG is not gonna be the cure." Much of the allure of cannabis and cannabis products comes from the fact that they're considered organic. They're natural. What could go wrong? "Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's safe," Vrana warns. "Strychnine comes from a natural plant. And it's poison." Cannabis and cannabis products sometimes carry other baggage, some of it left over from the 1930s-era "reefer madness" kind of thinking. Many people, perhaps because of the "stoner" stigma associated with the use of cannabis or simply because many cannabis products don't need a prescription or a physician's OK don't tell their doctors that they're smoking marijuana or using CBD oil. That can be a problem. "The active ingredients in marijuana and hemp, THC and CBD, will interfere with other drugs that you might be taking," Vrana says. "A classic example is warfarin or Coumadin [the generic name and a brand name for a popular anticoagulant]. Marijuana and CBD oils will interfere with that. Just tell your doctor what you're doing. Disclose if you're using recreational marijuana, or if you got some CBD oil at the gas station. It may interfere with what your doctor is trying to do." The unknowns of CBG, much-less-studied than THC or CBD, make it all that much more potentially dangerous. "We have no experience with people taking high concentrations of CBG," Vrana says. "What we know is that CBG is going to have its own activities. That's what we're studying. We know it drops blood pressure. But imagine if you have a blood pressure regulation problem and somebody tells you, 'Oh, you gotta try this CBG.' "So don't believe everything you read on the interwebs." Someday Vrana suggests perhaps within the next five years we'll know a lot more about CBG; what it can and can't do, what is safe and what's not. It may yet prove its worth as a therapeutic. But that day is not here yet. NOW THAT'S INTERESTING CBG often sold as an oil to be placed under the tongue or mixed with water, or in hemp flowers to be smoked in a joint, in a pipe or other smoking device can be both costly and hard to come by. Because it's used to build other cannabinoids, it's found by itself only in low concentrates in cannabis plants. Researchers are busy selectively cross-breeding plants, though, to try to increase CBG yield in anticipation of its greater demand in the years ahead. A Kalispell pastor is the third Republican candidate running to represent Montanas new congressional district. Mary Todd filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday, making official her candidacy for a district that will likely include most of the western portion of the state. In a phone interview Friday, Todd said she believes she has a better grasp on foreign policy issues facing the country than her opponents do, focusing her comments what she views as the threat of China's rising influence globally. Within the United States, she said she believes the Chinese government has had a hand in the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as President Joe Biden's recently announced policies to require COVID-19 vaccinations for employees of certain types of companies and federal agencies. "There's something behind all of this that is related to the undermining of our country," Todd said. "I believe that is partly the Chinese Communist Party." She is the sixth announced candidate for the states second congressional district, a field that also includes three Democrats. Former Montana representative and Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and former state lawmaker Dr. Al Olszewski are also running for the Republican nomination. The Democratic candidates are Rep. Laurie Bishop, a state lawmaker from Livingston; Monica Tranel, a Missoula lawyer and former Public Service Commission staff attorney; and Cora Neumann, a nonprofit executive from Bozeman. A state redistricting commission is still hammering out how to draw the line that will divide the state's two congressional districts. The commission on Thursday narrowed down their choices to two possible maps one submitted by Democrats on the panel and one from Republicans. Todd said she's never run for public office previously, but has been motivated to seek a congressional seat after years dealing with the aftermath of her son's 2012 death in Singapore. Todd said she believes that her son, Shane Todd, was murdered after resigning as an engineer at an electronics company in the Southeast Asian country. The company had ties to the Chinese government, she alleges in a video posted to her campaign website, and her son had refused to assist with the illegal transfer of technology to China. We were so relieved when Shane found a job in Virginia and had purchased his ticket to fly home, Todd states in the video. But on his last day of work, I received a call from Shanes girlfriend she found him garroted to death in his Singapore apartment. Singaporean officials ruled his death a suicide, according to a 2013 Daily Inter Lake story about the incident. But the family said their son had expressed concerns that his companys work could compromise U.S. national security, and later worried that his life was in danger. At the inquest into Shane Todds death, officials presented evidence that he had visited suicide websites on his laptop and written suicide letters to his family members and loved ones. But at the time, the Todd family told the Associated Press they believe the evidence was faked. She said Friday said the experience gave her a firsthand glimpse into the potential danger posed by China, and reiterated that federal authorities offered her family little help after her son's death. Todd's website emphasizes her dedication to the Second Amendment and opposition to abortion. On Friday, she added that she received a 30-day jail sentence in Los Angeles in the 1980s for her actions during a protest against an abortion clinic. She said she was charged with trespassing. "I ended up on murder row and had a wonderful time," Todd said. "They offered to have me pay a $500 fine to get out of it, but I felt like I had to serve, and that's what I did." Todd's campaign website lists her support for completing a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, ending funding for critical race theory and ensuring that Montanas public lands remain public. Todd said she moved to Montana with her family 10 years ago after multiple trips to the state, starting with her honeymoon in 1977. She said she previously lived in California and, as a teenager, in Mexico. In a video posted to her campaign website, Todd describes herself as an unapologetic America-first conservative." I will fight to revive the value of work, cut taxes, fight corporate cronyism and big tech monopolies, put an end to radical classroom indoctrination, stop Bidens inflationary policies and protect Montanas forests, wildlife and public lands, she says in the video. Love 2 Funny 4 Wow 2 Sad 2 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 completion of a rerouted and updated 16.5-mile trail connecting two historic Forest Service cabins along the west side of the Crazy Mountains was celebrated by a small group on Thursday. The ceremonial cutting of a bright red ribbon with a hunting knife highlighted creation of one of the most contentious routes in recent Montana history Porcupine Ibex Trail No. 267. Noticeably absent from the festivity was any representative of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, which has been sued by opponents to the trail. The agency oversaw realignment of a historic forest ranger trail from private property to adjacent federal land. In the past three years the Forest Services staff has directed construction of about 11 miles of new trail and the rebuilding of about four miles at a cost of $155,700. Ned Zimmerman, who owns the M Hanging Lazy 3 Ranch along the base of the Crazies where the historic path ran, praised Custer Gallatin National Forest Supervisor Mary Erickson and Deputy Forest Supervisor Chad Benson for their efforts. From my perspective as a landowner they were willing to look for a real solution in a way that the Forest Service hadnt been doing in the past, he said. But it was always clear to me as the landowner that they werent going to walk away they werent going to give anything up. They were going to have something for the public to have access to. They didnt cave, as it were. Lawsuit Litigants filed suit in 2019 trying to halt the trail, arguing the agency should not have relinquished its historic route. The agency said it had no perfected easement. Landowners got a black eye for blocking off the old route, despite earlier Forest Service attempts to negotiate a solution. The conflict over public access to the mountain range, which is checkerboarded with sections of private land, has drawn national attention. Most recently, Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico, asked Forest Service Deputy Chief Chris French during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Tuesday why the agencys chief hadnt responded to his offices requests for information about the issue. My understanding is that the Forest Service is no longer defending the prescriptive easements that have existed there for roughly a century now, Heinrich said. That concerns me, because if we are not defending the prescriptive easements that the public uses to access their public lands after a century in Montana, I worry about that spreading to New Mexico and other places as well. He asked French for information on what the rationale was on the Custer Gallatin National Forest. French replied that he knew the situation well and that it is incredibly important for us to defend those prescriptive rights. We havent changed our position. At the end of the day it comes down to if the evidence is there to defend those rights It is very important for us as an agency to defend those rights across the West. Community Participants in Thursdays trail dedication advocated for compromise to seek solutions to problems like the Porcupine Ibex Trail. It took a community to reach a solution, they noted, one that in the beginning had wary ranchers dropping their defenses to talk to outdoor recreationists, city dwellers engaging with country folks, longtime residents working alongside newbies. When you look at the rapid expansion of the population in the state of Montana, particularly in this area, I think we have to take a chance and do something thats a little bit more proactive rather than just seeing what happens when all hell breaks loose, Zimmerman said. John Salazar, a 28-year Livingston resident, represented the Montana Wildlife Federation during talks started by the Crazy Mountain Working Group, originally composed entirely of ranchers. My first meeting was I got to come in and meet everybody, and then I had to go outside so they could decide whether or not I could be part of the group, he said and laughed. We dont know if we are going to find a solution to everything, but the way its going to get done by us the precedent we want to set is that we can sit at the table and have some conversations and learn about our neighbors. The first thing you do is make relationships with people. PCEC Erica Lighthiser, of the Park County Environmental Council, has been at the forefront of the issue, seeking common ground. Im really proud of finding this solution, she said. But its about more than a trail, its about the community that was built in the process. Were going to have other challenges, and there are other issues in the Crazies that we need to deal with, but I think by coming together locally we were able to find an awesome solution, and I want to keep at it. Lighthisers work on public access to the Crazy Mountains has not been limited to the Porcupine Ibex Trail. The working group has also submitted a proposed land exchange to the Forest Service for the east side of the range. The exchange includes construction of new trail to create a 40-mile loop route. Nathan Anderson, who ranches on the east side of the Crazies, said the successful completion of the Porcupine Ibex Trail emphasized the need for everyone to work together on the east side. Theres been so much conflict over time, he said. As a country, as a nation, weve really got to sit down and listen to what our neighbors have to say. Thats opened the lines of communication between the landowners, recreationalists, environmental groups, hunters and the Forest Service. I think its been a tremendous avenue not only for this, the on-the-ground results here, but projects moving forward. Deep time Lighthiser noted that the Crazy Mountains arent only an important resource for ranchers and recreationists, but are also deeply significant to Native Americans, including the Crow Tribe that still see the area as a traditional homeland. I think its really cool to think about the people who have come before us in this place, she said, pronouncing the mountain range in the Crow language, Awaxaawippiia, which translates as Snow-Capped or Ominous mountains. Mountains define the landscape of the Porcupine Ibex Trail which overlooks the Shields Valley. To the west rise the Bridger Mountains, to the north lie the Big Belts, Little Belts and Castle mountains and to the south looms the Absaroka range. Just outside the nearby community of Wilsall one of the oldest known human burial sites in North America was discovered in 1968, along with 100 stone and antler artifacts dating back about 11,500 years. Weve got this great new trail, Lighthiser said. It goes through some spectacular country. Forest Service Deputy Chief Chris French is not related to Billings Gazette reporter Brett French. Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2 I suspect it is part history, part story. Nero fiddling while Rome burned. But of course this is just an analogy, of someone distracted from important events doing something either trivial or meaningless. A story of distraction leading to disaster. We dont have to look into ancient history however to find some current application of the Nero story. Just read the recent headlines. Governor goes to southern border with other Republican governors to set out a 10 point plan to solve the border crisis. Take a look at the 10 point plan. Platitudes and vague statements, asking President Biden to reinstate the policy of cruelty applied by the past administration. Adopt that policy, which by the way did not work during the last administration, but now will work? I doubt it. However when the Governor was gone serving his homage to the false idol he and the Republican Party have elected to follow, figuratively Rome was burning. Here in Montana thanks to the Governors rejection of science and refusal to implement the practical cautions for a pandemic, masking, hand washing, social distancing, the situation with the pandemic has worsened. The Governor could require mandates for state employees and allow businesses and organizations to mandate them as well. But since he has not our hospitals are beyond crisis, overwhelmed with mostly unvaccinated patients struggling to survive Covid-19. While the rest of the country is seeing a lessening of Covid infections, Montanas infection rate, its hospitalization rate and its death rate are all still on the rise. We are only one of three states now experiencing a greater surge of Covid since 2020. The Governor is not alone however in his idle fiddling. Our state Republican majorities are keen, not on returning to a Special Session to repeal some of the public health damage they did with their rules about mask mandates and vaccination status information but seeking an investigation into the fraud occurring during the 2020 election. Fraud? After the entire election outcome has been certified as valid and without any evidence or even hint of suggestion for fraud. But this too is a part of the Republican play book, designed to cast doubt on our system of free and fair elections. The Republicans apparently did not achieve enough mischief during the last session to suppress voter rights and are bent on having a Special Session next year, just before the primary election, to generate new and even more restrictive voter suppression legislation. So the Legislature is determined to act just as the Governor has acted, ignoring the Covid-19 crisis and instead, spending their time and tax payer money on events which either never occurred or on events remote from Montana and irrelevant to how our state is governed and operated. While they are holding these events, Covid infections continue to rise, Covid patients are overwhelming our hospitals and health care facilities and people, mostly unvaccinated, are growing sick and dying. The crisis has exhausted nurses and doctors, many of whom are leaving the medical profession. County public health positions are vacant. No one wants to work in Montanas toxic health care environment. After Rome burned, it never regained its prominence. What outcome awaits Montana while our government is distracted? Not the better future promised during the last election, that much is for certain. Ron Waterman Helena Love 10 Funny 21 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 First Mid recognized by Health Alliance MATTOON First Mid Insurance Group has been named the 2021 top broker for Medicare products in Illinois by Health Alliance. First Mid Insurance Group was also recognized as part of Health Alliances individual top 5 selling agencies. In addition, First Mid Insurance agents Matthew Barnes and James Schuett were named in the Top 5 selling agents for Medicare products in Illinois by Health Alliance. We are honored to work with many fine agencies who do a great job serving their clients, said Andrew Weintraub, vice president, sales and retention, Health Alliance. Being ranked No. 1 from among these agencies is not only an achievement, it is a testament to First Mids strong commitment to servicing their clients. First Mid Insurance Group CEO Clay Dean said We have a long-standing relationship with Health Alliance, and they have been a strong Medicare partner for us. This recognition is a demonstration of our teams hard work, collaboration with key partners like Health Alliance, and commitment to our mutual customers. Health Alliance continues to be extremely helpful to our Medicare-eligible bank customers, and we look forward to continuing our partnership. Recommended for you First Mid Insurance Group has been committed to helping customers with risk management solutions for over 100 years and is the largest community bank-owned insurance broker in Illinois with offices based in six communities. The team of over 60 risk management professionals collaborates to make an impact in tailored insurance and benefits solutions for over 15,000 commercial and retail clients. For more information, visit firstmidinsurance.com. Wallace joins Main Place Real Estate DECATUR Main Place Real Estate, in conjunction with Main Place Properties is pleased to announce Valerie Wallace as the newest broker on its team. Wallace has lived and worked in the Decatur area her entire life. She has over 13 years of experience in real estate and property management. She loves all things outdoors (If you can't find her, check the pond.) Wallace is excited to continue her real estate journey with the Main Place team and serve her clients. Wallace can be contacted by phone at 217-520-0831 or via email at Valerie@MainPlace.us. Main Place Real Estate, located in Decatur, IL, provides full-service brokerage and management services for both commercial and residential real estate. The firm's team of agents are diversified in both commercial and residential real estate and are qualified to broker deals across the Midwest. The firm provides representation for leasing, sales, and consulting services. For further information contact 217-422-3335 or visit www.MainPlace.us. Business Achievements celebrate new hires, promotions and business and employee honors. Send information to scott.perry@lee.net. Read more about these companies and individuals at herald-review.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 DECATUR Lady Mary won the hearts of a whole room full of Millikin University students. Lady, a black-and-white border collie, is a rescue from the Macon County Animal Control & Care Center, and her human, Kim Schwalbach, takes her along on her presentations for People Understanding Pets, or PUPS. Thanks to a generous and anonymous donor, Schwalbach visits schools and organizations to help people learn what it takes to properly care for a dog or cat, and that the shelter is full of companions who need a loving forever home. The shelter is a good place, she said. It's a good place, it's a humane place, and if somebody can't take care of their pets, that's the wisest thing to do, is to take them to the shelter. They make sure they get good homes. Lady had a good family, but her owners both became ill at the same time. They'd had her for six years and they couldn't keep her anymore. Schwalbach saw Lady on TV and fell in love and now Lady helps her educate people about shelter dogs. Recommended for you The first thing, she said, is to research the breed you want to find out what the characteristics are and whether that will fit your lifestyle. In Lady's case, border collies are active and want a job, and if Schwalbach didn't keep her busy, she'd find her own employment, and that could be destructive. It's important to train them and teach them the good manners you want them to have, in a kind and constructive way. Dogs are going to find something to do, Schwalbach said. It may not be a good thing. She said she's a big believer in the all-American mutt and has had many dogs who fit that description. If you're a cat person, she said, you must have your cats spayed or neutered. One female and male can produce 12 kittens in a year. Those kittens and succeeding generations can add up to 2 million cats in eight years. She recently brought along her friend and Millikin graduate Dr. Travis Mansur, a vet at Fairview Animal Clinic, who told the students about the medical care needed for a typical dog. If a person can't afford to get all the vaccinations at the animal's annual visit, he said, you can spread them out over the year, but it's important to keep them up. His dog, too, is a rescue, he said, who had belonged to his neighbors but when they didn't know how to train her and due to her enormous size, they gave her to him. The students in the room wanted to know why he hadn't brought her. I didn't know if you'd want a giant dog in here, Mansur said, laughing. When the students clamored for him to go and get her out of his truck, he complied, and came back with Isla, an Irish wolfhound who is so tall that her head reaches his waist when she's standing on all fours. She was a big hit. I take her everywhere with me, Mansur said. She 'lives' at the clinic. I don't mean she actually lives there, but she goes to work with me every day. Someone asked if you should allow your dog to sleep on your bed with you. No, Mansur said, keeping a straight face. Never. But yeah, she does. Of course she does. It's a California king and there's room for me and her and nothing else. Millikin allows students to have emotional support animals in the dorms, said Carrie Pierson, coordinator of the Americans with Disabilities Act and senior director of the Center for Academic and Professional Performance. Students must provide documentation of the need for an emotional support animal and there are guidelines about the animal's size and length of relationship with the student. At first, it was only a handful of students who made the requests, but now there are about 30 students who have an emotional support animal. Izzy Mendez has a cat, Juliet, who lives in her dorm with her. I'm her roommate, Mendez said, laughing. She was a family cat, and she spent time with my brother and when I came (to Millikin) I was very lonely and I was sad. Then I went home for winter break and I was driving past my house (headed back to school) and I was crying. My parents surprised me with her and I didn't have any of my paperwork done, and I was rushing through my paperwork. I'm just very emotionally attached to her. 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 Jasmine Confer didn't know what she was volunteering for when Detective Jameka Sherrod asked for a volunteer at the Macon/Piatt Student Summit on Friday at The Salvation Army. The Chicago police department detective told the rest of the students and adults in the room what officers need to know when someone reports a crime: what the person looks like, including hair color, what they're wearing, and anything and everything that might help them spot the person. Then Sherrod sent Confer out of the room and asked the attendees to write a description of her that was as complete as they could make it. Most weren't able to provide much in the way of detail. A few remembered she was wearing a Star Wars T-shirt. Some mentioned her distinctive sneakers. Det. Sherrod said it's critical to memorize and report as many details as possible. The Macon/Piatt Student Summit was organized by Jill Reedy, assistant regional superintendent of schools with the Macon-Piatt Regional Office of Education, Sherrod's Independent Mentoring Program Inc. and the chiefs of police and sheriffs of Macon and Piatt counties. Recommended for you This is our first Macon-Piatt Youth Summit with law enforcement, Reedy said. We have drawn five students from each of our school districts in Macon and Piatt counties. We're really excited about that. We have all the chiefs of police here from all of our local law enforcement agencies, and we've brought this group together because we often don't hear the perspective of our youth. I think it's really important because they're the future of our community and their voice is important. And we want to work really hard today. Our goal is to build positive relationships between youth and law enforcement. The chiefs of police were seated at tables with students from their own communities, she said, and the agenda included guest speakers, like Detective Sherrod, as well as more informal discussion among the students and law enforcement officers about possible scenarios, making wise decisions, addressing violence prevention in schools and being restorative leaders in their community. Jasmine Confer is a junior at Eisenhower High School and has been the victim of abuse, she said, which made her want to be a voice and a resource for other young people. I want to do something with my community for law enforcement, she said. I feel like, as a kid, I want to help people. I want to help other people who have been abused to get out of situations. It brings you down when you have no one to help you. Chief Shane Brandel of the Decatur Police Department said he wanted to help build bridges between law enforcement and youth. We're talking about violence prevention, and violence is a broader issue than just shootings and stuff like that, Brandel said. You're talking about domestic violence, bullying, teen dating, getting in fights at school, so the whole thing about us just talking to the youth about options outside of turning to violence that they have available to them, to resolve their conflicts without resorting to violence, that's the whole purpose. It helps their lives, it helps their school, it helps their community and it gives the life skills in terms of conflict resolution. There's often a disconnect between youth and law enforcement, he said, that is largely a matter of not understanding each other. Most adults look at youth and go, 'What's wrong with our kids?' he said. Every generation does that. And the truth is, there's nothing wrong with our kids. We're just not connected. There's just that generational gap. The music is different, the style is different and every generation goes through that. Jarmese Sherrod, who is the elder sister of Jameka Sherrod, asked her sister to come because while Chicago is obviously a bigger city with bigger problems than Decatur, the basic issues are the same. The hope, Sherrod said, is that the students will go back to their schools and influence their peers. We're talking about community connections and a sustainable solutions, she said. We want the students to be aware of things but also more than anything, we want to build a positive relationship between law enforcement and students. In order to solve the problem of violence, she said, every stakeholder needs to be at the table. In (Detective Sherrod's) career, she wants to make sure she never sees any of these kids in a situation that could cause them harm, Dr. Sherrod said. With that being said, this is the best time to do this, because we hope these kids will hear this and take it back to their schools, to hopefully put something in every school that is dealing with violence prevention. 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 The Macon County Health Department reported 31 new COVID-19 cases on Friday. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in Macon County to 15,457 since the start of the pandemic. Marisa Hosier, county director of health promotion and public relations, said one previously reported case was determined to be from another county and was transferred appropriately. The countys total number of deaths is at 245 since the pandemic began, and there are currently 12 Macon County residents hospitalized due to COVID-19, Hosier said. The health department and the Illinois Department of Public Health also announced Friday that there have been 453 variant COVID-19 cases in Macon County. The most prevalent are the Delta variants, with 209 cases. There also have been 143 cases of the Alpha variant, 87 cases of the Gamma variants, seven cases of the Epsilon variants, four cases of the Beta variant and three cases of the Mu variant. Of cases where gender is known, to date, 55% are female and 45% are male, with 42 cases left unknown; 74.2% are white, 21.8% are Black, less than 1% are Asian and 3.45 are a mix of other races. Recommended for you Of the 245 deaths reported, 45.7% have been female, 54.3% male, 85% white and 14.2% Black. There have been no deaths less than 1% - of other races, and 4 deaths of unknown races. Seventy-nine deaths were people in their 80s, 67 were in there 70s, 36 in their 90s, 31 in their 60s, 19 in their 50s and five or fewer in other age groups. None of the deaths have been people younger than 30. The health department will also 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: Richland Community College, 1 College Park, Decatur, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27. Macon County Health Department, 1221 E. Condit St., Decatur, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27. 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. 27. 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. To schedule a vaccine appointment or a booster shot at the health department, individuals this link. 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. PERU The Peru police chief said he's requesting that the FBI take the lead in investigating Illinois State University grad student's Jelani Days disappearance and death. There have been several calls made to the FBI and also a written request email to them as recently as early this week, Chief Robert Pyszka said Friday morning. The FBI is assisting on this case, but will not take over the lead of this investigation. They will assist us in any possible way they can, but they will not take over the lead in this case. Pyszka said he made that request on behalf of the joint task force as a response to the Day family's requests. The family numerous times asked us to pass this investigation off, and we have attempted to do such, Pyszka said. In a statement sent to The Pantagraph, the FBI field office in Chicago said it's always willing to help at the request of local law enforcement. It added that the FBI is in touch with the Peru Police Department to provide resources as needed. Recommended for you The FBI field office declined to answer whether it had declined Pyszka's request to take charge of investigation, and cited a U.S. Department of Justice policy that prevents it from commenting on active investigations. Illinois State Police, the Bloomington and Peru police departments, LaSalle County's sheriff's and coroners offices, and the FBIs Behavioral Analysis Unit are part of the joint task force that's investigating the death. A march demanding justice for Jelani Day is set for Tuesday in Peru. The demonstration will be led by civil rights activist the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who at Day's burial service Tuesday joined Day's family in calling for the FBI to lead the investigation. "We are requesting that the FBI and the Department of Justice conduct a thorough investigation because it smells like another Emmett Till case all over again," said Jackson, referring to the Chicago teen killed in 1955 Mississippi. Pyszka said in a press release Friday afternoon that he's working with Jackson and his team to sort out logistics for the Tuesday march. "I look forward to working with Rev. Jackson and his team on this peaceful march and the Peru Police Department will assist them in any way we can," Pyszka stated in the release, "and hopefully this will give the family some closure which not only the Day family, but all families need when a loved one has passed away." LaSalle County Sheriff Adam Diss did not respond Friday to The Pantagraph's requests for comment. Day was last seen Aug. 25 in Bloomington. His remains were found in the Illinois River Sept. 4. This week, state Rep. Kambium Buckner, D-Chicago, in a letter asked Pyszka to turn the investigation over to the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigations. Pyszka said ISP has been involved with this investigation from day one and currently are still involved in the investigation." He declined to respond to specific criticisms made by Buckner regarding the Peru Police Departments handling of the case. Of the case, Pyszka said, It is still ongoing and if anybody has any tips as to what occurred to Mr. Jelani Day, they should contact the LaSalle County Sheriffs Office at 815-433-2161. The Pantagraph reporter Sierra Henry contributed to this article. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) An assistant director unwittingly handed Alec Baldwin a loaded weapon and told him it was safe to use in the moments before the actor fatally shot a cinematographer, court records released Friday show. Cold gun, the assistant director announced, according to a search warrant filed in a Santa Fe court. Instead, the gun was loaded with live rounds, and when Baldwin pulled the trigger Thursday on the set of a Western, he killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Director Joel Souza, who was standing behind her, was wounded, the records said. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office obtained the warrant Friday so investigators could document the scene at the ranch outside Santa Fe where the shooting took place. They sought to examine Baldwins blood-stained costume for the film Rust," as well as the weapon that was fired, other prop guns and ammunition, and any footage that might exist. The gun was one of three that the film's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, had set on a cart outside the wooden structure where a scene was being acted, according to the records. Assistant director Dave Halls grabbed the gun from the cart and brought it inside to Baldwin, unaware that it was loaded with live rounds, a detective wrote in the search warrant application. Recommended for you It was unclear how many rounds were fired. Gutierrez removed a shell casing from the gun after the shooting, and she turned the weapon over to police when they arrived, the court records say. Halls did not immediately return phone and email messages seeking comment. The Associated Press was unable to contact Gutierrez, and several messages sent to production companies affiliated with the film were not immediately returned Friday. The films script supervisor, Mamie Mitchell, said she was standing next to Hutchins when she was shot. I ran out and called 911 and said Bring everybody, send everybody, Mitchell told The Associated Press. This woman is gone at the beginning of her career. She was an extraordinary, rare, very rare woman. Mitchell said she and other crew members were attending a private memorial service Friday night in Santa Fe. Baldwin described the killing as a tragic accident." There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. Im fully cooperating with the police investigation, Baldwin wrote on Twitter. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna. No immediate charges were filed, and sheriffs spokesman Juan Rios said Baldwin was permitted to travel. Hes a free man, Rios said. Images of the 63-year-old actor known for his roles in 30 Rock and The Hunt for Red October and his impression of former President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live showed him distraught outside the sheriffs office on Thursday. Guns used in making movies are sometimes real weapons that can fire either bullets or blanks, which are gunpowder charges that produce a flash and a bang but no deadly projectile. Even blanks can eject hot gases and paper or plastic wadding from the barrel that can be lethal at close range. That proved to be the case in the death of an actor in 1984. In another on-set accident in 1993, the actor Brandon Lee was killed after a bullet was left in a prop gun, and similar shootings have occurred involving stage weapons that were loaded with live rounds. Gun-safety protocol on sets in the United States has improved since then, said Steven Hall, a veteran director of photography in Britain. But he said one of the riskiest positions to be in is behind the camera because that person is in the line of fire in scenes where an actor appears to point a gun at the audience. Sheriffs deputies responded about 2 p.m. to the movie set at the Bonanza Creek Ranch after 911 calls described a person being shot there, Rios said. The ranch has been used in dozens of films, including the recent Tom Hanks Western News of the World. Hutchins, 42, worked as director of photography on the 2020 action film Archenemy starring Joe Manganiello. She was a 2015 graduate of the American Film Institute and was named a rising star by American Cinematographer in 2019. Im so sad about losing Halyna. And so infuriated that this could happen on a set, said Archenemy director Adam Egypt Mortimer on Twitter. She was a brilliant talent who was absolutely committed to art and to film. Manganiello called Hutchins an incredible talent and a great person on his Instagram account. He said he was lucky to have worked with her. After the shooting, production was halted on Rust. The movie is about a 13-year-old boy who is left to fend for himself and his younger brother following the death of their parents in 1880s Kansas, according to the Internet Movie Database website. The teen goes on the run with his long-estranged grandfather (played by Baldwin) after the boy is sentenced to hang for the accidental killing of a local rancher. Lee, son of martial arts star Bruce Lee, died in 1993 after being hit by a .44-caliber slug while filming a death scene for the movie The Crow. The gun was supposed to have fired a blank, but an autopsy turned up a bullet lodged near his spine. In 1984, actor Jon-Erik Hexum died after shooting himself in the head with a prop gun blank while pretending to play Russian roulette with a .44 Magnum on the set of the television series Cover Up. Such shootings have also happened during historical reenactments. In 2015, an actor staging a historical gunfight in Tombstone, Arizona, was shot and wounded with a live round during a show that was supposed to use blanks. In Hill City, South Dakota, a tourist town that recreates an Old West experience, three spectators were wounded in 2011 when a re-enactor fired real bullets instead of blanks. Associated Press writers Jake Coyle and Jocelyn Noveck in New York; Lizzie Knight in London; Yuras Karmanau in Kyiv, Ukraine; Ryan Pearson in Los Angeles; Walter Berry in Phoenix; and Gene Johnson in Seattle contributed to this report. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 But the proposal was also the recipient of friendly fire from fellow Democrats, with operatives in Washington saying it did not do enough to shore up vulnerable incumbents and maximize the partys opportunities elsewhere. Democratic members of the Illinois delegation also took issue with the potential new shapes of their districts, which are larger an unavoidable reality since the state lost one congressional seat after the 2020 U.S. Census and in many cases feature unfamiliar terrain. And there is some disappointment about the lack of a second majority Latino district in the Chicago area despite the group registering significant growth over the past ten years. Recommended for you These are some of the issues legislative Democrats will have to work through when they return to Springfield next week to consider the new congressional map, which would set the district boundaries for the next 10years. Democrats concede that the map is likely to change before a final vote is taken. My sense is that the map that was put forward was not intended to be a final product, it was intended to be for discussion, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker, responding to a question from a reporter at an unrelated event in Bloomington Thursday morning. Lots of people have discussed as we've seen. They've seen the maps and wanted to make changes, both current members of Congress from both parties as well as members of the legislature who are going to be voting on it. Grading the process Theres significant pressure on Springfield Democrats from the national party to maximize opportunities in Illinois, one of the few states where the party has complete control of the redistricting process. Besides New York, the state is viewed by many as the Democrats biggest redistricting weapon, with models showing the possibility of making a delegation currently composed of 13 Democrats and five Republicans one with either a 14-3 or 15-2 split. With Republican state legislatures expected to gerrymander in states like Florida, North Carolina and Texas, a Democratic gerrymander in Illinois could give the party a fighting chance to maintain a majority in the House. The Princeton Gerrymandering Project, a non-partisan group that seeks to eliminate gerrymandering, has given Democrats' proposed map an "F" grade for partisan fairness. The proposal features 14 districts won by President Joe Biden in 2020. However, it leaves some Democratic-held seats vulnerable during election cycles that favor Republicans. The 3rd Congressional District, based in the southwest suburbs of Chicago and held by Rep. Marie Newman, D-Western Springs, would stretch out to Interstate 39 under the proposal, picking up significant rural territory, exurban communities like Channahon and Minooka and blue collar communities in the Illinois Valley like LaSalle and Ottawa. Biden's margin of victory would decrease from 13 percentage points in the current district to 6 points in the proposed district, which would also include the home of Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon, who has become a national figure due to his criticism of former President Donald Trump. Dave Wasserman, House editor for the Cook Political Report, and Frank Calabrese, an Illinois redistricting expert, both say the district as drawn would be considered a "toss up" in 2022. Newman said in a statement released last week that it was abundantly apparent that what has currently been proposed for Illinois 3rd Congressional District is not only retrogressive but substantially diminishes the diverse and progressive voices of Chicagos Southwest Side and suburbs. Also vulnerable under the new map is Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville. Her 14th Congressional District, based in the western suburbs and exurbs of Chicago, would pick up the liberal college town DeKalb. It would move from a district that voted for Biden by two points to eight points, a marginal improvement that could leave the seat vulnerable under the right circumstances. The 17th Congressional District, an open seat with the upcoming retirement of Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-East Moline, would include less rural areas and more of Peoria and Rockford while picking up Bloomington-Normal. It would move from a district that supported Trump by nearly two points to one Biden won by six points. Still, Wasserman said Democrats could have made it a Biden +10 or more district with a more skillful crafting of the map. Even if Democrats held those seats, their relative competitiveness could lead to unnecessarily expensive elections, some say. "If there's a creation of four or five competitive districts that are only clearly blue-leaning, it's going to invite dark money and Republican efforts to come into the Chicagoland media market," said Andrew Ellison, a Democratic political operative testifying at a House Redistricting Committee hearing on Wednesday. "They will not be afraid to come in .... to run negative ads against all these different candidates. It's going to create chaos, it's going to bleed down to some of these legislative races too and create a very negative environment." 'They're more concerned about their own districts' Some of these concerns lead many to believe that changes are coming before the final map is voted on and sent to Pritzker's desk. Some incumbents from hyper-Democratic seats in Chicago and the suburbs will likely have to "take one for the team" by picking up more rural Republican precincts to shore up more vulnerable members like Newman and Underwood. Illinois Democratic members met at the office of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee last week to discuss the map, according to a Chicago Sun-Times report. The delegation can offer recommendations to state lawmakers, but have no formal control over the process, which is the purview of the General Assembly, per the state constitution. The interesting thing is that for most of the modern era in Illinois, under our new constitution since 1971, congressional redistricting has been an afterthought for the General Assembly, said Charlie Wheeler, the retired director of the Public Affairs Reporting program at the University of Illinois Springfield. "They're more concerned about their own districts for the Illinois Senate and the Illinois House." In 1971, 1981 and 1991, the legislature punted on congressional redistricting, with a three-judge federal district court in Chicago adopting a redistricting plan for the state in each of those years. In 2001, the General Assembly did enact a new congressional map. However, it was largely the product of a deal cut between then-House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Oswego, and Rep. Bill Lipinski, D-Chicago to protect House incumbents. The most notorious district drawn that cycle was the C-shaped 17th, which stretched along the Mississippi River from the Quad Cities to Quincy with a tentacle poking out to grab the urban precincts of Springfield and Decatur. In 2011, Illinois Democrats had complete control of government in a redistricting year for the first time ever, passing maps that allowed the party to flip a 11-8 GOP-majority congressional delegation into a 12-6 Democratic majority. In 2021, Democrats will try to go further. A map with 15 Biden districts and two Trump is not out of the question, but a 14-3 breakdown is more likely. At stake are the fates of several GOP members of Congress, especially Reps. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, and Kinzinger, who represent downstate communities that have collectively lost population in the last decade. And then there's still the issue of whether or not to create a second Latino majority district. For the past 30 years, there has been one Latino majority district connecting communities on the Northwest and Southwest sides of Chicago. It's been colloquially known as the "earmuff" district for its funny shape. With Democrats' fall veto session scheduled to wrap up next week, action on maps is highly likely. Since it's past May, supermajorities, which Democrats hold in both chambers, will be necessary for passage. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 LINCOLN Meteorologists are expecting widespread rain and scattered storms to arrive by Sunday in Central Illinois. The National Weather Service of Central Illinois reported in a Facebook post early Friday morning that a slow-moving storm system could drop heavy rains Saturday night through Sunday morning. The post added 2 to 4 inches of rain could land in the region north of Interstate 70, with higher amounts concentrated along an axis from Macomb to Pontiac. A graphic prepared by the NWS office states 2 to 3 inches of rain are expected late this weekend in Bloomington, Decatur and Mattoon. Up to 4 inches of rain could fall in western and northern parts of McLean County, and in southern Vermilion County. The post said since the system is still a few days out, exact rainfall amounts are uncertain. "However, if you have any outdoor activities planned, it would be better to get them done by late Saturday afternoon," the post stated. NWS Meteorologist Chuck Schaffer told The Pantagraph in a phone interview that there's a chance for some flooding. Recommended for you "The ground is fairly moist to begin with," Schaffer said. "If we do get 2, possibly up to 4 inches in rainfall amounts within a short time period, there could be some localized flooding issues. "That's something we'll keep an eye on." He encouraged drivers to turn around and take a different route if they encounter flooded roads. "Most of the flooding injuries or deaths we see are from people driving into flooding," he said. The NWS office shared in a separate Facebook post early Friday morning that severe weather is possible across Central Illinois Sunday evening through Sunday night. The post said hail over 1 inch in size is possible, along with wind gusts over 60 mph, intense lightning and isolated tornadoes. Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 With multiple opportunities to get it right, Illinois keeps getting it wrong. Even though next week offers another (possibly final) opportunity for corrections, Illinois legislative maps will probably remain a gerrymandered mess for another 10 years. This can has been kicked as far down the road as it can go. The current Democrat plan for mapping the latest of numerous attempts, one of which has been ruled unconstitutional in federal court -- is as unbalanced as it has ever been. Independents are pointing to the ridiculous shapes of some districts. Voters from Chicago suburbs are resisting being in the same district as rural residents. Even some Democrats are afraid seats might flip the way the districts are drawn. The Princeton Gerrymandering Project, a nonpartisan group that studies redistricting, gave Illinois' proposed map an "F" for fairness. Given our states history, thats hardly a surprise. Illinois currently has 18 seats in the U.S. House, with Democrats holding 13 and Republicans the other five. The state is losing a congressional seat because of population loss, most of which occurred in heavily Republican areas of central and southern Illinois, according to the 2020 census. After the census was released, anticipation was Democrats would target Central Illinois and make it difficult, if not impossible, for Representatives Rodney Davis and Adam Kinzinger to be re-elected to the House. Recommended for you Illinois is one of the few states where Democrats control redistricting, and the party nationally is looking to the state for help in 2022. Democrats control the U.S. House by a thin margin, and Republicans are in charge of redistricting in more states than Democrats, which could give the GOP an advantage in next year's elections. Worth noting is that this issue isnt unique to Illinois, or to Democrats. In states where Republicans draw the borders, theyre being drawn favorable to Republicans. Illinois isnt the only state in the middle of this debate every 10 years. There has to be a better way of doing this. Gov. J.B. Pritzker had a map out of the nightmare, but reneged on his campaign pledge to reject partisan legislature map drawing. The map could still have been controversial had it been drawn in non-partisan fashion. But such controversy would have at least been different and could have come to a more satisfactory conclusion. Instead, whats happened is painfully predictable. Citizens and voters talking to officials about the maps complain about what they dont have in common with others in their districts as drawn. Race is a key factor, as is the rural-urban mixtures. One of the largest issues is more wide-reaching. When voters see that their areas of representation are being divvied up in a partisan debate, theyre bound to lose identity. They can feel disenfranchised. Not in a literal sense theyre still able to vote. But imagining their vote counts for anything is difficult. That ultimately winds up with the worst result possible in a dem0cracy apathy. If we dont care what happens, were leaving open the door for the worst to happen. We must avoid that outcome. Thats why redistricting decisions are vital. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Chambers suggested leaving a bowl of candy on the porch with a sign urging children to just take a single piece or making a candy chute where the adult at the top of steps drops the candy in the chute and the child catches it. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Whatever you do, limit the contact between people especially in enclosed spaces, she said. If you are going to be participating in an indoor activity, it is recommended you limit the number of people and remain socially distanced as we are not done with COVID-19 yet. We want everyone to have a safe and happy and fun Halloween. It can be so much fun so using mitigation methods such as limiting enclosed contact with others, wearing a mask if youre going to be close to others and, of course, good hand hygiene is very important, Chambers said. While it may not be a Halloween mask, facial coverings remain a proven way to limit exposure. Anytime people are going to be within six feet of each other, wearing a mask is the most appropriate step to protect yourself and your child, especially in the unvaccinated population. People are going to go trick-or-treating, so we know weve got to do it safely, she said. She also urged parents to wait until getting home before sorting the candy and having each child wash their hands. Vice President Kamala Harris drove home the stakes in Virginias tense governors race in a rousing speech Thursday night, proclaiming that electing former Gov. Terry McAuliffe isnt just about the state, but is also about our nation and its progress in addressing inequities exposed by the COVID-19 crisis. Speaking to a packed crowd in front of a rescue squad building in Dumfries, a small town in Prince William County, Harris shook off chants by climate change protesters to focus on what she termed the importance of McAuliffes bid to return as governor. Polls show a tightening campaign against Republican Glenn Youngkin less than two weeks before the election. After joking, I love democracy, the nations first Black vice president said: We will not be distracted. We will not be dissuaded. We will not be deterred. This election is too important. Harris, who turned 57 on Wednesday, responded to a birthday serenade by asking for McAuliffes election as her gift and then warning of the consequences if he fails. A Monmouth University poll out Wednesday showed McAuliffe and Youngkin each receiving 46% among registered voters, with the Republican gaining an advantage with voters who consider themselves independents and improving his polling numbers with women. Southern historians were wildly inaccurate in their accounts of Holmes death; Virginius Dabney, in his Virginia, The New Dominion, listed his year of death as 1892. But Liston was just the sort of person Henderson was looking for as she sought to learn more about Jasper and Joseph Holmes. She needed a Charlotte County-based historian. She reached out to Liston. Liston, in her research, had special access to the court clerks office. Within two days, I had found (the Holmes case indictments) and the original witness statements that were made the night of the murder and the next day at the inquest, she said. Curiously, six pages of what she gathers was an autopsy report were missing. Brothers John and Griffin S. Marshall sons of a judge were charged with murder, along with William T. Boyd and Macon C. Morris. All but Griffin were indicted. All four fled. The Marshall brothers became successful ranchers; Boyd, a banker and businessman in Tennessee; and Morris, of all things, worked as a policeman in Roanoke, according to Listons research. This man was murdered in broad daylight by young men who said they were going to kill him, she said. And they were never brought to justice. No one ever went to look for them. Petersburg spends a little more than $11,000 per public school student. Affluent Falls Church spends nearly $20,000. When it comes to replacing and repairing aging schools and keeping teachers, this is obviously a problem. Two children starting their educational experience in those two places likely wont have the same outcome in 13 years or so. The state Board of Education has something called Standards of Quality for education programs and staffing. The legislature, however, views those standards as suggestions rather than rules. This is somewhat understandable, since adhering to the Standards of Quality reportedly would cost about $1 billion a year. In the last decade, the At-Risk Add-On was developed in Virginia to give more money to districts with high poverty rates, but the gap is still wide. The Board of Education is pushing for an equity fund that would add to the Add-On and help close the gap between the haves and have-nots. That has not as yet been embraced by the legislature. It should be. Poorer districts lose their best teachers to other localities (or states). Facilities crumble for lack of funds. Kids are deprived of a chance at a good education. His faith was tested, but not weakened, after his wife and baby daughter were killed in a traffic accident in 1972. I never doubted that there was a God, but I was angry with God, he told The Christian Science Monitor in 2007. In that same interview, Biden conveyed why he considers himself a faithful Catholic despite his views on abortion. My views are totally consistent with Catholic social doctrine, Biden said. There are elements within the church who say that if you are at odds with any of the teachings of the church, you are at odds with the church. I think the church is bigger than that. Francis already has made clear he won't shun U.S. political leaders who support abortion rights. On Oct. 9 he met at the Vatican with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose abortion stance has drawn the wrath of the top Catholic in her hometown of San Francisco, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone. Cordileone has been urging the U.S. bishops conference to send a message to Biden, Pelosi and others that would move them in their conscience. " " People hold a placard saying 'Never gonna give EU up' and march to demand a people's vote against Brexit on Oct. 20, 2018, in London. Hundreds of thousands took part in this protest. John Keeble/Getty Images In the summer of 2018, the United Kingdom's Prime Minister Theresa May traveled to the south of France to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron at his vacation retreat at Cote d'Azur's Fort de Bregancon. But she wasn't there just to enjoy the view of the Mediterranean. May hoped to get Macron's help with a delicate problem. Two years before, U.K. voters had surprised the world by narrowly deciding to leave the European Union (EU). Now, May wanted to work out a compromise, in which the U.K. technically would leave the EU but would stay in Europe's economic marketplace and not have its exports subjected to customs checks and restrictions [source: Judah]. But Macron wasn't having it. The U.K. was the first nation ever to quit the EU, and it was going to have to do it the hard way. As Macron later told his diplomats, he wouldn't agree to any deal that came "at the expense of the European Union's integrity" [source: Merrick]. Advertisement The organization that Macron was so keen on protecting is one that's helped bring peace, stability and prosperity to a continent once full of bitter rivals. The EU is a political and economic partnership of 28 member nations, in which each country keeps its sovereignty but all cooperate closely. The EU nations function as a single market in which capital, goods and services move freely, and share a common trade and agricultural policy. In addition, 19 of the 28 nations have adopted a common currency, the euro, and 22 of them participate in something called the Schengen area of free movement, in which they don't impose any internal controls at their borders. The EU also has been branching out into setting up cooperation in defense and internal security policy [source: Archick]. In some ways, the EU is one of modern history's great successes. Not only has it eliminated strife among countries that fought numerous wars amongst themselves over the centuries, but it's also created an economic juggernaut that produced $19.9 trillion in economic activity in 2017. If the EU was a country, it would have the world's second biggest economy, just ahead of the United States' $19.4 trillion and behind only China's $23.1 trillion [source: Amadeo]. And EU countries have banded together to clean up the continent's environment and to impose stringent privacy policies that the world's tech giants have been obliged to follow. But in recent years, the EU also has been rocked by growing internal tensions and outside challenges, from dealing with an influx of immigrants and refugees to rising internal opposition from populist and nationalist movements, including those who won the Brexit (the word is a compound of the term "British exit") referendum in the U.K. [source: Archick]. At the same time, the EU has clashed over trade issues with U.S. President Donald Trump, and the longtime relationship between the EU and the U.S. has grown decidedly more tense [source: Rogin]. In this article, we'll look at what the EU does, how it developed, and whether it will survive and prosper in the future. " " A buchetta del vino, a small 16th-century window through which wine was passed, on a street in Florence, Italy. As Florentines succumbed to the plague, survivors drowned their sorrows in wine, passed to them through these small windows an early form of social distancing. TIZIANA FABI/Getty Images Tuscany is so full of history and beauty you meet wonders of art and architecture on almost every corner. But I love the region's homier aspects: the special sweetness of the tomatoes, the soft mozzarella, the heady scents of basil and garlic everywhere. Actress and director Trudie Styler The charming plague wine windows you still find dotting the streets of Italy today are another homey and enchanting Tuscan tradition that has historic roots. Originally created as a way for wine merchants to safely pass their product to customers during the plague, these windows have come back into use during the COVID lockdowns of 2020. Buchette del vino, which means "little holes for wine" or "wine windows," is apparently a unique Tuscan tradition; there are said to be over 150 wine windows in Florence alone, with another hundred sprinkled under the Tuscan sun throughout the region. There's even an organization that catalogues them, the Associazione Buchette del Vino, which started the project in 2015 before coronavirus and social distancing became the norm. Advertisement " " A beautiful and rustic example of a buchetta del vino, or wine window, on a street in Florence on Aug. 12, 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. TIZIANA FABI/Getty Images The first wine windows were actually a likely result of a 1559 decree from Florentine Cosimo I de Medici, the first Grand Duke of Tuscany. At that time, de Medici stated that families could sell wine directly from their homes instead of through merchants or taverns, which led to the rise in buchette del vino. Due to the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, some of these charming little wine windows have been reopened, drawing eerie parallels to the plague from centuries ago. But this time around, some of the windows are offering more than just wine. Food & Wine reported that Osteria delle Brache sells an Aperol spritz, another iconic Italian beverage, via the special opening, while Via dell'Isola delle Stinche at the Vivoli ice cream parlor in Florence dispenses coffee and ice cream out of their wine window. A recurring theme of this ongoing pandemic has been pivoting and resiliency from small businesses, so we send cheers to these Italian purveyors. They've found a remarkable way to honor their viticultural history in a way that works to keep both employees and consumers safe. The next time you're in Florence, be sure to find a buchetta de vino and raise a glass of Chianti. Salute! Now That's Interesting An oenologist is a person who studies and is an expert in the science of wine and wine making. " " This illustration shows William the Conqueror pushing his helmet back to show troops he is alive during the Battle of Hastings in 1066. English Heritage/Heritage Images/Getty Images Like other larger-than-life figures from world history, William the Conqueror was a man of paradoxes. While personally pious and deeply faithful to his church and his wife, he was also a ruthless political aggressor capable of brutal acts of violence to preserve his power. Whether or not he was a "good" man, the French-born William left an indelible mark on the English-speaking world by spearheading the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. William's victory at the Battle of Hastings ended six centuries of Anglo-Saxon rule in England and imposed French and Latin words into Old English, creating the blended language we speak today. Every English monarch since William is considered a descendent of him. But how exactly did this illegitimate son of a French duke rise to become King of England and one of the most fearsome figures of the 11th century? Advertisement William the Bastard Silences His Critics William was born around 1027 in the town of Falaise in the Normandy region of France. His parents were Duke Robert I of Normandy and a woman named Herleve (or sometimes Arlette), the daughter of a tanner. Robert and Herleve weren't married, but they weren't exactly illicit lovers, either. According to David Bates, author of the Yale University Press biography "William the Conqueror," Herleve was Robert's long-time "concubine" and partner, a relationship that wasn't uncommon in 11th-century France. "What constituted a 'Christian marriage' wasn't actually made clear in canon law until the early 13th century," says Bates. "[Robert and Herleve's relationship] was a bit unusual, but not dramatically so." What's clear is that Robert, who didn't have any other children, saw William as his legitimate heir, an unusual step at the time. And when Robert died during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, 8-year-old William became Duke of Normandy. The young Duke's enemies, who tried unsuccessfully to steal his land and title, insultingly called him "William the Bastard." By the time William was in his early 20s, he had quashed several internal rebellions and even captured neighboring territories. As Duke of Normandy, "he had a very strong reputation as someone not to mess with," says Hugh Thomas, history professor at the University of Miami and author of "The Norman Conquest: England After William the Conqueror." As proof of William's fame as a formidable fighter and political leader, he had no trouble recruiting thousands of men from Normandy and Northern France to sail with him on an incredibly risky venture the 1066 invasion of England to claim its throne for the Normans. Advertisement Who Were the Normans? Norman means "men from the north" and that's exactly who they were Viking invaders who settled in Northern France in the 900s C.E. Over time, they converted to Christianity and started speaking French, but they "continued to think of themselves as a distinct group," says Thomas. England, meanwhile, had been ruled by Anglo-Saxon kings since the first Germanic tribes conquered the land known today as England in the fifth and sixth centuries C.E. The Anglo-Saxons spoke Old English and lived in "shires" ruled by aristocratic lords loyal to the king. According to William, he was hand-picked to become the next king of England by Edward the Confessor, who died without an heir in 1066. But William wasn't the only pretender to the throne. "It would have made for a good soap opera," says Bates, listing the various distant relatives who claimed they were the rightful heirs, including Harold Godwinson (a member of a powerful family), who said that Edward had chosen him as successor on the late king's deathbed. "Since Edward was childless, everyone knew some terrible crisis was going to come," says Bates. "They had an awful long time to prepare without knowing exactly what form it was going to take." Harold was crowned king on Jan. 6, 1066, but his reign would last just nine months and end with his death by a Norman sword. Advertisement The Battle of Hastings The Norman invasion of England wasn't a rash attack. William took seven months to plan his campaign, eventually transporting 7,000 men and an estimated 3,000 horses across the English Channel on 600 Viking-style long boats. William's timing, it turned out, was perfect. His nemesis, now dubbed King Harold II, was distracted by a Norwegian invasion of Northern England, allowing the Normans to land unchallenged in Southern England. After Harold fought off the Norwegians, he marched his battle-weary soldiers straight to Hastings, where William's veteran cavalry and archers sat waiting. "It was a long and hard-fought battle, and a skillfully fought victory for William," says Bates. " " The Bayeux Tapestry, which tells the story of the events leading to the Battle of Hastings, was probably commissioned by Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, half-brother of William the Conqueror. This section shows Harold II, last Anglo-Saxon king of England, swearing an oath of loyalty to William, then Duke of Normandy. Harold broke the oath when, following the death of Edward the Confessor, he claimed the throne of England. William responded by invading England, taking the crown after defeating Harold at Hastings. Ann Ronan Pictures/Print Collector/Getty Images The English, who had the upper ground, formed a shield line and repelled countless uphill attacks by the Norman cavalry. William himself had three horses killed under him. When a rumor spread that William was dead, he famously took off his helmet and rode through the ranks to rally his troops, a scene captured in the historic Bayeux Tapestry. In a brilliant move, the Normans feigned retreat, which tricked some of the less-experienced English soldiers to break ranks and expose holes in their defense. "It's not very bright," says Thomas, "chasing on foot people who are on horseback." The Normans circled back and broke through the English line, killing Harold and his two brothers. The king-less English scattered in a panic and the grueling, day-long Battle of Hastings went to William, who was crowned King of England on Christmas Day, 1066. Advertisement The 'Harrying' of the North As expected, Harold's supporters didn't roll over and accept William the Conqueror as their king. During the first years of William's reign, his enemies mounted numerous rebellions and uprisings, but none as sustained as those in Northern England centered around the shire of York. To put an end to the fighting, William resorted to a scorched-earth tactic called "harrying" that was well-known in medieval times, but perhaps never executed with such severity. To "harry" is to burn and destroy the land and its resources so completely that nothing is left to sustain a rebellion. According to one 12th-century chronicler, as many as 100,000 peasants died from the famine that followed William's decimation of the north. "This episode shows William being capable of extreme violence to achieve his ends," says Bates. "It's his ruthlessness taken to extremes." When William took the throne, he left much of the Anglo-Saxon government in place, since it already had a sophisticated bureaucracy that included coinage and taxation. But he eventually took the dramatic step of dispossessing most of the Anglo-Saxon nobles and handing their lands over to loyal Norman elites. Latin became the official language of English government, explains Thomas, because it was a language that both English and Norman bureaucrats could understand. While the lower social classes continued to speak Old English, the English elites and their hangers-on started speaking French, and it remained the language of the upper classes well into the 13th century, says Bates. As a result of the Norman invasion, modern English contains roughly 10,000 French words, and an estimated 58 percent of English words are derived from French or Latin. Interestingly, William spoke no English and was illiterate, like many noblemen of the day. Advertisement William's Gift to Historians Once William installed loyal Norman subjects as feudal lords, he wanted to determine exactly how many resources were under his control. So, he ordered a nationwide survey of every shire, farm, shop and household down to the number of sheep in the yard and bushels of grain in the storehouse. "It's this massive undertaking by the standards of the time," says Thomas. "The local people compared it to the Last Judgement, when every single sin and good deed would be counted." " " An extract from the Domesday Book, a manuscript record of the '"Great Survey" ordered by King William the Conqueror. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images When this huge collection of demographic and economic information was published, it was dubbed the Domesday Book, pronounced "doomsday." To this day, historians covet the reams of 12th-century data captured by this wildly ambitious survey. "There's nothing else before or after that survives like that," says Thomas. "It's this incredible snapshot of England's economy." Advertisement Death and Royal Legacy Despite being King of England, William mostly ruled from Normandy, where he was also besieged by rebellions. In 1087, a year after the completion of the Domesday Book, William fell from a horse while attacking the French city of Mantes and died from his injuries. He was buried in the Abbey of St. Stephen in Caen, France, a building that William constructed in 1077 as a favor of sorts to the Church. Pope Leo IX had opposed William's marriage to his close cousin Matilda in 1050, but William promised to build a pair of abbeys in Caen if the Pope agreed to bless the union, which he did. A simple stone laid in the abbey is etched with this epitaph: "Here lies the invincible William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England." William and Matilda had 10 children, including William II, who succeeded his father as King of England. The current Royal Family of the United Kingdom is related to William by way of a complicated and twisting pedigree. There have been four English kings named William and will likely be a fifth if Prince William assumes the throne as expected. Now That's Cool You can thank the Normans for popularizing some of the most common names in the English language, including William, Robert, Henry and Alice. Before the Norman invasion, babies were given good Anglo-Saxon names like Aethelred, Eadric and Leofric. This is Peter Hitchens Mail on Sunday column Do we in Britain respect the beliefs of others any more? I was shocked by how furious I was when I learned that a Roman Catholic priest had been told by police that he could not enter the building where Sir David Amess had been stabbed to give him the last rites. I am myself a very protestant Protestant and do not expect or wish for a priest to be present at the hour of my death. In my childhood, in my bit of Britain, Roman Catholics were still regarded as outsiders, rather as Muslims seem to be now, only more so. But in those times, I am absolutely sure that the police would not have acted in this way. We were nervous of Catholics precisely because we took Christian belief seriously, and so did they. Now, of all the religions of the world, Christianity is the one which is least respected by the British state and by our national culture. People who say they are Buddhists, for instance, tend to be viewed as admirable and adventurous. Christians are seen as a bit batty and weird, and are well-advised to keep quiet about their faith in quite a lot of workplaces. I wont try to explain here just why the last rites matter so much to Catholics. But it is absolutely obvious that they do matter hugely to them. One of the most moving contributions to the Commons debate celebrating the life of Sir David came from a Labour MP, Mike Kane. He said, in words of great simplicity and power: Catholics believe that extreme unction helps guide the soul to God after death. He suggested an Amess amendment so that no matter where it is needed and wanted, the sacrament should not be denied. I think this is a good idea. But when I criticised the exclusion of the priest last week on social media, I encountered an astonishing blast of hostility. First of all there was a serious attempt to pretend that the incident had not happened, a falsehood which I countered with the priests own tweet saying he had been refused entry and not allowed to minister to Sir David at the end. Then the Essex police said it was all to do with the utmost importance of preserving the integrity of a crime scene. Now, if this was a common problem and could happen easily, I might think it was a better argument. But I have searched in vain for any example of a prosecution which failed because a priest had contaminated a crime scene, by giving the last rites. Im not saying it has never happened, just that it is not a common event. I asked a former investigator, who said this was a risk, to tell me what exactly that risk was. He couldnt give me an example. I did find one instance of the alleged contamination of a crime scene by paramedics, at Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex in 2019. But the trial went ahead and the attacker was convicted and sentenced to 16 years in prison. I think the crime scene claim is just an excuse to say no. I understand that many people in our society, including in the police, do not believe in God, or in any religion. But Sir David Amess did. For him (and, I suspect, for his family) the comfort of a priest at the moment of death was as important as any emergency service. Not very long ago this would have been accepted without question. Now it is not. Many of those who reject it do so with great bitterness, spite and venom, while some are just indifferent. But in both cases I wonder if we have much of a future as a civilisation if we live and think and act as if eternity does not exist. I believe very profoundly that what we do here matters somewhere else, often in ways we do not fully understand. And that whenever we forget that, we go seriously wrong. They tell us to wear masks but cant say why As the cry goes out again for masks to be compulsory all over the place, I learn of a Freedom of Information request made in July 2020 to the Department for Transport when they first decreed the wearing of face coverings. Dr Alan Black asked if the Ministry could name the peer-reviewed study which justified this. The Ministry answered that this task would cause disproportionate disruption to their work. Odd. Surely if they had used such a study, wouldnt they know where to find it? Dr Black fought on. Eventually, almost a year later, after the Information Commissioner got involved, officials admitted that the Department does not hold the information that you requested. So what was the decree based on? Bear this in mind as you listen to the renewed calls for masking. One of the loudest came last week from that notable figure Matthew Taylor. Matthew, an old opponent of mine, is now chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which you might assume was because he was a distinguished doctor or scientist, or some titan of industry now nobly toiling in the state sector for the public good. In fact Matthew, son of the exotic Leftist sociologist Laurie Taylor, is a former Blairite functionary and apparatchik. He was also once the commander of a Left-wing think-tank, before becoming head of the Royal Society of Arts, a body which used to set shorthand exams but whose current purpose is a bit vague. He has degrees in sociology and industrial relations. This is the great thing about being on the winning side. You dont need to be an expert, and nobody minds. Did Bill Clintons politics save him from #MeToo? The opening episode of the new BBC2 drama Impeachment took me back to the bizarre early months of my two-year assignment in Washington DC at the height of the Clinton years. My job turned out to be much more concerned with sex than I ever expected. I even found myself covering the ghastly Bobbitt trials, involving a very nasty dismemberment in Virginia. I will never forget my long, late-night phone calls with Paula Jones, the Arkansas woman who accused Bill Clinton of behaving very rudely indeed in a Little Rock hotel room. I still dont think I could repeat her deadpan description of the occasion in a family newspaper. So when, years later, Monica Lewinsky made some pretty lurid claims about Mr Clinton, I was not especially surprised. But while the Presidents behaviour was scandalous, was it harassment? Can anyone who wasnt there ever really know? Miss Lewinsky has since joined the #MeToo movement, pointing out very reasonably that Bill Clinton was not just 27 years older than her at the time of their encounters, but also one of the most powerful men in the world. If Mr Clinton and his wife Hillary were not still at the very heart of the American political Left, would he have been dragged down as other powerful men have been? Is #MeToo in fact selective? And if it is, how real is its outrage? ******** Next Sunday is the day it gets *lighter* I have been getting up in the dark for weeks now, and, like everyone who rises early, I long for the return of light mornings next Sunday, the 31st, when the clocks at last stop being forced to lie, and go back to their natural position. Late-rising childless Bohemians, who never see the dawn except when they are on the way home from an especially good party, think this is the day when it gets darker. They have it the wrong way round. If you want to comment on Peter Hitchens, click on Comments and scroll down The Rowan County Sheriffs Office has obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect in the Kannapolis shooting that occurred Thursday. The sheriffs office identified the suspect as Jahrell Dashawn McKenzie Jr., a 28-year-old Black man, of 317 Cabarrus Arms Drive, Kannapolis. McKenzie is currently being held in York County, South Carolina, and extradition proceedings are underway to have him transported back to Rowan County, the sheriffs office said. Investigators were able to identify McKenzie as the shooter after conducting interviews at the scene and collecting evidence, the sheriffs office said. The shooting occurred Thursday morning. Deputies were dispatched at about 9:50 a.m. to 2103 Fowler St., Kannapolis. Once on the scene, deputies found the victim already dead. Deputies then called for the Criminal Investigative Division of the Rowan County Sheriffs Office to respond to join the investigation. The Rowan County Sheriffs Office released a statement Thursday evening alerting the public that it had identified the shooting victim. The sheriffs office did identify the victim as a 17-year-old Black male. About Trinity at Home | Home Health Care Services | Salisbury, NC Trinity at Home in Salisbury, North Carolina provides locals with the support and home care services they need to maintain independence Trinity at Home provides home care support services in Rowan County, North Carolina with personalized care plans that cater each individual's needs. Our goal is help seniors, adults and others in need of additional home support stay comfortable in their homes with services, including respite care, light housekeeping and transportation assistance. Our hourly rates vary depending on the type of service and care needed. Our staff at Trinity at Home provides caring, thoughtful and professional homecare services At Trinity at Home, we want to help our clients maintain dignity through supported independence as long as possible. We provide 24-7 personal and companion care as well as caregiver support. Our services include: Personal Care: Mobility and transfer assistance, including transportation to appointments and errands; Assistance with bath, shower and personal hygiene Companion Care: Respite care; Light housekeeping, laundry and ironing and help with hobbies and interests; Caring companionship and conversation, and companion in an assisted living, nursing home or hospital setting; Medication reminders, healthy meal preparation and wardrobe selection Lutheran Services Carolinas is a nonprofit ministry serving North and South Carolina Trinity at Home, based on the campus of Trinity Oaks, is a program of Lutheran Services Carolinas. Lutheran Services Carolinas is a ministry nonprofit that focuses on helping vulnerable citizens overcome obstacles, such as seniors, veterans, children, disabled, refugees and those affected by disasters. LSC offers seniors retirement communities, including Trinity Oaks, rehabilitation and skilled nursing services adult day services and caregiver support. Clint Walker Community Content Coordinator Follow Clint Walker 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 There are two kinds of people in this world: those who love seeing movies by themselves and those who dont. Personally, I find it depressing, like the FearDotCom incident of 2002 that served as a real sobering glass of cold water to the face about my life at that point. But let me tell you about a certain movie I probably should have seen on my own, and for that I bring to you, from the May 9, 2003, Journal Gazette, House of 1000 Corpses, a movie whose tale is just as much a story of 90s nostalgia as it is oughts-stalgia. See, by the early 90s, horror movies were in the doldrums; stalwarts Freddy, Jason and their respective slasher ilk had run their respective courses and had yet to be reclaimed by nostalgia; meanwhile slick, lurid thrillers marketed to your parents like Basic Instinct, Single White Female and (the insane) Color of Night, among many others, had risen to take their place. Then in 1996, Drew Barrymore, in a legendary sweater, got iced before the opening credits of Scream, and boom, horror movies were back! Or at least a certain kind of horror movie was. For while there were a few creative outliers such as the Invasion of the Body Snatchers in high school trifle The Faculty or the R-Rated Mad Magazine gross outs of Idle Hands, most were, as dudes like your older brother who still lived in the basement told you, essentially cookie cutter, teen-oriented Agatha Christie mysteries with blood, all chock-a-block full of freshly-scrubbed actors from the CW Network farm system, all perfectly fine with getting sliced-up onscreen, but all with obvious no-nudity clauses in their contracts. But for those who still remembered the era of forbidden VHS sleaze, there were hushed rumors going round that Rob Zombie, front man of the 90s metal band White Zombie, was toiling in secret on a throwback 70s-style return to that old-school debauchery. Some of us even saw glimpses of it in the form of effectively shoddy trailers before movies as forgotten as 2000s The Watcher, perhaps the only movie in history where one of the stars was contractually obligated to be in it because someone forged their name on the contract. But after that: silence. And for those of us that cared so deeply we waited. Meanwhile numerous production deals fell through until eventually House of 1000 Corpses limped into theaters about five years after when it would have had the most impact. I had to practically beg two of my friends to go see it with me. What a sales pitch that was; trying to convince them that they were about to see a real horror experience. Ridiculous. Ive learned since then that anytime someone comes up to you to tell you what the real anything is, the first thing you should do is give them a real shove out of your face. House involves a car full of idiots driving through the south in the 70s hoping to get material to write a book on obscure roadside attractions when some local yokels suggest they try investigating the legend of Dr. Satan, and eventually all their poking around gets them is a stay at what I guess is the titular house, a rickety mansion in the sticks populated by a psychotic family who proceeds to trap, taunt, and torture all of them. It only took about fifteen minutes before any excitement I had was replaced with the gnawing fear that I had, indeed, dragged my friends to a bad movie. Truth is, its amazing how woefully inert an 80-minute parade of deep-fried rubber-masked atrocities can seem after its been passed from editor to editor in an attempt to save it. We stumbled out of the movie, still daylight outside, and I realized I had a lot of explaining to do about what I just made them sit through. I continued to say that I thought it was pretty good, even though I realize now I wanted it to be better than it was. Positive takeaways were limited to some neat monsters at the end, the introduction of Sheri Moon Zombie, who justifiably became the femme fatale horror icon of the era, and the grubby, random interstitial segments that had the drive-in greasiness to them I wish the whole movie had. As I always suspected, these bits were filmed by Zombie himself in his basement while waiting for studios to decide if they wanted to give him more money. Released in the trashy nu-metal era of horror that gave us Saw, Wrong Turn, Jeepers Creepers, and um, FearDotCom, 1000 Corpses should have fit right in, but it failed to find its niche and thus seemed like time wasted on everyones account, including the director who continues to show good taste by rebuffing claims its a lost cult gem by dismissing it as a lost opportunity. Since then, Zombie has bravely continued on as a director, finally getting that big studio money rebooting Halloween in the great 2000s remake boom, making one almost-classic with The Lords of Salem and yestwo sequels to House of 1000 Corpses, both actually getting some mainstream critical respect. A few years ago, at a wedding shower for a friend, someone went from table to table with slips of paper telling us to write down a nice memory we had of either the bride or groom to be. So, I wrote down the only thing I could think of: Sorry I made you sit through House of 1000 Corpses. It really was a lousy movie. At which point a friend sitting next to me looking over my shoulder said, Wheres my apology? Fair enough. Im sorry. Well, for the above and for what happened with Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2. "The Throwback Machine" is a weekly feature taking a look back at items of interest found in the JG-TC online archives. For questions, comments, suggestions, or his "Song of the Day" recommendation, contact him at cwalker@jg-tc.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. As a medical provider, Dr. Mahesh Ramachandran encouraged his patients to keep working as hard as they could in physical therapy, knowing that more effort could yield more results. But then, he became a patient himself. And it left him with a new appreciation for the neurological work the patients put in every day as part of their rehabilitation. Ramachandran, the chief medical officer of Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, landed in recovery there after suffering a stroke over Memorial Day weekend. It caused weakness to his left side, leaving him in need of therapy to help relearn things like getting dressed. I had a very hard time buttoning a shirt, putting on a belt, he said. Tying shoelaces were pretty much impossible for me to do on my own. Day-to-day simple things like that, because you use both your hands for those tasks. After stumbling in his backyard in May and feeling a bit confused, Ramachandran went inside. About half an hour later, he noticed his left arm felt weak. He grew alarmed and asked his wife to call 911. As a stroke specialist, he knows what feeling weak on one side could mean. And he also knew that speed mattered; by getting to the hospital quickly, he was able to be diagnosed and begin care. Doctors told him hed had a stroke on the right side of his brain. Fortunately, it didnt affect my speech, my cognition, Ramachandran said. But he still had a journey ahead. He hoped to do outpatient therapy, coming to Marianjoy for appointments and sleeping at home. But it quickly became clear he would need to stay at the hospital, as he had difficulties walking and worried about his wife needing to lift and carry him at home. Coming in as a patient through the doors of Marianjoy hed so often entered as chief medical officer was a completely different perspective, he said. On a scientific level, he was familiar with the kind of stroke hed had. I felt very good about my chances of recovery, he said. He noted many people assume all strokes are the same, but they vary in location, intensity and recovery. A stroke happens when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, preventing the brain from getting oxygen or nutrients. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include trouble speaking or understanding others, paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg, headache or problems seeing in one or both eyes. Getting care quickly is key. Despite Ramachandrans wealth of scientific knowledge about his body, the experience was still difficult for him. The actual going through the symptoms and the therapy and being a patient was quite eye-opening, he said. His neurological recovery included physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve balance, occupational therapy to relearn things like picking up cups, and speech therapy, where a therapist checked things like swallowing and speech production. Ramachandran remembers an exercise he found difficult a type of video game where patients used one hand to maneuver a joystick. Initially I had a very hard time moving objects, he said. After 10 to 15 seconds, I would just be exhausted, and my left arm would not move anymore. Eventually he worked his way up to minutes at a time. During frustrations and victories alike, he also saw a new side of his staff as one of their patients, he said, making him feel both happy and proud to be part of the program. One of the big things he learned was how much of a barrier fatigue can be. It takes a lot more energy, because of the weakness you have on one side of the body, to do simple activities, he said. One of the things that I realized is that even though studies show the more therapy you do, the better you get, your body also needs to rest. Its probably not something that I realized as much as a physician. By August, he had returned to work full time. And his work feels different. He knows he will remember that fatigue, and balance that memory with his urge to motivate his patients. Thats kind of a change in my practice, that Ill say: You need to work hard, but you also need to get that rest so your body can recharge, he said. Ramachandran also gained a new appreciation for how family and friends support sick relatives, and the mental aspect of recovering from a stroke. This is a life-altering event, so the emotional and psychological aspects of it are tremendous, because they dont know if they can return back to their way of living. Can they go back to work? Can they go back to driving? And so on, he said. And, for the first time, he can tell those he treats how he, too, has been at Marianjoy as a patient. He hopes encouragement to keep going will hold more weight. I think sometimes if you just say that as a physician, it may not have the impact that I can have now, he said. Ramachandran can tell patients, Ive lived through it. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 An estimated 28 million children nationwide are expected to soon be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, pending the expected authorization of the Pfizer shot for kids 5 to 11 in the coming weeks. The annual flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older around this time of the year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is in addition to a variety of immunizations given throughout childhood to protect against potentially life-threatening illnesses. While getting a shot can be nerve-wracking for many kids, as well as their parents and caregivers, medical experts say certain strategies and coping mechanisms can minimize a childs anxiety and pain. Applying some of these techniques can improve the vaccination experience in the moment as well as arm children with long-term skills to help them handle difficult or scary medical procedures throughout life, said Jennie Ott, director of child life and family education at University of Chicago Medicine. Its very anxiety-provoking, but theres so much parents can feel empowered to do, she said. Were really setting a long-term foundation for childrens experiences with health care encounters. Here are 12 tips on how adults can help calm a child and ease their pain during vaccinations. 1. Make a plan. Talk ahead of time about the upcoming immunization, relay what the child can expect during the appointment, and allow them to ask questions, Ott said. Going over various coping strategies beforehand can also help prepare children and give them a greater sense of autonomy, she said. What I would encourage parents to do is work with their child to come up with a plan, she said. Talking to them about their vaccine is going to be a critical piece in this. That might mean deciding to bring comforting or distracting items, like a favorite television show on a tablet, soothing music, a security blanket, a favorite stuffed animal or a stress ball. 2. Offer choices. This could include decisions about which comfort items to bring to the appointment, if the child would like to squeeze your hand or count during the injection. Kids might also have a preference of looking away during the shot or watching the process. Sometimes adults are inclined to automatically tell children to look away, but for some kids this can spur a huge sense of loss of control, Ott said. Children can also make decisions about how theyd like to be positioned during the shot, from sitting in a parents lap to holding a caregivers hand to being embraced. Experts stress that these choices should be realistic; for instance, refusing to get the vaccine altogether isnt an option. 3. Dont lie. This can erode trust between the caregiver and child. Experts say to avoid statements like youre not getting a vaccine today or you wont feel it at all. We always talk about making sure were truthful with children, Ott said. 4. Apply numbing agents to the injection site. Topical anesthetics like lidocaine creams or cold sprays can be applied to the skin at the injection site prior to the shot to reduce pain, said Dr. Diana Bottari, a pain specialist with Advocate Aurora Health. She says hemorrhoid cream can also work to numb the area. But Bottari added that the decision to use a numbing agent can depend on the childs preference; for example, some kids might dislike the sensation of cold from a spray. 5. Use pain-minimizing devices. Theres the ShotBlocker, a small plastic disc with prickly bumps on one side thats pressed against the skin during the shot, which confuses the bodys nerves and distracts from the injection. Bottari added that scratching the skin near the injection site like on the childs shoulder can have a similar effect. Theres also Buzzy vibrating cold packs, devices shaped like ladybugs or bees that use cold temperature and vibration to reduce pain during vaccinations. 6. Validate the childs feelings. Avoid statements like its just a shot or telling kids not to cry. Medical experts say nervousness is a natural reaction to needles and injections, and adults can acknowledge discomfort from the vaccine. We say all the time: Feelings are for feeling, not for fixing, said Becca Mitsos, a certified child life specialist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Childrens Hospital in Chicago. Crying is OK. Its communication. Its OK to share how you feel. Reaffirm that youll be there for your child during the injection, and youll get through it together, she said. Making it clear that theyre not going to have to go through it alone is important for kids of any age, Mitsos said. Ott added that praising a child afterward with statements like you did it or Im so proud of you for doing it can also help. That verbal praise at the end is huge, she said. 7. Adults should try and stay calm. Shots can make parents and guardians nervous, too. Ott advised grown-ups to try to keep their own anxiety in check, because it can exacerbate the emotions of their children. A lot of children pick up on parental anxiety, she said. We encourage parents to be as calm as they can and really be that sense of support for their child. 8. Sometimes getting the vaccine at the start of a visit helps. If the shot is part of longer appointment with a medical provider, asking the clinician to perform the vaccination first might minimize a buildup of anxiety during the visit, Bottari said. 9. Blow bubbles. Taking slow, deep breaths can be calming, as opposed to the shallow, fast breathing often spurred by anxiety. Bottari suggested bringing bubble solution to the appointment and having the child blow bubbles during the injection, to facilitate deep breathing as well as another method of distraction. 10. For babies, feed them during vaccination. While research on COVID-19 vaccines for children under 5 is still underway and little kids arent expected to be eligible in the near future, infants get various immunizations at birth and certain milestones, and babies 6 months and older should get the annual flu shot, according to the CDC. Bottari recommends nursing or bottle-feeding infants before and during vaccinations. When infants suck, their bodies release calming endorphins that reduce pain, she said. Another strategy is to give a baby a pacifier dipped in sugar water, a solution of 1 teaspoon white sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons distilled water, she said. She added that babies and children should be held in a comforting manner, but never held down or overpowered. Minimizing pain and anxiety during infant vaccinations can be critical because it sets the stage for future encounters with needles and injections, Bottari said. Its really important to start when theyre babies because that needle fear does start when theyre very young, she said. 11. For children with needle phobia, sometimes therapy can help. Most kids and even many adults dislike getting shots and experience heightened anxiety during immunizations. But some suffer from needle phobia, a persistent and deep-seated fear of medical procedures involving needles or injections that goes beyond the typical unease. For those cases, psychologists can provide exposure therapy, helping patients conquer their fears through incrementally difficult exposures to needles, injections and other situations that induce the phobia, according to the American Psychological Association. 12. Prepare for potential side effects afterward. Following the COVID-19 vaccine, some patients report soreness at the injection site as well as short-term fatigue, fever, chills and other side effects. Mitsos encourages parents and kids to plan ahead for these possible side effects. That might mean asking children if theyd prefer applying heat or cold to a sore arm, or asking what movies or books theyd like if they feel sick for a little in the aftermath. Packing a bag in advance with stuffed animals, books or other activities can help too, she said. Theres research about how if you have an awareness of what might be uncomfortable, your perceived discomfort is lower if youre prepared for it, she said. The perception of pain or discomfort is significantly lessened when youre prepared for that pain or discomfort. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 When you just wake up in the morning and pour your first cup of coffee, you probably arent thinking too much about where it comes from. But you should. The global coffee industry is riddled with inequities that keep many farming families from earning a livable wage. By buying coffee thats Fair Trade-certified, consumers can be sure theyre supporting producers committed to these farmers, their communities and the environment. Across the United States, weve pinpointed several brands that are going above and beyond to do good in the coffee collective. These are coffees you can feel good about drinking, as much for their mission as their flavor. Fort Wayne, Indiana Utopian owner, Brendon Maxwell, personally travels to the coffee-growing regions where he sources his beans to ensure adherence to ethical business practices, innovate new ways to work with farmers, and establish partnerships with groups like Run for Congo Women which benefits Women for Women International. Back home in Fort Wayne, Utopians certified organic coffees make their way into bags and beverages at a sunny cafe based on The Landing, a historic district downtown. Raleigh, North Carolina A recognized certified B Corporation and founding member of the Cooperative Coffees organization, Larrys lives by sustainable practices, from incorporating solar energy into the roasterys design and using recyclable BPA-free K-Cups to harvesting rainwater to run the on-site restrooms. They even repurposed a barrel used to age coffee beans for its own beehive. These fair trade-sourced beans are organic, kosher and shade-grown, which supports bird life. As serious as Larrys is about the planet, their whimsical streak comes out in product names like the El Salvador Dali Blend, Sammy Decaf Jr. Blend, and Bean Martin. Tacoma, Washington Pilot and owner Jeff Jett combines his loves of aviation and coffee to create a unique experience for customers by carefully handpicking and precision roasting the beans he serves. Better yet, a portion of all sales makes its way to Black Pilots of America, Experimental Aircraft Associations Young Eagles program, the AOPA Foundation and other nonprofit programs and charitable organizations that support flight technology education for aspiring young aviators. Boulder, Colorado This Colorado coffee landmark has been building relationships with a fair-trade network of independent small farmers since its start in the early 1990s. A 2021 Best for the World winner given by the certified B Corporation community and a Cooperative Coffees founding member, Conscious Coffees walks the walk through its efforts to maintain transparency and reduce its environmental footprint as it continually works to perfect its organic products. Oakland, California Serving up beautiful coffee for the people, owner, artist and entrepreneur Keba Konte prides himself on ethical sourcing and community building. Through socially responsible hiring practices, Red Bay, a certified B Corporation, promotes diversity and inclusion while supporting economic growth in the San Francisco Bay Area. Konte assures growers receive fair compensation for their farming endeavors by establishing direct relationships with groups like the International Womens Coffee Alliance. Q: When the COVID-19 shot first came out, it was said that the vaccine had to be kept in sub-zero temperature that only a few locations in each county had access to. Later, lots of the drug stores are able to give this vaccine. What is the difference now? B.H. Answer: Glenda Dancy, the assistant public health director at the Forsyth County Department of Public Health, explained the storage requirements for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine needs to be stored in: Ultra-Cold Freezer Before mixing, the vaccine may be stored in an ultra-cold freezer between -130 degrees and -76 until the expiration date. Before mixing, the vaccine may be stored in the freezer between -13 to 5 for up to 2 weeks. This beyond-use date replaces the manufacturers expiration date. The total time vials are stored at these temperatures should be tracked and should not exceed two weeks. Before mixing, the vaccine may be stored in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 for up to 1 month (31 days). After 31 days, contact the manufacturer for guidance. If directed to discard any remaining vials, follow the manufacturers and your jurisdictions guidance for proper disposal. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Population growth in North Carolinas metros continues to beat forecasts, said Michael Walden, an economics professor at N.C. State University. Lack of health care facilities that lag population growth is a big source of concern for residents. I would expect big public pushback if new facilities were artificially limited to protect the financial returns of health care providers, Walden said. Baptist-Novant dispute With the two Triad community hospitals, Baptist and Novant gained a conditional certificate-of-need approval in 2008. Both appealed the decision favoring their rival, with Novant ending its pursuit in March 2009. Baptist dropped its appeal in December 2009 as part of a settlement. During a press conference announcing the settlement, the systems said they had reached a mutually satisfying solution. Officials with both systems acknowledged it took the realities of legal expenses of more than $1 million a year, and the prospects of seven to 10 years of litigation and appeals, to persuade them to reach a compromise that allowed both hospitals to open in 2017. Two people have been arrested after authorities discovered the body of a missing North Carolina man buried 15 feet underground in a well. Donna Hagy and Dwayne Alan Smith are accused of concealing the death of Morganton man Howell Buchanan Jr., who went missing in August, according to the Burke County Sheriffs Office. Both were booked into jail Oct. 20. Authorities launched an investigation after Buchanan was reported missing and deputies were unable to locate him during a wellness check at his home in late August, the sheriffs office said. Authorities conducted several interviews in the investigation, which led them to what appeared to be a relatively fresh dig site with heavy equipment on an old powerline right-of-way in the 4900 block of Old N.C. 18 on Sept. 30. Crews excavated the site Oct. 18 and discovered a well underneath the dirt, according to police. Thats where they found Buchanans remains buried about 15 feet deep within it. Hagy, who police said is Buchanans ex-girlfriend, was arrested after she was interviewed by investigators. Smith was taken into custody later that same day. In the video, Harris says when she attended church in Oakland, Calif., It was our sacred responsibility to raise our voice and to lift up the voices of our community. Translation: vote for Democrats, though their track record is less than admirable when it comes to serving Black and brown communities. For Democrats, African Americans never seem to succeed and are always in need of government. Why? To do what? Reduce shootings in the streets of our major cities? Create and keep families together? Give parents an opportunity for their children to escape failing public schools and allow them to choose a school that provides a real education in a safe environment? None of the above. It is in Democrats self-interest to keep African Americans loyal and beholden to their party, though so little is given in return. The rule imposes penalties. The cost of the opposing sides reasonable attorneys fees and expenses is the most frequent, and they can be imposed jointly on the offending attorneys, their law firm and the litigant they represent. The rule is designed to deter the lawyer from such conduct in the future and to deter other lawyers similarly situated. Most important, a misrepresentation may result in the dismissal of the lawsuit if there is nothing additional to the unsupported evidence. But thats not all lawyers have to comply with. They belong to the most highly regulated of professions, and rightly so. They can be admitted to a states Bar only upon a written examination, and to another court or state only after appropriate time and experience. They become sworn officers of the court. Each state has Rules of Professional Conduct that its attorneys must follow. They are similar throughout the nation. Among these rules is one that says a lawyer shall not bring or defend a proceeding or issue unless there is a basis in law and fact for doing so that is not frivolous. Another recites that a lawyer shall not knowingly make a false statement of fact or law to a tribunal. Neither may a lawyer engage in conduct that seriously interferes with the administration of justice. To stay in power The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires that: No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, who, having previously taken an oath to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. The exclusion also applies to any state or federal office, including President. The Jan. 6 rebellion was a direct attack on our democracy. It should be recognized as such when prosecuting the instigators, planners and participants. Forty-three presidents preceded Donald Trump, but none of them organized an insurrection to stay in power if voters chose a different candidate. Charles E. Wilson Winston-Salem Love thy neighbor I spent part of Oct. 17 attending a rally on gun violence, and listened to a sermon highlighting that everyone is imperfect. The Nebraska Health Care Association (NHCA) has named Jalene Carpenter as its next president and CEO starting Nov. 10. Carpenter is an established member of Nebraskas long-term care community. She began her career in long-term care as an office manager in Greeley, Colorado, eventually serving as administrator of South Haven Living Center in Wahoo, Nebraska, for eight years. Carpenter transitioned to Vetter Health Services home office in Elkhorn, where she supported operations in 10 facilities across Nebraska, Iowa and Wyoming. She has spent the last three years engaging with Nebraskas skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities as a vendor first as director of customer success with NRC Health, then director of community advancement with Community Pharmacy. Carpenter has been a licensed nursing home administrator for 14 years. Carpenter has been involved with NHCAs work for 12 years, including service on the board of directors and many committees. She served on the founding committee to develop NHCAs first leadership program and is an advocate for NHCAs political action committee. "To put it bluntly, it's a kick in the gut for all of us." said Lemke, the City Council president. Friday, residents were still trying to understand why Hoskinson, who bought and sold grain for Agrex for the past five or six years, would have been fired during the height of the grain harvest, and what prompted him, shortly after being dismissed, to return with a pistol and open fire. A man who answered the door at Hoskinsons gray ranch home in Superior on Friday afternoon could manage only one word: Sorry. Another man, who said he was Hoskinsons brother-in-law, later said the family would have no other comment. At least one local man, who was familiar with the elevator, said that Hoskinson had a history of outbursts with fellow employees and that he was not surprised by Thursday's violence. As news of the shooting reverberated, Lemke said it affected everyone, including those living on the nearby farms whose harvest would normally have the elevator buzzing with activity this time of year. On Friday afternoon, the day-old news still seemed tough to process. "These are the things we see on the news," Lemke said. "We don't think that it's gonna happen in our little hometown." Our elections work. You dont like the outcome? Well, then you run in the next election and try to win and earn peoples votes not cut out a segment of people that cast their ballot as Americans and have a right to do that, Whitmer said. In Pennsylvania, which allows no direct access to the ballot for citizen initiatives, the earliest the Republican-controlled Legislature could put its election changes on the ballot through a proposed constitutional amendment is 2023. The Pennsylvania proposal is among several that would go beyond changes to voter ID. As Trump allies go state to state, pushing partisan reviews of last years presidential election, the measure in Pennsylvania would require election results to be audited by the states auditor general. It would require paper ballots to bear a watermark and be open to public inspection after an election is certified. KEARNEY Law officers are equipped with pistols, stun guns, night sticks and pepper spray, but when they encounter an individual experiencing a mental health incident, the best weapon might be someone who knows about mental health. Its difficult because while we receive some training in mental health, there are people with a lot higher training who know how to help with a crisis, said Buffalo County Sheriff Neil Miller. The Buffalo County Sheriffs Department and Kearney Police Department soon will have mental health experts available to talk with individuals in crisis. In many situations, the professionals or co-responders will be on the scene with the deputy or police officer using their knowledge to safely de-escalate the situation and get the individuals to a place where theyll be safe and receive the help they need. The U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday that the Buffalo County Sheriffs Department will receive $250,000 during the next two years to make mental health professionals available 24/7 to respond in emergencies. Giving us a resource like this grant makes us feel a lot better about being able to do a good job, Miller said. The indictment of Rep. Jeff Fortenberry could have a big impact on his future in Nebraska politics and the 2022 election, opening the door to possible outcomes that would have seemed far-fetched just days ago. The nine-term Republican congressman was charged Tuesday with scheming to falsify and conceal material facts and two counts of making false statements to federal investigators. At issue is whether Fortenberry knowingly made false statements to FBI agents about whether he was aware that his campaign had received illegal contributions from a Nigerian billionaire at a 2016 fundraiser in Los Angeles. In the indictment, prosecutors hinted that they have phone recordings between Fortenberry and the fundraiser's host, who they say warned Fortenberry that he had received illegal donations from a foreign national. Fortenberry's attorney has said the congressman was misled and answered the FBI's questions to the best of his knowledge. Here are a few things to know: What happens next? A judge set a Dec. 14 trial date for Fortenberry, but thats very likely to change as attorneys file and argue over pre-trial motions. Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska and Girl Scouts USA are introducing a new cookie to the nationwide lineup for the 2022 Girl Scout cookie season. "Adventurefuls" are a brownie-inspired cookie with caramel-flavored creme and a hint of sea salt. Every purchase of Adventurefuls, and the whole portfolio of Girl Scout cookies, fuels local Girl Scouts adventures throughout the year. Girl Scouts explore what interests them, discover their passions and take action on issues they care about. Whether theyre using STEM skills to solve a problem, changing a law to help their community, having a courageous outdoor experience or starting an innovative nonprofit, Girl Scouts build a better future for themselves and the world. Buy one, get one membership incentive Open to all girls in kindergarten through 12th grade, new Girl Scout troops and groups are forming. And thanks to grant funds, Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska is offering a buy one, get one membership incentive this fall. Nebraska girls who buy a membership now will receive a second, free membership that they can give to a sister, friend or caregiver while funds last. The offer is open to new members and girls who took last year off due to the pandemic. Families can get details at girlscouts.how/bogo. 2020 ELECTION No findings of fraud, but election audit questions some of the guidance clerks relied on in 2020 MADISON The Wisconsin Elections Commission should create rules defining the use of ballot drop boxes in elections and define when clerks are allowed to fill in missing information on absentee ballot envelopes, according to a much-anticipated report by state auditors Friday. READ FULL REPORT: LAB 2020 Election Audit The nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureaus report focused on the extent to which clerks complied with state laws in the 2020 election, including those that govern the administration of elections, processing absentee ballots and performing recounts. While the audit was never intended to reexamine the results of the election, it offers no evidence of widespread fraud, instead questioning some of the practices and guidance clerks relied on in administering an election right just as the COVID-19 pandemic was exploding on the scene. A recount and court decisions have affirmed that President Joe Biden defeated former President Donald Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes. Four voters out of roughly 3 million who cast ballots have been charged with fraud. Despite concerns with statewide elections procedures, this audit showed us that the election was largely safe and secure, Sen. Rob Cowles, R-Green Bay, who co-chairs the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, write Friday on Twitter. The report makes 30 recommendations for the Wisconsin Elections Commission and 18 for the Legislature to consider. Those include improving how the commission identifies potential duplicate voter registration records and creating administrative rules which would require legislative approval specifying whether and what information clerks can correct on absentee ballot certificates, and whether municipalities may continue to use absentee ballot drop boxes. The drop boxes were widely used last year as an alternative for voters worried that, with the crush of absentee ballots during the pandemic and potential delays in mail delivery, their ballots might not make it back before Election Day. Generally speaking, this audit affirms much of what we expected, Cowles said in a follow-up statement. Many of the findings show that WEC and its staff are not complying with state statute on several fronts, from clerk training to verification of voters and voter registration. State elections commission administrator Meagan Wolfe said the report made clear that vote totals in the November election were accurate and that no problems were identified that could have changed the outcome, confirming there was no widespread fraud. Were gratified to see the report and to know that it really supports the hard-working and dedicated state and local elections officials across Wisconsin, Wolfe said in a statement. She added, however, that the report contained several errors that could have been caught had the commission had an opportunity to review a draft report before it was filed. Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, also noted the lack of any findings to suggest widespread fraud in the 2020 election. The report also contradicts the disingenuous lies legislative Republicans have peddled for the last eleven months in their attempt to breed distrust in our democracy, he said in a statement. There is no doubt legislative Republicans will try to exploit these recommendations to hold onto political power. The people of Wisconsin should see those maneuvers for what they are: a desperate attempt to hold onto power at any cost. Much of the Audits Bureaus review notes instances where statutes do not make specific recommendations related to election matters, such as the use of ballot drop boxes or whether clerks can fill in missing information on absentee ballot envelopes. In other instances, the report found that WEC failed to create rules governing certain practices, such as the requirements for training voting deputies or election inspectors. Issues for the Legislature to consider include modifying state law to specify what address information a witness should provide on an absentee ballot certificate and clarifying the extent to which clerks are allowed to correct errors or add missing information to certificates. The audit also suggested the Legislature might want to address, in state law, the question of whether drop boxes should be allowed. Election audit legislative considerations Among other changes, the Audit Bureau suggested the Legislature might consider changes to the laws governing elections including: Require clerks to complete initial training before administering an election. Require a municipal governing body to notify the Wisconsin Elections Commission within 30 days when there is turnover in the clerk position, allowing the commission to better track whether all clerks have completed the required training. Require the state Department of Transportation to provide additional information to the commission when DOT attempts to verify information provided by registrants. Require the WEC to regularly obtain data from the Electronic Registration Information Center, which provides reports on potential duplicate registration records and flags registrants who might have died or moved, and use the data to improve the accuracy and completeness of the state's online voter registration system. Modify the law to specify the particular address components that a witness must provide on an absentee ballot certificate, clarify the extent to which municipal clerks are permitted to correct errors in witness addresses or add missing witness address information and require clerks to verify the signatures of individuals who cast absentee ballots. Clarify whether individuals are allowed to return absentee ballots via drop boxes instead of by mail. Establish when clerks are not required to send special voting deputies to residential care facilities and nursing homes, as well as the procedures clerks must follow in mailing and considering absentee ballots in such circumstances. Specify the actions and responsibilities of consultants at polling places and central count locations on Election Day. Allow new polling places to be quickly established in certain situations, such as in a public health emergency or if a fire or a natural disaster were to damage a polling place. Require clerks to notify WECs administrator if they rent electronic voting equipment and require materials related to the pre-election tests of electronic voting equipment to be retained for 22 months after a federal election. Change state law to reflect the current federal standards for an acceptable equipment error rate with voting machines and require WEC to conduct risk-limiting post-election audits. Require WEC to report certain information about election-related concerns every six months. Require that only certain types of costs associated with recounts could be charged and determine the total amount that could be charged. The audit, which was ordered in February by the Republican-led Joint Legislative Audit Committee, comes as former conservative Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman, who was hired by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, conducts his own GOP-led investigation into how the 2020 election was conducted. Audit Bureaus report The report found that 59 of the 60 election voting machines reviewed had accurately counted votes cast for presidential candidates. Due to insufficient documentation, the bureau was unable to determine the accuracy of one machines vote count. The Audit Bureau also reviewed 14,710 certificates for absentee ballots, typically the envelopes holding the ballots, in 29 municipalities and found that: 1,022 certificates (6.9%) had partial witness addresses; 15 certificates (0.1%) did not have a witness address in its entirety; eight certificates (less than 0.1%) did not have a witness signature; and three certificates (less than 0.1%) did not have a voter signature. Statutes require municipal clerks to write their initials on absentee ballot certificates in certain situations, like when individuals request absentee ballots in person at a clerk office, and a ballot must not be counted if a certificate lacks a clerks initials. The Audit Bureau found that less than 1% of all certificates reviewed in four municipalities, which were not identified in the report, contained clerk initials. Clerks in those cities said they did not initial certificates for various reasons, including because the individuals who requested the ballots were registered and eligible to receive them, the clerks printed the names and addresses of the individuals to signify they were eligible to receive ballots and the clerks initialed the ballots rather than the certificates. We question whether the clerks in these four municipalities consistently complied with the statutory requirement for them to initial certificates in certain situations, the report states. The Audit Bureau found that less than 1% of all certificates reviewed in four municipalities, which were not identified in the report, contained clerk initials. Clerks in those cities said they did not initial certificates for various reasons, including because the individuals who requested the ballots were registered and eligible to receive them, the clerks printed the names and addresses of the individuals to signify they were eligible to receive ballots and the clerks initialed the ballots rather than the certificates. We question whether the clerks in these four municipalities consistently complied with the statutory requirement for them to initial certificates in certain situations, the report states. The report also found 70 instances of duplicate voter registration records, with four cases where an individual may have voted twice by absentee ballot. Close to 3.3 million ballots were cast in Wisconsins presidential election. Election officials in Milwaukee County and Madison, along with the Oconto County town of Little Suamico, did not provide the Audit Bureau with actual ballots, citing guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice reminding clerks of their obligation to retain and preserve election records, according to the report. Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke, R-Kaukauna, said in a statement those officials were promoting secrecy and severely undercutting their clerks credibility. Recommended changes to election administration Friday's audit of how the 2020 presidential election was conducted recommended the Wisconsin Elections Commission make dozens of changes in administering elections, including: Create rules that spell out the training municipal clerks provide to special voting deputies and election inspectors. Create a new data-sharing agreement with the state departments of transportation, health services and corrections for verifying information voters provide when registering by any means, not just online. Work with the DOT to obtain the electronic signatures of individuals who register online to vote, or request that the Legislature modify the statutory requirement that the commission obtain them. Improve how the commission identifies potential duplicate voter registration records online by comparing drivers license and state identification card numbers of all registered voters each night. Establish a schedule for regularly obtaining data from the Electronic Registration Information Center, which provides reports on potential duplicate registration records in different states and flags registrants who might have died or moved. Ensure that absentee ballot certificates (typically the envelopes in which absentee ballots are returned) comply with state law requiring witnesses to print their names. Provide municipal clerks with additional training on the statutory requirement to initial absentee ballot certificates in certain situations. Create rules allowing clerks to correct or add missing witness address information on absentee ballot certificates if the commission believes clerks should have that authority. Create rules to permit clerks to establish absentee ballot drop boxes if the commission believes such boxes are permitted. Create rules to specify when municipal clerks should not send special voting deputies to residential care facilities and retirement homes if the commission believes clerks should be allowed to take such action. Retract written guidance that indicates clerks may adjourn before counting all ballots as a result of unforeseen circumstances. Instead, create rules to allow clerks to adjourn in certain circumstances if the commission believes that should be allowed. Retract guidance that allowed clerks to establish polling places without approval from municipal governing bodies after several polling places such as nursing homes were closed to the public in response to the pandemic. Instead, create rules to specify the circumstances when clerks can relocate polling places on their own, such as a public health emergency, if the commission believes that's necessary. Create rules to ensure the security of software components in approved electronic voting equipment. Ensure equipment vendors provide added training to clerks to ensure ballots are counted accurately when a paper jam occurs in voting machines and comply with statutes by calculating an error rate for each type of machine used. Create rules for considering complaints alleging violations of election laws and use recently purchased software to track election-related concerns. Vos said Fridays audit supports Republicans contention that further investigation into how the election was carried out is needed, adding its imperative that Justice Gableman continues to look into what led to these violations in election law. Vos has said the investigation, which had originally been planned to be complete by the end of October, will now be finished before the end of the year. On Thursday, Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul asked a Dane County Circuit Court judge to prohibit Gableman from enforcing subpoenas he filed with the state elections commission, calling them unlawful. WEC not informed While the Audit Bureau typically provides the audited party an opportunity to see reports and provide a chance to respond before the results are published, the bureau said sharing a draft report with all 179 of the clerks contacted would have compromised the reports confidentiality. In addition, WEC can only convene in closed session for specified purposes, none of which pertain to reviewing draft audit reports, according to the report. Thus, to preserve the statutorily required confidentiality of our audit until its completion, we did not provide WEC with an opportunity to review a confidential draft audit report and respond in writing to this report prior to its release, the report states. Wolfe said that only ensured the report would contain mistakes. Such important subject matter deserves careful and thoughtful review, Wolfe said. Our initial scan of the report has identified several errors that we could have corrected earlier if we had been able to view the draft. Not allowing WEC a chance to review and respond to a draft report was a missed opportunity to ensure sure the report was as accurate. Wolfe said the commission will continue to review the report to determine formal responses. Were anxious to use this opportunity to look for ways to improve the administrative functions that are so critical to carrying out elections, she said. RACINE It has been nearly five months since Malcolm James and Ronquale Ditello-Scott Jr. died within three days of each other at the Racine County Jail, and two months since the Kenosha County Sheriffs Department confirmed its investigation into the deaths was complete, but the investigations are still under review, Racine County District Attorney Tricia Hanson said in an email Friday to The Journal Times. Investigation of Racine County Jail deaths complete, police say Racine County District Attorney Tricia Hanson did not reply to emails seeking an update on the cases. It is up to Hanson's office to decide if criminal charges are to be filed against anyone involved. On Aug. 26, the Kenosha County Sheriffs Department confirmed to The Journal Times that its investigation to the deaths in the jail was complete. The KSCD findings were then forwarded to Hansons office. The Journal Times has contacted Hansons office and a spokesman for the Racine County Sheriffs Office repeatedly since then, requesting updates on the case, including on Oct. 6, Oct. 12 and again Friday morning. No replies were received prior to Friday. On Friday morning, Hanson replied to an email. She wrote, in part: I am declining to answer questions. A reporter replied: Does this mean that the investigation et. al. is complete? She replied: No, still under review. A spokesman for the Racine County Sheriffs Office has not replied to any of these emailed requests. Deaths Ditello-Scott died May 29, hours after he was arrested for allegedly operating while intoxicated at about 2 a.m. near Waterford. He was a Whitewater resident who, according to his loved ones, was driving home from visiting with friends in Milwaukee when he was stopped. According to the Racine County Sheriffs Office, he was sleeping in a cell in the early morning and seemed fine. But, when he was checked on before 7 a.m., he was yellow in color and not breathing and died soon after. He was 22 years old and a father of one, with a second child on the way at the time of his death. James, 27, died June 1. He was arrested May 29 during an apparent mental health crisis after allegedly setting his apartment on fire. According to statements and a series of video clips released by the Racine County Sheriffs Office, James allegedly began hitting his head against the wall of his jail cell, was taken to the hospital at least twice, brought back to jail, and began hitting his head against the wall again as at least one jail guard tried to speak with him through the door. It remains unclear what followed. According to statements Sheriff Christopher Schmaling made June 23, a team entered the cell at which point Mr. James violently fought with jail staff and they had to use some use of physical force to secure him (for) medical treatment. At some point, James was tased; it remains unclear how many times or if force was used by jail staff in other ways. Schmaling said, in a prerecorded statement accompanying release of video of James in his jail cell, that claims the a Taser caused James death are completely false. County staff members that were involved in overseeing James were placed on leave after his death, the Sheriffs Office said. Attorney Kevin OConnor, who is representing the families of both James and Ditello-Scott, claimed in June that an autopsy performed on James body by a Milwaukee pathologist found wounds and lacerations that the Sheriffs Office still has not addressed. The Racine-based LGBT Center of SE WI and Kenosha Pride issued a statement June 11 that claimed James was bullied by law enforcement while in custody for not being masculine enough for the correctional staff ... Persons recently released from the Racine County Jail, who were there during the period of Mr. James incarceration, have stated that Correctional Staff bullied Mr. James because of his soft voice. OConnor did not reply to a text from a reporter seeking comment on Friday. A candlelight vigil honoring and celebrating James life is scheduled for Oct. 29 outside the Racine County Jail. Love 0 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. RACINE Every other Monday, local Racine business owners Chuck Beth and Joey LeGath would meet at Buckets Pub for lunch. Then, when Beth opened Coasters Bar and Grill, the two best friends ate there every other Monday. The tradition carried on for two decades. We just knew we liked each other, said LeGath, the proprietor of Joeys West in Franksville and other restaurants in the area. We just started talking more and talking about life in general, and all of the sudden, here we are at Buckets Pub. Charles Chuck R. Beth, 65, died Sept. 26 after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrigs disease. Beth was well-known in the community for owning multiple businesses and flipping others. Four or five closed bars in the area Beth renovated and sold or rented to other people, including Coasters, On The Level OTL Lounge, GRC Sport Lounge and C & Cs Mosquito Inn. He also actively owned and operated Racine Amusement, Fountain Banquet Hall and Junction Pub and Grill at the time of his passing. He hadnt planned on retiring soon. Quote Theres businesses in Racine that wouldnt be around if it wasnt for him. Joey LeGath on his late friend Chuck Beth He was a workaholic, Theresa Beth, his daughter, said. He was going to work until he absolutely couldnt. Theresa said shell miss everything about her father, including his personality, his wit and his sarcasm. He was always sarcastic, all the time, she said. Working hard Chuck was born in Texas and moved around a lot in his early years because his father, Edward Beth, was in the military. Theresa wasnt sure when he moved to Racine but said it was sometime when he was a child. Chuck served as President of Wisconsin Amusement and Music Operators, treasurer of the Racine County chapter of the Tavern League of Wisconsin and a board member of Fourth Fest of Greater Racine. He also fundraised for local police K-9 departments, Fourth Fest and the Sturtevant firework display. He was always doing something for somebody somewhere, Theresa said. She recalled her father working late into the night, as early as 1 or 2 oclock in the morning. He additionally reported having dreams about work, which would help him solve issues. Dan Kohel, technician with Racine Amusement, said he relied on Chuck to take care of anything business wise he was highly capable. His brain was a computer, Theresa said. We often joked his brain needs to be studied by science because we dont know how the heck he did it. Memorials Memorials in Chucks name have been suggested to the ALS Foundation (als.org/donate) for research to find a cure. Past and future Theresa said her fathers death was shocking because he checked into the hospital on Sept. 22 and passed just four days later. The doctors kept giving a shorter and shorter time frame of when to expect Beths final moments, Theresa said. First it was expected in a matter of months, then it was weeks, then it was hours. We knew it was coming at some point but we didnt know it was going to be that fast, she said. It was definitely hard to watch for sure because one day hed be doing great, and the next day hed be doing really bad. We were all kind of preparing for the worst but we didnt expect it to be like this. Theresa, with some help from her sister, Stacey Beth, will be taking over Chucks businesses. Theresa has worked at Fountain Banquet Hall for a decade and a half so shes most familiar with that business; Junction Pub and Grill shes worked at for about a year and Racine Amusement she started learning how to run when Chuck started getting sick about two years ago. I can do Fountain Hall with my eyes closed, Theresa said. Everybodys always so worried that things are going to change. I dont plan on anything changing. Kohel is helping with the transition as hes the only current employee whos been working there the longest. Fun times Chuck had a life outside of work as well. When he wasnt working, he loved flying his plane, riding his Harley, playing in his many pool leagues and traveling to the Kentucky Derby, Lambeau Field and Las Vegas. Theresa said her father definitely loved pool the most, though. He played four nights a week, she said. He definitely strived to be No. 1 for pool. He always wanted to be first place in the league and he took pride in beating people in pool, she said with a laugh. LeGath and Chuck would ride their Harleys together and travel places, including Vegas and the Kentucky Derby. Chuck, LeGath and Kohel went 14 years in a row. Chuck had gone to the derby 26 years in a row. That was one of his biggest enjoyments, Kohel said, noting he encouraged Chuck to actually relax during that time and not check his constantly ringing phone. We had a ball there. Chuck collected the Kentucky Derby glasses and mint julep glasses. And hed never make a bet he thought he could lose. Chuck once bought matching brightly- and busy- patterned suits for himself, LeGath, plus their friend Mike Elzinga for a trip to Las Vegas in 2018. Chuck was very excited about the suits and the memory is something LeGath said hell always remember. People were asking if we were in a band, LeGath said, laughing. These people were like, What are you guys doing, and where are you going? The reason (Chuck) wanted that was because he wanted to have fun. He was like a big kid. Theresa said, as a child, she rode his Harley with him. Together they also did the corresponding line dance to Bikers Shuffle, a song by Big Mucci. That was our thing, she said. We practiced in the basement. It was kind of out of character for him. Kohel, who rode in Chucks plane, recalled hearing of Chuck flying his girlfriend to Appleton and back. It was kind of his getaway. A hard hat Chuck had a presence, LeGath said. You knew when he walked in the room. He was that guy that you just knew he was there. While Chuck could be a hard hat, LeGath said; if you got to know him, he opened up. There were times him and I cried together. As he got older he got a little more mellow, LeGath said. He definitely was somebody that I could have a confidential conversation with. I think he taught me a lot about business and I get a little bit emotional when I start thinking about Chuck. Chuck let people be themselves around him, LeGath said. We had a great relationship. We always were able to have a great conversation, LeGath said of their more than 20 years of friendship. We talked on the phone for hours, just about anything and everything. Kohel described Chuck as a little rough around the edges. He was hard-nosed, but he had to be. Did he have his moments? Hell yeah. Who doesnt? Kohel said. But he was so honest. You couldnt ask for a better man to do this (running Racine Amusement). Chuck hired Kohel in 1988, but they knew each other for six years prior because they were partners in a pool league. Thats a total of 39 years of companionship. I lost a good friend, Kohel said, his eyes filling with tears. He was good at what he did. This community lost a very smart, influential man. This area is not going to be the same without him. A helping hand LeGath described Chuck as always willing to help out and recalled a time Chuck flew his plane to save someone from a motorcycle accident. LeGath himself experienced a death in the family a few months ago. He said to me, Joey, whatever you need. When he said that, he meant it. Whatever he could do, he would do. He was always there for me. Thats the best thing that I can ever say, that he never let me down. LeGath said that while Chuck didnt broadcast this, he helped his employees and once saved ones house from being foreclosed. He did so much, LeGath said. He added that Chuck was instrumental when taverns were getting robbed in Racine as well. Chuck helped pay for necklaces with an attached alert button used by bartending staff that alarmed law enforcement if and when a tavern was getting robbed. The necklaces helped stop the burglaries, LeGath said. Theres businesses in Racine that wouldnt be around if it wasnt for him. Love 2 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. RACINE New officers were hired by the Racine Police Department at a rapid pace in 2021 following a wave of high-ranking retirements accompanying the March 31 retirement of Chief Art Howell and the installment of current Chief Maurice Robinson on May 10. To date in 2021, 21 new officers have been hired by the RPD. All of them are in various stages of training from the academy to the Field Training Process, Sgt. Chad Melby said in an email. Mayor Cory Mason said this week that the hiring rate is historic. Still, the RPD remains understaffed. The maximum for RPD sworn officers was lowered to 186 at the end of 2020. As of Thursday, Melby said that the department has 175 officers thats including the 21 new ones. To help recruit, the focus is becoming localized, part of the Mason administrations efforts to have the City of Racine workforce include more people who actually live in (and pay taxes in) the city, not the suburbs or communities farther out. This budget creates the opportunity for the Police Department to present a plan to council that will recruit locally and help us achieve our goals of hiring a more diverse group of city residents to be our future officers, Mason said Tuesday during his 2022 budget address. In many cities, it is common for officers to live outside the city theyre hired to serve. According to reporting from Wisconsin Public Radio, as of last year, only 15.6% of City of Racine police officers actually live in the city. In Milwaukee, at the time of WPRs reporting, 925 officers out of 1836 (or a little more than half) live outside that city. In nearby Waukesha, only 26% of officers live within the city. Those numbers are relatively common. On average, among the 75 U.S. cities with the largest police forces (excluding Honolulu), 60% of police officers reside outside the city limits, according to a 2014 report from the data-focused website FiveThirtyEight.com. As part of Masons proposed 2022 budget, city employees who live in the city would receive a 3% pay boost over their beyond-city-limits peers. However, due to union contracts, the pay boost would not apply to city police officers and firefighters. That could change pending negotiations with the respective employee unions, however. Last year the Police Department saw a large number of retirements. Our new chief and his team have been working to hire officers to get us to full force, Mason continued, identifying Assistant Chief Alexander Ramirez (who was a runner-up for the chief job and was hired by the RPD less than a month after Robinson was sworn in) as instrumental in the hiring burst. New cadet program planned If approved as part of the 2022 budget, the city plans to spend $100,000 on a police cadet program. Through it, five high school graduates could be hired as part-time cadets. The Racine Police Departments addition of a cadet program will work to provide area residents an opportunity to gain on-the-job experience at the Racine Police Department; where they will work alongside police officers, investigators and civilian support staff within a flexible part-time schedule at a competitive wage, Sgt. James Pettis said in an email. It is the goal of the cadet program to provide young adults interested in a law enforcement career the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Community Oriented Policing philosophy championed by the Racine Police Department, and prepare the future generation of Racine Police Officers to carry this torch forward for the City of Racine through an immersive employment experience. While working as cadets, it is presumed that they would also be pursuing the college credits needed to become fully sworn police officers. 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. NEW YORK (AP) Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer who was fatally shot by Alec Baldwin, traveled far during her 42 years. She grew up on a remote Soviet military base and worked on documentary films in Eastern Europe before studying film in Los Angeles and embarking on a promising movie-making career. Hutchins was shot with a prop gun Thursday on the set of the Western Rust near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Court records released Friday indicated that an assistant director handed Baldwin a loaded weapon and told him it was safe to use. Detectives were investigating. On her Instagram page, Hutchins identified herself as a restless dreamer and adrenaline junkie. In recent days, she posted several images from the set, including an early morning shot of a cloudy desert sky, a video of herself riding horseback during a day off and a photo of the crew gathered to express solidarity with union members. The members of the IATSE union were seeking a new contract and threatened to strike before a settlement was reached last weekend. According to her website, she grew up on the Soviet base in the Arctic Circle and was surrounded by reindeer and nuclear submarines. She received a graduate degree in international journalism from Kyiv National University in Ukraine, worked on British documentary productions in Eastern Europe and graduated from the American Film Institute Conservatory in 2015. She is survived by her husband, Matthew Hutchins, with whom she had a son. She had an interesting background, and I think that made for a unique perspective on the world, said one of her AFI teachers, Bill Dill. She brought a wealth of experience to the movie-making process. In a 2019 interview with American Cinematographer, which named her one of the year's rising stars, she described herself as an army brat drawn to movies because there wasnt that much to do outside. She would document herself parachuting and exploring caves, among other adventures, and through her work with British filmmakers, became fascinated with storytelling based on real characters. After moving to the U.S., she took any production-assistant work she could find and explored fashion photography to learn more about the aesthetics of lighting how you create the mood, the feeling. In 2013, she was accepted into a two-year program at the AFI Conservatory. The school's chair of cinematography, remembered her dedication to the craft. She was very thoughtful about the decision, and it was not an easy decision. All film schools are expensive and this was not an exception, he said. We were very impressed with her. I remember telling her, Youre not going to have much time for your family in your first year at AFI.' And she understood that. She was really working hard. Stephen Pizzello, editor-in-chief and publisher of American Cinematographer and a close friend of Hutchins', said she had not only a joyful spirit but a strong sense of how to network in the movie business. She was tireless in terms of improving her skills and being in the right places, a regular at industry events and parties. Everybody liked her, he said. Before Rust, her credits included the crime drama Blindfire and the horror film Darlin, whose director, Pollyanna McIntosh, posted on Instagram that she was the most talented, in the trenches, committed wonderful artist and team mate. Director Adam Egypt Mortimer, who worked with her on the 2020 thriller Archenemy, said she had a powerful sense of confidence and an inspiring openness to challenges. He remembered a day on the set when an actor had to leave and the rest of the crew had to work around him. Halyna was excited, said Mortimer, who recalled her asking if they would shoot the scenes "European style, meaning that they would improvise. Cinematographer Andriy Semenyuk, a fellow Ukrainian who met Hutchins a few years ago through friends, remembered how she welcomed him and brought him to some of her assignments. He called her a mentor with a magnetizing personality who stood out for her willingness to help others. I think the big deal about her in general, beyond being extremely talented which is a given is just her generous and really open personality, he said. In the film industry, which is super competitive, its not enough to have talent. Its good to have this human, appealing personality. AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr and AP Entertainment Writer Ryan Pearson in Los Angeles contributed to this report. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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 KEARNEY Since he was a young child Kellen Skarka always has liked watching airplanes. I always loved looking for planes and watching places in the sky, said Skarka, now 35. As a child he and his mother Lori (Weed) Skarka of Kearney often would travel the Midwest to watch air shows. Once, when he was 15, he met three pilots of the World War II Black Sheep Squadron. That love of flight turned into a desire to fly, and when he turned 16 Skarka started taking flying lessons. He got his pilots license while attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney where he received a degree in aviation systems management, and in 2009, he commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. There he became an air support control officer overseeing aviation operations, including air strikes, medical evacuations and coordination of artillery and mortar fires. Its kind of like air traffic control, but not like you see at an airport, Skarka said. I control aircraft. I tell them where to go and how to get there. Its out in the middle of the battlefield with no tower, no radar, were operating out of Humvees or out of tents in the middle of nowhere. KEARNEY By early November, pediatric COVID vaccines for ages 5-12 are expected to be available through the Two Rivers Public Health Department. Details are still being worked out, but the Food and Drug Administration likely will approve the vaccine soon. Parents can begin registering their children for the shots now at vaccinate.ne.gov, said Katherine Mulligan, planning section supervisor for Two Rivers, on Friday. At first, the state will receive just 65,100 doses for Nebraskas 186,576 kids aged 5-12, or enough to vaccinate 35% of them, Mulligan said. (Two Rivers) wont keep every dose of vaccine; we will work with hospitals and medical providers to give a fair allotment, she said. We will work with anyone who wants to provide a vaccine, but we do understand that can be a lot to take on. Medical providers who want to administer the pediatric vaccine can register through Two Rivers, Mulligan said. Also coming soon are booster shots for any adult who has gotten two doses of any COVID-19 vaccine Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. This fall, boosters became available for people who got the Pfizer vaccine, but that soon will be expanded to anyone. Authorities said that Bruce, armed with a handgun, forced the three women into a back room of the store, told them to strip, exposed himself and ordered them to perform deviant sexual acts on him, detectives wrote in a criminal complaint. Two of the women complied but 53-year-old Jamie Schmidt of House Springs refused, so he shot her in the head, prosecutors said. He ordered the other women to continue performing the sexual acts on him, then fled, apparently able to blend in on a busy street in broad daylight. The two women assaulted in the store read victim impact statements Friday describing what they went through that day and in the years that have followed. Schmidts husband and family members also described the pain her death has caused them. In a way my kids lost two parents that day. I havent been same since, Schmidts husband said. After the hearing, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell praised the two women for facing Bruce to read their statements. "The courage that they showed, the strength, I don't know if I would have been able to do that under those set of circumstances," Bell said. "It's a blessing that they are still here, obviously, because it could have gone differently." Likewise, some couples have decided that they can get by with only one income, rather than two, at least temporarily. Sarah Hamby of Kokomo, Indiana, lost her $300-a-week federal payment this summer after Gov. Eric Holcomb, a Republican, ended that benefit early. Hamby's husband, who is 65, has kept his job working an overnight shift at a printing press throughout the pandemic. But he may decide to join the ranks of people retiring earlier than they'd planned. And Hamby, 51, may do so herself if she doesn't find work soon. The jobs she had for decades at auto factories have largely disappeared. The positions that she sees available now require skills she doesnt have. Yet she isnt desperate for just any job. Im at a point where I feel too old to go off and get educated or trained to do other type of work," she said. "And to be honest, I dont want to go work at a computer, in an office, like what a lot of us are being pushed to do. So now Im stuck between doing some line of work that pays too little for what its worth or is too physically demanding or I just dont work. He tested positive, too. Their lives came to a sudden halt. Both are quarantining for 10 days. Last weekend, they had to cancel a visit theyd planned with cousins in Sylvania, Ohio, with pumpkin-carving and hikes through the forests and a ride on bike paths under canopies of red, orange and yellow leaves. Bob missed choir practice Thursday at the large Methodist church where hes the organist. He also had to scramble to find a substitute to play the organ for a wedding at the church last Saturday. Fortunately, hed already lined up an organ substitute for Sunday services because hed planned to be in Sylvania. Canceled, too, was their trip this weekend to the New River Gorge in West Virginia, a paradise with a sparkling river and forests and mountains that explodes with color in October. Theyd planned to go a year ago, but COVID-19 canceled that. COVID-19 erased it this year, too. Bob is relieved he got COVID. Now I dont have to worry about it anymore. After Scott found out he was positive, I thought Id have to tiptoe around as if the whole house was full of land mines, he wrote in a letter this week. Now I dont. Were both feeling 99% fine. A rose to ... trade-offs. The recent observances tied to the 20th anniversary of 9/11 were an opportunity to salute the heroism of first responders on that horrible date in U.S. history. It also was an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be an American, and take stock of the sacrifices weve made as a nation to fight terrorism. Russ Feingold, a former U.S. senator, wrote this week that it was on Oct. 26, 2001, when Congress passed the U.S. Patriot Act. Feingold cast the only vote against the act, which opened the door to extensive government surveillance as a counterpunch to terrorists. The plan was to sniff out their secret plots and stop them before they could hijack more airlines, bomb more federal buildings, or repeat any of the atrocities committed on 9/11. The Patriot Act was certainly well-intended. It allowed Uncle Sam to poke his nose where it may not belong. The act was legally questionable, but in 2001 Americans were genuinely afraid. We supported the war on terror, including the Patriot Act, even though it probably crossed the line of intrusiveness. Reflecting on 9/11 and our nations reaction, Feingold remains an opponent of the Patriot Act. Its been a law for 20 years, he said, and its time to begin rolling it back. While breast cancer mortality rates have declined over the past three decades, deaths remain high among African American women with the disease, at a startling 42% higher incidence than among Caucasians. According to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, African American women have a 31% breast cancer mortality rate, higher than for any other U.S. racial or ethnic group, and are also more likely to develop the cancer under age 45 and to have a diagnosis of the more aggressive triple negative (HER2 negative) or inflammatory types. Health care disparities have long existed when it comes to individuals of color. Bias, living in areas farther from health care facilities, having less or no insurance coverage, less access to nutritious foods, lack of transportation or family or work priorities all are factors in delaying or not receiving crucial preventative care and/or treatment. Antoiwana Williams, director of the Office of Multicultural Student Services at UW-La Crosse, considers herself fortunate, having a good job with good insurance and a mother who prioritized taking care of herself and imparted the importance of self advocacy. Without those factors, Williams may not have detected the change in her breast in December 2019, been able to secure a medical appointment right away and to afford and have enough time off of work to undergo the chemotherapy, radiation and surgery necessary to treat her disease. Williams, whose mother, Cynthia Bergeron, is a two-time breast cancer survivor and is currently battling pancreatic cancer, imparted on her daughter the importance of self exams, having discovered the lumps in her own breasts herself each time. Williams too was diligent about getting a yearly mammogram and checking her breasts every month, and when she noticed a change in her breast in 2019 she decided to wait until her scheduled mammogram to have it examined. She had to cancel the appointment and kept intending to reschedule, but it wasnt until a coworker struck up a discussion about breast cancer that Williams put in a call. It was Dec. 23 when she contacted her provider, and on Christmas Eve Williams was had her mammogram. After Christmas, Williams was biopsied and several days later, she learned she had stage one, triple positive breast cancer. It was really that advocacy and staying on top of things (that caught it early). My motto since then has been, Feel something, say something, Williams says. Williams oncologist at Mayo Clinic Health System, Dr. Paula Gill, says Williams type of cancer can form form very quickly, in a way, coming out of nowhere. Gone undetected, triple positive breast cancer can spread to lymph nodes and other areas of the body, advancing rapidly. Williams underwent a year of treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. It occured in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, during which she needed to be especially conscious about protecting her immune system. The journey was a struggle, she says. Fortunately I had family support, community support, my whole entire office supported me. I had the privilege to work virtually when I felt good, and I took off the days I didnt. The Coulee Region, Williams says, has an accessible and supportive network for individuals with breast cancer, including mobile mammogram services and assistance with medical fees. Williams says the Mayo breast cancer team including Dr. Richard Ellis, radiology, and cancer center staff who put their own lives on the line everyday during the pandemic to provide the best treatment possible for all their patients and the community at large were essential in her recovery. Theres no other place I would rather have that support than in La Crosse, Williams says. It was really by that grace and the grace of God that Im here and wanting to survive it. There were days I wanted to give up and I thought about all the people who reached out we dont realize how many people have breast cancer until people share their stories. Williams says she embraced being bald due to her treatment, as it was a visual way to normalize cancer. I wanted to create a greater awareness, Williams says. Im open about my breast cancer journey because I dont want anyone who can help prevent this to go through it if they can avoid it. Williams especially wants to help women of color advocate for their health and receive top care, noting We are disproportionately impacted and we need to change that. Access, poor insurance, religion or fear of being a burden to their family are possible reasons Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer, Williams says, as is delayed diagnosis. Im very lucky, Williams says, noting while she has adequate health coverage now, Ive been on the other end of that spectrum and I know how I was treated when I didnt have good insurance. I dont know if my care would have been the same (now) I hope it would be. I hear some of the leaders at Mayo saying, Lets just get them (into treatment). There are resources out there to help with this disease. The health care is the biggest piece that we need to address as a community, as a country, as a state, to change the outcome of these diagnoses that (may be) curable. Bergeron has additional thoughts on the disparities in breast cancer outcomes for Black women, noting they often put themselves on the back burner and the treatment plans are not always up to the same standards of those received by their white counterparts. Either we quit because the (treatment) is too rough, were diagnosed too late, or we reach the decision we need to do what we need to do for our families, Bergeron says. I said (to my oncologist) I want the Caucasian treatment plan. Bergeron believes there is less health outreach being done for the Black community We are not informed equally, she says and Black women are less represented in research trials for cancer drugs or treatments. Williams encourages individuals of diverse races and ethnicities to step up and help the science community so that we can create cures for some the things that are not curable right now. Gill agrees that not having equitable representation in medical trials can make it difficult to home in on specific traits and factors that could help with precise treatments. Dr. Kathleen Christian, a surgeon specializing in breast care at Mayo, says it is crucial for health care providers to make appointments a safe space for patients to relay concerns and seek out information, and to ask questions which promote conversation. Hospitals should also partner with other community and cultural organizations to bring the message of healthy behaviors to an environment where individuals feel at home. Gill says it can be uncomfortable for women of color to be the only non-white patient in the waiting room, and notes staff should speak with patients to find out what they can do to accommodate them and make them feel at ease. Christian says Mayo has the culture that everyone receives the Mayo Experience of excellent care no matter what ethnicity they are but notes, I know there are barriers to care out there. I look forward to partnering with my colleagues and other organizations to reduce disparities in cancer care. In most cancer programs there are patient advocates to help patients with those conversations if they have questions about their care. For all women, Gill urges those who cancelled or had their mammograms delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic to schedule their visit. Individuals with a family history of breast cancer at a young age are encouraged to speak with their provider about the possibility of genetic counseling, which may lead to testing for breast cancer susceptibility genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. Possible signs of breast cancer include lumps, swelling, nipple or breast pain, nipple discharge, or skin dimpling or irritation. Mammograms are recommended annually for women 45 and older, or starting at 40 for some individuals. Mayo will host a virtual forum, Prioritize Your Health: Breast Cancer Risk and Treatment, at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Registration is available at https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/classes-and-events/breast-cancer-risk-and-treatment/. Christian and Dr. Caroline Wilker will discuss preventive measures and advancements in personalized medicine and treatment. Emily Pyrek can be reached at emily.pyrek@lee.net. 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. Columbia County Board members voted to give themselves raises at the Wednesday night council meeting. I just have one question Why? Supervisor Harlan Baumgartner asked. Corporate Council Joe Ruff said the reason for the raises was to stay competitive with wages compared to surrounding communities. Supervisors are paid per meeting they attend. They used to be paid $60 per county meeting, $45 per committee meeting. Supervisors will now be paid $70 per meeting and $60 per committee meeting. The annual salary of the County Board chair was raised from $7,500 to $12,500 and the vice chair salary more than doubled from $4,000 to $8,500. In Sauk County, Supervisors are paid $90 per county meeting and $75 per committee meeting. The Sauk County Board Chair is paid a salary of $650 a month $7,800 a year. The rules for the Sauk County Board do not mention any salary for the County Board vice chair. The raises will not go into affect until the new board of supervisors is elected in April 2022. The motion carried with four opposing votes from supervisors Denise Brusveen, Adam Field, Jon Plumer and Eric Shimpach. Spending relief funds The Columbia County executive committee has already approved allocating almost $5 million of federal funds. The county has $6.2 million that needs to be allocated by 2024. The American Rescue Plan Act was signed by President Joe Biden in March. The $1.9 trillion emergency legislative package is designed to provide immediate assistance to communities handling COVID-19. Shonna Neary of the Columbia County Accounting department gave a presentation on the funds Wednesday night at the monthly board of supervisors meeting. Columbia County is set to receive just over $11 million dollars of federal funding. The county received half of the funds this year and will receive the other $5.5 million sometime in 2022. Neary said the Columbia County executive committee has approved an estimated $4.9 million in spending. This includes all employees will receive a premium pay bonus of $1,200. Weve allocated those funds for all employees through 2024, Neary said. According to county documents that is $2.4 million, the largest request that have been approved. Neary said other large expenses are personal protective equipment for all departments. One supervisor asked Neary if there will be any oversight from the full board or if decisions were only going to be made solely by the executive committee. Neary said the department has a form for other departments to fill out. Departments throughout the county then would fill out the form and the accounting department and the executive committee would see if it was a proper request within the parameters of the ARPA funds. The ARPA funds need to be committed to a project by 2024 and the project must be completed by 2026. There are specific guidelines for how the funds can be used. Those include that funds can be used for one-time expenditures and not operating costs. The money allowable uses include support public health expenses, address negative economic impacts caused by COVID-19, replace lost public sector revenue, provide premium pay for essential workers and invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. The funds cannot be used for pension funds, debt service payments, to offset a reduction in net tax revenue and general infrastructure spending. Supervisor Char Holtan Char Holtan was sworn in as the newest Columbia County Supervisor on Wednesday night by Judge W. Andrew Voigt at the County Board of Supervisors meeting in Portage. Holtan was approved by the county board earlier this summer to fill the District 9 seat in Columbia County after former supervisor Don DeYoung died in June. Holtan spoke briefly following the swearing in. She said she has live in Friesland for over 40 years and wants to support the community in her new role. Right now, Im learning and getting educated in this position, Holtan said. Ill soon be ready to support my community in the best way possible. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Four University of Minnesota students have come up with a new way for people to move around. They took the wheeled walker that many seniors use and reimagined it for a younger clientele. Growing up, Steven Bleau saw how multiple sclerosis complicated his dads mobility. Bleau said he noticed how others with the same condition used mobility devices when he volunteered at the MS Societys youth camp. Youd see all the parents using a wide range of products that helped with their mobility and other symptoms, he said. Bleau said that while the products were helpful and improved quality of life, there was something missing from the helpful, ubiquitous walker with wheels. Rollator walkers are typically designed with elderly patients in mind, Bleau said. He began tinkering with mobility aids in his design class at the University of Minnesota and began to redesign the rollator walker for younger users, Minnesota Public Radio News reported. He brought his redesign to a course at the Carlson School of Management, called entrepreneurship in action. There he joined three other classmates, Morgan Kerfeld, Rick Pradhan and Beth Urbanski. The group loved the idea of a rollator walker for younger people and began meeting with potential customers and physical therapists. Kerfeld, co-founder and head of operations for Telo, said the teams redesign of the rollator walker has one key difference. We decided to flip the frame from living in front of you to behind you, she said. So it has integrated back support allows you to have proper posture, but also gives you enough room in front of you so that you can take natural strides and maintain your proper walking posture and habits. Kerfeld said having the walker in front generally allows people lean over and put pressure on something that can roll out from under you. Theres another aspect to the redesign. By putting the device behind them, theyre now seen first versus their rollator, Kerfeld said. The students won several competitions and grants with their project. Theyve since graduated and started their company, Telo. Now they are adding technology to measure speed, distance and weight reliance on the device. The upgrades are meant to give accurate readouts of physical therapy progress. The Telo teams current prototype is made from a humble, non-load bearing material: bent PVC piping. Bleau, Telos chief development officer, said theyre honing the designs for the seat, the connecting parts and the wheels. So these are called omni-directional wheels. And they allow for 360-degree movement while staying fixed, he said. They hope to build metal devices by early spring and begin testing them. The team came together in the virtual classroom last December, and never actually met each other in person until April. Now, they try to get together when possible, mostly at Minneapolis breweries, because they dont have a set office space. Its like a really random group of people that got put together that just ended up working out really well together. Pradhan, the chief financial officer for Telo, said theyve learned to be flexible. Theyve also watched direct-to-consumer products thrive, across age groups. The group plans to sell the Telo rollator in the same way. He said the hope is to allow customers to customize their colors and accessories, building it online. Just every single step that we can take to just give them a little more power and kind of embrace themselves. I think its it speaks to like what we want to do here. But also whats been missing for the last few decades, Pradhan said. Their adviser, John Stavig, program director Gary S. Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship at Carlson, said the students figured out what bound them together. In the entrepreneurship class that they were in together, we kind of challenged them to find a problem that they believe is worth solving, Stavig said And their team pretty quickly coalesced around doing something that was helpful for individuals with disabilities. If all goes as planned in testing and development and with a crowdfunding campaign they hope to start early next year, they expect to sell to customers by fall 2022. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Minnesota Public Radio News. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Biden administrations Defense Department, Congress, and others have meekly begun reviews of what happened in Afghanistan. And we have seen mixed results to date. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the appointment of a three-star level investigator to review the matter. That official has 45 days to issue a report. Congress has held a couple of hearings, but judging by actions in both chambers, it seems Democratic leaders are ready to move on. Nothing more to see here. Republicans are fighting for information. Seven GOP senators introduced legislationto create a special committee that would investigate the bungled military withdrawal from Afghanistan. We can surmise that there is no chance that such legislation will result in a vote. In the House, Republicans introduced a Resolution of Inquiry, seeking more information from the administrations. If the administration does not supply the information, the ROI would traditionally head to the House floor to become a privileged resolution, which would then force the executive branch to hand over the requested information. Again, no one expects this will lead to information. More important than the reviews, the president promised actions against the individuals who attacked our troops at the Kabul airport. As quoted in The New York Times, Biden assured the world, To those who carried out this attack, as well as anyone who wishes America harm, know this: We will not forgiveWe will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay. We have seen no evidence that any action has occurred, nor have we heard Bidens guarantee reiterated. Other post-evacuation after-action reviews are necessary as we witness issues with refugees, including unexpected disease outbreaks, and allegations of walkouts at U.S. military installations housing the refugees. For example, at the U.S. Army installation Fort McCoy, in Wisconsin, cases of measles have emerged. The Centers for Disease Control also reported cases of mumps and alerted health officials to be on the lookout for leishmaniasis, and malaria. Reports have also arisen that Afghan evacuees have walked away from military bases. As reported by Reuters, (t)he number of independent departures, which top 700 and could be higher, has not been previously reported. But the phenomenon is raising alarms among immigration advocates concerned about the risks to Afghans who give up on what is now an open-ended, complex and completely voluntary resettlement process. Accountability for the failures associated with the surrender of Afghanistan is mostly lost. Marine Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, someone not involved in operations in Afghanistan, appears to be the one exception. In his public outcry for accountability for the debacle, hes paying a price. The Marine Corps court-martialed Scheller, having previously taken the extraordinary step of jailing him, without charges, for publishing videos on social media in which he asked for those in leadership positions to be held accountable. Released from military jail Oct. 5, Scheller was sentenced to receive a fine of $5000 for one month. According to a pre-trial agreement, he will also resign his commission. Third-party opinion leaders are now attempting to whitewash the actions taken leading to what was and is widely seen as a fiasco on the ground and move us further away from cleaning up the mess left behind. I have seen no plausible description of anything President Biden could have done to prevent the result, other than to break the agreement Donald Trump had signed, wrote former U.S. Rep. Barney Frank in an op-ed in The Hill. Throwing out red herring arguments that Biden was stuck with Trumps agreement with the Taliban is one of what will undoubtedly be many distractions Democrats push as the nation closes in on the 2022 elections. If the argument can be made by third parties (even decidedly partisan players such as Frank) that no action would have prevented the debacle, the easier it is to move. Left-leaning academic types are weighing in in the hopes we will further pull away from the scene in Afghanistan. The case for arming local Afghan rebels in the present circumstances of post-American withdrawal is not only based on questionable assumptions but also fraught with tremendous risks, wrote Bilal Y. Saab in Foreign Policy. Expect more so-called experts to emerge offering ways to encourage the U.S. government to move away from any obligations it has in the struggle against the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS (in whatever form it takes). To be continued. 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 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 South Koreas pursuit of a declaration that the Korean War is over is an exercise largely unknown to virtually all Americans aside from those with a stake in the debate. Ask just about any U.S. citizen if anyones waging war in Korea, and the response will be one of bewilderment. What war, what are you talking about, is there a war going on over there, are typical answers. Of course, there is no war, but some people seem hellbent on convincing everyone the Americans and South Koreans are fighting the North Koreans and maybe the Chinese. Unless youve been following the discussion, which virtually no one I know has been doing aside from diplomats and think-tankers and activists, you wont know or care. Often, talking to ordinary folk outside the loop, you have to explain, yes, we were waging war in Korea seven decades ago and, no, we dont want to have to fight another war there. That should end the conversation, other than maybe for a few questions from people whove seen the headlines about this crazy man in North Korea who persists in making big statements and showing off his toys, which happen to be nukes and missiles. Among most people, theres no real concern that hes going to fire anything or nuke anyone. Other issues make the headlines, led by President Joe Bidens battle to get a divided Congress to legislate his multi-trillion dollar Build Back Better infrastructure and the struggle to convince anti-vaxxers of the need to get the jab. The death of Colin Powell, Vietnam War veteran, former chairman of the joint chiefs of the U.S. armed forces, former defense secretary, and former secretary of state, was a reminder of his level-headed view of Korea. South Korea had had only limited success in reaching out to North Korea, he said in a visit to Seoul in 2008. You have to be firm with the North Koreans. That advice, if repeated today at either the Pentagon or State Department, would undoubtedly not be welcomed by South Korean leaders as they beseech the Americans to look for the magic password for drawing the North into dialog and above all to agree to a statement saying the war is over. What war, and why repeat the obvious, would be the response from the vast majority to whom the discussion is massively irrelevant. Powell himself came close to asking the same question last year at a conference in Seoul marking seven decades since the opening months of the Korean War. On a link from the U.S., he said China would not stand for North Korea waging another Korean War and he wasnt concerned about North Korean missile tests. Mercilessly, he berated Donald Trump, hot on the campaign trail for reelection as president, for demanding South Korea pay far more than seemed reasonable for having 28,500 U.S. troops on major bases in-country, and he praised the South for what its done for its own people. Against his background as a military leader and diplomat, Powell was all in favor of dialog but not at the expense of concessions. His service as a battalion commander in Korea in the 1970s is almost overlooked in between his early days as an officer in Vietnam and his final posts at the Pentagon and State Department. If Powells record is any guide, he would have encouraged dialog while sticking to demands for North Korea to show definite signs of giving up its nukes and missiles. Listening to the other guy did not mean bowing to intimidation. Powell came to regret his speech at the UN in 2003 setting forth the phony rationale for invading Iraq for having weapons of mass destruction. Iraq under Saddam Hussein may not have had WMD as then-defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld claimed. But North Korea is a different story. Kim Jong Un boasts of his nukes and missiles, never more so than this week in an exhibition in Pyongyang. Ignoring American entreaties for dialog, the North Koreans are betting the South Koreans will be urging the U.S. to compromise on principles. Powell as a soldier/diplomat would have stood up against pressures from the South as well as the North. If South Koreas President Moon Jae-in wants to sign a declaration declaring the Korean War is over, fine, but the Americans dont have to be a signatory to such a meaningless document. Donald Kirk is the author of 10 books on Korea, Okinawa, the Philippines and the Vietnam War. He wrote this for InsideSources.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, 866-366-3723, uses a risk-based inspection reporting process for restaurants and other food handlers. Derry Township Sushi Bar, 731 Cherry Dr., Oct. 15. Fail. The person in charge did not demonstrate an adequate knowledge of the Pennsylvania food code. Cooked eel is stored directly next to raw fish located inside bain marie cooling unit. Pre-packaged sushi rolls, intended for sale beyond 24-hours, are not labeled with sub-ingredients. Facility unable to provide cooling logs for cooked rice pre-acidification and pH values for batched acidified rice. Jasmine Asian Cuisine, 777 Middletown Road Unit 761, complaint, Oct. 14. Employee is not using available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine sanitizer concentration. Food employee used the manual ware washing sink for food preparation and thawing without sanitizing before use. Pizza Sorrento Bar & Grill, 16 Briarcrest Square, complaint, Oct. 14. Pass. Condensation droplets on the fire suppression system, which is positioned over the stovetop in the kitchen. A ceiling tile was damaged due to a recent leak. East Hanover Township G.N.J. Enterprises Inc., 248 Bow Creek Rd., opening, Oct. 14. Fail. The hand wash sink located in the food preparation and ware washing area does not have water at a temperature of at least 100 degrees F. Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips or test kits to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration. Can of spray insecticide in the food preparation and ware washing area, not labeled by the manufacturer as approved for use in a food facility. Elizabethville Borough Special Place, 125 East Main St., Oct. 13. Fail. An open employee's beverage container was observed in the kitchen area, a food preparation area. Food employees in the kitchen area were not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats or beard covers. Refrigerated ready-to-eat time and temperature control for safety food repackaged by the food facility, was being date marked with a sell by, use by or discard by date that was beyond the manufacturer's original date. A food employee stored clean food equipment while wet, and not allowing time for draining or air-drying. Mops are not being hung to air dry. Exposed food preparation occurred in the area under dirty ventilation ducts, and was subject to potential contamination. In addition, the floor fan was covered in grease and dust blowing across food prep area. Ice machine had a buildup of black mold. The person in charge does not have an adequate knowledge of food safety. Wooden shelves with exposed wood were used to store cookware. American Legion Post #404, 7 South Market St. PO Box 15, Oct. 12. Pass. Refrigerated ready to eat, time and temperature control for safety food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 24 hours is not being date marked. Black slimy mold on the ice machine. Gratz Borough Kountry Essa, 543 East Market St., follow-up, Oct. 15. Pass. No violations. Harrisburg City Fresa Bistro, 15 North 3rd St., Oct. 13. Pass. Non-food contact surfaces are not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Cleaning needed on shelf and under cooking appliances. The food facility does not have a hand wash sink located in the food prep and ware washing area. There is a leak under the three-bay sink. The wet wiping cloths in the area are not being stored in sanitizer solution. The exhaust system needs to be updated and repaired. Londonderry Township River House Bar and Grill, 2495 East Harrisburg Pike, Oct. 14. Pass. The insect control devices located in kitchen area are not designed to retain the insect in the device. Rothrock Foundation, 2912 River Rd., Oct. 12. Pass. No violations. Lower Paxton Township Pizza Hut, 5275 Devonshire Rd., complaint, Oct. 15. Pass. No violations. Cross Point Christian Child Care, 430 Colonial Rd., Oct. 13. Pass. No violations. Holy Name of Jesus School, 6190 Allentown Boulevard., Oct. 13. Pass. No violations. Harrisburg Christian School, 2000 Blue Mountain Highway, Oct. 12. Pass. No violations. Hong Kong Ruby, 2308 Patton Rd. Suite E., follow-up, Oct. 12. Fail. Employee changed tasks that may have contaminated hands without a proper hand wash in between. Various refrigerated foods were held at ambient temperatures. Time in lieu of temperature used in the food facility to control ready-to eat potentially hazardous foods without written procedures or documentation to verify disposition of food. The person in charge does not have adequate knowledge of food safety. Wet wiping cloths in the kitchen cook line area are not being stored in sanitizer solution. Wiping cloths were in extremely unclean condition in kitchen cook line area. Bulk dry food ingredient storage containers, in the kitchen area, are not labeled with the common name of the food. Raw chicken prepared directly on the floor and cardboard floor covering of the kitchen by the cooking unit. Various refrigerated foods in the walk-in cooler and cook line bain marie stored without a covering. Various refrigerated foods stored within re-used cans for soy sauce in the reach-in refrigerator.Refrigerated ready to eat, time and temperature control for safety food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 24 hours, is not being date marked. Mount Lou San Bible Camp, 2200 Blue Mountain Parkway, Oct. 12. Pass. No violations. Ritas, 4151 Linglestown Rd., Oct. 12. Pass. No violations. Lower Swatara Township Mothers Subs at Zeeks Exxon, 835 South Eisenhower Boulevard, Oct. 14. Pass. Food employees in food prep area were not wearing proper hair restraints, such as nets, hats or beard covers. Sohails Store, 835 Eisenhower Boulevard, Oct. 14. Pass. Soda machine ice chute equipment, in the customer service area, have an accumulation of pink slime food residue, debris on non-food contact surfaces. Lykens Township Aunt Bs, 5415 Route 25, Oct. 15. Pass. No violations. Bobs Custom Cuts, 5415 Route 25, Oct. 15. Pass. No violations. Cherished Treasures, 5415 Route 25, Oct. 15. Pass. No violations. Smuckers Soft Pretzels, 5415 Route 25, Oct. 15. Pass. The quaternary ammonia concentration in the sanitizing solution of the three-bay ware wash sink was 0 parts per million, rather than 150 ppm as stated on the manufacturer's use directions. Squirrel Farm, 5415 route 25, Oct. 15. Pass. No violations. The Ice Cream Parlor, 5415 Route 25 PO Box 575, Oct. 15. Pass. No violations. Middletown Borough Middletown Volunteer Fire Department, 10 Adelia St., Oct. 14. Pass. No violations. Millersburg Borough Schianos, 317 Union St., follow-up, Oct. 14. Pass. Thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible. Refrigerated ready-to-eat time and temperature control for safety food repackaged by the food facility, was being date marked with a sell by, use by or discard by date that was beyond the manufacturer's original date. Steelton Borough New Grace Chinese Restaurant, 377 South Front St., Oct. 15. Pass. An open employee's beverage container and partially eaten food was in a food preparation area. Floor tiles in the ware-washing area are cracked, roughened and is not a smooth, easily cleanable surface. Floors throughout the food facility and, grease hoods, grease filters and exterior of all refrigeration equipment are dirty, dusty and in need of cleaning. R&M Variety, 841 North Front St., Oct. 15. Pass. Facility is making and bagging ice, which is not labeled as required. Swatara Township Eurest at CVS Health Harrisburg, 3721 Tecport Dr., opening, Oct. 15. Pass. No violations. Herbert A. Schaffner Youth Center, 911 Gibson St., Oct. 14. Pass. Raw shelled eggs stored above whole fruits and vegetables in the walk-in cooler. The floors and ceiling vents throughout the kitchen as well as the fan guards of the stand-up kitchen refrigerator and freezer unit are dirty, dusty and in need of cleaning. Hand washing sink in the kitchen area was not under pressure. Susquehanna Township Bagel Lovers, Inc., 2237 Paxton Church Rd., Oct. 13. Pass. Two-door freezer's condenser has ice formation falling off onto food packages stored inside. Mold growth and crude on the inside of ice machine especially on baffle and side walls. Carbonated beverages and juice flavored drinks stored on refrigerator shelves contained crude, debris and mold growth. Old food residue and crude on bottom shelf of see-through refrigerated display case. Sliding glass door track also contains crude and debris. C&J Catering at Pennsylvania Agriculture, 2301 Cameron St., opening, Oct. 13. Pass. No violations. Covenant Christian Academy, 1982 Locust Lane., Oct. 13. Pass. No violations. West Hanover Township Yellow Breeches Educational Center at Fishing Creek, 1524 Pine Tree Ave., Oct. 13. Pass. Chlorine chemical sanitizer residual detected in the final sanitizer rinse cycle of the low temperature sanitizing dishwasher was 0 parts per million, and not 50-100 ppm as required. Williamstown Borough American Legion Post #239, 123 West Market St., Oct. 12. Pass. Ice machine, a food contact surface, had black mold and pink slime and was not clean to sight and touch. Cooked bacon, a refrigerated ready-to eat time and temperature control for safety food, in the walk-in, was not compliant with datemarking by being labeled with a discard or use by date of no more than seven days. Dollar General, 9565 U.S. 209, Oct. 12. Pass. No violations. Sundays shooting at Park City Center began when two males confronted a 16-year-old Lancaster boy and several others he was with over an as-yet unspecified reason. Five of them ended up on the floor near Reeds Jewelers in the J.C. Penney wing of the mall, near center court. The teen, Jeremiahs Josiah-Alberto Sanchez, responded by pulling from his waistband a Glock handgun that had been reported stolen last month in Lebanon County and opened fire, according to Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams and charging documents filed by her office. Adams and the charging documents give the following account: Sanchez shot twice, hitting Elijah Deliz, 18 one of the two males who confronted him in the left thigh, Adams said. The other bullet hit a 30-year-old woman bystander in the right arm, then shattered a glass door and wall at Sephora. As Sanchez was shooting, Sergio Vargas, 30, who was with Deliz, grabbed Sanchez from behind. Efforts to reach Vargas and Deliz were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, a 50-year-old man who was legally licensed to carry a concealed handgun, was shopping with his wife when he heard the gunfire. He told his wife to go in the other direction, as he proceeded to go in the direction of the shots, Adams said at a news conference Friday morning. She did not give his name, but said he will not be charged. Sanchez fired again, striking Vargas in the left hand. The bullet then passed close to the 50-year-old man. The man fired three times, striking Sanchez at least once, and kept him on the ground until police arrived. In the span of two minutes of terror, three people were shot. More than 50 men, women and children in the immediate area were endangered. Some 50 people called 911. 61 charges include 2 for attempted homicide Sanchez is charged with two counts of attempted homicide, three counts of aggravated assault, 52 counts of reckless endangerment, along with three weapons violations and a count of receiving stolen property. One of the attempted homicide charges is related to shooting Deliz, and the other is for shooting the woman; Adams explained that under the law, if a person shoots at one person but accidentally hits another, they are charged as though they aimed for that person. Sanchez is charged as an adult because of the nature of the crimes, Adams said. According to his charging documents, Sanchez has a juvenile record for robbery and a weapons offense, both from several years ago. Adams declined to go into details of his record. Sanchez's attorney, Edwin Pfursich, declined comment. Sanchez remained hospitalized Friday under police guard. Sanchez's grandmother, Tammy Moore, told LNP | LancasterOnline that law enforcements account was misleading and unfairly portrayed her grandson as the aggressor. Grandmother of 16-year-old charged with attempted homicide calls charges unfair His family told Jeremiahs Josiah-Alberto Sanchez to be careful not to go too many places by Adams said everyones actions were evaluated in determining charges and that the investigation is continuing. No one else had been charged as of Friday afternoon. Incident captured on numerous videos Adams said she watched a video of the police interview with the man who intervened and shot Sanchez. "He was visibly distraught at the entire situation," she said. "He expressed concern for the juvenile. And I could tell he was wrestling with the decision that he made and the choice that he felt that he had to make." Several videos posted to social media, as well as interviews with witnesses, capture the immediate aftermath of the shooting. One three-minute clip shows the man who intervened. He is wearing blue jeans, a gray sweatshirt and a black ball cap with sunglasses perched on the bill. He holds a small handgun with both hands, pointing it at Sanchez, who is on the ground. Roll over on your stomach! Now!, he yells. Sanchez, wearing black pants and a black hoodie, appears to be bleeding slightly from the face. He is conscious and moving. Khali Truit, 26, who was working at the iColor cellphone repair kiosk, went over to Sanchez and used Sanchezs T-shirt to apply pressure to a wound. Truitt told LNP | LancasterOnline on Tuesday that Sanchez had several injuries, but was bleeding out of his face the most, so he applied pressure there. Adams says shooting could have been much worse "Gun violence anywhere is unacceptable, but it is particularly unnerving when it happens on a Sunday afternoon in a crowded shopping mall filled with vulnerable children, families and seniors," Adams said. "It is equally disturbing that the shooter was a 16-year-old juvenile who was armed with a stolen gun. This entire incident that led to the safety of innocent civilians being put in danger is simply outrageous and we are committed to seeing justice is served." In a statement, Lancaster police Chief John Bey thanked law enforcement, other first responders and mall security. Unfortunately, a situation such as this is a reminder that people need to remain very ever vigilant of their surroundings and be prepared to take action to keep themselves safe, he said. Adams said the investigation was aided by numerous videos taken by people at the mall and mall security footage. That greatly assists law enforcement in piecing this all together, but I will say this: it was time consuming because it wasn't all recorded on one piece of video, she said. ... in all, I would say, 98% of the incident was covered but it took a lot of time to go through. The shooting could have been much worse but for the intervention by the armed 50-year-old man, Adams said. The mall has a policy prohibiting customers from carrying weapons, but Adams said that policy is trumped by state law. Lindsay Kahn, a spokeswoman for Chicago-based mall owner Brookfield Properties, said Friday the company is grateful no lives were lost and its policy remains: weapons are not permitted. If mall personnel find out a patron has a weapon, they will be asked to leave. Robert and Hale Krasne were honored recently by the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design during its commencement ceremony at Clipper Magazine Stadium. The Krasnes received honorary degrees in recognition of their philanthropic and business efforts in Lancaster County. Robert Krasne, the chairman and CEO of Steinman Communications, was honored for his support of a free and fair press as well as his founding and leadership of the Lancaster STEM Alliance. He is also the co-chairman of The Steinman Foundation, which has given more than $100 million to support education, housing, the arts and more across the county. Hale Krasne is also on the foundations board. Her familys vision has propelled the many efforts of Steinman Communications, which include LNP | LancasterOnline. The commencement ceremony, which was postponed in 2020 and earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrated the classes of 2020 and 2021. It was held Oct. 15. Manheim Township police BURGLARY LANCASTER TWP.: Sometime on Oct. 16 or 17 someone forced their way into a residence in the 100 block of Dickens Drive and stole a TV and damaged property, causing a loss of $1,465, police reported. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF MANHEIM TWP.: Kalan A. Harman, 21, of Lancaster, was charged with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct after an 11 a.m. domestic incident Oct. 5 on Knollwood Drive during which she broke a vase and a lamp and was screaming before getting driving away and crashing into a pole, police reported. DUI MANHEIM TWP.: Jay Ronald Steffy Jr., 38, of Lititz, was charged with driving under the influence after police said he overdosed on opioids while driving just before 9 p.m. Sept. 1 in the 1500 block of Lititz Pike, police reported. MANHEIM TWP.: Charles A. McDyer Jr., 49, of Columbia, was charged with driving under the influence after a 10:47 p.m. vehicle crash Sept. 2 along Route 30 at New Holland Pike, police reported. A blood test measured McDyers blood-alcohol level at 0.135%, police reported. FALSE REPORT MANHEIM TWP.: Robert Dale Plantz, 37, of Lancaster, was charged Oct. 20 with making a false report to law enforcement after crashing his vehicle and then reporting it stolen to cover up the crash, police said. HARASSMENT MANHEIM TWP.: Brianna Y. Molina, 19, of Lancaster was charged with harassment after a 7:13 p.m. incident Oct. 2 at Chick-fil-A, 1579 Fruitville Pike, during which police said she shoved and struck another person, police reported. LANCASTER TWP.: Lorraine M. Martin, 60, of Lancaster, was charged with harassment and disorderly conduct after a 1:45 p.m. incident Oct. 19 in the 100 block of Grandview Avenue during which police said she screamed and cursed at a neighbor and refused officers orders to stop, police reported. MANHEIM TWP.: Derek C. Plank Jr., 24, of Lancaster, was charged with harassment after police said he yelled at customers and staff at the Turkey Hill in the 800 block of New Holland Ave., police reported. THEFT CHARGE MANHEIM TWP.: Ryan William Bunting, 40, of Wrightsville, was charged with retail theft after he was seen stealing $40 worth of gasoline just after 5 a.m. Oct. 16 from the Sunoco in the 2500 block of Lititz Pike, police reported. East Cocalico Township police DUI EAST COCALICO TWP.: Michelle A. Walker, 46, of Ephrata, was charged with driving under the influence after at 9:45 p.m. traffic stop Friday, Sept. 17, in the 100 block of North Reamstown Road, police said. A breath test indicated Walker had a blood-alcohol level of 0.20%, police said. East Earl Township Police THEFT EAST EARL TWP.: Around 1:15 p.m. Oct. 12, someone stole a catalytic converter from a vehicle parked in the 100 block of Earland Drive, police said. A suspect in the theft was driving a gold Chevy Malibu, police said. Northern Lancaster County Regional police DUI PENN TWP.: Justin Robert Hoffman, 36, of Lancaster, was charged with driving under the influence after police responded around 12:30 p.m. Oct. 17 for reports of a reckless driver near Fruitville Pike and Bucknoll Road and then observed Hoffman driving erratically, police said. A breath test indicated Hoffmans blood-alcohol level was 0.138%, police said. THEFT CHARGES PENN TWP.: Brandon Van Haueter, 46, of Bonney Lake, Washington, was charged with theft after he was seen taking $3,400 worth of key fobs Oct. 20 from vehicles at Manheim Auto Auction, police said. Strasburg Borough police DUI STRASBURG: Joseph D. Rick III, 22, of Kinzers, was charged with driving under the influence after a Sept. 24 incident in the 1900 block of Historic Drive, police said. Susquehanna Regional Police SIMPLE ASSAULT EAST DONEGAL TWP.: Nathan Patrick Whaling, 22, of Hanover, was charged with simple assault, strangulation and making terroristic threats after police responded at 8:15 p.m. Oct. 17 to a domestic dispute in the first block of Hillcrest Drive, police said. The Pennsylvania Senate's top elected Republican traveled to Washington, DC, last week to pitch the state's GOP congressmen on why he should be the partys candidate for governor in 2022, two congressional staffers said. Jake Corman of Centre County met on Thursday with several GOP members of the states U.S. House delegation at the Capitol Hill Club, a restaurant and event space located next door to the Republican National Committees headquarters. Corman, 57, told the lawmakers he has a proven track record of raising campaign money and he can clear a crowded field of announced candidates and other Republicans testing the waters, according to two top aides to Pennsylvanias GOP congressmen. Both declined to go on the record because they did not have permission to reveal details about the Corman meeting. The nine Republican representatives from Pennsylvania dont officially act on gubernatorial candidates, but they are individually and collectively a politically potent group. Corman was accompanied to the breakfast meeting by his longtime campaign consultant and friend, Ray Zaborney, co-owner of The Mavericks, a group of lobbying and campaign consulting businesses based in Harrisburg. Zaborney did not respond to repeated requests for comment on Friday and Saturday. A staffer who attended the breakfast said Corman did not explicitly say he was running. But there was no ambiguity and people left the meeting believing he will enter the race. Until recently, Corman only said he was considering a run for governor next year. Corman is Senate President Pro Tempore and holds the Senate seat once held by his father, former Sen. Jacob Corman II. Its widely expected hell run, said G. Terry Madonna, a longtime political analyst now with Millersville University. Congressional staff members said Corman told the group he wont publicly announce until after the Nov. 2 election for statewide judgeships and local offices. In late September, Corman suggested that if he does run he would not say so until after the municipal elections. Well start talking about 2022 after the election, Corman told the AP. Thats traditional among leading politicians who say they dont want to distract from their partys candidates on the ballot. Political analysts have said Corman would be a formidable candidate, but not necessarily the front-runner. In Pennsylvania, as in other states, former President Donald Trumps grip on the GOP base creates uncertainty for longtime incumbents and institutional candidates like Corman. In the summer, Corman appeared to block a so-called forensic audit of the 2020 election along the lines of the Arizona audit pushed by Trump allies. The Arizona audit, however, was not an actual audit but a glorified recount that ultimately confirmed that President Joe Biden indeed won the state. But in mid-September, Corman changed direction and announced he was setting up a forensic investigation of the Pennsylvania election results. Democrats have challenged it in court. Trump and his supporters are focused on finding evidence to show the election was stolen, but Corman has said his investigation is not intended to overturn an election but to identify and fix problems in the states election systems. There are at least 14 announced and likely Republican candidates for governor, although the filing period doesnt begin until Feb. 15. Those announced so far includes former Rep. Lou Barletta, the ex-Hazleton mayor and the partys nominee for U.S. Senate in 2018, who was soundly defeated by Democratic Sen. Robert Casey. Trump had urged Barletta to run in 2018. Also likely to enter the race is state Sen. Doug Mastriano, whose district includes Gettysburg, a vocal Trump supporter who held a November hearing where Trumps attorneys, and even Trump himself via speakerphone, made false claims about fraud in Pennsylvanias 2020 election. There have been dozens of audits and lawsuits with no evidence of the rigged election Trump decries. Other Republicans considering entry into the race include state Sens. Dan Laughlin of Erie and Scott Martin of Lancaster; and Charlie Gerow, a Harrisburg-based political and media consultant. Already declared is former U.S. Attorney Bill McSwain, who was Trumps appointee for the federal prosecutor in the Philadelphia area. On the Democratic side, Attorney General Josh Shapiro is the only candidate so far. The AP reported recently he has raised more than $10 million for his gubernatorial campaign. UPDATE: The article was updated on Oct. 25 to note that Bill McSwain is a declared candidate for governor. Bumsted is the Harrisburg bureau chief for The Caucus, LNP Media's publication covering state government and politics. Follow him on Twitter @BEBumsted. These days, there are computer programs to help people do just about anything from studying a language to looking for a job. There are even apps for praying. The Vatican recently released its latest version of the prayer app "Click to Pray." Roman Catholic Church leaders said they hope "Click to Pray 2.0" will give people an improved "praying experience" in a fast, online world. Earlier this month, seven Catholic officials held a news conference to demonstrate "Click to Pray 2.0." It is the first major update of the app since the launch of "Click to Pray" in 2016. At the conference, the officials presented to reporters a video showing the app's new functions. One is a personal prayer planner. It lets users plan their prayer time for each day. And then a reminder function tells them to stop, take a break from the rest of the world, and pray. "Praying is not a waste of time, as we sometimes think, said Father Frederic Fornos. He recently spoke with Reuters news agency about the app. He also shared his ideas on the importance of prayer. Prayer, he said, is like the seed in the darkness of the earth, which will show its fruit in its own good time." The prayer app is available in six Western languages and Chinese. It gives users issues to pray about. This lets users pray together with Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. For example, users could pray for peace in one part of the world using the app. The app also offers a "School of Prayer." It gives support to those people who are finding it hard to get started. The School of Prayer can also help people form prayer groups around the world. An Italian priest in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City praised the new app. Father Cosimo Schena said the app is especially good for people who have strayed. These are people who have left the church for some time and may find it difficult to return. "It is an extraordinary thing," the cleric told Reuters, "because it allows you to reach people that you don't physically meet. It becomes a bridge to reach those hearts that sometimes have strayed from God." Officials said they know that the app might not be right for everyone. It is important to note, they said, that this app is not a substitute for traditional prayer. The secretary of the Vatican's communications department is Monsignor Lucio Ruiz. He said, "It is not meant to invalidate the other places or ways to pray. It is one more way to reach people who want or need a new way." Under Pope Francis, the Roman Catholic Church has increased its presence on social media. The prayer app is another way the church is using technology to reach people Im Anna Matteo. By Philip Pullella reported this story for Reuters news agency with additional content supplied by Antonio Denti. Anna Matteo adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. __________________________________________________________ Words in This Story cardinal n. high ranking priest of the Catholic Church app (application) n. a computer program that carries out a specific job function n. the purpose or activity that something (such as an app) does or is used for reminder n. something that causes you to remember or to think about something stray v. to go in a direction that is away from a group or from the place where you should be invalidate v. to weaken or destroy the effect of (something) presence n. the state of being seen or noticed in a place or on a medium where people can see what you are doing China says it will permit no foreign interference in Taiwan. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the comment Friday in answer to a reporters question during the ministrys usual press briefing in Beijing. China considers Taiwan a Chinese province. A day earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden said the United States would defend Taiwan if it were attacked. Wang said there should be no expectation for China to compromise on issues related to its sovereignty, territory and other interests. Chinas government has been increasing its military activities around the island, which it considers a rebel territory. China has said it plans to one day reclaim the territory and would use force if necessary. On Thursday, Biden said the U.S. did not want a new Cold War. But he expressed concern that China might take part in activities that will put them in a position where they may make a serious mistake." I just want to make China understands that we are not going to step back, we are not going to change any of our views, Biden said. When asked whether the U.S. would come to Taiwan's defense if it were attacked, he answered: Yes, we have a commitment to do that. In his comments Friday, Wang said the U.S. should be cautious with its words and actions on the Taiwan issue. He added that any wrong signals sent to supporters of Taiwan independence could seriously damage China-U.S. relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was asked by a reporter on Friday whether the U.S. would defend Taiwan if the island were attacked by China. He said he did not want to discuss imaginary situations. He added, however, Nobody wants to see cross-Strait issues come to blows - certainly not President Biden, and theres no reason that it should. Austin added that Washington remains firm about its one state, two systems policy on China. In Taipei, a spokesperson for President Tsai Ing-wen said the U.S. has shown its support for Taiwan through clear actions. The official added that Taiwan would show its commitment to defend itself by continuing to work with countries with similar values to make a positive contribution toward the Taiwan Strait and support peace and stability across the Asia-Pacific area. One way the U.S. has demonstrated its support for Taiwan is through military sales. State Department spokesman Ned Price said this month that American support for Taiwan is rock solid." The U.S. has also been very clear that we are committed to deepening our ties with Taiwan, Price said. Im Bryan Lynn. The Associated Press and Reuters reported on this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. __________________________________________________ Words in This Story sovereignty n. the power of a country to control its own government concession n. something that you agree to do or give to someone in order to end a dispute or argument cautious adj. taking care to avoid risks or danger stability n. the quality of not being likely to change or move positive adj. feeling happy about the future come to blows expression to begin fighting contribution n. something you do to help produce or develop something certainly adj. without fail Adiel and Lachi hope to get married one day in Cuba. The two men want to dress in black for a ceremony by the seashore. But the idea of same-sex marriage troubles religious leaders and their followers. Recently, the socialist government published a new proposal for a Family Law and asked for public comment ahead of a vote. The debate has since turned into a very public clash over same-sex marriage policy. Thirty-one-year-old Adiel Gonzalez is a student of religion. His 51-year-old partner, Lachi Gonzalez, is an accountant. They both work at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Matanzas. Adiel said putting his right to marriage to a public vote is painful. He said it gives the majority of people who are heterosexual the power to decide over the minority of homosexuals. Lachi added, God has no stepchildren, so we are all daughters and sons of God and what Adiel and I do (is) have a life with love. The proposed Family Law will be considered by Parliament after the still unscheduled vote. The bill has more than 480 articles. It expands grandparents rights and permits financial agreements before marriage. The bill sets punishments for committing violence in a marriage. And parents can decide whether a child takes the familys name of the mother or the father. However, the biggest issue is over changing the definition of marriage. Current law defines marriage as between a man and a woman. The new bill would change it to between two people. The proposal would also permit homosexuals to adopt children and use surrogate pregnancies without payment. Reverend Moises de Prada is a top clergy with the Assemblies of God. The group has grown quickly in Cuba and now has more than 2,000 churches and 1 million members. He said the family structure, in the word of God, is that which is agreed between a man and a woman and the resulting children. Cuba is officially non-religious after the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro. But religious groups, including Catholics, Muslims, Protestants and Afro-Cuban religions, have become more influential over the past 25 years. Some campaigned in 2018 and 2019 against an earlier vote which would have rewritten the constitution to permit same-sex marriage. Opposition from social conservatives was strong enough that the government at that time backed away. However, lawmaker Mariela Castro supported the change. She is the daughter of then-President Raul Castro and director of Cuba's Center for Sexual Education. Justice Minister Oscar Silveira Martinez told The Associated Press that the new proposal does not construct social realities; it tries to foresee legal solutions, protect those social realities that exist. Assemblies of God leader Julio Cesar Sanchez said such same-sex unions would be the result of sin. He added, because murder also exists. ... That doesnt mean its good. Cuban citizens also have differing opinions. Carola Reyna is a 25-year-old housewife. She said she was not against same-sex couples being happy. But it seems to me that (adopting) children, they shouldn't get involved in that, she said. Nearby was 68-year-old Alberto Dausa. He told the AP, There are people who are going to be against same-sex couples joining in matrimony, but I think that's something normal. Im Dan Novak. Andrea Rodriguez reported this story for The Associated Press. Dan Novak adapted it for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. _______________________________________ Words in This Story heterosexual adj. sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex homosexual adj. . sexually attracted to people of the same sex stepchild n. your wife's or husband's child by a past marriage or relationship : a stepson or stepdaughter article n. a separate part of a legal document that deals with a single subject adopt v. to take a child of other parents legally as your own child surrogate n. a person or thing that takes the place or performs the duties of someone or something else construct v. to build or make (something physical, such as a road, bridge, or building) foresee v. to see or become aware of something that has not yet happened sin n. an action that is considered to be wrong according to religious or moral law matrimony n. the state of being married A large statue of a woman's head with her finger pressing on her lips now faces lower Manhattan, in New York City, inviting the busy area to stop and listen. The message of Barcelona-based artist Jaume Plensas work is "to keep silent, ... to listen to the profound noise of the water talking to us," he said recently. He added, "The water, when it moves, makes a special sound, very special." The statue, 24-meters tall, is Plensas biggest work to date. It is called Waters Soul. The statues white head sits in front of tall buildings in Jersey City's Newport waterfront in New Jersey, facing the Hudson River. It stands directly across from Greenwich Village and about six kilometers from the Statue of Liberty. On a recent morning, Plensa saw the piece fully put together for the first time. Its call for silence competed with engine sounds and the cries and laughter of children. But those are not the kind of noises that Plensa says his artwork is targeting. "I'm talking about the noise of information and messages to us," he said at New York's Galerie Lelong Co, where a public showing of new work will open on October 29. Plensa, 66, was hired to create the piece about two years ago by LaFrak and Simon Property Group. The group has developed the area, including the place where "Water's Soul" stands. The statue shows a real-life person whose image was scanned. The piece was made from various materials at Plensa's Barcelona studio. It was shipped in 23 containers, each 12 meters long, to Jersey City to be put together. The sculpture is visible from far and wide. Some local people have watched the piece being put together since August. They wonder why the statue seems to tell people to be quiet, an act known as shushing. "Why is she shushing?" asked Cleveland Rice, age 63. "I'm sure there's got to be some kind of meaning behind it," said William Schoentube, age 53. Huan Yan, age 31, said, "I'd say it's telling New York City to keep this area a secret because we don't want to drive more people to work here. Miriam, age 46, who did not give her last name, has a direct view of the statue from her apartment window. She does not like it. "I don't find it fitting in the entire environment," she said. Plensa has been showing his work around the world for more than 40 years. He said it can take time for his art to become accepted into different environments. "In the public space, the piece is the piece, and it's competing with so many other objects," he said. Plensa said the sculpture is not sending a message to Manhattan, and she is not "shushing," but silently calling for quiet. "In many of my pieces I'm asking the viewer: Close your eyes and look inside yourself, because you have an amazing quantity of beauty hidden inside," he said. "Water's Soul" can best be viewed from the river, he added. Like many of Plensa's works, including several new pieces at the Galerie Lelong show, "Water's Soul" is the head of a woman with closed eyes. His pieces mostly show women, he says, because he sees life and the world as female, while "boys are just an accident - a very nice accident, but an accident." Im John Russell. Peter Szekel reported on this story for Reuters. John Russell adapted it for Learning English. Susan Shand was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story lip n. either one of the two soft parts that surround the mouth profound adj. having or showing great knowledge or understanding; requiring deep thought or wisdom scan v. to use a special machine to read or copy (something, such as a photograph or a page of text) into a computer amazing adj. filling (someone) with wonder Today we tell a traditional American story called a tall tale. A tall tale is a story about a person who is larger than life. The descriptions in the story are exaggerated much greater than in real life. This makes the story funny. Long ago, the people who settled in undeveloped areas in America first told tall tales. After a hard days work, people gathered to tell each other funny stories. Each group of workers had its own tall tale hero. Paul Bunyan was a hero of North Americas lumberjacks, the workers who cut down trees. He was known for his strength, speed and skill. Tradition says he cleared forests from the northeastern United States to the Pacific Ocean. Some people say Paul Bunyan was the creation of storytellers from the middle western Great Lakes area of the United States. Other people say the stories about him came from French Canada. Early in the twentieth century, a writer prepared a collection of Paul Bunyan stories. They were included in a publication from the Red River Lumber Company in Minnesota. It is not known if the stories helped the companys sales, but they became extremely popular. Here is Shep ONeal with our story about Paul Bunyan. Many years ago, Paul Bunyan was born in the northeastern American state of Maine. His mother and father were shocked when they first saw the boy. Paul was so large at birth that five large birds had to carry him to his parents. When the boy was only a few weeks old, he weighed more than 45 kilograms. As a child, Paul was always hungry. His parents needed 10 cows to supply milk for his meals. Before long, he ate 50 eggs and 10 containers of potatoes every day. Young Paul grew so big that his parents did not know what to do with him. Once, Paul rolled over so much in his sleep that he caused an earthquake. This angered people in the town where his parents lived. So, the government told his mother and father they would have to move him somewhere else. Pauls father built a wooden cradle -- a traditional bed for a baby. His parents put the cradle in waters along the coast of Maine. However, every time Paul rolled over, huge waves covered all the coastal towns. So his parents brought their son back on land. They took him into the woods. This is where he grew up. As a boy, Paul helped his father cut down trees. Paul had the strength of many men. He also was extremely fast. He could turn off a light and then jump into his bed before the room got dark. Maine is very cold for much of the year. One day, it started to snow. The snow covered Pauls home and a nearby forest. However, this snow was very unusual. It was blue. The blue snow kept falling until the forest was covered. Paul put on his snowshoes and went out to see the unusual sight. As he walked, Paul discovered an animal stuck in the snow. It was a baby ox. Paul decided to take the ox home with him. He put the animal near the fireplace. After the ox got warmer, his hair remained blue. Paul decided to keep the blue ox and named him Babe. Babe grew very quickly. One night, Paul left him in a small building with the other animals. The next morning, the barn was gone and so was Babe. Paul searched everywhere for the animal. He found Babe calmly eating grass in a valley, with the barn still on top of his back. Babe followed Paul and grew larger every day. Every time Paul looked, Babe seemed to grow taller. In those days, much of North America was filled with thick, green forests. Paul Bunyan could clear large wooded areas with a single stroke of his large, sharp axe. Paul taught Babe to help with his work. Babe was very useful. For example, Paul had trouble removing trees along a road that was not straight. He decided to tie one end of the road to what remained of a tree in the ground. Paul tied the other end to Babe. Babe dug his feet in the ground and pulled with all his strength until the road became straight. In time, Paul and Babe the Blue Ox left Maine, and moved west to look for work in other forests. Along the way, Paul dug out the Great Lakes to provide drinking water for Babe. They settled in a camp near the Onion River in the state of Minnesota. Paul decided to get other lumberjacks to help with the work. His work crew became known as the Seven Axemen. Each man was more than 2 meters tall and weighed more than 160 kilograms. All of the Axemen were named Elmer. That way, they all came running whenever Paul called them. The man who cooked for the group was named Sourdough Sam. He made everything -- except coffee -- from sourdough, a substance used in making sourdough bread. Every Sunday, Paul and his crew ate hot cakes. Each hot cake was so large that it took five men to eat one. Paul usually had 10 or more hot cakes, depending on how hungry he was. The table where the men ate was so long that a server usually drove to one end of the table and stayed the night. The server drove back in the morning, with a fresh load of food. Paul needed someone to help with the camps finances. He gave the job to a man named Johnny Inkslinger. Johnny kept records of everything, including wages and the cost of feeding Babe. He sometimes used nine containers of writing fluid a day to keep such detailed records. The camp also was home to Sport, the Reversible Dog. One of the workers accidentally cut Sport in two. The man hurried to put the dog back together, but made a mistake. He bent the animals back the wrong way. However, that was not a problem for Sport. He learned to run on his front legs until he was tired. Then, he turned the other way and ran on his back legs. Big mosquitoes were a problem at the camp. The men attacked the insects with their axes and long sticks. Before long, the men put barriers around their living space. Then, Paul ordered them to get big bees to destroy the mosquitoes. But the bees married the mosquitoes, and the problem got worse. They began to produce young insects. One day, the insects love of sweets caused them to attack a ship that was bringing sugar to the camp. At last, the mosquitoes and bees were defeated. They ate so much sugar they could not move. Paul always gave Babe the Blue Ox a 35-kilogram piece of sugar when he was good. But sometimes Babe liked to play tricks. At night, Babe would make noises and hit the ground with his feet. The men at the camp would run out of the buildings where they slept, thinking it was an earthquake. When winter came, Babe had trouble finding enough food to eat. Snow covered everything. Ole the Blacksmith solved the problem. He made huge green sunglasses for Babe. When Babe wore the sunglasses, he thought the snow was grass. Before long, Babe was strong and healthy again. One year, Pauls camp was especially cold. It was so cold that the men let their facial hair grow very long. When the men spoke, their words froze in the air. Everything they said remained frozen all winter long, and did not melt until spring. Paul Bunyan and Babe left their mark on many areas. Some people say they were responsible for creating Puget Sound in the western state of Washington. Others say Paul Bunyan and Babe cleared the trees from the states of North Dakota and South Dakota. They prepared this area for farming. Babe the Blue Ox died in South Dakota. One story says he ate too many hot cakes. Paul buried his old friend there. Today, the burial place is known as the Black Hills. Whatever happened to Paul Bunyan? There are lots of stories. Some people say he was last seen in Alaska, or even the Arctic Circle. Another tradition says he still returns to Minnesota every summer. It says Paul moves in and out of the woods, so few people ever know that he is there. You have just heard the story of Paul Bunyan. It was adapted by George Grow. Your narrator was Shep ONeal. Now its your turn. Tell us in the comments section about a tall tale from your culture. Does the hero of the story have unusual size or strength? Visit our Facebook page, too, for more stories. _______________________________________________________________ For Teachers This lesson plan, based on the CALLA Approach, teaches the strategy, visualize, to help students understand and remember the story. Quiz Quiz - Paul Bunyan, An American Folk Tale Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story reversible - adj. having two sides that can be used blacksmith - n. a person who makes or repairs things made of iron (such as horseshoes) Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Lompoc Unified School District will transition from at-large elections to district elections for board members starting next year once school district maps are drawn, officials announced Friday. Based on new school district election maps, residents within the city of Lompoc will only be able to vote for board of trustees candidates residing in their own trustee areas and will not be able to vote for candidates from other trustee areas. The change is in line with the California Voting Rights Act of 2001, a state law designed to promote political representation of diverse communities. According to officials, the five-month process is being guided by LUSD redistricting partners helping adjust voting district lines ahead of the 2022 board elections. The public will be invited to give input on district mapping during five separate public meetings prior to the maps being submitted to Santa Barbara County by April 17, 2022. The first hearing will be held at the regularly scheduled school board meeting Dec. 13, with one each set for January and February and two planned in March. According to the district calendar, the meeting in December will be structured as a Redistricting 101 workshop and largely educational in nature to better inform board members, district officials and the public. Subsequent meetings will also be educational, but will include more outreach to seek public opinion on how the boundaries should be drawn prior to the Board voting on and approving the new by-trustee area maps at the final meeting in March. The final map will determine what geographic portion of the city each school board member represents. However, if the newly drawn district maps do not include all currently seated governing board members, those seated still will be able to serve out their full terms of office, officials said. Once the proposed maps are developed, they will be posted on the LUSD website for public input. LUSD to participate in Great California ShakeOut campaign The Lompoc Unified School District will participate in the Great California ShakeOut earthquake preparedness campaign "in the interest of safety to all of the students and staff," a school official said. +6 Cabrillo High Aquarium welcomes back public with debut of $150K tide pool exhibit The Cabrillo High School Aquarium reopened with a big splash recently, debuting its most extensive sea life exhibit in its 20-year history and C.C. Yin is co-founder of Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs, a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to advancing Asian Pacific Islander communities through increased leadership and civic engagement. As for Choudhury, hes glad he turned down those other job offers. So far, no regrets, he said. If it happened again, I would do the same thing all over again Im definitely enjoying the journey. The four questions What are the most important values driving your work? Our ultimate goal is helping our customers. Our customers are trying to develop therapeutics that are going to save lives, and if we can help our customers the best way we can, this will translate into better therapeutics, and we will end up having a role in improving a patient's outcome, helping someone whos sick. The number two value, to me personally, is the people. I am really focused on creating a team thats very close-knit, where everyone's really aligned in what they want to accomplish. It's kind of like betting on the jockey over the horse: We have a great technology, but without the right team, this is going to go nowhere. I think once we have the right team, the technology will work out and we'll figure out a way to grow this business and make it successful. How are you creating the kind of community that you want to live in? The gun was one of three that the film's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, had set on a cart outside the building where a scene was being acted, according to the records. Halls grabbed the gun from the cart and brought it inside to Baldwin, unaware that it was loaded with live rounds, a detective wrote in the search warrant application. It was unclear how many rounds were fired. Gutierrez removed a shell casing from the gun after the shooting, and she turned the weapon over to police when they arrived, the court records say. Halls did not immediately return phone and email messages seeking comment. The Associated Press was unable to contact Gutierrez, and several messages sent to production companies affiliated with the film were not immediately returned Friday. The film's script supervisor, Mamie Mitchell, said she was standing next to Hutchins when she was shot. "I ran out and called 911 and said 'Bring everybody, send everybody,' " Mitchell told The Associated Press. "This woman is gone at the beginning of her career. She was an extraordinary, rare, very rare woman." Mitchell said she and other crew members were attending a private memorial service Friday night in Santa Fe. Baldwin described the killing as a "tragic accident." Please register or log in to keep reading. No credit card required! Stay logged in to skip the surveys. A man charged Friday with trying to shoot his wife earlier this month was shot with a beanbag gun three times by police as they tried to apprehend him, according to a criminal complaint. Tokiee Sole, 43, of Madison, shot at his wife multiple times while she was FaceTiming a relative outside of her Southwest Side home on the 5800 block of Balsam Road, according to the complaint filed in Dane County Circuit Court. Sole faces a charge of attempted first-degree murder and six additional charges stemming from the incident, including intent to sell marijuana, cocaine, heroin and MDMA, possession of a firearm by a felon and criminal property damage. His bail is set at $100,000. Sole and his wife were on and off again when Sole tried to break into her home in the early hours of Oct. 10, the woman, who was unnamed in the complaint, told investigators. After waking up to noises outside her home, the woman found Sole standing at her front door "looking crazy" with eyes "black as hell," the complaint said. Among other changes, the Audit Bureau suggested the Legislature might consider changes to the laws governing elections including: Require clerks to complete initial training before administering an election. Require a municipal governing body to notify the Wisconsin Elections Commission within 30 days when there is turnover in the clerk position, allowing the commission to better track whether all clerks have completed the required training. Require the state Department of Transportation to provide additional information to the commission when DOT attempts to verify information provided by registrants. Require the WEC to regularly obtain data from the Electronic Registration Information Center, which provides reports on potential duplicate registration records and flags registrants who might have died or moved, and use the data to improve the accuracy and completeness of the state's online voter registration system. Modify the law to specify the particular address components that a witness must provide on an absentee ballot certificate, clarify the extent to which municipal clerks are permitted to correct errors in witness addresses or add missing witness address information and require clerks to verify the signatures of individuals who cast absentee ballots. Clarify whether individuals are allowed to return absentee ballots via drop boxes instead of by mail. Establish when clerks are not required to send special voting deputies to residential care facilities and nursing homes, as well as the procedures clerks must follow in mailing and considering absentee ballots in such circumstances. Specify the actions and responsibilities of consultants at polling places and central count locations on Election Day. Allow new polling places to be quickly established in certain situations, such as in a public health emergency or if a fire or a natural disaster were to damage a polling place. Require clerks to notify WECs administrator if they rent electronic voting equipment and require materials related to the pre-election tests of electronic voting equipment to be retained for 22 months after a federal election. Change state law to reflect the current federal standards for an acceptable equipment error rate with voting machines and require WEC to conduct risk-limiting post-election audits. Require WEC to report certain information about election-related concerns every six months. Without a renewed law that protects voting rights, Republicans have the power to carry out a coup, and there is no reason to believe they wont. Former President Donald Trump came very close to pulling one off as a lame duck in January 2021. Plenty of documents and audiotapes reveal the attempts Trump and his cronies made to persuade or pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence and state Republican officials to throw out legitimate ballots that were cast for Trumps successor, President Joe Biden. A handful of Republicans had the courage and the conscience to protect the Constitution, and they refused to go along with Trumps plan. But GOP-dominated state legislators jumped into action to solve that problem, passing new laws that not only blocked the ballot but also make it much easier to subvert the election process next time. The voter-suppression measures drew widespread news media attention. In Georgia, for example, the legislature went so far as to make it illegal to pass out food and water to voters standing in long lines. More common were measures in several states that cut back on early voting and limited drop boxes for mail-in ballots. This year, according to the Brennan Center for Justice, 19 states have enacted laws making it more difficult for citizens to vote. CROSS PLAINS Catastrophic flooding in 2018 swept through much of Dane County and my community of Cross Plains west of Madison, destroying homes and peoples livelihoods. My own neighbors house had to be knocked down due to flood damage, and my family lost some of our household appliances. But we counted ourselves extremely lucky because the damage was so much more severe for many of our neighbors. This flooding and other extreme weather events would not have happened without climate change, and communities such as mine as well as our state and nation need a plan to fight climate-harming carbon pollution while moving toward clean energy. From 2010 to 2020, Wisconsin experienced 16 extreme weather events, including floods, heat waves and droughts, that cost our state an estimated $10 billion in damages. As CEO of the RE-AMP Network, I have long pushed for climate solutions and fought greenhouse gas pollution across the Midwest. Following the flooding in Dane County, I even got involved locally, going to the Cross Plains Board and mobilizing others to take climate action and create a sustainability plan for our community. Dane County, too, is taking the climate crisis seriously, releasing a Climate Action Plan last year that included essential flood mitigation measures and recommendations to support our clean energy future. BOISE From now on when Idaho Rep. Caroline Nilsson Troy looks at wildfire suppression budget proposals, she wont ever again just see numbers or charts on a spreadsheet. Instead, shell see the faces of the firefighters and the equipment they rely on. Troy, R-Genesse, will see her family members standing with their arms wrapped around each other watching the Bedrock Fire roar up a canyon and scorch the land that her family and neighbors have worked for years. For four days this summer, Troy and her family watched the fire devastate their farmland, pasture and timber lands. She said 200 of her acres burned and all of her timber was 100% lost. But, thanks to good communication of hardworking neighbors, a strong volunteer Evergreen Fire District in the area and the response from an Idaho Department of Lands team, Troy said firefighters got the fire contained without any loss of human life. All told, the fire burned more than 11,000 acres in Nez Perce County. It was just a really different experience from reading about it and looking at numbers to standing on the sideline and watching it burn, Troy said in an interview Thursday. Watching them do back burns, watching them bring in contract workers to help wrap up the fire, watching the transition between the state fire team and it became a high priority from the feds watching that transition how they handed it off. How professional everyone was, how caring they were, how concerned they were about one of our neighbors who was down in the canyon still trying to fight the fire. They had contingency plans to try to cover him with water if it got that bad because it moved really fast. Although they lost a lot, Troy was proud to see her daughter, her ex-husband and neighbors band together and head out on tractors to disc up the farm ground around the fires perimeter to help protect their property, like they planned in advance. In one of the pictures with my daughter with her arm around her dad, that kind of captures how we felt about the loss of this property, Troy said. We have worked very hard to manage it responsibly for the future generations and it was really hard to see it go up in smoke so fast. There is so much grief on one hand for me, but then pride in how the Department of Lands responded and how hard everybody worked to try and put it out. The experience also opened Troys eyes to other realities of wildfire, including the death of wildlife trapped in the canyon, the damage to a valuable salmon tributary of the Clearwater River to the communications challenges between different county, state and federal agencies. All-day kindergarten funding proposal to go before the Idaho Legislature The Department of Lands fire budget was only one of the topics considered during three days of JFAC hearings this week at the Idaho Capitol. Legislators on the committee also poured through the state budget and revenue picture in detail beginning Tuesday. On the education front, state officials are gearing up to bring a proposal forward to launch optional state-funded all-day kindergarten across Idaho. Currently, Idaho offers half-day kindergarten, which is also optional. All day kindergarten would be a big educational policy advancement in a conservative legislative body where many conservative Republicans say the family is best left in charge of early education. Historically, some legislators have also suggested expanding kindergarten could come at the expense of the rest of the public education system. Nevertheless, momentum has been building. The State Board of Education endorsed all-day kindergarten in June, Idaho Education News reported. Gov. Brad Little has made K-3 reading a top priority of his first term in office. Now, the Idaho State Board of Education is requesting about $39.2 million in the 2023 budget to launch all-day kindergarten. Over the past five years, Idaho has had about 21,000 students attend kindergarten each year, state budget officials said this week. For all-day kindergarten to move forward, legislators would need to pass a policy bill to implement it and approve budget bills to pay for it. Moving forward, people interested in developments on the kindergarten proposal can watch to see whether Little makes a call for all-day kindergarten in his Jan. 10 State of the State address and how JFAC members react when they conduct the public school budget hearing during the first half of the session. State agencies face increased competition for workers as private employers wages rise Legislators on JFAC also reviewed state employment reports and proposals for increasing pay for state employees. While wages for state employees have historically lagged behind the private sector, there are even more challenges state agencies face this year, Division of Human Resources Administrator Lori Wolff said Thursday. Housing costs are up dramatically as Idaho experiences the pains of being the second-fastest growing state in the country over the past 10 years, according to the 2020 census. Job postings outnumber the number of job seekers across Idaho. Telework options means many people can work anywhere. More people value more flexibility in their jobs flexibility that doesnt often align with a traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. state government job. On top of that, throw in recent wage increases by many private employers with a foothold in Idaho, and hiring and retaining talented state employees become a challenge. For instance, Wolff said, some McDonalds offers start at $15 per hour, while Amazon offers $20-$24 per hour, plus a signing bonus. Its hard for the state to retain a liquor store clerk on an average salary of $12.31 an hour or a state customer services representative at $15 per hour if they can make $16 an hour at Walmart and receive tuition reimbursement, Wolff said. We have new competition we havent had to compete with in the past, Wolff told JFAC. The Legislature has invested in pay. For the 2022 budget, state employees got a 2% pay increase for the year, plus the 2% pay increase that was frozen in 2021, for an average raise of $1.14 per employee, Wolff said. Knowing they cant match private salaries, Wolff said state agencies want to focus on hiring agency leadership that creates a positive work culture, providing good benefits and providing regular employee compensation increases to avoid falling further behind. The state of Idaho is the states largest employer and has about 24,858 employees. About 8,000 of them work in higher education at Idaho universities. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Earlier this year, an insistent cry arose from business leaders and Republican governors: Cut off a $300-a-week federal supplement for unemployed Americans. Many people, they argued, would then come off the sidelines and take the millions of jobs that employers were desperate to fill. Yet three months after half the states began ending that federal payment, there's been no significant influx of job seekers. In states that cut off the $300 check, the workforce the number of people who either have a job or are looking for one has risen no more than it has in the states that maintained the payment. That federal aid, along with two jobless aid programs that served gig workers and the long-term unemployed, ended nationally Sept. 6. Yet America's overall workforce actually shrank that month. Policymakers were pinning too many hopes on ending unemployment insurance as a labor market boost, said Fiona Greig, managing director of the JPMorgan Chase Institute, which used JPMorgan bank account data to study the issue. The work disincentive effects were clearly small. Labor shortages have persisted longer than many economists expected, deepening a mystery at the heart of the job market. Companies are eager to add workers and have posted a near-record number of available jobs. Unemployment remains elevated. The economy still has 5 million fewer jobs than it did before the pandemic. Yet job growth slowed in August and September. An analysis of state-by-state data by The Associated Press found that workforces in the 25 states that maintained the $300 payment actually grew slightly more from May through September, according to data released Friday, than they did in the 25 states that cut off the payment early, most of them in June. The $300-a-week federal check, on top of regular state jobless aid, meant that many of the unemployed received more in benefits than they earned at their old jobs. An earlier study by Arindrajit Dube, an economist at University of Massachusetts, Amherst and several colleagues found that the states that cut off the $300 federal payment saw a small increase in the number of unemployed taking jobs. But it also found that it didn't draw more people off the sidelines to look for work. Economists point to a range of factors that are likely keeping millions of former recipients of federal jobless aid from returning to the workforce. Many Americans in public-facing jobs still fear contracting COVID-19, for example. Some families lack child care. Other people, like Rachel Montgomery of Anderson, Indiana, have grown to cherish the opportunity to spend more time with their families and feel they can get by financially, at least for now. Montgomery, a 37-year-old mother, said she has become much pickier" about where shes willing to work after having lost a catering job last year. Losing the $300-a-week federal payment hasnt changed her mind. She'll receive her regular state jobless aid for a few more weeks. Once youve stayed home with your kids and family like this, who wants to physically have to go back to work? she said. As Im looking and looking, Ive told myself that Im not going to sacrifice pay or flexibility working remotely when I know Im qualified to do certain things. But what that also means is that its taking longer to find those kinds of jobs. Indeed, the pandemic appears to have caused a re-evaluation of priorities, with some people deciding to spend more time with family and others insistent on working remotely or gaining more flexible hours. Some former recipients, especially older, more affluent ones, have decided to retire earlier than they had planned. With Americans' overall home values and stock portfolios having surged since the pandemic struck, Fed officials estimate that up to 2 million more people have retired since then than otherwise would have. And after having received three stimulus checks in 18 months, plus federal jobless aid in some cases, most households have larger cash cushions than they did before the pandemic. Greig and her colleagues at JPMorgan found in a study that the median bank balance for the poorest one-quarter of households has jumped 70% since COVID hit. A result is that some people are taking time to consider their options before rushing back into the job market. Graham Berryman, a 44-year-old resident of Springfield, Missouri, has been living off savings since Missouri cut off the $300-a-week federal jobless payment in June. He has had temporary work reviewing documents for law firms in the past. But he hasnt found anything permanent since August 2020. Im not lazy, Berryman said. I am unemployed. That does not mean Im lazy. Just because someone cannot find suitable work in their profession doesnt mean theyre trash to be thrown away. Likewise, some couples have decided that they can get by with only one income, rather than two, at least temporarily. Sarah Hamby of Kokomo, Indiana, lost her $300-a-week federal payment this summer after Gov. Eric Holcomb, a Republican, ended that benefit early. Hamby's husband, who is 65, has kept his job working an overnight shift at a printing press throughout the pandemic. But he may decide to join the ranks of people retiring earlier than they'd planned. And Hamby, 51, may do so herself if she doesn't find work soon. The jobs she had for decades at auto factories have largely disappeared. The positions that she sees available now require skills she doesnt have. Yet she isnt desperate for just any job. Im at a point where I feel too old to go off and get educated or trained to do other type of work," she said. "And to be honest, I dont want to go work at a computer, in an office, like what a lot of us are being pushed to do. So now Im stuck between doing some line of work that pays too little for what its worth or is too physically demanding or I just dont work. Nationally, the proportion of women who were either working or looking for work in September fell for a second straight month, evidence that many parents mostly mothers are still unable to manage their childcare duties to return to work. Staffing at childcare centers has fallen, reducing the care that is available. And while schools have reopened for in-person learning, frequent closings because of COVID outbreaks have been disruptive for some working parents. Exacerbating the labor shortfall, a record number of people quit their jobs in August, in some cases spurred by the prospect of higher pay elsewhere. In Missouri, a group of businesses, still frustrated by labor shortages more than three months after the state cut off the $300-a-week federal jobless checks, paid for billboards in Springfield that said: Get Off Your Butt! and Get. To. Work. The state has seen no growth in its workforce since ending emergency benefits. We dont know where people are, said Brad Parke, general manager of Greek Corner Screen Printing and Embroidery, who helped pay for the billboards. Obviously, theyre not at work. Apparently, theyre at home. Richard von Glahn, policy director for Missouri Jobs With Justice, an advocacy group, suggested that many people on the sidelines of the job market want more benefits or the flexibility to care for children. People dont want to go back" to the pre-pandemic job market, von Glahn said. Employers have a role in creating a work environment and offering a package that provides workers the security they need." In Wyoming, fewer people are in the workforce now than when the state cut off all emergency jobless aid. Fear of contracting COVID-19 likely discouraged some people from seeking jobs, Wenlin Liu, chief economist at the state Economic Analysis Division, said last week. Wyoming has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country, he noted, and has been a COVID-19 hotspot since late summer. The surge in infections, Liu said, may be causing some parents to keep their children home. State Rep. Landon Brown, a Republican, defended the cutoff of federal unemployment aid. Wyoming," Brown said, is not interested in continuing to allow the federal government to keep people away from jobs, paying them as much to stay home in some cases as to go and get a job. Mississippi ended all emergency jobless aid on June 12. Yet it had fewer people working in August than in May. In Tupelo last week, a job fair attracted 60 companies, including a recruiter from VT Halter Marine, a shipbuilder located 300 miles south. About 150 to 200 job seekers also attended, fewer than some businesses had hoped. Adam Todd had organized the job fair for the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, which helps people find jobs and distributes unemployment benefits. The agency has received calls of desperation, Todd said, "from businesses needing to recruit workers during the pandemic. We're in a different point in time than we have been in a very long time, Todd said. The job seeker is truly in the drivers seat right now." Fenn is a data journalist based in New York. Smith is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Rugaber reported from Arlington, Virginia. AP Writers Emily Wagster Pettus in Jackson, Mississippi, Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri, contributed to this report. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The Second Amendment of our Constitution reads: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. I firmly believe this provision prohibits the federal government from denying citizens this right. Burdening law-abiding citizens of this country with additional gun restrictions is not the answer to safeguarding the public. As gun control advocates continue to seek creative methods of advancing their agenda, both through legislation and litigation, and the Administration has taken steps to target law-abiding gun owners instead of cracking down on perpetrators of rising crime across the country, I continue to oppose all efforts to weaken Second Amendment rights. I am taking a number of actions in this Congress to protect the Second Amendment: I reintroduced the Hearing Protection Act, which would reclassify suppressors to regulate them like a regular firearm. The measure would benefit Idahos recreational gun users by providing better access to hearing protection equipment. Along with fellow U.S. Senator for Idaho Jim Risch and 46 colleagues, I urged the Biden Administration to rescind its notice of proposed rulemaking targeting pistol braces. In June 2020, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) published a proposed rule that would make nearly all configurations of firearms with stabilizing braces subject to the taxation and registration requirements that would turn millions of law-abiding Americans into criminals overnight, and constitute the largest executive branch-imposed gun registration and confiscation scheme in American history. I joined Senate colleagues in reintroducing the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Protection Act of 2021 to address the increasing number of smash-and-grab thefts targeted at federally licensed gun dealers. In 2020, approximately 6,000 firearms were taken in nationwide FFL burglaries and robberies. This commonsense legislation is meant to deter thefts of firearms from licensed firearms dealers, importers and manufacturers by enhancing the criminal penalties for such offenses. Along with Senator Risch, I co-sponsored the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This legislation would allow any person legally authorized to carry a concealed firearm in their home state to exercise that right in any other state that allows the practice. Senator Risch and I co-sponsored the ATF Accountability Act, which would create an appeals process for the firearms industry to ensure manufacturers are not subject to unchecked bureaucratic rulings and lawful gun owners are not left in the dark regarding the legal status of their firearms. We also co-sponsored the Protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Act. This legislation would prevent the President from declaring gun violence an emergency to impose gun control. We recently urged President Biden to reject the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty, which has garnered strong opposition in the U.S. Senate. I co-sponsored the Lawful Interstate Transportation of Firearms Act that would allow a person to transport a firearm or ammunition from any place where the person may lawfully possess or transport the firearm or ammunition to any other such place if, during the transportation, the firearm is unloaded and secured. Over the years, the Second Amendment has brought much discussion, but it has remained part of our Constitution since it was ratified along with the first ten Amendments (the Bill of Rights) effective December 15, 1791. In June 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled there is an individual right to keep and bear arms, as outlined in the Second Amendment. We as Americans must protect and preserve our constitutional right to bear arms. I will continue to oppose all efforts to weaken Second Amendment rights and work to protect them in the U.S. Senate. Senator Mike Crapo represents Idaho in the U.S. Senate. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) Hours before actor Alec Baldwin fired a fatal gunshot from a prop gun that he had been told was safe, a camera crew for the movie he was filming walked off the job to protest conditions and production issues that included safety concerns. Disputes in the production of the Western film Rust" began almost from the start in early October and culminated with seven crew members walking off several hours before 42-year-old cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed. The crew members had expressed their discontent with matters that ranged from safety procedures to their housing accommodations, according to one of those who left. He requested anonymity for fear that speaking up would hurt his prospects for future jobs. Rust Movie Productions did not answer emails Friday and Saturday seeking comment. At a rehearsal on the film set Thursday at Bonanza Creek Ranch outside Santa Fe, the gun Baldwin used was one of three that a firearms specialist, or armorer, had set on a cart outside the building where a scene was being rehearsed, according to the court records. Court records indicate that an assistant director, Dave Halls, grabbed a prop gun off a cart and handed it to Baldwin, indicating incorrectly that the weapon didn't carry live rounds by yelling cold gun. When Baldwin pulled the trigger, he unwittingly killed Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza, who was standing behind her inside a wooden, chapel-like building. Baldwin, 63, who is known for his roles in 30 Rock and The Hunt for Red October and his impression of former President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, has described the killing as a tragic accident. He was a producer of Rust. Halls did not immediately return phone and email messages seeking comment. A 911 call that alerted authorities to the shooting at the Bonanza Creek Ranch outside Santa Fe hints at the panic on the movie set, as detailed in a recording released by the Santa Fe County Regional Emergency Communications Center. We had two people accidentally shot on a movie set by a prop gun, we need help immediately, script supervisor Mamie Mitchell told an emergency dispatcher. We were rehearsing and it went off, and I ran out, we all ran out. The dispatcher asked if the gun was loaded with a real bullet. I cannot tell you. We have two injuries, Mitchell replied. And this (expletive) AD (assistant director) that yelled at me at lunch, asking about revisions....Hes supposed to check the guns. He's responsible for what happens on the set. The Associated Press was unable to contact Hannah Gutierrez, the film's armorer, and several messages sent to production companies affiliated with Rust did not receive responses Friday. Court records say that Halls grabbed the firearm from the cart and brought it inside to the actor, also unaware that it was loaded with live rounds, a detective wrote in a search warrant application. It was unclear how many rounds were fired. Gutierrez removed a shell casing from the gun after the shooting, and she turned the weapon over to police when they arrived, the court records say. Guns used in making movies are sometimes real weapons that can fire either bullets or blanks, which are gunpowder charges intended to produce little more than a flash and a bang. New Mexico workplace safety investigators are examining if film industry standards for gun safety were followed during production of Rust. The Los Angeles Times, citing two crew members it did not name, reported that five days before the shooting, Baldwins stunt double accidentally fired two live rounds after being told the gun didnt have any ammunition. A crew member who was alarmed by the misfires told a unit production manager in a text message, Weve now had 3 accidental discharges. This is super unsafe, according to a copy of the message reviewed by the newspaper. The New York Times also reported that there were at least two earlier accidental gun discharges; it cited three former crew members. Mitchell, the script supervisor, told The Associated Press she was standing next to Hutchins when the cinematographer was hit. I ran out and called 911 and said Bring everybody, send everybody, Mitchell said. This woman is gone at the beginning of her career. She was an extraordinary, rare, very rare woman. Filmmaker Souza, who was shot in the shoulder, said in a statement to NBC News that he was grateful for the support he was receiving and gutted by the loss of Hutchins. She was kind, vibrant, incredibly talented, fought for every inch and always pushed me to be better, he said. Santa Fe-area District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said prosecutors will be reviewing evidence in the shooting and do not know if charges will be filed. Hutchins husband Matthew Hutchins posted on social media to mourn his wifes loss, ask for privacy for his family, and thank her friends and mentors at the American Film Institute, who he said nurtured the success we had only just begun to see flourish. The institute's conservatory canceled cinematography classes Friday in response to Hutchins' death. At a vigil Saturday around 200 film crew workers gathered for a candlelight vigil as the sun set. They shared grief at the loss of one of their own, and fear of accidents on their own film sets. Several in attendance lit candles, held a moment of silence, read poetry and made brief comments including one testimonial to her artistic spark and generosity. Her death shouldnt have happened, Union sets should be safe sets, said Liz Pecos, president of IATSE Local 480. Production on Rust was halted after the shooting. The movie is about a 13-year-old boy who is left to fend for himself and his younger brother following the death of their parents in 1880s Kansas, according to the Internet Movie Database website. The crew member that spoke to the AP said he never witnessed any formal orientation about weapons used on set, which normally would take place before filming begins. He also said only minimal COVID-19 precautions were taken even though crew and cast members often worked in small enclosed spaces on the ranch. The crew was initially housed at the Courtyard by Marriot in Santa Fe, according to the crew member. Four days in, however, they were told that going forward they would be housed at the budget Coyote South hotel. Some crew members balked at staying there. We packed our gear and left that morning, the crew member said of the Thursday walkout. The Los Angeles Times and Variety also reported on the walkout. Gutierrez, the films armorer, is the daughter of a longtime Hollywood firearms expert. She gave an interview in September to the Voices of the West podcast in which she said she had learned how to handle guns from her father since she was a teenager. During the podcast interview, Gutierrez shared that she just finished her first movie in the role of head armorer, a project in Montana starring Nicolas Cage titled The Old Way. I was really nervous about it at first and I almost didnt take the job because I wasnt sure if I was ready but doing it, like, it went really smoothly," she said. In another on-set gun death from 1993, Brandon Lee, the son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, was killed by a bullet left in a prop gun after a previous scene. Similar shootings have occurred involving stage weapons that were loaded with live rounds during historical re-enactments. Gun-safety protocol on sets in the United States has improved since then, said Steven Hall, a veteran director of photography in Britain. But he said one of the riskiest positions to be in is behind the camera because that person is in the line of fire in scenes where an actor appears to point a gun at the audience. Price reported from New York. Associated Press writers Jake Coyle and Jocelyn Noveck in New York; Lizzie Knight in London; Yuras Karmanau in Kyiv, Ukraine; Ryan Pearson in Los Angeles; Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Walter Berry in Phoenix; and Gene Johnson in Seattle contributed to this report. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 WASHINGTON (AP) Illegal border crossings from Mexico fell in September for only the second time in 17 months, but the federal fiscal year ended with the highest count ever, authorities said Friday. Migrants were stopped 192,001 times, down 9% from August and below 200,000 for the first time since June, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Authorities stopped migrants more than 1.7 million times during the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, nearly quadruple from 458,088 in the previous fiscal year, when COVID-19 first struck. The annual total broke a previous high of more than 1.6 million in the 2000 fiscal year and is the highest since the Border Patrol was created in 1924. The numbers aren't directly comparable because pandemic rules since March 2020 to expel migrants without giving them a chance to seek asylum carry no legal consequences, encouraging repeat attempts. In 27% of crossings during the latest fiscal year, migrants had been stopped at least once in the previous 12 months, compared with a recidivism rate of only 7% two years earlier, before the pandemic rules known as Title 42 authority took effect. In September, the number of single adults jumped from a year earlier but was more than offset by declines in people arriving in families or as unaccompanied children. The monthly total includes about 15,000 mostly Haitian migrants who camped under a bridge in the small Texas border town of Del Rio. Haitians were encountered 17,966 times during September, up from 7,757 in August to become the fourth most common nationality after Mexicans, Hondurans and Guatemalans. The number of Ecuadorians encountered at the border by U.S. authorities fell sharply after Mexico began requiring visas last month. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. PALERMO, Italy (AP) Italys right-wing former interior minister, Matteo Salvini, went on trial Saturday charged with kidnapping for refusing in 2019 to allow a Spanish migrant rescue ship to dock in Sicily, keeping the people onboard at sea for days. It is the first trial to go ahead against Salvini for his actions preventing migrant landings while he served as interior minister from 2018-2019 in an uneasy coalition between the populist 5-Star Movement and his right-wing League. Salvini was present for the opening day of the trial in Palermo, Sicily, which included procedural requests like witness lists. Among those being summoned is American actor Richard Gere, who visited the migrants aboard the Open Arms after seeing their plight while on a family vacation in Italy. It is surreal undergoing a trial because I did my job. I feel sorry because, I mean, tell me how serious can be a trial where Richard Gere will come from Hollywood to testify about my career," Salvini said. Salvini was present for the opening day of the trial in Palermo, Sicily, which was expected to deal mostly with procedural requests. He has insisted he was fulfilling his duty by refusing entry to the Open Arms rescue ship, and the 147 people it had saved in the Mediterranean Sea off Libya. Salvini took a hard line on migrant arrivals, blocking ships and pushing for Europe to take some of the burden off Italy. Prosecutors accuse Salvini of dereliction of duty and kidnapping for refusing to allow the ship into port for days in August 2019. During the nearly three-week standoff, some migrants threw themselves overboard in desperation and the captain pleaded for a safe, nearby port. Some migrants were taken to land for humanitarian or health reasons, while the remaining 83 were eventually allowed to disembark in Lampedusa. We expect justice for the unnecessary suffering that all the people had in those 20 days, said the head of the Spanish NGO Open Arms, Oscar Camps. A court in Catania, Sicily, earlier this year decided not to try Salvini in a similar case, for keeping 116 migrants on board an Italian coast guard ship at sea for five days, also in 2019. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 In a briefing, the health department said it is currently seeing the highest increase of cases within 0-19-year-olds with 16 new cases, 20-39-year-olds with 35 new cases, and 40-59-year-olds with 27 new cases. These are all a part of the 101 new cases reported since Monday, it said. Our countys daily positivity rate is steadily declining. According to the CDC, our community transmission rate is still in the red, which is high, the health department briefing said. The percent of individuals 12 and older who are fully vaccinated in the county currently remains at 49%. In order to keep our daily percent positivity rate down, we ask Burke County residents to remain vigilant in your efforts: get your vaccine if you have not already done so, wear a mask in areas of high transmission, get tested if you have an exposure or experiencing symptoms, practice good hand-washing, and staying home if you are sick. UNC Health Blue Ridge reported 22 COVID-19 patients hospitalized on Friday, with eight COVID patients in the intensive care unit. Seven COVID patients, all unvaccinated, were on ventilators, the health care system reported. The system reported 84 patients in its COVID-19 virtual hospital on Friday. The countys death toll from the virus is at 267, with 21 of those deaths reported this week. We could establish what has the opportunity to be the largest lab in the country, Holmes told investors in one of the clips played Friday. She laid out that ambition just a few months after Theranos had struck a deal to set up blood-testing wellness centers" in Walgreens stores across the country. But Theranos wound up in only 40 Walgreens stores. After investing $140 million in Theranos, Walgreens wound up ending the Theranos alliance in 2016, not long after a series of explosive articles in The Wall Street Journal and regulatory audits exposed chronic flaws in the blood-testing technology. Before everything blew up, Holmes raised hundreds of millions of dollars from a list of investors that included billionaires such as media mogul Rupert Murdoch, the Walton family behind Walmart, and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. The clips played Friday were recorded by Bryan Tolbert, an adviser to Dallas real estate developer Carl Hall, who invested $7 million in Theranos. The flurry of investments at one point valued privately held Theranos at $9 billion, including a $4.5 billion stake owned by Holmes. Now she is facing up to 20 years in prison if she is convicted in a trial that is scheduled to continue until late this year. SEATTLE (AP) Isaiah Obet was behaving erratically and in mental distress in 2017 when Auburn police officer Jeff Nelson ordered his police dog to attack and then shot Obet in the torso. Obet fell to the ground and Nelson fired again, fatally shooting Obet in the head. Police said the officer's life was in danger because Obet was high on drugs and had a knife. The city later reached a settlement of $1.25 million with Obets family. The next year, Joseph Allen was crossing in front of Nelsons patrol car when the officer swerved and pinned him against a fence, breaking both his ankles. His justification: Allen was a dangerous criminal. In 2019, Nelson scuffled with Jesse Sarey after attempting to arrest him for disorderly conduct. He punched Sarey seven times and then shot him in the torso. After Sarey fell to the ground, Nelson killed him with a second shot to the forehead. He claimed Sarey was on his hands and knees ready to spring forward, which later was disproved by both video and witnesses. Western nations such as the United States have sharply criticized military rule in Myanmar since the takeover and the deadly crackdown on military opponents, which is estimated to have killed about 1,100 civilians. Some U.N. experts suggest Myanmar is on the verge of civil war, which could destabilize the region. ASEAN itself, whose members usually refrain from criticizing each other, is also roiled by the crisis in Myanmar. Such a dispute within ASEAN is virtually unprecedented. Among the bedrock principles breached by the exclusion of Myanmars leader is an edict prohibiting ASEAN member states from interfering in each others domestic affairs. The regional bloc also decides by consensus, meaning just one member state can shoot down any proposal. In dealing with Myanmar this year, the groups chair has used its privilege to act without a formal consensus. Fridays statement from Myanmars Foreign Ministry said only a summit of the group could consider whether to bar the attendance of a member nations leader. A Napa Valley native is serving aboard USS Nevada, one of the worlds most advanced nuclear-powered submarines. Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Paoli serves as an information technology specialist and joined the Navy to serve aboard submarines. "I was about 12 at the time of 9/11, and it was a wake-up call to me," said Paoli. The stuff we saw in movies could be real. As a kid, I didn't know much about the political part, but I knew from that point on that I wanted to serve. Paoli attended Napa High School and graduated in 2007. Today, Paoli uses skills and values similar to those found in Napa Valley. I wanted a job that had meaning, said Paoli. "I was looking for purpose in my life." These lessons have helped Paoli while serving aboard USS Nevada. Known as Americas Silent Service, the Navys submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security. Paoli and other sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service. Paoli has earned five Navy Achievement Medals during his career. "I earned my first NAM in 2013 while serving aboard USS Louisiana, said Paoli. I helped repair the electronic surveillance measure which is critical for our submarine's mission." As Paoli and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions to support national defense, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy. We miss out on many things, but it's worth it because our families are taken care of, added Paoli. "We also help prevent a future terrorist attack like 9/11 and other threats as well." Local Government City of Napa faces difficult hiring environment while trying to fill staffing holes Edward Booth, Register Outside Napa City Hall. A goal to hire new employees and fill a large staffing hole hasnt yet paid off for the city of Napa this year. Indeed, Heather Ruiz, the citys Human Resources Director, told the Napa City Council last month that the city has about 92 vacancies, a rise from the 85 reported April 1. But the city, in the midst of a national economic recovery from the pandemic, is certainly not unique. Employers across the country have been searching for workers in recent months. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help. Subscribe today! We are hiring and thats a message we want to get out, Ruiz said. As I think is the case for everybody in the world right now. There are currently about 11 million job openings across the United States, according to a recent article in the Washington Post. About 8.4 million Americans are actively looking for work and an additional 5 million have given up on job hunting entirely, according to the article. But, the article says, many open jobs are in different locations than most unemployed Americans, in different industries than theyve worked in, or in industries they dont want to work in again. And, in the current hiring moment, some who hold jobs have been emboldened to take action against working conditions imposed by employers. Waves of labor strikes have been breaking out recently among health care workers, workers at John Deere, Kellogg cereal workers and several other groups. Workers seem to be thinking about and approaching their work differently than they were before the pandemic, Ruiz said. The challenge that everyones having is in terms of the lack of people in the available workforce right now, Ruiz said. I think with COVID, it did create just sort of a fundamental shift in my mind as a Human Resources professional, not thinking about the city specifically, a fundamental shift for people in what matters to me in a job. And so that hasnt settled out yet, Im not sure how long its going to take for that to settle out. The city of Napas effort to fill vacancies follows an earlier effort to prepare, in the 2020-21 budget cycle, for a pandemic-fueled financial downturn that didnt materialize as expected. About 60 vacant city positions were frozen in the fiscal year 2020-2021 because of budgetary concerns, Ruiz said. An active effort to fill those positions has been carried out this year, after better-than-expected economic results and an infusion of funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. But, in the current hiring environment, the city hasnt been able to bring in enough people to fill the vacancies quickly, Ruiz said. Public hiring brings a share of its own challenges, particularly in terms of the speed at which the city can hire new employees, she added. Even if people do begin to apply in droves to city positions, theyll do so under the citys merit-based public hiring process. And though the citys assessment of a candidate may be more comprehensive than that of most private industries, the public hiring process does tend to take longer. Some prospective employees may even choose to take a job elsewhere in the two to three months it takes for the city to assess them, Ruiz said. It used to take even longer to be hired by most public agencies, Ruiz added. She credited the citys Human Resources Department, which she joined about six months ago, with streamlining the hiring process over the years. Twenty years ago those metrics were more like six months, Ruiz said. So its been something that over the years weve really focused on because we realized were losing people. The private sector just moves so much faster. And by the time you get people on the list theyve found another job, theyve moved on. The primary reason public hiring tends to take longer is the merit-based principle, which essentially means public agencies need to create systems that test candidates, score them according to objective measures and create a list of potential hires from those who score the highest, Ruiz said. Often the private process is: you submit a resume, you call somebody, you go in for an interview, maybe you go in for a couple more interviews and then its done, Ruiz said. And that can happen relatively quickly. It can be a matter of a couple of weeks. One way the city tests candidates is by asking supplemental questions, Ruiz said. And theres often an assessment process that involves actual tests, which vary depending on the position. Some applicants, like police officers and firefighters, might need to pass a standard test; other applicants might receive an online test to assess their ability at using Microsoft Word or Excel, Ruiz said. Candidates may also have to pass skills tests for more physical jobs, Ruiz added, which could consist of the applicant identifying tools, explaining how they would rake gravel or how they would operate a jackhammer. And thats the piece I think that most people whove only worked private sector, or most applicants, dont understand, Ruiz said. From the moment that we start looking at your paper application, that is a test. So we have to have measures for that. Ruiz also said that, in the past, more employees would come be hired by one employer and work for them their entire career. But the younger workforce tends to move around a lot more, even in the public sector, she said. Thats something that our systems and processes havent adapted well to, and COVID I think just exacerbated that, Ruiz said. Indeed, the current hiring environment has also brought movement to city staff. The number of staff vacancies increased because 19 city employees left their positions in roughly the past six months, Ruiz said. Five of those departures were retirements. But four former employees relocated out of California, and most of the 10 remaining found jobs elsewhere, according to Ruiz. The city maintains benefits, like a pension, that may encourage employees to stick around in a city position longer than they would at a private-sector job, Ruiz said. The city has also prioritized internal promotions for about the past year and a half, which may increase morale and encourage employees to stick around because they see opportunities for advancement. But those promotional candidates have to go through the same hiring process as every other hire, which means the promotion takes a while and eats up the time of HR staff, Ruiz said. And, if an internal candidate is promoted, that does nothing to reduce the number of staff vacancies. It doesnt reduce the work, as a matter of fact generally it doubles the work for my department, Ruiz said. Its a great thing and theres a lot of benefit to it, but it does create a lot more workload for us. The Napa City Council last month approved three new Human Resources positions, and deleted one, to speed the hiring process up. Ruiz said at the meeting the city also needs to look toward increasing its applicant pool by thinking more about what workers want in the current hiring environment. One of the things we need to look at too is as we move forward whats important to people, Ruiz said at the meeting. We really need to be looking at that from the perspective of what is attracting people. It isnt just salary and position anymore for people, she added. Its really about whats important for their whole person and making sure that the job fits in with their whole life. A lot of work-life balance issues are coming into play. Burbank Housing is looking to transition Napas Wine Valley Lodge into 54 units of permanent supportive housing for homeless residents. In partnership with Burbank, the Napa City Council recently approved a $31 million grant co-application to Californias Project Homekey initiative, which seeks to expand housing for people experiencing homelessness or people who are at risk of homelessness statewide. Approximately $1.45 billion is available for that task in the current round of funding. The Wine Valley Lodge has been operated by Napa County since March 2020, for homeless housing under Project Roomkey Californias homeless relief initiative created in the early stages of the pandemic and for pandemic-related isolation and quarantines. 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 Napa City Council also approved a $3 million loan for the project from the affordable housing impact fee, adding to $4 million approved by the Napa County Board of Supervisors for the project earlier this month. The Burbank Housing proposal involves a 55-year lease of the Wine Valley Lodge, a 54-unit motel located in Napa at 200 South Coombs Street. The owner of the property has expressed interest in a long-term lease, but isnt willing to sell it, according to a Napa County Board of Supervisors staff report. Lark Ferrell, city of Napa housing manager, said the site is in good condition and only requires a few renovations kitchenettes in each of the rooms and Americans with Disability Act adjustments to be up and running. Ferrell said the total amount of funding Burbank requires for the project is $21.2 million, which would include the cost of converting the motel into a permanent housing project and a five-year operating subsidy. (The state recommended Project Homekey applications request for about double the estimated need, Ferrell said.) Ferrell also said the state set the Project Homekey application system up so theres not a set deadline and jurisdictions benefit from applying for funds quickly. The city is expecting to submit the co-application with Burbank in early November, she said. Then, if the grant is approved, Burbank would be able to begin providing the units for homeless residents in September 2022, Ferrell added. Jocelyn Lin, associate director of housing development for Burbank, said its difficult to predict what the annual cost of running the project will be, particularly because the nonprofit hasnt yet entered into agreements with homeless service providers who would provide those supportive services. Burbank House is, however, looking to receive $1.2 million from Project Homekey that will be used as an operating subsidy for the first three years of operation, she said, which will give them that time to figure out how the financial side of providing services will work out over a longer period of time. The Napa councilmembers expressed unanimous support for the project. Mayor Scott Sedgley said the project is desperately needed, but that it will come at a cost to the city by removing property tax and transient occupancy tax revenue the city normally receives from the Wine Valley Lodge. Even so, he said, the city council should agree to move forward with the project because supporting homeless residents is a great need. Councilmember Liz Alessio said the overall benefit of converting the motel into supportive housing far exceeds any costs. If I had three thumbs, Id give it three thumbs up, Alessio said. 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. Napa isnt home to a great number of Afghan people, which means the countrys recent humanitarian crisis might not be on the minds of too many locals. However, Vintage High School juniors Armand Shakeri and Stefan Shakeri would like to change that. The twin brothers, almost age 16, recently launched a campaign to aid Afghan refugees in the greater Bay Area. Working with a nonprofit called the PARS Equality Center, theyre collecting backpacks and school supplies for school-age refugees. We felt like we could make a difference to some lives of families with kids, said Stephan. 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! Its really great to be able to help people like this, said Armand. Armand and Stefan were born in Napa, but their parents are both from Iran. Nancy Azizi is a dentist in Napa. Mark Shakeri works in real estate. When we saw what was happening, and the plane taking off with people hanging on it, they said weve got to do something, said Mark Shakeri. From watching the news of the change in leadership in Afghanistan, We found out there are lots of families from Afghanistan coming into the Bay Area, said Stefan. We are Iranian, and we speak Farsi, which is very similar to what they speak in Afghanistan. So we felt some sort of connection, with these new immigrants, Stefan said. The Shakeris explained that many Afghans live in and work in Iran. The two countries have close ties. Lots of culture is similar between us, said Stefan. In fact, Armand and Stefan are fluent in Farsi, a language very similar to Dari, which is spoken in Afghanistan. The idea of families coming to the U.S. and trying to get their children started in school in a new country, with a different language, sounded really tough, said Stefan. PARS said they were short on school supplies, for these new students, said Armand. So thought that would be the best way for us to help. The PARS Equality Center is dedicated to helping the Iranian-American and other immigrant communities, according to its website. Every high school student can relate to the need for the right school supplies, the brothers said. We thought it was more of an engaging idea, than just asking for money, said Armand. To help Afghan refugees: New and gently used backpacks (and new school supplies) can be donated at: Vintage High School 1375 Trower Ave., Napa Further info: PARS Equality Center 408-261-6400 parsequalitycenter.org PARS Amazon wish list for Afghan refugees: search on Amazon under "PARS Equality Center" The project got started after receiving the go-ahead from school Assistant Principal Keith Sedgley It seemed like an amazing thing for them to be doing, said Keth Sedgley. His verdict: Awesome. Next, the two presented their idea to the student senate and finally, it was added to the schools daily announcements. We just wanted to get the word out as best as we could, said Armand. They were hoping to collect 40 backpacks and any school supplies. To date, theyve received 50. Obviously, Were not going to be able to give a backpack to every single Afghan refugee, but any amount helps, said Armand. This drive might inspire other people to help. It could make a difference. Im very proud of them that theyve found something that they connect with, said Mark Shakeri. Especially that they are dealing with kids helping kids; that makes it very relatable. Nastaran Nazarian of the PARS Equality Center said that she was quite happy to hear about their plan for gathering backpacks. Its very impressive that they came up with this idea, she said. Nazarian said that the PARS Center will likely end up assisting more than 100 school-age children from Afghanistan. Many of these newly immigrated families are living with relatives, Nazarian explained. Two California cities with larger Afghani populations include Newark and Fremont. Many have left their country quickly, she noted. Theyve had to leave everything behind and start from zero. The two Shakeri brothers are on the tennis team at school (playing doubles) and take part in other school activities, but this is their first humanitarian project as high school students. At first it was a bit intimidating, said Stefan. But it was also exciting, knowing that we were actually doing something really good for people. Armand and Stefan said that before this backpack drive, people at school werent really talking about the humanitarian needs of these refugees, said the boys. Which is why we wanted to do this drive so much, to bring awareness to this crisis, said Armand. We just wanted to help. The two boys will also include a note, written in Dari, inside each backpack. Welcome to America, it will read. 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. SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) An assistant director unwittingly handed Alec Baldwin a loaded weapon and told him it was safe to use in the moments before the actor fatally shot a cinematographer, court records released Friday show. Cold gun, the assistant director announced, according to a search warrant filed in a Santa Fe court. Instead, the gun was loaded with live rounds, and when Baldwin pulled the trigger Thursday on the set of a Western, he killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Director Joel Souza, who was standing behind her, was wounded, the records said. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office obtained the warrant Friday so investigators could document the scene at the ranch outside Santa Fe where the shooting took place. They sought to examine Baldwins blood-stained costume for the film Rust," as well as the weapon that was fired, other prop guns and ammunition, and any footage that might exist. The gun was one of three that the film's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, had set on a cart outside the wooden structure where a scene was being acted, according to the records. Assistant director Dave Halls grabbed the gun from the cart and brought it inside to Baldwin, unaware that it was loaded with live rounds, a detective wrote in the search warrant application. It was unclear how many rounds were fired. Gutierrez removed a shell casing from the gun after the shooting, and she turned the weapon over to police when they arrived, the court records say. Halls did not immediately return phone and email messages seeking comment. The Associated Press was unable to contact Gutierrez, and several messages sent to production companies affiliated with the film were not immediately returned Friday. The films script supervisor, Mamie Mitchell, said she was standing next to Hutchins when she was shot. I ran out and called 911 and said Bring everybody, send everybody, Mitchell told The Associated Press. This woman is gone at the beginning of her career. She was an extraordinary, rare, very rare woman. Mitchell said she and other crew members were attending a private memorial service Friday night in Santa Fe. Baldwin described the killing as a tragic accident." There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. Im fully cooperating with the police investigation, Baldwin wrote on Twitter. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna. No immediate charges were filed, and sheriffs spokesman Juan Rios said Baldwin was permitted to travel. Hes a free man, Rios said. Images of the 63-year-old actor known for his roles in 30 Rock and The Hunt for Red October and his impression of former President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live showed him distraught outside the sheriffs office on Thursday. Guns used in making movies are sometimes real weapons that can fire either bullets or blanks, which are gunpowder charges that produce a flash and a bang but no deadly projectile. Even blanks can eject hot gases and paper or plastic wadding from the barrel that can be lethal at close range. That proved to be the case in the death of an actor in 1984. In another on-set accident in 1993, the actor Brandon Lee was killed after a bullet was left in a prop gun, and similar shootings have occurred involving stage weapons that were loaded with live rounds. Gun-safety protocol on sets in the United States has improved since then, said Steven Hall, a veteran director of photography in Britain. But he said one of the riskiest positions to be in is behind the camera because that person is in the line of fire in scenes where an actor appears to point a gun at the audience. Sheriffs deputies responded about 2 p.m. to the movie set at the Bonanza Creek Ranch after 911 calls described a person being shot there, Rios said. The ranch has been used in dozens of films, including the recent Tom Hanks Western News of the World. Hutchins, 42, worked as director of photography on the 2020 action film Archenemy starring Joe Manganiello. She was a 2015 graduate of the American Film Institute and was named a rising star by American Cinematographer in 2019. Im so sad about losing Halyna. And so infuriated that this could happen on a set, said Archenemy director Adam Egypt Mortimer on Twitter. She was a brilliant talent who was absolutely committed to art and to film. Manganiello called Hutchins an incredible talent and a great person on his Instagram account. He said he was lucky to have worked with her. After the shooting, production was halted on Rust. The movie is about a 13-year-old boy who is left to fend for himself and his younger brother following the death of their parents in 1880s Kansas, according to the Internet Movie Database website. The teen goes on the run with his long-estranged grandfather (played by Baldwin) after the boy is sentenced to hang for the accidental killing of a local rancher. Lee, son of martial arts star Bruce Lee, died in 1993 after being hit by a .44-caliber slug while filming a death scene for the movie The Crow. The gun was supposed to have fired a blank, but an autopsy turned up a bullet lodged near his spine. In 1984, actor Jon-Erik Hexum died after shooting himself in the head with a prop gun blank while pretending to play Russian roulette with a .44 Magnum on the set of the television series Cover Up. Such shootings have also happened during historical reenactments. In 2015, an actor staging a historical gunfight in Tombstone, Arizona, was shot and wounded with a live round during a show that was supposed to use blanks. In Hill City, South Dakota, a tourist town that recreates an Old West experience, three spectators were wounded in 2011 when a re-enactor fired real bullets instead of blanks. Associated Press writers Jake Coyle and Jocelyn Noveck in New York; Lizzie Knight in London; Yuras Karmanau in Kyiv, Ukraine; Ryan Pearson in Los Angeles; Walter Berry in Phoenix; and Gene Johnson in Seattle contributed to this report. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. We need a dramatic shift in our efforts to curb wildfires in California. Instead of reacting to wildfires, we need to utilize the knowledge of Indigenous people on managing the land. When it comes to fire prevention, the wisdom of Indigenous tribes like the Yurok, Karuk, Hoopa, and Wintun is unparalleled. Indigenous knowledge and connection to ecosystems have been passed down through intentional training. Youth learn how to burn low-intensity fires in a specific area through culture. This management results in healthier ecosystems that produce more food, medicines and materials for daily life. 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! Fire is a cornerstone of the native way of life. Indigenous people burn to connect with the land, clear plant growth in the understory of forests, release nutrients and seeds, and to enhance the health of the ecosystem. Land treated with fire is an indicator of balance. Much of this Indigenous knowledge and way of being has been overtaken by contemporary strategies that attempt to manipulate natural cycles at great cost to wildlands and life in California. Instead of reacting to wildfires, we need increased investment in coordinated fire prevention funds for prescribed fire by Indigenous burn experts is the place to start. Traditional knowledge from Indigenous people placed on fire teams would complement existing efforts by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Interior and local firefighters. Thoughtful prescribed burns with low-intensity fire were carried out on the land for thousands of years to keep fire, food, and water resources in harmony. But we have lost the practice of deliberate and strategic action to reduce ecosystem harm in fire-prone California. Three improvements in our approach to wildfires would return balance to our wildlands and reduce disruptions in the electric grid. Government funding should prioritize investments in Indigenous-led burn teams; U.S. Forest Service, Cal Fire, and Indigenous burn teams must create a more efficient and coordinated process to increase prescribed burns during optimal conditions; and Government criteria should include a minimum number of acres managed by low-intensity fire. Existing techniques to suppress wildfires are no longer sufficient. Yet in recent decades, state regulations have further limited access to burn permits in California, resulting in an increased risk of catastrophic losses of life and property. In August, 41 of the nations top fire scientists penned a letter advocating for an increase in prescribed fires. California and federal officials should place Indigenous people in decision-making roles on fire prevention to increase the adoption of a version of prescribed burns that has a whole ecosystem approach. A culturally relevant opportunity for gainful employment near reservations would also provide economic and public health benefits to tribal communities. The signing of Assembly Bill 642 and Senate Bill 332 by Gov. Gavin Newsom are to be celebrated, but they are only a starting point. This is the time for state officials, Cal Fire, and the U.S. Forest Service to augment efforts with the inclusion of Indigenous cultural fire knowledge. Tribes with fire expertise are spread across California, often in rural and fire-prone regions. Once resourced by state and federal agencies, Indigenous burn teams can be deployed to manage land and help prevent wildfires. As Californians, we have a few options. We can wait anxiously every year in anticipation of the moment when drought, winds, and a utility failure converge to start a wildfire. Or, we can fund people to work in cities, rural areas, and the backcountry to systematically burn a network of fire breaks with low-intensity fire to stop the spread of high-intensity megafires. We cannot afford to continue with the fire management tactics of the recent past. It is time that decision-makers had the political courage to let Indigenous people lead with their knowledge of fire and lands. With that effort, we can restore our relationship with good fire. Chelsi Sparti belongs to the Winnemem, Nomtipom and Nomsus bands of the Wintu Nation. She is a CELI Fellow, Fulbright Scholar and graduate student in the Energy & Resources Group at the University of California, Berkeley. 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. They wrote this for Calmatters, a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how Californias Capitol works and why it matters. Armenia President visits National University of Singapore Gia, wanted by French law-enforcement authorities, found at Armenia's Bagratashen checkpoint Leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia agree to meet in Brussels European Council: Pashinyan and Aliyev agreed to establish direct communication line at level of defense ministers Armenia's Representative to OSCE speaks about Azerbaijan's recent attack at Permanent Council's session Armenia serviceman Meruzhan Harutyunyan, killed in Syunik Province, was buried at Yerablur Military Pantheon Armenian News-NEWS.am's special report: Drive from Kapan to Tchakatashen is 150 km instead of previous 8 km 3 Armenian servicemen killed during Nov. 16 Azerbaijani attack posthumously awarded presidential medals Left-wing trade unions hold protest against Turkey's Erdogan in Izmir Armenia FM presents situation following Azerbaijani attack during meeting with Lithuanian Seimas Vice-President Armenia delegation covers Azerbaijan's Nov. 16 attack during online meeting of CSTO PA Permanent Commissions Armenia PM receives delegation led by Vice President of Lithuanian Seimas Lavrov, Cavusoglu discuss bilateral ties and regional issues Karabakh: Azerbaijani side, in Shushi, transfers bodies of 3 Armenian soldiers killed on Nov. 16 NEWS.am daily digest: 19.11.21 Armenian Embassy in Russia: Armenia citizens - mother and child - evacuated from Afghanistan Georgia refuses to be a part of '3+3' format with regard to South Caucasus The occupied Hadrut of our days (PHOTOS) Arabologist: Photo of map of Turkic world shown by Erdogan and Bahceli is simply a gift for Armenian diplomacy Situation is tense in Armenia's Kasakh, residents protesting against acting village head (LIVE) Opposition With Honor legislature faction MP: No one knows if Armenia petitioned to Russia for military assistance Armenia opposition MP: There is a threat that Baku will always get what it wants through use of force Lavrov is certain that the Russia-Armenia-Azerbaijan summit will take place Ann Linde: OSCE working very closely with Russia to resolve Karabakh conflict Karabakh FM congratulates newly appointed Abkhazia counterpart Dollar relatively stable in Armenia Armenia parliament majority members do not deny possibility of exchange of territories with Azerbaijan Armenia ruling party MP: Public and competent authorities need to know circumstances behind captures of soldiers Armenia ruling party MP assures that situation on the border is currently stable Armenia ruling party MP: Confidentiality of process of preparing for demarcation is strictly necessary Armenia PM: Citizens of EEU countries will be able to receive loans in all territories of member states Armenian serviceman, 19, dies in Georgia's Akhalkalaki Armenia legislature majority faction lawmaker: Russia military intervention is not end in itself High commissioner: Diaspora is considering ways to help hundreds of Ethiopia Armenians Opposition With Honor parliament faction: Armenia authorities trying to push territorial losses issue to backburner Legislature majority faction MP: Armenia authorities do not make any demands on Russia Opposition Armenia Faction in parliament: Authorities are unable to distinguish between priority and secondary issues 3 more die of coronavirus in Artsakh Bruno Retailleau: France must support Armenia more firmly against aggressions by Azerbaijan 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 I am surprised that the Minister of Defense of Armenia has made public our telephone conversation with unilateral and distorted citation. This is what Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan wrote on his Facebook page. The positions of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia remain the same and havent changed one bit. I consider the subject closed, Tatoyan also wrote. In a statement that was released earlier today, the Ministry of Defense again claimed that the Human Rights Defender has provided inaccurate data on the implementation of fortification works by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in certain sections of Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. During the telephone conversation held today, the Ombudsman, in response to the question of the Minister of Defense about the particular territories of Armenia in which activities are being carried out, he stated that they are carried out next to the territory, not in the territory. The Ministry of Defense calls on the Office of the Ombudsman to refrain from disseminating unverified information, the statement reads. On October 18, the Human Rights Defender reported that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, which have invaded the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia, are implementing fortification and road construction works right next to the villages of Armenia and have accumulated a large amount of fuel wood. The next day, the Ministry of Defense refuted Tatoyans claim, after which the Ministry of Defense refuted Tatoyans claim the next day, after which the Human Rights Defender opposed the refutation of the Ministry of Defense and reaffirmed its known information by publishing evidence and stressing that he will not make similar claims without serious factual grounds. In this difficult period, the modern world differs from the non-modern world in that the modern world is a world of models and modeling where everything, or almost everything, is modeled and works by that logic. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said this during his remarks at the Summit of Minds. "When we model the world, we begin to know it better and begin to participate more in the management of processes and make processes more predictable for us. If we reflect on geopolitics, we need to record that it can also be given some modeling," he added. According to the Armenian premier, geopolitics is very similar to the currents and tides which are constantly happening. "In the non-modeled world, people did not understand why these phenomena happen and how, whereas in the modeled world, they are already becoming predictable processes. I believe that today the most urgent issue that shall be discussed at the Summit of Minds is the modeling of geopolitics and how and why the processes take place. And it is very important that the mind be generated in this direction, formulate questions, and give answers because they are of key importance for the past, present, and future of our country," Pashinyan said. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the Republic of Armenia (RA), Vahan Hunanyan, has answered the media questions, and these answers have been publicized by the ministry. "Prime Minister [Nikol] Pashinyan has stated several times that the Republic of Armenia is ready to resumeat the high- and the highest-levelthe talkswith Azerbaijanon the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh [(Artsakh)] conflictwithin the framework and under the mandate of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship. At the same time, based on the statement of January 11, 2021, Armenia is engaged in trilateral (Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan) working discussions on the unblocking of transport communications in the region. Since May 2021, the withdrawal of Azerbaijani armed forces from the RA territory and the idea of a possible start of the process of delimitation and demarcation on the borders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, which has not been implemented so far, were also discussed in a trilateral format. The other two co-chairing countries of the OSCE Minsk Groupthe United States and Franceas well as the European Union, have expressed readiness to provide advisory assistance on the matter of delimitation and demarcation of borders, as well as the opening of regional communications. The Government of the Republic of Armenia has announced the above-mentioned agenda months ago and will be consistent on the matter of promoting it, protecting the interests of the Republic of Armenia and Artsakh, establishing lasting peace and stability. At the same time, I would like to emphasize that no meeting is envisioned at this time between the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Azerbaijan. There are proposals for various meetings in various formats, which are under discussion. I would also like to emphasize that the reports disseminated by some circles on this topic are obviously provocative and do not correspond to reality. To orient in the situation correctly, I would advise to study the news, allegations, revelations that preceded the January 11, 2021 Moscow trilateral meeting, get familiarized with the results and content of the meeting, and retrospectively analyze to what extent the reports that were being disseminated before the meeting were corresponding to reality," noted the Armenian MFA press secretary. The Armenian Legal Center for Justice & Human Rights (ALC) has announced the filing of 16 new cases of enforced disappearances before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on behalf of 20 Armenian individuals who have disappeared while in Azerbaijani captivity, The Armenian Weekly reported. The ALC, in partnership with the International & Comparative Law Center (ICLaw), have filed these cases with strong evidence that these individuals were captured and detained by Azerbaijani forces during the 2020 Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] War, but further information about their current status has not been released by Azerbaijan. Under international humanitarian law and the European Convention on Human Rights, these disappearances are incidents of enforced disappearance, and Azerbaijan must investigate and release information on these individuals. According to international law, an enforced disappearance is a continuing war crime, and as such, it lasts until the fate and whereabouts of the victim are established with certainty. These new cases filed by ALC and ICLaw move the judicial system to enforce an obligation on Azerbaijan to investigate, not only the disappearance of these individuals, but also the pattern of Azerbaijans widespread systematic attacks on civilian populations. These new cases of enforced disappearance before the ECHR implicate the European Convention on Human Rights Article 3 Prohibition of Torture, Article 8 Respect for Private/Family Life, and Article 14 Prohibition of Discrimination. The purpose of this legal action is to highlight that Azerbaijan has exclusive possession of the information about these individuals and has thus far failed to acknowledge their captivity and share this information with the victims families. ALC and ICLaw have also filed two new cases for the unlawful killing of 10 Armenian Prisoners of War (POWs) by Azerbaijan under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Based on the irrefutable evidence submitted to the ECHR, these 10 Armenian POWs were taken captive by Azerbaijani servicemen while alive and uninjured. And yet, while in custody, they were inhumanely tortured and brutally murdered by Azerbaijani state actors. In one instance, nine of these Armenian POWs were killed in captivity after the cessation of hostilities and after the November 9, 2020 trilateral ceasefire announcement. Azerbaijan must be held accountable by the international community for its continued aggression and war crimes against Armenians. All Armenians held in captivity must be released without preconditions or further negotiation and bartering, including those who have disappeared and remain unacknowledged, stated ALC chairperson Ken Hachikian. These new cases of enforced disappearance and unlawful killings are just one more step in our relentless advocacy on behalf of Armenians held in Azerbaijani captivity. With a team of attorneys and investigators in Armenia, ICLaw has gathered information and documented extensive evidence of Armenians taken captive by Azerbaijan during the time period of September 2020 through May 2021. Based on this fact-finding work, ALC and ICLaw have collaborated to file numerous cases before the ECHR, including cases for interim measures, the right to life, unlawful killings and enforced disappearances. As more information is obtained, ICLaw and ALC will continue to pursue both the freedom and the rights of all Armenians held captive by Azerbaijan. Armenian POWs who have disappeared Sergey Ananyan Artur Asatryan Khachatur Avetisyan Narek Boryan Robert Ghazaryan Aram Hovsepyan Karen Iskandaryan Hayk Khachaturov Gagik Khachatryan Hayko Khachatryan Tigran Manasyan Mikayel Mkrtumyan Irina Musayelyan Gurgen Safaryan Ararat Sakanyan Martik Sargsyan Levon Sargsyan Karen Sargsyan Ivan Soghomonyan Norayr Soghomonyan Armenian POWs killed in captivity Arthur Manvelyan was born in December 1980. He was married and had two daughters. He volunteered to participate in the defense of Artsakh from the very first day of Azerbaijans attack in September 2020. On October 7, 2020, during the hostilities near Mekhakavan, Manvelyan was wounded and then shot from range by an Azerbaijani soldier. The moment of the shooting was videotaped by the Azerbaijani servicemen who killed him; the video was published widely throughout the internet. After the cessation of the 2020 Artsakh War and the trilateral ceasefire announcement, Armenian soldiers remained in Hin Tagher, a village in Hadrut, Artsakh. Azerbaijani soldiers launched an artificial conflict and attacked the Armenian soldiers. Dozens of Azeri servicemen surrounded these nine Armenian soldiers: Harutyun Andriasyan, Sargis Harutyunyan, Andranik Shahnazaryan, Armen Martirosyan, Smbat Avetisyan, Roman Margaryan, Harutyun Mkrtchyan, Gevorg Arshakyan and Garik Barseghyan. As a result, all nine Armenian servicemen were tortured and brutally murdered. The hope for de-escalation of tensions between Iran and Azerbaijan following last weeks phone call between their foreign affairs ministers, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Jeyhun Bayramov respectively, has so far proved to be short-lived. Eldar Mamedov, who has worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and as a diplomat in Latvian embassies in Washington D.C. and Madrid, wrote this in his article published in Responsible Statecraft journal. The article continues as follows: At a meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States a few days after the call, Azerbaijans president Ilham Aliyev accused Iran of using the Nagorno-Karabakh region for drug trafficking to Russia and Europe, without producing any proof. Irans Ministry of Foreign Affairs pushed back against what it called Aliyevs astonishing claims. Adding fuel to its anti-Tehran campaign, the regime in Baku detained a number of Azerbaijani Shiite clerics considered pro-Iranian, including a former imam of the Baku Djoumah (Friday) mosque Ilgar Ibrahimoglu and Sardar Babaev, the main redactor of the religious website maide.az. Both Ibrahimoglu and Babaev studied in Iran, but while the former was released after a long and detailed interrogation, the latter has been formally charged with treason a charge that, if the past treatment of religious activists is any guide, is likely to result in a long imprisonment and torture. Baku will also use the case to bolster its credentials in the United States and Europe as a bulwark against Iranian-backed Islamic extremism. These latest incidents strongly suggest that, at least for now, Aliyev is unwilling to dial down tensions with Tehran. Bakus military success against Armenia has clearly emboldened him to openly challenge its southern neighbor as well. When Iran conducted large scale military drills near the borders of Azerbaijan, its conventional arsenal was widely dismissed on Azerbaijani pro-government websites as no match for Azerbaijans Israel- and Turkey-powered high-tech equipment. Aliyev counts on Ankaras and Tel Avivs continued military and diplomatic support as a sufficient deterrent against Tehran. Israels support, in Aliyevs calculation, should also translate into Washingtons all the more so when the prospects of reviving the Iran nuclear deal remain uncertain and U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is warning of other options should diplomacy fail. In this context, as Irans relations with its traditional rivals in the Persian Gulf Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates are slowly thawing, Azerbaijan is emerging as an alternative staging ground for anti-Iran activities. In fact, since the renewal of the hostilities between Azerbaijan and Armenia in 2020, an array of Washington think-tankers sought to expand the conflict to Iran, in hopes that Iranian Azerbaijanis would play act as a stalking horse in fulfilling these hawks old dreams optimally the dismemberment of the country along ethnic lines, or, at least the fostering of armed secessionist movements that would force Tehran to turn inward. Either outcome would be seen as a major win for Israel, Irans arch-foe a key motivation for this group of pundits. With tensions between Tehran and Baku rising, these hawks see that goal within their reach. And Aliyev seems to think that the possible benefits of cozying up to Israel and United States outweighs the risks and costs of angering Iran. Yet Aliyevs confidence seems misplaced and counterproductive. Irans military exercises near Azerbaijans borders were not designed as a preparation for invasion, but rather to get Bakus attention to Tehrans displeasure with what it sees as the formers unfriendly policies. While Iran spent much of the past decade wrestling with the challenges in the Persian Gulf, it paid relatively little attention to the Caucasus. However, Iran has proved to be a highly adaptable, low-cost practitioner of asymmetrical warfare. One sure consequence of Aliyevs bravado is that Tehran will now focus on strengthening its deterrence against Azerbaijan. One relatively cost-effective tactic traditionally employed by Tehran to that end is to build up proxies. During the recent tensions with Baku, reports emerged about the creation in Azerbaijan of Huseyncilr, or Husseynites, after a martyred Shiite imam. It attracted attention with a signature logo of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, Irans elite security force, on its banner. Huseyncilr, however, for now seem to be more about media hype than a real force. This is because Azerbaijan presents a different landscape from the countries where Tehran has successfully cultivated proxies, such as Lebanon or Iraq. While nominally majority Shia, the decades of Soviet atheism, followed by a heavy emphasis on secular Turkic nationalism during the independence years eroded Azerbaijans connection with Shiism. In fact, the Aliyev administrations both Ilham and his father and predecessor Heydar welcomed the spread of Sunnism in the country as a way to distance Azerbaijan from Iran and bring it closer to Turkey. Pro-Turkish sentiment has been greatly reinforced after Azerbaijans victory in the war against Armenia. The government also adopted a somewhat more sophisticated approach to the pockets of committed Shiite believers who still live in the country. While in the past it leaned heavily on repression, it now coopts prestigious religious leaders in an effort to create a sort of national-Shiism, i.e. a variant of faith that is politically pro-state and independent of Iran. One such example is the sheikh Shahin Hasanli, who started in the 1990s as a member of a radical Khomeinist society, and now is part of the official religious establishment. In the midst of the crisis with Iran, Hasanli explicitly distanced himself and fellow Azeri Shiites from Tehran. Rumors in Baku have it that he might replace the current chair of the Board of Caucasus Muslims, a state body in charge of official Islam, which is seen as too close to Iran. Yet there remain a not insignificant number of people in the country disaffected by the corruption and socio-economic inequalities that have grown all too obvious under the Aliyevs dynasty. While victory in the war can overshadow these concerns for a while, that wont last forever. With the secular opposition decimated by Aliyev, it is quite conceivable that, at least to some extent, the discontent will acquire a religious-political form, providing some opening to Tehran in the long run. Over-emphasizing the Pan-Turkist aspect in its struggle with Tehran is also backfiring on Baku. Stressing the Turkic origins of some of the historical Iranian dynasties, like the Safavids and the Qajars, is not an argument for secession from Iran, as some ideologues in Baku would have it, but rather reinforces the Iranian Azeris connection with Iran. In fact, the recent Baku-Tehran flare-up rekindled the long-dormant view in Iran of the Caucasus as a renegade province cleaved away from it in the 19th century by the Russian empire. The rise of Iranian nationalism, in both its religious and secular forms, is another long-term consequence that Aliyev and his supporters failed to foresee. One of its implications is that Tehran has already started pivoting to Yerevan, thus ironically making Bakus claims of its pro-Armenian tilt a self-fulfilling prophecy. For example, Iran decided to use Armenia, rather than Azerbaijan, as its conduit for North-South trade, a project into which Azerbaijan has invested a big deal as a ticket to its post-oil prosperity. While such projects are more of a long-term nature, Iran already possesses its ultimate conventional deterrent: its missiles whose range covers Azerbaijans entire territory. Iran has demonstrated its ability to strike with precision on Saudi oilfields, despite Riyadhs close security relationship with the United States. Admittedly, such a strike would signify a massive escalation and invite retaliation, possibly with the participation of Turkey, so the threshold for undertaking it would be extremely high. However, Iranian leaders have amply demonstrated in the past that, if pushed into a corner, they would not hesitate to lash out at their perceived enemies. Thus, Aliyevs newfound pugnacity and provocation towards Iran risks undermining Azerbaijans long-term security. Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that more than 140,000 children have experienced the loss of a parent or caretaker since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Even if children are less susceptible to contracting the coronavirus, they have not been spared the backlash. And those living near or below the poverty line have been impacted the most. But how can the developmental impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on young children be measured? A recent report, Developmental impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on young children: a conceptual model for research with integrated administrative data systems, published in the International Journal of Population Data Science offers a pathway. Rebecca Shearer, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Miami, is one of 12 writers who contributed to the paper. It offers a method by which researchers, government entities, academics, and others can study the impact of the pandemic on children by using existing data. Despite all the risks and impacts on children because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are assets within communities that can support early development, health, and well-being, said Shearer. The article explores what data sources, methods, and expertise can help to understand the impact of the pandemic on babies and young children. It also urges researchers and others to use an integrated data system, or IDS, which can then provide information on children and their parents or caretakers. The paper summarized the importance of using integrated data systems to study effects of COVID-19 on young children in collaboration with public agencies serving children, said Shearer. This is administrative data that is routinely gathered by different agencies and can be used to examine policy-relevant questions about children. The research lists five areas where services can provide resilient pathways for children. These include early learning, safe and nurturing families, health, housing, and financial/employment. Access to these services and an improvement of conditions will determine outcomes in childrens well-being after the impact of the pandemic, according to Shearer. Also outlined in the report are administrative data sets that are commonly collected by state agencies and other institutions that could be integrated at the individual level and include relevant linkage between children and families to facilitate research. For instance, in order to determine cases of abuse and neglect, researchers can gather data from Human Services Agencies that track those cases. The individual school districts can also provide attendance records of children as well as behavioral and developmental assessments and whether those children received additional support such as special education classes. To determine whether a family or child has suffered from food insecurity and needs social-emotional support, records from local human services agencies can be helpful, Shearer pointed out. The paper also urges researchers and others to ask questions that can enhance the quality of their data. For instance, one question may be: How has parental employment/unemployment affected childrens behavioral and emotional health? Researchers can gather data from school attendance, child welfare records, and employment dates and duration to answer this question. Ultimately, the use of IDS information should help local, state, and federal governments make decisions on policy and the allocation of funds for future health crisis, Shearer noted. The University has also received three grants from the Spencer Foundation, The Childrens Trust, and the Robert W. Wood Foundation to bolster the local IDS programs, said Shearer. These grants will allow for strengthening of research-practice collaborations between the University of Miami, University of Florida, and the major early learning programs administering or funding services to children and families from birth to age 8 in the countyincluding The Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Head Start, and The Childrens Trust. The collaboration will utilize the Miami-Dade IDEAS Consortium for Children that links administrative data across systems to identify promising practices that can lead to positive outcomes for children and to study equitable access to family strengthening supportssuch as SNAP, TANF, affordable housing, and quality childcare. Vietnam to reopen island to vaccinated tourists A beach on Phu Quoc, the island Hanoi is promoting as Vietnam's answer to Bali and Phuket. File image: Shutterstock Vietnam plans to reopen the resort island of Phu Quoc to vaccinated foreign visitors in late November, authorities said, as the country looks to reboot its tourism industry after almost two years of closure. Phu Quoc, which lies around 10 kilometres off Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, boasts white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters, as well as mountains and thick jungle. It attracted around 670,000 visitors and earned more than US$18 billion dollars from international arrivals in 2019, with authorities hoping to turn it into a tourist destination in the style of Thailand's Phuket or Indonesia's Bali. From November 20, "charter flights" for international travellers with vaccine passports will be welcomed to the island, the government said late on Friday. After that, between late December and the end of March, the island aims to receive up to 5,000 foreign arrivals on similar charter flights. Tourists will need to show vaccine certificates together with a negative Covid-19 test result before being allowed in. According to authorities, they should come from places with "a high safety record on Covid-19 prevention, like some parts of Europe, the Middle East, North East Asia, Southeast Asia, North America and Australia". A previous plan to open Phu Quoc to international visitors in October was abandoned due to low vaccination rates among residents. But the Southeast Asian country is desperate to revive its economy after months of lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to state media, authorities also want to open popular destinations such as Unesco world heritage site Ha Long Bay and the ancient town of Hoi An to foreign travellers in November, but no clear plan has been outlined. (AFP) Oct. 23The 20th Annual Wine and Cheese will be from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 at the Big Red School House & Community Center. This is the largest fundraiser of the year for the East Texas Crisis Center and local victims of family violence. Tickets are $40 a person. The event promises great food by Bad 2 Da Bone Barbecue, Two Danes will be emcee and DJ along with a live and silent auction. There is a huge selection of auction items to choose from. Raffle items hosted by Athens Army Navy Pawn include a Henry Big Boy Rifle, a scratch off bundle valued at $200, and RTIC Mystery Cooler full of assorted surprise items. The winner does not need to be present at the time of drawing to win. ETCC is thankful for the many sponsors who make this event possible. A complete list can be found on the ETCC Facebook page. For more information, please contact the East Texas Crisis Center at 903-675-2137. From programs that can process a vast amount of data for intelligence gathering to the future of autonomous weapons, AI is becoming key to our operations and our international competition. Why it matters: Military dominance in the future won't be decided just by the size of a nation's army, but the quality of its algorithms. Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free The U.S. still leads on integrating AI into defense, but some competitors like China have advantages of their own and they're catching up. Driving the news: The National Counterintelligence and Security Center said in a new paper published Friday that China and Russia are using legal and illegal methods to undermine and overtake U.S. dominance in critical industries including AI and autonomous systems, my Axios colleague Zach Basu writes. Officials warned in the paper that China has "the might, talent, and ambition" to surpass the U.S. in AI in the next decade. "I don't necessarily agree that China is ahead," says Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO and a co-author of the new book "The Age of AI." "But they want to be ahead and they're investing heavily to do so." Yes, but: So is the U.S., particularly in defense. The Defense Department plans to spend $874 million for AI-related technologies. It also aims to increase the number of AI-related projects to more than 600, up 50% from current efforts. "I think you should think about this as us taking science, research, innovation and bringing it to the warfighter, to the marine, to the airmen, the sailor and the soldier so we can maintain that superiority," Sen. Mark Kelly( D-Ariz.) said at a recent Axios event. Between the lines: Intelligence gathering and analysis is one of the fields where AI can make the biggest difference now for defense, says George Hoyem, managing partner at In-Q-Tel (IQT), the venture investment unit for the U.S. intelligence community. Story continues IQT, in partnership with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Special Operations Command, invested in an AI company called Primer. Its tool, Primer Command, uses natural language processing and computer vision to capture and analyze vast content from news and social media to help analysts quickly identify novel info and filter out duplications or suspected misinformation. "This is about deploying the best machines that we've got to find a signal in the noise that we as humans can work with," Primer CEO Sean Gourley says. What's next: The big question facing the U.S. and other advanced militaries is how far they should go in the development of autonomous weapons systems that could theoretically pick out and fire on targets on their own. Flashback: UN experts reported that last year drones under the control of the Libyan government appeared to automatically target and attack opposing forces, in what may be one of the first documented uses of autonomous weapons. U.S. military officials have stressed the importance of keeping human oversight but the faster and smarter AI becomes, the thinner the leash of human control may become. Meanwhile, competitors are making their own advancements. Context: Thousands of AI scientists and a growing number of countries have called for a ban on the development of these systems, citing what Max Tegmark, the head of the Future of Life Institute, says is the risk of proliferation beyond the battlefield. "These could very quickly become weapons of mass destruction, but they'd be much less expensive and harder to restrict than nuclear bombs," Tegmark says. "All they require is a quadcopter drone, facial recognition and lightweight weapons, all of which are cheap and accessible." The other side: In a report released earlier this year, the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence called on President Biden to reject an international ban. "It's not practical to ban autonomous weapons because we can't define them," says Schmidt, who co-chaired the commission. "The government should enter into conversations about where the limits should be set." The bottom line: The AI military race has begun. Like this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free. An Alabama woman was convicted of manslaughter on Friday in the 2019 shooting death of her husband during a fight, according to reports. "This is a tragic situation,' Jefferson County Circuit Judge Alaric May said before the verdict, according to AL.com. "There are no winners." Stephanie Keller, 45, shot her husband, Vestavia Hills Officer Andrew Wade "Andy" Kimbrel, 42, in May 2019 at their Gardendale, Alabama, home. Their two teenage children were at home at the time. Kimbrel was pronounced dead at a hospital the next morning from a gunshot wound to the head. "Andy was loved by his fellow officers and the community in which he chose to protect," the Vestavia Police Department said in a statement, adding they appreciate the communitys "outpouring of support during this difficult time," according to WBRC-TV in Birmingham. The jury deliberated for two days before reaching its verdict. Keller had also been charged with intentional murder. "We would like to thank the jury for their time and thoughtful deliberation," Jefferson County deputy district attorney Will McComb, who prosecuted the case, said in a statement. "We are also happy for the family of Andrew Kimbrel and hope this can help bring a measure of closure for them. It was a difficult case to hear but we feel the jury has made the correct decision and we certainly respect their verdict." Keller's sentencing is scheduled for January and she faces 10 to 20 years in prison, AL.com reported. Prosecutors argued Keller shot Kimbrel intentionally while she maintained it was an accident. "While clearly disappointed in the decision reached in her case, Ms. Keller does appreciate that the jury unanimously rejected the States accusation that she intentionally caused the death of her husband," Kellers attorney Jason Wollitz said in a statement, according to the station. "Ms. Keller continues to steadfastly maintain her innocence and looks forward to having the Appellate Courts review her case." Amanda Knox announced in a New York Times article published Friday night that she welcomed her first child months ago with husband Christopher Robinson. She told Jessica Bennett, the newspaper's editor at large, she was worried about the paparazzi bounty on her daughters head had she made the announcement sooner. In a podcast published on Friday, Knox also detailed the birth of her daughter, who they named Eureka Muse Knox-Robinson. Friday, which marked exactly 10 years since her release from prison in Perugia, Italy. Today - Season 62 (Peter Kramer / NBC) When she was a college student in Perugia, Knox was thrust into the spotlight after her then-roommate Meredith Kercher, 21, was found dead in the home they shared. Knox was initially found guilty in Kercher's death and sentenced to 26 years in 2009. She and her ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito were then acquitted on appeal and released in 2011. The case was retried in Italy in 2013 and the two had their convictions reinstated. They were then acquitted again in 2015 by the countrys highest court, bringing the ordeal to a close. "Since my exoneration, I've struggled to reclaim my identity and protect the people I love from being exploited as tabloid content," she wrote on Instagram with a photo from the article. "It's not easy, and I often feel like I'm trying to invent good choices out of bad whole cloth." On her podcast, "Labyrinths," Knox and Robinson added that they don't plan to share more photos of their daughter on social media as she grows up. "She deserves the privacy and autonomy that I was denied," Knox said. ITALY-US-JUSTICE-KNOX (MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP via Getty Images) Bennett reported that Knox and Robinson are hustling to earn their living from pitching a film adaptation of her memoir, a new book and a TV project about exonerees. They are even exploring the idea of a documentary project centering around Knox and the man who prosecuted her all those years ago in court, Giuliano Mignini. Knox told Bennett that she hopes to one day move past her wrongful conviction. What I keep telling Chris is that I want to get to a place where I dont have to keep living the worst experience of my life so that we can pay the mortgage, she said. I keep telling myself if all else fails, I can make cuckoo clocks for a living. Associated Press Noah Syndergaard got a qualifying offer and not much else from the New York Mets over the past two months. I think if I get back to my old self, then the combination one-two punch with myself and Shohei, and all the young talent that the Angels have, I think we can really make a run at this thing, Syndergaard said. Syndergaard was immediately full of praise for the Angels two MVPs, calling Ohtani the most exciting player in the game" and Trout the best player the game has ever seen, so I want to help get him a ring. COP26. Illustrated | Getty Images, iStock World leaders are calling the upcoming COP26 summit a make-or-break moment in the fight against climate change. Why is this gathering so critical? What is COP26? It is a looming summit slated for the end of October in Glasgow, Scotland, at which the United Nations hopes world leaders will make big commitments to reining in climate change and keeping global temperatures in check. COP stands for "Conference of the Parties," and refers to the 197 nations that agreed to the U.N. framework on climate change at a 1992 meeting. The United States and other nations followed up by ratifying that treaty, aiming to collectively fight "dangerous human interference with the climate system." The work has continued with annual COP summits. The first was held in Berlin in 1995; COP3 in 1997 produced the Kyoto Protocol, which set national emissions targets; and the upcoming meeting is the 26th, which is why it's called COP26. Many leaders, including U.S. climate envoy John Kerry, say this summit could be a turning point in the effort to prevent catastrophic damage from climate change. Why is this meeting such a big deal? The Paris Agreement, a product of COP21 in 2015, called for keeping global temperature rise to less than 2 degrees Celsius, and preferably no more than 1.5 degrees (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), above the pre-industrial, 1850-1900 average. Scientists say it's critical to hit the low end of that range. A U.N. report released this month found that global temperatures are rising faster than previously thought, and warned that cutting greenhouse emissions in half this decade is necessary to avert a climate catastrophe. But the Paris deal lacked the detailed, deep commitments necessary to achieve its goal of reaching a peak in greenhouse gas emissions, which cause temperatures to rise. Environmentalists and scientists warn that without bolder action to cut emissions it will soon be too late to hit the Paris targets, so they are hoping that COP26 will produce significant new pledges. Kerry and other leaders have called COP26 the "last, best chance" to pull the world back from a climate change tipping point. Story continues Is the difference between 1.5 degrees and 2 degrees really that important? A half-degree of additional warming above 1.5 degrees would result in more frequent heat waves, flooding, and water shortages for tens of millions of people, a recent United Nations report says. As The New York Times notes: "Half a degree may mean the difference between a world with coral reefs and Arctic summer sea ice and a world without them." If temperatures are allowed to rise by 2 degrees Celsius, crop yields will fall around the world, with sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America being hit particularly hard. Can the worst still be avoided? While it's wishful thinking to expect miracles from COP26, Alok Sharma, the British lawmaker who is president of COP26, has said the summit will be successful if it can keep "1.5 alive." But governments all over the world have to act fast. An International Energy Agency report released this month found that the ultimate goal of bringing emissions down to "net zero," where all greenhouse gas emissions are absorbed naturally or artificially, by 2050 will require more than tripling investment in clean energy projects and infrastructure. Earlier this week, the British government released a study warning the country could face devastating floods from increased river flows and sea-level rise caused by climate change if Britain doesn't do more to counter rising temperatures. "It's adapt or die," said Emma Howard Boyd, head of England's Environment Agency. But exceeding the Paris goal is still avoidable if the world's biggest polluters slash emissions now. What other goals do organizers have for COP26? Sharma wants the conference to lead to a host of firm agreements. One of those is establishing a target date for ending "unabated" coal, a term that refers to coal burned without the capturing of its greenhouse-gas emissions before they reach the atmosphere. The COP26 president also wants a deal calling for wealthy nations to provide $100 billion to help developing countries adapt to the transition to cleaner energy. Other targets include transforming the auto industry so all new cars sold will be zero-emission vehicles within 19 years, ending deforestation by 2030, and reducing emissions from methane, which has 80 times the warming effect as carbon dioxide. But those are lofty goals, and not everyone believes they are attainable. Why not? The fight against climate change has lost momentum in recent years. COP26 was delayed a year due to the coronavirus pandemic. And before that, former President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the landmark climate agreement. President Biden has rejoined the deal, and promised to show up in Glasgow "with bells on." But there will be 20,000 heads of state, diplomats, and activists at the conference, and getting that many people to agree on anything will be no easy task. Companies that have contributed millions to sponsor the summit and pay such things as an anticipated $345 million policing bill have complained that the summit has been "mismanaged" and "very last minute," with "very inexperienced" civil servants delaying important decisions and flubbing communication with stakeholders. And while Biden, Queen Elizabeth, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and other leaders plan to be there, President Xi Jinping of China, the world's No. 1 polluter, has not committed to going. So is there any hope COP26 will do any good? Many countries have already made new pledges to cut emissions, so there's a strong chance others will step up, too. Seventeen countries, including Japan and the United States, and the European Union have announced new commitments. Biden has said that America will cut emissions 50 to 52 percent below 2005 levels in the next decade. Congress will have to pass significant legislation to help make Biden's promise a reality, though. And more nations will have to agree to cut their emissions at COP26 and in coming years to keep the 1.5-degree goal within reach. So far, leading polluter China has yet to commit to specific actions to reduce its emissions ahead of COP26. Nor has Russia. And several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Australia already are lobbying to downplay the need to shift away from fossil fuels. "By the time Glasgow's over, we're going to know who is doing their fair share, and who isn't," Kerry said. You may also like The American 'Great Resignation' by the numbers Manchin insists he offered to become an independent in case it would help Democrats 'publicly' Democrats' months of dithering are sandbagging Biden's popularity Reuters Videos New concerns about the Boeing 787 Dreamliner passenger jet emerged on Friday.Leaders of a subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives have called for a government review of the Federal Aviation Administration's oversight of the Boeing plane.Lawmakers noted numerous production issues that have halted deliveries for lengthy periods over the last 13 months.Leaders of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee want answers on how the FAA is overseeing the process. Word of stepped-up scrutiny further pushed shares of Boeing lower.The stock was already under pressure after the Wall Street Journal reported Friday that Boeing had once again cut back on production.Boeing said that it is "completing comprehensive inspections across 787 production and within the supply chain, while holding detailed, transparent discussions with the FAA, suppliers and our customers."It also said production is ongoing but inspections and rework efforts are impacting deliveries.Boeing admitted last month that some titanium parts on the 787 were made incorrectly over the past three years.That was just one of many problems that have caused it to cut production and halt deliveries since May.The FAA stepped in in July and ordered Boeing to fix a manufacturing quality issue near the nose of the plane before making customer deliveries.Shares of Boeing were down nearly 6 percent in late-Friday trading. Oxygen A 20-year-old New York man was facing eight years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting four teenage girls during parties in his parents home, but this week a judge sentenced him to eight years of probation because jail was inappropriate. Im not ashamed to say that I actually prayed over what is the appropriate sentence in this case because there was great pain. There was great harm. There were multiple crimes committed in the case, Niagara County Judge Matthew J. Murphy I Lev Parnas, a former associate of Donald Trump's ex-lawyer Rudy Giuliani, was found guilty by a US federal court on Friday of violating campaign financing laws in the 2018 election. Parnas, a US citizen born in Soviet Ukraine, was arrested at a Washington airport in October 2019, as Trump and associates such as Giuliani were facing scrutiny over attempts to pressure authorities in Kiev to deliver compromising information about Joe Biden. That investigation eventually led to Trump's first impeachment proceedings, which ended with him being acquitted by the Republican-controlled Senate. On Friday, a federal jury in a Manhattan court found that Parnas and his associate Andrey Kukushkin "conspired to manipulate the United States political system for their own financial gain," according to a statement from prosecutors. "In order to gain influence with American politicians and candidates, they illegally funnelled foreign money into the 2018 midterm elections with an eye toward making huge profits in the cannabis business." Parnas, who pleaded not guilty, was accused of concealing the real origin of contributions he made to several candidates in US local and federal elections in 2018, including a $325,000 donation to America First Action, a political organization supporting Trump. Prosecutors also charged that some of the contributions to Republican campaigns in the state of Nevada made by Parnas were actually from a Russian businessman, in violation of a ban on accepting election financing from foreign nationals. Parnas and Kukushkin remained free Friday awaiting sentencing. arb/iba/md/bfm A former Greenville County police officer pleaded guilty to domestic violence Thursday. Michael Valdario, 32 of Greer, pleaded guilty to third-degree domestic violence in Greenville County Court after being charged in 2019 with second-degree domestic violence. Judge Alex Kinlaw gave Valdario credit for the one day he was in jail when arrested in 2019, according to court records. Kinlaw could have sentenced Valdario to up to 90 days in jail and a fine of $2,500 under South Carolina law. The judge also ordered that Valdario cannot own guns, records show, effectively ending any chance that he could be a police officer again. Valdario was a Greenville deputy from 2015 to 2019 and an officer with the Greenville Police Department from 2011 to 2015. In 2019, Valdario slammed his wife against a refrigerator after she said he was playing too rough with their daughter, a police report said. She tried to walk away but he followed. Afraid of what he would do next, she got a gun and held it by her side until he walked away, the report said. During an argument about two weeks later, he elbowed her, causing her to fall and to hit her face on a bed frame. Her lip was busted and some teeth broken, the report said. After she got him to leave, she gathered up all the guns to stop him from getting one. His wife told police she was constantly in fear of what he will do, according to the report. Travelers Rest Police Department charged Valdario with second-degree domestic violence and the Greenville sheriffs office fired him. Valdario still has charges pending in a separate case. In 2020, Lexington County deputies charged Valdario with two counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, two counts of second-degree exploitation of a minor, first-degree criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping. Valdario is accused of raping a teenager, asking her for sexually explicit photos and sending sexual messages to her over the course of 2020. Valdario could go to prison for 30 years if found guilty of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Story continues SC officers charges in violence against women In April, The State reported on the number of SC police officers who were charged from 2010 to 2020 with violence against women. Most of those charges were domestic violence. On average, nine police officers a year are accused of violence against women in SC. Survivor advocates said that number was likely too low and didnt given an accurate picture of the amount of violence because victims dont always report abuse, fearing further harm. In 2021, at least 14 police officers have been accused or convicted of violence against women. Approval ratings for New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan and GOP Gov. Chris Sununu have fallen recently, suggesting a tight race if the Granite State political titans face off for Senate in 2022. Hassan is running for her second, six-year Senate term. She was previously governor for four years, preceding Sununu in leading the state. But just one-third of New Hampshire residents have a favorable opinion of Hassan, while 51% have an unfavorable opinion of her, a Granite State Poll conducted by the University New Hampshire Survey Center released this week found. The race is a linchpin to Senate control after the 2022 elections. The Senate is currently divided 50-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris breaking ties. Hassans favorability rating dipped by five percentage points since the same poll was conducted last month. This months poll marks the first time a majority of residents said they have an unfavorable view of Hassan. AFTER BIDEN MEETING, PELOSI CALLS SPENDING BILL DEAL WITHIN SIGHT In matchups with potential Republican rivals next year, Hassan trailed behind Sununu, 45%-42%. Though Hassan polled ahead of former Sen. Kelly Ayotte by 1 percentage point, she led retired Gen. Don Bolduc, the only announced Republican candidate, 47%-42%. Other New Hampshire polls have shown similarly close races should Sununu enter the field next year. But Sununu, who has not entered the race, although he has said he will announce his decision within the next few weeks, has also seen a dip in his approval rating, according to another Granite State Poll this week. While a majority of New Hampshire residents, 54%, approve of Sununus job performance, 40% disapprove. In May 2020, Sununus approval rating was at 82% for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dante Scala, a professor of political science at the University of New Hampshire, told the Washington Examiner that the bad news for Hassan shouldnt hide the warning signs for Sununu as well. Story continues Scala said governors in New Hampshire often govern toward the middle, and their public perception shifts when they become more partisan as a candidate for federal office. Hassans numbers are poor, but Sununus numbers are not sterling, Scala said. The shine has come off of him. Dean Spiliotes, a professor of political science at Southern New Hampshire University, concurred, telling the Washington Examiner the polls mirror what were seeing on the national level. Sununu is getting grazed by national politics, Spiliotes said. For the longest time, he was able to keep national ideological battles at arms length. Both the Republican and Democratic state parties expressed optimism in their chances in next years race while tying their candidates or potential candidates to national issues. Stephen Stepanek, chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party, told the Washington Examiner that this latest UNH poll is an absolute disaster for Sen. Maggie Hassan. The more time she spends in New Hampshire and the more money she spends on TV ads in support of her, the more her favorability sinks to new lows, Stepanek said. Shes lost ground to three separate Republican candidates, two of whom are purely hypothetical. Stepanek drew a comparison between Hassans approval rating and President Joe Bidens, saying both have cratered, showing how increasingly unpopular the Democrats D.C. agenda is among Granite Staters. We are going to replace Maggie Hassan next year with a Republican who believes in the New Hampshire Advantage and supports our Granite State values, Stepanek said. Ray Buckley, chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, said in a statement to the Washington Examiner that On the verge of a Mitch McConnell-backed run for US Senate, Chris Sununu's popularity is dropping fast with Granite Staters, and it's a sign that his poor handling of the pandemic and his anti-choice agenda are toxic with New Hampshire voters. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER There is a strong backlash from Granite Staters to Chris Sununu's anti-choice agenda and his abdication of leadership on the state's handling of the pandemic and he heads into any potential US Senate weakened, Buckley said. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, 2022 Elections, Midterm Elections, New Hampshire, Maggie Hassan, Mitch McConnell, Joe Biden Original Author: Kate Scanlon Original Location: New Hampshire polls signal tight 2022 Senate race The country lost a famous American this week with the death of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who also held the titles of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, national security adviser, and four-star general. Powell died of complications from COVID-19. After Powells death, the news cycle was dominated by spending bill negotiations. President Joe Biden admitted it was unlikely that the package would come in with the touted $3.5 trillion price tag, due in large part to objections from centrist Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema. Now the Democrats' internecine battle has shifted from how much they will spend to which programs and initiatives will end up on the cutting room floor. Here are the quotes of the week. "Colin embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat. He was committed to our nations strength and security above all. "Having fought in wars, he understood better than anyone that military might alone was not enough to maintain our peace and prosperity. From his front-seat view of history, advising presidents and shaping our nations policies, Colin led with his personal commitment to the democratic values that make our country strong. Time and again, he put country before self, before party, before all else in uniform and out and it earned him the universal respect of the American people. Having repeatedly broken racial barriers, blazing a trail for others to follow in Federal Government service, Colin was committed throughout his life to investing in the next generation of leadership." - Biden pays tribute to Colin Powell, who died at age 84. The world lost one of the greatest leaders that we have ever witnessed. I lost a tremendous personal friend and mentor. He has been my mentor for a number of years. He always made time for me and I could always go to him with tough issues. He always had great counsel. We will certainly miss him. I feel as if I have a hole in my heart just learning of this recently." Story continues - Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Powell. Wonderful to see Colin Powell, who made big mistakes on Iraq and famously, so-called weapons of mass destruction, be treated in death so beautifully by the Fake News Media. Hope that happens to me someday. He was a classic RINO, if even that, always being the first to attack other Republicans. He made plenty of mistakes, but anyway, may he rest in peace! - Former President Donald Trump attacks Powell a day after it was announced that the former secretary of state died. In the name of God, I ask the technology giants to stop exploiting human weakness, peoples vulnerability, for the sake of profits without caring about the spread of hate speech, grooming, fake news, conspiracy theories, and political manipulation. - Pope Francis on the evils of Big Tech. If you came and said to me, We will pass the CEPP as written, but we will exempt West Virginia from it, I would take that deal. Do I think thats possible? I mean, probably not, but that would be acceptable, right? Because West Virginia is an irrelevant part of our economy. - Rep. Sean Casten an Illinois Democrat, speaks after Manchins criticism of the climate provisions in the Build Back Better program. "We're talking." - Manchin emerges from the Capitol with Sen. Bernie Sanders after the two sparred over the Democratic spending bill. At a time when our adversaries continue to increase their quantitative and qualitative advantage against our forces, we should seek to ensure that no policy, even unintentionally, hinders military readiness. -Sen. Jim Inhofe, the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, urges the Department of Defense to scrap its vaccine mandate. The tragedy of the treadmill that's delayed. - Press secretary Jen Psaki makes light of the supply chain crisis. Hypersonic technology is something that we have been concerned about. We just don't know how we can defend against that technology, neither does China, neither does Russia. - Ambassador Robert Wood, who represents the United States at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, speaks after a report that China tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile. "The president is the inspirer, he is the closer, he is the convincer, the mediator in chief. He really is doing a phenomenal job." - Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the head of the progressive caucus, after meeting with Biden to discuss the spending package. Of course I talked to the president. I talked to him that day. Ive been clear about that. I dont recall the number of times, but its not about me. I know you want to make it about that. - Rep. Jim Jordan tells a House panel investigating Jan. 6 he cant remember how many times he spoke to Trump on that day. Bulls*** If that causes you a problem, let me know, and Ill switch to be an independent. But Id still be caucusing with Democrats. Thats the only thing that was ever discussed, and no one accepted that. I just said, 'Ill make that offer if you need it.' - Manchin rebuts a Mother Jones report that he is considering leaving the Democratic Party. I grew up on the $4.99 salad bar at Sizzler. - Meghan Markle writes a letter to Congress advocating for guaranteed paid leave. "'I told you so' doesnt even begin to cover it here. - Sen. Rand Paul reacts to a new letter from the National Institutes of Health in which the organization admitted that Peter Daszaks EcoHealth Alliance broke its reporting rules when conducting bat coronavirus research. I cant imagine any circumstance in which the PATRIOT Act would be used in the circumstances of parents complaining about their children, nor can I imagine a circumstance where they would be labeled as domestic terrorism." - Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks to the House Judiciary Committee after a National School Board Association letter last month called upon the Justice Department to do just that, with the attorney general issuing a memo a few days later. A snitch line on parents, started five days after a left-wing political organization asked for it. If that's not political I don't know what is. Where's the dedicated lines of communication with local leaders regarding our southern border? Nope, can't do that, the Biden Justice Department is going to go after parents who object to some racist, hate-American curriculum. - Rep. Jim Jordan accuses the Biden Department of Justice of being overtly political as he grills Garland. "[We are] being used as window dressing for [her] image and not to provide counsel on what's best for Arizonans." - Five military veterans on Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's advisory council submitted a letter of resignation to the centrist senator Thursday. "Now, you may think that when Hunter Biden is in such exclusive company that he would have a background in artistic training for example." "But you would be wrong if you thought that. And you might think that he had some sort of apprenticeship with a world-renowned artist but you would be wrong again if you thought that. Or perhaps that he has been selling his works for years and again, unfortunately, you would be wrong." - Rep. Ken Buck calls for a special investigator to investigate Hunter Biden as he displays his artwork while questioning Garland. They got into a back-and-forth about Jewish space lasers. - Rep. Jamie Raskin recounts a back-and-forth on the House floor between Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Rep. Liz Cheney. Low-polling Liz Cheney (19%) is actually very bad news for the Democrats, people absolutely cannot stand her as she fights for the people that have decimated her and her father for many years. She is a smug fool, and the great state of Wyoming, together with the Republican Party, fully understands her act. To look at her is to despise her. Hopefully, she will continue down this unsustainable path and she will soon be gone. - Trump says what he really feels about Cheney Well, its very good for her to do that, causing these churches to lose their tax-exempt status. ... If this is legal, then its surprising to me.' - Former Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder, referring to Vice President Kamala Harriss video endorsing Terry McAuliffe playing in black churches in Virginia. "I have never been so jarred by anything a president said. To hear the leader of the free world stand up and say, 'This isn't about your freedom,' I thought, 'Oh my God, it is always about our freedom.'" - Allison Williams suggesting on The Megyn Kelly Show that Bidens vaccine mandate announcement reminded her of a dictator. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: Joe Biden, Colin Powell, Donald Trump, News Original Author: Washington Examiner Staff Original Location: 'The highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat': Quotes of the Week Oct. 23Police are looking for information concerning a male suspect wanted for setting fire to a vehicle in Pearl City in the early morning hours of Oct. 14. Police obtained video surveillance that caught an unknown male, of undetermined age, who arrives at 5 :20 a.m. in a lifted silver Toyota 4Runner at a house on Ahaiki Street. There he is seen pouring a flammable liquid under the resident's vehicle, lighting it, then fleeing the scene. Police have opened a second-degree arson case. Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 808-955-8300, or send anonymous tips to www.honolulucrimestoppers.org or via the P3 Tips app. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Jailed former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili, who has been on a hunger strike, was given a blood transfusion late on Friday and is in stable condition, Interfax news agency quoted his personal doctor as saying on Saturday. The pro-Western politician, who declared a hunger strike on Oct. 1, was arrested after returning to Georgia, having lived abroad for years. He faces up to six years in jail after being convicted in absentia in 2018 of abuse of power and concealing evidence when he was president, charges he rejects as politically motivated. "One of the parameters of Saakashvili's blood test was bad, so local prison doctors and an emergency ambulance team helped me with the transfusion and after that Saakashvili's condition stabilised," Nikoloz Kipshidze, Saakashvili's doctor, was quoted as saying by Interfax. Kipshidze believes that Saakashvili should be transferred to a city hospital because "the crisis can recur and it would be difficult to cope with it in a prison hospital," Interfax added. The 53-year-old Saakashvili led the Rose Revolution in 2003 that ousted veteran leader Eduard Shevardnadze. Saakashvili ruled as president from 2004 to 2013 before leaving the country and building a new political career in Ukraine. He was arrested and jailed on Oct. 1 after returning home on the eve of parliamentary elections to rally the opposition and "take part in saving Georgia". Last week thousands of his supporters rallied in the capital Tbilisi to demand his release. (Reporting by Polina Devitt; writing by Mark Trevelyan and Polina Devitt; editing by Ros Russell) A 15-year-old boy set out for the Oregon coast from Idaho in the spring of 1971, looking for job opportunities. His family never heard from him again. Winston Arthur Maxey III hitchhiked to Oregon and did end up in Coos Bay, the Coos County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. But a few months after leaving his home in Boise, his remains were discovered in the Englewood area near Snedden Creek in Coos Bay. .Fifty 50 years later, thanks to DNA, his body as been identified. In July of 71, when the remains were found, deputies asked the public for help with the unknown body, followed the leads and canvassed neighborhoods. The sheriffs office lacked technology and the medical examiner could not identify or determine Maxeys cause of death due to the condition of his remains, the news release states. His body was then buried in a local cemetery. Maxey also fathered a child, but he never knew it. His daughter, who was adopted, hired a private investigator to find her family when she was 17, according to a Facebook page she created in 2016 to find her father called Where in the world is Winston Maxey. The investigator found her family in less than 24 hours. She soon connected with her mother, half-brother and aunt. She also met her fathers family, who had not heard from Maxey since before she was born, the post says. In 2017, the sheriffs office and the medical examiner exhumed the body to take a sample of his DNA. Parabon Nanolabs analyzed the sample and created a profile of the persons ancestry, skin, eye and hair color, face morphology and a composite profile. The lab provided another report this year, including a match to his family, one being in the Idaho area. In August, Maxeys identity was confirmed after his daughters DNA was run and it matched, according to a Facebook post from her on Friday. Today, the press release went out, the John Doe had now been identified. It brings me and my family some closure but we still do not know what happened, the daughter wrote. Story continues Winstons daughter finally had answers about her father, and an understanding at least of where he had gone, the sheriffs office said in the news release. Speeding drivers killed three of the worlds rarest geese, Hawaii officials say California teacher seen on video mimicking Native American stereotypes is now on leave Husband paid spellcasters to hex wife from leaving then she vanished, CA cops say On average, over time, stock markets tend to rise higher. This makes investing attractive. But if you choose that path, you're going to buy some stocks that fall short of the market. Over the last year the Irish Continental Group plc (LON:ICGC) share price is up 23%, but that's less than the broader market return. Zooming out, the stock is actually down 18% in the last three years. With that in mind, it's worth seeing if the company's underlying fundamentals have been the driver of long term performance, or if there are some discrepancies. See our latest analysis for Irish Continental Group To paraphrase Benjamin Graham: Over the short term the market is a voting machine, but over the long term it's a weighing machine. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS). During the last year Irish Continental Group saw its earnings per share (EPS) drop below zero. While some may see this as temporary, we're a skeptical bunch, and so we're a little surprised to see the share price go up. It may be that the company has done well on other metrics. Unfortunately Irish Continental Group's fell 10% over twelve months. So using a snapshot of key business metrics doesn't give us a good picture of why the market is bidding up the stock. You can see how earnings and revenue have changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values). We like that insiders have been buying shares in the last twelve months. Having said that, most people consider earnings and revenue growth trends to be a more meaningful guide to the business. If you are thinking of buying or selling Irish Continental Group stock, you should check out this free report showing analyst profit forecasts. A Different Perspective Irish Continental Group provided a TSR of 23% over the last twelve months. But that return falls short of the market. The silver lining is that the gain was actually better than the average annual return of 0.8% per year over five year. It is possible that returns will improve along with the business fundamentals. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with Irish Continental Group . Story continues Irish Continental Group is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on GB exchanges. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. Matteo Salvini, leader of Italy's right-wing League party, said a trial where he faces kidnapping charges for refusing to let a migrant ship dock in the country in 2019 was not serious as actor Richard Gere was admitted to testify. Salvini, who was Italy's interior minister at that time, appeared on Saturday (October 23) at the second hearing of a trial in the Sicilian capital Palermo, where the court approved a list of witnesses. Witnesses include Italy's former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Hollywood actor Richard Gere Gere was in Italy at the time and joined the Spanish NGO Proactiva Open Arms -- which managed the rescue ship -- to deliver food to people on board. Salvini told reporters "Now you tell me how serious is a trial where Richard Gere comes from Hollywood to testify on how bad I am." Proactiva Open Arms told the court Gere could give a direct account of the conditions onboard the vessel, which was stranded off the Italian island of Lampedusa for 19 days before prosecutors ordered the evacuation of the people on board. It is not clear whether Gere will appear in-person to give evidence at the trial. Salvini, who has built much of his political fortune on an anti-immigration campaign, said he simply did his duty as a minister. Adding that defending a country's borders is not just a minister's duty but everyone's duty. Salvini could face up to 15 years in prison if found guilty at the end of a long three-stage judicial process. Oct. 22Vaccinations against COVID-19 will now be required among all employees at Kansas State University. University officials made the announcement Friday. All KSU employees must be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8, the university said. In making the announcement, university officials said they were doing so in order to comply with a requirement issued by President Joe Biden last month mandating federal employees and contractors to get vaccinated. Officials said the directive applies to Kansas research universities and employees, regardless of whether they work on federal contracts. The vaccination requirement applies to all K-State faculty and staff even if they're fully remote workers, as well as graduate and undergraduate student employees. The requirement doesn't apply to Alumni Association, KSU Foundation, Student Union and most athletics employees. It also does not apply to students who are not employed by the university. The new mandate also does not apply to members of KSU Student Governing Association. People can get religious or medical exemption from the mandate, but officials said in a statement Friday that getting vaccinated is "a condition of employment." There is no option for testing out of the requirement; the university used guidance from a federal workforce task force to set that standard. People must provide proof of full vaccination by Dec. 8. Officials said if a person refuses to get vaccinated and does not wish to comply with the federal rule that employee may be subject to termination. University administrators said they would take a "nuanced approach" with individuals who state their opposition to getting inoculated. K-State Provost Charles Taber made the initial announcement about the vaccine requirement during a virtual town hall meeting for staff. The Kansas Board of Regents issued a statement indicating this order also applies to the University of Kansas and Wichita State University. Story continues Jeff Morris, K-State vice president of communications and marketing, told The Mercury that university officials had been discussing the federal order with Kansas Board of Regents attorneys since Biden issued it in September. He said word officially came that K-State, KU and Wichita State would be impacted by the federal order earlier this week. Vaccines are available at Lafene Health Center by appointment. The health center is offering both the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the double-dose Moderna shot. People can submit their proof of vaccination through the online Lafene patient portal. The university provided a timeline for when employees should get vaccinated to meet the Dec. 8 deadline. Officials said employees should get the first dose of the Moderna vaccine by Wednesday and the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine by Nov. 3. They said employees should receive the second dose of the Moderna and Pifzer vaccines or the single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine by Nov. 24. Officials said they are confident that people can get vaccinated by the deadline. University spokeswoman Michelle Geering said the estimated faculty and staff vaccination rate is at 70% and is all self-reported. Geering said this mandate will impact "anyone that gets a check" from K-State, which is 9,206 people. If the 70% rate is accurate, 6,444 employees are currently vaccinated. Faculty Senate President and Libraries professor Laurel Littrell said since the topic came up quickly, Faculty Senate members have not yet had time to discuss the new vaccine requirement. In an email to The Mercury, she said she "would guess there are many varying opinions amongst our membership," which includes representatives of student government and the University Support Staff Senate. She said the next Faculty Senate meeting is Nov. 9. Senior kinesiology major Andrea Anderson is a residence assistant at the Jardine Apartments on campus. She said she got vaccinated already because she is immunocompromised, and that she thinks getting inoculated is "probably a responsible thing to do." "Because we do come into contact with a lot of people on campus, I think it's a responsible thing to do," Anderson said, "but many people might not feel the same way just because they wanna decide what they do with their own body." The vaccine mandate represents a change from the university's previous position, which had been forced by state law. K-State President Richard Myers said during his State of the University address last month a week after Biden's announcement that "in a perfect world" he would mandate vaccines, but "Kansas law passed in this last session prohibits that for us." When passing the state budget in May, legislators included a provision that prohibited a "vaccine passport" being required to enter a state government building or receive services. Two of Manhattan's state legislators supported K-State on the issue Friday after further interpretation of the federal mandate superseded the state's position. State Rep. Mike Dodson, R-Manhattan, said he knows "these decisions are not taken easily." "I support those institutions and what they have to do to best suit their needs to protect their professors, their administrators, and the people that work and the students," he said. Despite being in favor of vaccinations, state Rep. Sydney Carlin, D-Manhattan, said she had mixed feelings about the mandate. "I am mixed about it some ways because I do know that there are people who have had allergic reactions in the past." Carlin said. "However, according to my physician and others I've talked with over the last year and a half, unless you've had an anaphylactic reaction, not just a little rash or a runny nose, I mean where you cant breathe ... you should get the vaccine." Carlin said K-State students and professors have followed the rules with mask mandates and have kept COVID numbers low. "I know that the medical community believes that masks work, and we know that the vaccine works," she said. Update: Police have identified the victim as 28-year-old Darryl Gilland. One person was arrested after a man was killed Friday afternoon in a stabbing. At about 3:30 p.m., officers with the Kansas City Police Department were called on a cutting in the 6200 block of North Topping Avenue, according to Sgt. Jake Becchina, a spokesman for the department. When officers arrived, they found a man in the backyard of a house who had been stabbed multiple times, Becchina said. Emergency services declared the man dead at the scene. Officers arrested a man who was identified as a person of interest at the scene, Becchina said. Investigators combed the area gathering evidence and looking for potential witnesses. Police are not looking for any additional suspects. It appears that a physical altercation between both men preceded the stabbing. This is the 123rd homicide this year in Kansas City, according to data tracked by The Star. At this time last year, the city had recorded 159 homicides. A Western Kentucky couple who participated in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol were sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. Both Thomas and Lori Vinson were sentenced to five years probation, fined $5,000 and ordered to pay restitution of $500, court records show. U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton also ordered the Vinsons to perform 120 hours of community service, the Associated Press reported. The couple, from Morganfield in Union County, appeared in court via video and apologized for their actions, the AP reported. The Vinsons were arrested in February. In July, they each pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. Lori Vinson, a nurse, posted on Facebook about her participation in the event and made headlines when she was fired from Ascension St. Vincent hospital in Evansville, Ind., soon after the Capitol was stormed. She told Evansville television station WFIE at the time that she did not have any regrets Because I was there for a peaceful protest and thats what I was doing, Vinson said. I felt like I have done nothing wrong and I wouldnt change it. I hope that is something I remember and say, Im glad I was a part of that 30 years from now, she said. In a letter dated Oct. 10, Lori Vinson wrote that she is now sorry for what happened that day and for those that were hurt. I did not realize the extent of the violence until after we left the Capitol on January 6th, she wrote. I made statements to the media that I regret. When I made them I was angry for losing my job. When I said my actions were justified and I would do it again tomorrow, it was a reaction to my job loss. Also, I did not mean that any of the violence was justified or that I would go into the Capitol again. I meant that I would protest again. I do not agree with or support the violence that day. Now, I do not even want to participate in any protests. She stated in the letter that she now works for a home health company. Story continues The government had asked the judge to sentence Lori Vinson to 30 days in jail and $500 restitution, and they wanted Thomas Vinson to serve three months of home detention and three years probation, including 60 hours of community service, and pay $500 restitution. In sentencing memorandums, government attorneys said the Jan. 6 riot was a violent attack that forced an interruption of the certification of the 2020 Electoral College vote count, threatened the peaceful transfer of power after the 2020 Presidential election, injured more than one hundred law enforcement officers, and resulted in more than a million dollars worth of property damage. While the U.S. Attorneys Office said their was no information indicating that the couple engaged in violence or destructive behavior, they wrote in each case that the Court must consider that the defendants conduct on Jan. 6, like the conduct of scores of other defendants, took place in the context of a large and violent riot that relied on numbers to overwhelm law enforcement, breach the Capitol, and disrupt the proceedings. Without (their) actions alongside so many others, the riot likely would have failed. By Hyonhee Shin SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea said on Saturday that it has achieved its goal of vaccinating 70% of its 52 million people, paving the way for a planned return to normal next month. The target, set a month before the country kicked off its inoculation campaign in late February, was reached by 2 p.m. (0500 GMT), with some 36 million vaccinated, said the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). The goal earlier met with scepticism https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-southkorea-doctor-idUSKBN2AH13H as the government grappled with global COVID-19 vaccine shortages and shipment delays. But despite its rough start, South Korea quickly ramped up its vaccination drive, thanks chiefly to expanded supplies and relatively high public acceptance, surpassing the United States and other early starters. Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol said last week that the government will begin a phased return to normal activities starting Nov. 1, putting forward the shift initially scheduled for mid-November. "It's impossible to put an end to the pandemic by reaching herd immunity due to the spread of highly transmissible Delta variant," the KDCA said in a statement. "But meeting the vaccination goal has significant meaning in reducing severe cases and fatality, and as an important precondition for a transition to phased recovery of our daily lives." South Korea has largely successfully managed to cope with the pandemic without imposing lockdowns seen in many other parts of the world, on the back of intensive testing and tracing. But it has struggled to suppress its fourth COVID-19 wave since last summer, with new daily cases topping 3,000 https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/skorea-daily-covid-19-cases-top-3000-first-time-after-holiday-2021-09-25 for the first time last month, though they brought fewer critical cases and deaths. The KDCA reported 1,508 new cases for Friday. (Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by William Mallard) A Pennsylvania man was charged with assault after he allegedly tossed pumpkins at an elderly woman parked outside of his house on Wednesday. James Gazis, a 40-year-old from Pittsburgh, was charged with aggravated assault and for the propulsion of missiles after he chucked the gourds at Robin Faulkner, a grandmother who had been waiting in her vehicle to pick up her grandchild, according to court documents. A criminal complaint obtained by the Washington Examiner said Gazis's wife, Melissa, shouted that an elderly woman had almost hit her and their child as they were crossing the street and that the woman should park elsewhere. Gazis then came outside and tossed a white pumpkin, which hit the car windshield. PUMPKIN SPICE GETS SPAMMY "You've got to be kidding me," the woman in the car said after she had rolled down her window, her son, James Moore told WPXI. Gazis then threw a "bigger orange pumpkin" through the car window, subsequently hitting the woman's head, the criminal complaint said. Officer Patton said in the criminal complaint that upon arriving on the scene he noticed Faulkner had been clutching a towel over her left eye and head. She claimed that her nose was bleeding and she had a headache from the incident. Moore said his mother ended up with a cut from the second pumpkin after it had knocked her glasses "into her nose." Medics treated the grandmother for her injuries on the scene, Cara Cruz, a public information officer with the City of Pittsburgh told the Washington Examiner. Moore described to WPXI how his mother had been "shaking" and clutching her face, telling him to call 911 because Gazis had just chucked a pumpkin at her. Gazis and Moore ended up in a "fistfight" in which Moore threw Gazis to the ground, said the criminal complaint, which added that Gazis sustained a minor cut on his hand and abrasions on his feet. DEVELOPING: This is apparently the pumpkin a Bloomfield man threw at a grandmothers vehicle as she was parked on Pearl St, waiting to pick up her grandson, per police. A larger one, her son tells me, hit her in the face, causing a concussion @wpxi pic.twitter.com/PuOuUzdOJW Liz Kilmer (@LizKilmerWPXI) October 21, 2021 CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Story continues Officer Ross Patton was contacted by Detective Bryner, who had watched the surveillance footage from the city, and informed Patton that Melissa Gazis and her child "did not appear" to have been in any danger of being hit by Faulkner, the criminal complaint said. Gazis was arrested and released on a "nonmonetary" bail within the same day and is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 10 for a preliminary hearing, according to the court docket. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, Halloween, Pennsylvania, Police, Crime Original Author: Elizabeth Faddis Original Location: Man charged with assault after allegedly pelting grandmother with pumpkins Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has come under fire for her sluggish response to the water crisis in the city of Benton Harbor. The community of Benton Harbor, Michigan, is currently without safe water due to decades-old lead pipes poisoning the water supply and the state and local governments' slow-moving responses to the crisis, advocates say. City commissioners on Tuesday unanimously declared a state of emergency and empowered Mayor Marcus Muhammad to lead Benton Harbor's response. Whitmer visited the city the same day. Rev. Edward Pinkney, who leads the Benton Harbor Community Water Council, told Fox News in a phone interview that Whitmer and Muhammad should have responded to the crisis "three years ago." MICHIGAN GOV. WHITMER EXPECTED TO VETO GOP-BACKED SCHOOL CHOICE BILL "The city government, they failed us, and the state government failed us. They failed the community," Pinkney told Fox News. "For three years, they did exactly nothing. For three whole years, they did exactly nothing." The reverend said that it took Whitmer "three years" to do something about the crisis, and Whitmer's "damage control" only came about after his group filed a petition with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and cited the fact that an election year is approaching. He also said that if the group had not filed the EPA petition, it would have taken "another two or three years before someone actually responded to this." The Whitmer administration's handling of the Benton Harbor crisis has caught the state legislature's attention as well. The Republican chair of the Michigan Senate Oversight Committee is seeking related documents and communications from the Whitmer administration going back to 2019. Pinkney says the community is coming together in to fill a leadership void during in the crisis and that his church is "going door-to-door making sure that everybody here has clean drinking water." Story continues "Because we cannot take another chance of relying on them to do anything," the reverend said. "We have to do it ourselves." Pinkey also wants President Biden's EPA to "start going door-to-door" to help alleviate the crisis. "Once we do that, then we can do more," Pinkney said. Pinkney said his community needs to be "made whole" again by removing the lead from the water, adding that the Democratic governor could get it done in "six to 12 months" instead of her 18-month timeline since there are only 6,000 lead pipes in the city. "Newark, New Jersey had 20,000 and got it done in less than two years," Pinkney said. "So theres not a reason in the world we cant get this done in six to 12 months." The reverend said that the city is facing "more than a crisis" and that the situation is "devastating" to the entire community, noting the community doesnt "even know how many people have died from this lead." "Thats the thing. We dont know we dont even have a clue," Pinkney said. "We dont know how bad this things been." He also criticized Whitmers messaging on the crisis, blasting her for "abundance of caution" messaging and calling on her to tell the people of Benton Harbor that their water is "unsafe" for use. "That doesn't make any sense and it don't mean nothing to no one," the reverend said. Neither the governors nor mayors offices responded to Fox News request for comment. The Atlanta Braves have picked country singer Travis Tritt to sing the national anthem to open Game 6 of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Tritt made the announcement on Twitter. FYI - I will be singing our National Anthem for Game 6 of the NLCS in Atlanta tonight between the @Braves and the @Dodgers. Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) October 23, 2021 Tritt, a Georgia native, has been very outspoken about his opposition to vaccine mandates and other COVID-19 safety measure. Earlier this week Tritt announced that he's canceling concerts in four states due to their required COVID-19 safety measures. Venues in Mississippi, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana require concertgoers to wear masks, show proof of vaccination, or proof of a negative COVID-19 test. In an interview with Billboard, Tritt said that he decided to cancel the shows due to the negative comments he received after performing in venues with COVID requirements. In August, he released a statement that said vaccine mandates were "discriminating" against people who choose to remain unvaccinated. He implied that vaccine mandates are akin to the squelching of any specific freedoms and basic human rights around the world. Travis Tritt, who has said that vaccine mandates are discriminatory, will sing the national anthem before Game 6 of the NLCS between the Braves and Dodgers. (Photo by David A. Smith/Getty Images) If Tritt had for some reason been chosen to sing the national anthem at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, he might have said no since Los Angeles County requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter large venues. Georgia's Cobb County has no such requirements. Tritt told Billboard that he's not against the vaccine, but "against forcing people to take medicine that they may not need and may not want." The CDC has advised everyone age 12 and older to get the COVID-19 vaccine. MLB requires every non-player who comes onto the field to be vaccinated. and a Braves spokesperson told the Washington Post that the team will follow all COVID-19 for the singing of the national anthem. It doesn't appear that Tritt has shared his personal vaccination status. Associated Press Khari Hasan Kalo peered out of the window of the repatriation flight as it touched down in northern Iraq. It's a place he and his family had hoped never to see again after they left for Belarus two months ago, driven by dreams of a new life in Europe. Kalo, 35, had begged for loans and spent his savings on the ill-fated journey to the Belarusian capital of Minsk, the first stop on a journey to the West. Data: Giffords Law Center; Chart: Will Chase/Axios. Note: Bills under same category can have varying levels of strength. Federal gun control proposals have stalled out, but 44 states and the District of Columbia have enacted around 200 gun and community violence-related laws this year, according to data from the gun safety group Giffords Law Center provided to Axios. Why it matters: Firearm purchases have spiked, with the FBI conducting a record number of firearm background checks last year. President Biden launched efforts to prevent gun violence, but Congress hasn't budged, leaving it to the states to set their own gun laws. Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free Democrats and a handful of Republicans in the House passed two gun safety bills earlier this year, but they've lost momentum. The bills would face a bigger challenge in the 50-50 Senate. "When it comes to gun safety, the states are largely the leaders," Adzi Vokhiwa, Giffords' federal affairs director, told Axios. She said she has noticed more bills being introduced in Congress on both sides of the debate based on newer state gun programs and laws. Be smart: Not all state laws are created equal. Of the roughly 200 passed this year, some will have sweeping impacts, such as a first-of-its-kind law in New York that makes it easier to sue gun manufacturers. Others will have minimal effect. Only categories considered by Giffords Law Center to be true victories for gun-safety or pro-gun rights advocates were included in the chart above. By the numbers: In 2021, 23 states and Washington, D.C. passed major gun safety-related laws, while 16 states passed impactful laws backed by pro-gun lobbying groups. Three states Texas, Tennessee and Utah enacted at least one measure in both categories. Tennessee passed police reform and funded community violence intervention, but also passed laws allowing adults to carry guns without a permit and the state government to nullify federal gun laws. Eleven other states have also enacted laws that with varying enforcement mechanisms discourage or prevent police from acting on certain federal gun laws (nullification). Arkansas, North Dakota and Ohio this year joined 27 other states who have passed Stand Your Ground or Shoot First laws, which allow people to use deadly force in self-defense without having to retreat first. 15 states have enacted police reforms, which are tied to reducing community violence. Story continues Colorado passed a law allowing local governments to impose additional gun safety measures (preemption repeal), and Virginia and Oregon also passed similar, though more limited measures. Between the lines: The partisan divide is clear. The majority of states that passed major gun safety measures this year had Democratic-controlled state legislatures, while every state that passed significant gun rights laws were Republican-controlled. More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free The Daily Beast Chip SomodevillaA severe case of buyers remorse appears to have set in among some conservatives over electing Glenn Youngkin as the next Republican governor of Virginia.Over the past week, outrage has bubbled over among right-wingers and TrumpWorld allies alike, who are under the impression Youngkin has insufficient MAGA loyalty, citing his hiring of an LGBTQ staffer and his refusal to block COVID-related local mandates.The hits started pouring in against the fleece-clad governor-elect earlier MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's defence minister accused NATO on Saturday of gradually gathering forces near Russia's borders and being unwilling to discuss European security with Moscow on equal terms, Interfax news agency reported. Shoigu's comments were the latest sign of mounting tension between Russia and NATO after defence ministers from the Western alliance agreed a new plan https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nato-agree-master-plan-deter-growing-russian-threat-diplomats-say-2021-10-21 on Thursday to defend against any potential Russian attack on multiple fronts. Germany's defence minister described the plan as "the way of deterrence" but the Kremlin https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/moscow-says-natos-new-russia-plan-shows-it-was-right-cut-ties-2021-10-22 said on Friday that the plan showed Moscow had been right to cut ties with NATO. Russia shut its diplomatic mission to NATO and the alliance's mission in Moscow this week after NATO expelled eight Russians accused of spying. "NATO is gradually gathering forces near our borders amid calls for military deterrence of Russia," Interfax quoted Shoigu as saying in a statement, without giving details. "The German defence minister (Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer) must know really well how a similar thing ended up for Germany and Europe," he added in an apparent reference to World War Two. He said security in Europe must be mutual and must not infringe on Russia's interests. "But it is NATO that is not ready for an equal dialogue on this issue," he said. "Moreover, the implementation of NATO's 'deterrence' plan in Afghanistan has ended up in a disaster, which the whole world is now dealing with." (Reporting by Polina Devitt; editing by Timothy Heritage) Kim Mi-Ok/Getty Images For all of its melodramatic flourishes, The Raincoat Killer: Chasing a Predator in Korea takes murderand the trauma it inflicts on othersvery seriously. A three-part Netflix docuseries about South Koreas most notorious serial killer rampage, it repeatedly fixates on the grief, regret, guilt and anguish of both the police officers who worked the case, and the relatives of the fiends many victims. Such sensitivity lends emotional weight to its non-fiction tale, which involved the inexplicable deaths of numerous individuals from various walks of life, and which eventually played out in a fashion that was so movie-ish, it would be borderline unbelievable if it werent true. The Raincoat Killer (out now) tells the terrifying story of Yoo Young-chul, who from September-November 2003 broke into four different homes and viciously murdered their wealthy owners in Seouls well-off Gugi-Dong district. Considering that none of the victims were related, and that no valuables were taken, investigators were baffled. Making things more difficult, there was only scant reliable evidence found at the gruesome scenes: matching footprints at three of the four locations, and footage from a CCTV camera that depicted a young man, from behind, walking down the street wearing a victims jacket. In all of these instances, the killer had bludgeoned his targets in the head with a sharp-edged weapon. However, without that instrument in their possession, police found it impossible to specify the precise object used in the attacks. Inside the Netflix Series Skewering QAnon Nutsand Joe Rogan Even linking these homicides was tricky, since as detectives and chiefs explain in The Raincoat Killer, at the time, South Koreas police departments largely kept to their own districts, communicating little with their fellow officers and, in fact, going out of their way to keep quiet about unsolved cases; protocol was to only publicize crimes once they had been solved. That was the first of multiple serious mistakes that helped Yoo continue to operate undetected. To their credit, more than one speaker takes ownership of those failings throughout the series, admitting that bureaucratic and personal blunders were so widespread during their investigation that, in its aftermath, South Koreas law enforcement operations were significantly reformed in order to stamp out inefficiency and corruption. Story continues Though the trail went cold following those late-2003 slayings, police were soon consumed with another string of random crimes, this time in southwestern Seoul, where scores of young women were attacked while walking home alone late at night. These victims suffered head injuries similar to those seen in the initial crimes, and suspicions promptly grewboth among police and the mediathat a serial killer was not only on the loose but might have now switched up his modus operandi as a means of evading capture. Additional homicides were also taking place in and around the red-light district, albeit unbeknownst to cops, since the disappearance of prostitutes was rarely something that landed on their radarthus making these vulnerable women perfect prey for a predator like Yoo. The Raincoat Killer swiftly contextualizes this killing spree in a post-2000 Seoul that was wracked by economic hardships and rising homelessness and inequalityand protected by a police force that wasnt equipped for the new challenges it faced. In this environment, the countrys first criminal profiler, Kwon Il-yong, and forensic officer Kim Hee-sook, were at an immense disadvantage, left to put together a puzzle that was missing key pieces. The series confidently provides a historical framework for its narrative while maintaining suspenseful forward momentum. Moreover, its wealth of talking headsincluding the Seoul Mobile Investigation Units chief Kang Dae-won, team leader Park Myung-sun and detective Yang Pil-joo, all of whom played starring roles in the hunt for Yoolend it a measure of authenticity and immediacy, the latter peaking with recollections about Yoos post-arrest escape attempt, which was the byproduct of almost staggering incompetence on Park and companys part, and was only rectified due to seasoned detective Kim Sang-joons quick thinking and some miraculous luck. Interviews, family pictures, graphical maps, and archival crime scene footage and news reports are all employed by The Raincoat Killer. So too are staged reenactments, which are produced in such an over-the-top mannerall portentous slow-motion, fuzzy-faces, and evocative imagerythat they verge on the parodic. The floridness of those sequences is directly at odds with the sober testimonials of its on-camera subjects, whose comments about the responsibility they felt to the dead, and the toll their work took on their own psyches, are unaffected and heartrending. The result is a docuseries that often feels as if its of two minds about how to handle its chosen material, although for the most part, its stronger instincts prevail, especially thanks to its unwavering focus on the memories of those who endured this horrific ordeal. Given how comprehensively it documents the pursuit of Yoo, its surprising that The Raincoat Killer never offers up much information about, or insight into, the killer himself. More than one person discusses Yoos resentment and hatred of women and the rich, as well as the dual-personality nature that allowed him to remain anonymous for so long. Yet aside from the randomly revealed revelation that he had a son (and, presumably, a wife), Yoos childhood, relationships, professional career, and prior criminal recordwhich, it turns out, was extensiveis never addressed by the proceedings. His uncovered face isnt even seen on-screen; all we get are TV clips of him addressing the press while wearing a mask. Yoo ultimately confessed to killing 26 people (and was convicted of killing 20), and denying him the notoriety he so desperately coveted is an admirable aim, but The Raincoat Killer goes almost too far in withholding vital details about the madman, leaving him such a mystery that he comes across as the very sort of mythic boogeyman he wanted to be. Better is its censure of institutional ineptitude and affecting portrait of the lingering scars that still plague the men and women whose job it was to stop Yoo from carrying out his wicked deedsand those, like Ahn Jae-sam, who went through their own living hells trying to grapple with the senseless slaughter of their loved ones. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Former President Barack Obama framed a Nov. 2 gubernatorial race as a bellwether for the Democratic Party and the country, telling a crowd at a campaign event for Terry McAuliffe on Saturday that "I believe you, right here in Virginia, are going to show the rest of the country and the world that we're not going to indulge in our worst instincts." Why it matters: With just over a week to go before Election Day in the Commonwealth, McAuliffe is bringing out the big guns. The 44th president appeared on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University to urge supporters to get to the polls. Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free "Don't be sitting on the couch!" Obama told those gathered. Obama's former vice president is also hitting the trail this week. President Biden will appear with McAuliffe on Tuesday at a park in Arlington. The details: Obama didn't shy away from taking aim at GOP gubernatorial hopeful Glenn Youngkin. You cant run ads telling me youre a regular ol hoops-playing, dish-washing, fleece-wearing guy, but quietly cultivate support from those who seek to tear down our democracy, said Obama, referencing the tightrope the former businessman has been walking as he tries to remain loyal to Donald Trump to please his conservative base while not alienating the increasingly Democratic-leaning suburbs in Northern Virginia. "We're not going to go back to the chaos that did so much damage," Obama added, again tying Youngkin to the 45th president. "We're going to move forward with people like Terry leading the way." Go deeper: Glenn Youngkin's play: Forever- and Never-Trumpers Like this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free. A more accurate version of the events on a Philadelphia subway train has come to light A Pennsylvania prosecutor has shot down reports that commuters on a Philadelphia subway train did nothing to stop a woman from being raped and instead filmed the attack on their cell phones. theGRIO previously reported that the attack happened last Wednesday night on the SEPTA train, and, according to Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Police Chief Thomas J. Nestel III, there were other riders on the train, but there were very few notifications to the police. SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority) trains at Frankford terminal in Philadelphia. (Photo by William Thomas Cain/Getty Images) No calls were made to 911. Authorities are researching if there were any calls made to police in Delaware County, where the last two SEPTA train stops on the Market-Frankford line are located. In the meantime, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer is speaking out about the version of events being reported, NBC News reports. There is a narrative out there people sat on the El train and watched this transpire and took videos of it for their own gratification, Stollsteimer said. That is simply not true. It did not happen. We have the security video from SEPTA that shows that was not the true narrative, he added. Stollsteimer blames SEPTA for feeding the public inaccurate information about the assault. I think it really came from SEPTA officials, Stollsteimer told reporters. I saw the video where they talked about these people, acting like there was a group of people just callously recording this incident. A 35-year-old suspect, Fiston Ngoy, has been arrested on rape and assault charges and is being held on a $180K bond. His last known address was a homeless shelter. According to Nestel, Ngoy and the victim got on the SEPTA train at the same stop. Reportedly, Ngoy harassed the woman for 40 minutes during the train ride before actually pulling down her pants and assaulting her. An officer at a station witnessed what he believed was a criminal act occurring, ripped that man off of her and pulled him out onto the platform, according to Nestel. Story continues That was 27 train stops later. The attack lasted for eight minutes, with no passengers intervening. What we want everyone to be is angry, disgusted, and join us in being resolute to continue to make the system safe, Nestel said in the news conference last week. We need help from the public to notify us when they see incidents that are occurring that are unusual. We want people to be our partners and to watch out for other riders. But Stollsteimer believes many riders entered and exited the train car unaware that a crime was occurring. It was not very crowded at all, sparsely crowded, and its moving, said Stollsteimer. So this is an incident thats happening over time. So people are getting in and out of the car. They may not all have been aware at any time of what would happen previously. This article contains additional reporting from Biba Adams Have you subscribed to theGrios new podcast Dear Culture? Download our newest episodes now! TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today! Have you subscribed to the Grio podcasts, Dear Culture or Acting Up? Download our newest episodes now! TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today! The post Pennsylvania prosecutor says report of commuters recording rape on train simply not true appeared first on TheGrio. Rachel Riley stars as the maths guru on 'Countdown'. (Channel 4) Rachel Riley has told how she was once groped by a Countdown fan in front of his wife, before the couple were banned from the show. Maths whizz Riley, 35, spoke about the unpleasant moment filming the daytime quiz when she had been introduced to the male fan. Read more: Pasha Kovalev is protecting pregnant wife Rachel Riley from cruel trolls She told The Sun: "This married couple came up to me and the lady said 'oh my husband really likes watching you, do you mind if we just' and he squeezed my arse. Rachel Riley is currently expecting her second child with Pasha Kovalev. (David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) "I didnt know what to do with myself. I was a bit shocked and stood back and they didnt get invited back to the audience. "You get the odd a**e grabber." Riley is taking a break from Countdown as she is on maternity leave and currently expecting her second child with former Strictly Come Dancing partner Pasha Kovalev. The maths star also spoke about her wardrobe on the show. (Brett Cove/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) The couple, who married in Las Vegas in 2019, already have daughter Maven together, who will turn two in December. In a recent appearance on Channel 4 TV views show Complaints Welcome, Riley also spoke about her Countdown wardrobe. The star admitted that she had not been happy with the frumpy outfits she was given to wear when she first joined the show in 2009. Read more: Richard Osman reveals Pointless swaps offensive answers for acceptable ones She said: "I had to buy some new clothes at one stage. "I just didnt know what to wear and they were trying to dress me more like my mother at that stage, everything had to be below the knee." Riley will be temporarily replaced by Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon while she is on maternity leave, who will join the all-female Countdown line-up of host Anne Robinson and dictionary corner's Susie Dent. When she announced her second pregnancy, Riley used a Countdown conundrum to share the happy news. Rachel Riley stars with Anne Robinson and Susie Dent on 'Countdown'. (Channel 4) She posted a photo of herself with the quiz show's letters board spelling out "FITTRILEY", and anagram for "fertility". Riley captioned the snap: "A special teatime teaser! And your clue is... Riley had this to thank for the reason her clothes no longer fit her... And itll only get worse till Autumn! "Happy, happy days for our little family @pashakovalev and future big sister Mave." Watch: Countdown letters spell out 'poo anally' on Rachel Riley's 3000th episode Of all those detained, the biggest category were adults travelling without children The US says more than 1.7 million migrants were detained along its border with Mexico in the past 12 months - the highest number ever recorded. More than one million of them were expelled to Mexico or their native countries, according to data from US Customs and Border Protection. Agents apprehended people from more than 160 countries. President Joe Biden's popularity in opinion polls has been sinking, partly as a result of his immigration policy. Just 35% of Americans said they approved of his handling of the issue, in an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey earlier this month. Mr Biden promised a more humane immigration policy than his predecessor Donald Trump, but the US-Mexico border has been engulfed in crisis for much of the Democrat's nine-month-old presidency. The detention numbers for the 2021 fiscal year, which ended in September, are the highest since 2000. That year, more than 1.6 million migrants were held at the US-Mexico border. But the number has not reached 1.7 million since US authorities first began tracking such entries in the 1960s. "The large number of expulsions during the pandemic has contributed to a larger-than-usual number of migrants making multiple border crossing attempts," the US Customs and Border Protection said. Those trying to enter the US illegally were mainly from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Of all those detained, the biggest category were adults travelling without children - more than 1.1 million (or 64%). At the same time, the US authorities said they encountered more than 145,000 unaccompanied children - a record number. Almost 11,000 of those children remained in government custody on Friday. A BBC investigation of the Fort Bliss detention centre in Texas earlier this year found reports of sexual abuse, Covid and lice outbreaks, hungry children being served undercooked meat and sandstorms engulfing the desert tent camps where the young people were being held. Story continues Republicans have blamed Mr Biden's promise to create a pathway to citizenship for immigrants for fuelling the surge. Mr Biden - who is making one of his regular trips to his home in Delaware this weekend - has been facing questions this week about why he has not visited the border. The White House press secretary told reporters on Friday that Mr Biden drove by the border in 2008 when he was campaigning to be Barack Obama's vice-president. Oct. 23RED SPRINGS The Red Springs Police Department and Red Springs Crime Stoppers program are offering a cash reward for information that leads to the arrest of the people responsible for a Thursday shooting that sent one person to the hospital. Police responded about 11:20 p.m. Thursday to a report of a person shot at Westgate Terrace Apartments, according to the Red Springs Police Department. A 20-year-old Red Springs resident was transported to an undisclosed hospital for treatment after the shooting. He remained in stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit Friday, according to police. No other injuries were reported. "A dark colored four door sedan (possibly a Acura) was seen pulling into the Westgate Apartments where two of the occupants were seen getting out of the dark colored vehicle," according to the police department. The people immediately began shooting at a occupied vehicle in the parking lot, according to police. An undisclosed amount of money is being offered for information leading to the identity and arrest of the person or persons responsible. Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact Lt. McManus with the Red Springs Police Department at 910-843-3454. The identity of callers will remain confidential. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), left, traveled to Buffalo, New York, to speak in support of India Walton, the Democratic nominee for mayor. (Photo: Associated Press) BUFFALO, N.Y. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on Saturday called for Buffalo residents to vote for Democratic mayoral nominee India Walton at a packed rally, declaring a win for Walton crucial for the progressive movement and even American democracy. Are you ready to elect one of the most badass mayors in the United States?! Ocasio-Cortez asked the crowd at a theater in downtown Buffalo. Walton, who calls herself a democratic socialist and would be Buffalos first woman mayor, defeated four-term Mayor Byron Brown in the Democratic primary in June. But Brown, a centrist Democrat, is mounting a well-funded write-in campaign for the Nov. 2 general election. Ocasio-Cortezs rally with Walton was timed to coincide with the start of early voting, which she and other speakers made sure to remind voters of in their remarks. The New York congresswoman, another political neophyte who defeated an entrenched incumbent in a Democratic primary, cast Walton on Saturday as the latest in a string of insurgent progressive campaigns that began with Ocasio-Cortezs June 2018 victory. She recalled how many business-friendly Democrats declared her win a fluke, but are now pouring resources into defeating Walton. Not so much of a fluke anymore is it? she said. Ocasio-Cortez emphasized, however, that a Walton victory would further benefit the progressive cause by showing progressives ability to competently govern in executive positions, particularly in the kind of post-industrial city where the left has yet to gain as much traction. It is not enough for us to have victories in legislative bodies, Ocasio-Cortez said. We need to show that we can execute. We need to show that we can do the damn thing. We need to show that we can govern in an executive position. Later in her remarks, Ocasio-Cortez accused centrist Democrats who often complain about progressives not rallying behind the partys candidates of undermining Democrats fight against the fascist threat present in the ranks of the Republican Party. Story continues Any Democrat right now that is trying to establish a precedent of not uniting behind the partys nominee is playing a dangerous game with our democracy, she said. If you, especially as an elected official as a Democrat and elected official try to go out and undermine your partys nominee, how can you ever turn around and ask people to support you when you are [the nominee]? Ocasio-Cortez also accused Waltons detractors of unfairly smearing her because she is a Black woman. (Brown is a Black man.) I am sick of a Democratic Party that says, Black women are the backbone, but theyre not the front, Ocasio-Cortez said. Walton spoke before Ocasio-Cortez took the floor, focusing her speech on her platform of improving access to affordable housing and health care, and increasing union jobs in Buffalo. A vote for India Walton is a vote for accountability. A vote for India Walton is a vote for us, Walton said. In addition to Ocasio-Cortez, a host of labor union leaders and progressive New York elected officials spoke in support of Walton, including New York state Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris (D) and former gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon. Brown takes credit for boosting private real-estate development in the city, especially in Buffalos downtown area, and reigniting population growth in the city. Walton and her supporters, however, argue that Brown has favored well-connected interests at the expense of Buffalos predominantly Black and impoverished East Side. A lot of what India is proposing would help the people I work with specifically, the working poor, said Justin Haag, a social worker who attended the Saturday rally. Leighton Jones, a health care worker, was at the rally because he believes that Brown has been in office for way too long. Some political observers have questioned whether hosting Ocasio-Cortez is really helpful to Walton, since the left-leaning voters who appreciate Ocasio-Cortez are likely already in Waltons corner. But Buffalonians at Saturdays rally were excited to hear from her and believe her presence will make a difference. Theres a bunch of people who would not be coming out if not for AOC, said Gabriella Hall, a University of Buffalo student. This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated. TipRanks The billionaire investors stand in a league of their own. Its not necessarily their wealth that puts them there rather, its their success in the markets, in establishing themselves at the highest level of the financial world, that built their wealth. Cathie Wood, the founder and CEO of $75 billion asset manager Ark Invest, is one of Wall Streets most influential investors due to her stock-picking power and her company's impressive returns. Looking at the current market situation, Wood belie Hollywood star Richard Gere has been summoned to testify as Italy's former interior minister and far-right leader Matteo Salvini went on trial Saturday for allegedly illegally blocking over 100 migrants in dire sanitary conditions from disembarking from a rescue ship in 2019. On the opening day of the trial in Palermo, Judge Roberto Murgia said all the witnesses submitted by the parties would be allowed to testify, including Gere -- who made a humanitarian visit to the ship -- and Italy's former prime minister Giuseppe Conte. Salvini, the leader of the far-right League party who is known for an "Italians first" policy, is charged with kidnapping and abuse of office for using his position as interior minister to detain the 147 migrants at sea in August 2019. The hearing was largely procedural and lasted less than three hours before Murgia set the next hearing for December 17. Salvini, who was present in court, could face a maximum of 15 years in prison if convicted. "You tell me how serious a trial is where Richard Gere will come from Hollywood to testify about my nastiness," Salvini told journalists outside the courtroom. "I hope it lasts as short a time as possible because there are more important things to take care of." In a tweet referencing Gere, Salvini said he was "proud of having done my duty and defending the borders!" Salvini has said he was protecting Italy with his "closed ports" policy aimed at stopping people attempting the dangerous Mediterranean crossing. A man waves as he disembarks from the Open Arms rescue ship on the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, southern Italy, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019. / Credit: Salvatore Cavalli / AP He has claimed the decision not to allow the ship to dock was not his alone, but agreed by the government, including by then-prime minister Conte. Other witnesses the court allowed to testify include Italy's current Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese and Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio. Civil party Open Arms, the Spanish charity that operated the rescue vessel, had requested Gere as a witness, since he had boarded the ship in solidarity with the migrants before it docked at the Sicilian island of Lampedusa. Story continues "Saving people isn't a crime, but an obligation" Ahead of the hearing, Salvini tweeted a photo of himself inside the courtroom, standing in front one of the cells used for some defendants. "This is the courtroom of the Palermo prison. The trial wanted by the left and by the fans of illegal immigration begins: how much will it cost the Italian citizens?" he tweeted. Qui Aula di Giustizia del carcere di Palermo. Il processo voluto dalla sinistra e dai tifosi dellimmigrazione clandestina comincia: quanto costera ai cittadini italiani? pic.twitter.com/LKUUjLSOFD Matteo Salvini (@matteosalvinimi) October 23, 2021 But Open Arms' founder and director Oscar Camps said the trial was not politically motivated. "Saving people isn't a crime, but an obligation not only by captains but by the entire state," Camps told journalists. The beginning of the trial came the same day that 406 migrants rescued in various operations off the coast of Libya by German charity ship Sea Watch 3 arrived at the Sicilian port of Pozzallo. In the 2019 Open Arms case, the migrants were finally allowed to leave the vessel after six days, following an order by the prosecutor's office. As CBS News correspondent Holly Williams reported, video showed some of the migrants apparently in a state of despair, hysterical in some cases, and clearly very angry. Several jumped overboard and attempted to swim to shore. A subsequent onboard inspection revealed serious overcrowding and dire sanitary conditions. Italy's Senate voted last year to strip Salvini of his parliamentary immunity, paving the way for the trial. A related case in which Salvini was accused of blocking other migrants at sea on an Italian coastguard boat was thrown out by a court in Catania earlier this year. Salvini's League takes a hard line on migrants, arguing that Italy bears an unfair burden as the first point of entry into Europe for those arriving from northern Africa. When he blocked the ships, Salvini was part of a coalition government and held the positions of interior minister and deputy prime minister. Saturday Sessions: Houndmouth performs "McKenzie" Saturday Sessions: Houndmouth performs "Good For You" Saturday Sessions: Houndmouth performs "Las Vegas" KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) A roadside bombing targeting a Taliban vehicle in eastern Afghanistan killed at least two civilians Saturday, including a child, Taliban and health officials said. Four others were wounded. Two bombs detonated as a Taliban vehicle was passing by, killing one child, district police chief Ismatullah Mubariz said, adding that no Taliban fighters were harmed. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack but the Islamic State group is active in eastern Nangarhar province, where it has launched frequent attacks targeting the Taliban. A local hospital official said two bodies and four wounded civilians were transferred to the hospital after the attack. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. Recently, IS has shown signs of expansion in Afghanistan, with attacks in the north, the south and the capital of Kabul. The group's ability to launch frequent attacks has cast doubt over the Taliban's ability to maintain security and stability in the embattled country. Last week, IS claimed responsibility for a deadly suicide bombing on a Shiite mosque in southern Afghanistan that killed 47 people and wounded scores more. It was the deadliest since the dramatic U.S. exit from the country, which allowed the Taliban to seize control of the Afghan capital. ___ Akhgar reported from Islamabad. HARB-MAIDON TRAINING GROUND, Tajikistan (Reuters) - A Russia-led military exercise held over six days near the Tajik-Afghan border, designed to demonstrate Moscow stands ready to protect Dushanbe in the event of an incursion from the south, reached its conclusion on Saturday. Tajikistan's relations with the Taliban leadership in Kabul have been strained from the start and reports of troop build-up on both sides of the border have alarmed Moscow, which operates a military base in the former Soviet republic. The exercise, carried out by the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), which also includes Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, involved over 4,000 troops as well as tanks, artillery and assault aircraft. "This is the first time an event of this scale is being held," Tajik Defence Minister Sherali Mirzo told reporters at the site. CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas said the war games were aimed at showing "that no incursions into Tajikistan's territory will be allowed," adding "we will not leave Tajikistan alone in the face of danger." Millions of Tajiks live in Afghanistan, comprising its second largest ethnic group, and Tajikistan's President Emomali Rakhmon has criticised the predominantly Pashtun Taliban for failing to set up an ethnically diverse cabinet. The Taliban has forged an alliance with an ethnic Tajik militant group seeking to overthrow Rakhmon, according to Russian media reports. (Reporting by Nazarali Pirnazarov; Writing by Olzhas Auyezov; Editing by Mike Harrison) MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian and Chinese warships held their first joint patrols in the western Pacific Ocean over the past week, Russia's defence ministry said on Saturday, a move Japan said it was monitoring. Moscow and Beijing, which staged naval cooperation drills in the Sea of Japan earlier in October, have cultivated closer military and diplomatic ties in recent years at a time when their relations with the West have soured. The naval manoeuvres, which Russia said ran from Sunday through Saturday, have been closely watched https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-russia-navy-ships-jointly-sail-through-japan-strait-2021-10-19 by Japan, which said earlier in the week that a group of 10 vessels from China and Russia sailed through the Tsugaru Strait separating Japan's main island and its northern island of Hokkaido. "The group of ships passed through the Tsugaru Strait for the first time as part of the patrol," Russia's defence ministry said in a statement. The strait is regarded as international waters. "The tasks of the patrols were the demonstration of the Russian and Chinese state flags, maintaining of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and guardianship of the subjects of maritime economic activities of the two countries," the ministry added. China's defence ministry said on Sunday the joint exercise aimed to "further develop the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era, enhance the joint action capabilities of both parties and jointly maintain international and regional strategic stability". A report on the ministry website said the operation was part of annual cooperation between the two nations and not targeted at third parties. Japanese defence officials said on Sunday the Russian and Chinese vessels had also passed through the Osumi Strait off the southern Japanese prefecture Kagoshima, public broadcaster NHK reported. Foreign ships are allowed to navigate through the Osumi and Tsugaru straits as they are international waterways, but Japan's defence ministry said it will monitor the two navies, characterising the recent moves as "unusual", NHK reported. Japanese officials could not immediately be reached for comment. (Reporting by Polina Devitt in Moscow; Additional reporting by Dominique Patton in Beijing and Ritsuko Ando in Tokyo; Editing by Peter Graff and William Mallard) Oct. 23SAN BENITO From food and games to activities and live performances, there's a festive night in store for this community. The City of San Benito is hosting its annual South Texas Music Festival Saturday night from 4 to 11 p.m. The festival is going to be held at Heavin Memorial Park, located at 705 N. Bowie St. San Benito Administrative Assistant and Special Projects Planner Nikki Serrano said the South Texas Music Festival is a fun family event that offers a little bit of something for everyone. "Last year, due to COVID-19, the festival had to, unfortunately, be cancelled. So we are very pleased that it is able to return this year," Serrano said. "South Texas Music Festival extends beyond just being an entertainment venue. It is a vehicle for forming communities, attracting tourists and bringing family and friends together." In addition to live music and food vendors, the event will have arts and crafts vendors, children's activities and a performance by magician David Sage. Event organizers describe the event as a celebration of San Benito's rich musical history. There are several performances scheduled in this year's music lineup. Hilda Lamas, who's dubbed as "The Queen of Latina Soul," is scheduled to perform at 4 p.m. Grupo Azido will perform at 5 p.m. From Tejano and country to conjunto and norteno, this group performs a variety of music. Mariachi Margaritas is next on the list. The group will perform at 6 p.m. The following performance will be at 7:30 p.m. by the Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning group Los Palominos. The Texas-based group includes a mix of sounds, such as polka, rancheros, boleros, corridos, ballads and cumbias. The final show of the night will be at 9:30 p.m. by Control, a regional Mexican group specializing in norteno music. Tickets can be purchased at the gate of the event. Admission costs $5. Children 10 years and younger have free admission. By Maria Tsvetkova and Alexander Ermochenko MOSCOW/DONETSK, Ukraine (Reuters) - Russian-backed separatists on Saturday called off a protest outside a hotel in eastern Ukraine housing international conflict monitors, ending a blockade sparked by the capture of a separatist officer by Ukrainian government forces. Monitors from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) had been confined to their hotel in the separatist-held city of Donetsk for more than a week and had to suspend their patrolling mission. It was one of several instances of the OSCE, Europe's main security watchdog, being blocked from operating since the capture of the separatist officer on Oct 13. The separatists had demanded help from the OSCE to secure his release. The OSCE's Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine has been deployed in eastern Ukraine since the outbreak of a war between Ukrainian troops and Russian-backed forces that Kyiv says has killed 14,000 people. Late on Saturday, a Reuters witness saw the protesters dismantling tents pitched outside the Park Inn hotel in the city centre and saw OSCE monitors walking out of the building. One of the protesters at the scene, who did not provide her name, cited the worsening COVID-19 situation as a reason the protest had ended. The foreign minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, Natalya Nikonorova, said the protesters had ended the blockade ahead of ban public events that comes into force on Monday due to the pandemic. "Starting from Monday, the protest will be illegal," Nikonorova told Reuters by phone. The OSCE did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On Wednesday the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, had expressed deep concern about the situation at the hotel. "There can be no justification for any form of interference in the mission's work," she said in a statement. The separatists had also blockaded a hotel containing OSCE monitors in nearby Horlivka but quickly called off that protest. Story continues A Western diplomatic source said the separatists might have used coronavirus restrictions as a pretext to end the blockade. "I think that is the cover to call it off ... a fig leaf to make it look like it is not a climb-down," he said. (Editing by Matthias Williams and Christina Fincher) (Refiles to additional clients with no change to text) By Alexandra Valencia QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador's SNAI prison authority has found the bodies of seven prisoners in the same jail where violence between gangs lead to the deaths of 119 inmates last month, it said on Saturday. The seven bodies were found in the Penitenciaria del Litoral, located in the southern city of Guayaquil, which has become Ecuador's most violent prison. The riot at the end of last month also left dozens of prisoners injured. The seven prisoners discovered dead on Saturday were found in a pavilion used for conjugal visits, the SNAI authority said in a Twitter message without elaborating. The deaths of four other prisoners in the jail during October are also under investigation. The SNAI will work alongside police and prosecutors as it investigates the inmates' deaths, it said. Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso declared a state of emergency for the country's penitentiaries last month in order to free up resources and increase control inside prisons. Members of the military have also been brought in to help control prisons across the country. Officials say gangs have alliances with transnational criminal groups and are battling over drug trafficking routes. Since the beginning of the month Ecuador's police have brought violence in Penitenciaria del Litoral under control, it said, adding that other prisons were also under control. (Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Writing by Oliver Griffin, Editing by Franklin Paul) A Utah school district intentionally ignored racial harassment and abuse for years despite repeated complaints, the Justice Department said this week. Why it matters: An investigation launched in 2019 revealed "persistent failures to respond to reports of race-based harassment of Black and Asian American students by district staff and other students," according to the DOJ. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free. Details: The review, which focused on 2015 through 2020, found hundreds of documented incidents where physical assaults and derogatory racial comments targeted students at dozens of schools in the Davis School District. Black students told the DOJ that white and other non-Black students "routinely called Black students the n-word and other racial epithets, called them monkeys or apes and said that their skin was dirty or looked like feces." "Peers taunted Black students by making monkey noises at them, touching and pulling their hair without permission, repeatedly referencing slavery and lynching, and telling Black students 'go pick cotton' and 'you are my slave.'" White students also frequently called Asian American students pejorative slurs, including "yellow" and "squinty," and told them to "go back to China." The district would tell Black and Asian American students not to be so sensitive or try to make excuses by claiming perpetrators "were not trying to be racist," the DOJ's report states. Though it designated a compliance officer to probe complaints of racial harassment, the district failed to investigate or otherwise respond to complaints elevated to the officer. Davis also disciplined Black students more harshly than their white peers for similar behavior, according to the DOJ. Meanwhile, staff had leeway to commit "severe, pervasive and objectively offensive race-based harassment" in several schools and services. Black and Asian American students each comprise roughly 1% of the approximately 73,000 students enrolled in the district. Driving the news: The DOJ's Civil Rights Division reached a settlement with Davis this week. As part of the agreement, the district will conduct an outside review of anti-discrimination policies, create an online reporting system and establish a new department for race-based complaints, among other things. Story continues Axios has reached out to the school district for comment. What they're saying: "[F]or years, Daviss ineffective response left students vulnerable to continued harassment and that students believed the district condoned the behavior," the report says. "This agreement will help generate the institutional change necessary to keep Black and Asian-American students safe," assistant attorney general Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division said in a statement. "As the federal partners who work and live in this community, we are hopeful that this agreement is the start of a new chapter in which Black and Asian-American students will attend Davis schools without fear," added acting U.S. attorney Andrea Martinez for the District of Utah. "The district takes these findings very seriously," Davis said in a statement to ABC News. "The district pledges to correct these practices." More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free Political science major Erica England returned to Howard University in 2018 after an eight-year hiatus, hoping to enjoy the universitys status as an elite historically Black school. She soon realized she could barely keep up with tuition despite working full-time. Meanwhile, her life and studies were disrupted by what she and others describe as substandard housing including roaches and rats, leaky pipes, cold showers and spotty Wi-Fi. Now England, of Raleigh, North Carolina, is among more than 100 students conducting a sit-in at Howards student center in Washington, D.C., a demonstration that on Friday headed into its 11th day with students protesting living conditions and the elimination of representative seats for students, faculty and alumni from the schools Board of Trustees. Especially for freshmen who are part of this protest, I think they felt like they were sold a dream, said England, 30. This was a dream school for a lot of people here. This great legacy and being part of that was so important, and then they get here and feel like the rug was snatched out from under them. Some students have posted photos on social media showing ceilings sprouting mushrooms and mold growing on shoes. One student, a freshman, posted a video claiming classmates had been hospitalized for breathing issues related to mold exposure or whose belongings had been irreparably damaged by mold. Howard University estimates its on-campus tuition and room-and-board cost for the current academic year at $43,594. Frustrations boiled over on Oct. 12 when, England said, university administrators failed to show at a proposed forum intended to air their concerns. Instead, about 15 students refused to leave the building despite attempts by campus police to force them out a number that grew to about 50 inside with dozens more outside. The students have been sleeping on blankets and inflatable mattresses or under tarp-covered shelters in the rain, existing on snacks, food, supplies and toiletries donated by supporters. Story continues The Howard University Campus at sunrise in Washington, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Leaders of The Live Movement, among the groups leading the protest, say students wont leave the building until several demands are met. Those include a meeting with Howard President Wayne A.I. Frederick by months end, formalized discussion of housing plans for future students and reinstatement of student, alumni and faculty positions on the schools board of trustees. Howard University administrators did not respond to a request for comment but have said they are addressing the mold issue. Last week, a statement from Cynthia Evers, the schools vice president for student affairs, said the well-being of students is always one of our top concerns and we will also support the right to a peaceful protest. In her statement, Evers said 94% of students were housed and said the board of trustees issue would be discussed at an upcoming town hall. A long history of Howard student protest The protest comes at a time when historically Black colleges and universities are reeling from news that federal aid to historically black colleges and universities (HCBUs) will likely fall far short of expectations in President Joe Bidens budget package. The presidents most recent proposal allocates $1.45 billion for the historically underfunded institutions, a number that could plummet further as Congressional negotiations over the Build Back Better plan proceed. About one in eight Black students earn their bachelors degrees at one of the country's 107 HCBUs, whose large numbers of students from low-income households offer less tuition revenue and financial resources compared to other schools. But 40% of Black member of Congress attended HCBUs, as did Vice President Kamala Harris, a Howard University graduate; such schools produce 42% of Black engineers and 80% of Black judges. Howard University has a long history of student protest, most notably a five-day occupation of Howards administration building in 1968 that resulted in disciplinary policy changes, an emphasis on African-American history courses, immunity for students charged in earlier protests and ultimately representation on Howards board of trustees. In 1983, hundreds of Howard students marched on the administration building to protest the removal and expulsion of senior Janice McKnight, editor of The Hilltop, the schools student newspaper. Six years later, students again occupied the administration building to protest, among other things, tuition hikes and the appointment of Republican strategist Lee Atwater to the schools board of trustees. In 2018, a nine-day occupation of the building led to a revised university sexual-assault policy, a freezing of undergrad tuition rates and institution of a food bank for students and local community. Even before the ongoing sit-in, England said, smaller protests had taken place throughout the semester, including an overnight sit-out conducted along a visible campus avenue to support upperclassmen pushed off campus as on-campus housing was made available to incoming students. There are students dealing with homelessness, sleeping in their cars, said England, who heads the schools Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter. One student told me she was sleeping in a storage unit she had rented. Drawing support through social media Students first occupied the upper level of the student center, then spread to the basement cafeteria area when university officials opted to shut the building down, documenting their activism on social media under the hashtag #blackburntakeover and drawing support both locally and beyond. The courageous act of protest from Howard University students should be recognized in this moment, Derrick Johnson, the NAACPs president and CEO, said in a statement. At no point is it acceptable for a student to face housing insecurities while attending school. Their demands must be met with swift attention and due diligence from the HU administration immediately. This week in Georgia, a similar sit-in took place in solidarity with Howard demonstrators at the Atlanta University Center Consortium, where students of the consortiums member schools Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Spelman College occupied space near the consortium library. But the effort has also drawn national attention, including from Bernice King, the youngest child of Martin Luther King Jr. Students @HowardU are stepping up to ensure a humane, just university, nation and world, King wrote on Twitter. In a 1968 speech at Harvard, my mother emphasized the importance of student activism. Raise your housing standards, #HowardUniversity. Another group that has publicly supported the sit-in is Howard Alumni United, which has also decried the universitys proposal to eliminate affiliate seats, including alumni, on its board of trustees. Fifty years ago, Howard University students shut down the university with a historic protest that launched an era of shared governance at Howard, the group wrote on its website. The universitys Board of Trustees now wants to turn back the clock by abolishing the student, alumni and faculty seats on the Board effectively silencing the voices and votes of these key stakeholders. William Damani Keene, a 1966 graduate of Howard who served as dean of student life for 14 years, called the administrations proposal to abolish affiliate trustees very ill-advised. This is something that we students of the 1960s and early 70s hold dear, because these positions came as a result of great student sacrifice, said Keene, among the panelists at a forum Friday evening exploring the history of student protest at Howard. The event was sponsored by Howard Alumni United. 'The students have already won' Howard, Keene noted, is among the more elite and better funded HCBUs, and when students hear of large contributions made to the school its only natural that they wonder where the money is going. That has been compounded, he said, by high expectations as students return to campus life after COVID. FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2020, file photo, members of the LSU marching band, wearing mask, sit socially distanced from one another due to COVID-19 restrictions before an NCAA college football game between the LSU and the Mississippi State in Baton Rouge, La. Louisiana State University students will have to wear masks in classrooms and at campus events this fall to help fight the spread of COVID-19, but won't have to be vaccinated to return to school, university officials announced Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File) England said those expectations have been dashed by what she describes as a lack of preparation for the post-COVID student influx and havoc wreaked by a recent cyberattack that disabled university internet operations for more than a week. For now, shes staying put at the student center, and neither side is budging. I dont know how long its going to go on, but the administration should realize this will keep happening, England said. Even if we left the building today, it wouldnt be long before another sit-in happens unless they move to fix the problems. Chris Cathcart, a 1986 graduate and former student association president who was also among Friday's forum panelists, said the protest will likely produce modest housing improvements and other changes, probably not to the degree that students want or as fast, but the table will be set for the next group. In his mind, however, the students have already won, he said. They have resources we didnt have, with social media. They mobilized a national movement around their issue in a matter of days. It would take us weeks to get the campus itself mobilized. Howard is better when all its voices are heard. I always say that the most important students in the history of the institution are the ones who are there now. You pick up the baton, and its your time to run. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Howard University sit-in continues as students decry living conditions NextShark National Public Radio (NPR) sparked controversy for appearing to downplay Michelle Wus historic win as Bostons first elected female and Asian American mayor. The article: A story published by the media platform drew backlash for its lede, which referred to Wus victory as a letdown after she defeated three Black candidates running against her, reported the New York Post. Originally posted as Cheers and some letdown as 1st elected woman and person of color becomes Boston Mayor, the articles headline was eventually changed to Why Boston will need to wait longer for its 1st elected Black mayor. COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) Sri Lanka on Saturday announced plans to offer booster shots to front-line workers followed by the elderly as the island nation gears up to further ease COVID-19 restrictions. Starting Nov. 1, workers in the health, security, airport and tourism sectors will start receiving a third dose of vaccine, said Channa Jayasumana, the state minister of pharmaceutical production, supply and regulation. The Pfizer booster shots will then include those above 60 years, he said. So far, 59% of the 22 million population have been vaccinated, and the Health Ministry expects the rate to rise to 70% within three weeks. The booster rollout comes ahead of the governments plans to lift monthslong travel restrictions between provinces on Nov. 1. The government has also announced that train service that has been halted for nearly two months would restart next week. Sri Lanka lifted a six-week lockdown on Oct. 1 and since then, life has begun returning to normal with the reopening of cinemas, restaurants and wedding parties as COVID-19 daily cases fell to below 1,000 with less than 50 deaths. However, a ban on public gatherings continues along with some restrictions on public transport. DOVER, Del. (AP) Gavyn Zimmerman kicked two field goals, Jacory Benson had a short touchdown run and the South Carolina State defense did the rest in a 13-7 victory over Delaware State in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference action on Saturday. Zimmerman's 24-yard field goal was the only scoring in the first quarter. He booted a 22-yarder midway through the second quarter for a 6-0 lead. Benson followed with a 3-yard TD run, giving the Bulldogs (3-4, 2-0) a 13-0 halftime lead. The score was set up when Corey Fields Jr. connected with Shaquan Davis for a 50-yard gain to the Hornets' 14-yard line. The only scoring in the second half came when Delaware State's Charles Peeler took a punt and raced 55 yards for a TD with 8:19 left in the third quarter. Fields completed 15 of 30 passes for 208 yards for South Carolina State. Davis finished with four catches for 114 yards. Jared Lewis was 12-of-27 passing for 132 yards with one interception for Delaware State (3-4) in its MEAC opener. Sy'Veon Wilkerson rushed for 96 yards on 25 carries. The Hornets held SCSU to 27 yards rushing on 27 totes. ___ More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 A high school teacher from Riverside, California has been placed on leave after viral videos show her mocking Indigenous cultures during a math class this week. The teacher, wearing what appears to be a plastic headband with paper cutout feathers to look like a headdress, is seen in videos jumping around the room screeching "SoCahToa," a shortened phrase for teaching trigonometry functions, and "tomahawk chopping." Indigenous woman and business owner Akalei Brown posted the videos on Thursday, which she says she received from an Indigenous student who filmed the incident in his math class. The student allegedly told Brown that he "felt that violence was being committed against him and he had the right to record," according to her Instagram post. The footage shows the teacher dancing around the room, jumping on tables, screaming, and screeching "SohCahToa" while also doing what is supposed to resemble a "tomahawk chop." "SohCahToa" is a controversial shortened phrase commonly used to teach trigonometry functions sine, cosine and tangent. While the teacher was doing the dance, she had drawings pulled up on the class projector of stick figures with headdresses, rocks and teepees. The teacher then sat on top of her desk at the front of the classroom and pretended to pray to a water goddess. "Water goddess, again I ask you, please tell me the secret Indian chant," she says in the video, before laughing. "Because obviously this is ridiculous." She also made comments about a "rock god," saying he "spit out" several rocks that she used during her demonstration. "The rock god did this," she told her students. "Thank you, rock god." In a statement published Thursday, the Riverside Unified School District said the teacher is one of their own and that her "behaviors are completely unacceptable and an offensive depiction of the vast and expansive Native American cultures and practices." Story continues The teacher, who remained unnamed, has been placed on leave while the school district investigates the incident, the district said. At a board meeting that day, the district's superintendent Renee Hill said the teacher's "words and actions, done during class time, were highly insulting and marginalizing to Native American and Indigenous cultures, among others." "This has our full attention and it will be addressed expeditiously," Hill said. Brown posted a video of the board meeting, during which a young Indigenous girl confronted board members about the video. Brown, an Indigenous woman who serves as a Native history and culture consultant, has said she is the official spokesperson for the family, as they do not want to be identified for safety reasons. "When I saw that video of her, I just thought that I just was going to explode," the young girl says. "...She's racist and that just makes me so mad. Me and my people, we don't have our rights still. ... I always feel so sad. I don't like how people are treating us. They treat us bad, they bully us." John Wesley North High School posted a photo of the district's original statement, saying the teacher in question is one of their own. "Her actions were marginalizing, especially to Native Americans," the school wrote on Instagram. "This behavior is not condoned or tolerated... It goes against our core values and beliefs and values of equity and well-being." The incident sparked massive backlash online. Popular Indigenous TikToker Lance Tsosie, who is known for their "hey colonizer" videos, posted the footage, saying the video is "racist, ignorant and disgusting." "This behavior is not a good representation for your school," Tsosie said, encouraging followers to contact the school and hold the teacher accountable, but also enforce diversity and equity trainings for teachers. Saturday Sessions: Houndmouth performs McKenzie" Saturday Sessions: Houndmouth performs Good For You. Saturday Sessions: Houndmouth performs Las Vegas" Oct. 22Speaking before 50 wide-eyed cadets on their very first day Friday as the Toledo Police Academy's newest class, Lt. Sean Jones paused for a moment before asking the aspiring officers to look to their right at memorials to fallen police displayed on the back wall of the academy building at Owens Community College. The cadets turned their heads to see for themselves the memorials dedicated to Detective Keith Dressel, and officers Anthony Dia and Brandon Stalker, three Toledo policemen killed in the line of duty. Then the room became silent. "You're probably saying to yourselves, "It's not going to happen that close to home. It's definitely not going to happen here,'" said Lieutenant Jones, who oversees the academy. "Think again. In the last year and a half, officer Anthony Dia and officer Brandon Stalker were both shot and killed on the job on the the streets of Toledo. "Look at their faces. Remember their names," he continued. "If you're not willing to lay down your lives to protect this city, our city, our citizens, then this job isn't for you. Go back to your old jobs." The 34 men and 16 women are the Toledo Police Academy's 68th class. While Friday's ceremony punctuated their first day's pomp and circumstance, it also came with an honest conversation. "People are challenging us, questioning us, attacking us at every turn," Lieutenant Jones said while explaining to the cadets why their academy trainers will push them to their limits. "Homicides are up in almost every major city in the country. Ambushes on police officers are up over 100 percent from last year, which was up from the year previously." A noticeably excited Toledo Police Chief George Kral, who has been vocal about his goal to expand the department to over 700 officers, said days like Friday are days he looks "forward to most in this job." "It's good for the city, it's good for the police department, it's good for 50 young men and women who are starting their journey to change from civilian to peace officer," the chief said. Story continues Though ecstatic to get more officers trained and prepared for patrol, the chief also gave them a warning about what they'll face as officers. "We have to prepare these men and women for what they're going to be encountering on the streets," he said. "We've had two officers killed in the line of duty here in Toledo, so our city is not immune to that. But we need to make sure that they understand what they're walking into and honestly if they can't get yelled at by someone wearing the same uniform as them, they're not going to be able to survive on the street." Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, who has pledged to add 100 police officers to the force by 2026, attended Friday's ceremony and thanked the cadets for signing up to protect Toledo. "You are signing up to join a profession that is under a lot of scrutiny," he said. "And yet, you still walked through those doors, which is a credit to you. We need you more than ever. The size of our police department had steadily declined over the last decade or so. And now we're about 30 officers more than we had four years ago. So we've grown the size of the force again." If all in the class complete their training and certification, the Toledo Police Department will grow to 634 officers. The newest class is made up of 25 white males, 12 white females, seven Black males, three Black females, two Hispanic males, and one Hispanic female. The department is already recruiting cadets for its 2022 class of 40 more officers. "I'm hoping to get to 700 officers," Chief Kral said. "We've had a lot of resignations, we've had a lot of retirements this year, probably double than what we expected. So, with the leadership of Mayor Kapszukiewicz, he promised 40 officers a year and he's done that, and we just have to keep hitting the streets and recruiting the best of the best." First Published October 22, 2021, 3:43pm A file photo showing the aftermath of a drone strike in Syria. Omar Haj Kadour/AFP via Getty Images An airstrike in northwest Syria on Friday killed Abdul Hamid al-Matar, a senior al Qaeda leader, the U.S. military said. In a statement, Army Maj. John Rigsbee, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, said al Qaeda "uses Syria as a base for threats reaching into Syria, Iraq, and beyond," and al-Matar's death will rattle the terror group's "ability to further plot and carry out global attacks threatening U.S. citizens, our partners, and innocent civilians." On Wednesday, a small U.S. military base in southern Syria near the border with Jordan was hit by a coordinated drone and rocket attack. No deaths or injuries of U.S. troops were reported. You may also like The American 'Great Resignation' by the numbers Liz Cheney, Marjorie Taylor Greene take turns calling each other 'a joke' Lorli von Trapp Campbell of the Trapp Family Singers dies at 90 By Hyonhee Shin SEOUL (Reuters) - The U.S. envoy for North Korea arrived in South Korea on Saturday amid stalled denuclearisation talks and tension over Pyongyang's recent missile tests. Special Representative Sung Kim's visit came days after North Korea fired a new submarine-launched ballistic missile https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/nkorea-fires-unidentified-projectile-off-east-coast-skorea-military-2021-10-19(SLBM), which prompted criticism from Washington and calls for a return to talks aimed at denuclearising the North in return for U.S. sanctions relief. Kim, after talks in Washington with South Korean and Japanese counterparts on Tuesday, urged North Korea "to refrain from further provocations and engage in sustained and substantive dialogue." Pyongyang so far has rejected U.S. overtures, accusing the United States and South Korea of talking diplomacy while ratcheting up tensions with their own military activities. On Thursday, the North said the United States was overreacting https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/nkorea-says-us-overreacting-over-submarine-missile-test-2021-10-20 to its self-defensive SLBM test and questioned the sincerity of Washington's offers of talks, warning of consequences. Arriving in South Korea, Kim said he looks forward to having "productive follow up discussions" with his counterpart, without elaborating. (Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Kim Coghill) The Biden administration is again playing cleanup after President Joe Biden said the U.S. would come to Taiwan's defense in the event of an invasion by mainland China -- despite decades of policy that leaves that an open question. His comment prompted a stern warning from the People's Republic of China, which considers the self-governing island a breakaway province, especially since Biden has made it twice now in the last couple of months. That's led to speculation that Biden may be pushing the boundaries of "strategic ambiguity," the longstanding U.S. policy that leaves unanswered whether and how the U.S. would intervene in a conflict across the Taiwan Strait. In recent months, as China has escalated its incursions into Taiwan's air defense zone and ramped up its rhetoric about reunion, some China hawks in Washington have called for an end to the policy. MORE: What to know about the escalating tensions between China and Taiwan But the White House, the State Department, and the Pentagon all said Friday there was no change in U.S. policy despite Biden's answer during a CNN town hall. "There has been no shift," White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters. "The president was not announcing any change in our policy, nor has he made a decision to change our policy. There is no change in our policy." Speaking at NATO headquarters, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the U.S. would continue to provide Taiwan "the sorts of capabilities that it needs to defend itself." But he dismissed questions about a Chinese attack as a "hypothetical." State Department spokesperson Ned Price went the further, telling reporters, "We have been nothing but clear when it comes to where we stand." MORE: Biden and China's Xi plan to meet virtually this year after aides' 'meaningful,' substantive' talks But Biden has been anything but clear. In August, the president told ABC News's George Stephanopoulos that the U.S. had a commitment to act "if in fact anyone were to invade or take action against NATO," Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. While that's true of the first three -- all treaty allies of the United States -- it isn't of Taiwan. Story continues Instead, since a 1979 agreement, the U.S. has acknowledged the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, including its position that Taiwan is part of China -- what's known as the "One China" policy. But under that agreement, the U.S. has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan's government, which is defined by a 1979 law that then-senator Biden voted for. The law commits the U.S. "to assist Taiwan in maintaining its defensive capability," to oppose any one-sided changes in the status quo and to support a peaceful resolution to their differences, according to the State Department. PHOTO: A Taiwanese F-16 fighter jet flying next to a Chinese H-6 bomber (top) off the coast of Taiwan, Feb. 10, 2020. (Taiwan's Defense Ministry/AFP via Getty Images) But Biden contradicted that again on Thursday, telling CNN's Anderson Cooper that he would have the U.S. military come to Taiwan's defense. "If China attacked?" Cooper followed up -- and Biden responded, "Yes, we have a commitment to do that." In response, China's Foreign Ministry issued its own warning about its "determination and ability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity." "We urge the U.S. to strictly abide by the one-China principle and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, be cautious in its words and deeds on the Taiwan issue, and refrain from sending any false signals to the 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces -- or it will seriously damage to Sino-U.S. relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," said Wang Wenbin during a briefing Friday. MORE: China marks Communist Party centennial with warning from Xi Some China hawks in the U.S. have been urging the administration to end "strategic ambiguity" and clearly commit to Taiwan's defense, arguing China's increasing pressure on the island is a signal it is preparing to retake it by force and that a clear U.S. commitment would deter that. But Biden's own pick for U.S. ambassador to China disagreed, just one day prior to the president's comments. During his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday, retired career ambassador Nick Burns called for strengthening the U.S. military position in the region and selling weapons to Taiwan to make it a "tough nut to crack." When asked about ending "strategic ambiguity," however, Burns said, "My own view, and this is also the view ... more importantly of the Biden administration, is that the smartest and effective way for us to help deter aggressive actions by [China] across the Taiwan Strait will be to stay with a policy that's been in place." It's not the first time an American president has had to walk back comments about Taiwan's defense. In 2001, shortly after he took office, George W. Bush told ABC News's Charlie Gibson he would also come to Taiwan's defense. "With the full force of the American military?" asked Gibson. Bush responded: "Whatever it took to help Taiwan defend herself." Biden, then the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, blasted Bush in an editorial, writing, "In this case, his inattention to detail has damaged U.S. credibility with our allies and sown confusion throughout the Pacific Rim." "Words matter, in diplomacy and in law," Biden added. ABC News's Karson Yiu contributed to this report from Hong Kong and Ben Gittleson from the White House. US cleans up Biden's 'commitment' to defend Taiwan from Chinese invasion originally appeared on abcnews.go.com USC junior Bianca Ventola attaches a sign to the Sigma Nu fraternity house near the USC campus. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) Faced with growing furor over reports of sexual assault and druggings at a USC fraternity chapter, President Carol Folt said late Friday that the university has suspended an individual in connection with some of the allegations and apologized for the pain roiling campus. "Such behaviors are deeply disturbing, they hurt people and go against everything we stand for as a community," Folt said in a message to the campus community. "We are sorry for the pain and anguish this is causing." Outrage over allegations involving the Sigma Nu chapter escalated Friday, as protesters demanded that USC take stronger action to address the reports. USC said Thursday that it placed Sigma Nu on interim suspension, blocking it from hosting or organizing any activities, a day after six students filed reports to the USC Department of Public Safety that they had been drugged at the fraternity house on Sept. 27. One student reported being drugged then sexually assaulted. Angry notes and signs plaster the Sigma Nu frat house. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) Also Friday, the Los Angeles Police Department identified Sigma Nu President Ryan Schiffilea as a suspect in a sexual assault case, said Det. Meghan Aguilar, an LAPD spokesperson. Schiffilea has not been arrested or charged and was questioned by detectives earlier this week after a woman reported that she was sexually assaulted on Oct. 16, Aguilar said. It is unclear whether Schiffilea is the student who Folt said was placed on interim suspension, as her letter did not identify that person. Neither Schiffilea nor several of his family members could be reached for comment. Schiffilea's name was written in marker on the Sigma Nu fraternity house, where students gathered Friday to plaster the outside wall with protest signs and angry notes. Many questioned both fraternity culture and USC's actions to address the pervasive problem of campus sexual assault. USC reported the allegations and chapter suspension to Sigma Nu's national headquarters. The national and USC chapter suspended the individual accused of sexual assault pending a complete investigation, according to an internal memo sent to parents of current fraternity members and alumni. The memo did not identify the suspended student. Story continues Several students who joined the protest outside the fraternity house Friday said USC still had not done enough expressing frustrations fueling similar rallies against campus sexual assault nationwide. Shiwali Patel, who directs the Justice for Student Survivors initiative of the National Women's Law Center, said campus sexual assault survivors and their allies are speaking out in growing numbers because the crime appears as pervasive as ever and the climate to fight it is getting worse. Those who report sexual misconduct are facing growing retaliation for doing so and campuses are more hamstrung by Trump administration rules making it harder to prove the allegations, she said. "We've seen more protests," Patel said. "Students are fed up and taking matters into their own hands in demanding schools respond better." USC sophomores Claire Smerdon and Charlie Littleworth retape notes to the Sigma Nu house. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) At USC, calls to gather at the Sigma Nu fraternity house and write a note of protest traveled swiftly on social media beginning late Thursday afternoon. By Friday, the house was plastered with notes as some students stood silently surveying them and others sat on the lawn. You broke me, someone had written on lined notebook paper. What if it was your sister? another said. You are all complicit, read a message in marker on the buildings glass doors. Claire Smerdon, a sophomore, said she has heard about campus sexual assault since she was 6 years old and that people had downplayed the issue at USC, saying few cases have occurred in the last decade. "Well, clearly it's still a problem, she said. Simone Brown, 20, said an initial university email after the sexual assault allegation reminding women how they can stay safe seemed inappropriate. You can still do all of those things and be as safe as possible and still be assaulted, Brown said. It's not a foolproof plan. I understand that it's realistic to say like, Hey, make sure you cover your drinks,' Smerdon added, but when the only rhetoric that's coming from the administration at USC is, Here's how to not get raped, and they haven't put anything else out, it's incredibly impactful. Hannah Fondacaro, a USC sorority member and senior majoring in psychology and prelaw, said sororities and fraternities need to speak out more about the problem. There is still too much of a "hush hush" culture due to fear that it will tarnish the image of Greek organizations, she said. Several students said USC's requirement for training on how to prevent sexual assault has not eradicated a "rape culture" on campus. USC junior Paige Hewlett makes a sign to attach to the Sigma Nu frat house. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) National surveys have shown that one in four undergraduate women are sexually assaulted during their college years, although some believe those numbers are underreported. Fondacaro, for instance, said most of her friends know someone who has been sexually assaulted. Judson Horras, president of the North American Interfraternity Conference, said the vast majority of fraternity members were appalled by campus sexual assault and had been the ones to report allegations of it at campuses including the University of Kansas and University of Iowa. He said it would be unfair to blame all fraternities for the actions of a few and that Greek organizations have been shown to have a positive impact on students one reason, he said, fraternities saw near record enrollment this fall. The conference represents about 250,000 members in 6,000 fraternity chapters on 550 campuses. At USC, some fraternity members joined the protests. One of them, who declined to be named, said he was spurred to join protesters after learning about the allegations at the neighboring fraternity. They were 20 feet away and we didnt know, the student said. When these happen, we can either choose to leave or we can choose to stay and do something about it. At his fraternity, he said they have offered extra hours of in-person training to combat sexual assault. Angry notes are plastered on the Sigma Nu frat house. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) To Alyssa Delarosa, a 21-year-old senior who helped organize the Sigma Nu protest, no training or laws are going to eliminate sexual assault because it's a "systemic issue" that can only be solved by eliminating the Greek system. She added that the protest at Sigma Nu would reignite the effort to end Greek life on college campuses including at USC, where an Instagram handle, @abolishgreekusc, is petitioning online for abolition. Now we have this sort of fuel, all of us activists and organizers are trying to keep alive, Delarosa said. We need to back USC into a corner that they cant get out of. Malik Price, a senior, said he did not agree with abolishing the Greek system but joined the protest to make it clear that the allegations against Sigma Nu do not represent Greek life as a whole. It's times like this that it's like really, really important that like we come together and separate the system as it was, or as it is, from like the people who are part of that system, Price said. The USC Interfraternity Council said in a statement that it is "disturbed and angered" by the reports. "We are deeply apologetic for the trauma caused and impact on victims," the organization said. "We are disgusted this violence took place in our community. There is no place for this abhorrent misconduct nor a culture that supports it in the Interfraternity Council community at the University of Southern California or anywhere." The Sigma Nu frat house is plastered with angry notes. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) The student-led organization, which governs 15 chapters, said it will consider next steps to hold members accountable and has suspended all social activities in the meantime. USC officials, meanwhile, have reported all known information to the Los Angeles Police Department, according to the campus crime alert issued Thursday. Anyone who might have information related to the drug-assisted sexual assaults at the Sigma Nu fraternity house should call the USC Department of Public Safety at (213) 740-6000 for the University Park Campus, (323) 442-1000 for the Health Sciences Campus or (213) 485-6571 for the LAPD Southwest Division. USC officials said they also encourage anyone who wishes to do so to report the incidents to the Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX. Times staff writer Gregory Yee contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Vermont is recognizing its African American history with a new historical marker honoring poet Lucy Terry Prince, the Associated Press reports. Why it matters: Prince wrote Bars Fight", which is thought to be the oldest known poem by an African American in the United States. Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free The big picture: The new marker was unveiled this week at the Interstate 91 welcome center in Guilford, Vermont, where Prince lived with her husband in the late 1700s. The marker states that Prince was stolen from Africa as a child and enslaved in Deerfield, Massachusetts. Prince became free after she married Abijah Prince in 1756, later settling on 100 acres in Guilford in 1769. Details: "Bars Fight" recounts the 1746 attack on Deerfield settlers, per the AP. The poem endured in oral tradition for over 100 years before appearing on the front page of the Springfield Daily Republican in 1854, according to the historical marker. Like this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free. Meadow Walker, the 22-year-old daughter of late "Fast and Furious" star Paul Walker, got married earlier this month and her father's co-star and close friend actor Vin Diesel walked her down the aisle. Walker married actor Louis Thornton-Allan in the Dominican Republic several weeks ago, she told Vogue in an interview published on Friday. She also commemorated the occasion in an Instagram post, which included a photo of Diesel walking her down the aisle. The wedding was a "very intimate celebration" on the beach, and concluded with "dancing in the sand" and a "wonderful display of fireworks," Walker told Vogue. "The pandemic impacted our plans," she said. "Louis' family wasn't able to attend. A lot of close friends who we consider family were also unable to attend due to travel restrictions." Video clips from the wedding also show Diesel and Meadow preparing to walk down the aisle, as well as Diesel helping the newlyweds get into a car for photos. Walker's father, actor Paul Walker, died in November 2013. The 40-year-old was killed in a car crash in Los Angeles. By the time officials arrived to the scene, the car was engulfed in flames, and both people in the car were declared dead at the scene. Following her father's death, Meadow Walker founded and currently is the president of the Paul Walker Foundation, which seeks to help protect oceans and wildlife. She has also maintained a close relationship with her father's former co-star. On November 24, 2019, Diesel posted a photo of Meadow on Instagram for her 21st birthday, saying, "I could say that I am so proud of the person you are becoming... but the truth is I have always been proud of you. Love you kid." Wind and rain lashes the Pacific Northwest in phenomenon known as a bomb cyclone Eye Opener: Powerful storm slams Northern California Why Michelle Obama encouraged former President Obama to spend more time with Bruce Springsteen Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin speaks to members of the press after casting an early ballot September 23, 2021 in Fairfax, Virginia. Win McNamee/Getty Images Glenn Youngkin said Jewish billionaire George Soros was planting "political operatives" on school boards. The GOP Virginia gubernatorial candidate has been accused of anti-Semitism by some Democrats. A spokesman for Youngkin said the accusations were "ridiculous partisan nonsense." Virginia gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin has been accused of anti-Semitism after he said that Jewish billionaire George Soros plants "political operatives" on school boards in the state. Youngkin, who has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump, made the comments at a rally at in Burke, Virginia on Tuesday. "The blame for these wrongs and the present chaos in our schools lays squarely at the feet of 40-year politician Terry McAuliffe. It just does," Youngkin said, referring to his opponent and former Virginia governor. "But also at George Soros-backed allies. They've inserted political operatives into our school system disguised as school boards." Youngkin was speaking about various controversies plaguing Virginia's school system, particularly protests from parents over the teaching of critical race theory at Loudon County schools. Democrats have accused Youngkin of anti-Semitism over his comments about Soros, a popular target of right-wing conspiracy theories. These conspiracy theories invoke anti-Semitic tropes, casting Soros as a puppet master secretly controlling the global economy and politics. "Evoking George Soros as a shadowy funder is an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. This is an unacceptable statement from Glenn Youngkin," Rep. Elaina Luria wrote on Twitter. Jewish Rep. Eileen Filler-Corn, who represents the district where Youngkin made the comments, also criticized the candidate. Story continues "The next time you visit my home precinct - represented by a Jewish school board member no less - leave your division and antisemitic tropes at home," Filler-Corn wrote on Twitter. Youngkin's campaign spokesman Matt Wolking said the anti-Semitism accusations were "ridiculous partisan nonsense," The Hill reported. "Glenn Youngkin stated facts reported by The Washington Post, so by Elaine Luria's absurd standard, The Washington Post is anti-Semitic," Wolking said in a statement, cited by the outlet. "The millions of dollars that Soros gives to Virginia Democrats and PACs funds the efforts that elect school board members." The Washington Post said it asked Youngkin's camp for examples of Soros backing school board candidates in Virginia. His spokesman Matt Wolking sent the paper links to articles about money connected with Soros going to prosecutor races but nothing about school board candidates. In 2019, the paper also reported that a political action committee funded by the Democratic mega-donor had spent nearly $1 million to promote progressive candidates in primaries in Virginia primaries. The Republican Rabbi Aryeh Spero, who is the president of Jewish group Caucus for America, said the accusations were "specious chutzpah." "Mr. Soros actively and openly engages in politics and in influencing state and local governments and is, therefore, a legitimate object of criticism, especially concerning the leftwing policies he's tried to force on America through his massive underwritings." "Thus, this accusation is just another dishonest attempt to win an election by playing the 'anti-Semitism card,'" he said, according to The Jewish Voice. Glenn Youngkin is currently locked in a tight race for governor with Terry McAuliffe. The election is on November 2. Read the original article on Business Insider Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Amazon's newest fulfillment center in Mexico sits directly adjacent to an impoverished community of makeshift homes. Locals in the community told Insider what they think of having the e-retailer as their new neighbor. One said that Amazon's presence was good as long as it created jobs and didn't destroy the town. See more stories on Insider's business page. Amazon is celebrating the opening of a new fulfillment center in Tijuana, Mexico that it says will give the city better access to one-day deliveries and create 250 jobs. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider The warehouse stands next to a makeshift community of shanty homes, constructed of wood, cardboard, and tarps. Photos illustrating the contrast between the facility and the neighboring homes were shared widely online. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Insider's Katie Canales detailed how the photos of Amazon's Tijuana warehouse went viral. Social media users were quick to condemn the photos as "dystopian." Amazon, for its part, is touting the jobs and investments it will add to the region. A Tijuana city press release said roughly $21 million was invested in the warehouse. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Impoverished communities like Nueva Esperanza are a common sight in Mexico but this one now sits in the shadow of a 344,000-square-foot Amazon facility, and the contrast is stark. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Insider hired an interpreter and crossed the border into Mexico to get a closer look at Nueva Esperanza. Here's what we found. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider We first spotted the fulfillment center on the flight to Tijuana. It was impossible to miss the blue and gray building from the air as it was among the largest in its industrial park. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider While locating Amazon from the air was easy, finding it on a map was difficult. This industrial park is so new that it doesn't even appear on Goggle Maps' satellite view. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Luckily, it wasn't hard to find as we approached the Nueva Esperanza neighborhood. As it turned out, the facility was as easy to spot from the road as it was from the air. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider It was just a 15-minute car ride from the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the largest border crossing in the world, and the facility is just a few miles from the border itself. Story continues Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider The border fence is visible from the highway that serves as the main artery to the zone. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Our first stop was the main gates to the industrial zone, where two local businesses said they have seen their customer base grow significantly in the past few weeks. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Oscar Orduna Paz works for Billieria el Prime, a food stand selling birria that was packing up from the lunch rush as we arrived. He estimated that as many as 50 Amazon workers visit the business daily given its proximity to the industrial zone's gates. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider "It's a benefit not only for us but for the people because they get jobs," Orduna Paz told Insider. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Another small business, located on the opposite side of the industrial park gate, also says it has benefitted from Amazon's presence and the growth of the community. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Lourdes Velazquez Toledo told Insider that she has seen an increase in customers since Amazon has moved in. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider We then traveled the long dirt road that serves as the border between the industrial zone and the neighboring community. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Along the road are makeshift homes and businesses. Some locals have said they fear these homes could be torn down because of Amazon's presence. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider "We are here because we need a place to live," resident Maria Mendoza told the LA Times. "We just don't want this to work against us." Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Source: LA Times "We are in constant communication with the local government to find a way to generate a positive impact in the community," an Amazon spokesperson told Insider when asked about the community's concerns. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider "At Amazon, we are committed to the development of Mexico and the communities in which we operate, benefiting thousands of Mexican families, through the generation of direct and indirect jobs," the company said. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider The neighborhood lacked basic roadway and sidewalk infrastructure. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider But what was once a blank spot on Tijuana's map is now a hotspot of development. Its popularity can be partly attributed to its central geographic location. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Its proximity to Tijuana's logistics hubs was evidenced by the low-flying planes overhead making their approach to Tijuana International Airport, as we did the day prior. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Amazon's facility loomed larger as we made our way to what appeared to be the main intersection of the community. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider The Amazon logo is instantly recognizable as it peers over the town. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider A convenience store in what appeared to be the center of town had a wide selection of goods, including cold Coca-Cola and snacks. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Homes in the town were pieced together by a mixture of materials, ranging from wood and cardboard to tarps. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Some children were playing out in the roadways alongside what appeared to be stray dogs. Residents said journalists had visited the town recently in the wake of Amazon's debut. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider A married couple who spoke to Insider from inside their gated yard told Insider that the media attention had surprised them. Amazon was the only business in the industrial zone that seemed to be of any interest to the media, they said. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider "It's good for the community because it brings jobs," local resident Rosano Ochoa Builon said. "The factory is welcome." Her husband said he was planning to apply to work at Amazon. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Few of the residents interviewed said they directly knew someone employed by Amazon, however. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Another resident, Henry Aworra Hernandez, told Insider he was planning to apply to Amazon. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider For Hernandez, an Amazon job would be the perfect combination of convenience and prestige, giving him a well-paying job without having to travel too far from home, he said. The commute would be as easy as walking down the dirt road to the main gate, and then over to the facility. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider We later found Hernandez collecting recyclable cans that he speculated were from the Amazon facility, in a small landfill along the facility's brick border wall. He said he can collect around 67 Mexican pesos per kilo of cans. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Other residents are hoping Amazon will help them secure basic services for their town. "We want water and electricity, but we'd be more grateful if they helped us with crime. The police never come here," resident Alvaro Gomez told Mexico News Daily. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Source: Mexico News Daily "We're aware that we live in an irregular settlement but half of us pay property tax," Gomez said. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Source: Mexico News Daily "If Amazon wants to get rid of these houses, Amazon has the money to relocate these people," Trinidad Adel Calles Zazueta, a passerby near the warehouse, told Insider. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider More businesses may be looking to call this part of Tijuana home. We spotted other buildings under construction during our visit. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Whether or not they get the same attention as Amazon remains to be seen. Visiting the community of Nueva Esperanza in Tijuana, Mexico next to Amazon's new fulfillment center. Thomas Pallini/Insider Read the original article on Business Insider Several members of a Wake County family, including a former real estate agent and an online pastor, are facing prison, probation and nearly $300,000 in payments after being convicted on 50 counts of bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy and perjury, prosecutors said. Eleven defendants were accused in the case, which involved creating fake identities used to defraud banks and credit card providers, prosecutors said in a release Friday from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Raleigh businessman Michael Griffin, who lives in Knightdale, took fees from clients for alleged credit repair services, but he actually was creating fake credit profiles and using fake police reports to alter his clients credit data, Acting-U.S. Attorney G. Norman Acker III said in the release. Griffins family and others then opened credit accounts using those fake identities, and cashed out the accounts by making prepaid card purchases and defaulting on the credit accounts, according to investigators with the IRS Criminal Investigation division, the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The crimes were perpetrated between July 2017 and August 2021, and defrauded several companies, including Lowes credit card provider Synchrony Bank, Capital One and Discover, they said. Griffin and another defendant, Jasper Deonta Goodman, have pleaded guilty to committing bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud and making a false statement to a bank on a loan, but have not been sentenced yet, prosecutors said. They face 20 to 30 years in prison on each charge. A third man, Shawn Allen Farmer, 52, of Cary, pleaded guilty in January to bank fraud, making false claims, and aiding and abetting, prosecutors said. He was sentenced in May to 15 months in prison and ordered to pay $42,783 in restitution. The rest of the defendants were sentenced Wednesday: Regina Griffin: Griffins 49-year-old sister, who lives in Raleigh and is a former real estate agent, pleaded guilty to making a false statement to influence a bank on a loan. She was sentenced to 14 months in prison, three years of supervised probation, and ordered to pay $70,606.72 in restitution. Story continues Sharon Annita Edmond: Griffins 57-year-old sister, who also lives in Raleigh and is an online pastor, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aiding and abetting. She was sentenced to 12 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $36,204 in restitution. Creshun Alexandria Griffin: Griffins 27-year-old daughter, who also lives in Knightdale, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aiding and abetting. She was sentenced to 30 day in jail, two years of supervised probation and 200 hours of community service. She also was ordered to pay $8,406.51 in restitution. Katina Griffin Perry: Griffins 48-year-old sister, who also lives in Raleigh, pleaded guilty to wire fraud. She was sentenced to two years of probation and 50 hours of community service. Harvey Griffin: Griffins 47-year-old brother, who also lives in Raleigh, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aiding and abetting. He was sentenced to time served, plus three years of supervised probation, and ordered to pay $7,609.75 in restitution. Angela Griffin: Griffins 53-year-old wife, who also lives in Knightdale, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aiding and abetting. She was sentenced to 12 months confinement, five years of supervised probation, and ordered to pay $9,614.31 in restitution. Melvin Griffin: Griffins 45-year-old brother, who also lives in Knightdale, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aiding and abetting. He was sentenced to six months confinement, three years of supervised probation, and ordered to pay $42,861.98 in restitution. Jasmine Mariah Davis: The 29-year-old Lakeland, Florida, resident pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aiding and abetting. She was sentenced to three months confinement, three years of supervised probation, and ordered to pay $69,502.71 in restitution. Tyrone Edmonds: The 47-year-old Weldon, North Carolina, resident pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aiding and abetting. He was sentenced to time served, three years of supervised probation, and ordered to pay $12,407.86 in restitution. Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty There are so many reasons why Halyna Hutchins should still be alive. The 42-year-old mother and cinematographer was reportedly struck by a live round of ammunition from a prop gun on the set of Rust by the films star and producer, Alec Baldwin. Just hours before, the Los Angeles Times reported on Friday that camera crew workersall of whom were members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)walked off to protest labor conditions on the small film set. Members of the crew, including Hutchins, advocated for workers to be treated with respectnamely, that they would be able to stay in a hotel by the filming location of Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe. Instead, the crews were told to drive 50 miles to Albuquerque. Instead of acquiescing to their demands, production decided to hire a non-union crew to take up the work, and as The Daily Beast reported, the set was subsequently plagued by a number of gun misfirings prior to the tragedy. Alec Baldwins Movie Set Was Plagued by Gun Misfires Before Halyna Hutchins Tragic Death While the tragedy has drawn comparisons to Brandon Lees sudden death at the pull of a prop gun during the making of The Crow in 1993, the response to Hutchins death (director Joel Souza was also hit in the shoulder but is expected to recover) has been divided by partisanship and a rather disgusting kind of celebration over Baldwinsa loud, staunch liberal whose portrayal of Trump on SNL has made him a lightning rod for right-wingersgrief. Conservative commentators, social media personalities, and lobbyists have come out of the woodwork to pile on Baldwin without any mention of Hutchins tragic death. Alt-right trolls like InfoWars Mike Cernovichwhose claim to fame largely consists of defending sexual abusers and pushing the Pizzagate conspiracy theorytook to the spirit. I do believe we summon energy with our words and thoughts and its why I try to measure my own, he tweeted early Friday morning, Hollywoods treatment of conservatives and disdain for people - that cant be overlooked as a cause, on a spiritual level, of the Alec Baldwin incident. Hatred summons hatred. Story continues I do believe we summon energy with our words and thoughts and its why I try to measure my own. Hollywoods treatment of conservatives and disdain for people - that cant be overlooked as a cause, on a spiritual level, of the Alec Baldwin incident. Hatred summons hatred. Cernovich (@Cernovich) October 22, 2021 The poor grammar notwithstanding, a man who questions the sheer concept of date rape has no place to talk about what hatred begets. In that same line of unthinking, right-wing followers claimed that in normal circumstances they might feel sorry for Hutchins and Souza, and maybe even for Baldwin, but its Baldwins political stance that makes sympathy hard to muster. This attempt to grasp at the empathy that right-wingers have never shown to victims of gun violence seems, at best, intellectually dishonest and at worst, completely depraved. Its not just the MAGA crowd, though. Bloomberg Opinion writer Eli Lake quipped that SNL should hire Trump to play Alec Baldwin this week, and Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebertwho proudly wields a rifle in her Twitter avatarretweeted Baldwin who said hed make Hands Up/Dont shoot T-shirts. The gun lobbyist then added, are these still available? Asking for a movie producer. Hutchins name, again, was not even mentioned much less honored here. SNL should get Trump to play Alec Baldwin this week. Eli Lake (@EliLake) October 22, 2021 .@AlecBaldwin are these still available? Asking for a movie producer pic.twitter.com/AeE5VHLhqN Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) October 22, 2021 The hypocrisy is so blatant. The overproliferation of firearms in this countrythough touted by both political parties as a necessityis most often championed by these very same pundits. Baldwin may have pulled the trigger but he, nor the film hes on, is the root cause of the issue. This idea that Hutchins death is some divine retribution inflicted upon Baldwin because of his politics is so deeply craven, especially because white Christian conservatives are deeply entrenched in the gun lobby. Folks like right-wing author Michael Malice (promise Im not making that name up) posited that Baldwin, until his dying breath, will have to hear the difference between you and Donald Trump is that Donald trump never killed anyone. Even more so, GOP Senate candidate J.D. Vance is using the tragedy to advocate for Twitter to reinstate Trump for the sole purpose of enjoying the pumpkin dunking on a man who will be haunted by the death of a colleague for the rest of his life. What Went Wrong? Gun Prop Experts on Alec Baldwin Disaster Of course this hasnt been the entire internet, There are plenty of people who are grieving the loss of Hutchins and offering their sympathies to Baldwin. No one should be silly enough to deem Baldwin a saint. As the producer and star of the film, he had the power to listen to the crew and advocate for their demands to be met, if not because theyre human beings but also because it placed the entire production at risk. Its a shadowy coincidence that in the midst of Hollywoods biggest labor fight, if those with power had listened, perhaps this accident couldve been avoided. Even more, if Hollywood would reassess its use of dangerous prop guns with live ammunition more generally, Hutchins might still be with us. But thats a life-giving reality that the right wing opts to ignore when hate is the most accessible weapon at their disposal. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Rohn Bishop went to war against Donald Trump and won. In 2020, after the chairman of the Republican Party in Wisconsins Fond du Lac County refused to stop promoting mail-in balloting as part of his strategy to turn out voters for the then-president, the Trump campaign opened its own office in the region. The move was an attempt to sideline Bishop and the Fond du Lac County GOP because the chairman would not toe the line on mail-in balloting that it was untrustworthy and verboten. But Bishops turnout machine was so successful and preferred by local Republican activists that the county partys office bustled down the stretch of the 2020 contest while the Trump campaigns pop-up office was generally a ghost town. Not only did Bishop and his team hit their turnout goals after all votes were counted, after the Nov. 3 election, he was overwhelmingly reelected Fond du Lac GOP chairman despite vocally crossing Trump on such a sensitive issue. I wasnt trying to cause trouble, Bishop told the Washington Examiner in a telephone interview. My fear at the time was that President Trump would scare Republicans away from voting. As to how Bishop managed to win another term as county chairman despite further disagreeing with Trump on the matter of whether the outcome in Wisconsin Biden won the state was legitimate? Bishop believes it is because the Republican activists who supported his reelection know he worked furiously to deliver Trump a second term. The former president won 62.5% of the vote in Fond du Lac County, more than any GOP presidential nominee in history. I wasnt Never Trump, Bishop said. No one can look at me and say I wasnt working hard for the Republican ticket. I handed out over 1,000 of [Trumps] yard signs. MIKE PENCE'S MOMENT OF TRUTH In August, Bishop stepped down as Fond du Lac County GOP chairman to launch a bid for mayor of Waupun, Wisconsin. To this day, Trump refuses to concede defeat to President Joe Biden and insists the election was stolen as part of a broad conspiracy. Some of his complaints involve the expansion of mail-in, or absentee, voting in the 2020 campaign as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Wisconsin was among many states that expanded and encouraged mail-in voting, a development the former president said then would lead to massive fraud. Story continues Throughout the campaign, and especially as Election Day approached, Trump in tweets and public comments aggressively encouraged Republican voters to avoid mail-in balloting and participate in-person at physical polling places. It was Bishops critical response to this rhetoric and the national news it made in the summer of last year that piqued the ire of Trump campaign headquarters and some of the former presidents staunch supporters. Bishop did not flinch. Most people were very appreciative of Rohn standing his ground, said Jaedon Buchholz, who was the Trump campaigns top field organizer in Fond du Lac County in 2020 and was appointed interim chairman of the county party. There were a couple of people a bit annoyed by it. But I dont recall anything major. Most of the disagreement came when the election happened, and people couldnt accept the results. Like elsewhere in the United States, GOP infighting over whether Trumps claims about his loss to Biden have merit is roiling Republicans in Fond du Lac County. Bishop and his allies stand by their position that Wisconsins handling of mail-in balloting was above board and could be trusted by Republican voters. And they also reaffirmed their view that expanding access to mail-in balloting in response to the coronavirus was the right call. When Trump began discouraging mail-in voting, Bishop worried it would cost Trump reelection and boost Democrats down-ballot, and that fear drove him to reject Trumps arguments publicly. But other Republicans in east-central Wisconsin remain fixated on Nov. 3, 2020. They are convinced Trump was denied his rightful claim to the states 10 Electoral College votes. Biden defeated Trump statewide in Wisconsin 49.6% to 48.9%. In local meetings, however, Republican voters continue to express doubts about the outcome, no matter what they are told to the contrary by GOP officials who are disappointed the 45th president lost but worried that the party will incur more damage if it does not begin to look forward. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Some of that concern is driven by Trumps threats that Republicans might not show up to vote in the 2022 midterm elections, or even in the 2024 presidential election, unless the 2020 contest is addressed to his satisfaction. Next year, voters in Wisconsin go to the polls to elect a governor and a senator, and the state is expected to reprise its role as a key battleground two years later. Our Republican Party is divided in this county, with people trying to move forward and people who still believe the [notion] that the election was stolen, said Lisa Freiburg, a Republican and the elected county clerk of Fond du Lac County. The election went as the election went I spoke the other night to 70-plus people, and its amazing the accusations leveled about what happened. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, Campaigns, 2022 Elections, 2024 Elections, 2020 Elections, Wisconsin, Donald Trump Original Author: David M. Drucker Original Location: How a Wisconsin Republican survived a disagreement with Trump over mail-in voting (Bloomberg) -- Never in human history has a ton of coal cost more. Governments and utilities across the globe are willing to pay record sums to literally keep the lights on. That's the bruising reality that global leaders must face at the high-stakes climate talks in Glasgow this month as hopes fade for a deal to end the worlds reliance on the dirtiest fuel. Most Read from Bloomberg The burning of coal represents the biggest single obstacle to meeting the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 1.5C. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls it a deadly addiction, and COP26 president Alok Sharma has urged leaders to consign coal to history. Theres been some progress already the global pipeline of new coal-fired power plants has shrunk almost 70% since 2015. President Xi Jinping announced last month China will stop building coal-fired power plants abroad, while Germany now wants to end its use of coal by the end of this decade and more than 40 countries have committed to no new coal. Renewable-energy is expanding sharply. But the dramatic rally in prices in recent weeks shows ever more clearly that its nowhere near enough. Humanity remains deeply dependent on coal. For one thing, coal continues to dominate the worlds total electricity generation mix by a large margin. There are still more new coal plants being built than old ones switching off, and the International Energy Agency projects emissions from the power sector will reach a record in 2022 as coal-power use surges. To meet the 1.5C target, emissions from coal need to drop this decade about twice as quickly as pollution from oil and gas, according to Carbon Brief analysis of global emissions-scenarios. For example, in one of dozens of potential pathways to achieving the target, coal emissions would need to fall by 79% from 2019 to 2030. Story continues Thats a gargantuan challenge, made even more daunting given this years surging appetite for coal to generate electricity. A global power crunch and shortage of natural gas has driven up coal demand, sending prices soaring to records in nominal terms and squeezing supplies. And while production has been constrained as the biggest mining companies retreat from coal under pressure from investors, the high prices are likely to attract private and smaller players who dont face the same constraints, meaning theres more coal available to burn. Like almost every other aspect of the global economic story, coal demand in the past three decades has been a story about the rise of China. As the worlds manufacturing base moved east, so did the demand for cheap, easy-to-build power needed to fuel everything from steel plants to cities. Since 1990, U.S. coal demand has halved, largely because power companies have turned to gas instead. European demand has dropped by almost two thirds. Yet these gains have been easily offset by Chinas growth. Its consumption was roughly on par with the U.S. when the Cold War ended, but now stands at a stunning 87,638 terajoules, more than half the worlds total demand. Its not just China. India now burns more coal than Europe and the U.S combined and miners are betting on rising demand over the next decade from countries such as Vietnam, Bangladesh and Indonesia, although pollution concerns and cheaper alternatives threaten to derail those plans. Nothing highlights coals migration from west to east better than where power stations are being retired and built. For decades, plants have been closing across Europe, phased out by a potent combination of climate policy pressure, tumbling renewables costs and a flood of cheap gas. The U.K., the original poster child for the coal-powered Industrial Revolution, went 67 consecutive days without burning any of the fuel last year. Spain alone closed seven of its 15 coal plants in 2020. In total, half of the regions coal plants have closed or will close by 2030. This year, the power crisis in Europe has exposed the vulnerabilities in the system. The U.K. has been particularly hard hit after calm weather hit wind-power supply, exacerbating the effects of a wider regional gas shortage. Meanwhile, closures in Europe have been easily offset by new builds across Asia. China, India, Indonesia, Japan and Vietnam plan to add more than 600 coal power units. China alone is currently building or planning coal power plants that are the equivalent of six times Germanys entire coal burning capacity. The 2010s have been the decade of renewable energy. Rapid increases in technology, hefty government subsidies and tumbling costs have seen seas of solar panels and forests of wind turbines become commonplace. Yet despite the huge renewable rollout, burning coal remains the worlds favorite way to make power, accounting for 35% of all electricity . While the renewables share has grown from 20% to 29% of the global mix in the last decade, coal only lost 5 percentage points in the same period. Coal is the single biggest source of carbon dioxide emissions and the electricity sectors biggest source of greenhouse gases. While global CO2 emissions fell by the most on record last year, this was driven by a collapse in demand driven by the pandemic, rather than a step change in fossil fuel use. Global emissions are surging back this year as the economy recovers and power crunches ripple around the world. Read more: In a World Fighting Climate Change, Fossil Fuels Take Revenge (Michael Bloomberg, the founder and majority owner of Bloomberg LP, the parent company of Bloomberg News, has committed $500 million to launch Beyond Carbon, a campaign aimed at closing the remaining coal-powered plants in the U.S. by 2030.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2021 Bloomberg L.P. In the video, Harris says when she attended church in Oakland, California, it was our sacred responsibility to raise our voice and to lift up the voices of our community. Translation: Vote for Democrats, though their track record is less than admirable when it comes to serving Black and brown communities. For Democrats, African Americans never seem to succeed and are always in need of government. Why? To do what? Reduce shootings in the streets of our major cities? Create and keep families together? Give parents an opportunity for their children to escape failing public schools and allow them to choose a school that provides a real education in a safe environment? None of the above. It is in Democrats self-interest to keep African Americans loyal and beholden to their party, though so little is given in return. Many of those who are returning are asking for more: not just higher pay, but flexible hours and better working conditions. Many, like members of the United Auto Workers who work for Deere & Company, makers of John Deere tractors, are on strike, asking for a larger share of the companys profits. Its like the whole country is in some kind of union renegotiation, Betsey Stevenson, a University of Michigan economist told the Times. I dont know whos going to win in this bargaining thats going on right now, but right now it seems like workers have the upper hand. To which we must say: Good. While they have our attention, we should hear what they say. Its not that Americans dont want to work; theyre among the hardest-working people in the world. Most take pride in a good job done well. Japan's Princess Mako turns 30 on Saturday, three days before she marries a commoner and leaves the Imperial family. The princess is the eldest daughter of Crown Prince and Princess Akishino. This is the second consecutive year that no events have been planned for her birthday due to the coronavirus pandemic. Over the past year, Princess Mako has engaged in a range of activities as a member of the Imperial family. She has attended online lectures about the mental wellbeing of children who experienced the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan, and others struggling amid the pandemic. The princess will become a commoner after she marries her college classmate Komuro Kei. Palace officials say she wants to express her heartfelt gratitude to all those who have met and supported her during her years of public service. Princess Mako has visited seven countries to promote friendly ties. She and Komuro are due to have their marriage registered on Tuesday. The pair will then speak to the media. Komuro recently returned to Japan from the United States, where he was studying law. The couple plan to settle in New York, where Komuro is set to work at a law firm. The stream of requests has been dwindling for the past 1 years, Crawford said. We used to mail every month, she said. Now, we mail every other month. The Cookie Crumbs only plan to send one holiday box this year. They will fill in with candy around the edges as packing material, Crawford said. Shipping costs have soared, but Iowa Cookie Crumbs is a nonprofit 5013 and operates entirely on donations. We have people that donate every month, Crawford said. We have a lot of community donations that are totally unexpected they just show up. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The work has been very heartwarming, Crawford said. I have met so many wonderful people since we started this, she said. That includes people from southwest Iowa, Omaha and men who are veterans, Crawford said. They just come and work and then they have a cup of coffee or something, she said. Its just a wonderful group of people, and I am truly blessed. We want to take care of our men and women who are (serving overseas). After serving as the Pottawattamie County Recorder for seven years, Mark Brandenburg has retired. Brandenburg said he decided to retire after family encouragement and a heart transplant in January. During his time as County Recorder, Brandenburg brought a passport office to the recorders office. Initially, the Department of Justice said we can only have one (passport office) in the area, he said. I continued to visit with him and I was finally able to try it. Since the addition, the passport office has served roughly 9,412 people and generated $417,259 in revenue. The revenue has almost outpaced the costs for services. I truly enjoyed the job and had an awesome staff, he said. They were terrific and I looked forward to going to work everyday. Another accomplishment for Brandenburg was that he and his staff were able to finish digitizing all land records. There were over 1,500 books scanned and digitized so they are preserved, he said. The records go all the way back to 1853. CEDAR RAPIDS Election politics may do more to win approval of the trillion-dollar infrastructure package he voted for than congressional arm-twisting has so far accomplished, Sen. Chuck Grassley said. The Iowa Republican has heard Democrats may bring it up for a vote before the end of the month to help win the Nov. 2 Virginia gubernatorial race. What Ive heard is that the race for governor is tightening up so much against the Democrats in Virginia that maybe this administration needs to show a win in order to keep Democrats voting in that particular state, Grassley told reporters Wednesday. Democrat Terry McAuliffes lead has disappeared, according to a recent Monmouth University poll, which showed him tied with Republican Glenn Youngkin. Grassley was among the 19 Republicans who joined Senate Democrats in passing the bipartisan infrastructure package in August. It includes $550 billion in new spending over five years to improve hard infrastructure. What services does your agency provide, and who generally does it serve? We're an organization that matches a mentor and mentee that get together one hour a week on school grounds. It's meant for the mentee to have a positive role model in their lives. Mentees are children from grades 3-12. 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. Five years later, he was assigned to churches in Rushville and Hay Springs, which bordered South Dakotas Pine Ridge Reservation. He was there for six years. Natives would come down from the rez and sell blocks of cheese and canned meats so they could buy alcohol. We had done that to them. We put them on non-productive reservation land, gave them minimum check payments and asked that they eke out a minimal living. They turned to alcoholism, he said. Sometimes, they would come to the door and ask for food. I would give them food, but to give them a sense of human dignity, I would ask them to pick up litter or twigs in the church yard, he said. Some people came two or three times a week, especially in the summer. He got to know some of them. One man in his mid- to late 20s looked like he was in his 40s because his face was so disfigured from alcoholism. Id sit on the front porch with him. He was quiet. Sometimes wed just sit together in silence, Faesser said. Native peoples plight Faesser became increasingly troubled by what he saw and experienced. Visitor facilities at Lakes McConaughy and Ogallala will benefit most from higher nonresident park permit fees that the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved Friday, a key agency official says. Parks division administrator Jim Swenson spoke with The Telegraph after the commission, meeting at North Platte Community Colleges North Campus, set permit fees for non-Nebraska vehicles at twice the resident cost. Fridays vote carries out the intent of Legislative Bill 336, enacted in May. State Sen. Dan Hughes of Venango introduced it as a way to steer more state dollars toward improving and managing the twin Kingsley Dam lakes in Keith County. LB 336 at first called for a second type of nonresident park permit good statewide except for the Kingsley lakes, long the destination of substantial influxes of visitors from Colorado during summer holiday weekends. Hughes agreed to simply boost nonresident fees after Game and Parks leaders said managing two types of nonresident permits would be difficult. Swenson, who thanked Hughes Friday for pushing LB 336, said the great share of an expected $744,000 annual increase in nonresident permit revenue will go to Lake Mac and the little lake. Two individuals were arrested early Tuesday after a pursuit on westbound U.S. Highway 30 in which speeds reached more than 120 mph, according to a Nebraska State Patrol media release. The driver of the vehicle, a 17-year-old girl, was taken to Dawson County Jail on suspicion of felony flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, obstruction, criminal impersonation and a number of traffic violations. The passenger, a 28-year-old Rockford, Illinois, resident, was taken to the Lincoln County Detention Center on suspicion of obstruction, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and outstanding warrants from Illinois. According to the media release: About midnight, a state trooper stopped a Toyota 4Runner for failing to stop at a sign after exiting Interstate 80 at mile marker 231. During the stop, the driver provided a false name. As another trooper arrived to provide assistance, the driver accelerated and headed north. The Toyota then headed west on Highway 30 toward Cozad. The Cozad Police Department deployed stop sticks to slow the vehicle, which continued to head west. "It's a small town," he said. "We all feel the pain." From the outside, there was no indication something was amiss, Blauvelt told the World-Herald. Blauvelt said Hoskinson was the chief grain merchandiser at the elevator and that the female co-worker who died at the scene was a merchandiser who worked for him. The merchandiser was a native of Superior who, like Hoskinson, had worked at the elevator for a number of years, Blauvelt said. State Patrol Lt. Michael Korte said investigators spent hours Thursday talking with witnesses, including the employee who authorities say shot Hoskinson. That employee, Korte said, was not wounded. Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, described the shooting as "shocking and devastating" in a statement issued Thursday afternoon, adding "(First Lady) Susanne (Shore) and I are praying for the victims of the attack." Korte said the names of victims would be released Friday. It's unclear how long the Agrex facility would remain closed. Agrex, based in Overland Park, Kansas, operates elevators in four states, including the one in Superior and another near Norfolk, according to its website. Lev Parnas. Photo: Zach Gibson/Getty Images Lev Parnas, the sketchy Florida businessman who became an infamous associate of Rudy Giulianis during the Trump administration, was convicted of multiple federal campaign-finance charges on Friday. A Manhattan jury took less than six hours of deliberation to return guilty verdicts on all six counts Parnas faced. Prosecutors alleged that Parnas had schemed with co-conspirators to use foreign money to donate to political candidates in several states in the hopes of buying favorable treatment for a cannabis company he and Igor Fruman, another Giuliani buddy, had been trying to launch. Parnas was also convicted on counts related to a $325,000 donation in 2018 to the Trump-backing America First Action Super PAC, which was the first donation Parnas made that drew scrutiny from the Federal Election Commission. Parnas and Fruman were arrested by the FBI in 2019 while attempting to leave the country. The pair also worked with Giuliani to try to dig up politically damaging dirt in Ukraine on Joe Biden, and their involvement became a major storyline in the Trumps subsequent impeachment over the matter. Parnas eventually spoke out publicly against Trump, claiming the president knew exactly what was going on with the efforts to pressure the government of Ukraine to investigate Biden and his familys dealings in the country. Fruman pleaded guilty last month to solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national. Another co-conspirator, Parnass co-defendant Andrey Kukushkin, was also found guilty on Friday of two counts related to the scheme. Parnas faces another trial for allegedly defrauding investors using a fake company called no joke Fraud Guarantee. Giuliani, of course, still faces his own legal predicament. There isnt a lot to like in the companys internal documents. Photo: Erkan Akkaya/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images A consortium of media organizations are reporting revelations from a trove of leaked internal documents from Facebook. Most of the company documents were provided to Congress, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and to a consortium of news organizations by lawyers representing Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen. She recently testified before Congress about a range of troubling issues and policies at the social-media giant and has filed at least eight whistleblower complaints about the company putting profit over public safety with the SEC. In addition, the Washington Post has reported that a new Facebook whistleblower, who is a former employee like Haugen, has submitted a sworn affidavit to the SEC that makes similar allegations. Facebook, which is getting ready to announce a company name change, has been pushing back against all reports. The company has denied that it values profit over public safety, emphasized the effectiveness of its safeguards, and claimed the leaked documents present a cherry-picked, negative view of the companys internal operations. Below, a guide to the latest revelations from the leaked Facebook papers. . Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Monday that the company was undertaking a long-term retooling to make engaging younger users its north star. As our Verge colleague Alex Heath explains, the leaked documents detail why: Teenage users of the Facebook app in the US had declined by 13 percent since 2019 and were projected to drop 45 percent over the next two years, driving an overall decline in daily users in the companys most lucrative ad market. Young adults between the ages of 20 and 30 were expected to decline by 4 percent during the same timeframe. Making matters worse, the younger a user was, the less on average they regularly engaged with the app. The message was clear: Facebook was losing traction with younger generations fast. The aging up issue is real, the researcher wrote in an internal memo. They predicted that, if increasingly fewer teens are choosing Facebook as they grow older, the company would face a more severe decline in young users than it already projected. And young adults really dont like Facebook: Most young adults perceive Facebook as a place for people in their 40s and 50s, according to [a March presentation to the companys chief product officer, Chris Cox.] Young adults perceive content as boring, misleading, and negative. They often have to get past irrelevant content to get to what matters. It added that they have a wide range of negative associations with Facebook including privacy concerns, impact to their wellbeing, along with low awareness of relevant services. The March presentation to Cox showed that, in the US, teen acquisition is low and regressing further. Account registrations for users under 18 were down 26 percent from the previous year in the apps five top countries. For teens already on Facebook, the company was continuing to see lower or worsening levels of engagement compared to older cohorts. Messages sent by teens were down 16 percent from the previous year, while messages sent by users aged 2030 were flat. Heath notes that there are warning signs for Instagram, too: Instagram was doing better with young people, with full saturation in the US, France, the UK, Japan, and Australia. But there was still cause for concern. Posting by teens had dropped 13 percent from 2020 and remains the most concerning trend, the researchers noted, adding that the increased use of TikTok by teens meant that we are likely losing our total share of time. The company also estimated that teenagers spend two to three times more time on TikTok than Instagram. . Some individuals who operate multiple Facebook accounts (which the company calls Single User Multiple Accounts, or SUMAs) have been responsible for a lot of the most divisive and harmful content on Facebook. But as Politico reports, the leaked documents indicate the company failed to address the problem after identifying it: [A] significant swath of [SUMAs] spread so many divisive political posts that theyve mushroomed into a massive source of the platforms toxic politics, according to internal company documents and interviews with former employees. While plenty of SUMAs are harmless, Facebook employees for years have flagged many such accounts as purveyors of dangerous political activity. Yet, the company has failed to crack down on SUMAs in any comprehensive way, the documents show. Thats despite the fact that operating multiple accounts violates Facebooks community guidelines. Company research from March 2018 said accounts that could be SUMAs were reaching about 11 million viewers daily, or about 14 percent of the total U.S. political audience. During the week of March 4, 2018, 1.6 million SUMA accounts made political posts that reached U.S. users. . One of Trumps most inflammatory social media posts came on May 28, 2020, when he issued a warning to those protesting George Floyds murder in Minneapolis that when the looting starts the shooting starts! The AP reports that Facebooks automated software determined with almost 90% certainty that the president had violated its rules. But Trumps post, and account, stayed up, even as the company found that things began rapidly deteriorating on Facebook immediately after his message: The internal analysis shows a five-fold increase in violence reports on Facebook, while complaints of hate speech tripled in the days following Trumps post. Reports of false news on the platform doubled. Reshares of Trumps message generated a substantial amount of hateful and violent comments, many of which Facebook worked to remove. Some of those comments included calls to start shooting these thugs and f- the white. On May 29, CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote on his Facebook page that Trump had not violated Facebooks policies, since he did not cause imminent risk of specific harms or dangers spelled out in clear policies. The company told the AP that its software is not always correct, and that humans are more reliable judges. . The Wall Street Journal notes that there has been contentious internal debate about the far rights use of Facebook, and that political considerations loom large within company management: The documents reviewed by the Journal didnt render a verdict on whether bias influences its decisions overall. They do show that employees and their bosses have hotly debated whether and how to restrain right-wing publishers, with more-senior employees often providing a check on agitation from the rank and file. The documents viewed by the Journal, which dont capture all of the employee messaging, didnt mention equivalent debates over left-wing publications. Other documents also reveal that Facebooks management team has been so intently focused on avoiding charges of bias that it regularly places political considerations at the center of its decision making. . Politico reports that the internal documents show that in late 2020, Facebook researchers concluded that the companys efforts to moderate hate speech in the Middle East were failing, and not without consequence: Only six percent of Arabic-language hate content was detected on Instagram before it made its way onto the photo-sharing platform owned by Facebook. That compared to a 40 percent takedown rate on Facebook. Ads attacking women and the LGBTQ community were rarely flagged for removal in the Middle East. In a related survey, Egyptian users told the company they were scared of posting political views on the platform out of fear of being arrested or attacked online. In Afghanistan, where 5 million people are monthly users, Facebook employed few local-language speakers to moderate content, resulting in less than one percent of hate speech being taken down. Across the Middle East, clunky algorithms to detect terrorist content incorrectly deleted non-violent Arabic content 77 percent of the time, harming peoples ability to express themselves online and limiting the reporting of potential war crimes. In Iraq and Yemen, high levels of coordinated fake accounts many tied to political or jihadist causes spread misinformation and fomented local violence, often between warring religious groups. . The leaked documents reveal more information about Facebook training its platform algorithms to boost engagement in 2017 by promoting posts that provoked emotional responses. The effort was an attempt to reverse a decline in how much users were posting and communicating on the site. Per the Washington Post: Facebook programmed the algorithm that decides what people see in their news feeds to use the reaction emoji as signals to push more emotional and provocative content including content likely to make them angry. Starting in 2017, Facebooks ranking algorithm treated emoji reactions as five times more valuable than likes, internal documents reveal. Facebook for three years systematically amped up some of the worst of its platform, making it more prominent in users feeds and spreading it to a much wider audience. The power of the algorithmic promotion undermined the efforts of Facebooks content moderators and integrity teams, who were fighting an uphill battle against toxic and harmful content. The angry emoji itself has also prompted internal controversy. . The Washington Post also makes note of new information revealed in the leaked documents regarding Facebooks efforts to research manipulating users emotions: The culture of experimentation ran deep at Facebook, as engineers pulled levers and measured the results. An experiment in 2014 sought to manipulate the emotional valence of posts shown in users feeds to be more positive or more negative, and then watch to see if the posts changed to match, raising ethical concerns, The Post reported at the time. Another, reported by [whistleblower Frances] Haugen to Congress this month, involved turning off safety measures for a subset of users as a comparison to see if the measures worked at all. A previously unreported set of experiments involved boosting some people more frequently into the feeds of some of their randomly chosen friends and then, once the experiment ended, examining whether the pair of friends continued communication, according to the documents. A researcher hypothesized that, in other words, Facebook could cause relationships to become closer. . The Associated Press reports that according to the leaked documents, last March, as the U.S. vaccine rollout was picking up steam, Facebook employees researched ways to counter anti-vaccine claims on the platform, but the solutions they suggested werent implemented either quickly or at all: By altering how posts about vaccines are ranked in peoples newsfeeds, researchers at the company realized they could curtail the misleading information individuals saw about COVID-19 vaccines and offer users posts from legitimate sources like the World Health Organization. Given these results, Im assuming were hoping to launch ASAP, one Facebook employee wrote, responding to the internal memo about the study. Instead, Facebook shelved some suggestions from the study. Other changes werent made until April. When another Facebook researcher suggested disabling comments on vaccine posts in March until the platform could do a better job of tackling anti-vaccine messages lurking in them, that proposal was ignored. And Facebook had already been struggling to detect and address user comments expressing opposition or hesitancy toward the vaccines: [C]ompany employees admitted they didnt have a handle on catching those comments. And if they did, Facebook didnt have a policy in place to take the comments down. The free-for-all was allowing users to swarm vaccine posts from news outlets or humanitarian organizations with negative comments about vaccines. Our ability to detect (vaccine hesitancy) in comments is bad in English and basically non-existent elsewhere, another internal memo posted on March 2 said. . The New York Times reports that according to internal documents, the company has scrutinized some of its core features and how they could cause harm: What researchers found was often far from positive. Time and again, they determined that people misused key features or that those features amplified toxic content, among other effects. In an August 2019 internal memo, several researchers said it was Facebooks core product mechanics meaning the basics of how the product functioned that had let misinformation and hate speech flourish on the site. The mechanics of our platform are not neutral, they concluded. The Times adds that while the internal documents do not reveal how Facebook acted in response to the research, most of the platforms core experience has remained the same, and Many significant modifications to the social network were blocked in the service of growth and keeping users engaged, some current and former executives said. . Our Verge colleague Casey Newton explains that one theme that stands out from the leaked documents is the significant variation in content moderation resources afforded to different countries based on criteria that are not public or subject to external review: Brazil, India, and the United States were placed in tier zero, the highest priority. Facebook set up war rooms to monitor the network continuously. They created dashboards to analyze network activity and alerted local election officials to any problems. Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, and Italy were placed in tier one. They would be given similar resources, minus some resources for enforcement of Facebooks rules and for alerts outside the period directly around the election. In tier two, 22 countries were added. They would have to go without the war rooms, which Facebook also calls enhanced operations centers. The rest of the world was placed into tier three. Facebook would review election-related material if it was escalated to them by content moderators. Otherwise, it would not intervene. . The Associated Press reports that the internal documents reveal that Facebook did not dedicate the necessary resources to tackle hate speech and incitements to violence in numerous countries around the world and knew it: An examination of the files reveals that in some of the worlds most volatile regions, terrorist content and hate speech proliferate because the company remains short on moderators who speak local languages and understand cultural contexts. And its platforms have failed to develop artificial-intelligence solutions that can catch harmful content in different languages. The root problem is that the platform was never built with the intention it would one day mediate the political speech of everyone in the world, said Eliza Campbell, director of the Middle East Institutes Cyber Program. But for the amount of political importance and resources that Facebook has, moderation is a bafflingly under-resourced project. . Reports CNN: The company has known about human traffickers using its platforms in this way since at least 2018, the documents show Facebook documents describe women trafficked in this way being subjected to physical and sexual abuse, being deprived of food and pay, and having their travel documents confiscated so they cant escape. Earlier this year, an internal Facebook report noted that gaps still exist in our detection of on-platform entities engaged in domestic servitude and detailed how the companys platforms are used to recruit, buy and sell what Facebooks documents call domestic servants. . In 2019, Apple threatened to remove Facebook and Instagram from its app store, citing the reported sale and trade of women as maids on Facebook in the Middle East. CNN reports that according to internal documents, Facebook employees then rushed to take down problematic content and make emergency policy changes avoid what they described as a potentially severe consequence for the business. The Associated Press adds that Facebook acknowledged internally that it was under-enforcing on confirmed abusive activity. And its a still a problem, per the AP: Facebooks crackdown seems to have had a limited effect. Even today, a quick search for khadima, or maids in Arabic, will bring up accounts featuring posed photographs of Africans and South Asians with ages and prices listed next to their images. Thats even as the Philippines government has a team of workers that do nothing but scour Facebook posts each day to try and protect desperate job seekers from criminal gangs and unscrupulous recruiters using the site. . When Facebooks CEO was hit with an ultimatum from Vietnams autocratic government censor posts from anti-government pages or be forced to cease operations in the country he placated the autocrats. The Washington Post reports that ahead of an election in the country, Zuckerberg personally gave the okay to bend to government demands. As a result, Facebook significantly increased censorship of anti-state posts, giving the government near-total control over the platform, according to local activists and free-speech advocates. The country has strict rules around dissent in social media, and its authorities often detain and prosecute citizens who run afoul of them. Zuckerbergs decision illustrates how Facebooks stated commitment to free speech shifts drastically across countries. It is also illustrative of the crucial role the social network plays in disseminating information around the world a reality often overlooked in the conversation around its American operations. . In 2019 and 2020, a researcher at Facebook created fictitious user accounts on the platform in order to test how the companys recommendation systems fed misinformation and polarizing content. One test user, created in the summer of 2019, was a conservative mother named Carol Smith from North Carolina who expressed an interest in politics, parenting, and Christianity. Within two days, Facebook was already recommending QAnon groups to the woman. That continued even after the test user did not follow the suggested groups. In a report titled Carols Journey to QAnon, the researcher concluded that Facebook ultimately supplied a barrage of extreme, conspiratorial, and graphic content. Facebook has since banned QAnon groups from the platform, but NBC News reports: The body of research consistently found Facebook pushed some users into rabbit holes, increasingly narrow echo chambers where violent conspiracy theories thrived. People radicalized through these rabbit holes make up a small slice of total users, but at Facebooks scale, that can mean millions of individuals. The researcher left the company in 2020, citing Facebooks slow response to the rise of QAnon as a reason in her exit letter. . On November 5, 2020, a Facebook employee alerted colleagues that election misinformation had proliferated in comments responding to posts and that the worst of these messages were being amplified to the tops of comment threads. On November 9, a Facebook data scientist informed his colleagues that about 10 percent of all U.S. views of political content on the platform were of content alleging there had been election fraud as much as one in every 50 views on Facebook at the time. He added that there was also a fringe of incitement to violence in the content, according to the New York Times. . Facebook dismantled some of the safeguards it had put in place to counter misinformation ahead of and immediately following the 2020 election, according to the leaked documents. The New York Times reports that three former employees said that Facebook, in part concerned about user backlash, began winding down some of those safeguards in November. It also disbanded a 300-person Civic Integrity team in early December just as the Stop the Steal movement was gaining more and more momentum, including on Facebook. Some Stop the Steal Facebook groups enjoyed record-breaking growth compared with any other group on the platform up to then, and it was apparent that group organizers were actively trying to get around Facebooks moderation efforts. The documents, including a company postmortem analysis, indicate that Facebook failed to address the movement as a whole and thus didnt do all it could have to counter the spread of Stop the Steal on the platform. Facebook was then left scrambling to implement emergency measures on January 6 when the movement became an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. . On January 6, after Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and CTO Mike Schroepfer posted notes condemning the Capitol riot on the companys internal discussion platform, some employees responded with outrage. Among their comments: Im struggling to match my value to my employment here. I came here hoping to affect change and improve society, but all Ive seen is atrophy and abdication of responsibility. Leadership overrides research-based policy decisions to better serve people like the groups inciting violence today. Rank-and-file workers have done their part to identify changes to improve our platforms but have been actively held back. This is not a new problem. We have been watching this behavior from politicians like Trump, and the at best wishy-washy actions of company leadership, for years now. We have been reading the [farewell] posts from trusted, experienced, and loved colleagues who write that they simply cannot conscience working for a company that does not do more to mitigate the negative effects on its platform. All due respect, but havent we had enough time to figure out how to manage discourse without enabling violence? Weve been fueling this fire for a long time, and we shouldnt be surprised its now out of control. I wish I felt otherwise, but its simply not enough to say that were adapting, because we should have adapted already long ago. There were dozens of Stop the Steal groups active up until yesterday, and I doubt they minced words about their intentions. . As the New York Times emphasized in its report on Friday: What the documents do not offer is a complete picture of decision-making inside Facebook. Some internal studies suggested that the company struggled to exert control over the scale of its network and how quickly information spread, while other reports hinted that Facebook was concerned about losing engagement or damaging its reputation. Yet what was unmistakable was that Facebooks own employees believed the social network could have done more, according to the documents. . Facebooks largest national user base is in India, where 340 million people use one of the companys social-media platforms. But the New York Times reports that the leaked documents provide stark evidence of one of the most serious criticisms levied by human rights activists and politicians against the world-spanning company: It moves into a country without fully understanding its potential impact on local culture and politics, and fails to deploy the resources to act on issues once they occur. One leaked document indicated that only 13 percent of Facebooks global budget for time spent classifying misinformation was set aside for markets beyond the U.S., despite the fact that 90 percent of Facebooks user base is abroad. (Facebook told the Times those figures were incomplete.) According to the documents, Facebook has struggled to address the spread of misinformation, hate speech (including anti-Muslim content), and celebrations of violence on the platform in India. The companys efforts have been hampered by a lack of resources, a lack of expertise in the countrys numerous languages, and other problems like the use of bots linked to some of Indias political groups. As one stark example, a Facebook researcher, who ran an experiment in 2019 where a test user in India followed all the recommendations made by the platforms algorithms, later said in a report, Following this test users News Feed, Ive seen more images of dead people in the past three weeks than Ive seen in my entire life total. EU politicians warned Facebook about political polarization on their site in 2019 The Washington Post reported that a team from Facebook traveled to the European Union and heard critiques from politicians about a change to the sites algorithm that was made in 2018. They said that the adjustment had changed politics for the worse, according to an April 2019 document. The team noted particular concerns in Poland where political party members believed that Facebook was contributing to a social civil war where negative politicking received more weight and attention on the platform: In Warsaw, the two major parties Law and Justice and the opposition Civic Platform accused social media of deepening the countrys political polarization, describing the situation as unsustainable, the Facebook report said. Across multiple European countries, major mainstream parties complained about the structural incentive to engage in attack politics, the report said. They see a clear link between this and the outsize influence of radical parties on the platform. This post has been updated. 8 a.m.: Check into your beachfront hotel Delta has direct flights from JFK to Dakar that take about eight hours. I arrived in the morning and had a taxi waiting for me (I called ahead, and the hotel booked it). Dakar is four hours ahead of NYC, so I was ready to start the day after decompressing in my room at Terrou-Bi (Boulevard Martin Luther King), which a local friend recommended for its proximity to the city center. It also has its own private beach as well as a casino (which I didnt use). 1 p.m.: Take a speedboat to Ngor Island On my first day, I made my way to one of Dakars local islands, Ngor. I took a 20-minute taxi ride (the hotel coordinated this) to the Village de Ngor on the northern tip of the peninsula. Once you arrive at the beach, youll see boats lined up waiting to take you across the turquoise-blue waters. When your boat is full, the ride will take about 15 minutes and costs about $1. Before getting on the boat, I met a local guide, Papa Samba, and hired him to be my tour guide for the day. You can find guides near the drivers handing out life vests before boats are boarded. Ngor is known for its landscape lots of bougainvillea, volcanic rock formations as well as its art and surf community. Surfers from around the world come to catch the waves or learn at the surf schools. (Fun fact: The island is electricity-free and runs mostly on solar power.) Here in Ngor, you can walk almost endlessly to explore the island, and youll find a lot of local street art honoring important African figures. Papa Samba told me that from the western part of the island during the winter, you can watch dolphins migrate from Europe to South America. Also, part of 60s surf doc The Endless Summer was shot here. 7 p.m.: Order wok-tossed langoustines I visited Alkimia (Route des Almadies), a restaurant and music venue, which is located in the nightlife area of the city. I chilled on the terrace, ordered the tataki de saumon and wok de langoustes and a glass of wine while I watched the performers get ready for the evenings performance. There are both English- and French-speaking bands that sometimes do covers, and other times there will be an original set with an orchestral blend of West African soul and jazz sounds; thankfully, we got the latter that night. This place is definitely on the pricier side. Auburn University is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated no later than Dec. 8, the school announced in a campus-wide email Friday. The policy applies to all full-time employees and part-time employees, plus undergraduate and graduate student employees. Exceptions will be made only in limited circumstances where an employee is legally entitled to a medical or religious accommodation. Auburn says at least 82-percent of its employees receiving university-sponsored benefits are either fully or partially vaccinated, as of Oct. 21. Auburn itself has administered 17,508 vaccine doses and has long encouraged members of the campus community to get vaccinated. Auburn said the mandate is in compliance with President Joe Bidens Executive Order 14042, which was signed on Sept. 9 and requires all federal contractors to provide adequate COVID-19 safeguards for their workforce. By Dec. 8, all employees will be required to submit proof of full vaccination or receive an exemption. Employees who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 8 are subject to termination, the email warns. The city challenged the previous 2010 census, which recorded 53,380 people, on the basis of an undercount. Kipp was not with the city at that time but said the challenge largely had to do with a disparity between the city planning departments Interactive Growth Model that guides planning decisions and the 2010 census data. He said the new data may correct an undercount. Mayor Ron Anders said while there are likely students missing from the census, he is confident in the numbers this time around as a representation of the city. He said the results will be considered when the city resumes work on its Auburn 2040 plan, a model with goals the city aims to achieve in the next 20 years. The plan was put on pause in August because of the pandemic at about the time census numbers released. We werent surprised internally that that number was over 76,000 (and) we certainly believe that numbers getting closer to 80,000 as we sit here today, Anders said. He said he anticipates the next census will see Auburn pass the 100,000 population milestone. The Opelika City Council passed a vote to begin the process of taking legal action against West Fraser Timber Company, saying the site has violated the citys noise ordinance since Jan. 1, 2021. Todd Rauch, Ward 5, said when he was elected to city council he made it his goal to ease the burden of the people who live in that part of town. The noise at West Fraser is non-stop day in and day out and over the weekends. I experienced it at 3 a.m., Rauch said. Im thankful for the mayor and the previous city council member David Cameron for leading the charge against this noise nuisance. The sawmill and planter mill is located at 2100 Industrial Blvd within the corporate limits of the City of Opelika. Louis Brandwein of Opelika said the noise has been going on for years now. Brandwein, who lives a quarter mile from the facility, said the noise can be heard from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m., but his mother, who lives one street over from him, said shes heard the noise start at 3 a.m. According to the council, city staff has repeatedly advised the company of the noise ordinance violation, and the company has failed to comply within a reasonable time. Great Post,OP! I've been too burnt by previous similar shows and so I skipped this one and will just judge the final group once they release music. Reply Thread Link This amount of graphs scare me, but everyone have fun! Reply Thread Link justice for Yaning :( Reply Thread Link I skipped this one bc I'm sick of mnet's shit, but kudos to you OP, this is a lot of work! Reply Thread Link glad i never watched this, i learned my lesson with produce 48. i never even watched the last episode bc of how much the final ranking pissed me off Reply Thread Link bless your work OP I'm still a Yujin faithful so I'm glad she was a lock based on any results and I'm 100% going to keep an eye on Bahi - hopefully things get better for her re: online treatment Reply Thread Link Bahi's brother fanbase was very irresponsible. Now she's gonna get so much unnecessary hate. Reply Thread Link This is very informative OP, I know it was all to the public but their lack of taste is whew no Yurina?!?! In any voting! Tragic. The C girls really had way more personality that some of those top girls in the final lineup, fingers crossed they do well. Also the final lineup, I wish them luck but mainly cause I wanna see Yujin and XiaoTing slay Reply Thread Link I say this with the utmost respect OP. This is too good and thorough for a post on a dying LJ site. You absolutely should have made a Medium article or something and shared this on Social. Reply Thread Link You are a real deal scientist OP, great work. "Chinese trainees Yaning and Sui Ruiqi would have made it to the final lineup as #4 and #5 respectively, while Korean trainees Yeseo and Dayeon would have been eliminated." Then I'm glad the votes were the way they were because Kang Yeseo being eliminated would have been a shame. Bahiyyih being number one would also get her so much more hate, so I'm glad she ended in second position. My votes were always Kim Bora-Shana-Xingqiao and none of them made lmao. Reply Thread Link It would have been nice if the Korean votes counted a little less and another Chinese member could have made it. I wish they could have stuck with 3-3-3... I always get really in to these survival shows for like 2 minutes and then I get bored and fall behind and before I know it everyone I like is gone and there's no reason for me to bother catching up. I realized a while ago that a lot of the time the most important members of idol groups (meaning the ones with most real talent/creative ability/best team leaders) tend also to be members who probably wouldn't have made the groups if they were created in a popularity contest, they're not very popular in comparison with others but they usually serve some important role in the group. It makes me realize that group formations based solely off of popularity are probably not a good idea, there are people who's jobs are to form these groups and pick them out based off of personality/talent/visual balance and they're a lot better at it then the general public even if they sometimes have favorites and it can seem really unfair. I'm not excusing what MNET does by rigging people in and out of groups (either by outright changing votes or just by editing) but public taste is also not so great. Edited at 2021-10-23 08:23 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link Amazing work OP!!! Too bad MNET is SHIT! i would've liked the results if the vote counted equally! I really only care about Mashiro, Xiaoting and Youngeun in the final line up. i hope they release great songs. Reply Thread Link I knew the lineup wouldn't be balanced. Anyways was this worth watching? Apparently it didn't even crack 1% so I wonder how well they'll do. Reply Thread Link it'll probably come down to how well received their music will be with the general public, the fans will stream/buy the album regardless but if there's no general public support then it'll be a bit of an uphill battle Reply Parent Thread Link i can't believe we're getting girls planet 999 THINK PIECES ON ONTD!!!! the finale still feels like a fever dream, especially the debut group's god awful name...the one time i follow a girl group survival show from beginning to end and it ends up being so messy!!! (PD48 was no better with the gaeun shenanigans but i wasn't really following that show at all) mnet should've made korean votes worth less and maybe japanese/chinese votes weigh a little more compared to the rest of the international votes to balance things out??? MNET releasing the the full interim rankings before the finale aired was clearly an SOS on their end about the final line up lol glad hikaru/mashiro/xiaoting's fandoms were strong enough to drag them back up from the pits of elimination and into the debut group Reply Thread Link I can understand they they would give more weight to the Korean vote at the end since that's the demographic they are expecting to buy their product. Having a set 3:1 or 2:1 vote weight would seem more reasonable to me. Instead they used a moving target multiplier depending on the number of international votes. I think it was rumored to be close to 20:1 at the end. At that point don't bother marketing it as a "global" show to produce a "global" girl group. Reply Thread Link After the shitstorm hitting Chinese entertainment and the hate from koreans in general towards chinese members, it was pretty obvious they wouldn't put more than one chinese member in the final line up. TXT's little sister lacks a lot honestly there were so many girls that showed so much more than her, but hey, the power of fandom I guess. Good for their hustle! Reply Thread Link Mexico, once a major oil producer, is facing mounting challenges as President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) makes it increasingly difficult for private companies to continue energy operations in favour of greater state ownership of the industry. AMLO looks to be pushing out private energy companies in a bid to make Mexicos electricity and fuel market wholly state-owned. At the beginning of October, the Mexican government proposed a constitutional reform that would increase state control of the electricity market, overturning efforts by the previous administration to welcome private investors. If the reform goes ahead, the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) will gain control over half of Mexicos electricity market and will set terms for private operators, with ALMO citing lower electricity costs for consumers as an objective. If the reform gains political support, it will see the scrapping of the National Hydrocarbons Commission (CNH), as well as the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE), the principal energy industry regulators. Targeting Mexican oil regulators that have propped the sector up for years has not surprisingly met criticism from opposing political parties as well as ALMO supporters. Until recently, the CNH has reinforced AMLOs aims of weeding out corruption and illegal behaviour in the energy industry, shutting down three privately-owned fuel storage terminals in August, allegedly for the distribution and selling of illegal fuel. However, media sources suggest that AMLOs proposed reforms and recent actions on energy are pushing Mexicos oil and gas industry into the dark. So far, the Mexican President has stopped new licencing rounds and cancelled joint ventures between state-run oil company Pemex and deep-water operators. Now he looks to be battling against private operators across the industry as well as the long-standing regulators in a bid to establish a state-run oil and gas monopoly. Experts argue that Pemex joint venture ambitions were necessary for deep-water operations, as the company does not currently have the expertise needed to develop in this area, with current ventures spanning shallow water operations and oil refining. This is just the latest of a number of controversies surrounding the Mexican energy industry as attention has recently been drawn to the closure of a 315,000-bpd oil refinery in the Mexico State town of Tula, which shut its doors in September following the blocking of roads to the refinery by protesting teachers. Despite being closed for several weeks, it seems that no one knew about the closure until just recently when oil inventories at the refinery reached full capacity. Elsewhere, at the Dos Bocas refinery in the state of Tabasco, employees went on strike over working conditions and better pay. The $7.7 billion Dos Bocas refinery development was initiated by the AMLO government in 2019 to build upon his aim to make Mexico self-sufficient in its energy production, decreasing the countrys reliance on foreign imports. AMLOs ambitions for a state-run energy industry and the development of the Dos Bocas refinery have just recently been criticised by the IMF, which urged Mexico to reconsider its strategy for Pemex and to postpone the Dos Bocas development as the country is still recovering from the deepest downturn in decades. IMF economists stated this month, Pemexs losses are placing a burden on taxpayers and crowding out other more productive uses of fiscal resources. Furthermore, Past corruption scandals underline the critical importance of strengthening governance and procurement processes within the company, they explained. The recent controversies surrounding Mexicos energy industry come just shortly after oil production was halted due to the impact of Hurricane Ida, which took most of the countrys oil offline. In late September, weeks after the storm hit, only 16 percent of crude oil production in the Gulf of Mexico was back online. In addition to the extreme challenges faced due to tropical storms, strikes, and AMLOs ambitions for a state-run energy industry, Pemex has repeatedly come under fire for its poor safety record. In August, five people were killed and six injured following a fire at an offshore Pemex platform, which also halted production in the region. This tragedy came just six weeks after a gas leak in an underwater Pemex pipeline caused a major fire in the ocean referred to as the eye of fire. Pemex has faced significant scrutiny over its performance, safety measures, and environmental practices for years. Despite repeatedly promising to be more transparent about its carbon emissions, the company failed to explain why greenhouse gas emissions between April and June this year rose to double digits. Further, Pemex has already been downgraded by Natural Gas Intelligence for its poor environmental practices. The idea that a large proportion of control and management of the oil and gas industry could end up in Pemexs hands, with little foreign expertise or involvement, is frankly extremely worrying. It seems to be something that even Pemex is less than happy about, as the company has long pursued joint ventures with oil supermajors such as Royal Dutch Shell, as well as smaller private companies. At a time when Mexico should be looking to boost oil supplies following the disruption of Hurricane Ida; when it should be investing in improving the performance and reputation of state-run Pemex; when it should be encouraging foreign and private investment to battle the poor economic state of the country following more than a year of pandemic, it seems that the AMLO administration is doing just the opposite in the Presidents bid to create a state-run energy monopoly for better or for worse. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The future of green hydrogen looks very bright, with the renewable energy source becoming something of a media darling in recent months. The global drive to invest in green or blue hydrogen is picking up steam and investment levels are staggering. Realism and economics, however, seem to be lacking when it comes to planning new green hydrogen projects in NW Europe, the USA, and Australia. At the same time, blue hydrogen, potentially an important bridge fuel, is being largely overlooked. The Netherlands, formerly a leading natural gas producer and NW-European gas trade and transportation hub, is attempting to establish itself as a main pillar of the European hydrogen economy. According to the Dutch government, the Netherlands is ready to provide whatever is needed to support the set-up of a new green hydrogen hub and transportation network. During the presentation of the 2021-2022 government plans in September (Prinsjesdag), Dutch PM Mark Rutte committed himself to this green hydrogen future. Without any real assessments of the risks and potential economic threats, plans are being discussed and implemented for a multibillion spending spree on green hydrogen, involving not only the refurbishment of the Dutch natural gas pipeline infrastructure but also the building of major new offshore wind parks, targeting the construction of hundreds of additional windmills. These wind parks are going to be set up and owned by international consortia, such as the NorthH2, involving Royal Dutch Shell, Gasunie (owned by the government), and others. The optimism about these projects is now being questioned, not only by skeptics but increasingly by parties, such as Gasunie, that are part of the deals. Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported yesterday that questions are popping up about the feasibility and commercial aspects of these large-scale plans as well as the potential risks of a new cartel of offshore wind producers. The multibillion-dollar investment plans, supported by the government, are even being questioned by experts of the Dutch ministry of economy, as it is not clear at all if green hydrogen production in the Netherlands, such as the NorthH2 project in Groningen (formerly known as the Dutch natural gas province), will ever be feasible or take-off. The commercial viability of green hydrogen is a major issue as it still needs large-scale technical innovation and scaling up of electrolyzers. At the same time, there is uncertainty over demand as industry (the main client) does not appear to be interested at present. Dutch parties are also asking themselves if the current set up of the planned offshore wind parks are not a precursor to a new wind-energy cartel in the making. Some Dutch political parties and even insiders from Gasunie are worried about a monopoly position of the likes of Shell in the future. Still, the main underlying issue is the financial risks being taken by the government in the coming years. As Dutch professor Paul BovendEert stated to the news plans are being developed, but financial risks are not addressed. He also reiterated that the Dutch parliament has often been left out of the loop or not simply addressed at all. Several analysts have already warned that the current pro-green hydrogen strategy of the government is gambling with billions. Some have even warned that the projections about needed investments could be much higher than already is expected. The EU already stated that between EUR240-380 billion is needed to set up European-wide 40GW of hydrogen production. The Dutch government plans indicate a production capacity of 3-4GW by 2030 or an investment of tens of billions. To become a real NW-European hydrogen hub, investments will have to be even higher. While optimism is there, no real regulation and control mechanisms are in place to structure these government investments or subsidies to commercial parties. Gasunie board members indicated that more conditions and legal structures need to be put in place to control where the money is going. The current energy, oil, and gas markets in the Netherlands and EU are already liberalized. Ownership and investment or production strategies are not being set up by governments or the EU but by companies themselves. Nothing, in reality, would change dramatically, comparisons between hydrogen and natural gas markets are large. Related: U.S. Oil Rig Count Slips For The First Time In Six Weeks The increased criticism by some, such as Gasunie and political parties, with regards to the power position of commercial parties, is also very strange. Some could argue that the current hydrogen strategy of Shell and others is what society and Dutch judges have forced them to do. Shell could and should argue a very simple position we are doing what the Dutch legal system is forcing us to do. For parties such as Shell, at least in the Netherlands or the EU, taking up green hydrogen strategies is a new License to Operate. International energy giants such as Shell do not want to be minor players in this market. For an international player, a pivotal position in any market is a must. In the coming weeks, especially after COP26, as criticism is now being muted by most, a potential storm could be brewing. If assessments are pointing out that the risks being taken by the Dutch government are too high in light of the benefits, and potential higher bills for customers, potential opposition to green hydrogen plans could be growing. At the same time, the Dutch hydrogen plans are seen by most as pivotal, even in light of the EU Commissions Green Deal plans. A full-scale backlash to hydrogen could be a reality if Dutch political parties are going to constrain implementation, while other European countries will be more skeptical about their own plans. Billions, or potentially trillions, of euros will be at risk if this new hydrogen infrastructure turns out not to be economically viable. Without the power and technology of existing energy players, especially Shell, Total, BP, or ENI, behind the set-up, the future of this new power source will remain uncertain. By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Crime-and-courts Nebraska elevator worker praised for firing on shooter; small town grapples with violence Andrew Wegley, Lincoln Journal Star The Agrex grain elevator in Superior, Nebraska. A fired employee fatally shot two people and injured another there Thursday before he was shot to death by another employee. PAUL HAMMEL, THE WORLD-HERALD The town of Superior, where the quick action of an elevator worker who grabbed a shotgun, apparently kept at the business to ward off varmints, is credited with saving several lives. PAUL HAMMEL, THE WORLD-HERALD The Agrex grain elevator was the site of a fatal shooting on Thursday in Superior, Nebraska. SUPERIOR, Neb. Grain trucks full of corn rumbled down the highways Friday near this town that hugs the Nebraska-Kansas border. But the trucks werent lining up at one local grain elevator as investigators and townspeople sought to make sense of the senseless a shooting spree at the elevators office that left two employees dead and the shooter, a recently fired grain merchandiser, dead after a co-worker grabbed a shotgun and fired back. A Nebraska State Patrol spokesman, as well as several residents of this farming community of almost 2,000 known for its Victorian homes, said several lives were saved by the quick action of an elevator worker who grabbed a shotgun apparently kept at the business to ward off varmints. As many as 10 other employees might have been in and around the office at the towering Agrex elevator, which looms over the east end of town along Nebraska Highway 8. Its likely this employees actions prevented further loss of life, State Patrol Capt. Jeff Roby said at a press conference Friday afternoon in Grand Island. We had an active shooter inside a business, and it was stopped. Roby said authorities do not expect to file charges against the intervening worker, who has not been identified. Fired worker shoots three people, killing two at Nebraska grain elevator A fired worker shot three people at a grain elevator in Superior on Thursday, killing two before being fatally shot himself, authorities say. Around Superior, residents were still trying to understand why 61-year-old Max Hoskinson, who bought and sold grain for Agrex for the past five or six years, would have been fired during the height of the grain harvest, and what prompted him, shortly after being dismissed, to return to the office with a pistol and open fire. A man who answered the door at Hoskinsons gray ranch home in Superior on Friday afternoon could manage only one word: sorry. Another man, who said he was Hoskinsons brother-in-law, later said the family would have no other comment. At least one local man, who was familiar with the elevator, said that Hoskinson had a history of outbursts with fellow employees and that he was not surprised by Thursdays violence. Hoskinson, after being told by local and corporate Agrex on Thursday that he was fired, returned to the elevators office about 2 p.m. and opened fire. A fellow grain merchandiser who had a long history with the company, Sandra Nelson, 60, of Formoso, Kansas, was shot and died at the scene. Another employee who had apparently come to Superior to participate in the firing, Darin Koepke, 53, of Hadar, Nebraska, was flown to Lincoln with life-threatening wounds. He died at Bryan Medical Centers west campus Thursday night. A third employee, who was not identified, was treated for gunshot wounds at the hospital in Superior and released. The Nuckolls County Ministerial Association announced plans for a prayer vigil Sunday. Know that we as your community pastors are holding everyone involved and affected in our prayers, the Ministerial Association wrote in a Facebook post. Violence of this sort is almost unheard of in Superior, which is about 60 miles south of Aurora. Longtime Superior Express Publisher Bill Blauvelt said he could recall only one murder trial in Nuckolls Countys history, and that involved a victim found in a neighboring county. Nelson and Koepke were well known in their hometowns; Hoskinson, who had moved to Superior from Kansas a few years ago, was less so. Its just hard because everyone knows everyone in a small town, said Alicia Clampitt as she took orders at the Burger Barn drive-in. Its shocking and sad that something like this could happen in such a good community. If there was anything fortunate about the shooting, it was that Agrex Elevator had stopped taking corn deliveries on Thursday except from a few farmers who had storage contracts because its bins were full. So only a couple of grain trucks were on the property at the time of the shooting. Just outside of town, a group of four farmers, eating burgers and French fries during their lunch break, shook their heads as they gathered in the shade of a combine. Its just senseless, one of them said. World-Herald Staff Writers Alia Conley and Jeffrey Robb contributed to this report. Whole blood was used routinely before 1970. But for the past 30 years, patients almost exclusively have been given separate blood products. Using blood components reduced waste, increased storage times and allowed a tailored approach to treatment. Not all patients need all three components, Kemp said. A cancer patient with low platelet levels just needs platelets. An anemic patient needs red blood cells. But people who are bleeding heavily, he said, need all three. A key reason people bleed to death is that their blood doesnt clot. To mitigate that, doctors give them back what theyre missing. Doctors can give all three separate products. But giving whole blood can streamline the process. The aim is to buy patients time until doctors can fix the source of bleeding, which often involves surgery. Whole blood is the closest thing we have to what patients are losing, Kemp said. Wendy Capetz, the blood banks marketing director, said the organization has been involved in clinical trials of whole blood with researchers at the Cleveland Clinic and other centers. The results support those of the military studies indicating that the use of whole blood in people who were bleeding heavily helped improve survival. Top headlines: The latest in the search for Brian Laundrie; Trump launches his own social media site; NFL agrees to end "race-norming." Get caught up. Linda Donaldson, another area resident, took issue with what she called a lack of communication on the part of the project planners. Why dont they just come out and tell us everything from the beginning to the end? Donaldson said. Yall started it years ago. This didnt just start now. Elizabeth Broekemeier said she has lived in the neighborhood for more than a decade. She acknowledged the need for the project but implored council members to consider another, less residential location. If this was in your neighborhood, would you want this in your backyard? Broekemeier asked. It is centrally located, it is close to the families that are supposed to be served, but I feel like the scale of the project and all of the services its trying to provide, there has to be a better location for this. The location makes sense because such a disproportionately high percentage of youths in the Douglas County juvenile justice system are from North or South Omaha, Nick Juliano, president and CEO of Nebraska Youth Justice Initiative, told The World-Herald in 2020. ATLANTA (AP) Georgia officials say local health departments will begin offering more COVID-19 vaccine booster shots on Tuesday, following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state Department of Public Health announced Friday that shots will be available for people who had previously received the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Public health departments are already offering booster shots for people who received the Pfizer vaccine. The following groups are eligible for boosters: People 65 and older. Adults who live in long-term care such as nursing homes. Adults who have underlying medical conditions. Adults who work or live in high-risk settings. The state is also recommending boosters for any adult who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine more than two months ago. People who received Pfizer or Moderna should seek a booster six months after the earlier vaccination sequence was completed. SUPERIOR, Neb. Grain trucks full of corn rumbled down the highways Friday near this town that hugs the Nebraska-Kansas border. But the trucks werent lining up at one local grain elevator as investigators and townspeople sought to make sense of the senseless a shooting spree at the elevators office that left two employees dead and the shooter, a recently fired grain merchandiser, dead after a co-worker grabbed a shotgun and fired back. A Nebraska State Patrol spokesman, as well as several residents of this farming community of almost 2,000 known for its Victorian homes, said several lives were saved by the quick action of an elevator worker who grabbed a shotgun apparently kept at the business to ward off varmints. As many as 10 other employees might have been in and around the office at the towering Agrex elevator, which looms over the east end of town along Nebraska Highway 8. Its likely this employees actions prevented further loss of life, State Patrol Capt. Jeff Roby said at a press conference Friday afternoon in Grand Island. We had an active shooter inside a business, and it was stopped. Roby said authorities do not expect to file charges against the intervening worker, who has not been identified. GRAND ISLAND, Neb. The former finance director of the Nebraska State Fair was sentenced Friday to 30 days in jail and 15 years probation for stealing more than $150,000 from the fair. Patrick Kopke, 30, received the sentence Friday and was ordered to pay restitution of more than $158,000 to the State Fair, television station KSNB reported. He also was ordered to undergo counseling for a gambling addiction. Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson said in a statement issued Friday afternoon that he was disappointed with the sentence and intends to appeal. He said prosecutors had asked for a five- to 10-year prison sentence. Mr. Kopke was put in a position of public trust. He violated that trust and pled to a felony, Peterson said. In August, Kopke pleaded no contest to three counts of felony theft. He had faced up to 20 years in prison on each charge. A state audit found that a company Kopke created was paid nearly $150,000 in state money, but there was no proof the company had done any work for the fair. Two prosecutors, a child support judge and a public defender are in the running to become Douglas Countys next two district judges, after a judicial nominating commission this week forwarded their names to Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts. It was who didnt make the cut that had courthouse regulars murmuring: The nominating commission of four attorneys and four laypeople did not forward the names of State Sen. Justin Wayne, an attorney since 2005, and current Douglas County Court Judge Grant Forsberg, who was seeking a promotion to district court. Such a snub isnt necessarily unusual for attorneys like Wayne, who acknowledged earlier this month that it can be difficult for an attorney to get a judicial appointment on his first try. But it is unusual for Forsberg, a judge who has at least twice made the same cut. Appointed to the bench in 2019, Forsberg has been advanced by the commission and interviewed with Ricketts multiple times. That he and Wayne didnt get out of committee this time had attorneys scratching their heads. Well, time caught up with him, as it eventually does to all of us. Thats why when I see the glowing obituaries, richly deserved, pouring forth in Powells memory, I cant help but think of what might have been and how that prospect was humbled by what is. On the racial front, Powell came along at a time when, in spite of such awful disasters as the 1992 Los Angeles riots, other new cultural ground was being broken by heroes of color like Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jordan, to name just two. Powell presented a vision, at least, of how our racial glass ceiling might be broken, too. Fortunately Powell, a declared Republican who more recently turned independent, stayed with us long enough to help Barack Obama break through that presidential ceiling with his endorsement. But the relentless backlash to Obamas rise, including baseless paranoid fears that he might be a secret immigrant and Muslim, offer a hint of what would have been in store for Powell, born in the United States to Jamaican immigrant parents. So maybe its just as well that Powell didnt run. I didnt used to think that. But the continuing political polarization that was only beginning in the 1990s has persuaded me. Republicans have gone further to the right since then and Democrats to the left. What we need is leadership that can rebuild that sensible center. It wasnt Powell, but he helped to prepare the way. Argonne School Location: 680 - 18th Avenue (at Cabrillo Street) Opened: 1920 Rebuilt: 1971, 1997 San Francisco Chronicle, Friday, February 28, 1919: "School construction plans calling for the expenditure of $1,059,000 at once were announced yesterday by President George E. Gallagher of the Board of Education. "The building programme, which will give to San Francisco four new school buildings [...] will begin March 5. "On this date bids will be received for construction of a new Park-Presidio school costing, it is estimated, $130,000. Plans for this building, to be situated on a site 240 feet by 360 feet on Cabrillo street between Eighteenth and Nineteenth avenues, have been drawn. "TO HOUSE 18 CLASSES" "The school, a two-story brick and concrete construction, will house eighteen classes and will be completed under the programme outlined by Gallagher in February, 1920." The building of the school was called an excellent opportunity to put returning World War I servicemen to work. The "Park-Presidio School" was soon officially named after that war's Battle of the Argonne Forest. A plaque on the front of the school read: "Argonne School - Erected A.D. 1919. Named by San Francisco in honor of her sons for their patriotic devotion their loyal services and their noble sacrifices on the battlefield of France and Belgium, 1918." The current school building went into service on August 27, 1997. Contribute your own stories about western neighborhoods places! Coronet Theatre Location: 3575 Geary Boulevard at Palm Avenue (near Arguello), San Francisco, CA Opened: November 2, 1949 First film: I Was a Male War Bride Closed: March 17, 2005 Last Film: Million Dollar Baby As with most movie theaters, the Coronet opened promising the latest innovations and gimmicks. Its stadium-style seating arrangement had 1,350 loge-type seats (said to provide "a maximum of comfort and vision-ease"). One feature of the Coronet was a nod to the future competition: a six by eight foot television screen in a separate room. Patrons were encouraged to watch at no extra charge. After giving it a major face lift in 1992, United Artists (UA) admitted in the late 1990s that the theater was in financial trouble. On July 22, 2000, United Artists confirmed the sale of the struggling Coronet Theatre to the Goldman Institute on Aging. The 1,230 seat theater, bought for $8.5 million, was leased back to UA in a series of extensions while construction plans were finalized for an elder-care center. Erected on the edge of the old Odd Fellows Cemetery, the theater was close to the grave itself for five years. Rumors that the Coronet would hold on for the new Star Wars movie in May 2005 (George Lucas has always loved the theatre) didn't pan out, and the closing day was announced on February 4, 2005. Movie historian Jack Tillmany gives us a run-down on Coronet trivia: "After 55 years, a lot of the Coronet's early history has been fogged, so let's set the record straight: "The Coronet was originally to be called the Ritz, and an announcement promising its construction, along with a painting of what it would look like, could be seen on the site years in advance. "It opened on 2 November 1949 with Cary Grant and Ann Sheridan in I Was a Male War Bride. This was a second run film, which had previously been shown at the Fox Theatre on Market Street; in those days all first run films opened downtown first, and it was to be the Coronet's policy to operate as a second run house for the next six years. "The Coronet was operated by San Francisco Theatres Inc. which also ran the Alexandria, Coliseum, Metro, Balboa, Harding, and Vogue. The Alexandria was their flagship house, and got the pick of the pictures, even after the Coronet opened. The Alexandria went for prestige appeal, while the Coronet played to the action and adventure crowd. You might see An American in Paris or Singin' in the Rain at the Alexandria, while the Coronet would offer D.O.A., Comanche Territory, It Came from Outer Space (in 3D), or The Beast from Twenty Thousand Fathoms. This policy was actually a moveover from the Coliseum which had played this kind of product prior to the opening of the Coronet, and which was now relegated to re-runs, revivals, and odds and ends, and eventually closed circa 1952. "The Coronet's life as we know it today, and have known it for almost fifty years, began on 1 February 1956, with the exclusive (meaning it was shown at no other theatre in the San Francisco Bay Area), first run, roadshow (meaning all seats were reserved and could be purchased in advance) engagement of Oklahoma! in 70mm Todd-AO and Stereophonic Sound. Oklahoma! ran an incredible 44 weeks, to be immediately followed by Around the World in 80 Days, which more than doubled Oklahoma!'s record and ran an astounding 96 weeks (the San Francisco long-run record). While all this was going on, the Coliseum re-opened and picked up where it had left off four years earlier with the action and adventure films which had been playing at the Coronet. "Footnote: the former television lounge, which was located to the right of the lobby as you went in, was converted into an advanced sales ticket office for Oklahoma! "In later years, other long run films at the Coronet were Ben Hur (1959-1961) (75 weeks), Funny Girl (1968-1969) (59 weeks), My Fair Lady (1964-1965) (50 weeks), Hawaii (1966-1967) (35 weeks), Camelot (1967-1968) (35 weeks), The Godfather (1972) (32 weeks), and Star Wars (1977) (29 weeks). "Ben Hur opened as the Coronet's Christmas attraction 23 December 1959 and ran 75 weeks, finishing up 30 May 1961, SF's 4th longest run, surpassed only by Around the World in 80 Days (94 weeks at the Coronet 1956-1958), The Sound of Music (92 weeks at the UA 1965-1966), and This is Cinerama (83 weeks at the Orpheum 1953-1955); closest runners up are 2001 (73 weeks at the Golden Gate (1968-1969) andSURPRISE!The Gods Must Be Crazy (70 weeks at the Vogue 1984-1985). "Song cue: '...those were the days, my friend, we thought they'd never end...'" Contribute your own stories about western neighborhoods places. Fernando Nelson: Father of the Richmond District by John Freeman Originally appeared in WNP Member Newsletter, Summer 2007 Fernando Nelson was the pioneer residential builder in the Richmond District whose quality construction set a standard of excellence and affordability that drew hundreds of families out beyond the cemeteries to make their homes in this emerging neighborhood in the early 20th century. Because of his influence in those early years of development, he should be recognized as the Father of the Richmond District. By the time Nelson came to the Richmond District, he was a respected contractor who had built a number of quality homes in Noe Valley, upper Castro, and Duboce Park. 1 The first parcels of land that drew his interest out to the "wilderness" north of Golden Gate Park had been the site of the old Bay District Race Track that had served as Camp Merritt, a staging area for troops awaiting deployment to the Philippines during the Spanish-American War in 1898. The advantage of the property was that it was graded, near public transportation, and had just had water and sewer lines completed when he bought it in 1902. In the area of First to Third Avenues, A to C Streets, 2 Nelson would acquire two full blocks and two half blocks for development. There was a simple formula to how Nelson worked. He didn't build a tract of land as a modern subdivision speculator would today---building mostly identical floor plans, advertising and hoping for sales. Nelson's methods were more personalized. He built to the customer's specifications and budget. He only started a project when he had a commitment from the client. If a person wanted to buy just a lot in his blocks so another contractor could build their home, Nelson had no hesitation in selling it. He also generally left corner lots vacant to be sold at a higher price for apartment buildings or commercial space. Nelson's specialty was homes and flats, not apartment houses and stores. He had worked with his brother-in-law as a partner from 1889 to 1891, building flats in the Haight-Ashbury, and understood the design features needed to stack units. 3 He even built his early homes with plumbing in the rear of the structure, so that the single-family house could easily be converted to flats. The properties at 676 and 680-2nd Avenue are perfect examples of the convertibility of a Nelson home. Both were built as homes, but as the building permit for #676 said in 1914, "home originally designed to be turned into flats. One story added to kitchen with porch and outside stairs." This allowed for the addition of a story in the rear for an upstairs kitchen, with a partition alongside the interior stairway to the top floor. The property at 680-2nd Avenue has come full circle, since it was built as a home, converted to flats, and restored to a home again. Nelson generally offered two floor plans, which he carried in his pocket on an index card. On one side of the card was plan A, and on the back was plan B, but in striving to meet customers' needs, he could make additional variations to these plans upon request. 4 The exterior elevation details usually came from a planing mill's pattern book or from Victorian embellishments Nelson designed and bought in bulk. One signature detail, consisting of redwood pieces jig-sawed into circles and attached in a row above the front entry, became known as "donuts" and can be used to identify some Nelson homes in the Eureka Valley or inner-Richmond neighborhoods. Nelson became the consummate developer by acquiring the property, designing the building, and even financing the sale, but he always had an eye to customer satisfaction. In one of his rare ads, in the San Francisco Call, Fernando Nelson nicely summed up his operational credo. The ad read "I will aid you in selecting and perfecting the design, plan all the details, work out all your own personal wishes, gratifying every fancy, and build your home for a small down payment and balance the same as rent." 5 Nelson also carried the mortgage on the property in his early years of operation, even making personal calls to collect cash payments every month. As passionate as he was about his construction business, he was equally passionate about the automobile. By 1900, Nelson became one of the earliest automobile enthusiasts in San Francisco. He loved road challenges and is credited with being one of the earliest people to drive an automobile into Yosemite Valley. His bigger claim to fame was setting a record of eighteen hours and thirteen minutes between San Francisco and Los Angeles over rough, muddy roads in November 1906. In December, the Novelty Theatre advertised "Get Some One to Hold You While You Watch Nelson's Columbia Car Break the Los Angeles Record" and then promised "ten minutes of wild enthusiasm." 6 By 1908, he and his crew of three, in a larger White Steamer, set a new record of seventeen hours and thirteen minutes to Los Angeles. 7 Nelson found little need to advertise, letting his craftsmanship, business style, and auto exploits do it for him. He could always be counted on to drive his automobile in all the Richmond District parades. Nelson developed a method of operation in Eureka Valley that he replicated in the Richmond and in all subsequent projects. He would move into the neighborhood, build a fine home to live in, and conduct business from there, with his shops and lumber storage on adjoining lots. For the first projects in the Richmond, he built his home at 684-2nd Avenue, with a shop adjoining the back of the property facing C Street. By 1909, he had built a fine corner home for his newlywed eldest son William at 694-2nd Avenue, while he lived two lots away with his wife and three younger sons and daughter. From this 2nd and C compound, the Nelson family conducted its business. The earthquake of 1906 interrupted operations when the military confiscated all Fernando's lumber to build temporary housing or storage facilities, and Nelson's car was volunteered for emergency use. By November 1906, the neighborhood newspaper, The Richmond Banner, reported that "F. Nelson is building two story residences on the entire block bounded by Fourth and Fifth avenues, B and C streets. The houses sold before being built." 8 After the earthquake and fire, housing was scarce but reconstruction money was plentiful, so Nelson built most of this block as flats to accommodate the housing demand. The Banner again reported on December 4, 1908, that "Fernando Nelson has purchased the entire block between Eighth and Ninth avenues, A and B streets on which to build flats and houses of any description to suit the purchaser." 9 By 1909, Fernando Nelson was a wealthy man and a pillar of the community. He was an officer in the Richmond Improvement Club and president of the Richmond Masonic Temple. The Richmond Banner, in its neighborhood booster issue of August 27, 1909, took a few liberties in praising Nelson. They claimed "Mr. Nelson has erected upon an average at least one house in the district for every working day in the week for the past six years, and it is agreed that if all of the homes erected by him were placed side by side that the total aggregate would reach nearly eight miles." 10 Although his home volume was greatly exaggerated, still Fernando Nelson was being respected as a leading citizen in the neighborhood, who had done more than any other single individual to effect the phenomenal growth of the district at that time. Buoyed by his new wealth and position, Nelson-the-carpenter/builder would make a dramatic change by moving to the wealthiest enclave in the neighborhood. In 1909, he bought a double lot in Presidio Terrace and had the leading architectural firm of MacDonald and Applegarth design a mansion later described as "an Elizabethan cottage on a mammoth scale." 11 Nelson & Sons would build their first home designed by professional architects, and it would influence their work from then on. While building #30 Presidio Terrace in May 1910, Nelson bought the entire block and a half that had been the Chutes amusement park, stretching from the east side of 10th Avenue and the block across the street between Cabrillo and Fulton streets, 10th and 11th Avenues. 12 At the northeast corner of 10th and Fulton he would build a half-timbered home with heavily textured stucco, leaded casement windows, and a rolled roof resembling a Cornish thatched cottage that was closely modeled after his home in Presidio Terrace. Instead of Fernando moving from Presidio Terrace, William and his family moved in and managed the business, with its lumber storage and carpenter shop alongside and behind the home, facing Fulton Street. The last Victorian-style buildings Nelson had used since the 1890s were built on these blocks in 1911, and his last few flats were constructed there as well. These blocks were also the start of his transition to the then-popular Mission and Mediterranean styles, with greater emphasis on elegant homes. The next eldest son, 21-year-old Frank Fernando, had joined the firm, bringing the asset of having taken correspondence courses in drafting and architectural design, which he would get to apply in all future buildings. Fulton Street offered an opportunity to experiment with building on larger lots, so the Nelson office-home on the corner of 10th Avenue and four homes in the next 3400 block were designed for larger lots. The 700 block of 10th Avenue shows the clearest example of the transition of styles, where wood and shingles give way to stucco, projected brackets, and curving roof lines. In February 1911, while work was moving rapidly on the Chutes property, Fernando Nelson bought a new parcel west of Park Presidio Boulevard, between Geary and Clement. 13 For $90,000, Nelson secured the half-block on the east side of 16th Avenue, the full block in between, and the west side of 17th Avenue at roughly $1,000 per lot. He would have to do the grading and pay for sewer and street work himself, but the frontage on both Geary and Clement streets could be sold for commercial lots, and he would build homes in between. When the project was ready for building near the end of 1912, son Frank occupied the first home at 315-16th Avenue, and the Nelson project management style continued. From that location, the Nelson brothers oversaw two smaller projects in the west side of the 200 block of 15th Avenue and a half block north of California Street between 15th and 16th Avenues. These homes would be the last projects in the Richmond District for the Nelson family. By 1914, they had their eyes on two new parcels in the Sunset District. Both properties required far more sand moving and grading than any project in the Richmond. The first project they called Parkwood Heights stretched up from Carl Street to Parnassus Avenue, between Arguello Street and Hillway Avenue. 14 William again moved in 1915 to a corner home at #1 Hillway to supervise the building of forty homes on a very steep block. Frank remained at 16th Avenue to complete the Richmond District buildings, but moved to Lincoln Way in 1916. Fernando too would leave the Richmond in 1916, selling #30 Presidio Terrace and building a home at 28th and Lincoln Way to supervise the construction of a new development called Parkway Terrace. On the opposite end of that block of Lincoln Way, on the corner at 29th Avenue, the Nelsons built a home for Frank and his family, with the construction yards on the lots in between. Parkway Terrace would provide a greater opportunity for the Nelson family to get away from the restriction of 25-foot-wide lots and build detached homes on wider lots. The plan had been to build six blocks of the Parkway Terrace development, but a new opportunity surfaced that year and they stopped the project at three blocks and sold the rest to finance their purchase of West Portal Park. For thirteen years, Fernando Nelson and his family were involved in building the new Richmond District. He and his sons built sensible homes with character and stability. Some of those homes have succumbed to the bulldozer to allow for building more units on the lots, or have been enlarged by remodeling, sometimes to the extent that today there is no clue to the building's original appearance. But in most cases, the Nelson details have been preserved and cherished to provide a charming texture to the neighborhood. The father of the Richmond District built well and has left us a legacy of buildings of character well worth preserving. Read more on Fernando Nelson Contribute your own stories about western neighborhoods places.! Streetwise - A Chip Off the Old Block by Frank Dunnigan April 2009 My folks have been gone for quite a while now, but a few times a year, I call or pay a visit to one of the last remaining neighbors who was a parent on the street where I grew up in the Parkside, and we both sit back and remember when... There were dozens of pre-schoolers living on that stretch of 18th Avenue in 1955everyone called it "The Block." Most of us were born in the early 1950s, and spent our early years growing up together. We were about evenly divided between girls and boys, though when older and younger siblings were counted, the balance tipped a bit in favor of the girls. We truly grew up as one big extended family, living in houses with essentially the same layouts, featuring Spanish/Moorish archways and tile roofs, and presided over by stay-at-home Moms, while the Dads were away at work all day. Our parents were all friends with one another, with some of the Dads having been classmates at St. Ignatius High School on Stanyan Street, and several of the Moms having graduated from the old St. Peter's Academy in the Mission District, generations before it closed in 1966. Chatting with one of my contemporaries awhile back, I was amazed that she could so clearly recall the layout and the furnishings in my parents' home, even recalling a couple of details that I had almost forgotten. Then again, I had a fairly good recall of her parents' placehow the furniture was arranged, the color of the bathroom tiles, where the toys were kept, plus the location and usual contents of her family's kitchen cookie jar. We both recalled that we were in and out of each other's homes almost daily in those early preschool years, without anyone ever having to arrange "play dates" or enlisting others to "babysit". The only question ever asked by any of the Moms whose homes were being visited was, "Does your mother know that you're here?" Once answered in the affirmative, everyone was satisfied that we could amuse ourselves harmlessly until it was time to go back to our own homes later in the day. Countless early mornings back then found a group of 5-year-olds sitting on the living room floor of one family's house, in front of the standard black-and-white television set of that era, surrounded by friends, all slurping bowls of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes in unison, while following the adventures of Captain Kangaroo and his side-kicks, Mr. Green Jeans, Mr. Moose, Bunny Rabbit, Grandfather Clock, and Magic Drawing Board. Cold cereal and milk was the standard weekday breakfast in those years, and even now, I'm surprised when people recoil in horror at the thought of feeding children a processed food that is loaded with sugar. Even those kids whose mothers fed them the aptly named and nutritionally deficient "Sugar Pops" have grown up to be healthy and productive citizens, with no apparent problems. It's amazing the things that we all survived. Practically everyone had a younger sibling during those years, and the little ones were routinely relegated to the playpenanother issue that seems to cause anguish for many in this new era. Again, playpens allowed those toddlers free rein to explore their new worlds, without causing any serious damage to themselves or to others. In addition, several of those younger ones with more, ahem, "outgoing" personalities were thus appropriately restrained so that they were actually able to achieve adolescence and adulthood unscathed by older siblings who might have caused them serious harm had they ventured too far outside the confines of those playpens. If we were still visiting and playing with our friends when lunchtime came, we were automatically fed, and no one needed a signed permission slip. In fact, it was these impromptu meals that opened up whole new culinary worlds for many of usbreakfast with the Captain having been pretty standard fare. Always trying to become more worldly and sophisticated, most of us would politely eat anything placed in front of us at a neighbor's house, rather than go through our standard reaction of "EEYEWwhat's that?" that we might have voiced in the inner sanctum of our own kitchens. The first place I truly enjoyed mustard was on a baloney sandwich at a neighbor's housenow I'm an aficionado with at least half a dozen varieties lined up in my refrigerator door. It was also with my neighbors that I learned for the first time that soup does not always begin with the opening of a can, tuna sandwiches are not necessarily limited to just three basic ingredientstuna, mayonnaise, breadand Jell-O really does come in flavors other than RED. I was gradually introduced to a world that embraced onion, garlic, and spices, and all of these revelations eventually progressed to my discovery of lox, bagels, and cream cheese when I was about 11 or 12, plus baklava, haroset, pigs' feet, mole poblano, and sushi in later years. It takes outsiders to make kids realize that there is a whole world beyond meat and potatoes. We were on a first-name basis with each other's pets, as well as grandparents, aunts, and uncles. I still remember Tiger, Junior, Red, Hercules, Henry Heinrich, Blackie, Bingo, Freckles, Chi-Chi, and Molliethose were the pets, not the relatives. The family membersBig, Little, Pop, Jackson, Mag, Nana, Uncle Sam, Uncle Moe, Auntie Roe, Auntie Marg, Auntie Mildred, Uncle Elmer, Uncle Tom, and othersknew all of us just as well as they knew their own relations. Playing hide-and-seek and other street games (ignoring the fact that there was a large open schoolyard and a city park just one block away), there was only one basic parental rule, and that was, "Be home when the street lights come on." Ours was a hilly block and parents were always concerned about the terrain contributing to accidents involving bikes, skates, flexi-flyers, and the skateboards that came later. However, other than an occasional mishap involving little more than skinned knees, we all survived to tell our stories in the 21st Century. In those preschool days, the Moms had a safety valve for themselves when we were all indoors and underfoot for too many days in a row. One quick round of phone calls among their group, and we would all be hastily assembled onto someone's front lawn and/or garage entryway for an impromptu picnic lunch. Even in the damp, foggy summer months, bundled up against the chill, we were able to release excess energy by playing ball with one another and racing through the empty garage area, without "catching cold." Among the "Mom-isms" that I remember from those front-lawn picnic days are: 1) No drinking milk and Coca-Cola at the same meal, or you'll throw up; 2) No popcorn before nap time or you'll throw up; 3) No fresh fruit with lunch if we're having something from Johnson's Tamales for dinner, or you'll throw up. We suffered through most of our childhood illnesses together, and I distinctly remember either getting or infecting several of my neighbors with chicken pox in 1957, as our parents urged us to pass around our Dixie cups one day when a large group was playing together in our living room. We were all out of commission for a week or two at the same time, and I guess that turned out to be a good thing, since we weren't trying to get out and see one another. Eventually, most of us ended up in kindergarten at Parkside School, either with Mrs. Beckerman in Room 17 or Mrs. McAtee in Room 16. I still have a group shot in front of our living room fireplace of all of us who started school together that same day in the Fall of 1957. We were a carefree bunch, all swinging our new lunch boxes (mine was a yellow Lone Ranger model), containing sandwiches slathered with either butter or mayonnaise, and wrapped in waxed paper (no one ever got sick eating them, even after they sat for hours, un-refrigerated, in the cloakroom). A thermos of milk, plus some cookies and some cut-up fruit rounded out the daily ration. Hula hoops and pogo sticks, battery-operated robots, tricycles, bicycles and board games kept all of us amused day in and day out, year after year, regardless of the weather. One member of our group was fortunate enough to have her own sandbox in the back yard, another lived in a house whose downstairs room contained an old, semi-burned piano from 1906 that still played reasonably well, and one family even had a pinball machine tucked away in a corner of the garage next to their furnace. Those of us who later became interested in electric trains would always be working on them and occasionally displaying our train-and-town layouts to the others. Hillary Clinton said that "It Takes A Village," but our parents created that motto well over half-a-century ago, as all of the neighbors had been persuaded to keep a watchful collective eye on every one of us. If anyone did anything wrong while playing or going to and from school, an invisible network of concerned adults, including the many childless, older, single folks living among us, would become aware of it instantly, and be on the phone a minute later, reporting the details to our mothers. Christmas on "The Block" was something special. From the time most of the houses were built, circa 1936, the owners always grouped together to put on a fabulous display of outside holiday lighting. Each house had a custom-made wood frame that held the lights, and most families maintained the same color scheme year after yearred/green, all clear, multi-color, all red, all greeneven our Jewish neighbors joined in with a Star of David frame, lit with blue and white lights. Santa would arrive by fire engine from the fire house located just a few blocks up 18th Avenue, near Rivera. Sitting on his "throne" in the garage entryway of the "Mayor and First Lady" of the block (an honor rotated among residents on a yearly basis), Santa would dispense candy canes and listen to wish lists. It was a block-wide celebration of goodwill and hospitality, to which many people invited their friends and relatives; my aunts and uncles and many of our first, second, and third cousins would all be there, and Grandma would sometimes take us out to dinner at the Hot House at Playland beforehand. Every family hosted an open house that night with vast quantities of Chex Mix, Lipton's Onion Dip, Christmas cookies, and a good bit of liquid cheer for alla wonderful tradition that lived on until the late 1960s. By 1958, most of us made the move from Parkside School to St. Cecilia's (those who weren't Catholic remained at Parkside and later moved on to Hoover Middle School). Particularly at St. Cecilia's, going to school was one big extension of 18th Avenueolder siblings, cousins who lived nearby, other children whose parents were friends with our parentswe got to know them and their own personal friends, and our social circles began to widen considerably. Going from Parkside's Kindergarten classes of fifteen or twenty to the fifty-plus pupils in each of St. Cecilia's classrooms was a huge change. Friendships were made, secrets exchanged, and alliances forged, but those that we knew from "The Block" still had a special cachet that set them apart from all our new friends. As grammar school wore on many of us still played togetheroften congregating at the old Parkside Theater on Taraval Street for summer matineesa ten-week subscription of thin, perforated yellow tickets was only $1.00. It was probably about the same time, 1962-1963, that many of us also developed an interest in coin collecting. Armed with fifty cents each, our group would wander up and down Taraval or West Portal Avenue, from one bank to the next, every Friday afternoon, and ask the teller for "one roll of pennies, please"this was at a time when banks stayed open past 3:00 p.m. only on Fridays. Then, sitting outside the building, we would go through the coins carefully to see if there were any with the necessary dates and mint marks to fill up those blue Whitman coin albums that we had purchased at Toy Village. There were a dozen or so banks and savings & loans that were on our regular path, and we'd regularly share our finds with one another before adding in a few replacement coins, and re-rolling the remainder with our supply of coin wrappers, ready to approach the next institution for another try. The eight years of grammar school were over in the flash of an eye, and we were soon off to St. Ignatius, Riordan, Mercy, Star of the Sea, or St. Rose (or Lincoln or Lowell). We didn't see as much of each other as we formed even more new social connections among our high school classmates, but eventually one of our new friends would turn up with someone who had some sort of an association with a member of our original group. It was amazing to see all the interwoven connections. Several of my S.I. classmates dated girls who had an 18th Avenue connection. One S.I. student began dating my third cousin circa 1969, when they played a pair of bumble bees together in a school play (they now have four adult children who are in their 20s and 30s); another friend who sat next to me on Stanyan Street in Father Jacobs' algebra class began dating one of our original preschool group about that same time (resulting in yet another happy thirty-plus year marriage and many children); the girl who sat in front of me in fourth grade later married one of my Bank of America coworkers (thirty-five-plus years of marriage and several grandchildren); and three months after high school graduation, another S.I. classmate married a girl from the neighborhood who was not my cousin, but who shared the very same aunt and uncle with my mom (you need to be a trained genealogist to understand this point!). In those days Irish-Catholic San Francisco was a populous but very small place. Cars quickly became a big part of our lives, and many of us found ourselves zipping around in VW Beetles, Karmann Ghias, or the occasional Chevy Vega. Things were changing slowly but surely in the Outside Lands, and neighborhood parking soon became a real issue that has remained troublesome to this day. Eventually, it was off to college for most of usUSF, Santa Clara, Loyola, UC-Davis, UC-Riverside, College of San Mateo, SF State, and others, most of us remaining within an hour's travel, by either car or plane. Sadly, however, for the most part, we were beginning to lose regular contact with each other save for an occasional update about someone's new job, new car, or new major that was routed to each of us through the Mom network. After college was over, we were out into the working world. We mostly managed to keep track of each other's weddings, whether we were able to attend or not. Working in downtown San Francisco, as I did, resulted in a series of fortuitous bump-intos during the course of the average work week in the mid-to-late 1970s. It was always a hasty catch-upmostly trying to keep track of the general geographic area where all of us were settling, almost always outside of San Francisco. I was one of the few who bought a house and remained living in the Sunset, a few avenues away, but near "The Block" until the end of the 1990s. Again, the Mom network kept us up on who was having babies in the late 1970s and the early 1980s, but the contacts among all of us remained few and far between in many cases, as our lives grew more complex. By the mid-1990s, a few of us began corresponding via that hallowed tradition (loved by some, despised by others) of the annual Christmas letter. By the late 1990s, we were mostly online, and in contact electronically. Email and online class directories became even more commonplace in the new millennium, and most of us were then able to stay current on each other's goings on, including the arrival of the first grandchildren while some of us were still having or just starting to have children of our own. Face it, there is going to be a huge mix of older parents and younger grandparents at children's school events in the future! Sadly, funerals have become our standard meeting place recently. First, it was the Dads who were departing the scene, and then in more recent years, one-by-one, nearly all of the Moms have taken their leave of us, generally at far more advanced ages than the Dads were ever able to achieve. It came as a shock in the past year to learn that several of us have already lost a sibling, and in one case, even a spousewell before reaching the age of 60. Even though most of us have managed to survive reasonably intact following the rigors of child-bearing, child-rearing, and other adult adventures, including the occasional divorce, we all know friends our own age who have had to deal with pacemakers, new titanium hip joints, and/or life-threatening health conditions. It's strange to think that that we used to pop body parts on and off Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head with unabashed glee, and now some young surgeons are eyeing up each one of us in exactly the same way. We still recognize one another when we meet in spite of changes involving baldness and gray hair on most of usor some surprisingly stylish blonde hair on a couple of the girlsplus glasses, wrinkles, and weight gain. As we sit and talk and reminisce, there's that tiny little chip of the past nestled deep within us. We chat on and on, recalling distant adventures that we've shared, including triumphs, tragedies, and some of life's extraordinarily sad moments. We all know instinctively that whatever happens, we are still here for one another, still holding on to a bit of our collective youth, and still able to remember when life was so good to all of us and to our families on a tiny little spot of land that we called "The Block" on the western edge of San Francisco. Contribute your own stories about western neighborhoods places! Surf Theatre Memories by Woody LaBounty I was a junior at Sacred Heart High School in 1981, and I wanted to impress a girl from St. Rose who seemed refined, worldly and, frankly, out of my league. I asked her on a date to go to the Bridge Theatre to see Das Boot. It was the first movie with subtitles I ever saw, and walking her home, talking about camera angles, I felt equal to any lacrosse-playing dilettante she could snag at St. Ignatius. Thank you, Bridge Theatre. For a generation of San Franciscans a bit older than me, the Surf Theatre in the outer Sunset District served as a similar beacon of international sophistication on many a foggy night. Dozens of people have told me their introduction to the films of Federico Fellini, Akira Kurosawa, Ingmar Bergman and Jean-Luc Godard came at the Surf Theatre on Irving Street between 46th and 47th avenues. On the Western Neighborhoods Project message board, Bruce Skogen summed up the interesting role the Surf played in 1960s San Francisco: The Surf ran all the European art films and I was there for every feature: La Dolce Vita, Persona, La Chinoise, Jules e Jim These films were reshaping the sensibility of a generation. They inspired the emerging American directors of the 70s, and here they were playing in the remotest hinterlands of the most conservative middle class neighborhood in the city. Gary Meyer, who for years ran the Balboa Theatre, remembers the N-Judah unloading packs of movie lovers going to the Surf: You might arrive early enough to have garlic steamed crab at the Vietnamese restaurant by the streetcar stop. And after the show, lively conversations filled the streetcar as dozens of strangers became a discussion group about the challenging movie just screened. The Surf opened in 1926 as the Parkview Theatre at 4510 Irving Street. In 1937 it was rechristened the Sunset Theatre, but continued being a standard neighborhood theatre showing second-run movies that had played themselves out at the big cinemas on Market Street. Locals called it the flea house because of the sand fleas that roosted in the rows. That strip of Irving Street had a series of small businesses. On the northwest corner was a Safeway grocery that became the Busy Bee Market and today is Mollusk Surf Shop. Across the street was Sunset Poultry and Egg. Next door, to the west of the theatre, was Corabells bar. Owner-operator Isabella Strohmeyer remodeled the theatre and reopened it as the Surf on July 24, 1957. Strohmeyer introduced the Outer Sunset to international films, but sold out after a couple of years to Mel Novikoff. Under the cutting-edge programming of Novikoff, the Surf Theatre became a destination for serious moviegoers around the Bay Area. The Surf showed films from the modern masters across the seas as well as classic and challenging films from Hollywoods early days: Modern Times, African Queen and Metropolis. Novikoff opened the Cine Cafe next door, bringing espresso to the Avenues in the days when the Italian cafes of North Beach were the only place to get an exotic coffee in San Francisco. (Perhaps Java Beach should put up a photograph of Mel in tribute.) A few neighborhood businesses changed along with the Surfs hip transformation. Corabells bar was renamed The Sunset, and local historian Dennis ORorke remembers it as a womens bar before the Gay Pride movement. Sunset Poultry became the progressive, parent-run NEAT school (later Rivendell School) in the early 1970s. Novikoff built on his success by creating the Surf Theatres Group and making the Clay and Lumiere first-run houses. His greatest success and continuing legacy was the restoration and revival of the Timothy Pflueger-designed Castro Theatre. The success of revival-theatre programming across San Francisco diminished the uniqueness of the Surf. Business declined as Novikoff returned to showing recent second-run movies at his Irving Street theatre. On July 7, 1985 the 59-year-old movie house showed its last film. The site has had a church on it for many years now. Novikoff died in 1987. The San Francisco International Film Festival gives an annual award in his name to an individual or institution whose work has enhanced the film-going publics knowledge and appreciation of world cinema. While the Surf and Novikoff are both gone, the experience of walking out of a theatre near the beach the images of a just-watched film reverberating in your head, the smell of ocean air, the sight of a quiet street wet with fog and illuminated by the glow of a neon marquee is still available. Make a visit to the Balboa Theatre at 38th Avenue and Balboa Street. Have some dinner before the movie, drop by Zephyr or Simple Pleasures cafe afterward, and raise an espresso in memory of the Surf. Theatre historian Jack Tillmany, who is a generous source of theatre knowledge and photos, is still searching for an image of the Surf as the Sunset or Parkview. Let us know if you find one. Contribute your own stories about western neighborhoods places. DECATUR A sentencing hearing is scheduled Dec. 7 for a Decatur man found guilty of an August 2017 killing that prosecutors said stemmed from a drug deal. The body of Zachary Hubbartt, 22, of Windsor, was found in an abandoned house in the 1200 block of East Condit Street. Coroner Michael Day determined he suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the head, upper and lower body and his right upper extremity. At one point, FBI dive teams searched Lake Decatur near Ivy Hill Park looking for evidence in the case. A former resident of the vacant home, Jason A. White, 31, was charged in the crime. Prosecutors said White lured Hubbartt to Decatur for a deal to purchase marijuana, then killed him and took $5,000 from the victim. White pleaded not guilty. A jury on Thursday found him guilty of first-degree murder and not guilty of armed robbery. The jury handed down the verdicts Thursday. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 7. White previously was sentenced to prison for firing a gun at a group of customers at the former Decatur IHOP restaurant, where he was a manager, following a dispute in April 2017. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 BLOOMINGTON An Illinois Wesleyan University professor and her fiance face disciplinary actions after protesting what they say are inconsistencies in the school's COVID policies. Seyeon Ahn, director of the symphony orchestra and wind ensemble, was placed on administrative leave with pay pending a termination hearing. Ahn said the issue is over her raising concerns about having in-person rehearsals, which she finds to be unsafe and counter to the state and school mask mandates. The university declined to comment on Ahns employment, citing confidentiality on personnel matters. Ahn led rehearsals in person all of last year and had started to this year, she said. With the new mask and vaccine mandates put in place by the Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Aug. 26, she canceled rehearsals scheduled for the next day. IWU had already implemented an indoor mask mandate for campus, including it as part of the Titan Pledge. The pledge is a commitment students have been asked to make to take mitigation measures against the pandemic. "They say campus-wide but it's not; we were the exception," Ahn said. Ahn refused to teach in person after the canceled rehearsals, saying the precautions suggested were not enough to protect her students or herself. The university was being hypocritical in requiring the rehearsals to continue despite the unsafe conditions and the mask mandate, she said. Playing wind instruments produces a lot of aerosols which can spread COVID and requires more spaced social distancing than the standard six feet, she said. On Aug. 30, the school announced it would allow professors teaching in rooms where social distancing was not possible to move to hybrid or virtual classes for two weeks. The school had seen more than 60 COVID cases on campus by then. Ahn submitted a plan to move the ensembles to virtual learning but was told it was not an adequate substitute for in-person rehearsals, she said. At the same time, she was suspended from teaching her ensemble courses, but continued to teach her conducting course, which met virtually until Sept. 20. Ahn provided The Pantagraph with a Sept. 30 email sent by the university outlining that she would be suspended and that a hearing would be scheduled. The suspension letter cites Ahns failure to resume rehearsals as the reason for the grievance against her, as it puts her below the required course load. She had been asked to resume in-person rehearsals by Sept. 22. She does not believe the safety measures the school recommended, including social distancing and Plexiglass dividers, were adequate. We have no mitigation measures that are proven. The students were in disbelief, Ahn told The Pantagraph. 'Seems so harsh' Ahn said she should have the power to decide the safety measures taken, and that the schools recommended safety precautions were ineffective. Her letter includes the school's policy on academic freedom and due process. Ahn is in her second year as a professor at Wesleyan, after graduating with a doctor of musical arts from the University of Kentucky in 2020. She has been a guest conductor at various youth and professional orchestras across the country. In her response to the suspension, Ahn referenced a trespass charge against Scott Malek, 41, her fiance who also attends classes at Wesleyan. Malek has posted videos to YouTube showing him being escorted out of a classroom in handcuffs by Bloomington police. He had attended class without wearing a mask and refused to put one on or leave when asked. On his YouTube channel, he argues that the executive order mandating masks is not a law so cannot be enforced, and that he has a right to be on campus as a student. Malek had decided to attend classes mask-less to draw attention to the unsafe conditions in the ensembles, Ahn said. He was arrested for not following the mandate, but the ensembles were still expected to gather in person without masks. Ahn said he was arrested and booked, and she had to bail him out. Court records show a 10% bond of $150 was paid on Maleks case on Aug. 30. He has been charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass. Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Karla Carney-Hall said she could not comment on specifics of student conduct matters. Potential consequences for violating the university's COVID-19 polices are included in the Titan Pledge. Ahn said Malek had not agreed to the Titan Pledge when he was admitted to the university and did not sign it when requested before the school year began. "It just seems so harsh," Ahn said of Malek's arrest. We know that not everybody is on board with it The issue of mask use and COVID policies has been ongoing at schools since the start of the pandemic. Illinois State University students and employees who are found not complying with the mandates are subject to the student conduct process and the normal human resources grievance process, ISU spokesperson said Eric Jome earlier this month. Those who are unvaccinated and out of compliance by not submitting weekly test results will receive email reminders, Jome said. The school has had to send out some non-compliance letters, he said. Overall people seem to have gotten into the routine of wearing masks around campus, though ISU acknowledges that might not be true across the wider community. We know that not everybody is on board with it, Jome said. As of Thursday, ISU had 93% of employees, 86% of students living on campus and 79% of all students vaccinated. Wesleyan had 94% of employees and 96% of students fully or partially vaccinated as of Friday. On Friday, Wesleyan reported its first positive test since Sept. 14. Carney-Hall said fewer than five students have told Wesleyan they wont be coming back because of the mandates. No employees have resigned citing the mandates, said Director of Human Resources Cindy Lotz. Other conductors taking over Meanwhile, in-person rehearsals have resumed for Wesleyan's ensembles under other conductors, Ahn said. Wesleyan worked with faculty members in cases where wearing masks would interfere with learning, said spokeswoman Ann Aubry. That included implementing guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health, National Association of Schools of Music, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the NCAA. Fortunately, the vast majority of our IWU community supports this policy and has adhered to these expectations, with very rare exceptions, Aubry said in an email. IDPH guidance for music schools recommends that wind instrument players wear a mask when not playing. The department also says instruments should have bell covers. Ahn said she had seen studies that bell covers are ineffective and that they did not make her feel more comfortable in the rehearsal space. She had tried to find a larger rehearsal space for the time slots the ensembles met, but was unable to find one that was not already being used. We are not even distanced two feet in our class, Ahn told The Pantagraph. For the orchestra, all string players and percussionists are required to wear masks during rehearsals, as are wind players when they are not actively playing, Aubry said. So is the ensemble director. The players are also socially distanced, she said. There are still plans in place for choral and symphony concerts, Aubry said. The audience members will be required to wear masks and there will be limits on the size of the audience. Ahns hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12. Contact Connor Wood at (309)820-3240. Follow Connor on Twitter: @connorkwood 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. Anjanette Young stood Friday morning outside the Daley Center in a semicircle of activists holding picket signs of her face. All of you know my name, Young said, but I want you to see that I am a person who deserves and demands respect. Since Feb. 21, 2019, I have been treated as if Im invisible, both by the 12 men who entered my home that night and refused to treat me with respect and dignity and by City Hall, who has repeatedly used their powers to hide the truth of what happened that night and has refused to settle the case with me fairly and justly. Young was forced to stand handcuffed and unclothed in her home while officers mistakenly raided the residence in 2019. The Chicago police body camera footage capturing the raid went nationally viral last year, despite the citys efforts to block its public release. Young and her lawyer, Keenan Saulter, held a small protest and march downtown for the National Day of Protest. They shouted their message that they were still demanding transparency from Mayor Lori Lightfoot and her administration. Since the release of the video, the citys Office of Inspector General and Civilian Office of Police Accountability both launched investigations into the botched raid, but the reports of their findings have not been made public or available to Young. A spokesperson for the citys Law Department deferred questions about the release of the reports to the mayors office, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Lightfoot recently declined to commit to releasing the full inspector generals report but a summary of it will be included in the inspector generals January 2022 quarterly report. Saulter said they are still trying to pass the Anjanette Young ordinance, which would outlaw no-knock warrants, require police executing warrants to use tactics that are the least intrusive to peoples home, property and person and least harmful to peoples physical and emotional health and to record information about warrants. Young and Saulter are also demanding a financial settlement from the city, but they are prepared to go to trial if needed, Saulter said. Why is City Hall so fixated on denying justice to this woman? Saulter said. The legal maneuvers behind the scenes that dont match the public words. That has to stop. ... Everyone saw. Everyone around the world saw the level of disrespect, the level of violence, the level of lack of basic human dignity that was visited upon Ms. Young while she was simply a Black woman at home. Young told a story about how she was born in Chicago but moved when she was 3 to Mississippi, where she lived with her grandmother, a civil rights activists whod marched with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. I learned from her what it means to fight against inequality and to never give up on justice no matter how slow the hand moves, she said. Young said her life has been a perfect storm, and that she now has the responsibility to expose the city of Chicago for its corrupt practices as it relates to how Black and brown families are treated by the Police Department. Im not going anywhere, she said. I didnt come this far to compromise, and I demand justice. Tribune reporter Gregory Pratt contributed. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The world was Timuel Blacks classroom and we have lived enough to be some of his many students, the Rev. Michael Pfleger said of the late South Side griot Timuel Dixon Black Jr. He had an amazing ability to grasp the past and have a vision for the future and use the both of them to build the present day we have right before us. Pfleger eulogized Black on Friday at his small, but robust homegoing at Hyde Parks First Unitarian Church, Blacks church since 1953. Black died Oct. 13 at age 102 after a short stay in hospice. Family, academics, historians, activists and local politicians, including Mayor Lori Lightfoot, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx and U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, were in attendance to honor Blacks service to the community and to the world. Timuel was a person who could speak at the podium of Americas most prestigious universities while never losing his ability to talk to people in the community or young people on the block, Pfleger said. He sat in the circles of the most wealthy and powerful of the world, but unlike many who get in those circles, he never forgot his role. His role was to be their conscience and their moral compass. Since 1919, Black walked the streets of Bronzeville and remained there except for a few interludes and during World War II, as he wrote in his 2019 memoir, Sacred Ground. Black arrived in Chicago with the first wave of Black Americans who were fleeing racial violence and discrimination in the South. He grew up seeing firsthand restrictive housing covenants, racial wage gaps and discrimination in educational opportunities and jobs in the city. In his writing and oral history projects, Black described the pain of living through segregation, but also the joys of living in a thriving Black community. As the senior statesman of Chicagos South Side Black was beside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when he visited Chicago to draw attention to poverty and racism. Black helped the city elect Harold Washington as its first Black mayor and served as adviser to Barack Obama on his path to the presidency. As a World War II veteran, an organizer, an activist and a historian, Black wore many hats during his time in Chicago. It was this history that he shared with generations of students when he was an educator at Chicago Public Schools and City Colleges of Chicago. Blacks life was one of education and social justice, as evidenced by the words of local politicians who spoke at the service. Lightfoot teared up when she recalled sitting at the foot of Blacks bed before he transitioned to the next world, touching his socked feet. Michael Alexander Strautmanis of the Obama Foundation also had to pause in his remembrance of Black: I may not run for as long as Tim did but when Im ready to meet my savior and my God, I hope someone will note that I have handed the baton that Timuel Black handed to me, and I have done my part to move us closer to the beloved community that Tim Black wished for all of us. Blacks wife, Zenobia Johnson-Black, received a standing ovation for standing at his side through the years. He mentored and advised countless men, women and youth, giving them not only historical knowledge, but seeking to teach them how to bring about transformative change, Pfleger said. Black was interred at Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Ermetra Black-Thomas. He was preceded in death by his son, Timuel Kerrigan Black, and stepson Anthony Johnson. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SPRINGFIELD The legislative action was light during the General Assemblys first week of fall session, and lawmakers in both chambers left town a day early after leadership canceled the Thursday, Oct. 21, session. That means bigger items, such as a vote on congressional maps and potential changes to the Health Care Right of Conscience Act and a repeal of the Parental Notice of Abortion Act, will have to wait until next week, Oct. 26-28, for substantive action. Republicans used the light legislative days to make a case against one of the main Democratic agenda items and to push for some of their own including public safety reforms and checks on the governors power in a series of news conferences. Parental Notice of Abortion: On Tuesday, Oct. 19, the four women in the Senate Republican Caucus made clear their opposition to repealing the Parental Notice of Abortion Act, which requires that a physician give 48 hours notice to a parent or guardian of a person under the age of 18 who intends to get an abortion. The law does not require the guardian to give consent, and doesnt apply if an adult family member waives the notice in writing. Additionally, there are exceptions for minors who are victims of physical or sexual abuse or neglect by an adult family member, if the minor is married or emancipated, or if the provider determines there is a medical emergency. A judge can also waive the requirement. Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, characterized the issue as one of parents rights that is independent of the typical pro-life vs. pro-choice debate. Parents should have a right to know when their child is going to undergo a major medical procedure such as an abortion, the GOP senators argued. Sen. Sally Turner, R-Beason, said a repeal would make it easier for sexual predators and sex traffickers to abuse our children. The ACLU of Illinois countered that claim Wednesday in a news release, circulating a letter cosigned by several groups that aid sexual assault victims, such as the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation. They said the Republican claims rely on an erroneous belief that parents and/or social networks are always safe and healthy individuals in a young persons life and that, if notified, they would assist in an intervention to help the young person. However, what we know is that victims are often lured into a trafficking or exploitative situation because they lack parental and/or familial support, they wrote in the letter. Traffickers often come along to fill such a void in the young persons life. In fact, traffickers can be and often are the young persons parents or family members. Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, however, argued that the existing exceptions in the law are protection enough for minors who have been abused. Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, who carries the repeal bill in the House, told Capitol News Illinois she still hopes to call it for a vote next week, although she did not indicate whether she had enough votes lined up in support of the repeal. Public safety push: Theres been no indication that the majority party Democrats will take up the other two matters pushed by Republicans this week checks on executive authority and public safety reforms. Republicans from both chambers gathered outside of the Illinois Police Officers Memorial on the Capitol Grounds Wednesday to push for a reform package spearheaded by former prosecutor and current state Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet. That package includes a bill that would appropriate $100 million to the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board to fund grants to local departments for gang violence, carjacking and motor vehicle theft prevention, as well as officer staffing. Another bill would eliminate good time sentence reductions for someone who brought a weapon to a penal institution or attacked a law officer. Another would require a prosecutor to provide a written explanation if a weapons offense is plea bargained to a lesser sentence. Rose also touted a 10 and life provision, requiring a minimum 10-year sentence for aggravated discharge of a firearm, use of a stolen or illegally acquired firearm in an offense, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, armed habitual criminal offenses or aggravated hijacking or carjacking. A second such offense would come with a life sentence. We're not talking about the so called low-level nonviolent offender, Rose said. We're talking about violent offenders who are walking our streets, gun traffickers, carjackers. The brunt of our effort is to take the violent criminals, the gun traffickers the carjackers, the shooters, off the streets. Governor authority: House Republicans held their own news conference Wednesday to push for the passage of House Bill 843, which would limit the governors ability to issue consecutive disaster proclamations. Pritzker has issued successive proclamations due to the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020. In the future, the bill would limit the governor to one 30-day declaration, and if it is extended it would need written approval from three legislative leaders or an affirmative resolution from the General Assembly. Democrats have shown no indication that they were willing to provide such a check on the governors disaster authority, instead allowing him to continue under the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act without intervention. Tacit approval is not appropriate in this situation, Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, who sponsors HB843, said at the news conference. That does not allow for public hearing and debate that the people of the state get to see and hear and know that their viewpoints are being considered and heard by the people making decisions. It's still just allowing one person to rule and not allowing the people to have their voice heard. * * * INITIAL MAPS REJECTED: A three-judge federal court panel in Chicago ruled Tuesday that the legislative redistricting plan that Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law in June before official 2020 U.S. Census numbers were available was unconstitutional because the population variances among districts violated the one-person, one-vote doctrine. But the court did not, as Republican officials had hoped, order that a bipartisan redistricting commission be formed to redraw the maps. Instead, it declared the second set of maps that Pritzker signed in September to be a starting point in developing a new map, and it invited plaintiffs in two cases challenging the redistricting process to propose their own solutions. Those rejected June maps were based on population estimates from the Census Bureaus American Community Survey because official data from the 2020 census had been delayed until August 2021. Democrats argued that they needed to move forward because the Illinois Constitution gives the General Assembly until only June 30 in the year following a decennial census to approve a redistricting plan. After June 30, the state constitution requires the formation of a bipartisan legislative commission to draw new maps, a process in which either party would have a 50-50 chance of controlling the outcome. One of two lawsuits challenging the initial maps was filed by Republican leaders of the General Assembly, Sen. Dan McConchie, of Hawthorn Woods, and Rep. Jim Durkin, of Western Springs. They urged the court to declare the maps unconstitutional and order the formation of the bipartisan commission required under the Illinois Constitution. The second lawsuit was filed by a group of Hispanic voters in the Chicago area who were represented by attorneys from the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, or MALDEF. They had asked the court to declare the maps unconstitutional and for the court itself to order a remedy. But defendants in the case who included House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch, Senate President Don Harmon, the Illinois State Board of Elections and its individual members argued that because lawmakers had come back in the summer to pass a second set of maps, any challenge to the first set of maps should be considered moot. The court, however, rejected that argument, noting that even though lawmakers had passed a second set of maps, they never specifically repealed the first set. But it also rejected the Republicans request to order formation of a bipartisan commission. Both the Republicans and the MALDEF plaintiffs have argued that the second set of maps is unconstitutional as well, in part because they reduce the number of Latino-majority districts in both the House and Senate, even though the Latino population grew substantially between 2010 and 2020. The court gave the plaintiffs until Nov. 8 to submit their proposed revisions to the second set of maps, along with a statement explaining how those revisions would cure any constitutional defects. Defendants then have until Nov. 18 to respond to those proposed revisions. * * * CONGRESSIONAL MAPS: Members of the public got their first chance to speak directly to state lawmakers Wednesday, Oct. 20, about a proposed set of new congressional district maps, and most of those who did were critical of the plan. Democrats in the General Assembly released a proposed new map Friday that divides Illinois into 17 congressional districts, one fewer than it has had for the past 10 years because of the states population decline since the 2010 census. The General Assembly returned to Springfield on Tuesday for the start of their annual fall veto session, and on Wednesday the House and Senate Redistricting Committees held their first hearing since the proposal was released. Ryan Tolley, policy director for the reform advocacy group CHANGE Illinois, noted that the proposal had been given a grade of F by the Princeton Gerrymandering Project, a nonpartisan project at Princeton University that seeks to eliminate partisan gerrymandering. That was due mainly to its lack of partisan fairness and the fact that the proposal includes a number of oddly shaped districts that are not compact and which divide a large number of counties into multiple districts. A number of other people who spoke to both committees Wednesday testified about their particular areas of the state, including residents of southwest Chicago who are currently in the 3rd congressional district. Under the proposed map released last week, that district would be greatly reshaped, stretching farther west, reaching into Will, Grundy and LaSalle counties. Others, such as Juan Calderon, a West Side resident and chief operating officer at the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, urged lawmakers to consider drafting a map that would have two largely-Latino districts because the Latino population of Illinois grew substantially over the past 10 years while the white and Black populations both declined. The proposed map released last week is considered a first draft and will likely be changed before being voted on in either chamber. Both chambers of the General Assembly adjourned Wednesday and canceled their scheduled sessions Thursday, which means they wont vote on a new congressional map until next week at the earliest. * * * GUN TAX REJECTED: The Illinois Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a Cook County tax on gun purchases is unconstitutional, but it left the door open for a more tailored tax that specifically goes toward mitigating gun violence and its effects. The Cook County gun tax, which took effect in April 2013, imposed a $25 fee for retail gun purchases in the county, as well as a 5 cent fee per cartridge of centerfire ammunition and 1 cent per cartridge fee for rimfire ammunition. The taxes were challenged by the trade group Guns Save Life Inc. in a lawsuit against the county. The Supreme Courts Thursday opinion, written by Justice Mary Jane Theis, stated that, While the taxes do not directly burden a law-abiding citizens right to use a firearm for self-defense, they do directly burden a law-abiding citizens right to acquire a firearm and the necessary ammunition for self-defense. In the 14-page, 6-0 opinion, the Supreme Court reversed an appellate court ruling that would have allowed the taxes to stay in place. Chief Justice Anne Burke did not take part in the decision. While the court rejected the tax, it did specifically note that the countys failure to earmark the revenue from the tax for gun violence prevention programs played a major role in the decision. Under the plain language of the ordinances, the revenue generated from the firearm tax is not directed to any fund or program specifically related to curbing the cost of gun violence, the court wrote. Additionally, nothing in the ordinance indicates that the proceeds generated from the ammunition tax must be specifically directed to initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence. Thus, we hold the tax ordinances are unconstitutional under the uniformity clause. Justice Michael Burke issued a four-page special concurrence disagreeing with the majoritys analysis that the countys spending plans affected whether the tax was permissible under Article 1, Section 22 of the state constitution, which reads: Subject only to the police power, the right of the individual citizen to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. The only problem with the majoritys approach and the guidance it offers the county is that such counsel, if followed, would still violate the provision of the Illinois Constitution noted above that plainly states that the right of the individual to keep and bear arms is subject only to the police power, not the power to tax, he wrote. The county intends to meet with its legal counsel and determine any next steps that may be warranted, it said in a statement. * * * DAY CARE VACCINES: Gov. JB Pritzker announced an executive order Friday, Oct. 22, that will add day care personnel to the list of professions that must either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to weekly testing. The governors office said it expects the order to affect 55,000 individuals in the state, although many of them may have already received a vaccine. Children under 12 are not yet eligible to receive any of the approved vaccines in the U.S., although Pfizer has asked federal regulators to approve its vaccines for children aged 5 to 11. Children 12 years of age and older are currently eligible for that vaccine. Day care professionals will be required to receive their first dose by Dec. 3, and their second by Jan. 3. Those not fully vaccinated by Dec. 3 will have to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing until they are fully vaccinated, according to the governors office. There are 2,872 day care centers in Illinois that are licensed through the Department of Children and Family Services, the governors office said in a news release. Since August, the governors office has mandated the same vaccine or testing requirements for health care professionals, teachers and staff at Pre-K-12 schools, higher education personnel and students, and a number of state workers. * * * STATE EMPLOYEE VACCINES: On Wednesday, Oct. 20, the governors office announced it had reached an agreement with a fifth state employee union, bringing the number of union employees covered by vaccine agreements to nearly 2,100. The latest agreement with the Teamsters union covers equipment operators and maintenance workers at the Illinois Department of Human Services and Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, about 100 workers in total, according to the governors office. They join the VR-704 union, the Illinois Nurses Association, the Illinois Federation of Public Employees and Illinois Trade Unions as those covered in agreements with the state. Per those agreements, employees will receive an additional personal day, and may be compensated at their regular pay for the time taken to receive the vaccine if none is available off work hours. Vaccinated employees may also receive paid time off if they contract COVID-19. Those employees have an Oct. 26 deadline for their first vaccine, while the second dose must be received by the end of November. Negotiations are ongoing with the states largest public employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, or AFSCME. That union represents 39,000 state workers including about 20,000 covered by the executive order. The governors vaccine mandates were first issued in late August amid a surge of the COVID-19 delta variant that has proven about twice as transmissible as the first wave of the virus. On Aug. 26, when the governor issued the order, the rolling case positivity rate for COVID-19 tests was 5.4 percent. Virus transmission rates have ticked downward since that time, and the case positivity rate sat at 2 percent as of Friday. That number is still well above the mid-June lows of 0.6 percent. * * * VACCINE BOOSTERS: Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday, Oct. 19, urged eligible Illinoisans to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot and called on skilled nursing facilities to make booster shots available to patients and staff by Thanksgiving. Currently anyone who received the Pfizer vaccine and is over 65 years of age or at higher risk of COVID-19 because of their jobs, living conditions or underlying medical condition should get a booster shot of the same vaccine. This week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is set to rule on the same recommendation for people in those age and risk groups who received the Moderna vaccine. For those who received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is recommending a second dose for all age and risk groups at least two months after the first shot was received. The CDC could officially accept those recommendations this week as well. More information on where to obtain a vaccine can be found at vaccines.gov. From June to September, Pritzker said, citing a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation, approximately 90,000 COVID-19 deaths among U.S. adults likely would have been prevented if they had chosen to get vaccinated. The Illinois Department of Public Health is partnering with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Illinois Department on Aging to promote boosters and support skilled nursing facilities in administering them. The administration encouraged all skilled nursing facilities to host a vaccine booster clinic by Thanksgiving, and said IEMA can, with a request for assistance, mobilize its community partners vaccination program to support those efforts. IEMA has hosted more than 4,000 vaccine clinics through the community partners program since vaccines became available. IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said IDPH is currently working on additional training for COVID-19 vaccine providers that will cover booster doses by type, as well as planning for upcoming vaccination for the children under the age of 12. An FDA panel is set to review data on authorizing the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 12 on Oct. 26, while the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the CDC review is scheduled for Nov. 2-3. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 House Democrats in a statement said the amended version "accounts for public feedback while improving minority influence." The changes made in this updated congressional map will help ensure the diversity of Illinois is reflected in Washington, said state Sen. Omar Aquino, chair of the Senate Redistricting Committee, in a statement. We appreciate the many advocacy groups and individuals that continue to guide our work with passion and dedication, as we remain focused on the creation of a fair map that will provide equal representation for all. Districts are redrawn every decade based on census data. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the new boundaries by the end of the fall veto session next week. Democrats, who control the the mapmaking process, released the first draft last month. The version brought criticism from Republicans and good government organizations. Democratic members of the Illinois delegation also took issue with the shapes of their districts. There also was concern about the lack of a second majority Latino district in the Chicago area despite the group registering significant growth over the past 10 years. Gov. J.B. Pritzker last week said it was his sense that "the map that was put forward was not intended to be a final product, it was intended to be for discussion." U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, in a statement about the first map said: Its clear Gov. Pritzker and the Democrats will stoop to any low if it means they can keep their corrupt system going. The new map positions Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, in the same district as Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland, is against Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro. The first map put La Hood and Miller in the same district and Kinzinger with Rep. Marie Newman, D-Western Springs. Illinois' congressional delegation is made up of five Republicans and 13 Democrats. But the state is losing a congressional seat due to population loss, bringing the delegation to 17. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 O'FALLON An O'Fallon bookkeeper was sentenced to four years in a federal prison for bilking one of her clients out of $1.4 million. Over at least a four-year period beginning in 2015, Kathleen M. Dvorak, 61, defrauded her victim by writing large checks from her victim's account that were payable to herself and by taking large amounts of cash back from checks she cashed on her client's behalf. She pleaded guilty to 10 counts of wire fraud in May of this year. In addition to the four-year prison sentence and three years of supervised release, the court also ordered Dvorak to pay nearly $1.5 million back restitution to her client. She'll also be treated for a gambling addiction. "While our work on violent crimes often garners larger headlines, the public should be reminded that financial crimes remain a clear federal priority," said Steven D. Weinhoeft, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. "Financial criminals like Dvorak cause great harm and must be held accountable." According to the ndictment, Dvorak worked as a bookkeeper for a customer identified in court documents only as "T.B" Her responsibilities included writing checks on T.B.'s bank accounts to pay his expenses, depositing checks he received from his employment into his bank accounts, and recording his income and expenses in Quicken electronic accounting software. From at least 2015 through June 28, 2019, the indictment alleged, Dvorak wrote numerous checks from T.B.'s bank accounts at Commerce Bank and PNC Bank, sometime's forging T.B.'s signature on the checks in order to conceal her fraud from the banks. She frequently presented those checks for payment at Regions Bank and deposited some of the funds into her personal accounts. Dvorak also ordered multiple wire transfers for up to as much as $6,000 between Regions Bank in St. Clair County and the bank's Riverchase Operations Center is Hoover, Alabama, drawn on T.B.'s account at Commerce Bank. She wrote checks to herself totalling $794,725.38 and an additional $114,975 drawn on T.B.'s PNC Bank account, court records state. Dvorak fraudulently obtained funds up to $8,000 several times by taking cash back from checks payable to T.B. She received $485,002.35 in cash back from the checks payable to T.B. "For years, Dvorak bilked her employer's accounts, choosing greed over trust," FBI Special Agent in Charge David Nanz said. "No matter how simple or sophisticated the fraud scheme, the FBI won't hesitate to bring all available resources to bear to hold criminals accountable and seek justice for victims." Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 We can all agree that bullying is awful. At best, its a nuisance and at worst a nightmare whose fallout lasts a lifetime. Illinois new contribution to battling bullies is Safe2Help Illinois. The statewide school safety initiative is designed to encourage students to Seek Help Before Harm. Safe2Help Illinois is available 24/7, and at no cost to all school districts in the state. In the absence of a trusted adult, Students are encouraged to use a free app, text/phone, or the website Safe2HelpIL.com to share school safety issues in a confidential environment. Information obtained will remain confidential to ensure student privacy and to protect the integrity of the program. The program, a media release, is not intended to suspend, expel or punish students. The information will be vetted and then shared with local school officials, mental health professionals and/or local law enforcement. The program also will help local officials by connecting them with mental health resources or other appropriate tools to intervene. This effort requires the aggrieved to reach out. For some, that will be enough of a challenge, let alone recounting uncomfortable or dangerous situations. But its vital to make those students and their loved ones feel safe about reaching out to the help line. The recognition of potential physical and mental health issues is critical to childrens safety. Were well past the point of telling kids to toughen up bullying is bullying, whatever form it takes. And when children are in the middle of misery, someone telling them it gets better is of little consolation. We often find ourselves wondering what we can do to battle bullying and remove some obstacles from the lives of our children. Utilized properly, Safe2Help Illinois can be a hugely positive step. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Head of Monitoring Unit of the Forestry Commission, Charles Owusu has expressed disappointment in President Nana Addo for not declaring his stance on the anti-LGBTQ+ bill. President Nana Akufo-Addo, in an interview on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' on Thursday, October 21, responded to the calls on him to tackle the LGBTQ+ issues with particular emphasis on whether or not he supports the bill. He called for civil discourse on the LGBTQ+ controversy but stressed he cannot be pressured to declare his position. "It's in Parliament. It's a Private Members Bill. We have been fighting for [many, many] a long time the opportunity for private members to also sponsor bills of Parliament . . .The Parliament is looking at it. Let's see how the process develops. "No! I can't feel pressured. We're talking about public opinion. We're talking about legitimate processes that are being used. What I would hope for is that the debate itself will be civil and that we will recognize the need for us to be tolerant of each other, even when there are opposing views," he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi. But the President's statements do not sit well with Charles Owusu. Reacting on Kokrokoo on Friday, he appealed to the President to make his position clear to Ghanaians saying ''it's either you are for or against. There is no middle stand in this LGBTQ+ issue. All Ghanaians know the bill is already in Parliament. We know it. We all know it's a private members bill. Whether civil or whatever manner, with all due respect, Your Excellency; Ghanaians who voted for you to become President say they don't like this thing''. He cautioned the President stressing the LGBTQ+ ''will never happen in Ghana for us to accept same sex marriage. Mark my words!'' ''Any government that will dare Ghanaians and try this thing is a redeemed change'', he warned. 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 The Ga Mantse, Boni Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II is pushing for a change in the name of the Greater Accra region. He wants the region to be called Ga Dangme region to reflect and represent the name of its indigenes. He made the request when President Akufo-Addo paid a visit to the Ga Traditional Council at the Ga Mantse Palace in Accra today, Friday, October 22, 2021. This was on the second day of his tour of the region as part of his nationwide tour. Speaking at the meeting, the Ga Mantse could not help thanking President Akufo-Addo for the various developmental projects he is understaking not only in Accra but the entire country. He also asked the President to help get more trained Ga teachers to be posted to schools in the Greater Accra region to enhance teaching of the Ga language in schools in the region. Nii Takie Teiko Tsuru II took the opportunity to thank the President for the significant number of Gas he has appointed to occupy various positions in his government even though he wish they could be more. As leader of the Gas, he promised to do all he can to help resolve all chieftaincy disputes in the Ga State and therefore called for the Presidents continous support in that respect. The Ga Mantse also appealed to the President to do more to help solve perenial flooding in Accra since it has become one of their major headaches as a people. On his part, President Akufo-Addo commended the chiefs and people of Ga for finally settling on one Ga Mantse in the person of Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II. He was hopeful the new Ga Mantse will be able to hold the fort and rally all Gas together in peace. He was confident this will bode well for the Ga state and thus asked for all to support him to help develop the Ga state. He was particularly happy all this happened under his presidency. President Akufo-Addo to help him to develop the Ga state but was particularly his commitment to ensure lasting peace and security in the Ga state. On the issue of the change of name of the region the President said he will consult extensively before he makes up his mind. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The General Overseer of the Perez Chapel International, Rev. Dr. Charles Agyin-Asare has commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his wife Rebecca Akufo-Addo for returning the salaries paid to the latter by the state. He said the refund shows that the President and his wife have given a listening ear to the voice of the people when they complained against payment of salaries to wife of president. Speaking on the issues that give rise to military takeovers in the sub-region, at the annual security services day of national prayer at the Burma Camp, on Thursday October 21, Rev Agyin-Asare said despite low motivation and the misconduct of politicians in power, the men in uniform should continue to hold the country together. In our sub region, we are seeing coup detats like in Mali, Chad and Guinea. These show soldiers who are no under authority but have made themselves authority . Bad as it may seem, I will put much of the blame on the political class of those nations. They change the constitution to seek their self-ambitions and increase their salaries without increasing those of the ordinary citizens , many entered into politics without much but in four years they own houses and fleet of cars whiles the populace lack basic amenities. Once many of these politicians came to power became tin gods who could not be criticized without unleashing their attack dogs on the critics. Some governments have also turned the civil and public service upside down by sacking competent people and replacing them with party faithful , some of whom are very incompetent, the government also superintend over economic mismanagement In our dear Ghana, we dont want a coup detat. Is it that we dont have problems like we see in the sub regions. We do have the same problems. Be content with your wages. It is true that most military and service personnel are poorly remunerated even though your job requires you to defend the citizenry sometimes at the risk of your own lives, it is very unfortunate that your salaries are often not commiserate with your responsibility, that notwithstanding taking bribes ends up affecting the same you swore to protect. Please dont let greed or the love of money drive you to want to do a coup detat. Nonetheless, he added our politicians, since last year seem to be slowly listening to the voice of the citizens. When a committee said the wife of a president and vice president should be paid, when we the citizens said we didnt want it, the First and Second ladies reportedly returned what they had received. When they increased the salaries of the president and his ministers by over 50 per cent, when we said no, the president was said to have returned the difference of what was taken this year and to have put a freeze on that of his minsters and of state. It shows they are giving some ear to the voices of the people and that is a good thing. Source: 3news.com|Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Inspector-General of Police, Dr George Akuffo Dampare arrived at Tamale in the Northern Region to visit three Police officers who were critically injured in a fatal accident yesterday evening, 21 October 2021, on the Walewale-Bolgatanga road. Two other officers died on the spot. All the five were memebrs of the anti-robbery squad who were responding to an emergency on that stretch. The Police said processes are underway to airlift the three injured officers to Accra for further treatment. The members of the Police management board have also visited the families of the two officers who passed on to commiserate with them. The police have expressed gratitude to the GHANA Armed Forces, particularly the Chief of Defense Staff, Vice Admiral Amoama and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall Frank Hanson for their collaborative efforts in airlifting the injured personnel. Source: classfmonline.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 Members of the Concerned Youth of Volta Region have served notice to demonstrate against President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo if he does not apologize to the Aflao Chief Torgbui Adzonugaga Amenya Fiti V. This comes after President Akufo-Addo had, in a sarcastic manner, asked the Chief to complete Mahamas E-block by himself. The President said most of the E-block projects started by the Mahama administration have been completed by his government. Others are also at various stages of completion, he said. Mr Akufo-Addos comments came after Torgbui Adzonugaga Amenya Fiti, had given the government a four-month ultimatum to open the e-block community day senior high school which in his view, has stalled since 2016. The 9 million project which was part of some 200 classroom blocks the erstwhile Mahama administration started was supposed to have some 26 classrooms attached and 5 departments including a science block. Torgbui Adzonugaga Amenya Fiti speaking with the Minority side of the Education Committee who toured the uncompleted school buildings in the Ketu South constituency says, governments approach to education is appalling. After senior high school education, the next degree that my people have to do is to go to border and go and do kayayo, no school. The only school that we have is the RC Senior High School that belongs to the Catholic Mission Minor Seminary. So this thick population have no place to go and people sit down in that big hall called parliament and not thinking about Aflao, a place after the Tema Harbour, the next revenue generation is from the Aflao border. I had to push the former President Mahama for the structure to be constructed over there. I had to be running from here to Accra begging. Should we beg for education? But Mr Akufo-Addo questioned why the Chief is giving the sector minister an ultimatum. He said on Peace FM Thursday, October 21 that Many of the E-blocks are being worked on across the country. Is he [Aflao Chief] the one to give the minister ultimatum then he should go ahead and complete the project. But the Volta youth members who are unhappy with the Presidents response said in a statement on Friday October 22 that President Akuffo Addos intolerant posture of mounting vitriolic attacks on citizens who voted him into office to get things done the right way is not only disrespectful but also nauseating and reprehensible. It is about time he wholeheartedly accepted criticism without having emotions attached. We are also calling and appealing to the President to complete the E-Blocks and other infrastructures which are at various stages of completion across the country for use as governance is continuous process. Our chiefs have every right to demand their share of the national cake from the Central government and air their views on pertinent issues that bothers them. Below is their full statement CONCERNED YOUTH OF VOLTA REGION GHANA For Immediate Release 22/10/2021 PRESIDENT AKUFFO MUST IMMEDIATELY RETRACT AND RENDER AN UNQUALIFIED APOLOGY TO THE PARAMOUNT CHIEF OF AFLAO AND THE PEOPLE OF THE VOLTA REGION The attention of the Concerned Youth of the Volta region has been drawn to a video circulating on social media where the President,His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo Addo was seen throwing a jab at Torgbui Adzonugaga Amenya Fiti V,the Paramount Chief of Aflao Traditional Area,for demanding one of the Community Day Senior High Schools constructed by the erstwhile Mahama administration to be completed and put to good use. The unfortunate comment was made when the President was having a one on one interview on an Accra based radio station,Peace FM s Kokoroko morning show hosted by Mr Kwame Sefa Kayi. The subtle attempt by the NPP government to be consistently denigrating,disrespecting and undermining our Traditional rulers will not be countenanced in any way,as it will be resisted without fear of favour. The demands by the revered chief was made when minority caucus of the education committee of parliament paid a courtesy call on him his palace. In the just ended voters registration exercise,Mr John Boadu,the General Secretary of the governing party also accused some Volta chiefs for serving as polling station chairmen and station wardens. Such a lame,blatant falsehood statement was peddled without any scintilla of evidence. Their national Chairman,Mr Freddie Blay also labelled Torgbui Afede,the immediate past President of the National House of Chiefs,who also doubles as the Agbogbomefiaof the Asogli State and President of the Asogli Traditional Area as a Palm wine tapper and got away with it. The brazen impunity with these callous name callings and attacks is gradually dragging the names of our eminent chiefs into disrepute. President Akuffo Addos intolerant posture of mounting vitriolic attacks on citizens who voted him into office to get things done the right way is not only disrespectful but also nauseating and reprehensible. It is about time he wholeheartedly accepted criticism without having emotions attached. We are therefore, calling on the President to as a matter of urgency retract and apologize to the Paramount Chief and to the good people of the volta region else we will hold a mammoth demonstration against him and his government. The people of Volta region are peaceful and loving people,but it does not mean we are vindictive people. It is imperative and instructive to note that; It is not only Torgbui Adzonugaga Amenya Fiti V, the Paramount Chief of Aflao Traditional Area who made such request. Other eminent chiefs also did same. The eminent and revered chief doesnt take tax from citizens and should be ordered to complete an uncompleted projects. We are also calling and appealing to the President to complete the E-Blocks and other infrastructures which are at various stages of completion across the country for use as governance is continuous process. Our chiefs have every right to demand their share of the national cake from the Central government and air their views on pertinent issues that bothers them. It is obvious and crystal that the President will no contest in the next elections hence,his recent posture and comments. Our greatest shock and dismay was the host of the program,Mr Kwame Sefa Kayi, who partly hailed from the region laughed at the Presidents response. His hypocrital behaviour over the years is sickening and should be controlled. We condemn his comments in the strongest terms We will not sit aloof for any individual or group of persons to denigrate our leaders for nothing. God bless our motherland Ghana. Long live Volta Long live Ghana Signed: Wonder Setsoafia Deynu Convenor Bernard Edem Ahiekpor P.R.O 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 Western Region Secretary for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) Charles Nanabanyin Onuawonto Bissue has remarked that President Akufo Addos apology to the people of Cape Coast and Ghanaians about his political gaffe in respect of the proposed Cape Coast harbour is absolutely a show of humility and sincerity. He argued that the President has consistently proven to be more responsive to constructive criticisms and thus lead a path of honesty in all his dealings with the people of the country. On Asaase Breakfast Show this morning, Mr Bissue emphasized that the former President John Dramani Mahama has unrepentantly disregarded calls from Ghanaians to apologize for certain inciting comments he has made in the past. He reckoned that the do-or-die chant by John Mahama had rather been popularized as a campaign slogan despite the concerns made by Ghanaians about the propensity of violence it could trigger in the country. He stressed that President Akufo Addo was rather receptive and reasoned with the people to apologize and retract his all-die-be-die comment he made in opposition. That he described, as honourable of a statesman. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Mr Bissue disclosed that John Mahama retorted in a recent interview in the Volta Region that he is fed up justifying the do-or-die mantra, a response he added, confirms the true character of the former president. . The President has been honest coming out to apologize. When President Mahama came out to say the do-or-die thing, Ghanaians asked him to apologize but he never did. what he said was that he is tired of explaining himself but President Akufo Addo came back to apologize for his all-die-be-die mantra. That tells you how consistent he has been as opposed to John Mahama. Commenting further on the ongoing conversation about the Presidents apology and the negative press his earlier comments generated, Mr Bissue charged Ghanaians to focus on the gains the government has made in advancing the development of the country. Let us not take the wind out of the sail. We are allowing the negative incidents to take over the good things that have happened, he justified. Source: Peacefmonline.com/ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video " " The building that originally housed the Bauhaus art school from 1925 to 1932 is now a museum in Dessau, Germany. Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0 When significant cultural movements reach a major milestone, it's tempting to try to condense their meaning into neat, condensed tributes. But the Bauhaus transcended all expectations and standards, and the school of art, architecture and design still leaves its mark on the world today, a century after its inception in Weimar, Germany. Founded by Walter Gropius and named after the Bauhutten, or masons' lodges, the Bauhaus is considered one of the most influential art movements of the 20th century. One major unique feature of the school is that it can't really be categorized as a single school at all. The Bauhaus melded and brought to life conversations around art, society and technology through elements of traditional fine art and more modern design education. Advertisement In his 1919 "Proclamation of the Bauhaus," Gropius described a sort of guild uniting architecture, sculpture and painting into one overarching creative expression. From there, he developed a craft-based curriculum, which informed the creation of objects combining form and function. Students from diverse educational and social backgrounds came to study the curriculum, which started with an immersive course on materials, color theory and more. Some major names in the era's visual arts scene who are now regarded as Bauhaus legends typically taught that preliminary course: Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky and Josef Albers. Once the immersive course was completed, students then specialized in crafts like metalworking, weaving, typography and more. The slogan for the school at the time was definitely appropriate: "Art Into Industry." The development of the Bauhaus wasn't accidental or random; as the 19th century came to a close, people felt uncertain about the unprecedented rise of modern manufacturing. What impact would it have on art? Would the efficiency of factory work make artistic expression obsolete? Through the Bauhaus, Gropius and his colleagues hoped to create practical objects with a soul, elevating the credibility of artforms like interior design and architecture while continuing to revere the traditional fine arts like painting and sculpture. The school itself moved throughout Germany over the course of its 14 years, traveling from its base in Weimar between 1919 and 1925 to Dessau until 1932, and then eventually Berlin, where it was permanently shut down by the Nazis. While the formal structure of the school itself was disbanded, some of the biggest leaders in the Bauhaus went on to spread the tenets of the movement throughout the world. Albers is credited with shaping the graphic design program at Yale, and Laszlo-Moholy Nagy, who co-taught the school's foundational course with Albers, went on to launch the Institute of Design at IIT in Chicago. For a more comprehensive deep dive on all things Bauhaus, check out these notable creations of the era: Red Balloon by Paul Klee (1922), Yellow-Red-Blue by Wassily Kandinsky (1925), lub Chair (Model B3) (The Wassily Chair) (1925) by Marcel Breuer, Universal Bayer by Herbert Bayer (1925), Photogram by Laszlo Moholy-Nagy Photogram (1926) and the Bauhaus building in Dessau, Germany (1919-1925) by Walter Gropius. Learn more about the Bauhaus movement in "Bauhaus" by Magdalena Droste. HowStuffWorks picks related titles based on books we think you'll like. Should you choose to buy one, we'll receive a portion of the sale. Now That's Cool The students and teachers of the Bauhaus were apparently excellent at costume parties. In his 1925 essay, "Life at the Bauhaus," architect Farkas Molnar wrote, "The essential difference between the fancy-dress balls organized by the artists of Paris, Berlin, Moscow and the ones here at the Bauhaus is that our costumes are truly original. Everyone prepares his or her own. Never a one that has been seen before. Inhuman, or humanoid, but always new. You may see monstrously tall shapes stumbling about, colorful mechanical figures that yield not the slightest clue as to where the head is. Sweet girls inside a red cube. Here comes a winch and they are hoisted high up into the air; lights flash and scents are sprayed." " " Halloween stands out as one of the most unique holidays in the United States. ArtMarie/Getty Images In the United States and Canada, every October brings an avalanche of carved pumpkins, dancing skeletons, smiling ghosts, and witches riding on brooms. Halloween certainly stands out from the rest of the holidays we observe throughout the year: It's full of frightening ghost stories, pranks, elaborate costumes and bizarre games. On Halloween, we all revel in being scared. Halloween also stands out because of its unique mix of secular and religious elements. In recent years, the holiday has stirred up a lot of controversy because it offends some Christian groups, which in turn upsets many modern-day Wiccans and Druids. Advertisement If you've ever wondered where all those peculiar Halloween practices come from, or you can't figure out why Halloween is such a hot topic with a lot of people, then this article will get you ready for the next October 31. We'll look at both the Celtic and Christian origins of Halloween, examine all the favorite Halloween traditions and sort out a little bit of the Halloween controversy. The next time you're carving a pumpkin or handing out candy to little Draculas and Darth Vaders, you'll actually know where these practices come from. PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Guillermo Eleazar has warned the public against social media pages offering passport appointments for a fee, saying the Department of Foreign Affairs has emphasized that appointment slots for all consular services are free. In an announcement on the PNP website, Eleazar said Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Brigido Dulay had sought the help of the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation to go after those behind Facebook pages and groups that offer a swift passport appointment process to applicants. Eleazar said he had now tasked the PNPs Anti-Cybercrime Group to look into such social media pages so that the perpetrators might be arrested. Hindi natin papayagan na pagkakitaan pa ang ating mga kababayan lalo na ang mga OFWs dahil sa hirap ng buhay ngayon na dulot ng hinaharap nating pandemya, he said. (We cannot allow them to make money off of our countrymen, especially the overseas Filipino workers, because of the hardships they are already facing now amid the pandemic.) The DFA also asked social media giant Facebook to identify and take down these accounts to prevent the public from getting swindled into paying for a service that is completely free of charge, the announcement said. The police general also asked the public not to patronize such services on social media as it would only encourage more swindlers to take advantage of Filipinos. Instead, he asked the public to report such illegal activities. As for victims of the scam, he advised them to file their complaints through the platforms of the PNPs E-Sumbong. (CTL/PR) A NASA employee holds the official Artemis mission patch at NASA Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio. NASA is aiming to launch its uncrewed lunar mission Artemis 1 in February next year, the space agency said Friday, the first step in America's plan to return humans to the Moon. The agency had initially hoped to launch the test flight by the end of this year, with astronauts set to walk on the Moon by 2024. It achieved a major milestone Wednesday when it stacked the Orion crew capsule atop its Space Launch System megarocket, which now stands 322 feet (98 meters) tall inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After further tests, it will be wheeled out to the launchpad for a "wet dress rehearsal" in January, with the first window for launch opening in February, officials told reporters on a call. "The February launch period opens on the 12th and our last opportunity in February is on the 27th," said Mike Sarafin, Artemis 1 mission manager. The next windows are in March and April. These potential launch periods are dependent on orbital mechanics and the relative position of the Earth with respect to the Moon. The mission duration is expected to be four to six weeks. NASA will also deploy small satellites, known as CubeSats, to perform experiments and technology demonstrations. NASA achieved a major milestone when it stacked the Orion crew capsule atop its Space Launch System megarocket. Artemis 2 is then scheduled for 2023 and Artemis 3 for the following year, when humans will walk on the Moon for the first time since 1972. Both missions are now likely to be pushed back, however. NASA says the moonwalkers will include the first woman and first person of color to make the trip. The space agency is seeking to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon as well as use the lessons it learns to plan a crewed trip to Mars in the 2030s. Selfies with the Moon Orion first flew into space in 2014, launched by a Delta IV rocket, making two circumnavigations of Earth and testing its heat shield on re-entry into the atmosphere. But this time, NASA's Sarafin said, the capsule will travel much faster and the temperature will be much higher when it returns from the Moon. Artemis 1 has several objectives: to demonstrate Orion's ability to return from the Moon and operate in deep space where it is "much colder than in low Earth orbit," and to successfully recover the spacecraft, he added. The mission also plans to study radiation and take selfies of the capsule with the Moon in the background. Explore further NASA targeting Feb. 2022 to launch new lunar program Artemis 2021 AFP SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) Hours before actor Alec Baldwin fired a fatal gunshot from a prop gun that he had been told was safe, a camera crew for the movie he was filming walked off the job to protest conditions and production issues that included safety concerns. Disputes in the production of the Western film Rust" began almost from the start in early October and culminated with seven crew members walking off several hours before 42-year-old cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed. The crew members had expressed their discontent with matters that ranged from safety procedures to their housing accommodations, according to one of those who left. He requested anonymity for fear that speaking up would hurt his prospects for future jobs. Rust Movie Productions did not answer emails Friday and Saturday seeking comment. At a rehearsal on the film set Thursday at Bonanza Creek Ranch outside Santa Fe, the gun Baldwin used was one of three that a firearms specialist, or armorer, had set on a cart outside the building where a scene was being rehearsed, according to the court records. Court records indicate that an assistant director, Dave Halls, grabbed a prop gun off a cart and handed it to Baldwin, indicating incorrectly that the weapon didn't carry live rounds by yelling cold gun. When Baldwin pulled the trigger, he unwittingly killed Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza, who was standing behind her inside a wooden, chapel-like building. Baldwin, 63, who is known for his roles in 30 Rock and The Hunt for Red October and his impression of former President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, has described the killing as a tragic accident. He was a producer of Rust. Halls did not immediately return phone and email messages seeking comment. A 911 call that alerted authorities to the shooting at the Bonanza Creek Ranch outside Santa Fe hints at the panic on the movie set, as detailed in a recording released by the Santa Fe County Regional Emergency Communications Center. We had two people accidentally shot on a movie set by a prop gun, we need help immediately, script supervisor Mamie Mitchell told an emergency dispatcher. We were rehearsing and it went off, and I ran out, we all ran out. The dispatcher asked if the gun was loaded with a real bullet. I cannot tell you. We have two injuries, Mitchell replied. And this (expletive) AD (assistant director) that yelled at me at lunch, asking about revisions....Hes supposed to check the guns. He's responsible for what happens on the set. The Associated Press was unable to contact Hannah Gutierrez, the film's armorer, and several messages sent to production companies affiliated with Rust did not receive responses Friday. Court records say that Halls grabbed the firearm from the cart and brought it inside to the actor, also unaware that it was loaded with live rounds, a detective wrote in a search warrant application. It was unclear how many rounds were fired. Gutierrez removed a shell casing from the gun after the shooting, and she turned the weapon over to police when they arrived, the court records say. Guns used in making movies are sometimes real weapons that can fire either bullets or blanks, which are gunpowder charges intended to produce little more than a flash and a bang. New Mexico workplace safety investigators are examining if film industry standards for gun safety were followed during production of Rust. The Los Angeles Times, citing two crew members it did not name, reported that five days before the shooting, Baldwins stunt double accidentally fired two live rounds after being told the gun didnt have any ammunition. A crew member who was alarmed by the misfires told a unit production manager in a text message, Weve now had 3 accidental discharges. This is super unsafe, according to a copy of the message reviewed by the newspaper. The New York Times also reported that there were at least two earlier accidental gun discharges; it cited three former crew members. Mitchell, the script supervisor, told The Associated Press she was standing next to Hutchins when the cinematographer was hit. I ran out and called 911 and said Bring everybody, send everybody, Mitchell said. This woman is gone at the beginning of her career. She was an extraordinary, rare, very rare woman. Filmmaker Souza, who was shot in the shoulder, said in a statement to NBC News that he was grateful for the support he was receiving and gutted by the loss of Hutchins. She was kind, vibrant, incredibly talented, fought for every inch and always pushed me to be better, he said. Santa Fe-area District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said prosecutors will be reviewing evidence in the shooting and do not know if charges will be filed. Hutchins husband Matthew Hutchins posted on social media to mourn his wifes loss, ask for privacy for his family, and thank her friends and mentors at the American Film Institute, who he said nurtured the success we had only just begun to see flourish. The institute's conservatory canceled cinematography classes Friday in response to Hutchins' death. At a vigil Saturday around 200 film crew workers gathered for a candlelight vigil as the sun set. They shared grief at the loss of one of their own, and fear of accidents on their own film sets. Several in attendance lit candles, held a moment of silence, read poetry and made brief comments including one testimonial to her artistic spark and generosity. Her death shouldnt have happened, Union sets should be safe sets, said Liz Pecos, president of IATSE Local 480. Production on Rust was halted after the shooting. The movie is about a 13-year-old boy who is left to fend for himself and his younger brother following the death of their parents in 1880s Kansas, according to the Internet Movie Database website. The crew member that spoke to the AP said he never witnessed any formal orientation about weapons used on set, which normally would take place before filming begins. He also said only minimal COVID-19 precautions were taken even though crew and cast members often worked in small enclosed spaces on the ranch. The crew was initially housed at the Courtyard by Marriot in Santa Fe, according to the crew member. Four days in, however, they were told that going forward they would be housed at the budget Coyote South hotel. Some crew members balked at staying there. We packed our gear and left that morning, the crew member said of the Thursday walkout. The Los Angeles Times and Variety also reported on the walkout. Gutierrez, the films armorer, is the daughter of a longtime Hollywood firearms expert. She gave an interview in September to the Voices of the West podcast in which she said she had learned how to handle guns from her father since she was a teenager. During the podcast interview, Gutierrez shared that she just finished her first movie in the role of head armorer, a project in Montana starring Nicolas Cage titled The Old Way. I was really nervous about it at first and I almost didnt take the job because I wasnt sure if I was ready but doing it, like, it went really smoothly," she said. In another on-set gun death from 1993, Brandon Lee, the son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, was killed by a bullet left in a prop gun after a previous scene. Similar shootings have occurred involving stage weapons that were loaded with live rounds during historical re-enactments. Gun-safety protocol on sets in the United States has improved since then, said Steven Hall, a veteran director of photography in Britain. But he said one of the riskiest positions to be in is behind the camera because that person is in the line of fire in scenes where an actor appears to point a gun at the audience. Price reported from New York. Associated Press writers Jake Coyle and Jocelyn Noveck in New York; Lizzie Knight in London; Yuras Karmanau in Kyiv, Ukraine; Ryan Pearson in Los Angeles; Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Walter Berry in Phoenix; and Gene Johnson in Seattle contributed to this report. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 Crime-and-courts top story Who killed John Enders and his companion in Surf City? His daughter says it wasn't her. Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, provided Heffernan SURF CITY The white RV later traced to Sherry Lee Heffernan was captured by surveillance cameras at 4:48 a.m. Sept. 29, heading over the Route 72 bridge onto Long Beach Island. Ten minutes later, a Ring doorbell camera captures the Winnebago approaching the home belonging to Heffernans father, John Jack Enders, 87, on North Seventh Street in Surf City, on the literal edge of Barnegat Bay. An hour later, the vehicle is recorded headed east on Seventh Street. At 5:53 a.m., an individual in oversized clothing is recorded walking back into view on Seventh Street, then, at 6:42 a.m., in the backyard of the property, climbing over a fence. A minute later, an Xfinity camera spots someone walking east on Sixth Street. At 6:58 a.m., two hours after arriving on LBI, the white RV is again observed on the bridge, heading off the island. In those two hours, the culmination of what Heffernans son told police was a midnight dash by his mom from their home in Landenburg, Chester County, police allege a gruesome double murder was committed, in which the two elderly victims were both shot and stabbed, leaving the $1.9 million shore home splattered with their blood, inside and out, upstairs and down. The victims were identified as Enders, a home builder originally from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, a larger-than-life character who at 87 still roared off in his pickup truck, let local kids crab off his dock and cooked meals for neighbors who sat out back for hours, and his longtime companion Francoise Frenchie Pitoy, 75, a nursing home Alzheimers specialist who endeared members of the Surf City Volunteer Fire Department by serving in its Womens Auxiliary and paying visits to their ailing relatives. Pennsylvania woman charged in Surf City murders faces additional charges A Pennsylvania woman previously charged with the murders of her father and his girlfriend received additional charges Wednesday, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. Our hearts are broken as we remember the light, love and laughter that Frenchie brought to us, the department wrote on its Facebook page. Marcus Evans, Pitoys son-in-law, who lives in Virginia Beach, said in an interview, They were the most beautiful people youd ever meet in your life. He said he and his wife, Valerie Lewis-Evans, who first called police when she hadnt heard from her mother, had been unaware of any hostility or tension between Enders and his daughter. The Surf City firefighters put Pitoys name into the memory plaque on the side of their building, usually reserved for their members. Frenchie Pitoy. Lest we forget. The ultimate landing place It took five more days for their bodies to be discovered, Enders in his big brown first-floor recliner, Pitoy still on the steps leading down to the living area. Both had massive stab wounds, according to an affidavit filed by Surf City police Sgt. Victor Rice and released by the Ocean County Prosecutors Office. Woman charged with murdering father, father's girlfriend in Surf City says she's being framed A Pennsylvania woman charged with the murders of her father and his girlfriend in Surf City maintained her innocence during her first court appearance last week. North Seventh Street had been the ultimate landing place for the widower, Enders, and the divorced Pitoy, his companion for most of the past two decades. Neighbor John Gofus told police Enders had recently rewritten his will to exclude his two daughters, and that the younger, Sherry Lee, was upset over the sale of the shore house, which he had had transferred to him from an estate that included his late wife. The house was under an agreement of sale as of Sept. 2 for $1.9 million. He also sold his boat. In an interview with the Inquirer, Gofus said Enders had had little to do with either of his children of late, even as he and Pitoy nurtured robust friendships in Surf City. He said Enders had taken care of his late wife, who had Alzheimers, for years before she died. He got no help from anyone, Gofus said. Enders was introduced to Pitoy on the beach by a mutual friend. Pitoy was French-Canadian and still had her own home in nearby Manchester Township. They seemed to hit it off right after that, said Gofus, who also knew Pitoy through the Fire Department. Argument over will cited in Surf City slayings of 87-year-old, his girlfriend A Pennsylvania woman was excluded from her fathers will and told she would not be allowed to sell his nearly $2 million bayfront home in the time leading up to her allegedly stabbing him and his longtime girlfriend to death in Surf City, according to court documents. They both had birthdays in August. August was the month they had met. Nineteen years, 40 days, theyd been together, Gofus said. Evans, Pitoys son-in-law, said the two were seemingly inseparable. They didnt have an ounce of hatred or hostility in their hearts, Evans said. Everywhere you see Jack, you see Moms. Everywhere you see Moms, you see Jack. Gofus said Enders had been estranged from his older daughter, though recently had attended the wedding of her son, and said it was cordial. He said Sherry Lees previous house, in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, had been significantly damaged in floods. He said rising real estate prices on LBI prompted Enders to sell, with only vague plans to spend time in the Florida Keys. (Heffernan) had a real estate license in New Jersey and Maryland, Gofus said. When he decided he was going to sell it, she wanted the house outright. He said, No, Im selling it. She said, Well, I will sell it for you. He said, Im giving it to an active Realtor. It was supposed to go to closing next week. Neighbors expect the new owners will accelerate their plans to knock down the house and build a new one. Pennsylvania woman charged with murdering father, father's girlfriend in Surf City A Pennsylvania woman has been charged with two counts of murder in the deaths of her father and her fathers girlfriend in Surf City, the Ocean County Prosecutor Offices said Tuesday. Im being framed Heffernan was arrested Oct. 4 outside her home, the same day the bodies were discovered by police. An autopsy performed that day concluded Enders had suffered multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma, his right carotid artery severed. An autopsy the next day on Pitoy found she had been shot in the face, in addition to being stabbed. A later examination of Enders found he too had been shot in the face with a handgun, the Prosecutors Office said in a statement Oct. 19. They lodged additional weapons charges against Heffernan, and she was transported to the Ocean County jail from Chester County, Pennsylvania. Heffernan first appeared in court in Chester County and waived extradition in a brief hearing. I would have surrendered myself in New Jersey if I had known I was wanted for something, she told the judge, according to the Daily Local News. Asked for comment as she was led out of the courtroom, she answered, Not guilty. Im being framed. Her son, Joseph, told police both he and his mother considered Pitoy to be a gold digger, and the reason Enders was selling the Surf City house, the affidavit said. He described his mothers trip to LBI as a midnight dash and said she frequently would stay up into the early hours because she made up her mind that she needed to get something done. He said, I cant believe she did this. On Oct. 19, neighbors on Seventh Street traveled from LBI to New Britain, Bucks County, for a memorial service for Enders. They are planning a memorial for Pitoy in Surf City. In his obituary, Enders was described as a lover of the shore, boating and fishing. He was a 1950 graduate of Frankford High School and served with the Air Force during the Korean War. He got a degree in mechanical engineering from Penn State. He was a Mason and a member of the LuLu Temple Shrine, the obituary said, and is survived by a daughter, five grandchildren and one great grandchild. Heffernan was not listed in the obituary. +2 Pennsylvania woman charged in Surf City murders faces additional charges A Pennsylvania woman previously charged with the murders of her father and his girlfriend re Our hearts are broken as we remember the light, love and laughter that Frenchie brought to us, the department wrote on its Facebook page. Marcus Evans, Pitoys son-in-law, who lives in Virginia Beach, said in an interview, They were the most beautiful people youd ever meet in your life. He said he and his wife, Valerie Lewis-Evans, who first called police when she hadnt heard from her mother, had been unaware of any hostility or tension between Enders and his daughter. The Surf City firefighters put Pitoys name into the memory plaque on the side of their building, usually reserved for their members. Frenchie Pitoy. Lest we forget. The ultimate landing place It took five more days for their bodies to be discovered, Enders in his big brown first-floor recliner, Pitoy still on the steps leading down to the living area. Both had massive stab wounds, according to an affidavit filed by Surf City police Sgt. Victor Rice and released by the Ocean County Prosecutors Office. North Seventh Street had been the ultimate landing place for the widower, Enders, and the divorced Pitoy, his companion for most of the past two decades. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} She never misses an election, she said, because I appreciate the American democratic way of life. Lam voted provisionally because she had been sent a vote-by-mail ballot, she said, but elected not to use it so she could vote in person. The new machines allow provisional ballots to be cast by machine, but provisional ballots are segregated and only counted later, in Lams case once it is verified that she did not also send in a mail-in ballot. On Nov. 2, however, voters will use traditional voting machines, so people who need to vote provisionally will still have to fill out paper ballots. The county does not yet have enough new machines to use on Election Day, when there are about 150 voting sites around the county and everyone has to go to a designated polling place. Library Director Bob Rynkiewicz was excited to host nine days of early voting, he said. +2 Polistina calls for county to partner with running Atlantic City, more dredging One in a series of interviews with candidates in the Nov. 2 general election, based on edito This is the first time the library has been used (for voting), Rynkiewicz said. Its great for us. It gets people into the library. Bugdon, whose office is responsible for purchasing and securing all voting machines, as well as for voter registration and making sure elections are run according to the law, was at the Atlantic City location to help get it started. Small said the state takeover is a reality the state Legislature recently passed a bill to extend it another four years and any mayor needs to partner with the state, which Forkin said he would not do. Now that it happened, we have to turn the page and be professional, Small said. The wars over, and they won. Whitehead blamed Small. We need a change in Atlantic City. We need integrity, honor, we need somebody to lead with ethical principles, Whitehead said, calling himself a Navy veteran who worked for the White House in the past and knows how to do things legally, ethically and be a true leader, not a gangster leader. But Small said Whitehead has not delivered on promises to bring thousands of high-tech jobs to the city, or his October 2020 announcement to hire 300 workers within months for his planned combination call center, data and cybersecurity facility called the RX5 EnVision Center. Jimmy Whitehead to run for Atlantic City mayor again ATLANTIC CITY James Jimmy Whitehead, director of the RX5 Cyber Center on Atlantic Avenue Believe me, were going to create 300-plus jobs, Whitehead responded. Panah, a candidate who did not qualify to participate in the debate but was in the audience during it, when asked what he thought the most important issue facing the city was, answered, corruption. Some Republicans are also concerned that Trumps unpopularity could be dragging down Ciattarellis approval numbers. Since a bruising June primary with rivals who claimed Trumps mantle, Ciattarelli has sounded more like the moderate he was while in the Legislature, speaking about his support for the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion and for immigrants without legal status to get drivers licenses, for instance. Hes been playing up his credentials as an accountant and the founder of a small business while campaigning in Democratic-leaning cities as well as GOP strongholds. Ciattarelli has also had to balance the more traditional GOP wing with the Trump faction. Thats meant calling for lower property taxes, a perennial issue in New Jersey, and decrying COVID-19 restrictions. But it has also meant confronting questions about his appearance at a rally centered on Stop the Steal, a reference to Trumps false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Ciattarelli said he didnt know the rally was focused on the former presidents false claims. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Asked whether he would welcome Trump campaigning for him, Ciattarelli said he does his own campaigning and isnt into endorsements. He has also said he accepts that Biden was legitimately elected. When I called to schedule an annual well-check appointment for my son, I was told that he would need to wear a mask in the office. He just turned 2, I explained, and is at home with me all day. Not only is he not accustomed to wearing a mask, I doubt very much he is developmentally capable of wearing one for more than five seconds. Sometimes, I cant even get him to wear pants. I wont force the mask on him. And since the waiting room is closed and he would interact only with the masked and presumably vaccinated nurse and doctor, who exactly would he be potentially exposing? Well, he needs to wear one if hes going to see the doctor, came the reply. The exchange encapsulated everything thats wrong with current public-health guidance when it comes to children in practical, scientific and moral terms. By now, weve all seen the disturbing videos of caregivers trying (unsuccessfully) to mask screaming toddlers at daycare centers or of exasperated parents desperately trying to cajole tantrum-throwing 2-year-olds to wear masks on planes. Injunctions are often used by companies during strikes to shift the power balance in negotiations, according to labor experts. If you got a big group of workers, you got 200 workers out there, and then you're trying to bargain with the union, the unions bargaining team is going to get a lot of energy, and they're going to feel really good about having all those members out there, said Bob Bruno, director of the Labor Education Program at the University of Illinois. And the company is going to feel the pressure. When asked whether there were unsafe conditions at the Davenport plant strike before the injunction was filed, the executive said there was enough evidence to put the injunction in place. Labor law experts who've reviewed the Deere injunction say the ban on chairs and fire barrels is unusual and the injunction lacks sufficient evidence to prove their role in impacting the ingress and egress out of the Davenport Deere plant. James M. Cooney, a labor and employment law expert in the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations, said since the alleged exhibits lack a direct mention of fire barrels or chairs being used to create dangerous situations, there isnt a basis for the ban. Hill said the states legal challenge could also attack the fact that the Biden administration implemented the rule only for large employers, exempting those with fewer than 100 employees. But the federal government could defend both of those arguments, Hill said, for example by pointing out that the government first and for more than a year tried advocating for voluntary vaccine participation before deciding to move to a requirement for large businesses. When it comes to the federal government, because so many companies are national in scope and theres interstate interactions, we have OSHA, where Congress made it very clear and gave very wide discretion to the secretary in the (U.S.) Department of Labor and OSHA to take those steps necessary to protect people in terms of their safety on the job, Hill said. And of course, OSHA is about safety on the job. Hill said even conservative justices have declined to halt vaccine requirements. In August, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, declined to block Indiana Universitys requirement for all students to be vaccinated from COVID-19. These are some of the issues legislative Democrats will have to work through when they return to Springfield next week to consider the new congressional map, which would set the district boundaries for the next 10years. Democrats concede that the map is likely to change before a final vote is taken. My sense is that the map that was put forward was not intended to be a final product, it was intended to be for discussion, said Gov. J.B. Pritzker, responding to a question from a reporter at an unrelated event in Bloomington Thursday morning. Lots of people have discussed as we've seen. They've seen the maps and wanted to make changes, both current members of Congress from both parties as well as members of the legislature who are going to be voting on it. Grading the process Theres significant pressure on Springfield Democrats from the national party to maximize opportunities in Illinois, one of the few states where the party has complete control of the redistricting process. Besides New York, the state is viewed by many as the Democrats biggest redistricting weapon, with models showing the possibility of making a delegation currently composed of 13 Democrats and five Republicans one with either a 14-3 or 15-2 split. So it would seem like these are maps that Republicans, with their majorities in both the Senate and House, could accept. House Republicans were ready to approve the first maps, so its hard to imagine theyll have an issue with this new proposal. The key lies within the Senate Republican caucus. To be fair, if Republicans reject these new maps, thats still fair game and does nothing to sully the reputation of Iowas widely praised redistricting process. Iowa legislators have, in the past, taken the process to the third set of maps. But one can also understand why statehouse Democrats have been sounding the alarm. While some of their claims have been hyperbolic, statehouse Republicans have, since gaining full control of the state lawmaking process in 2017, not shown much of an inclination to ease into their agenda. Simply put: if theyve wanted to do something, theyve done it, no matter who and how many howled. So its not difficult to see why Democrats are calling on Republicans to stop short of going to a third set of proposed maps and enacting Republican-drawn amendments. Thumbs Up to the City of Bettendorf for continuing to work to rid at-risk houses from the 100-year flood plain near Duck Creek. As Sarah Watson reported this week, the council advanced a plan Tuesday for the city to pay $440,000 to secure a grant to fund the purchase and demolition of 17 houses. Since 2015, the city has purchased and demolished 21 homes, turning the properties into green space. The city has done this before, with two previous rounds of purchases. The 2021 grant would be a $2.3 million total project with $440,000 of local match. The program is voluntary, and the owners of the 17 homes have submitted a form that indicates they are interested in a buyout, but not obligated to one. One alderman expressed concerns about whether this would take affordable housing off the market, and that is a concern of ours, too. The alderman, Jerry Sechser, 1st Ward, said the first round of funding was for owner-occupied housing. In this round, about half of the 17 properties are owner-occupied, according to a city official. Two young women made a name for themselves at the 2021 South Dakota Rural Women in Ag conference in Deadwood Oct. 7 and 8. Brylee Grill was awarded the 2021 Young Gun of Ag award and Morgan Mackaben gave her state-winning FFA speech at the conference luncheon. The Young Gun of Ag is an annual award given out by the South Dakota Women of Ag. The winners are nominated and voted upon by the organizations members. Winners are young women who are dedicated to the agriculture industry and promote ag among their peers. The 2021 Young Gun, Grill, 15, said she was surprised at winning the award. This is crazy, she said, smiling while holding the award plaque. Grills family manages a Red Angus ranch just outside of Hot Springs, South Dakota. As an advocate for agriculture, she said her favorite part of ranching is bringing her friends out to the ranch during calving season. Not a lot of people get to say they slept in a barn, she said. Even without her friends around, Grill said calving is her favorite part of ranching, even at three a.m., she said with a chuckle. Grill wants to continue to work in the ag industry after high school. I kind of want to do what she does, preg checking, embryo work, all the behind the scenes work, Grill said, gesturing toward Megan Harkless of M&M Cattle Services. Harkness was the one who nominated Grill for the award. Grill said Harkness is one of the only other people who offers those services in the area. Id like to make those services more readily available, she said. Harkness said shes proud of Grills dedication to the industry. Theres not a lot of them around anymore, she said of youth who want to be involved in the field. While that may be the case, Grill wasnt the only young woman honored at the conference. Morgan Mackaben, a junior at Belle Fourche High School, was one of the conferences notable speakers. Mackaben gave a speech about controlled wildfire burns. Mackaben said not long after a wildfire devastated part of her grandparents ranch in Montana, she heard one of her fellow 4-H members give a speech on how wildfire actually benefited their community. I didnt realize how wildfire could be good for the ecosystem, so I started doing some research, she said. The research paid off. Mackabens speech would go on to win the state FFA competition, earning her a place at the National FFA Convention. Like Grill, Mackaben said her passion for agriculture will follow her into her professional life. She is still considering her options but will likely choose to study agronomy or go on to be a rural health care provider, she said. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A former law enforcement officer with the Box Elder Police Department admitted to repeatedly sexually assaulting a victim under the age of 18, according to a signed statement of facts. Ricardo Olandez pled guilty to sexually assaulting the girl between April 6 and May 14 at a residence on Ellsworth Air Force Base. After being confronted with the sexual assault allegations, Olandez repeatedly said he was sorry, then fled to Montana and was ultimately taken into custody in Georgia. Olandez was employed by the Box Elder Police Department until May 18. A change of plea hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Nov. 5 at the federal courthouse in Rapid City. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 4 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. "Part of the community here is a network, the other part is very isolated. They'll go home and stay home. The exception to that is the children. The children thrive and grow regardless." As many as 25 children play on the apartment complex's jungle gym every day. "We've had kids caught in the crossfire of a shootout and the next day they're out on the playground and they're saying "I was in a shoot out." Read said one boy recently told him that he was playing outside when his mother drove up to check the mail and rolled her window down to talk to him when suddenly she pulled him through the window instinctively at the sound of gunfire. "Another little girl told me about how she heard a shooting early in the morning," Read said. "I asked her how she was felt about it and she goes, 'Oh, I don't know. I was on my phone playing games.'" A woman who leased apartment C 28 would drop in from time to time, Read said, but allowed others to stay there who weren't on the lease, including a woman who used the space to house runaways turned Gangster Disciples recruits. Read said there were multiple shooting incidents that originated from apartment C 28, but it wasn't until 16-year-old McKenzie Garreaux was shot and killed in the apartment on the morning of Oct. 27 that management served the leaseholder an eviction notice. There's still a network of townhouses used for gang activity, Read said. But anytime he gets a call and goes to an apartment, the trouble has gone out the back door, he said. "Each house has a front and back door. For us to come in and trying to come in and figure out what's going on, they go out the back door and go to a safe house. It's a game of cat and mouse for us. That is why it's so important to get the community not afraid and empowered," Read said. The housing complex is subsidized for low-income residents and has a waiting list over a year long. "I know a lot of them want to leave. The housing market is insane right now, so that's really difficult. This is HUD housing so a lot of people don't have many choices as far as that goes," Read said. The "big three" is a term commonly used to describe the three townhouse complexes located on Knollwood Drive, Surfwood Drive and North Maple Street. In all, there are 204 units. The community held an event following the death of Garreaux, which was criticized by some as celebrating the loss of a young life. But that wasn't the case, Read explained. "That event was to try to stop a retaliation. When there's one violent act, another one is going to follow. In that, there's also an effort to build community instead of self-isolating and getting more apathetic," Read said. Knollwood Townhouses resident John Horton Sr., was in North Dakota for four months for school when he heard about the shooting death of Garreaux in the complex he used to live at with his mother. Horton said when he came back home, the Knollwood Drive community had changed for the worst, which he wasn't going to stand for. "It gets a bad rep because of all the tragedies. It's got a lot to do with drugs, alcohol, gangs. I know everybody is struggling and having had times but there is a better way to live your life," Horton said. Horton has become a community event planner, having hosted one open mic and bingo night with a bouncy castle to boot since Garreaux's death. But there won't be an another event until Richards' family has had time to grieve. It will likely take place in the first half in November, Horton said. "It's good to put on another event but after what happened across the street my goal is to bring the community together. Not just over across Maple Street but the whole community," Horton said. When Christina Olinger walks into a classroom as a substitute, she knows that her first task is to set the tone. And that tone, as she explained it, might contain more than just a single note. Students, she said, might think that a free day is stretching out in front of them when they see a substitute. Or, they might feel anxious, worried about why their regular teacher or other kind of educator isnt there. So Olinger needs to be reassuring, and she also needs to be challenging. Were still doing work, she tells them. And everything is fine. Olinger serves as a substitute in Rapid City Area Schools, where shes contributed periodically since about 2012. It's also a job she relishes. She works at a range of district schools as a teacher and a paraprofessional, bringing with her a masters degree in psychology with a specialization in educational leadership. With two other jobs including an adjunct teaching position with Western Dakota Technical College Olinger didnt necessarily need to substitute this year. But she saw a swelling urgency for substitutes of all positions. When I saw the schedule this year I wanted to cry, she said. We get notifications about how many open positions there are, and its through the roof. One day I got 99 notifications. Full-time teachers also notice the acute need. Were at a critical point in time, said Sue Podoll, who teaches at Rapid City High School. Far too many positions are left unfilled everywhere in the building. Podoll, in her 30th year as a teacher at Rapid City Area Schools, also serves as president of the Rapid City Education Association. Cara Phelps, who teaches at Central High School, spoke about the substitute shortage during the public comments portion of Tuesdays board of education meeting. Were being asked every day to cover for these positions, Phelps said. We always say yes, because were team players. We provide our students with the best learning environment, and we think thats more important than being compensated for the hours of work we feel compelled to put in after school or at home because weve given up our planning periods. Phelps suggested that teachers be paid an hourly wage when covering classes, much like we do with subs. Podoll, teaching at Rapid City High School, described a cluster of strategies shes seen put into operation to cover classes. They might involve asking a librarian to lead a class or asking a literacy or math support staff member to do so. Classes might be divided, with groups of students redistributed into other classes. Or, Podoll said, teachers might give up planning periods to cover classes. Swelling challenge The substitute shortage has fallen hard on the school district, and its a problem thats been reported throughout the country, as well. Kristen Strissel, the director of human resources for RCAS, said the substitute pool has been shrinking over the last few years. She said the pool ranged from 277 to 377 in the 2019-2020 school year and then dropped to a range of 189 to 281 in 2020-2021. Early this school year, the number stood at 163. The problem has also led to some action, Strissel noted, including passage last month by the RCAS Board of Education of a salary increase for teacher substitutes. In a presentation to the board on Sept. 27, Strissel noted, among other details, that 55.5% of teacher, paraprofessional and hourly staff absences went unfilled during the first two weeks of September. After the board accepted the pay raise proposal, hourly substitute rates increased to $12.50 per hour, up from $11.25. The daily pay rate of retired RCAS teachers has risen from $115 to $150; the daily rate for substitutes with current and lapsed teaching certificates has risen from $110 to $150; and the daily rates of substitutes with at least a bachelors degree or who are current student teachers has risen to $117. Substitutes with bachelors degrees previously earned $90 per day, and student teachers earned $85. The daily pay rate for teacher substitutes with no degree has also risen, from $85 to $109. Recent progress Strissel cited progress since the board approved a salary increase, noting recently that we have 17 new substitutes who have completed applications to sub, and 23 who have started the application process. Superintendent Lori Simon, speaking at this past Tuesdays board meeting, noted that sub fill rates have improved in the last week with fill rates in the 83% to 88% range and overall fill rates in the 69% to 72% range. Changes are in the works at the state level as well. A news release from the South Dakota Department of Education reported that the South Dakota Board of Education Standards adopted a proposed administrative rule to provide more clarity and flexibility for school districts in hiring long-term substitutes. According to the release, the proposed rule updates the certification rule to extend the length of time a long-term substitute can act as the teacher of record and provides additional flexibility for leave pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or when the individual has a teaching certificate. The rule may take effect this winter, according to the release, pending approval by the Legislatures Interim Rules Review Committee. Strissel said the school district welcomed the changes, and she said district staff members including Human Resources Manager Lisa Nobles have been working with the South Dakota Department of Education to implement such adjustments. But Strissel noted that the scarcity of substitutes reaches beyond teachers and includes a range of positions from bus drivers to student nutrition staff members to people who do intensive cleaning. She also noted paraprofessionals whose work includes, among other things, individual and group work with students. Cheryl Allen substituted about two years ago as a paraprofessional helping special education students at Central High School, in RCAS. For her, working outside of a traditional teaching spot was especially rewarding. "I got to bond with all of them," Allen said of the students. "I got to see them grow. We went on trips to the store, and it was good to see them happy." For Allen, who graduated cum laude from Central High School, returning to her old school to help other students felt particularly rewarding. So far this year, Allen has substituted as a teacher in Douglas School District, which for her is closer to home. Strissel said schools everywhere have tended to find themselves in difficult hiring situations amid COVID-19. Part of that is how schools are one of the very front-line areas in the pandemic, she said. Podoll, too, said concerns about safety at school, in the face of the pandemic, might be higher among substitutes. Substitutes arent necessarily interested in stepping into a classroom where the potential for COVID is high, she said. Many substitutes are retired, and older, and they may not be willing to take the risk. Rewards of substituting Those who do substitute stress some fundamental aspects of a good stint in the classroom. "You have to like kids, first of all thats the most important thing," said Kara Azevedo, in her fourth year substituting at RCAS. She added that an exclusive focus on discipline tends not to be the most effective mode of interaction. "Kids pick up on whether youre enjoying your day, whether you like them or dont," she said. "Theyre pretty intuitive." James Baker, pastor at First Church of God, said he draws on his experience as a pastor to practice patience as a substitute. "I think learning patience with these kids especially the ones who need a little more grace is probably the biggest thing," he said. Baker, who's substituted in the district for five years, also noted the need to watch for the differences among students, and to be willing to help them in different ways. Longer-term needs Strissel emphasized that the scarcity of substitutes converges with the overall difficulty of hiring educators. As she spoke in her office, she said 123 positions were open throughout the district, compared with 57 at this time last school year. She attributed some of that difficulty to a national trend leaning away from the pursuit of education as a career. And some of the trouble she connected to hiring obstacles closer to home. Weve got folks who could not get housing, she said, referring to prospective district employees. They wanted to work with the district but simply could not find a place to relocate to. And thats a really unusual problem compared to what weve faced in the past. Some of the district's needs, Strissel said, tend to linger more persistently than others in both substitute and longer-term positions. If you know any special education professionals, and if you know of any people who are fluent in Lakota, we would love to talk with them, she said. Strissel said special education positions were low compared to what shes seen recently. We have some students who require really dedicated one-on-one support, and were seeing more of that, she said. Strissel also emphasized the importance of finding people fluent in Lakota who possess state teaching certificates. She described a Lakota Immersion Pilot program, launched by the district this year, that includes a full-immersion kindergarten class in Canyon Lake Elementary School, along with a cultural studies component. The class, open to students of all backgrounds, gives children a chance to speak and learn in Lakota. Its our hope that we can build on this program year after year, she said. Strissel stressed that teachers and staff members of Lakota and other Native backgrounds serve vital needs for students throughout the district. We have Lakota language teaching positions, for instance, and those are hard to fill and incredibly valuable, she said. The importance of hiring people from an array of backgrounds, she added, transcends any single program or course. Its really important, Strissel said, for a school system to reflect its community. For Olinger, a current RCAS substitute, the school environment this year has been a welcoming one, even with the pressures of staffing shortages. We have a lot of people who are very nice and very compassionate, and they love these kids, she said. Its easy to walk into this situation when people are like-minded. She said substituting could be rewarding for people with a patient temperament, and whose sincere goal is to help children. She also dismissed, with a chuckle, the myths of rabid misbehavior among contemporary children. Kids are kids, she said. Theyre not going to do anything we didnt do. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. 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. When Melissa Good was a student, she liked to experiment with academic directions and to imagine the different paths that her life might take. Or, as she put it with a chuckle, I was one of those kids who wasnt ever really sure exactly what they wanted to do. Now Good is a counselor at Stevens High School in Rapid City Area Schools and those memories from her own student days help her to peer into the challenges her students might be confronting today. I definitely empathize with them, she said. And I can take the pressure off of them. Good, named Counselor of the Year for 2021 by the South Dakota Counseling Association, is helping high school students navigate the waters during the stressful COVID-19 years, and shes helping seniors as they make their push toward post-secondary education. Good is one of four school counselors at Stevens High school, and among 30 counselors in the district. Shes got a very kind, relaxed demeanor, but shes very professional with students, said Katie Baskerville, a counselor at Central High School who used to work with Good at Stevens High School. She just has a great way of working with people of all ages. Baskerville nominated Good for Counselor of the Year, an award that was announced last spring. Shes working in her 10th year in Rapid City Area Schools, with most of those years coming in Stevens High School. She also works part-time at Lutheran Social Services. A focus on adolescents Good graduated from South Dakota Mines with a bachelors degree in interdisciplinary sciences and a minor in business administration. She later earned masters degrees, through South Dakota State University, in agency counseling and school counseling. She also worked as an addiction counselor with the Pennington County Sheriffs Office for about five years, and before that as a juvenile correctional officer at Western South Dakota Juvenile Services Center for about three years, right out of undergraduate school. Ive always really liked working with adolescents, she said. As students especially seniors move into a time of year when they think hard about what theyll do after college, Goods role takes on even more intensity. She said she encourages students on the cusp of post-secondary life to take a breath and make the best decisions they can and not necessarily decisions that determine the course of their lives for decades to come. They feel a lot of pressure to know what they want to do, she said. Thats somewhat unrealistic in (multiple) regards: because they are young, because the labor markets change so frequently. But I talk about making the best decisions they can at this point. Those decisions, she said, ought to preserve flexibility down the road. I do encourage them to graduate from high school, she said, because that just opens a lot of doors in the future. College and careers Good is slated to coordinate college application week at Stevens High School early in November. The whole month of November is designated as College and Career Readiness Month by the school district. Seniors work on such tasks as completing applications with help from the counselors, Good explained. They also dive into a scholarship search and explore various kinds of post-secondary opportunities with speakers who come to the school. Good also emphasizes, for students, that applications to South Dakota colleges are free for more than a month this fall through the South Dakota Board of Regents Free College Application Campaign. This year, the board announced, the period will be extended from one week to six weeks, running from Oct. 18 to Nov. 30. At other times, undergraduate application fees for South Dakota public universities range from $20 to $35. Good said she encourages students to consider college even if theyve experienced academic struggles in high school. Many students, she said, find their academic passion a little later in their academic careers and so students shouldnt rule themselves out of college contention. Theyre totally college material, she said. I tell them that all the time. She also said she helps a number of first-generation college students or soon-to-be college students. She might send them emails or otherwise make sure they know the steps of the whole application process. A lot of times they have super-supportive families, she said. Their families have just never gone through this process. Regaining calm Not all of Goods work involves crafting academic plans. Frequently, she said, students come into her office needing some emotional support, or a place where they can take a long, restorative breath. They come in every day, she said, noting that sometimes students are referred by teachers, sometimes she notices that a student needs help, and sometimes a student just requests to see her. Shes developed ways to help them calm down so they can talk more easily about what theyre facing. A lot of it is helping with central nervous system regulation, she said. A lot of the times when they come in like that, theyre very unregulated. Theyre tearful, not breathing well. She said she has a mandala a circular symbolic ornament in her office that she allows students to hold and to trace without ink as they ease into a calmer state of mind. They get to touch it, she said. Its an actively engaging thing. You trace the lines, but you dont have to think or talk. She also offers them other choices, such as breathing exercises, to help them become calm. This year, in the face of COVID-19, shes noticed some differences. I would say theres more anxiety, she said, something she said shes heard from other counselors, too. She also noted more motivation problems among students, but not across the boards. She said the younger students, moving into high school from middle school, seem to be struggling a bit more than other students. Helping students Good said she welcomes the chance to interact with adolescents whove undergone struggles, behavioral and otherwise. She described approaching them with patience, giving them the chance to speak with her as comfortably as they can. I like that group of adolescents who maybe arent making the healthiest choices all the time, she said. They can be somewhat challenging, but theyre usually open and willing to talk about things. As Good described her work, she clearly relished all of the help in all sorts of settings that she could give. But a school setting, she said, offers something other venues sometimes dont: time. In a school, Good can watch her students grow up as she gets to know them. It can take years to get a good relationship going, Good said. And if they stay in high school, I do get to know them for years. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. 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. ISTANBUL (AP) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday that he had ordered 10 foreign ambassadors who called for the release of a jailed philanthropist to be declared persona non grata. The envoys, including the U.S., French and German representatives in Ankara, issued a statement earlier this week calling for a resolution to the case of Osman Kavala, a businessman and philanthropist held in prison since 2017 despite not having been convicted of a crime. Describing the statement as an impudence, Erdogan said he had ordered the ambassadors be declared undesirable. I gave the instruction to our foreign minister and said You will immediately handle the persona non grata declaration of these 10 ambassadors, Erdogan said during a rally in the western city of Eskisehir. He added: They will recognize, understand and know Turkey. The day they dont know or understand Turkey, they will leave. The diplomats, who also include the ambassadors of the Netherlands, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and New Zealand, were summoned to the foreign ministry on Tuesday. A declaration of persona non grata against a diplomat usually means that individual is banned from remaining in their host country. Kavala, 64, was acquitted last year of charges linked to nationwide anti-government protests in 2013, but the ruling was overturned and joined to charges relating to a 2016 coup attempt. International observers and human rights groups have repeatedly called for the release of Kavala and Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas, who has been jailed since 2016. They say their imprisonment is based on political considerations. Ankara denies the claims and insists on the independence of Turkish courts. The European Court of Human Rights called for Kavala's release in 2019, saying his incarceration acted to silence him and wasn't supported by evidence of an offense. The Council of Europe says it will start infringement proceedings again Turkey at the end of November if Kavala is not released. The current U.S. ambassador, David Satterfield, was appointed in 2019. The nomination of his replacement, Jeff Flake, was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday. After Erdogan's order was reported, the State Department said in a statement, We are aware of these reports and are seeking clarity from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 NEW YORK Millionaire real estate scion Robert Durst has been charged with murder in the death of his first wife, Kathie Durst, nearly four decades after she disappeared and just days after he was sentenced to life in prison in California for killing a confidante who helped him cover up the slaying. Authorities in the New York City suburbs confirmed Friday that they have charged Durst, 78, whose lawyers say has been hospitalized on a ventilator in Los Angeles after testing positive for COVID-19. A state police investigator filed a criminal complaint Tuesday in a town court in Lewisboro, N.Y., charging Durst with second-degree murder in the death of Kathie Durst, who vanished in 1982. He had not been previously charged in Kathie Dursts disappearance. Queen back at castle after hospital visit LONDON Britains Queen Elizabeth II was back at Windsor Castle on Friday and in good spirits after revelations that she spent the night in a London hospital earlier this week. Residents of a 10-story apartment building at 205 N. 4th St., in downtown Richmond, were evacuated Friday after city inspectors ruled it unsafe. A statement from Amy Vu, a spokesperson for Richmond Fire & Emergency Services, said that following an inspection at Grace Place Apartments on Friday, the Richmond Fire Marshals Office and the Department of Planning & Development Review deemed it unsafe for the tenants to continue occupying the building. The number of occupied apartments and evacuees were not available from officials on Saturday. City property records indicate there are 54 units in the building that was constructed in 1922. Officials said it is the responsibility of the property owner/property management to notify the tenants and to handle temporary living arrangements for them. The owners, listed in city records as the 400 East Grace Street Limited Partnership, with an Alexandria address, could not be reached for comment Saturday. An operator for the management company said no information would be available until normal business hours Monday. Blanding has raised a small fraction of what her opponents have about $30,200, compared with nearly $44.5 million by McAuliffe and $42.3 million by Youngkin. But she appears to have built up a loyal following among college students and people who participated in last years racial justice protests in Richmond. She said shes taken a three-month leave of absence from her teaching job to focus on the campaign, meeting people where they are by knocking on doors and attending festivals, outdoor markets and other events. Her audiences tend to be on the smaller side, from about 30 to 75 people. Lawrence West Jr., founder of the Richmond chapter of Black Lives Matter, said he wouldnt be surprised if Blanding is able to capture 5% of the vote. I see her as a leader of the new age, what America is moving toward, West said. She is somebody who kind of says, Look, its not about Democrats, its not about Republicans. ... Lets try to build some equity, lets try to create some diversity, lets try to include people. She really believes that, and she really stands behind that. Metro is operating trains at 15- to 20-minute intervals on the Red Line and 30 to 40 minutes on other lines while 7000 series cars remain sidelined. Silver Line trains are operating between the Wiehle-Reston East and Federal Center SW stations. The suspension of the bulk of Washingtons Metro fleet was prompted when a train car slipped off the tracks on the Metros Blue Line near Arlington National Cemetery on Oct. 12. The car had apparently derailed once and then reconnected with the rails by itself, before derailing a second time. Some passengers were trapped in a tunnel in a dark train car and had to be evacuated on foot. After the derailing, the NTSB revealed that the Kawasaki-made 7000-series trains had been suffering an escalating series of incidents due to a design flaw that caused the wheels to spread too wide on the axles, allowing the carriage to slip off the tracks. The issue had been apparent to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which oversees the regional D.C. transport system, since 2017, but neither NTSB nor the WMATA board had been informed, said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy. The system experienced 18 separate incidents with the wheels in 2021 alone, Homendy said, and inspections revealed similar problems with an additional 21 rail cars. Branham said a similar clinic is planned in the Richmond area. The Amherst County clinic also will have meeting rooms for programs and provide medical transportation for those who need it, Compton said. Its a $10 million project that we have fully funded ourselves, and were very proud of what weve done here. This will be the biggest [tribal clinic] this side of the James River. Compton said Monacan Tribe members have asked for medical services for years and credited the help of the federal Indian Health Service and U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Mark Warner, D-Va., for the project coming along. Branham said the hope is to have the structure built and in service by no later than November 2022. Branham said he knows many in the tribe who do not like to go to doctors they dont know and that this will help them find medical services they are comfortable with. It also will bring more than 20 high-paying jobs to the county, and the Indian Health Service will recruit those employees. Its a big economic boost to Amherst County, Branham said. Were going to get the best people available. While the clinic is tribe-focused, Branham said the hope is to turn this into something that anybody in the community can be proud of. In 1890, Congress passed the Sherman Act, the first antitrust law, as a comprehensive charter of economic liberty aimed at preserving free and unfettered competition as the rule of trade. Our nation long has recognized that a strong economy can exist only when small businesses are able to thrive without powerful monopolies exploiting and undermining them. But now, stronger federal antitrust laws are long overdue, especially considering the ways in which Big Tech companies like Amazon, Google and Facebook have thrived at the expense of small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, the pandemic already has led to the permanent closure of 200,000 small American businesses and has placed an additional 9 million at risk of closing by the end of 2021. In response, the House Judiciary Committee has passed a long-awaited package of six antitrust bills targeting Big Tech monopolies. This carefully crafted, bipartisan legislation is designed to update our outdated antitrust rules and hold Big Tech monopolies accountable for crushing competition and hurting consumers. Safe storage of firearms a key to protecting youth Editor, Times-Dispatch: Firearm injuries are a leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 19, and the pandemic has raised the risk as firearm sales have increased. As a pediatric medical resident in Richmond, I focus on safer storage of firearms to keep children safe. As of July 2020 in Virginia, it is a more serious crime to recklessly leave a loaded, unsecured firearm accessible to a child younger than 14; this child access prevention law, as it is known, is one step toward preventing accidental or suicide-related firearm injury. I am part of a national group of pediatric residents, Trainees for Child Injury Prevention (T4CIP), whose mission is to create a day of action to increase awareness of child injury prevention. On Oct. 27, we will be raising awareness of safer firearm storage to prevent this leading cause of death in children. Hope for romantic attention has sparked many aspiring musical performers. Would-be presidential assassin John Hinckley Jr. might have tried that first, in hopes of a better result. Hinckley was looking to gain actress Jodie Fosters attention when in 1981 he fired a .22 caliber revolver on President Ronald Reagans entourage, hitting the president and three others, while gravely wounding Reagan staffer James Brady. A federal jury ultimately found him not guilty due to insanity, and for 34 years he was housed in a Washington, D.C., psychiatric hospital. Hinckley was released to live in Williamsburg five years ago, with multiple restrictions, and in September, a judge ruled that he may live freely only without a gun, and may he not contact his victims families or Foster, over whom he had obsessed after watching her in the movie Taxi Driver, according to multiple published reports. U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman said that Hinckley, 66, has displayed no symptoms of active mental illness, no violent behavior and no interest in weapons since 1983, according to the Associated Press. Now Hinckley is making news with his tracks on Spotify. Your columnist absolutely could not help himself, hitting play on the Hinckley page. And wow, the feeling is surreal. The news of the death of Gen. Colin Powell brought back to my mind an encounter I had with him 28 years ago. As a staff member at the Virginia Military Institute, I was hosting a delegation of officers and cadets from a French military school. At the end of their visit, we drove by bus to Fort Myer, in Northern Virginia, to spend the night before their return to France. As we entered Fort Myers residential area, the bus driver announced that we were passing behind the quarters of General Powell and added that the general liked to restore old Volvo automobiles and was probably in his garage at that very moment working on one. The bus then parked next to a dormitory across the street from Gen. Powells open garage. As the French visitors left the bus, I decided to walk over to the garage on the chance that Gen. Powell was there. I gave some thought to security that he might have, but continued regardless. When I approached the garage, I saw that someone in black coveralls was at work under a Volvo. I walked in and called out: General Powell? The figure rolled out from under the car and answered: Yes, Hello. It was, indeed, Gen. Colin Powell, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and auto restorer. WASHINGTON (AP) To supporters of the child tax credit, there has always been an "aha moment" the recognition that as little as a few hundred dollars a month could be life-changing. For Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet, it was several years ago when he was working as Denver's school superintendent. One high schooler kept falling asleep in morning classes. When Bennet asked why he was so exhausted, the student said he worked the midnight shift at McDonald's so that his family had enough money. For Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, it was the childhood memory of her parents being evicted and finding their furniture on the street. Bennet and DeLauro are among the Democratic lawmakers who have pushed to make permanent an expanded child tax credit, which President Joe Biden's coronavirus relief package transformed into a monthly payment that would be available to almost any child. But Biden could not convince even enough of his fellow Democrats that they should extend these payments through 2025, and in negotiations for his broader package of economic and social programs he appears to have settled for a one-year extension that runs through next year. The CDC recommends people wear masks indoors when transmission is substantial or high. As cases ebb and flow, recommendations for masks might continue to change. People will have to get used to regularly updated advice, Forlano said. "I think we're going to have to get used to some flexible prevention and knowing when to turn those prevention measures on, and when they may not be as important," Forlano added. Need for vaccines, masks isn't going away It's likely that people will still have to prove they are vaccinated to enter some businesses or public spaces. Because paper cards can be forged, electronic proof might be necessary, Bissell said. That's why the Virginia Department of Health now allows residents to access their vaccination records online. What counts as "fully vaccinated" won't change, Bissell added. You won't have to get a booster to be considered fully vaccinated. In addition to the support provided by the state and the partner institutions, the research institute has benefitted from the generous gifts of private donors. Heywood and Cynthia Fralin and the Horace G. Fralin Charitable Trust donated a record $50 million to Virginia Tech to support research at the newly renamed Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. Meanwhile, the research institute has won more than $240 million in grants and contracts from outside agencies, foundations and companies during the first decade, successfully leveraging the investment and confidence placed into the enterprise while realizing the goal envisioned by Dr. Steger and Dr. Murphy and carried through by their successors, Virginia Tech President Tim Sands and Carilion Clinic CEO, Nancy Agee. People throughout Roanoke and New River Valleys can share in the discoveries and translation of those discoveries into improved healthcare made by Fralin Biomedical Research Institute faculty, staff and Virginia Tech graduate students, including medical students, often with collaboration with Carilion Clinic physicians. At the grand opening of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC Addition this month, Carilion President and CEO Nancy Howell Agee said it best, If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. And, of course, she summed it up perfectly: Well, weve gone far and fast. Just look at what weve accomplished. Friedlander is Vice President for Health Sciences and Technology, Virginia Tech; Executive Director, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC; Senior Dean for Research, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine; Professor of Biological Sciences and of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine. Though Terry said she cannot be ordained because she is too old, the pastorate caps a journey of faith and politics, from which she has been largely absent since her defeat to Allen, whose career ended in ignominy with his loss for a second term in the U.S. Senate in 2006 because of voter outrage over his racial putdown of an Indian American. It was through Terrys little-known friendship with two of Allens biggest backers, Bill and Anne Kincaid, both tireless religious conservatives, that Terrys exploration of faith accelerated. Through the Kincaids, Terry was introduced to Pentecostalism, some of whose practitioners because of the faiths emphasis on God as an animated presence speak in tongues. Perhaps because she is a lawyer, Terry said she cooled to Pentecostalism because it appeared to subordinate mans law to the Lords Gospel. During her Richmond years, Terry also tried the Episcopal Church, attending a West End parish in which most of the people were Republicans. Terry said her transition from a political life to a spiritual one had been underway during her years in office and that she have might have passed on a second term as attorney general, likely forgoing a campaign for governor: If God had called me at the time, Im pretty sure I would have responded. In 1979, the United States was declared polio-free, 24 years after the first polio vaccine was introduced in 1955. Some of you may remember the iron lungs of those affected by polio. Then-Rotary International President Clem Renouf from Queensland, Australia, reading an article about the eradication of smallpox, wondered if there was a way for Rotary to become involved in the eradication of another disease. Renouf consulted with a Rotarian friend from Maryland, Dr. John Sever, chief of infectious diseases at the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Dr. Sever, who happened to be friends with Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin, who developed polio vaccines in the 1950s and 1960s, suggested that polio was the disease that Rotary could work on, with the warning that it would need a lot of people and money. At the end of 1979, Rotary International initiated a pilot program in the Philippines, raised $760,000 and immunized 6 million children. Rotary International approached the World Health Organization to partner with Rotary but WHO was reluctant at that time. Not to be deterred, Rotary developed plans to immunize 120 million children in endemic countries and raised $240 million. This impressed WHO, which became a partner with Rotary. Elias is author of the current book The Burzynski Breakthrough: The Most Promising Cancer Treatment and the Government's Campaign to Squelch It, now available in an updated third edition. His email address is tdelias@aol.com Partnerships with farmers and others within industry are critical to achieving impactful results that matter to those who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, communities and health. For more than a century, our faculty and researchers have built and established these types of relationships and delivered essential knowledge. In some sense, we learn as much from producers as they learn from us, and they inform our work every day. When they tell us about real-world problems threatening crops, our teams provide research-based solutions to make a difference in their productivity. We are committed to continuing these efforts. As we develop new insights from the vegetable breeding program, we will share our findings with growers through our field days, Clemson Extension workshops and specialized newsletters. We are proud to count McCall Farms as one of our partners. Their endowment shows their appreciation for the work we do and can do together and it will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to support those of you we are fortunate enough to work with in the Pee Dee region. Clemson is known for its academic excellence, world-class researchers and prowess in athletics, and it is my hope the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences is recognized within your community for our local engagement, responsiveness to the agribusiness sector and partnerships with farmers and foresters who feed, clothe and shelter the citizens of South Carolina, the nation and the world. Keith Belli is the dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences at Clemson University. Still more great Inquest pieces, including a timely commentary on reproductive justice | Main | Should I give up hoping Prez Biden will soon make long needed nominations to US Sentencing Commission? A few years ago I wrote an essay, titled "Reflecting on Parole's Abolition in the Federal Sentencing System," which in part lamented the federal sentencing system's decision to abolish parole back in 1984. That essay came to mind as I read this new New York Times commentary authored by Ben Austen and Khalil Gibran Muhammad headlined "Let the Punishment Fit the Crime." Here are excerpts: Senate Bill 2333 would entitle people imprisoned in the state who serve at least 20 years to a parole review. There are 2,500 people who have already spent two decades in prison in Illinois; many thousands more will eventually surpass that mark. Under the proposed law, they wouldnt be automatically released; a parole board would evaluate them, assessing the risks and benefits of restoring their freedom. Both of us have visited and studied prisons in other Western countries, where 20-year sentences are considered extreme and are exceptionally rare. In Germany, according to a 2013 Vera Institute of Justice report, fewer than 100 people have prison terms longer than 15 years; in the Netherlands, all but a tiny percentage are sentenced to four years or less. In U.S. prisons, life sentences are routine. The pending Illinois law, if passed, might lead other states to follow suit, chipping away at one of the many pillars of mass incarceration. The legislation is a hopeful sign of changing sensibilities about people whose transformed lives have meant very little in the machinery of mass punishment. Parole has a complicated history in this country, one that helps explain how we got into the crisis of mass incarceration and maybe how we might find a way out. When it began in the United States in the 19th century, parole was envisioned as a means of rehabilitating people in prison by encouraging good behavior with the possibility of early release. By the 1970s, though, parole boards were under attack. Conservatives pointed to rising crime and civil disorder and denounced parole as overly lenient. They said discretionary release invariably sent dangerous people back onto the streets and encouraged more crime, since soft punishments failed as deterrents. On the other end of the political spectrum, people behind bars were busy protesting prison conditions. They said parole boards lacked transparency and systematically discriminated against petitioners of color. They and their supporters believed that clearly defined fixed prison terms would be less susceptible to a parole boards bias, racism and indifference, and that as a result these sentences would be shorter. They were wrong. Sixteen states and the federal government eventually got rid of or severely curtailed their existing parole systems. Other states soon restricted parole eligibility to a small subset of their prison populations. But eliminating and restricting parole turned out to be the first of the sentencing reforms in the countrys punitive turn. The floodgates opened onto mandatory minimums, truth-in-sentencing, three strikes and youre out. More people were sentenced to prison, and the fixed terms grew longer and longer. The number of people in state and federal prisons ballooned to a peak of 1.6 million in 2009 from 200,000 in the 1970s. The numbers have fallen moderately since. A large body of evidence has documented the destruction caused by long prison terms. Not only are people over 50 the fastest-growing segment in U.S. prisons, but they are also exposed to ever-greater mental and physical health risks with each passing year a crisis made even more apparent during the Covid-19 pandemic. One of us was a contributor to a 2014 National Research Council report on the creation and consequences of mass incarceration. The report recommends a return to a principle of parsimony, the sensible idea that a punishment should be only as severe as is required to prevent future offending. Too much punishment, the report noted, can have the opposite effect, when justice institutions lose legitimacy. Many legal scholars and criminologists now agree that whatever prisons are supposed to accomplish whether its incapacitation, accountability, rehabilitation or deterrence it can be achieved within two decades. The nonprofit Sentencing Project argues that the United States should follow the lead of other countries and cap prison terms at 20 years, barring exceptional circumstances. The Model Penal Code of the American Law Institute, a century-old organization led by judges, law professors and legal experts, proposes reviewing long sentences for resentencing or release after 15 years. In Virginia, theres also a movement to reinstate parole eligibility. A bill in New York State would grant those 55 and older who have served at least 15 years the right to a hearing. Expanding parole consideration in Illinois and elsewhere wont be enough to roll back the destructive effects of mass incarceration. But it would be an important step in continuing efforts to reduce prison numbers, and it could usher in other necessary changes. Passengers arriving from Amsterdam get their bags at Changi Airport in Singapore on October 20, 2021, a day after the country began quarantine-free entry for fully vaccinated passengers from eight countries, part of a plan to ease restrictions as the business hub gears up to live with the coronavirus. / AFP / Roslan RAHMAN SINGAPORE Travellers, excluding short-term visitors, with a 14-day travel history to Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be allowed to enter and transit through Singapore from 11.59pm on Tuesday (26 October). In a press release on Saturday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that these travellers will be subject to Category IV border measures. Short-term visitors may only transit through Singapore. In addition, the MOH said, based on the COVID-19 situation in Cambodia, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Mongolia, Qatar, Rwanda, Samoa, Seychelles, South Africa, Tonga, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Vietnam, they will be placed in Category III from 11.59pm on 26 October. Streamlined testing procedures Testing protocols and procedures have also been streamlined for travellers arriving or transiting through Singapore. From 11.59pm on 26 October: (PHOTO: Kyla Zhao) At only 24 years of age, Singaporean Kyla Zhao is about to have her first novel published by Berkley Publishing, a Penguin Random House imprint, the first of two books that were both bought for six figures each after an international bidding war. I never thought I would be a novelist. However, Ive done plenty of non-fiction writing in the past specifically, journalism. I have bylines in the Singapore editions of Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Tatler, and The Straits Times, and was also a communications intern at organisations like Singapores Urban Redevelopment Authority and Tencent America, explains Ms Zhao. However, I never thought I was creative enough to write fiction, much fewer hundreds of pages of it! So I always stuck to reporting on the world I already knew instead of going to the trouble of creating one. Luckily for avid readers, the arrival of the pandemic created an opportunity for Ms Zhao to take a stab at writing fiction finally. The pandemic hit, and I found myself interning and studying alone in California, interacting with others mostly only over Zoom. It was a very lonely time, so I tried to cling onto any comfort I could, and that usually comes from books for me, says Ms Zhao. But the genres I love reading are dominated by white authors and books starring white protagonists, and that just made me feel even more isolated, especially when there was a lot of anti-Asian racism happening all around the world, and perhaps especially so in the United States. At the same time, I was far away from my family in Singapore, with no idea when was the next time I would see them because of travel restrictions. All of this meant I really wanted to immerse myself in a world with settings I could recognise and characters I could identify with, and since I couldnt find those in the books I had access to, I decided to write my own. All the negativity in the world then drove me to create a story that was as fun and glamorous as possible like a beach vacation I could escape into. Story continues (PHOTO: Kyla Zhao) Ms Zhaos first novel entitled The Fraud Squad, is described by Publishers Marketplace as being a cross between The Devil Wears Prada and Crazy Rich Asians: ... a woman who dreams of having her own byline in a high society magazine enlists the help of friends to infiltrate the Singapore socialite scene, but finds belonging to the elite set may mean losing herself in the process. The recent success of the film Crazy Rich Asians highlighted the global yearning for more diverse representation. While Ms Zhao focused on the world, people and culture that she was homesick for, the focus on Asian protagonists and contexts did develop into something more. It was my way of alleviating my homesickness while living 9000 miles away from home during the pandemic, but I also think Asian representation in the media is something the world could do with a lot more of. When I was younger, I was rarely exposed to books centred on people of colour, so I found it hard to imagine that someone who looked like me could have main character energy (to borrow a TikTok phrase). I think its so important for kids to grow up with media figures they can relate to and identify with." Even though there is more Asian representation in books now, there are still many people who collapse the entire Asian diaspora into a monolith and judge a very diverse group by one label. While my book is made up of an entirely Asian cast of characters, there are significant differences in their experiences, desires, motivations, and fears." I really want to highlight what incredibly diverse and colourful lives people of colour can lead and show that ones ethnicity should not pigeonhole them into certain storylines or tropes that Caucasian readers expect. Ms Zhao has also used her previous experience in Singapores high fashion magazine world to great effect. Its so funny because I was only 16 when I got published in a fashion magazine for the first time: I was writing about weddings for Harpers Bazaar Singapore, and that was before Ive even had my first kiss and definitely nowhere close to being married! laughs Ms Zhao. I think my experiences with the magazine publishing and public relations worlds have shaped certain settings in my book as well as inspired some of the characters backgrounds. My understanding of high-fashion and high-society events also helped me out with all the fun descriptions of what the characters wore and how they socialised with one another! (PHOTO: Kyla Zhao) While Ms Zhao has clearly been writing professionally from a very young age, she says that initially, she was rather shy about showing anyone her first fiction work. When I first wrote it, I never intended to show it to anyone except myself and maybe a few close friends. That was awesome, because there were no expectations from anyone else for me to turn this into something big, so I was able to write as messily as I wanted and experiment freely, she explains. However, friends encouraged me to try to get it published after they read it. But because I didnt think of releasing my story to the public, I didnt hold myself to any strict standards while drafting it. I never bothered coming up with an outline or plan, so the first draft was (sic) very chaotic, to put it mildly." I churned out a complete draft within two months, but editing it took much longer because there were so many plot holes I had to fix and so many kinks to straighten out. It also didnt help that I had already started my final year of university when I started editing my book, so that definitely slowed me down. Still, Ms Zhao is excited about being a published novelist, despite the trials and tribulations of publishing. Being a novelist has also given me a much greater appreciation for how much work goes into producing a book, and I am truly in awe of the immense creativity and passion my fellow writers have, says Ms Zhao. The Fraud Squad will be published worldwide in January 2023, but there is also another novel to plan: I dont have an idea of what my second book will be yetit could be a sequel or spin-off of The Fraud Squad, or about something completely unrelated. But I definitely hope to still write about settings and contexts I identify with. To stay up-to-date with the launch of The Fraud Squad, you can follow Kayla Zhao on Twitter @kylazingaround, Instagram @kylajzhao and LinkedIn, or on her website www.kylazhao.com. Miami has become one of America's most foreign cities. Stepping off an airplane or out of the comfort of your air-conditioned car immediately lets you know you really are in the South. The hot vapor, the smell of Cuban coffee wafting through the air, the cackle of Spanish, Creole, Portugese, French, Italian, German and the occasional English accents all come together as proof that you are in a continental stew. Of course, Miami has always been a welcoming city. It is a large and ever-expanding city that comprises many small neighborhoods, each with its own identity: the gentried Coral Gables, bohemian Coconut Grove, eclectic Little Haiti, Latin Calle Ocho and ritzy Brickell, just to name a few. Each makes up a key component in what many now consider a World-class city. The new and highly energized Wynwood is making headlines all over the world. For many decades, Wynwood was the home to many manufacturing companies that occupied miles and miles of warehouses. Design shops and artists studios were among the pioneers of this once abandoned and neglected part of the city. The western part of the district has been put on the map by the vast murals painted by professional and amateur graffiti artists. One can almost spend easily a couple of days in what has become an open-air museum of sorts, known as the Wynwood Walls. Art foundations took note and occupy some of the largest spaces in the area such as the Margulies Collection, the Rubell Family Collection and De la Cruz Family Collection. In what was once an empty land sandwiched by neighboring low-rise offices and warehouses a unique approach to drinking and dining. Not to be missed is The Yard: an incredibly unique cross between a trailer park and a food court. The center of this gravel-paved venue is a bar that attracts customers from every walk of life: from families with baby-strollers to bearded hipsters and tattooed lanky model-types. Food trucks and other makeshift kitchens prepare delicious foods sure to please everyone. Further east is what is now known as the Miami Design District. You will think you are on Worth Avenue...but a much more intense version. In what was once a dangerous corner of Miami, now you will find an amazing congregation of world-class architecture housing the most exclusive boutiques anywhere to be found, from Via Montenapoleone to Madison Avenue; Miu Miu and Hermes, Bulgari and Louis Vuitton, Longchamp and Zegna, Givenchy and Dior and -- last but not least -- Prada and Piaget, too. You get the picture? Design aficionados won't be disappointed. Head to the 4141 building, where sleek Italian furniture boutiques are on every corner. I would be remiss not to mention the Susane R. Lifestyle Boutique, which is replete with curated high quality vintage home furnishings, art and accessories. An additional bonus is the charming shop owner Susane, whose panache and quick wit is not to be messed with, even when you don't agree with her. I have learned to trust her global taste and savvy advice, much to my benefit. Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. His website is www.josephpubillones.com. COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The idea that hundreds maybe even thousands of people could fall through a sinkhole isnt as far-fetched as it might seem. Chike Okonkwo, one of the stars of La Brea, a series that suggests just such an occurrence, says he saw a sinkhole suck up a Toyota Prius in Studio City, California. It was about six feet, he says of the hole. And it dropped down into the ground. They had to cordon off the street and grab this Prius. Rain, Okonkwo says, caused the hole near him. Remembering that experience has helped him understand whats going on in the new NBC series. Okonkwo plays a therapist whos among the people who fall into this other world beneath Los Angeles. Filled with primeval animals, its a land that time forgot. Its also a place where kill or be killed could be a way of life. Those who fall through join together to find a way back. Those left in Los Angeles have to figure out how they can help whatever survivors there could be. Shot in Australia, La Brea features a melting pot of characters who deal with stress in different ways. Creator David Applebaum says he pitched the series as the story of a family torn apart by a sinkhole. Its that emotional connection which, I think, is what people respond to most. Unlike other otherworldly series, La Brea doesnt lean into all the strange creatures. It focuses on the human relationships and uses the setting to propel their conversations. Jack Martin, who plays a teenager about to enter college, says many of the scenes arent done with mere special effects. We have these magnificent, giant sets that are practical, he says. Sometimes I open my eyes and I think Im actually in a sinkhole because of what weve constructed there. The extinct animals are often played by stunt men in blue Lycra suits creeping through the brush, Okonkwo says. For Jon (Seda), myself and Natalie (Zea) to keep a straight face when theres a guy pretending to be a dangerous animal was some of the best acting Ive ever seen. The coronavirus pandemic reminded viewers how random and frightening life can be. Even though we are operating in a made-up world, we do want it to feel real and relatable to what people are going through on a daily basis, Applebaum says. Adds actor Eoin Macken, who plays one of the Californians left behind: Youre suddenly faced with this feeling of helplessness, of not being able to help your family and also not knowing whats going on. Thats kind of been what weve all experienced in the last 18 months. Its really frightening. Applebaum says there will be reveals about the prehistoric world and clues to rescuing those down below. How soon the lost will -- or wont get out isnt the immediate goal. My focus is really just on trying to make an entertaining show and trying to garner an enthusiastic fan base, which we know is out there. "La Brea" airs on NBC. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Staying in? We've got you covered Get the recommendations on what's streaming now, games you'll love, TV news and more with our weekly Home Entertainment 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 -- Al Harris-Fernandez has always painted in his spare time. But, since his retirement from the Sioux City Art Center in January 2020, he has painted almost non-stop. Harris-Fernandez, who served as the Art Center's executive director for 18 years, likens his paintings to diary pages. The artworks, which combine lines, stripes, lighter colors scumbled over darker colors, flat areas of paint and "thick and juicy" paints, reflect his thinking at the time and what he was trying to achieve. "At the end, what you have is layers of previous paintings, new paintings, drawings, thick paint over washes, over glazes," Harris-Fernandez explained in a soft-spoken voice, as he stood aside his painting "Dec. 5, 2020" in the Art Center's vast concrete third-floor gallery. "I think of them also as possible landscapes, but they're mental landscapes in a sense that you can enter them and see different spatial relationships." A slight smile swept across Harris-Fernandez's face as he described his "tremendous inventory" of personal artwork, which takes over sections of his home. Now, roughly 80 of those works are on display at the Art Center through June 9, as Harris-Fernandez returns to the Art Center in a different capacity -- exhibiting artist. "Al Harris-Fernandez: Abstracted," features dozens of his paintings, most of which were created during the last five years, as well as a group of sculptures from the mid-1980s. "Oh, it's wonderful! Very exciting, very gratifying to be able to share this side of me with the community," said Harris-Fernandez, who has never had his artwork exhibited on a scale quite like this before. Creative process In 2015, Harris-Fernandez's wife bought him a set of colored markers, which ultimately inspired him to create two oil paintings, which he called "Structure #1, 2015" and "Structure #2, 2015." Harris-Fernandez drew a shape on a piece of paper with a marker and then drew another with a different color. Pretty soon, he said the geometric patterns he was producing began to look "really interesting." "I started playing with that idea more and more, and also turning the canvases over and over," he said. Harris-Fernandez always has multiple paintings going at a time in his studio, which is located in the back of his home. If a painting looks "just right," he leaves it alone and picks up another piece to work on. Later on, he returns to that painting. He may make changes to it, or continue to let it be until someone buys it. He admitted that he has sliced a painting with a knife on a number of occasions because he just "can't stand it anymore." Recently, Harris-Fernandez pulled out a painting he did several years ago and started making more shapes on the canvas. "I'm always trying to make something that I find more interesting and that I will allow to exist," he said. Discovering new things Harris-Fernandez is drawn back to certain art museums again and again by the same paintings. He puts on his reading glasses and inches close to the canvas, in order to take in each color, swirl and glaze on the surface. He wants his own works to catch his eye and hold it. "Each time, you check to see, 'Is it still that interesting?' A great painting is something that really keeps your interest and you can always go back and see something different or that it continues to grab you and make you look at it," he said. Harris-Fernandez starts off an abstract painting by making some marks on a blank canvas. Next, he turns the canvas sideways and makes some more marks, repeating that process on all four sides. "Then, I start painting in that process," said Harris-Fernandez, who worked in a similar way while creating sculptures in graduate school. Those wood sculptures turned into the bronze castings included in the exhibition. Through these steps, Harris-Fernandez hopes to discover new things. Going in, he said he doesn't have any preconceived notions about what he will paint. "This way, I react to the changes that happen during the process," he said. "At some point, I decide that this is the bottom and I put it out into the world." Harris-Fernandez is a fan of contemporary modern artists from 1910 to the present. He especially admires the work of Canadian American painter Philip Guston, who is best known for his cartoonish-looking paintings. Little dots found in some of Harris-Fernandez's paintings, which he said imply nail heads or screws, are a nod to Guston. "At a certain point, he decided that it was all getting way too serious, and he wanted to change what he was doing," Harris-Fernandez said of Guston, who abandoned abstract expressionism and spearheaded neo-expressionism in painting. "I've kind of had that same feeling, where I don't like it to be so pure. I want it to be a little more frivolous, a little more cartoony-looking." 'See what you see' Harris-Fernandez's artwork hasn't always been strictly abstract in style. In order to make a living as a painter, he took to painting everything from oil well platforms to landscapes to portraits to horses. After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at El Paso, Harris-Fernandez needed money for art supplies. He approached a potential patron and asked the man if he might paint a portrait of him. The man obliged. "He showed his portrait to somebody else and they commissioned me. All of a sudden, it took off," said Harris-Fernandez, who went on to earn his masters of arts degree from New Mexico State University and his masters of fine arts degree from Austin State University. For roughly a decade, Harris-Fernandez created representational works based on photographs, before moving into the field of art administration in 1984. Harris-Fernandez served as director of a nonprofit art gallery in El Paso, now known as the Bridge Center For Contemporary Art. His career took him to the University of Texas at Arlington, where he was the director of the Center for Research and Contemporary Art; the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, New York, where he ran a museum gallery program; and, finally, to Sioux City in 2002 to serve as the Art Center's executive director. "All that time, I was making art and showing it at different venues," he said. "After leaving New York, I came to this area of the country to take a position at the Art Center, where I decided not to show my work because of perceived conflicts of interest." During his last several years heading the Art Center, Harris-Fernandez's work was shown in Omaha and at university galleries. "When I retired from the Sioux City Art Center, they offered me a show. This is the result of that," he said of "Abstracted." Harris-Fernandez said he hopes members of the public approach his exhibition with the idea that they don't have to see any specific thing in his artwork. "I'm the first viewer. I'm orchestrating a visual experience for myself. When I get to a point where I find it interesting, I let it go," he said. "I think people are kind of under the idea that they're supposed to see something in a painting, and that's absolutely the furthest thing from my idea. You should see what you see." 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 -- Bob Michaelson, a retired teacher, is seeking his first term on the Sioux City Community School District Board of Directors. Michaelson, 61, taught for 35 years, 30 of those at West Middle School. He has a masters in school administration from Wayne State University and is originally from Kingsley, Iowa. He has three children who are out of school. The Journal asked a series of questions to the nine candidates seeking three open seats on the school board. Below are Michaelson's answers to the questions selected for the Journal's print edition. To view additional questions and answers for all the candidates, visit siouxcityjournal.com Bob Michaelson Age: 61 Profession: Retired teacher (West Middle School for 30 years); now bar manager at Jims Lounge. Education: Bachelor's degree in elementary education from Buena Vista University; Master's degree in school administration from Wayne State College. Hometown: Kingsley, Iowa Family: Married with three children Why are you running for school board? I believe our school district is at a tipping point. We are graduating a generation of students who have not been held accountable academically or behaviorally, and Im concerned about how that will affect our community. The future of Sioux City rests solely in the hands of our public school system. We have tried a lot of new things in the past decade that have been detrimental to the overall well being of our schools. The trend of being trendy has to stop. We need to focus on fundamentals so we can provide a quality education for our students. We need to change our course, and I believe I am in a unique position to help with that. My experience as a 30-year Sioux City teacher and my connections to school staff give me valuable insight needed to help navigate. What are the district strengths? Our overall financial position is strong. We have a surplus in our general fund and plenty of ESSER money to support a new direction. What are the district weaknesses? We have a penchant for fixing things that arent broken. We build roads to nowhere, implement programs without fidelity, then wonder why student achievement and staff morale continue to drop. We are hesitant to take responsibility for our mistakes, learn from them, and move on. We have a teacher and substitute shortage that would not be as extreme if we treated our staff as professionals rather than proctors in what seems to be a research experiment. What are the main points you wish to address? In my perfect Sioux City Community School District world, I would work closely with the board and staff members to prioritize the following concerns. Grading system that holds students accountable Discipline system that holds students accountable Increase prep time for teachers Decreased class sizes Elimination of needless assessments and data collection Full return the middle school model Use certified Reading teachers to teach Reading in middle schools SpEd, ESL, and Title programming that puts teachers and students in a position to be successful Focus on fundamentals What particular skills or experiences qualify you to serve as a board member? I taught for three-and-a-half decades and have a masters degree in educational administration. I know what questions to ask. I have direct connections to teachers and stakeholders at all levels, and I believe they will trust me to be their voice. These relationships provide me with insight to help put the Sioux City Community School District back on a path to excellence, one guided by common sense, logic, and reason. What do you see as the boards roles and responsibilities? The board sets and enforces policy so teachers can teach and students can learn. Its my position that the board also determines the what and when in making decisions for the district. Strong oversight in how these changes take place is also imperative. What do you think of the current board and how conflict is handled? Its good to have people who are passionate about education. There is a lot at stake. We may not always agree, but its important that parents, teachers, administrators, and the board remember that we are all on the same side. We want students to be in a positive environment where they are safe and they can learn. Tensions can run high during discussion and debate, but maintaining decorum and setting an example are essential in the decision-making process. How can schools address the needs of our diverse students? The key will be to include parents and community agencies to see how we can best serve diverse students. As needs have increased, we have cut funding for programs that supported those very needs. With a growing population of diverse students, we need to find a path that assures their success in the community. Our efforts should match and support the fabric of our community. We need to strengthen our partnerships with community organizations that support our youth. How do you plan to communicate with teachers/parents/community members/students? If elected, I will be in the schools on a regular basis. The platform of a school board member will allow me to share these experiences with the public. I will be open, honest, and consistent in collecting and relaying this information. What do you see as current challenges facing public education in our state and our country? Fighting amongst ourselves over issues outside of our control will only distract us from our end goals. We have enough to worry about in our own community. For us to focus on anything other than what we should be doing is fruitless. What roles, if any, should districts assume for such societal problems as poverty, hunger, mental health issues, or drug abuse? Our schools are feeding students twice a day. We have food pantries, clothing closets, and a daycare center. We have therapists who work with students in our buildings. Staff members often use their own money to provide necessities ranging from shoes and coats to feminine hygiene products. Education is the great equalizer, but kids cant learn if they are hungry or experiencing hardship. We have these kids 8 hours a day, so we have to make sure that their basic needs are being met. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SIOUX CITY -- Chad Krastel, a project manager and estimator for construction companies, is seeking his first term on the Sioux City Community School District Board of Directors. Krastel, 33, originally from La Quinta, California, has four daughters in the Sioux City schools. He has been outspoken at school board meetings in recent years after saying his 4-year-old daughter was assaulted by a 6-year-old girl at the Beyond the Bell program at Leeds Elementary school in 2020. Krastel frequently criticized the districts handling of the incident. The state and federal Departments of Education launched investigations into the incident. In July, the family and the district reached a legal settlement. The Journal asked a series of questions to the nine candidates seeking three open seats on the school board. Below are Krastel's answers to the questions selected for the Journal's print edition. To view additional questions and answers for all the candidates, visit siouxcityjournal.com Chad Krastel Age: 33 Profession: Construction estimator/project manager Education: La Quinta High School of International Studies (IB), La Quinta, California Hometown: La Quinta, California Family: Wife, Karine, and four daughters; Meika, Adalyn, Eliyana and Aurora. Why are you running for school board? In November 2019, my then-4-year-old was sexually assaulted in the bathroom of Leeds Elementary School during Beyond the Bell after-school program. After already having this same daughter lost by Beyond the Bell, it appeared to be a habitual lack of supervision. The district refused to investigate the sexual assault claiming that they were not required to because Beyond the Bell is not a school program. We argue it is. We choose to move schools in the hopes that it would make things better, but by this time, we had the Iowa Department of Education appeal, and investigations starting with the US Department of Education and the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. Because of this, we began receiving retaliation. They refused to allow my wife to be the handler of our disabled daughter's service dog and blamed it on their visitors policy and COVID-19 restrictions implemented by the district... They then left our disabled daughter at the top of the stairs knowing of her brittle bones due to her ultra-rare genetic disorder called McCune Albright Syndrome. She has a more severe version where she has bone tumors throughout her skeletal system. Had she fallen, it would likely be terminal. The list goes on as to the extremes we had to face, and as our story got more and more attention, the more parents, teachers, and administrators past and present, told us their stories. It appears to be part of the culture and repetitive history of the Sioux City schools. To change this and help fight for those who cant fight for themselves, I have chosen to run for the School Board of Directors. What are some of the strengths of the district? What are some of the weaknesses? The teachers are the biggest strength of the district. In every circumstance, we have absolutely loved the teachers. It is clear the teachers in this district not only care for the children, but they also take an individual interest in each one which is rare especially this widespread throughout the district. Weaknesses would have to be the administration. It is my belief that the district's administration has fostered a culture of fear and reprisals against anyone who stands up for their children, or what they believe is right. This bullying technique is why I believe there is such a widespread Bullying Issue in the district. The children are intelligent and see the example left before them. When you are such a bad example when it comes to how you treat the children, parents, teachers, and lower administration, the children learn from it. If you want to make the district better, you need to be better as an example. This desperately needs to change. What are the main points you hope to address? The bullying crisis within the district with both students and the administration, wasteful spending within the district, the snacks meant for the children such as raw onions, jalapeno peppers, raw beets, etc., which is not nutritious if not eaten and a waste of funds, and the handling of our most vulnerable children. What particular skills or experiences qualify you to serve as a school board member? I have been in many leadership roles surrounding construction. From senior construction manager to territory manager of special projects with Tesla Energy, I have both developed and led teams and projects with a variety of challenges. I have managed large budgets up to $30 million while saving $12 million in the process. I served in the Army and volunteered at orphanages while overseas. All of these experiences have helped me develop unique skills and abilities which would allow me to better help the district. What do you see as the boards roles and responsibilities? To govern over the school district collectively through policy, and leading the superintendent in the direction collectively we determine. This includes evaluations, and if needed, selecting the superintendent. The board members have a responsibility to the taxpayers to ensure the children are properly taught, are safe, and help the vulnerable get the education they have a right to. What do you think of the current board and how conflict is handled? The current board is weak and doesnt do their own homework for the most part. I see often the members do not even know what the policies they are voting for actually contain. I think they give too many liberties to the superintendent that should belong to the board. I also think that they are more concerned with looking bad, rather than helping fix the issues. Luckily, all four seats that are the biggest problems, in my view, are the ones up for election this year. How can schools address the learning needs of diverse students? Diversity is what makes this country the envy of the world. We need to embrace our differences and work with the parents, and local partners to ensure we give the best education to every student. Depending on the diverse needs, we would have to shape the approach. How do you plan to communicate with teachers/parents/community members/students? I believe in an open-door policy when it comes to teachers but also the need to follow policy and processes. There is leadership in place for a reason, and processes in place to help facilitate that need. But I would always encourage communication whether it be criticism or suggestions. I would also proactively communicate especially if a policy or issue I think needs input from the teachers, staff, or others who may have knowledge I dont have. What roles, if any, should the district assume for dealing with such societal problems as poverty, hunger, mental health issues or drug abuse? We should work with local partners and governance to combat these issues and if they affect the students, bring in the appropriate agencies to address them. We need to keep the children safe and find better ways to address these issues. We need to address the funds and how they are spending so we can better fund hunger and other social issues without the need to raise taxes. If we are smarter with the money, it goes a lot farther. What do you see as the current challenges facing public education in our state? In our country? I think the biggest issues we face are nationwide. We are creating a culture of fear that is unnecessary. I also believe we are doing a disservice to the next generation by pitting people against each other. Progress happens when ideas are heard, even if they sound crazy at times. But that is what the founding fathers wanted. Freedom to express our views and the ability to express them directly to our government. Not yell and scream because someone thinks differently. This has also spilled into our school districts. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SIOUX CITY -- Amy Solsma has never seen so many pumpkins spring up from the ground in the 22 years that she has operated Solsma's Punkin Patch, near Sanborn, Iowa. "It's the best year that I've had. It's just incredible," said Solsma, who estimates her yield to be in the thousands. Severe drought, which gripped Siouxland for much of the summer, has hurt other crops, but pumpkins have thrived, according to local farmers. Solsma, who grows 70 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squash on 10-acres, said her pumpkins got off to a rough start amid the dry June weather. She said she had to replant a couple times, as birds were eating the seeds. Then, on June 16, she said it rained. "We just got really timely rains this year. We're very blessed again," she said. When the drought hit in June, Alan Hoefling, who owns Hoefling's Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze in Marcus, Iowa, had to water his pumpkin seeds twice. When the rain finally came, the farm's 50 varieties of pumpkins, 15 varieties of squash and 75 varieties of gourds grew wonderfully, according to his wife, Geralyn Hoefling. The Hoeflings consider this year's crop among their best in the 25 years that they have been in business. "The pumpkins just took off," Geralyn Hoefling said. Kathy Wagner, who operates Harvest Hollow Pumpkin Farm in Le Mars, Iowa, said she was "utterly amazed" when she walked into her field and saw some varieties, which would normally weigh 5 or 6 pounds, looking like 10 or 12-pound pumpkins. "They just did really well," said Wagner, who said pumpkins only need water when you plant them and when they flower. "Pumpkins obviously like the dry. Our worst years are the wet years, because then you're dealing with squishy stems and stuff molding in the field and things like that. When the leaves went down, I was really amazed at the number of pumpkins that were out there. We have 2 acres and it was solid jack-o'-lanterns out there." Decoration or food Hoefling's Pumpkin Patch has pumpkins that are small, large and flat in hues of orange, white, green and yellow. Some are even speckled. "The odder the shape or color is, the more attractive it is for people," Geralyn Hoefling said. Solsma said flat stackable pumpkins, called "Cinderellas," which come in a variety colors, are among her most popular. When picking out a pumpkin, she said the main thing you want to watch out for is damaged skin. "If you can keep the skin intact, they'll last much longer," she said. What's trending in pumpkins changes from year to year, according to Wagner, who raises 30-some varieties. Besides flat pumpkins, she said customers are drawn to "One Too Many," a variety with a lacy look, which turns blue-green and white, or, yellow and white, as it ripens. "There's also one that's kind of like a blush -- a peach and a green together. It's just a real pretty color," she said. Whatever variety you chose, Wagner said it needs to be free of blemishes, not squishy and have a strong stem. When you get home from the pumpkin patch, she recommends wiping the pumpkin down with a bleach and water solution to kill any bacteria that might be on it. If you don't plan to cut the pumpkin into a jack-o'-lantern, after you're done using it as a decoration, Wagner said you could store it in a cool basement and eat it later. She said pumpkins are "great to cook with" and can be used in a savory dish in place of acorn squash. Pumpkins also pair well with pork, according to Wagner. "Especially right now when there seems to be shortages of everything at the grocery store and people are looking for a way to save on food, pumpkin is a great food source that has a lot of vitamins in it," she said. "I still pull things out in early spring that I've kept all through the winter. There's a lot more staying power to them than people realize." Journal reporter Caitlin Yamada contributed to this story. 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. NEW YORK (AP) A Turkish bank must face criminal charges that it evaded sanctions against Iran by processing billions of dollars of Iranian oil revenue, an appeals court ruled Friday. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a decision by U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman. An indictment returned in 2019 said the bank illegally moved about $20 billion in Iranian oil and gas revenues. It also said the state-owned bank sometimes disguised money movements as purchases of food and medicine so theyd qualify for a humanitarian exception to sanctions. A lawyer for Halkbank declined to comment on the ruling. In a decision written by Circuit Judge Jose A. Cabranes, a three-judge panel concluded that assertions that Halkbank was protected from prosecution by immunity given to foreign sovereigns through the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act is overcome by an exception for crimes committed during commercial activity. Although the bank was not charged until two years ago, the allegations involving it surfaced in 2015 when a wealthy Turkish-Iranian gold trader was arrested on sanctions charges as he arrived in the U.S. to take his family to Disney World in Florida. The trader Reza Zarrab eventually testified he paid over $50 million in bribes to a former Turkish finance minister to help a sanction-busting scheme prosecutors say was run by Halkbanks deputy general manager for international banking, Mehmet Hakan Atilla. Prosecutors maintained that Atilla used his position to help build and protect the scheme that enabled billions of dollars in profits from Iranian oil sales to flow through world financial markets since 2011. Atilla was convicted of five of six criminal charges against him, including conspiring to defraud the U.S., bank fraud and conspiracy to violate sanctions against Iran. Zarrab hired Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor, to try to broker a deal between Turkeys president and the U.S. government to resolve the charges. The talks in 2017 failed to result in a deal. Zarrab eventually cooperated and testified against Atilla at his trial. Atilla was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison. After Atillas release from a U.S. prison, he returned to Turkey. The earlier prosecution against Zarrab and Atilla and the current case against Halkbank has further strained ties between the two countries. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) In California, new coronavirus cases are at their lowest point since the start of the pandemic, schools have fully reopened and the more generous unemployment benefits from the federal government have expired all signs pointing to what should have been a robust economic recovery in September. Instead, California is now tied with Nevada for the highest unemployment rate in the country at 7.5% after adding just 47,400 new jobs last month, according to data released Friday. The most populous U.S. state lost more than 2.1 million jobs in two months at the start of the pandemic following Gov. Gavin Newsom's first-in-the-nation statewide lockdown because of the coronavirus. Since February, California has been adding jobs at a relentless pace, averaging more than 100,000 new jobs each month. But Friday's report, coupled with other economic indicators, shows California's recovery is slowing down. Last week, new unemployment claims rose sharply in California to more than 80,700, accounting for 31% of all claims nationally despite the state accounting for 11.7% of the nation's civilian labor force. While job postings nationally were 19.2% higher than before the pandemic, in California they were just 2% higher, according to Michael Bernick, a former director of the California Employment Development Department who is now a lawyer with the Duane Morris firm. Clearly, the states job machine has throttled down to a slower speed in September, said Sung Won Sohn, a professor of finance and economics at Loyola Marymount University. This is not exactly what we want to boast about. Conservatives and some business leaders had bemoaned an extra $300-per-week federal supplement to weekly unemployment benefits, arguing it discouraged people from returning to work. But those extra benefits expired on Sept. 4, and Friday's report did not show a massive increase in new jobs. California's workforce the number of people who have a job or are looking for one increased by 30,500 people in September, similar to gains from previous months. Other states that ended the extra benefits early also did not see an increase in their workforces compared to states that did not. California's job growth has been driven mostly by new jobs in hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions as coronavirus restrictions were lifted. Data made public Friday by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed California's job gains were behind Texas (95,800 jobs) and Florida (84,500 jobs). They are Republican-led states with leaders who have been highly critical of California's pandemic approach, as has California with their approaches. Nine of Californias 11 industry sectors gained jobs in September, led by leisure and hospitality based on what state officials said was strength in performing arts and spectator sports. Of the more than 2.1 million jobs lost in California at the start of the pandemic in March and April of 2020, the state has regained just over 1.7 million of them, or 63.5%. Our economic recovery continues to make promising progress, with 812,000 new jobs this year and regaining over 63% of those jobs we lost to the pandemic, said Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. September's hiring slowdown appears to have not impacted California's finances. California gets most of its money from taxes on personal income, sales and corporations. So far, the state is collecting a lot more money than officials thought it would. New estimates published Friday show the state is on pace to have between $8 billion and $30 billion in unanticipated revenue this year, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office. That's mostly because of the state's high concentration of billion-dollar tech companies and their wealthy executives who pay a higher tax rate on capital gains than most other states. It's also because most of the state's job losses during the pandemic were of people with lower-wage jobs. The state's higher wage earners mostly kept their jobs and transitioned to working from home. That doesn't mean California could have a $30 billion surplus next year. Every dollar of unanticipated revenue equals about 40 cents of state surplus because of constitutional requirements on how the state's money must be spent. Still, Newsom was giddy about the numbers during an interview on Wednesday with NBC's Chuck Todd in Beverly Hills. Responding to a question about California's homelessness crisis, Newsom said California has all of this extra money because of the economic output that's second to none in all Western democracies over the last five years." He said the money has allowed the state to make recent investments in homelessness services and affordable housing. We're investing an unprecedented amount of money, and we have political will and new accountability measures that have never ben in place at the local level to delver on the reforms necessary, he said. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. WASHINGTON (AP) A deal within reach, President Joe Biden and Congress top Democrats edged close to sealing their giant domestic legislation Friday, though the day's informal deadline appeared to slip as they worked to scale back the measure and determine how to pay for it. Negotiations were expected to continue into the weekend, all sides indicating just a few issues remained unsettled in the sweeping package of social services and climate change strategies. Biden met at the White House Friday with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer joined by video call from from New York, trying to shore up details. The leaders have been working with party moderates and progressives to shrink the once-$3.5 trillion, 10-year package to around $2 trillion in child care, health care and clean energy programs. Pelosi said a deal was very possible. She told reporters back at the Capitol that more than 90% of the package was agreed to: The climate change components of the bill are resolved, but outstanding questions remained on health care provisions. Vice President Kamala Harris sounded even more certain. On a visit to New York City, she said tensions often rise over final details but I am confident, frankly -- not only optimistic, but I am confident that we will reach a deal. No agreement was announced by Friday's self-imposed deadline to at least agree on a basic outline. Biden wants a deal before he leaves next week for global summits in Europe. Pelosi hoped the House could start voting as soon as next week, but no schedule was set. Sticking points appear to include proposed corporate tax hikes to help finance the plan and an effort to lower prescription drug costs that has raised concerns from the pharmaceutical industry. Democrats are in search of a broad compromise between the party's progressives and moderates on the measure's price tag, revenue sources and basic components. At the White House, the president has "rolled up his sleeves and is deep in the details of spreadsheets and numbers, press secretary Jen Psaki said. Biden was to spend the weekend at his home in Wilmington, Delaware. Psaki compared the work to starting Social Security and other major federal programs decades ago, then building on them in following years. Progress here is a historic package that will put in place systems and programs that have never existed in our society before," she said, noting the effort to expand child care and provide free prekindergarten for all youngsters. Negotiations are proceeding as Biden more forcefully appeals to the American public, including in a televised town hall, for what he says are the middle-class values at the heart of his proposal. In a Senate that is evenly divided between the Democrats and firmly opposed Republicans, Biden can't afford to lose a single vote. He is navigating his own party's factions progressives, who want major investments in social services, and centrists, who prefer to see the overall price tag go down. When youre president of the United States, you have 50 Democrats every one is a president. Every single one. So you gotta work things out, he said during a CNN town hall Thursday. Still, he expressed optimism about the process. It's all about compromise. Compromise has become a dirty word, but bipartisanship and compromise still has to be possible, he said. On one issue the taxes to pay for the package the White House idea seemed to be making headway with a new strategy of abandoning plans for reversing Trump-era tax cuts in favor of an approach that would involve imposing a 15% corporate minimum tax and also taxing the investment incomes of billionaires to help finance the deal. Biden has faced resistance from key holdouts, in particular Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., who has not been on board with her partys plan to undo President Donald Trumps tax breaks for big corporations and individuals earning more than $400,000 a year. The president was unusually forthcoming Thursday night about the sticking points in the negotiations with Sinema and another Democrat, conservative Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia. While the president said Sinema opposed raising "a single penny in taxes on the wealthy or corporations, a White House official later clarified that the president was referring to raising the top tax rates, not the range of tax proposals which Sen. Sinema supports. If so, that could unlock a key piece of a deal. With a better understanding of the revenues available, Democrats can then develop a topline amount of spending for the package, and adjust the duration and sums for various programs accordingly. Biden said Manchin doesnt want to rush the transition to clean energy so quickly it will result in major job losses in his coal-producing state. Even still, Biden acknowledged major reductions to his original vision. He signaled the final plan would no longer provide free community college, but said he hoped to increase Pell Grants to compensate for the loss of the policy. He also said that what had been envisioned as a federally paid, months-long family leave program would be just four weeks. Another work in progress the idea of expanding Medicare to include dental, vision and hearing aid benefits for seniors, is a priority for Sen. Bernie Sanders, the independent of Vermont. Biden said he likes the idea, but with Manchin and Sinema objecting, the proposal is a reach. Instead, Democrats, he said are considering offering seniors an $800 voucher to access dental care as well as another program for hearing aids that Sinema may support. However, the vision care component, Biden said, has been harder to resolve and there is no consensus yet. Overall, Biden and his party are trying to shore up middle-class households, tackle climate change and have the most wealthy Americans and corporations pay what he calls their fair share for the nation. In the mix are at least $500 billion in clean energy tax credits and other efforts to battle climate change, $350 billion for child care subsidies and free prekindergarten, an extension of the $300 monthly child tax credit put in place during the COVID-19 crisis, and money for health care provided through the Affordable Care Act. The newly proposed tax provisions, though, have rankled Democrats who have long campaigned on scrapping the Republican-backed tax cuts that many believe unduly reward the wealthy and cost the government untold sums in lost revenue at a time of gaping income inequality. Many are furious that perhaps a lone senator could stymie that goal. Under the changes being floated the 21% corporate rate would not change, nor would the top individual rate of 39.6% on those earning $400,000, or $450,000 for couples. However, the White House is reviving the idea of a corporate minimum tax rate that would hit even companies that say they had no taxable income a frequent target of Biden, who complains they pay zero in taxes. The new tax on the wealthiest individuals would be modeled on legislation from Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. He has proposed taxing stock gains of people with more than $1 billion in assets fewer than 1,000 Americans. Associated Press writers Alex Jaffe, Kevin Freking and Zeke Miller contributed to this report. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Mississippi lawmakers are tweaking a proposal to create a medical marijuana program, but Republican Gov. Tate Reeves has not said when he will call a special session to put it into law. A new version of a bill would allow larger growing facilities, restructure the excise tax on medical marijuana products and limit the state Agriculture Departments regulatory role, the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported. House and Senate leaders want to enact a medical marijuana program to replace an initiative voters approved in November. State Supreme Court justices overturned the initiative in May, when they ruled that Mississippis initiative process is outdated and unworkable. Republican Sen. Kevin Blackwell of Southaven recently sent the latest draft to other senators, and he said more changes are expected to ensure cannabis facilities would be blocked from receiving economic development incentives. This revised draft incorporates input from the Senate, House, and Governors office, Blackwell wrote in an email. A previous proposal had a $15-per-ounce excise tax on the product. An excise is any tax on manufactured goods at the point of manufacturing rather than at the sale. Proponents of medical marijuana and marijuana lobbyists advocated for a flat percentage rate, and the latest version of the bill has a 5% excise tax enacted on cannabis when a cultivator sells it to a processing facility or a dispensary. Dr. Matt Wesson, a retired ophthalmologist in Tupelo, said Thursday that he supports medical marijuana and disagrees with the excise tax, even if legislators change it to a flat 5%. This is a pharmaceutical product, and no other pharmaceutical product in the state is subject to an excise tax, Wesson said. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) Hours before actor Alec Baldwin fired a fatal gunshot from a prop gun that he had been told was safe, a camera crew for the movie he was filming walked off the job to protest conditions and production issues that included safety concerns. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Earlier this year, an insistent cry arose from business leaders and Republican governors: Cut off a $300-a-week federal supplement for unemployed Americans. Many people, they argued, would then come off the sidelines and take the millions of jobs that employers were desperate to fill. Yet three months after half the states began ending that federal payment, there's been no significant influx of job seekers. In states that cut off the $300 check, the workforce the number of people who either have a job or are looking for one has risen no more than it has in the states that maintained the payment. That federal aid, along with two jobless aid programs that served gig workers and the long-term unemployed, ended nationally Sept. 6. Yet America's overall workforce actually shrank that month. Policymakers were pinning too many hopes on ending unemployment insurance as a labor market boost, said Fiona Greig, managing director of the JPMorgan Chase Institute, who has studied the issue. Labor shortages have persisted longer than many economists expected, deepening a mystery at the heart of the job market. Companies are eager to add workers and have posted a near-record number of available jobs. Yet job growth slowed in August and September. An Associated Press analysis of state data found that workforces in the 25 states that maintained the $300 payment actually grew slightly more from May through September, according to data released Friday, than in the 25 states that cut off the payment early, most of them in June. The $300-a-week federal check, on top of state jobless aid, meant that many of the unemployed received more in benefits than they earned at their old jobs. Economists cite a range of factors that are likely keeping former recipients of federal jobless aid from returning to the workforce. Many Americans in public-facing jobs still fear contracting COVID-19. Some families lack child care. Other people, like Rachel Montgomery of Anderson, Indiana, have grown to cherish more time with their families and feel they can get by financially, at least for now. Montgomery, a 37-year-old mother, said she has become much pickier" about where shes willing to work after having lost a catering job last year. Losing the $300-a-week federal payment hasnt changed her mind. She'll receive her regular state jobless aid for a few more weeks. Once youve stayed home with your kids and family like this, who wants to physically have to go back to work? she said. Im not going to sacrifice pay or flexibility working remotely when I know Im qualified to do certain things. But what that also means is that its taking longer to find those kinds of jobs. Some former recipients, especially older, affluent ones, have decided to retire earlier than they had planned. And after having received three stimulus checks in 18 months, plus federal jobless aid in some cases, most households have larger cash cushions than they did before the pandemic. So some people are taking time to consider their options. Graham Berryman, a 44-year-old resident of Springfield, Missouri, has been living off savings since Missouri cut off the $300-a-week federal jobless payment in June. He has had temporary work reviewing documents for law firms in the past. But he hasnt found anything permanent since August 2020. I am unemployed, Berryman said. That does not mean Im lazy. Just because someone cannot find suitable work in their profession doesnt mean theyre trash to be thrown away. Likewise, some couples have decided that they can get by with only one income, rather than two, at least temporarily. Sarah Hamby of Kokomo, Indiana, lost her $300-a-week federal payment this summer after her state ended it early. Hamby's husband, who is 65, kept his job at a printing press throughout the pandemic. But he may decide to join the ranks of people retiring earlier than they'd planned. And Hamby, 51, may do so herself if she doesn't find work soon. The jobs she had for decades at auto factories have largely disappeared. I dont want to go work at a computer, in an office, like what a lot of us are being pushed to do, she said. "So now Im stuck between doing some line of work that pays too little for what its worth or is too physically demanding or I just dont work. Nationally, the proportion of women either working or seeking work in September fell for a second straight month, evidence that many parents are still unable to manage their childcare duties to return to work. Staffing at childcare centers has fallen, reducing available care. Exacerbating the labor shortfall, a record number of people quit jobs in August. In Missouri, a group of businesses, still frustrated by labor shortages more than three months after the state cut off the $300-a-week federal jobless checks, paid for billboards in Springfield that said: Get Off Your Butt! and Get. To. Work. The state has seen no growth in its workforce since ending emergency benefits. Mississippi ended all emergency jobless aid in June. Yet it had fewer people working in August than in May. In Tupelo, a recent job fair attracted 60 companies, including VT Halter Marine, a shipbuilder. About 150 to 200 job seekers attended, fewer than some businesses had hoped. Adam Todd had organized the job fair for the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, which helps people find jobs and distributes unemployment benefits. The agency has received calls of desperation, Todd said, "from businesses needing to recruit workers during the pandemic. We're in a different point in time than we have been in a very long time, Todd said. The job seeker is truly in the drivers seat right now." Fenn is a data journalist based in New York. Smith is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Rugaber reported from Arlington, Virginia. AP Writers Emily Wagster Pettus in Jackson, Mississippi, Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri, contributed to this report. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The UAW strike of Deere & Co. has lasted into its second weekend. Here's a roundup of happenings from the first full week of the strike. Monday Oct. 18: Day 5 Deere & Co. and Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) representatives headed back to the negotiating table. The voted-down, six-year offer from Deere would have raised wages by roughly 5 percent 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. On the picket line At all Deere plants in the Quad-Cities, picketers have seen large donations of food, firewood, and weather gear from community members, local businesses, local unions, and others as an expression of solidarity towards workers while they advocate for higher benefits. It's really nice to see everybody come together, said David Schmelzer, a union worker at the Milan plant, while standing in front of his own plant's stockpile of food donations along Airport Road. Hopefully after this you know we'll be stronger for it. Tuesday Oct. 19: Day 6 In a show of continued support, small businesses in the Quad-Cities are offering free or discounted goods and services for union workers and their families ranging from free burgers and alcohol to discounted haircuts and furnace repair. It honestly just helps 100% with the stress, one striking UAW worker said while getting their hair trimmed. Knowing that weve got the backing of the community to help throughout all of this it was this or shave my head. On the picket line Moline Police said a semi-truck entered Gate 24 of the John Deere Seeding plant in Moline driving too fast on the morning of Oct. 19 and near a group of union workers on the picket line. Union members were near the driveway when the truck entered the gate. A night shift officer in a squad car was at the intersection when the truck entered the plant and asked the driver to drive slower upon entrance to the site. Union workers at the Milan and Davenport Deere plants continued to line the roads on Tuesday, creating clumps of blue and white UAW on strike signs against a clear, blue sky. One worker hoped for a reasonable outcome that was fair for all parties. There has to be some common ground, said a worker at the Milan plant. Wednesday Oct. 20: Day 7 Deere sought and received a temporary injunction, which limited the ways in which union workers can conduct themselves on the picket lines at Davenport Works. Deere advised the chief judge of the district court in Scott County that picketers' conduct has disrupted access to its properties and put others, including UAW members, at risk. "Deere & Co. was granted an order for temporary injunction to maintain a safe environment for all our employees and contractors including those reporting to work and those exercising their right to strike," said Jen Hartmann, director of public relations & enterprise social media. "This temporary injunction was put in place to provide safe entry and exit to the John Deere Davenport Works facility." Chief Judge Marlita Greve granted the injunction Wednesday, ordering the UAW to limit to four the number of picketers that can be "near" each gate of Davenport Works, banning the use of chairs and barrel fires by picketers and prohibiting harassment and intimidation tactics that at least five trucking companies have said they encountered. On the picket line When union members heard of the injunction around 1:30 p.m., they immediately rushed to comply with the new regulations, according to two employees. Union members rushed to pack up chairs, tents, and the stockpiles of food and firewood to comply with the order. The supplies were then moved to the Local 281 office, according to the employees. The crowds thinned to just four members per gate at the Davenport plant. The fire barrels were kept in place overnight, because they were still live fires and would have been dangerous to try and transport, the union members said. Thursday Oct. 21: Day 8 After a week on the picket line outside of the John Deere Davenport Works, strikers are now under strict restrictions over how and where they can picket. Experts said some terms of the injunction are unusual. Labor law experts who've reviewed the Deere injunction say the ban on chairs and fire barrels is unusual and the injunction lacks sufficient evidence to prove their role in impacting the ingress and egress out of the Davenport Deere plant. James M. Cooney, a labor and employment law expert in the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations, said since the alleged exhibits lack a direct mention of fire barrels or chairs being used to create dangerous situations, there isnt a basis for the ban. I would think that there is no basis for prohibiting the fire cans unless there was some evidence that they were using the fire source to intimidate and block, Cooney said. From the materials I read, even the company is not alleging that. Cooney said this might open up the potential for UAWs council to argue for modifications in the injunction. Specifically, the UAW can file a motion for modifications or to dissolve the injunction completely. In order to argue for modifications or dissolvement, they would have to provide evidence to counter what was alleged in Deeres injunction. Lawyers could potentially argue that since there was no specific mention of how fire barrels and chairs were used to create a dangerous situation or impact ingress and egress out of the gates, there is no basis to ban them, according to Cooney and Iversen. Community solidarity More than 20 people are gathered outside of the Scott County Courthouse on 4th Street to show solidarity with UAW members on strike. Community leaders, union retirees, people with union family members and local government officials attended and spoke out in support of the strike and criticized Deeres injunction. We're here to say as a community John Deere doesn't have the power, you have the power, said Honda Wang, a union organizer that initiated the event. On the picket line Shane Lindburg and Dave Crosiar were two of the four union members on the picket line at the main gate to the Davenport Works plant bracing the 46-degree weather without fire barrels for the first time since the start of the strike. The scene this morning is a stark contrast to Monday, where over 50 people were gathered on the picket line. Lindburg and Crosiar said a community member dropped off hot chocolate for the picketers to help them stay warm. Crosiar said he is comfortable out on the picket line despite the lack of a heat source. (The injunction) doesnt scare me, Crosiar said. We do what we have to do. Friday Oct. 22: Day 9 Deere & Co. will continue to provide healthcare for UAW workers and pay out Continuous Improvement Pay Plan incentives earned before the strike as scheduled, the company said in a news release Friday. "John Deeres healthcare and CIPP incentives are critical aspects of John Deeres industry-leading wages and benefits," the statement said. "We are taking these steps to demonstrate our commitment to doing whats right by our employees and focusing on all that we can achieve together." On the picket line Workers outside of the East Moline plant clustered around a fire barrel, feet away from the large, inflatable, black rat named Scabby. Unlike the Davenport plant, they are still able to have fire barrels, cluster in groups of more than two, and stockpile snacks and firewood at the site. Among the crowd was a younger worker who had just completed his third day at the East Moline plant when workers went on strike. We are trying to get him his fourth day, one union worker joked. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 On Thursday afternoon, a cinematographer named Halyna Hutchins was killed on the New Mexico set of a film called Rust when a prop gun loaded with blanks and discharged by the actor Alec Baldwin misfired. On Friday, the Los Angeles Times reported that, just hours before the accident, a number of camera crew workers walked off the set, citing mistreatment and poor working conditions. One person told the Times that the gun had misfired three times in the days before the accident and that there had been a serious lack of safety meetings. Advertisement Its still not fully clear what exactly happened on the Rust set. The union that represents prop masters said the shot that killed Hutchins was a live single round, whichaccording to the Timesmeans any material loaded into a gun, including a blank. To get a sense of how something like this could happen on a movie set, how the pressures of the industry create dangerous situations, and why real guns are used at all, Slate spoke with Mitch Thompson, a prop master who has been working in props for the past decade and who most recently worked as the prop master for an upcoming action series from Snapchat. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slate: Have you worked much with guns? Thompson: Ive worked with plastic replicas, airsoft blowback guns, that kind of thing. Nothing that was ever actually a functioning gun. Thats just not something Im interested or comfortable in handling myself. But there are many other ways of faking a gun. What are the options for faking a real gun? A lot of times well use airsoft guns. If somebody is firing on screen, not only do you want the muzzle flash, which can be added in post-production by VFX, but you also want to see the action of the slide blowing back every time the trigger is pulled. A lot of airsoft guns will have that action, and they look real. So thats a safer alternative. Advertisement There is also a company called Independent Studio Services here in Los Angeles that have what they call non-guns, which basically are an electronic version. Theyre made to look just like a real gun, and they have the blowback feature, but there is no combustion to them. And then there are times when somebody is walking around with a gun in a holster when we will use a rubber stunt gun or a solid piece thats literally just like a hunk of plastic. Advertisement What kind of regulation and training do you have to have in order to be able to deal with prop guns? If its a union show, there are safety classes. For non-union shows, when youre starting out, its just kind of whoever, wherever. In theory, the production designer or the producer or whoevers hiring will hopefully vet that youre somebody who seems trustworthy. But the safety on set really comes down to the prop master and the first [assistant director]. If I was going to use actual guns firing blanks, then I would need to be a licensed armorer. There are safety classes that you have to take, and you have to have a license. But to use non-guns or airsoft guns is kind of the Wild West, so I never got weapons training or anything. Advertisement Advertisement If there are fake guns that look realistic, why would anyone want to use a real one? Some of it is like institutional inertia. Before there were airsoft rifles and prop stunt guns, all you had was blank firing guns, so Im sure there is a certain degree of inertia there. And some of it is just striving for realism, I imagine. Its always a better idea to have the prop look as realistic as possible. And to my knowledge, thats also the only way you would get a shell ejected as youre firing. So this is looking for verisimilitude, I suppose. There are ways to augment fake guns to make them look like theyre behaving like a real gun, but that also costs time and money. You have to pay VFX to go through and find every instance of a gun being fired and put in the time and work to make that look right. But its not a hard thing to do. Even lower budget films will often add a muzzle flash to a fake gun. Advertisement Advertisement The biggest argument that people might have is how much of a recoil there is, because that is something where you can tell the difference between someone firing an airsoft pistol and someone firing a desert eagle with a full blank load. You can select how much gunpowder is in each individual blank to get the right effect, so technically that is the biggest reason. That is a harder effect to replicate with fake guns. In the past, how have fatal accidents occurred from guns loaded only with blanks? [With the accident that killed Bruce Lees son] Brandon Lee, it wasnt even that a real bullet was in the chamber. Basically, if youre filming with a revolver, you need to have a slug in the chambers to make it look like its not empty. And in that instance, I believe one of the slugs got lodged in the chamber. And [later], when the blank was fired, the slug got fired out and acted as a real bullet. Advertisement Advertisement There was another instance on an 80s television show where an actor [Jon-Erik Hexum] was goofing around with a blank-loaded gun on set. A blank is a bullet casing that is filled with gunpowder. So when the firing pin hits the blank, it has the same combustion, it has the same force. You get the same recoil from the gun. Nothing is fired out of the barrel, but the force of air from that explosion does come out. So there is a danger of just having anything in front of the barrel in close range, because that force is still enough to cause damage. If you put something like a water bottle in front of it at point-blank range, the sheer explosive force of the air being forced out of the barrel of the gun will blow a hole in the water bottle, even though nothings fired. So if youre standing 10 feet away, it wont affect you, but it would hurt somebody if they were in close range. [The actor] put it to his head and fired, and while there wasnt a bullet in it, the force from the chamber was enough to kill him, basically. Advertisement Advertisement After this case, are people going to be thinking about things differently? Are prop masters anxious or upset right now? I havent talked to other prop masters today, but what I will say is that given the time and resources from producers, we are the people on set who are most hardcore about safety. Whenever Im filming with a prop gun, we make an announcement on set, we stop everyone from working to say, Were bringing on a prop gun, its plastic or an airsoft rifle or whatever. Anybody on set who wants to can come in and inspect the gun. We will check the chambers, the clips, the barrel and you can see theres nothing in here. Then we feel comfortable to proceed like that. I try to instill in actors that sense of fear and respect whenever were working with any type of gun, even if I am giving them a hunk of plastic. Advertisement Advertisement Is that level of caution the norm among prop masters, even when working with fake plastic guns? I think it is a cultural thing in the film industry with below-the-line crew. Obviously it varies, but when youre working on a film set, you work together for these insane long hours for months at a time and form really tight bonds. There is this shared sense of, OK, everybody has to look out and keep each other safe. People who come up through low-budget, non-union stuff all have stories of being abused or hurt on set or made to feel unsafe. So as you go through your career, you become less and less interested in taking risks to save producers time and money. Because ultimately, thats what everything boils down to: the producers are trying to do something faster or cheaper or easier. And its up to the crew to decide, No, this is not how were going to do it. This is not safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How much control do you have in the kinds of situations where you dont feel things are safe? It took me a while to be able to have the confidence to put the brakes on when I felt something wasnt safe. Early in my career, it was easier for me to feel pressured if we were rushing to say Oh, yeah, we didnt discuss doing this scene this way, but I see how its safe. But Ive gotten to a place where even something as simple as throwing a snowball at an actor, if it wasnt discussed that way ahead of time, I will say, No, I am not going to be the one to make this decision. Advertisement I wouldnt think of a snowball as a particularly dangerous weapon. That would rise to the level of interfering? Advertisement I grew up in the Midwest: Snowballs hurt, and if you take a snowball to the eye, that is a serious risk. I was on a set where I had brought in foam snowballs, and once we started filming the scene, the director decided that he didnt like the way the fake ones flew. So he said well use a real one for this, and Im like, if I am the one who can throw it and pack it, I will be OK with that. Im throwing it at a child actor, and [the director] starts saying, throw it closer to the actor and pack the snowball tighter. I had to put my foot down and say, I am not going to be a part of this. So I walked off, and somebody else did the throwing. Advertisement Are there any other props that make you worry a lot about safety? Basically, anything being thrown. I worked on a show earlier this year where they threw a notebook, and we had discussions. Anything sharp, obviously. If a knife is being shown on screen, I will always file it down so I can run it along my own arm without it doing any damage. And if its a fight scene, then that knife needs to be foam. Do you find yourself worrying about safety concerns often? On lower-budget productions, there is generally an air of like, lets just get it done. The tighter the schedule is packed, the more people are willing to get lax on stuff. That is not what Im saying happened here [with the Rust situation] but this is just what I have seen. Were expected to make miracles happen. Its very easy to acquiesce and say, Well, OK, were running behind schedule, and we need to get this scene done. So fine, we will cut this one little corner. But those corners can end up adding up very fast. When an assistant director handed Alec Baldwin a loaded weapon he let everyone know it was safe to use. Cold gun, Dave Halls yelled on Thursday as the film crew and actors prepared to rehearse a scene, two words meant to convey that the weapon didnt have any live ammo, according to a search warrant. But the truth was quite the opposite and when Baldwin pulled the trigger, he killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza. Halls also didnt know there were live rounds in the prop gun, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office. Advertisement The gun that Halls handed to Baldwin was one of three that the armorer for the movie, Hannah Gutierrez, had put on a cart. Baldwin said Friday that he was heartbroken by what happened and said he was fully cooperating with the investigation. There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours, Baldwin tweeted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No charges have been filed in the deaths that came at a time when several crew members walked out of the set of Rust, in part due to concerns over safety. The crew members were concerned that COVID-19 protocols werent being followed and gun inspections were deficient. There were two accidental prop gun discharges before the fatal accident on Thursday, crew members tell the Los Angeles Times. Baldwins stunt double had accidentally fired two rounds last week, also after he was told the gun was cold. A few crew members expressed concern that no one seemed particularly interested in investigating what happened. There should have been an investigation into what happened, a crew member told the Los Angeles Times. There were no safety meetings. There was no assurance that it wouldnt happen again. All they wanted to do was rush, rush, rush. The production company said it didnt receive any complaints about safety on the set but vowed to carry out its own investigation. Advertisement Secret government files relating to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy were supposed to be released by next week. But now President Joe Biden has postponed the release once again, this time blaming delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The documents will now be released in two batches, one later this year and a larger one late next year, Biden said in a White House memo. The memo doesnt actually go into detail on how the pandemic affected the review process, only noting that the national archivist had requested the delay in the release of the documents because the pandemic has had a significant impact on the agencies reviewing the redactions in the document. The Archivist has also noted that making these decisions is a matter that requires a professional, scholarly, and orderly process; not decisions or releases made in haste, Biden writes in the memo, saying he agreed with the recommendation that more time was needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to authorizing the delay in the release of the documents, the memo also details that Biden has called on the National Archives to put forward a plan to digitize the more than 250,000 records that have already been released regarding Kennedys assassination. Although more than 90 percent of records having to do with the assassination have been publicly released, many are only available to people willing to travel to the National Archives site in Maryland. The John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act dating back to 1992 had said all files should be publicly released by October 2017. But it allowed for delay when there were concerns over national security. Then-President Donald Trump authorized the release of almost 20,000 documents but delayed the disclosure of other files, setting the deadline of Oct. 26, 2021. People who have been eagerly awaiting the documents were none too happy with the new delay. Jefferson Morley, who edits JFKFacts.org, criticized the move, likening the White House explanation for the delay as the COVID dog ate my homework excuse. Lets not make hasty decisions? After 29 years of stonewalling, they dont want to make a hasty decision, Morley told the Washington Post. They are saying very clearly they do not intend to obey the law its a ruse. Lev Parnas, the businessman from Florida who is an associate of Rudolph Giuliani, was convicted Friday of campaign finance crimes, including funneling money from a Russian entrepreneur to U.S. political campaigns. The jury took only a couple of hours to decide that Parnas was guilty on all six felony counts. They determined that Parnas committed fraud by making donations to state and federal candidates that were paid for by a Russian financier. Parnas had been accused of setting up at least $156,000 in political donations with money from Russian businessman Andrey Muraviev that was an effort to obtain legal cannabis licenses in several states. Parnas was also accused of making a $325,000 contribution to a joint fundraising committee that supported then-President Donald Trump through a shell company. A co-defendant, Andrey Kukushkin, was also convicted on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parnas, who was deeply involved in Giulianis efforts to get Ukrainian officials to investigate Joe Bidens son during the presidential campaign, had insisted he didnt use Russian money for political donations. Ive never hid from nobody. Ive always stood to tell the truth, Parnas said. His lawyer said he would appeal the decision. Throughout the trial, prosecutors said the fundraising efforts had been documented in text messages that show how the cash gave Parnas access to elected officials and candidates. He now faces a maximum of 45 years in prison, but any sentence is likely to be far below that number. Although prosecutors had urged the judge to jail Parnas immediately, he declined. Giuliani was not on trial but jurors did see photos of Parnas with Trump and the former New York mayor. Giuliani has vehemently denied he knew anything about the illegal campaign donations. But he does seem to be part of a related investigation into potential illegal activity related to lobbying for foreign governments. In order to gain influence with American politicians and candidates, they illegally funneled foreign money into the 2018 midterm elections with an eye toward making huge profits in the cannabis business, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement following the verdict. Campaign finance laws are designed to protect the integrity of our free and fair electionsunencumbered by foreign interests or influenceand safeguarding those laws is essential to preserving the freedoms that Americans hold sacred. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday he had ordered his governments foreign ministry to declare 10 ambassadors from Western countries persona non grata shortly after their embassies called for the release of Osman Kavala, a philanthropist and civil society activist. Although it wasnt immediately clear whether Turkey would expel the ambassadors, with Erdogan only saying that he wanted the declaration that made clear the ambassadors are not welcome as soon as possible. If the diplomatic envoys are expelled, it would mark the deepest diplomatic rift with the West during Erdogans 19 years in power, reports Reuters. Advertisement Erdogan issued the threat five days after the ambassadors of Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, New Zealand, and the United States signed a joint statement calling for the urgent release of Kavala. The activist has been behind bars for four years, facing accusations that he financed nationwide protests in 2013 and he was involved in a failed coup in 2016. Kavala has denied the charges and continues to be detained as his trial faces numerous delays. Rights groups have said Kavalas case exemplifies the way Erdogan has worked to crush dissenting voices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The diplomatic envoys of the countries that signed on to the statement were summoned by the foreign ministry that called the move irresponsible. Erdogan said Saturday he wanted to go further to send a clear message. I gave the necessary order to our foreign minister and said what must be done: These 10 ambassadors must be declared persona non grata at once. You will sort it out immediately, Erdogan said in a speech. They will know and understand Turkey. The day they do not know and understand Turkey, they will leave. An opposition leader immediately characterized the move as an effort by Erdogan to take attention away from his countrys economic woes. These actions are not to protect the national interests, but to create artificial reasons for the economy that he has destroyed, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the leader of the opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP), wrote on Twitter. https://sputniknews.com/20211022/astronomers-witness-explosive-star-that-could-help-develop-early-warning-system-1090147123.html Astronomers Witness Explosive Star That Could Help Develop Early Warning System Astronomers Witness Explosive Star That Could Help Develop Early Warning System For the first time, NASAs Hubble Space Telescope gave astronomers an unprecedented view of a star exploding 60 million light-years away and becoming a... 22.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-22T23:33+0000 2021-10-22T23:33+0000 2021-10-22T23:33+0000 nasa star space /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/08/11/1080190824_0:448:2048:1600_1920x0_80_0_0_f1fd9c0f35dec7a1f7497161e413e7b3.jpg Hubble's data, combined with other observations, allowed researchers to understand what was happening to the star just before it died, and examine the material close to the supernova that was ejected from the star in the last year of its life, according to NASA.The supernova, also known as SN 2020fqv, was discovered in April 2020 by the Zwicky Transient Facility at the Palomar Observatory in San Diego, California. The stars location is said to be Butterfly Galaxies a pair of members located in the Virgo galaxy cluster."This is a different situation, because we really know what's going on and we actually see the death in real time."Based on these observations, the star is expected to have died millions of years ago.Astronomers were able to get holistic views of the event, capturing detailed pictures of the stars in their final moments and how they exploded.Theoretical models and ultra-rapid observations of the supernova helped the team determine the star's mass to be about 14 to 15 times the mass of the sun before it exploded. In order to understand how massive stars die, it is imperative to understand their mass."People use the term 'Rosetta Stone' a lot. But this is the first time we've been able to verify the mass with these three different methods for one supernova, and all of them are consistent," Tinyanont said. "Now we can push forward using these different methods and combining them because there are a lot of other supernovas where we have masses from one method, but not another."Scientists are using the behavior that they witnessed before this supernova to assist them in finding other stars on the brink of explosion that tend to be more active and release material. Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Adriana Montes https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/09/10/1089141767_0:89:1270:1359_100x100_80_0_0_83cb4d432e11a31f4608d8cb59ecf006.jpg Adriana Montes https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/09/10/1089141767_0:89:1270:1359_100x100_80_0_0_83cb4d432e11a31f4608d8cb59ecf006.jpg 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 Adriana Montes https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/09/10/1089141767_0:89:1270:1359_100x100_80_0_0_83cb4d432e11a31f4608d8cb59ecf006.jpg nasa, star, space https://sputniknews.com/20211022/us-airstrike-kills-senior-al-qaeda-leader-in-northwest-syria---centcom-1090146822.html US Airstrike Kills Senior Al-Qaeda Leader in Northwest Syria - CENTCOM US Airstrike Kills Senior Al-Qaeda Leader in Northwest Syria - CENTCOM US operations against al-Qaeda* in Syria have increased since the collapse of the US-backed Afghan government in August, when US President Joe Biden reframed... 22.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-22T23:25+0000 2021-10-22T23:25+0000 2021-10-23T00:04+0000 us syria airstrike al-qaeda /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/106994/47/1069944788_0:0:3501:1969_1920x0_80_0_0_20c2072b3b3e568d08f623adee9d15a2.jpg US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Friday that another US airstrike had killed a senior al-Qaeda commander in Suluk, in Syria's northern Raqqa Governorate.Earlier on Friday, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki asserted the US' "right to respond" to an attack against the US garrison at at-Tanf in southeastern Syria on Wednesday. However, CENTCOM said that attack, which involved rockets and kamikaze drones, was believed to have been carried out by "Iran-backed militias," an American term for Shiite militant groups that oppose the US presence in Iraq and Syria. That makes it unlikely the strike was the response to which Psaki referred.However, the US has carried out several other strikes against al-Qaeda-aligned groups in Syria in recent weeks, following statements by Biden in August that outlined the next phase of the US war on terror, a conflict that has increasingly taken a back seat as the US's grand strategy shifts to a great power competition with Russia and China.These threats warrant our attention and our resources. We conduct effective counterterrorism missions against terrorist groups in multiple countries where we dont have permanent military presence. If necessary, well do the same in Afghanistan, he added. Weve developed counterterrorism over-the-horizon capability that will allow us to keep our eyes firmly fixed on the direct threats to the United States in the region, and act quickly and decisively if needed.*Terrorist groups banned in Russia and many other countries Tomtom They never have information about civilian deaths only the target. Was he out for stroll by himself in the middle of the dessert with no one around? 6 Hess The best and most peaceful solution to US violence is for the US to end it illegal occupation of Syria and evacuates all its terrorists to the US. 6 4 syria 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 us, syria, airstrike, al-qaeda https://sputniknews.com/20211023/antifa-protest-in-support-of-left-wing-politics-takes-place-in-stuttgart-1090153679.html Antifa Protest in Support of Left-Wing Politics Takes Place in Stuttgart Antifa Protest in Support of Left-Wing Politics Takes Place in Stuttgart The activists are protesting against attempts to criminalise the anti-fascist movement. 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T14:26+0000 2021-10-23T14:26+0000 2021-10-23T14:26+0000 news europe germany protest antifa /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/17/1090154360_0:0:2000:1125_1920x0_80_0_0_3d3b8d8d95633fce6612d56f06e90b92.jpg Watch a live broadcast from Stuttgart, Germany where Antifa activists have gathered on Saturday 23 October to back left-wing politics.According to Antifa activists, their movement is being unfairly repressed and they are rallying to support members who are in jail. Antifa protesters are also expected to take to the streets of Leipzig despite a ban imposed by the authorities. They plan to march under the motto "All together autonomous, resistant, irreconcilable!" The demonstration was called in relation to the ongoing trial of left-wing activist Lina E., who allegedly headed a militant left-wing extremist group involved in at least two attacks against right-wing activists in Saxony and Thuringia from 2018 to 2020.*Follow Sputnik's live feed to find out more! Gone So, you want socialism, industrialization and workers' rights? Right... 0 Gone BTW, it's anti-fascism, not "anti-fa". WTF is that? 0 2 germany 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 news, europe, germany, protest, antifa https://sputniknews.com/20211023/author-of-infamous-steele-dossier-claims-putin-may-have-served-him-tea-1090155461.html Author of Infamous Steele Dossier Claims Putin May Have Served Him Tea Author of Infamous Steele Dossier Claims Putin May Have Served Him Tea In 2016, former MI6 officer Christopher Steele put together an opposition research report containing a series of salacious and sensational claims targeting... 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T12:12+0000 2021-10-23T12:12+0000 2021-10-23T12:28+0000 donald trump vladimir putin tea christopher steele /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/17/1090154802_0:178:3007:1869_1920x0_80_0_0_7d72760a518814827dea0813856a96a8.jpg Christopher Steele has claimed that he may have met Vladimir Putin, and said that the future Russian president may have poured him a cup of tea while the spy was on assignment in St. Petersburg in 1992.The poison tea comment was a likely reference to the debunked claim that Russias security services killed former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko in London in 2006 by spiking his beverage with a deadly radioactive substance.Steele, who worked in the British Embassy in Moscow between 1990 and 1993, also recalled meeting Mikhail Gorbachev in 1991, after organising a meeting between the Soviet president and then-British Prime Minister John Major.Steele also recalled an encounter he allegedly had with future British Prime Minister Boris Johnson while in university, saying Johnson, an Oxford man, headed a debate team during a visit to Cambridge, where Steele was studying social and political studies, and served as president of the Cambridge Union. Remembering his impression of the future Tory politician at the time, the ex-spy said that not entirely sober was my recollection.I do remember it was particularly rowdy that night and I had to intervene quite a lot from the chair to keep order in the chamber, Steele added.Commenting on the infamous Trump-Russia dossier that made him famous, Steele insisted that the claims made within were real. I think the vast majority of it is real. I think its largely accurate. I mean if you were to say to me, is every crossed t and dotted i right, the answer is probably no. Thats very typical of intelligence work. What matters is that the main thrusts of it are right, and the majority of the details is right, he said.Asked about the credibility of his sources, Steele stressed he was pretty confident that the majority of the sources were highly reliable, and others were certainly moderately to highly reliable, which is a good position to be in when youre doing intelligence work.Debunked DossierIn 2016, Christopher Steeles private intelligence company compiled an opposition research dossier for the Hillary Clinton campaign, alleging that Russian intelligence had amassed compromising information on Donald Trump, including an alleged pee tape of Trump partying with a pair of Russian prostitutes who urinated on a hotel bed at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Moscow in 2013. The report was eventually leaked to the press, and in 2017, Steele was outed as its author.Along with the pee tape claims, the 17-memo dossier alleged that there was an extensive conspiracy between the Trump campaign team and the Kremlin, that Trump jointly funded hacking teams seeking to sabotage the election with Russia, that the hacking was funded in part by the Russian Embassy in Washington, that the Trump campaign secretly received anti-Democratic Party intelligence from the Kremlin, that Moscow told Mr. Trump it had incriminating evidence on him, and that former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen pad secretly travelled to Prague in August 2016 to meet with Putin aides to try to cover up the election conspiracy.All of these allegations and a host of others were debunked by the Mueller report, the comprehensive three-year probe into suspected Russian interference in the 2016 election, and alleged collusion between the Kremlin and Trump. The 400+ page report found no such evidence of a conspiracy, and suggested that alleged Russian meddling was limited to bot and troll campaigns on social media the scale of which US tech companies later admitted were insignificant.Notwithstanding its outlandish and debunked claims, the dossier ended up assisting the FBI in launching its secret investigation into the Trump campaign in 2016, with the agency using it for at least one wiretap against a Trump associate, even as other intelligence agencies, including the CIA and the Director of National Intelligence, expressed concerns about the documents sourcing.Steele later admitted that there was a chance that Russian intelligence may have deliberately fed him disinformation, while maintaining that this was very unlikely. In 2019, former Trump Russia aide and Ukraine impeachment witness Fiona Hill told Congress behind closed doors that the dossier was very likely bogus.A separate 2019 probe by the Department of Justice concluded that one of Steeles key sources was a boaster who might be inclined toward embellishment of information, while an FBI investigation found that a key source was a businessman spreading word of mouth and hearsay, with the pee tape specifically being nothing but rumour and speculation retold in jest.This week, Steele gave a separate interview to ABC News, insisting that he continues to stand by the work he did, his sources and professionalism.Notwithstanding revelations that his report was essentially a fabrication from start to finish, and the fact that the dossier helped to damage Russia-US relations and start US intelligence agencies off on a wild goose chase, Steele has never been held legally accountable for his work. https://sputniknews.com/20211016/trump-slams-doj-after-it-gives-russiagate-conspiracy-pushing-ex-fbi-deputy-director-his-pension-1089973548.html https://sputniknews.com/20211018/ex-spy-steele-still-believes-trump-colluded-with-russia-even-after-us-discredited-his-dossier-1090009665.html siberianhusky They will say or do anything to make a buck. 5 Hampar Tokatlian Scumbag lowlife. 4 8 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 donald trump, vladimir putin, tea, christopher steele https://sputniknews.com/20211023/bidens-reality-1090146690.html Biden's Reality Biden's Reality Some viewers of US President Joe Biden's Thursday town hall were left puzzled after the commander-in-chief claimed that the US would defend Taiwan in the event... 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T00:54+0000 2021-10-23T00:54+0000 2021-10-23T00:54+0000 china taiwan one china policy biden administration /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/16/1090145909_0:0:1201:676_1920x0_80_0_0_aa9def5e8f1f0ff39f1a4a126d35c51d.jpg White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, speaking to reporters on Friday, clarified that Biden's remarks from the night prior did not reflect a change in US policy, or its commitments outlined in the Taiwan Relations Act. Biden previously told CNN's Anderson Cooper that the US had a "commitment" to defend Taiwan against a military attack by mainland China. "He was not intending to convey a change in policy nor has he made a decision to change our policy," Psaki told a reporter who had questioned the US policy of "strategic ambiguity" regarding Taiwan. Psaki added that "nobody wants to see cross-strait issues come to blows, certainly not President Biden, and there's no reason that it should." While the policy of ambiguity allows the US to sell weapons to the RoC, it does not stipulate that American forces would be activated to defend Taiwan from Chinese forces. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin reiterated the long-standing Beijing assertion that the island nation is "an inalienable part of China's territory," and any issue involving the RoC is "purely an internal affair of China that allows no foreign intervention." china 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 china, taiwan, one china policy, biden administration https://sputniknews.com/20211023/boris-johnson-no-10-staff-watch-new-bond-film-at-26-mln-downing-street-briefing-room-1090152658.html Boris Johnson, No. 10 Staff Watch New Bond Film at 2.6 mln Downing Street Briefing Room Boris Johnson, No. 10 Staff Watch New Bond Film at 2.6 mln Downing Street Briefing Room Earlier, the PA Media news agency revealed, through a Freedom of Information Act request, that refurbishments to the former courtroom in No. 9 had cost the... 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T10:47+0000 2021-10-23T10:47+0000 2021-10-23T10:48+0000 news uk boris johnson james bond film downing street /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/17/1090152692_0:0:3017:1697_1920x0_80_0_0_6c9b5e2c895add1ea1dfa830d4c30e71.jpg British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the staff of No. 10 used the White House-style press briefing room to watch the new James Bond film, called "No Time to Die". He added that the screening took place after work hours on Thursday and No. 10 employees present had made voluntary donations that went to Sarcoma UK. All installation costs were reportedly met by the companies involved. In March, the PA Media news agency revealed, through a Freedom of Information Act request, that refurbishments to the former courtroom in No. 9 had cost the taxpayer 2.6 mln (more than $3.5 mln). It was planned that the room would be used for daily televised media conferences. The Labour Party criticised the refurbishment as a "pointless vanity project" and suggested that the money should have been given to NHS workers carrying the burden of the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, the room has been used mainly for national coronavirus briefings. 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, uk, boris johnson, james bond, film, downing street https://sputniknews.com/20211023/bryson-grays-song-lets-go-brandon-banned-on-youtube-over-medical-misinformation-1090150922.html Bryson Grays Song Lets Go Brandon Banned on YouTube Over 'Medical Misinformation' Bryson Grays Song Lets Go Brandon Banned on YouTube Over 'Medical Misinformation' The slogan 'Let's Go Brandon' went viral in early October following an interview with NASCAR racer Brandon Brown, when a reporter, commenting on fans chanting... 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T08:49+0000 2021-10-23T08:49+0000 2021-10-23T08:49+0000 joe biden us youtube /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/105947/79/1059477945_0:0:1280:720_1920x0_80_0_0_076f78cc9af6f6bf41225134739b14eb.png As the viral slogan "Let's go Brandon" gains more and more popularity among US President Joe Biden's critics, it has also been used in several songs, in particular, by Loza Alexander and Bryson Gray. Their track made it to the top of iTunes' hip-hop chart.The song by Bryson Gray, which has lyrics poking fun at Joe Biden's chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, the US president's mental abilities, and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, has apparently been banned on YouTube, according to a statement made by the song's author.The reason for the ban, as a screenshot attached to a tweet by Bryson shows, is that the song allegedly contained "medical misinformation".YouTubes technical support responded to his tweet saying that they were looking into the matter."Why is the most censored rapper in the country someone that doesnt even curse in songs?" Gray said, as quoted by Fox News. "Why can you rap about murder, sex, and drugs but when I rap about questioning the government I get banned? Is this still America?"The phrase "Let's Go Brandon" became an Internet meme and a popular way to express one's attitude and feelings towards the current president of the United States Joe Biden after a viral interview with NASCAR racer Brandon Brown.Brandon Brown fell victim to memes thanks to an NBC interview which followed his NASCAR Xfinity Series win in October 2021.In the video, the crowd behind him chants "***k Joe Biden", but the NBC reporter on air, commenting on the scene, said that they were chanting "let's go Brandon!"Since then, the slogan has been used by fans at many sporting events. Leo Pold YouTube also banned the following parody in just 1 hour for being "hate speech". Is it? [link deleted] 1 Leo Pold Link deleted. OK, it's under "DJ Wasntme" on Bitchute.com 1 2 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 joe biden, us, youtube https://sputniknews.com/20211023/dhs-to-dole-out-455k-to-erect-fence-around-bidens-summer-white-house-in-delaware-1090154847.html DHS to Dole Out $455K to Erect Fence Around Bidens Summer White House in Delaware DHS to Dole Out $455K to Erect Fence Around Bidens Summer White House in Delaware For months, the Biden administration has been facing a backlash over its reversal of ex-president Donald Trumps migrant policies and halting construction of... 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T12:28+0000 2021-10-23T12:28+0000 2021-10-23T12:28+0000 joe biden news us department of homeland security (dhs) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/0a/1089814515_0:48:3239:1870_1920x0_80_0_0_615489f6fbfd871bbd85523c17d651b2.jpg The US Department of Homeland Security is funneling $456,548 to a Delaware construction company that won a contract in September to erect a fence around President Joe Bidens Summer White House", according to the Cape Gazette. Turnstone Holdings LLC was selected for purchase and installation of security fencing at 32 Farview, Rehoboth Delaware, USAspending.gov online database that tracks federal government spending revealed. The DHS is listed as the main awarding and funding office of the contract, which began on 21 September and is expected to end on 31 December, when construction is anticipated to wrap up. The US Secret Service is also listed as the subagency. The irony of the private security fences sizeable price tag coming as the administration persists in efforts to end construction of the Trump-era US border wall with Mexico was not lost on Twitter users. Some conceded that boosted security was likely warranted.However, many emphasised the irony of how Bidens beach house security was being boosted while the US-Mexico border wall was being stripped of funding amidst a migrant crisis.Biden Admin Plagued by Border CrisisThe first year of Joe Bidens presidency has witnessed historic numbers of illegal immigrants arriving at the southern border. 1.7 million migrants have crossed the border in FY 2021, according to figures released by US Customs and Border Protection.There has been bipartisan frustration with the border crisis, with some Democrats deploring the fact that Biden had not done enough to deter migrants from making the trek to the US -Mexico border and Republicans arguing that it was his administrations border policies that contributed to the surge.The current POTUS has been facing a growing backlash for undoing much of his predecessor Donald Trumps stringent immigration policies and deciding to halt construction of the border wall as one of his first actions in office.The expansion of the MexicoUnited States barrier started during the presidency of Donald Trump, who had campaigned in 2016 on the vow he would "build the wall and make Mexico pay for it".The costs of the project, eventually funded by the US, resulted in a partial federal government shutdown from 22 December 2018 to 25 January due to Trump's vow to veto any spending bill that did not include $5 billion in funding for a border wall. 458 miles of barrier system were added during the Trump administration.On 20 January 2021, US President Joe Biden terminated the national emergency Trump had declared at the border that he would expedite the walls construction. Since then, his administration has engaged in ongoing efforts to cancel contracts geared toward building the steel fencing.Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R), a vehement critic of Bidens border policies, has insisted that the administration "completely abandoned" Texas residents along the US-Mexico border.On 21 October Texas and Missouri filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration for efforts to stop wall construction projects at the US southern border, arguing that the President didn't have the authority to refuse to spend funds congressionally appropriated under the Trump administration. The move, warned the states, would result in ore migrants entering and remaining in Missouri and Texas.This month, DHS announced its intention to cancel the remaining border barrier contracts located within US Border Patrols (USBP) Laredo Sector and all border barrier contracts located in the Rio Grande Valley Sector.Remaining funds were to be diverted into environmental projects including biological, cultural, and natural resource surveys in the border region. Max75 Must be worried the Gang of 4 in the US Congress will send their people out to bother the President. 1 TruePatriot The fence is probably not to keep others out, but keep JObama in. BTW, that house is a dump and a $5K fence would be extravagant, so why this absurd amount of money especially when the US is broke? 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 joe biden, news, us, department of homeland security (dhs) https://sputniknews.com/20211023/erdogan-ambassadors-of-10-countries-calling-for-human-rights-activists-release-to-be-expelled-1090159267.html Erdogan: Ambassadors of 10 Countries Calling for Human Rights Activist's Release to Be Expelled Erdogan: Ambassadors of 10 Countries Calling for Human Rights Activist's Release to Be Expelled ANKARA (Sputnik) Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announced on Saturday that he had instructed the Turkish Foreign Ministry to declare ambassadors of 10... 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T14:52+0000 2021-10-23T14:52+0000 2021-10-23T15:06+0000 recep tayyip erdogan turkey news middle east /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/17/1090159223_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_6f1690a0afbb96f7ccaaa4e8a733c6cb.jpg On Tuesday, the embassies of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and the US made a joint appeal to release Kavala after four years under arrest. On the same day, the ten ambassadors were summoned to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, and later Erdogan threatened to expel them from the country over the violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.Kavala is a well-known Turkish businessman and human rights activist. He is the founder of the Anadolu Kultur foundation, promoting ethnic and religious minority projects, particularly the reconciliation between the Turkish and Armenian people and the peaceful resolution of the Kurdish issue.In February 2020, a Turkish court acquitted Kavala on the charge of ties to the anti-government Gezi Park protests in 2013. However, on the same day, the Istanbul prosecutor's office issued a new warrant which re-arrested Kavala on charges of ties to the failed 2016 coup. Kavala has denied all charges brought against him. md101 If turkey can do it, then why can't Russia & Belarus do the same. 10 1 turkey 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 recep tayyip erdogan, turkey, news, middle east https://sputniknews.com/20211023/greek-police-say-7-officers-injured-in-chasing-car-thieves-in-athens-one-offender-dead-1090160303.html Greek Police Say 7 Officers Injured in Chasing Car Thieves in Athens, One Offender Dead Greek Police Say 7 Officers Injured in Chasing Car Thieves in Athens, One Offender Dead ATHENS (Sputnik) Suspected car thieves rammed five police motorcycles and injured seven police officers during a chase in Athens, with one assailant killed... 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T16:06+0000 2021-10-23T16:06+0000 2021-10-23T16:06+0000 greece news police /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/06/06/1083086024_0:158:2304:1454_1920x0_80_0_0_5b6f6e9341db3d5a4f3450d5325d06f8.jpg The incident occurred late on Friday in southern Athens. Police officers decided to inspect a vehicle with a broken window and three people inside. However, the car took off immediately and the police began a hot pursuit."Trying to hide, the criminals rammed five police motorcycles, injured seven police officers. The police used guns to stop the car, which resulted in deadly injuries of the driver, and one of the passengers has been hospitalized and is now getting treatment; his life is now not in danger. The third person in the car has escaped and is now wanted," the police said.The car turned out to have been stolen. greece 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 greece, news, police https://sputniknews.com/20211023/iran-set-to-cooperate-with-islamic-world-in-nuclear-development---spokeperson-1090162936.html Iran Set to Cooperate With Islamic World in Nuclear Development - Spokeperson Iran Set to Cooperate With Islamic World in Nuclear Development - Spokeperson On October 23, during a visit by foreign guests to the Shahid Fakhrizadeh Research Reactor in Tehran on the occasion of Islamic Unity Week, a spokesman for the... 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T20:14+0000 2021-10-23T20:14+0000 2021-10-23T20:14+0000 news middle east iran jcpoa /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/04/12/1082662088_0:164:3059:1884_1920x0_80_0_0_b2aa4e2320f92bb362003c18f4e98fa1.jpg "We are ready to cooperate with the Islamic world in the development of nuclear technology in line with the welfare of the people and Islamic societies, in order to pave the way for the new Islamic civilization," the spokesman said in remarks to mark the birthday of Islams key religious figure, the Prophet Muhammad. Referring to the unilateralism of "bullying" powers, Kamalvandi noted that the current assets of the Muslim world are the result of the continuing efforts of scientists. Meanwhile, the United States and its partners around the world believe that negotiations to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, should immediately resume, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said. The JCPOA, which envisaged Iran limiting its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions, has been on hiatus since the Trump administration withdrew the US in 2018. After pulling out from the deal, the White House at the time restored sanctions against Iran. mandrake Good the quicker Iran can tip up their missiles with some hefty nukes and aim them at tel aviv, haifa etc and drive the jews into the sea, the better it will be for mankind in general and the ME in particular. And dont feel sorry for the palestinian jews, they deserve no mercy just like they have denied the palestinians a decent and fruitful future. 5 Hess It is a very good move by Iran against the US regime and its Zionist handlers who are threatening and bullying Iran. Muslim-majority nations should arm themselves to the teeth with the latest weapon technology, including nuclear bombs against those Jewish bombs targeting Muslims and Arabs. 5 14 iran 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 news, middle east, iran, jcpoa https://sputniknews.com/20211023/merkel-says-always-felt-significant-differences-of-opinions-with-putin-1090155700.html Merkel Says Always Felt 'Significant Differences' of Opinions With Putin Merkel Says Always Felt 'Significant Differences' of Opinions With Putin BERLIN (Sputnik) - Outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in an interview with the Suddeutsche Zeitung newspaper that "significant differences" had... 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T12:20+0000 2021-10-23T12:20+0000 2021-10-23T12:20+0000 news vladimir putin angela merkel /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/07/0f/1079893089_0:0:2887:1625_1920x0_80_0_0_00dfa1bef7fdced5d1b8d103d54bb798.jpg "It has always been clear to me, even when he spoke in the Bundestag in 2001, that there are significant differences between us. For the Russian President, the collapse of the Soviet Union is a tragic event, we, on the contrary, felt the joy of the end of the Cold War, the joy of German and European unity," Merkel said when asked if she considered it possible to build a relationship of trust with Putin when taking office in 2005.The chancellor, however, noted that she could not imagine when taking office that "he would annex Crimea" and a military confrontation would break out in eastern Ukraine, "almost at the border of the European Union."Tensions between Russia and the West have been simmering since 2014 when a conflict broke out in eastern Ukraine and Crimea rejoined with Russia. Neither Kiev nor Western countries recognised the legitimacy of the reunification, accusing Russia of meddling in Ukraine's affairs. Moscow has repeatedly denied any interference and insisted that the Crimean referendum was held in line with international law. Preterist-ADSeventy Does she even realize that it was Judaeathat declared war on Germany in 1933? Does she realize that before 1933 the US and other of its allied nations were on friendly terms with Germany? Shes parroting what shes been taught and not what the truth is. Shes been (((((their))))) loyal puppet all these years. 4 Gone Stop talking nonsense, and retire already. 3 3 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 news, vladimir putin, angela merkel https://sputniknews.com/20211023/palermo-court-begins-hearing-against-italys-salvini-over-blocking-migrant-ship-reports-say-1090153808.html Palermo Court Begins Hearing Against Italy's Salvini Over Blocking Migrant Ship, Reports Say Palermo Court Begins Hearing Against Italy's Salvini Over Blocking Migrant Ship, Reports Say ROME (Sputnik) - Former Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini appeared before a Palermo court on Saturday for alleged abuse of power over denial to let an... 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T11:03+0000 2021-10-23T11:03+0000 2021-10-23T11:03+0000 europe matteo salvini italy /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/0a/1082033735_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_a5be80ba4c6d009b36a9b9d5a7329da3.jpg Salvini attended in person the first court hearing, La Sicilia newspaper said, adding that the Palermo court ruled not to allow journalists into the courtroom. Media representatives can follow the process from a special room in the court, where the video broadcast of the trial is aired.Salvini is said to have prevented the Spanish Open Arms rescue ship with some 150 migrants aboard from docking at Lampedusa island in August 2019 when he was the country's interior minister. Last year, Italy's Senate voted to strip Salvini of his parliamentary immunity, paving the way for charges in the so-called Open Arms case.Salvini insists that it was his duty as minister to stop the irregular migrant flow to Italy, as it was government policy at the time. If convicted, the ex-minister may face up to 15 years in prison.Last month, the far-right politician said that US actor Richard Gere who had boarded the ship while it was stranded agreed to testify in the case. 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, matteo salvini, italy https://sputniknews.com/20211023/russia-urges-un-mission-to-ensure-security-of-staff-in-russian-office-in-pristina-1090160405.html Russia Urges UN Mission to Ensure Security of Staff in Russian Office in Pristina Russia Urges UN Mission to Ensure Security of Staff in Russian Office in Pristina MOSCOW (Sputnik) Russia calls on the United Nations Mission in Kosovo to guarantee security for the employees in the Russian office in Pristina, Maria... 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T16:14+0000 2021-10-23T16:14+0000 2021-10-23T17:35+0000 kosovo serbia un mission news russia pristina /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/04/0f/1082634948_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_99e9ef8504e162dda65ce1ca64bb4f4e.jpg "We call on the UN Mission in Kosovo and the International forces in Kosovo within their power according to the resolution 1244 to ensure reliable security and necessary conditions for the work of the personnel of the Russian Chancellery in Pristina. We are waiting for the pursuant written guarantees from the UN administration," Zakharova said in a statement.She also said that Pristina's actions against Russian diplomats do not entail any consequences for their legal status as they are accredited with the UN Mission in Kosovo."We hope that this defiant behaviour of the Kosovo leaders will receive due critical assessment from our settlement partners," Zakharova said in a statement.The spokeswoman further called the actions of the Kosovo leadership a "targeted provocation" that is part of aggressive policy against Russia.On Friday, the president of self-proclaimed Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, said that she was "expelling" two Pristina-based Russian diplomats accredited to the diplomatic mission in Serbia over their alleged "harmful influence" in the region.The Russian Embassy in Serbia said earlier that it did not recognise Pristina's decisions and condemned the attempts to prevent Russian diplomats accredited with UNMIK from carrying out their legitimate activities as absolutely unacceptable. Pristina's move was described in the statement as "a provocation against Russian diplomats." https://sputniknews.com/20211022/kosovo-declares-two-russian-diplomats-personae-non-gratae-1090137818.html kosovo serbia pristina 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 kosovo, serbia, un mission, news, russia, pristina https://sputniknews.com/20211023/russian-mod-berlin-must-know-well-how-amassing-troops-near-russias-border-ended-for-europe-in-past-1090157382.html Russian MoD: Berlin Must Know How Amassing Troops Near Russia's Border Ended for Europe in Past Russian MoD: Berlin Must Know How Amassing Troops Near Russia's Border Ended for Europe in Past On Friday, German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer accused Moscow of a host of malign activities, and urged NATO to make clear to Russia its... 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T14:06+0000 2021-10-23T14:06+0000 2021-10-23T15:03+0000 russia nato sergey shoigu annegret kramp-karrenbauer /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/04/16/1082701886_0:78:1751:1063_1920x0_80_0_0_91032368bb6a13937595b7667df252d4.jpg Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has responded to his German counterparts comments on the need for NATO to take a tough stance to "contain Russia," warning that the German politician is obliged to know what happened the last time foreign forces engaged in a buildup on Russias borders.The defence minister stressed that security in Europe can only be reached if it is mutual and does not infringe on Russias interests.The defence ministers comments follow German defence chief Kramp-Karrenbauers interview with German radio on Friday, in which she accused Russia of a host of malign activities from the alleged systematic violation of the airspace of countries bordering on the Baltic and Black Seas, to cyberattacks and supposed attempts to foment a migration crisis on the European Unions eastern frontier.NATO, the defence minister suggested, must make it very clear to Russia that its deterrence doctrine means using whatever means are necessary to stop Moscow from attacking allies or partners. When asked whether such deterrence includes the threat of using nuclear weapons, Kramp-Karrenbauer emphasised that that is the way of deterrence.Moscow has repeatedly said that it has no aggressive intentions against any country, and that its manoeuvres in neutral waters and airspace near sensitive areas are carried out in strict accordance with international law.At the same time, Russian officials have expressed deep concerns about NATOs encroachment on its borders. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Pentagon chief Lloyd Austins recent visit to Kiev has effectively paved the way for Ukraine joining NATO, and warned that the blocs activity in the country poses a threat to Russia.Despite a verbal commitment to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1990 not to expand one inch east beyond the borders of a reunified Germany, NATO has since incorporated every single member of the now defunct Soviet-led Warsaw Pact alliance, plus three former Soviet republics, and four republics of the former Yugoslavia.NATO has also dramatically beefed up the contingent of troops near Russias borders on a rotational or permanent basis since 2014, and has held drills simulating a direct conflict with Russia. Moscow has expressed particular concern over the US construction of Aegis Ashore missile defence facilities in Poland and Romania, believing that the launchers used at these sites could easily be converted to fire conventional or nuclear-tipped Tomahawk cruise missiles into Russia.On Monday, Russia suspended the work of NATOs information office in Moscow, and the operation of Russias own permanent mission to the alliance, over the blocs decision to revoke the accreditation of eight employees of the Russian mission to NATO. On Friday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko accused the bloc of sliding into Cold War schemes and suggested that normal diplomatic relations with the alliance were impossible amid the hostile measures it has taken against Moscow. https://sputniknews.com/20211021/putin-calls-nato-military-presence-in-ukraine-a-real-threat-to-russia-1090108239.html https://sputniknews.com/20200131/german-lawmaker-reveals-how-nato-fooled-gorbachev-about-blocs-eastward-expansion-plans-1078193547.html Alba1970 NATO and Germany are playing with fire this so called defence minister will soon be replaced by a new defence minister of the new government no doubt she is trying to ingratiate herself to America in the hope of getting a place in NATO 18 md101 Being an ignorant & clueless girl, she better not made such dangerous statements against a nuclear superpower. I wonder how it is possible to make her the minister of defence when she is totally not qualified and experienced in military nor defence matters!! 15 27 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 russia, nato, sergey shoigu, annegret kramp-karrenbauer https://sputniknews.com/20211023/turkish-defence-minister-notes-stabilization-in-syrias-idlib-after-putin-erdogan-meeting-1090151517.html Turkish Defence Minister Notes Stabilization in Syria's Idlib After Putin-Erdogan Meeting Turkish Defence Minister Notes Stabilization in Syria's Idlib After Putin-Erdogan Meeting ANKARA (Sputnik) - The situation in Syria's Idlib de-escalation zone has stabilized after the meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President... 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T08:48+0000 2021-10-23T08:48+0000 2021-10-23T08:48+0000 middle east turkey syria /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/107850/08/1078500883_0:226:2685:1736_1920x0_80_0_0_123bde78ff2558186fe72df42b18950f.jpg "From time to time, some violations occur [in Idlib]. In general, in the framework of the measures taken, ceasefire and stability persist. The situation has become calmer after the meeting of our president with Putin in Sochi," Akar said, as cited by the Turkish defence ministry.The two leaders met in the Russian resort city of Sochi in late September. The talks focused on cooperation in a number of fields, including space, as well as regional issues, such as the situation in conflict-torn Syria.Idlib remains the only Syrian region outside the control of Damascus. Turkey has deployed its forces to the region to counter the Kurdish units in the area and back some militant groups. Damascus views the Turkish military presence in Idlib as a violation of its sovereignty.The conflict in Syria has been going on for a decade, first erupting as part of the wave of Arab Spring protests across the Middle East and North Africa. It has since turned into a full-scale war between the government forces, armed opposition and terrorist groups, as well as various international actors. Charlie McD Ahaha. Living in fantasy land 2 1 turkey 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 middle east, turkey, syria https://sputniknews.com/20211023/tuskless-elephants-evolve-in-mozambique-amid-ivory-poaching-scientists-say-1090158364.html Tuskless Elephants Evolve in Mozambique Amid Ivory Poaching, Scientists Say Tuskless Elephants Evolve in Mozambique Amid Ivory Poaching, Scientists Say The researchers are seeking to determine how the tuskless elephants will affect the species and the environment. 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T15:06+0000 2021-10-23T15:06+0000 2021-10-23T15:06+0000 mozambique tech study tusk elephants /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/105821/38/1058213818_0:100:1921:1180_1920x0_80_0_0_5e036a9a6bec1c941af6ab3fdf186aa1.jpg The evolution of elephants in a particular part of Mozambique has apparently been affected by poaching, as an increasing number are being born without tusks. According to AP, during the civil war in the country that lasted from 1977 t0 1992, around 90 percent of the elephants in the area that now comprises the Gorongosa National Park were killed, as fighters used ivory to fund the war. Now, authors of a new study suggest that this decline of the Gorongosa elephant population was accompanied by a significant increase in the number of tuskless female elephants, from 18.5 percent to 50.9 percent."The fact that it occurred so rapidly is rare indeed, and is a direct function of the strength of selection," he told the media outlet via email. "In other words, it happened so quickly because tuskless females had a MUCH higher probability of surviving the war, and thus a MUCH greater potential for passing their genes on to the next generation."Having analysed the DNA of female elephants with and without tusks, the scientists also found the likely reason for the females developing their tusklessness.If the male elephant receives the non-normal chromosome, however, the scientists believe that it will die early in development, a miscarriage, as Brian Arnold, study's co-author and evolutionary biologist at Princeton, explained.The researchers now strive to determine how this increased number of tuskless elephants is going to affect the species and the environment. https://sputniknews.com/20210508/happy-the-elephant-makes-way-into-new-york-court-seeking-release-from-zoo-captivity-creates-history-1082832209.html FeEisi Elephants probably having guardian angels who watch over them. And tuskless is elephant is the result. 0 1 mozambique Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Andrei Dergalin Andrei Dergalin 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 Andrei Dergalin mozambique, tech, study, tusk, elephants https://sputniknews.com/20211023/uks-secret-taskforce-of-bankers-reportedly-primed-for-financial-warfare-against-adversaries-1090151659.html UKs Secret Taskforce of Bankers Reportedly Primed for Financial Warfare Against Adversaries UKs Secret Taskforce of Bankers Reportedly Primed for Financial Warfare Against Adversaries The UK Government published the outcome of its year-long integrated review (IR) of foreign policy, defence, security and international development in March... 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T09:14+0000 2021-10-23T09:14+0000 2021-10-23T09:14+0000 uk ministry of defence china taliban daesh iranian revolutionary guard corps (irgc) pmc wagner uk hezbollah /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/105248/72/1052487204_0:156:3500:2125_1920x0_80_0_0_16dfe3d2d2e8e7c1c17786e8cf58c1ee.jpg A top-secret unit of bankers is being commandeered to join a UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) taskforce entrusted with protecting British financial infrastructures from attacks by foreign adversaries, reported The Financial Times. The reservist battalion of bankers will also purportedly be honing the skills they acquired in the City Londons financial district - to engage in financial and economic warfare targeting channels of international revenue believed to fund designated terror groups. The unit will, accordingly, provide financial expertise not readily available in mainstream military units. The taskforce is believed to be already collaborating with Special Forces, intelligence agencies and the British Armys 77th Brigade. The latter was established in 2015 to draw on existing and developing capabilities to meet the challenges of modern conflict and warfare, such as online operations. The newly-expanded secret unit was reportedly instrumental in shutting down funding streams supporting Daesh* after the jihadis seized swathes of Iraq and Syria rich in oil reserves in 2014. Fundraising for the caliphate was targeted, as part of a sophisticated intelligence-gathering operation analysed financial ledgers, receipts and computer records, states the report. As a result, crucial Daesh revenue streams were cut off. Adversaries said to be in the units crosshairs are China accused of posing an increasingly-challenging cyber threat, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, an elite branch of the Iranian Armed Forces designated as a terrorist organisation by the US, Hezbollah in Lebanon,Russian billionaires with purported links to President Vladimir Putin and Wagner private military company, accused of being Kremlin-affiliated. As crypto-currencies are being increasingly used to funnel money to support terrorist activities and groups such as the Taliban*, which swept to power in Afghanistan in the wake of the hasty withdrawal of US and NATO forces from the South Asian country, experts with a skill set in financial technology are in growing demand, according to the report.Tom Keatinge, of the Royal United Services Institute think-tank, was cited as saying that when were trying to negotiate with the Taliban if you need to, you can come down on them like a hammer and put them out of business. Unlike other recruits, the banking battalion will not necessarily be required to endure typical frontline military training, while also purportedly spending less time on the parade square.Furthermore, a review of the Ministry of Defences rank and pay structures is said to be in the works to allow individuals with unique skill-sets to be appropriately rewarded. The MoD will also ostensibly introduce a new lateral entry system related to the reserve army, easing age and fitness requirements for banking recruits, and enabling the professionals to move directly to senior military ranks.The UK MoD was cited by the publication as saying:Earlier in the year, the UK government unveiled its long-awaited integrated review of defence and security capabilities, which re-examined priorities and objectives following its departure from the European Union in January. While including reductions in conventional forces, it highlighted increased investment in new technologies. *Daesh (ISIS/ISIL/Islamic State), Taliban are terrorist organisations banned in Russia and many other states. Old Shagnasty In that case they had better go hang themselves, as everyone knows that the biggest supporters of terroist funding are the global banks themselves. 9 Boris Jaruselski Bitcoin, ...and the other crypto currencies, are solely responsible for the Bank of England seeing 'the writing on the wall', because the grasp they had had on the WORLD, is slowly slipping from their hands! Their theft, money laundering and all the OTHER illegal activities will CEASE once crypto currencies become common! 5 4 china 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 uk ministry of defence, china, taliban, daesh, iranian revolutionary guard corps (irgc), pmc wagner, uk, hezbollah https://sputniknews.com/20211023/us-reportedly-in-talks-to-formalise-use-of-pakistans-airspace-for-over-the-horizon-afghan-ops-1090153184.html US Reportedly in Talks to Formalise Use of Pakistan's Airspace For Over-the-Horizon Afghan Ops US Reportedly in Talks to Formalise Use of Pakistan's Airspace For Over-the-Horizon Afghan Ops Ahead of the rapid Afghan pullout by US forces, President Joe Biden had said that Washington would develop a counterterrorism over-the-horizon capability in... 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T10:52+0000 2021-10-23T10:52+0000 2021-10-23T10:52+0000 pakistan joe biden us afghanistan india imran khan /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/101654/49/1016544914_0:0:2001:1125_1920x0_80_0_0_00f51fe40610bc0d39277afe4b8949fc.jpg The Biden administration is close to securing a formal agreement to use Pakistan's airspace for military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan, according to sources cited by CNN. The information was said to have been shared at a classified briefing with members of Congress on 22 October. Pakistan had ostensibly expressed a desire to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the US government over the matter, in exchange for assistance with its own counterterrorism efforts. Furthermore, it is suggested that Islamabad would be offered Washingtons help in managing the volatile relationship with India. The agreement was reportedly discussed when US officials visited Pakistan. Negotiations on the issue are said to be ongoing, with the terms still being hammered out, added the report. There has been no official comment yet on the CNN report from the Pentagon, US State Department or Pakistan. In June, during Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's interview with Jonathan Swan of HBO Axios, Islamabad reiterated its stance on the use of military bases by Washington. When asked whether Pakistan could grant the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) access to military bases, as was the case during the government of Pervez Musharraf, to conduct cross border counter-terrorism missions, PM Imran Khan responded by saying Absolutely not. Options for Over-the-Horizon Operations After the Joe Biden administration completed its abrupt troop pullout and evacuation from Afghanistan in late August, which saw the Taliban* Islamist group seize control of the country, the White House has been faced with the challenge of ensuring continued counterterrorism operations against Daesh*, al-Qaeda* and other adversaries in Afghanistan. For the first time in two decades Washington no longer has on-the-ground presence in the war-torn country. Furthermore, the US State Department plans to resume regular evacuation flights out of Afghanistan "as soon as we have the right combination of documentation and logistics", a senior department official was cited by The Wall Street Journal as saying. It is expected that additional flights would allow the airlifting of some Afghan special immigration visa applicants and remaining American citizens from the South Asian country and "will require coordination with the Taliban and other governments," it was added, with the State Department "still working through arrangements with neighbouring countries." Accordingly, the formalised air corridor through Pakistan to Afghanistan might offer a welcome option. Currently, the US carries out over-the-horizon operations from bases situated in the Middle East, such as in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with drones reaching Afghanistan after flying around Iran and through Pakistani air space. The administration of US President Joe Biden has been considering options that would cut down on flight duration and boost effectiveness. The commander of US Central Command, Gen. Frank McKenzie, earlier deplored the fact that while he still had "the ability to look into Afghanistan," it was "limited." Amid the scramble for options, ex-Soviet Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have been on the US radar. However, the sources cited in the report were quoted as saying, "Both are long shots likely pipe dreams due to needing Putin's blessing," in a reference to the Russian President. Back in July, before the pullout of US troops from Afghanistan, Biden had pledged the US would maintain ability to operate in the country.After the Senate Armed Services Committee received a classified briefing on security in Afghanistan and south and central Asia, on 21 October Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK), a Ranking Member, said the US was "in a worse place to understand and track the terrorist threats coming from Afghanistan." Inhofe added that the US "is now less safe than before Biden's disastrous decision to unconditionally and entirely withdraw from Afghanistan." The CNN report cited a defence official as saying that the US maintains ongoing ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) capabilities as needed to support the over-the-horizon and counter-terrorism mission requirements." vot tak The israeloamericans will mostly do supoort ops for their daesh terrorists, not attack them. 6 eddie Tell them to eff off 5 16 pakistan afghanistan 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 pakistan, joe biden, us, afghanistan, india, imran khan https://sputniknews.com/20211023/us-to-release-more-documents-related-to-president-kennedy-murder-15-december-white-house-says-1090150133.html US to Release More Documents Related to President Kennedy Murder 15 December, White House Says US to Release More Documents Related to President Kennedy Murder 15 December, White House Says WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US authorities are going to release part of the previously unpublished materials about the 1963 assassination of the 35th President... 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T06:42+0000 2021-10-23T06:42+0000 2021-10-23T06:42+0000 john f. kennedy us /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/107002/69/1070026949_0:87:2000:1212_1920x0_80_0_0_ca3a85055b1a4b4eaf7da878de9248e0.jpg The relevant memorandum was signed by President Joe Biden on Friday following the recommendations by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).Biden also certified the continued withholding of all of the information related to the assassination from full public disclosure until 15 December 2022, as the US Archivist requested more time "to engage with the agencies and to conduct research within the larger collection to maximize the amount of information released," citing the "significant impact" of the coronavirus pandemic."The Archivist shall issue a plan, no later than 15 December 2021, to digitize and make available online NARAs entire collection of records concerning President Kennedys assassination," the statement read.President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas on 22 November 1963, prompting a whirlwind of questions from the public. Several investigations came to the conclusion that the shots were fired by Lee Harvey Oswald, who was arrested shortly after the murder. Two days later, he was shot by Jack Ruby, an owner of a club in Dallas, while being escorted to a car that was supposed to take him to a county jail. A large number of conspiracy theories striving to explain the assassination of Kennedy and the murder of Oswald have emerged in the decades since the events took place.Under the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992, the NARA was required to disclose the entire collection to the public in exactly 25 years, which was on October 26, 2017, unless the US president decided that releasing the information would harm national security or current foreign relations.The national archivist has since released more than 250,000 records concerning Kennedys assassination more than 90% of its collection to the public. Preterist-ADSeventy The truth has been forever hidden. Its not in the Warren Commission Report. Just like the truth not being found in the 9/11 Commission or the Downing of MH17. Truth is tyranny in the empire of lies. 2 1 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 john f. kennedy, us https://sputniknews.com/20211023/uttarakhand-avalanche-bodies-of-12-trekkers-recovered-as-search-for-others-ongoing-1090149916.html Uttarakhand Avalanche: Bodies Of 12 Trekkers Recovered as Search for Others Ongoing Uttarakhand Avalanche: Bodies Of 12 Trekkers Recovered as Search for Others Ongoing On 22 October, a massive avalanche hit the Himalayan village of Harsil in India's Uttarakhand state after heavy rainfall triggered flash floods and landslides... 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T09:09+0000 2021-10-23T09:09+0000 2021-10-23T09:09+0000 trekking himalayas india disaster avalanche dead missing search-and-rescue operation india /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/17/1090151976_0:300:2574:1748_1920x0_80_0_0_adc9b74717e483549d65eeb5a6ee6f30.jpg A total of 12 bodies of trekkers from two trekking groups, consisting of 11 members each, who had gone missing after the avalanche hit the Lamkhaga Pass route near the Himalayan village of Harsil, have been recovered, an official said on Saturday. Out of 22 trekkers, six have been rescued; four remain missing.In the video that is doing the rounds on the internet, a team of disaster management specialists, police and army personnel is seen searching for the missing trekkers, as they speed up the rescue operation.The first trekking group comprising 11 members had commenced their hike on 11 October from Harsil and were to reach Chitkil in Himanchal Pradesh state. Uttarakhand state Police Chief Ashok Kumar said on Saturday that out of 11 members from the first trekking group, the bodies of seven members have been found at an altitude of 5,000 meters. While two trekkers have been rescued, two members are still missing. Five more bodies from the second trekking group of 11 members have been recovered from Lamkhaga Pass, one of the toughest trek routes, which connects Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh state with Harsil in Uttrakhand state. While four trekkers have been rescued, two remain missing. One of the rescued trekkers - 32-year-old Mithun Dari from West Bengal state - is currently undergoing treatment at the Harsil Army Hospital. He reportedly told his family members that he saw the snowstorm sweeping over others and lost touch with them afterwards.Meanwhile, the daughter of a missing trekker, Sadhan Kumar Basak, urged the West Bengal state government on Friday to provide more details about their whereabouts.The father of another missing trekker, Pritam Roy (27), said I dont know if my son is dead or alive, but I want to see him. He cant be trapped in the snowy caves forever."Over 52 people have reportedly lost their lives after heavy rainfall since 17 October wreaked havoc in India's Uttarakhand state, triggering incidents of massive flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts in many regions. himalayas india Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Sangeeta Yadav https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/08/1b/1080292803_0:121:960:1081_100x100_80_0_0_7490b319dab9611e309056b177265184.jpg Sangeeta Yadav https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/08/1b/1080292803_0:121:960:1081_100x100_80_0_0_7490b319dab9611e309056b177265184.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 Sangeeta Yadav https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/08/1b/1080292803_0:121:960:1081_100x100_80_0_0_7490b319dab9611e309056b177265184.jpg trekking, himalayas, india, disaster, avalanche, dead, missing, search-and-rescue operation, india https://sputniknews.com/20211023/weekly-news-roundup-russia-gate-continues-to-unravel-biden-kidnaps-venezuelan-diplomat-1090147310.html Weekly News Roundup; Russia-gate Continues to Unravel; Biden Kidnaps Venezuelan Diplomat Weekly News Roundup; Russia-gate Continues to Unravel; Biden Kidnaps Venezuelan Diplomat Indicted Clinton campaign lawyer Michael Sussman is identified as a driving force behind numerous fraudulent Russia-gate narratives. 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T11:44+0000 2021-10-23T11:44+0000 2021-10-23T11:44+0000 julian assange hunter biden russia ukraine nato jcpoa the critical hour radio /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/16/1090147282_29:0:1273:700_1920x0_80_0_0_6a224c959b1ef2fa41c18c40c53ed08d.png Weekly News Roundup; Russia-gate Continues to Unravel; Biden Kidnaps Venezuelan Diplomat Indicted Clinton campaign lawyer Michael Sussman is identified as a driving force behind numerous fraudulent Russia-gate narratives. Caleb Maupin, journalist and political analyst, joins us to wrap up the important stories for the week. Iran and Venezuela push back against US sanctions as they deepen economic ties with a 20-year cooperation accord. Also, we discuss the kidnapping of Alex Saab, California's new gender-neutral toy law, and international support for China as the US tries to undermine the Pacific nation's legitimacy.Jack Rasmus, professor in economics and politics at St. Mary's College in California, joins us to discuss the economic stories for the week. The weekly jobs report is in, and Dr. Jack interprets the numbers in light of the current facts on the ground. Also, Congress wrangles with the numbers on major spending bills, and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) takes aim at Wall Street.Dr. Francis Boyle, human rights lawyer and professor of international law at the University of Illinois College of Law, joins us to talk about the US empire. Dr. Boyle discusses his Consortium News article about the current state of the US empire. Dr. Boyle argues that the "unlimited imperialists" that are currently running the US are, either wittingly or unwittingly, using the historical models of Rome and Nazi Germany as their ideological compass.Dan Lazare, investigative journalist and author of "America's Undeclared War," and Martin Sieff, senior fellow at the American University in Moscow, come together to talk politics. Russia has had enough of endless accusations as the Eurasian world power has elected to cut relations with NATO. Also, Clinton lawyer Michael Sussman hired Crowdstrike to investigate the DNC servers, and President Biden continues Donald Trump's vicious foreign policy.Jim Kavanagh, writer at thepolemicist.net and CounterPunch, and Margaret Kimberly, editor and senior columnist at Black Agenda Report, join us to discuss this week's important stories. Christopher Steele seems to be caught in a trap of his own making as he comically defends his infamous dossier. Also, the US empire continues to persecute Julian Assange, Joe Biden has kidnapped Venezuelan diplomat Alex Saab, and the new German owner of Politico openly admits that he will enforce pro-Israel and free-market propaganda.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.com russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2021 Wilmer Leon https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg Wilmer Leon https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.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 Wilmer Leon https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg julian assange, hunter biden, russia, ukraine, nato, jcpoa, the critical hour, , radio https://sputniknews.com/20211023/white-house-says-biden-is-familiar-with-us-mexico-border-cites-2008-trip--1090148408.html White House Says Biden is 'Familiar' With US-Mexico Border, Cites 2008 Trip White House Says Biden is 'Familiar' With US-Mexico Border, Cites 2008 Trip White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki was asked last month whether US President Joe Biden - a former US senator and vice president - has ever taken an official... 23.10.2021, Sputnik International 2021-10-23T04:00+0000 2021-10-23T04:00+0000 2021-10-23T04:00+0000 us-mexico border joe biden texas greg abbott texas national guard /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/17/1090148237_0:0:3192:1796_1920x0_80_0_0_22eb9e2725533aa98789a454bcbeb43a.jpg On Friday, the White House press secretary pushed back on questions about a need for Biden to make an urgent "photo op" trip to the US-Mexico border amid ongoing immigration issues with Venezuelan and Central American migrants.She also highlighted that Biden has made several trips over the years to areas in Central America, where a significant number of migrants are said to be fleeing from. Netizens were noticeably unsatisfied with the date of Biden's last reported visit to the US-Mexico border. Psaki's comments came alongside the publication of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data showing that a record number of 1.7 million migrants were arrested at the country's southern border. The fiscal 2021 data is the highest since fiscal year 2000, when more than 1.64 million migrants were detained by US agents. Single adults accounted for around 1.1 million detentions during the period. The group made up about 60% of southern border arrests in September, according to the CBP. Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) proclaimed that the Biden administration "completely abandoned" Texas residents along the US-Mexico border, forcing the state and its National Guard on the defensive. Some GOP lawmakers in Congress have branded the movement as 'Biden's Border Crisis.'In a Thursday social media post, the Texas governor highlighted that members of the Texas National Guard and Texas Department of Public Safety were working in support of Operation Lone Star - the state's effort to combat border-area cartels smuggling drugs and people into the US. According to Abbott, cartels are "getting even more aggressive" and "are beginning to open fire on the National Guard that Texas has down on the border to secure the border." Biden also referenced a trip to the southern border during a CNN town hall, acknowledging that he should revisit the area, but noting that he has been preoccupied with addressing some "$900 billion worth of damage done by hurricanes and floods."The US president added that images from the border are not "pictures of kids lying on top of one another with" what appears to be "tarps on them." It is presumed Biden was referring to solar blankets provided by the US to migrant children in federal detention facilities. TruePatriot And, did anyone on the JObama administration including the dotard think that "the border" hadn't changed in 13 years? Especially when the prior visit was likely a drive-by. Sheesh what utter idiots. 2 Ronnie Bell Its a sign..of many signs.of the death of a dream.they know its over just like they knew in Hitlers the Berlin Bunker in 1945. When the dollar falls on its sword the Billionaires have as much as 6 pack Joe. My kingdom for a horse or an, off road RV, more like. 0 3 texas 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 us-mexico border, joe biden, texas, greg abbott, texas national guard James MacDonald admits past trips to drive in major stakes races at The Meadowlands in New Jersey have been daunting. But this weekend, Canadas leading driver has many reasons to be confident about his four drives in Breeders Crown eliminations. The two-year-old events will be contested tonight (Friday, Oct. 22) with the events for horses three and older going Saturday afternoon (Oct. 23). Any other year Ive gone there its been, Dont screw up and dont get in anyones way and try not to make yourself look like too big of an idiot. This year, Ive been down there, Ive had some success there. I know the guys; I know the racing. Its kind of another race for me now. Its not as much pressure, for sure, as years prior, said MacDonald. Tonight, MacDonald will drive Threepointbluechip (race 10, post three, 15-1) in a $25,000 Breeders Crown elimination for two-year-old trotting colts for his brother Anthony MacDonalds TheStable.ca. On Saturday, MacDonald has three Breeders Crown drives: Logan Park (race three, post seven, 8-1) in a three-year-old colt trot test for trainer Rob Fellows; Beach Crazy (race four, post eight, 15-1) in a three-year-old filly pace event for trainer Stacy Chiodo and Amazone Duharas (race five, post five, 9-2) in an elimination for three-year-old filly trotters for trainer Denis Gueriel. The Breeders Crown finals will be contested the evening of Friday, Oct. 29 for two-year-olds. The eight other divisions will go in a special afternoon card on Saturday, Oct. 30. MacDonald has three main reasons to be confident he can score his first Breeders Crown victory. Beginning in May, he spent five weeks driving at The Meadowlands and other U.S. tracks while racing was locked down in Ontario due to COVID-19 restrictions. MacDonald also has a comfortable lead in both Canada and on the Woodbine Mohawk Park leaderboard in both earnings ($6,035,342 / $5,382,988) and wins (226 / 197) in 2021 and has already surpassed his career best for single-season winnings. He is also coming off a stellar performance on Saturday, Sept. 16 at Mohawk when he won three of the eight $225,000 Ontario Sires Stakes Super Finals. It was good to have a really good night that night because Ive said in interviews prior that [the Super Finals] has been such a bad night for me over the years. I havent had a lot of luck. It was good to get the monkey off my back, MacDonald said, adding he hopes that success carries over to the Breeders Crown. Ive only raced in a few [Crown events] and I havent had a lot of luck in those either, he said. Lifetime, MacDonald has had 12 Breeders Crown drives all but two of them on home turf at either Woodbine Racetrack or Woodbine Mohawk Park. His best finish was a third in a Crown elimination in 2019 at Mohawk with Covered Bridge in the sophomore pacing colt division. MacDonald has never earned a cheque in a Breeders Crown final. This year, he said he committed to making the trip to drive Threepointbluechip in the Crown for his brother and then the other three drives followed. Its one of those things that if youre doing well, everyone kind of wants you, he said. I drove Logan Park in the Super Final, so Rob had asked if I was going down or if I planned on going down. Thats how I came about that one. The rest, Im not really sure. I had driven for Stacy when I was down [in the U.S.], so that was probably from being down there already and kind of driving for a little bit. So, that probably helped. The Amazone [Duharas] horse, Louis [Roy] texted me the other day and said Denis [Gueriel] had asked if I was going down. Im not really sure. Maybe Louis put him on me. Im not sure how that one came about, but Im happy it did. Saturday will mark the first time MacDonald has driven either Beach Crazy or Amazone Duharas. I havent driven Amazone Duharas, but she looks good on paper. She raced well in Lexington. I dont really know. I love Anthonys colt, thats why I said I would go for him. Hes been racing great up here, but its such a deep division, well see how he stacks up. Hes been terrific with what hes had to do so far, but this is quite a bit different than that. Im hoping I can have some luck with him. It would be nice to see my brother Anthony get one in the final for TheStable, said MacDonald. Hes a good horse. He drew badly last week and that kind of took care of him. I think a lot of people see that and say, Maybe hes no good. But he was terrific last week. So, I think hes going in against a lot of horses that have had a long year and he hasnt. He just has three races or so and hes coming into the race really fresh. MacDonald, 35, had his first Breeders Crown drive at age 26 in 2012 when trainer Jeff Gillis put him down to drive Jet Wash in the three-year-old filly pace event at Woodbine. MacDonald qualified her for the final but finished 10th. It was really my first taste of a race like that, said MacDonald. When youre lining up beside Brian Sears and David Miller and Yannick Gingras, I dont know if my brother Mark was in there, but there was Jody and all the guys that you grew up watching and idolizing. To go behind the gate with them was surreal. Now that James MacDonald has earned his place among those other drivers, hes hoping the results will be a lot different. (With files from Woodbine) Longtime harness racing industry participant Robin Maureen Twaddle passed away peacefully after a brief illness on October 15, 2021, at the age of 65. Always a hard worker, Robin spent most of her career in the hospitality industry, working at Woodbine and Mohawk Racetracks, and championing her brother Tim in his harness racing career. She briefly lived in Victoria, B.C., The Pas, Man., Sacramento, Cal., Nashville, Tn., and her beloved Island of St. Kitts, but spent the majority of her life in St. Catharines, Ont. where she was born. She was happiest at the beach, having spent some of her childhood in Key West, Fl. Robin's true love was her nieces and nephew, and her great-nieces. She loved them fiercely and they brought so much joy into her life and vice-versa. She will be fondly remembered for her immense love of children, her endless kindness and her infectious laugh. You could always, always count on "Robbie" for anything. She will be missed every single day and the world is a bit darker since her passing. Robin will be lovingly remembered by her parents Patricia (nee Morris) Twaddle, Robert Twaddle, her sister Cindy (nee Twaddle) Marron and brother Timothy (Sophia) Twaddle. A caring aunt to Jennifer (Bob) and Jaclyn Marron, and to Meadow, Lexi and Parker Twaddle, and a great-aunt to Elyse, Amelie, and Audrey Tarle. Also left to remember her fondly are her many cousins and friends. As per Robin's wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Passfield Mortuary Services Inc. (905) 682- 0474. A funeral mass will be held at Star of the Sea Catholic Church on October 28 at 11:30 a.m. for fully vaccinated family and close friends. Interment following at Victoria Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Robin Twaddle. The Nebraska State Board of Education has lost all credibility with the people of Nebraska. On Aug. 6, 2021 I called for all of the members of the State Board of Education, including the Education Commissioner, Matthew Blomstedt, to resign. Last week Patricia Timm who represents district 5 in southeast Nebraska did the right thing by announcing her resignation. I am still waiting for the other seven members of the State Board of Education and the Commissioner to resign. The Education Commissioner needs to resign because he did not shoot straight with Nebraskans about updating the sex education standards. On May 7, 2021 Matthew Blomstedt stated in a document entitled Points of Clarification that The State Board of Education is not approving a sexual education curriculum, textbooks or instructional materials. He also said in that same document that the The proposed draft of the Health Education Standards was not written by activists and that Planned Parenthood is not funding or helping to write the Health Education Standards. Today we know that that is exactly what was going on. The Nebraska Legislature runs on a two-year cycle. The first session starts in odd-number years and is generally 90 legislative days long. The second session is generally 60 legislative days and starts in even-numbered years. Right now, senators are preparing for the second session of the 107th Legislature. Second sessions are different from first sessions. There is no budget to debate in a second session. Although this year there will be a debate over how Nebraska will spend the $1.1B we have received from the federal governments coronavirus relief fund. There are no rules to debate because they were adopted in the first session. There are no elections to hold as committee chair positions were filled in the first session of the two-year legislature. First sessions begin with new bill introduction during the first ten days. Second sessions continue with additional bill introduction in the first ten days along with bills already on general file from the first session. There are 112 bills on general file right now. Some of them may be designated priority bills by the senators and if so, could be heard on the floor very early next January. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Everything here gives us a better heads up in a clinical setting, Massey said Working with the mannequins here has made me much more comfortable heading into a real clinical setting. Whether it is practicing on their mannequin patients, whether it was incubating or setting up a colostomy bag, working with simulated respiratory issues in one of their lungs but not both, all of it, she said, helps make the jump from the classroom to working with real patients less daunting. Massey said simply reviewing themselves on video helps them become better nurses. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} It allows us to provide students with state of the art technology so that when they go to clinicals, they are better prepared, Dr. Camille Reese said. She is Mitchells vice president for instruction. It also helped that, during a pandemic, they had the technology in the facility that allowed them to simulate ICU clinicals there while they couldnt enter hospitals or other health care centers in the area. Students like Massey also benefited from the technology in the building in simple ways as well. With classes moving online, being able to interact over video and other means built into the classroom meant guaranteeing social distancing didnt slow down students either. Obama described McAuliffe the state's governor from 2014-2018 as an experienced, steady hand and told a crowd of what organizers said was 2,000 people gathered outdoors at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond that the Nov. 2 election would show the country and the world that were not going to indulge in our worst instincts. The former president said he understood voters are worn down, both from the country's divisive politics and the strain of the pandemic. But he said there's too much at stake to not cast a ballot. We dont have time to be tired. What is required is sustained effort," he said. Asked for comment, a Youngkin campaign spokesman called Obama's remarks false statements and accused The Associated Press of indulging the fantasies of the Terry and the left because they cant run on their failed record and radical vision for the future." The Youngkin campaign has said election security is a bipartisan concern and has tried to draw a comparison between the false claims of fraud today and the 2000 presidential election, when a Supreme Court ruling decided the winner and McAuliffe blasted the decision and said the election had been stolen. The film industry has been left shocked and in mourning after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed on set when actor and producer Alec Baldwin discharged a prop firearm. Hutchins, who was 42, was director of photography for Baldwin's latest movie, "Rust," a Western which was being filmed in New Mexico and stars Baldwin, Travis Fimmel and Jensen Ackles. According to law enforcement statements provided to CNN, Hutchins was shot around 1:50 p.m. Thursday local time and was airlifted to hospital but died of her injuries. Born in Ukraine, Hutchins lived in Los Angeles and graduated from the American Film Institute in 2015. She was credited with involvement in the production of 49 film, TV and video titles during her career, according to IMDB. She worked on movies including "Archenemy," starring Joe Manganiello, which was released last year, and was named a rising star by American Cinematographer magazine in 2019. A rising star and a restless dreamer According to her website, Hutchins was raised at a Soviet military base in the Arctic Circle and initially studied as a journalist, graduating from Kyiv National University with a degree in international journalism, before going on to work on documentary productions across Europe and switching to film. On her Instagram page, she described herself as a "Restless Dreamer. Adrenaline junkie. Cinematographer" and shared photos of the "Rust" set. Her final post, on Wednesday, showed a video of her riding on horseback in New Mexico. Film director James Cullen Bressack commented on her post to say: "I will miss you my friend.... This is devastating." Other directors paid tribute to Hutchins. "Archenemy" director Adam Egypt Mortimer said: "I'm so sad about losing Halyna. And so infuriated that this could happen on a set. She was a brilliant talent who was absolutely committed to art and to film." He said in a further tweet she had "a brilliant mind." AFI Conservatory, a film school which is part of the American Film Institute, tweeted Friday: "As is profoundly true in the art of cinematography, words alone cannot capture the loss of one so dear to the AFI community. At AFI, we pledge to see that Halyna Hutchins will live on in the spirit of all who strive to see their dreams realized in stories well told." Director Joel Souza, 48, was also injured in the incident and transported to Christus St. Vincent's Regional Medical Center. Baldwin was photographed looking distraught in the parking lot outside the Santa Fe County sheriff's offices on Thursday after being questioned. Investigations remain ongoing, with many people asking how such a tragedy could happen on a film set -- 28 years after Bruce Lee's son Brandon Lee was accidentally killed on set by a firearm. *** CNN's Sandra Gonzalez contributed to this report. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 CLATSKANIE Columbia Riverkeeper and 1000 Friends of Oregon filed another legal challenge to Columbia Countys September decision to rezone more than 830 acres along the Columbia River. The Columbia County Board of Commissioners officially approved the Port of Columbia Countys application to rezone 837 acres at Port Westward from farmland to industrial in September after signaling support for the change during a meeting in July. The conservations groups at the time said they planned to appeal the decision. This marks the third rezone attempt, and it likely will take the appeals board several months to make a decision. The question of rezoning first came up in 2013. In 2018, the board of commissioners again approved it. Columbia Riverkeeper and 1000 Friends of Oregon argued the rezone doesnt match Oregons statewide planning goal to protect farmland and challenged it on nine legal points, bringing it to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals. In 2019, the Oregon Supreme Court upheld the Board of Appeals decision that dismissed eight of those points, leaving the question would the planned industrial uses of the land be compatible with adjacent uses such as farming? The Board of Appeals told the port to address the question. The port submitted a compatibility report in July 2020 finding the uses were, or could be, made compatible. County land use staff reviewed it and recommended approval at the July 2021 meeting. More than 1,000 people submitted comments to the commission. Some local farmers, business owners and people who live along the rail lines that would service the rezoned site urged the board to reject the rezone. Deputy Director of 1000 Friends of Oregon Mary Kyle McCurdy said in a press release the uses are not compatible, and is at odds with protecting Oregons working lands and mitigating climate change. Over 830 acres of valuable farmland that produce high-value crops like mint and blueberries are at risk with this rezoning effort, McCurdy said. Once farmland is gone, its nearly impossible to get back. The port has previously said more industrial land is needed to attract businesses to the area. Northwest Innovation Works, which recently canceled its plans to build a methanol refinery at the Port of Kalama, signed an option to lease agreement with the port for the rezone area in 2019. The rezoned property would be limited to five allowable uses, the port said: forestry and wood products processing, production, storage and transportation; dry bulk commodities transfer, storage, production and processing; liquid bulk commodities processing, storage and transportation; natural gas and derivative products, processing, storage and transportation; and breakbulk storage, transportation and processing. Opponents argue the rezone actually would destroy several existing businesses and harm salmon habitat. A website petition against the rezone launched by local farmers said the rezone would shut down one of Oregons last remaining mint farmers, two of Oregons beloved local blueberry farmers and one woman-owned grass-fed cattle ranch, among the almost 40 farms affected. Columbia County Port Commissioners plan to turn hundreds of acres of high-value farmland into an industrial plant that will pollute the air, pollute the Columbia River, and destroy successful businesses, the petition said. The land they seek to utilize and take has been farmed for generations. Columbia Riverkeeper and 1000 Friends of Oregon are represented by Crag Law Center, a non-profit environmental law center serving Pacific Northwest communities. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. KALAMA The Kalama City Council moved from a hybrid meeting to fully online about 40 minutes into its Thursday meeting after an attendee refused to wear a facemask or leave the council chambers. Scott Edwards, a Kalama resident who ran for City Council during the August primary, spoke during public comment at the beginning of the meeting without a mask on. About 30 minutes later during a discussion on mayor and councilmember salary increases, Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Macias Hughes asked Edwards to put a mask on or leave. Macias Hughes was running the meeting because Mayor Mike Reuter was absent due to a family emergency. Edwards implied he was being asked to leave because he was opposed to the raises. Macias Hughes said that wasnt the case, and she thought Edwards had a mask in his hand and removed it to speak. Ive never had a mask this whole meeting, Edwards said. City Attorney Sam Satterfield said the council would have to close the meeting if not in compliance to avoid being fined. According to the governors proclamation addressing open public meetings under the state of emergency, if any time a public meeting is not complying with the guidelines, including the state mask mandate, the meeting must be recessed until its in compliance or adjourn. After a brief recess, Edwards still refused to wear a mask or leave. In a 4-1 vote, with Councilmember Matthew Merz opposed, the council adjourned the meeting and resumed fully virtually 20 minutes later. Before and after the recess, the council discussed a proposal to increase the councilmember and mayor salaries. The current councilmember salary is $100 per meeting not to exceed $200 per month, last updated in 2014. The mayors salary has been $700 per month since 2017. The proposal suggests increasing the mayor salary to $1,000 per month and the council salary to $200 per meeting, not to exceed $400 per month. According to state law, any increase is not applicable to the term served by the incumbent. Any new councilmember elected this November would receive the raise in 2022 and position 1 and 2 incumbents would get it in 2026. The increase would be applicable to positions 3, 4 and 5 beginning in 2024. The mayor would receive the increase in 2022 if approved. Councilmember Wendy Conradi said she brought the proposal forward after she was docked half her pay for missing a meeting while on vacation. Along with raising the rates, Conradi suggested implementing a flat monthly salary instead of tying the pay to meeting attendance. City Clerk/Treasurer Coni McMaster said years ago the council tied pay to meetings after problems with councilmembers not attending. Councilmember Jon Stanfill said he was in favor of removing or changing the per meeting requirement. Councilmembers Steve Kallio and Matthew Merz said they were against the raises overall. Edwards asked councilmembers in favor of the raise to justify their position, as they stated they dont do this for the money. Conradi said it didnt feel right to have her pay docked while still putting in work for the council outside the two monthly meetings. Increasing the salaries would be in preparation for the future since the changes wouldnt take effect for years, she said. Macias Hughes said while she doesnt know anyone who does this job for the money, the low rate of pay may discourage people with families or tighter budgets from running in the future. McMaster said she would write up some different options for the council to consider at the next meeting on Nov. 4. In other business, the council approved a proposal for spending its $781,000 of American Rescue Plan Act money so staff can begin incorporating it into next years budget. The city received the first allocation of $390,530 in June and the second half will come in June 2022. The library will get a separate $6,725. Municipalities have until Dec. 31, 2024 to obligate money and until Dec. 31, 2026 to spend it. The council had previously discussed using some of the money as reimbursement for lost revenue to install flashing beacons at crosswalks and adding lighting under the Interstate 5 underpass on Elm Street. McMaster said that was no longer an option because according to the calculations provided the city hasnt lost revenue. The updated plan includes using $50,000 to set up a COVID-19 relief program for residents and businesses to apply for grants, as well as holding $30,000 in reserve if requests exceed the initial amount. The remaining $701,600 could be used for sewer improvements and a stormwater plan. Love 0 Funny 3 Wow 0 Sad 1 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. TACOMA, Wash. (AP) Gunshots rang out across several streets during a shooting that killed four people in a neighborhood in Tacoma, Washington, authorities said. A search for a suspect or suspects continued Friday, and investigators have not yet said what led to the Thursday afternoon violence outside a residence on the citys east side in the Salishan neighborhood. Authorities havent released the names of the victims. But The News Tribune reports relatives confirmed Friday that 42-year-old Maria Nunez; her 19-year-old son, Emery Iese; Nunezs brother, 22-year-old Raymond Williams; and Williams 22-year-old girlfriend, Natasha Brincefield, died in the shooting. Police had released their ages and genders. Multiple family members spoke to the newspaper Friday, expressing grief and bewilderment over their losses. None knew why their loved ones would be targeted by an assailant. My mom was just so loving, Mary Nunez said of her mother, Maria Nunez. She was just so kind and always willing to help people. And my brother was just the most genuine, nicest, smartest kid. Police on Twitter Friday asked anyone with information about the shootings to contact the national Crime Stoppers hotline. The shooting started in the alleyway, Tacoma Police spokesperson Wendy Haddow said. It transitioned to the front yard of a residence, but it did all occur outside. Haddow said at least one victim was found in the street in front of the residence after the shooting around 4:30 p.m. The News Tribune reports a neighbor who heard the gunshots said she saw a man run away and get in a waiting black car, which drove off. It was multiple shots, Justin Jones told KOMO TV. I dont know how many shots exactly. As soon as we heard them, I was just down to the ground, making sure I got all my family down. Crime scene technicians and detectives blocked off several blocks to investigate. Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards and City Council member Catherine Ushka on Friday extended sympathy to the neighborhood and those affected. We know our police will diligently collect the facts of this case, they said in a statement. As we learn more, we as a community will find our way through this together. There have been 27 homicides in Tacoma so far this year, Haddow said. Last years 32 recorded homicides was the most since 1994, when there were 33. The city has a population of about 220,000. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The neighborhood in Tacoma, Washington, where four people were fatally shot Thursday is a housing development with a long history that goes back to World War II. The News Tribune reports the Salishan neighborhood, called New Salishan, is bordered by Portland Avenue to the west, East 51st Street to the south, East Roosevelt Avenue to the east and East 38th Street to the north. New Salishan is a mixed-income, mixed-use neighborhood of affordable and market-rate rental units, single-family homes for sale, commercial buildings and parks. The neighborhood underwent a major redevelopment by the Tacoma Housing Authority, which took three phases, $300 million and 15 years to complete. The development consists of nearly 200 urban acres and more than 1,300 dwelling units. The origin of Salishan is closely linked with the attack on Pearl Harbor. The federal government built Salishan to provide temporary housing for war workers. After the war, the federal government gave most of Salishan to THA to own and manage as a public housing community. Its reputation, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, became quite unsavory, according to Tacoma Housing Authoritys website. In response, THA, the City of Tacoma, and most the residents took effective action. By the late 1990s Salishans crime rate had fallen to what other city neighborhoods were experiencing. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 About a month ago, the Kelso City Council voted 6-1 in favor of a resolution that allows free people to choose to take the vaccine or not without threat to their livelihood. Soon after that, an opinion piece not written by TDNs editorial board was published in the paper condemning the vote and then proceeding with a slew of red-herrings, straw men, and other logical fallacies that were frankly embarrassing to read in a newspaper from someone who is supposed to be well educated. Among the many bad arguments made was the idea that the vote was pointless. Though it is true that many votes on resolutions and other formal statements do not carry the weight of that governments policing power or constitutional scope, that does not mean that the vote is without merit. The government of the people is scaled at so many levels. People are represented at their city, county, district, state, and federal levels with many more nuances contained therein. When a governor takes control of a state and renders the Legislature absolved of all responsibility, it is the duty of all people and entities to display their displeasure with the disregard for the rule of law. With such unfavourability of mandate policies in our communities, it would be malpractice for a city council to not state their disagreement. The other critical fallacy I had the displeasure of trying to understand was the slippery slope idea that governments have controlled peoples lives in the past, even in bad faith. That should give the government the right to do so again. A ridiculous analogy was drawn that governmental bodies at several instances have enforced laws prohibiting people of other races from marriage. What in the world can this point possibly mean to the current debate? Governments have done evil things in the past and gotten away with it, so we should tolerate it here? What am I missing in this terrible analogy. Another regretful analogy was that of DUI policies on our roadways and how our governments regulate that aspect of our lives. The problem here is an apples to oranges comparison. You arent convicted of a DUI until you have chosen to drink and drive, had evidence collected against you and received your due process. In our case, without any evidence that you have COVID, or are a danger to anybody at all, you are already guilty just by deciding not to wear a mask or get vaccinated. Without any evidence of endangering anybody or harming anybodys rights, you will be found guilty for your health choices. If somebody knew they had a deadly disease, and put others at risk, we would already have laws on the books to go after that person. This case is about people being guilty, until they are found innocent through the showing of a vaccine passport. The worst of the arguments made was that you are a slave to others. The argument is that your health choices and personal life choices come second to the potential chance that others around you could be affected. This poisonous collectivist mindset is why people have fled all nations of the Earth to make the United States their home. This is an individualistic society in which people are free to care nothing about their fellow man. The state need not employ its heavy hand on the citizens to encourage compassion or guarantee safety. What do we see around us all the time? We see people caring for others and we know it is truly out of the goodness of their hearts and not from the mandates of the state. People dont need a governor to tell them to have compassion. People dont need celebrities telling them to live a less polluted life. People dont need cheating politicians making them live family values. People dont need professional athletes worth millions of dollars telling us about inequality in society. What people truly need is a city council willing to agree with the people that the current state of affairs is loathsome, and is a direct result of failed leadership. Say thank you to the Kelso City Council. Rep. Joel McEntire is a resident of Cathlamet. He has a bachelors degree in Evolutionary Ecology and a masters degree in Mathematics Education. He was a middle school science teacher, currently serves in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, and was elected to the position of State Representative in 2020. Love 30 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 16 In this Jan. 6, 2021 file photo insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump try to open a door of the U.S. Capitol as they riot in Washington. New internal documents provided by former Facebook employee-turned-whistleblower Frances Haugen provide a rare glimpse into how the company, after years under the microscope for the policing of its platform, appears to have simply stumbled into the Jan. 6 riot Credit: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File As supporters of Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6th, battling police and forcing lawmakers into hiding, an insurrection of a different kind was taking place inside the world's largest social media company. Thousands of miles away, in California, Facebook engineers were racing to tweak internal controls to slow the spread of misinformation and inciteful content. Emergency actionssome of which were rolled back after the 2020 electionincluded banning Trump, freezing comments in groups with a record for hate speech, filtering out the "Stop the Steal" rallying cry and empowering content moderators to act more assertively by labeling the U.S. a "Temporary High Risk Location" for political violence. At the same time, frustration inside Facebook erupted over what some saw as the company's halting and often reversed response to rising extremism in the U.S. "Haven't we had enough time to figure out how to manage discourse without enabling violence?" one employee wrote on an internal message board at the height of the Jan. 6 turmoil. "We've been fueling this fire for a long time and we shouldn't be surprised it's now out of control." It's a question that still hangs over the company today, as Congress and regulators investigate Facebook's part in the Jan. 6 riots. New internal documents provided by former Facebook employee-turned-whistleblower Frances Haugen provide a rare glimpse into how the company appears to have simply stumbled into the Jan. 6 riot. It quickly became clear that even after years under the microscope for insufficiently policing its platform, the social network had missed how riot participants spent weeks vowingon Facebook itselfto stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden's election victory. Former Facebook employee Frances Haugen speaks during a hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security, on Capitol Hill, on Oct. 5, 2021, in Washington. New internal documents provided by Haugen provide a rare glimpse into how the company, after years under the microscope for the policing of its platform, appears to have simply stumbled into the Jan. 6 riotCredit: AP Photo/Alex Brandon The documents also appear to bolster Haugen's claim that Facebook put its growth and profits ahead of public safety, opening the clearest window yet into how Facebook's conflicting impulsesto safeguard its business and protect democracyclashed in the days and weeks leading up to the attempted Jan. 6 coup. This story is based in part on disclosures Haugen made to the Securities and Exchange Commission and provided to Congress in redacted form by Haugen's legal counsel. The redacted versions received by Congress were obtained by a consortium of news organizations, including The Associated Press. What Facebook called "Break the Glass" emergency measures put in place on Jan. 6 were essentially a toolkit of options designed to stem the spread of dangerous or violent content that the social network had first used in the run-up to the bitter 2020 election. As many as 22 of those measures were rolled back at some point after the election, according to an internal spreadsheet analyzing the company's response. "As soon as the election was over, they turned them back off or they changed the settings back to what they were before, to prioritize growth over safety," Haugen said in an interview with "60 Minutes." An internal Facebook report following Jan. 6, previously reported by BuzzFeed, faulted the company for having a "piecemeal" approach to the rapid growth of "Stop the Steal" pages, related misinformation sources, and violent and inciteful comments. Facebook says the situation is more nuanced and that it carefully calibrates its controls to react quickly to spikes in hateful and violent content, as it did on Jan 6. The company said it's not responsible for the actions of the rioters and that having stricter controls in place prior to that day wouldn't have helped. In this image from U.S. Capitol Police security video, police and rioters are seen in the Rotunda of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. New internal documents provided by former Facebook employee-turned-whistleblower Frances Haugen provide a rare glimpse into how the company, after years under the microscope for the policing of its platform, appears to have simply stumbled into the Jan. 6 riot. Credit: U.S. Capitol Police via AP Facebook's decisions to phase certain safety measures in or out took into account signals from the Facebook platform as well as information from law enforcement, said spokeswoman Dani Lever. "When those signals changed, so did the measures." Lever said some of the measures stayed in place well into February and others remain active today. Some employees were unhappy with Facebook's managing of problematic content even before the Jan. 6 riots. One employee who departed the company in 2020 left a long note charging that promising new tools, backed by strong research, were being constrained by Facebook for "fears of public and policy stakeholder responses" (translation: concerns about negative reactions from Trump allies and investors). "Similarly (though even more concerning), I've seen already built & functioning safeguards being rolled back for the same reasons," wrote the employee, whose name is blacked out. Research conducted by Facebook well before the 2020 campaign left little doubt that its algorithm could pose a serious danger of spreading misinformation and potentially radicalizing users. One 2019 study, entitled "Carol's Journey to QAnonA Test User Study of Misinfo & Polarization Risks Encountered through Recommendation Systems," described results of an experiment conducted with a test account established to reflect the views of a prototypical "strong conservative"but not extremist41-year North Carolina woman. This test account, using the fake name Carol Smith, indicated a preference for mainstream news sources like Fox News, followed humor groups that mocked liberals, embraced Christianity and was a fan of Melania Trump. U.S. Capitol Police push back rioters who were trying to enter the U.S. Capitol on on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. New internal documents provided by former Facebook employee-turned-whistleblower Frances Haugen provide a rare glimpse into how the company, after years under the microscope for the policing of its platform, appears to have simply stumbled into the Jan. 6 riot Credit: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File Within a single day, page recommendations for this account generated by Facebook itself had evolved to a "quite troubling, polarizing state," the study found. By day 2, the algorithm was recommending more extremist content, including a QAnon-linked group, which the fake user didn't join because she wasn't innately drawn to conspiracy theories. A week later the test subject's feed featured "a barrage of extreme, conspiratorial and graphic content," including posts reviving the false Obama birther lie and linking the Clintons to the murder of a former Arkansas state senator. Much of the content was pushed by dubious groups run from abroad or by administrators with a track record for violating Facebook's rules on bot activity. Those results led the researcher, whose name was redacted by the whistleblower, to recommend safety measures running from removing content with known conspiracy references and disabling "top contributor" badges for misinformation commenters to lowering the threshold number of followers required before Facebook verifies a page administrator's identity. Among the other Facebook employees who read the research the response was almost universally supportive. "Hey! This is such a thorough and well-outlined (and disturbing) study," one user wrote, their name blacked out by the whistleblower. "Do you know of any concrete changes that came out of this?" Facebook said the study was an one of many examples of its commitment to continually studying and improving its platform. U.S. Capitol Police officers push back rioters who were trying to break into the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. New internal documents provided by former Facebook employee-turned-whistleblower Frances Haugen provide a rare glimpse into how the company, after years under the microscope for the policing of its platform, appears to have simply stumbled into the Jan. 6 riot Credit: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File Another study turned over to congressional investigators, titled "Understanding the Dangers of Harmful Topic Communities," discussed how like-minded individuals embracing a borderline topic or identity can form "echo chambers" for misinformation that normalizes harmful attitudes, spurs radicalization and can even provide a justification for violence. Examples of such harmful communities include QAnon and, hate groups promoting theories of a race war. "The risk of offline violence or harm becomes more likely when like-minded individuals come together and support one another to act," the study concludes. Charging documents filed by federal prosecutors against those alleged to have stormed the Capitol have examples of such like-minded people coming together. Prosecutors say a reputed leader in the Oath Keepers militia group used Facebook to discuss forming an "alliance" and coordinating plans with another extremist group, the Proud Boys, ahead of the riot at the Capitol. "We have decided to work together and shut this st down," Kelly Meggs, described by authorities as the leader of the Florida chapter of the Oath Keepers, wrote on Facebook, according to court records. Explore further Rising tide of leaks threatens to inundate Facebook 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Be Local is the regions premier shop local promotion and education network. This program is dedicated to strengthening the regions economy and promoting locally-owned, independent businesses by educating residents and visitors about the importance of shopping locally. The 2020 Be Local Network will include businesses from Southwest and Central Pennsylvania, Southeast Ohio, and the Ohio Valley in West Virginia. 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. AFTERMATH: Current and former NYPD officers are scheduled to testify during an inquest beginning Oct. 25 into the death of Eric Garner. The judicial inquiry seeks to answer what petitioners claim are outstanding questions into the Staten Island mans death. Alvin Bragg, the Democratic candidate for Manhattan District Attorney, center, is representing the petitioners, who include Mr. Garners mother, Gwen Carr, left, and his sister, Ellisha Flagg-Garner The College Station City Council discussed and came to a consensus during its Oct. 14 meeting to move forward with expanding its micromobility ordinance to include electric micro-vehicles. Vanessa Garza, senior manager of the citys Bicycle and Pedestrian Program, noted the ordinance currently only allows bicycles. This means the VeoRide Cosmo electric sit-down scooters on the Texas A&M campus and in specified other areas of the city are not included in the ordinance. Micro-vehicles are defined as those powered by the rider or electric charge that travel at speeds of 20 mph or slower. College Station Mayor Karl Mooney said while there are issues still to work out, such as people riding beyond the geofence and not using the locking system properly, he does not see how the city can say no to expanding the ordinance when there are 675 VeoRide Cosmo scooters on the Texas A&M campus. Councilman Dennis Maloney called it a moot point to not expand to include sit-down scooters. Councilman John Nichols said discussions about sit-down scooters offered by VeoRide and stand-up scooters introduced by Blue Duck in the Midtown area are two different conversations; however, both are being done since both electric vehicles are already in use. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia set the political world ablaze this week with the news swiftly denied, it should be said that hes considering leaving the Democratic Party. To repeat, he denies it, in no uncertain terms. But the reality is that any Democrat representing a state Donald Trump won by almost 39 percentage points in 2020, and whos at odds with his partys base on several different fronts, has to have given at least some consideration to leaving the party. In truth, Manchin should take a good hard look at it. There are lots of Americans who are neither hard-core conservatives nor committed progressives. But the moderate wing of the GOP faded long ago, and despite President Joe Bidens clear roots in the moderate side of the Democratic Party, hes pushing a strikingly ambitious and transformative policy agenda that goes far beyond bland platitudes about uniting the country. That said, the best reason for Manchin not to bolt the Democrats is that it would be pointless. Dave Brown, a professional firearms instructor and a firearms safety coordinator, wrote a piece for American Cinematographer magazine in 2019 in which he explained that "CGI may be used for close-range gunshots that could not be safely achieved otherwise, but yes, even with all the advancements in visual effects and computer-generated imagery, we still fire guns with blanks." "The reason is simple: We want the scene to look as real as possible. We want the story and characters to be believable," Brown wrote. "Blanks help contribute to the authenticity of a scene in ways that cannot be achieved in any other manner. If the cinematographer is there to paint a story with light and framing, firearms experts are there to enhance a story with drama and excitement." The more gunpowder that is used, the bigger the flash and blast from a prop gun. Brown's piece reiterated that using blanks still requires someone on set who is experienced with firearms. "Blanks expel gunpowder and hot gases out of the front of the barrel in a cone shape," he wrote. "This is harmless at longer ranges, but the explosion can seriously injure someone if it's too close." It impacts every facet of our lives that business is concerned about, she said. Business likes stability. We like to know whats going to happen. We like decision-makers to be making decisions that acknowledge and recognize that stability that business finds important. If youre investing hundreds of thousands of dollars, you want to know that your community is going to look the same year over year. Lyon touted CarePortal, which launched in October 2020. The online platform connects people in need with people who can help. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} An HHS worker or a school social worker, or other child welfare professional, comes across a need that a family has in the community, and maybe its a bed or help with transportation, she explained. They can put that need into the platform and it gets sent out to churches, but also businesses and individuals can participate. Poverty is more often social than it is economical, Lyon said. A lot of times people are remaining in poverty and in crisis because they lack social supports to be able to help them get out of that, she said. CarePortal is an opportunity to connect people to meet not only tangible needs, but also those relational needs. These needs are increasing locally. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} A French-brand, Disconnected, from Paris, is offered in only a few stores in the world, Bita said, including in England and Dubai. I was able to convince them to let me sell it here in the U.S., and Im the only one in the U.S. selling it, he said. Its expensive, but if you want something unique, something you can find nowhere, this is something you can buy. While his original fashions are manufactured overseas, Bita hopes to expand his offerings to include more locally produced options. We looked to see if we could make it local, but it was just, for the beginning, too expensive, he said. Hopefully, maybe later, we can find somebody who can help us to make the clothes, because the idea is for something thats local. Uphold first opened at Omahas Oak View Mall, but stayed for only one year, Bita said. He had the misfortune of launching his enterprise at the start of a year that would be defined by the COVID-19 pandemic. That mall ended up being bought by somebody else because of COVID. All the stores were not doing well and the owner of the mall sold it to somebody, he said. My wife and I were moving here to Grand Island, so I thought there was no point in keeping a store there. The group's chairman, Laszlo Csizmadia, told The Associated Press before the march departed that the event was meant to demonstrate Hungary's sovereignty to the EU, which he said had undeservedly attacked Hungary in recent attempts to reign in what the bloc sees as democratic backsliding. We think that we have a right to state our opinions in the long term in the European Union," Csizmadia said. Orban also took aim at the EU, saying that Brussels had conducted a sustained attack on Hungary over its economic and immigration policies that have put his government at odds with the bloc's leaders. Dozens of prime ministers have attacked Hungary. We are still here, but who can remember even their names? he said. Laszlo Csendes came to the march from Veszprem, a city 75 miles (120 kilometers) southwest of Budapest. He said Orban's performance since 2010 had led to Hungarians prospering and an improvement in economic conditions. There are new jobs, youve just got to look around, Csendes said. Theres money for everything, and for everyone. [Comments have been added] - Boy oh boy: Yr. Hmbl. Ed. just ordered a new camera. In a moment of weakness. And because the price went down. More bloviation on same in the near near future is all but assured; you've been warned. Also, I will have a bunch of stuff to sell soon, because the photo account must be zero-sum, that being my traditional method of rationalizing new purchases. Cutting-edge investigative journalism: The late Charlie Watts being interviewed in 1994: Interviewer: Your role in the band. You talked about Mick and Keith and Ron. What's Charlie's role? Watts (thoughtfully): Well, I don't know, I mean, I always consider myself a drummer, you know. Well, now we know. Diane in the Park: A life-size portrait in bronze of photographer Diane Arbus is only the second statue of a real (i.e., once-living) woman in Central Park. The sculpture, by Gillian Wearing of London, UK, is unfortunately only on temporary display. You can see multiple pictures here. (Thanks to Albert Smith for this.) Meme seen online: Remember The Dog's Nose: The following was written by a self-described travel blogger about a Sony FF camera, in a customer review posted on an online shopping site: "So what about that awesome bokeh and shallow depth-of-field everyone loves about full frame? For a travel photographer I've learned that too much bokeh is actually bad! Full frame is great for actual portraits, but realistically horrible for environmental portraits. When there is too much bokeh you don't see the surroundings therefore missing the point of that travel destination (not telling the story of the image). Spend all the money to travel to Japan, but can't even see Mt. Fuji in the background of the portrait because it is too blurred? Travel to Egypt, but can't tell that's a pyramid in the background because you're shooting at /1.4 in full frame? I found that even on APS-C I prefer to shoot anywhere from /2.8 to /8 for environmental portraits." Good points. More is not always better. iPhone 13 macro: The new iPhone 13 has an extreme macro-capable lens with a minimum focus distance of less than an inch, and Halide has gone one better with Halide 2.5's Macro Mode. Ben Sandofsky explains in a very informative article at Lux, with very impressive illustrations and an excellent discussion of the basic principles. I've never shot much Macro, but if you're interested and don't know a lot about it yet, this should be your ticket. (Thanks t0 William La Via for this.) Nikon's superfast zooms: Does the world really need /1.2 zooms? At one time I would have thought these were cool, so I don't begrudge anyone who thinks so now. It's all good. Watch watch: Have I mentioned that I am not going to be collecting watches after all? I have six, and am really enjoying wearing different ones every day (and wearing them again, period), but there isn't going to be enough interest in this for me to keep it up. The "problem," basically, although it isn't a problem, is the intrinsic excellence of Seiko's solar watches. Mine is still on track to be accurate to within six seconds a year. That sort of makes it pointless to pursue HAQ (high accuracy quartz) watches; the ROQ (regular ol' quartz) watches are so good they hardly need improvement. However, I will write a full review of my favorite (and most expensive) watch sooner or later, because it is really awesome and totally delightful. P-U-N: Let me tell you about my friend Jack, who claims he can communicate with vegetables. Jack and the beans talk. (Thanks to Dan. I think!) A blast from the past: Is live music better, or is recorded music played on a stereo better? I took the contrarian viewpoint back in 2012. Sweaty palms: We were speaking of YouTube videos the other day, and I wanted to mention that despite all the chaff, there really are some remarkable things to see. For instance this one. It's a ride-along video of Polish Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica (pronounced koo-BEET-zah) lapping the Nurburgring, AKA the Green Hell, in a hopped-up BMW M4. From the channel of Russian racing vlogger Misha Charoudin, no slouch himself. I swear to God this made my palms sweat as I was watching it; that is just ungodly fast. At the end, Kubica politely says that once you've driven Formula 1 cars they tend to spoil you for anything else. Most of Misha Charoudin's videos get between 15,000 and 150,000 views. This one is closing in on six and a half million. There's a followup video too. You just know all those guys he's passing are thinking, "no way is this guy catching up to me," and then a few seconds later, "oh sh*t." Mike Book o' the Week Friedlander First Fifty. A very fun little book that gives a tour of the first fifty of Lee Friedlander's booksextra copies of which are apparently stashed all over every floor of his house. By his grandson, who is trying to sell full, signed sets on eBay. This is very enjoyable, but also might be the most unique book about photobooks ever. Who else has published fifty photobooks? This is a link to Amazon from TOP. The following logo is also a link: Original contents copyright 2020 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved. Links in this post may be to our affiliates; sales through affiliate links may benefit this site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. (To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below.) Featured Comments from: Patrick Perez: "Or, you could watch the movie Grand Prix. For portions of the races, Dan Gurney was driving a camera car with 70mm film in the actual race. On the days following the races, the production was given access to the course, and the main cast actors drove cars dressed to look like the real ones in order to duplicate sequences from the race. Those cars also had 70mm cameras. The only actor not doing his own driving was Brian Bedford, who just wasn't good enough to safely drive at speed, so a stunt driver doubled him and wore a balaclava. "This is easily the best movie ever for racing footage. Astounding racing sequences, exhilarating score by Maurice Jarre, and montage sequences by Saul Bass. The only car movie that has better sequences (chases, that is) is Ronin, also directed by GP's director, the late John Frankenheimer." Stelios: "I'm very excited to see what camera you bought!" Arg: "Two days after you said you cant afford any new camera at the moment!" Mike replies: Yeah, except I was right, I really can't afford it. My income is just about in equilibrium with my bills. And that's only true if I'm careful. So optional purchases deduct from my savings. Scary. I need to be disciplined. hugh crawford: "Anyone know why the Diane Arbus statue has white shoes? Im sure theres a reason but I cant imagine what it is." Mike replies: According to one of the articles, it's oil paint, and the purpose was to "humanize" the statue. Which still seems curious, but there you are. Do you have to travel the 800 miles to Washington D.C. and march in the streets to make a difference? That answer is a resounding no if you ask former U.S. Congressman Glenn Poshard and Sandra Pfeifer, a filmmaker and SIUC alumna who partnered with Poshard on a documentary that premieres this Saturday night at the Varsity Theater in Carbondale. In late September of 2020, Glenn and Jo Poshard, his wife and co-founder of the Poshard Foundation, began their journey of hosting 39 marches in the communities that Poshard represented while in Congress. The 39 counties are some of the most rural and underserved counties in the state. Opinion | Nurses, doctors live in grim reality while COVID deniers live in another Then theres another, more grim reality that health care workers like Darren Ackerman, a registered nurse and day shift supervisor in the intensive care unit at SIH Memorial in Carbondale, have been living in for the last year and a half. The marches showcase the grand stone courthouses across 17,800 miles of cornfields, farmland and two-lane highways. In each county, Poshard asked others to join him in those walks and spoke to the groups that gathered. Poshard said his marches took politics out of the equation and instead focuses on unity, peace and finding common ground. We tried to keep politics out of it. We tried to dwell on principles. And when you look at (Abraham) Lincoln, he was above politics. We had people from both parties, we had independents walk with us, people like us who were alarmed at the talk of violence, Poshard said in an interview earlier this week. The marches were advertised ahead of time through word-of-mouth, flyers and on social media. Whoever wanted to hold a sign and peacefully march with the Poshards were welcomed. The end result is their documentary, Thirty-Nine Counties." Opinion | Remembering SIU's William 'Reck' Recktenwald You felt the weight of Reck's words and knew he never took his SIU career lightly he knew he was teaching the next generation of journalism students. Pfeifer, who shot the entire film with her iPhone, said one woman who joined them in a small town community march commented on how she desperately wanted to protest during the Vietnam but her family life she had small children at the time and the driving distance from the protests prevented her from doing so. And then she said to me at our march, But I live just down the street and I finally have my chance, Pfeifer said. I mean, its so important that you can, in your own community, you can stand up with others. Poshard said he hopes the documentary, in its final form, can accompany lesson plans in Southern Illinois middle school and high school classrooms highlighting how loving everyone even your greatest enemy is the only way out. In true Poshard fashion, some of Abraham Lincolns most famous quotes make appearances in the documentary, he said. During our interview, Poshard pointed to Lincolns Jan. 7, 1838 address before the Young Mens Lyceum in Springfield, where Lincoln essentially warns that the United States, if it were to come apart, it would be of our own doing. At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide, Lincoln is quoted as saying. The division in this country is alive and well. The unvaccinated are pitted against the vaccinated the masked against the unmasked. Black and minority communities are pitted against law enforcement. Conservatives and liberals would rather focus on areas that make them different than what could bring us together. My hope is this documentary is be remembered, years from now, as a bright spot in an otherwise dark, troubling time for this nation. Lauren Cross is the editor for The Southern. She can be reached at 618-351-5807 or lauren.cross@thesouthern.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. CHICAGO - A 35-year-old woman was fatally shot while attending a party in the backyard of a residence in the McKinley Park neighborhood, and at least 11 others were wounded in city shootings since Friday night, Chicago police said. Police said a woman was in the 3700 block of South Wood Street in the McKinley Park neighborhood at about 12:30 a.m. Saturday attending a party when her boyfriends handgun accidentally discharged, striking her in the face. She was taken to Stroger Hospital and later pronounced dead. Detectives were investigating. The latest shooting happened about 4:30 a.m. in the 10700 block of South Langley Avenue in the Roseland neighborhood. Police said a 91-year-old cab driver was sitting in a blue Hyundai when someone approached on foot and forced him out of his vehicle at gunpoint. The victim complied, but the gunman fired shots, striking him in the the right hand and right leg. The elderly man was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he was listed in fair condition, police said. Shortly after 12:35 a.m., a 30-year-old man was shot while he was parking his vehicle in the 2500 block of West 43rd Street in the Brighton Park neighborhood, police said. The victim was attempting to park when someone inside of a red Jeep fired shots, striking the man in the back. He was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and listed in fair condition, police said. In other shootings Friday night into Saturday morning: Shortly after midnight Saturday, a 29-year-old man was shot while he was standing in the 3600 block of West 16th Street in the Lawndale neighborhood. Police said the man heard shots and felt pain in the right leg. A family member took him to Rush University Medical Center with a gunshot wound . He was in fair condition, but was expected to be transferred to Stroger Hospital. About 11:40 p.m. Friday, a 28-year-old man was shot by a known offender in the 3800 block of West Wilcox Street in the East Garfield Park neighborhood. He was taken in fair condition with gunshot wounds to the groin and left shoulder to Stroger Hospital, police said. About 11 p.m., a 30-year-old man was shot in the 4300 block of West Gladys Avenue in the West Garfield Park neighborhood. Police said the victim was on the sidewalk when he was approached by three people who opened fire, striking him in the right leg. He was taken in serious condition to Mount Sinai Hospital, police said. Shortly before 9:30 p.m., a 25-year-old man was shot in the 100 block of East 118th Street in the West Pullman neighborhood. He suffered a gunshot wound to the right leg, but refused medical treatment, police said. Shortly after 8:45 p.m., five victims were shot in the Chatham neighborhood at 79th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue. All five of the victims were stabilized at the U. of C. Medical Center, police said. Detectives were investigating. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 PEORIA The Illinois Supreme Court has reinstated a former Peoria police officer's child pornography conviction, finding that an appellate court erred when it ordered a new trial two years ago. A jury convicted John McCavitt in 2016 of possession of child pornography based on evidence showing his home computer contained thousands of child porn images when police seized it in 2013 for a sexual assault investigation. McCavitt was acquitted in 2014 on a sexual assault charge, but a police computer expert found the child porn during an internal investigation. McCavitt argued that it was unlawful for Peoria police to use data collected during the initial investigation without obtaining another warrant. The 3rd District Appellate Court in Ottawa agreed in November 2019, finding that his civil rights were violated. But in Thursday's decision, the justices held that McCavitts rights were not violated when an officer looked through computer files and found images of child porn without getting a new warrant, the Journal Star in Peoria reported. The majority held that the post-acquittal search was allowable because it was within the scope of the warrant" and was reasonably directed at uncovering evidence of unauthorized video recording." Justice P. Scott Neville Jr. dissented, writing in part that he felt Peoria police's secondary search was invalid and that the 243 days they held onto McCavitts hard drives was well past what was accepted as a reasonable amount of time. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Education editor's pick alert featured Taking part in the story MARTHA ROSE BROWN, T&D Holly Hill Library Director Ashley Jackson tells about Davids Walk, the interactive story trail at Leroy Gilmore Park. The trail is named in honor of her autistic nephew. MARTHA ROSE BROWN, T&D At Davids Walk, an interactive story-tell trail at Holly Hills Gilmore Park, children and adults learn about autism. Davids Walk officially opened on Friday. The 32 pages of this book dont turn or fold, but rather tell the story interactively. Its called Davids Walk, and it officially opened on Friday at Gilmore Park in Holly Hill. The literacy trail takes readers on a foot path in learning about autism, while asking participants to sometimes sing, count, skip or recite the alphabet before reaching the next page of the story. Thirty-two wooden posts connected to boards are spaced out in short distances, and each board engages the reader in a story. Its the first installment of this type of literacy trail in Orangeburg County, and two more trails are coming to Eutawville and Vance, respectively. But whats the story behind this story? Its called Davids Walk after a local child who is autistic, according to Holly Hill Library director Ashley Jackson. David is her nephew. Together with the Orangeburg County Library and Save the Children, Davids Walk officially opened on Friday. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability. People with ASD may communicate and interact in ways that are different from most other people. ASD is called spectrum disorder because people with ASD can have a range of strengths and challenges and need more or less support for those challenges. The learning, thinking and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged. Some children and adults with ASD need a lot of assistance in their daily lives; others need less. What does that look like in a rural area? Jackson asked at the opening ceremony for Davids Walk on Friday afternoon. The world of autism came to me in 2019, when my nephew was diagnosed with severe to moderate autism, a sensory processing disorder, ADHD and a developmental delay. Since then, Ive watched my sister face many challenges that come with raising a child with autism in our area, Jackson said. The services we lack here are detrimental to the health and well-being of our children. For example, my sister and David live here in Holly Hill. My cousin lives just one county over with her 4-year-old son. Both boys have been diagnosed with autism. My sister is still battling the system to get the help her son needs, she said. ABA (applied behavioral analysis), speech therapy, the list goes on and on with the needs of a child with autism, she noted. My cousins son was able to receive early intervention and the therapy he needed. They are already seeing the results of therapy in her son. He uses sign language, hes already beginning to speak in one-word steps. He learned to swim this past summer. He is developing because he is receiving the help he needs, she said. Two mothers with the same gut-wrenching feeling that something wasnt right ended up with two very different outcomes mostly because of where they live, Jackson noted. David is the happiest child Ive ever met. His laugh is contagious. Just being in his presence can make your whole world stand still. All worries are gone when Davids around. He loves to run. He loves horses. He loves his dog. He loves his family. He is a mystery, she said. We never know what hes thinking or how he is truly feeling. If I had it my way, I wouldnt change one thing about my nephew. I would only change the challenges he and his mother face being in a rural community such as ours, she said. As for Davids Walk, this is a start, she said, our community deserves the same serves as a larger community and we plan to do our part here in Holly Hill to ensure we are educating, enriching and inspiring our community. Rural areas can be misunderstood, ignored, or worse yet, forgotten, she said. The challenges of living in a community such as Holly Hill happen to people all over the country, she added. The trail is in honor of my nephew and every child who is faced with challenges and realities of autism in a rural community, she said. Jennifer Barnes, along with her husband and children also attended Fridays event. The Barnes family lives in Eutawville. Our oldest son has high-functioning autism and ADHD, Barnes said. She said Davids Walk causes her to feel very encouraged and very hopeful. I think its going to be something very educational for everybody out there to learn more about what autism is. Instead of it being some big scary thing, its actually, to me, its something encouraging. Before we knew what his diagnosis was, we were totally clueless on how to help and then finding out that he does have autism, were able to take him and get him the help he needs, she said. But much like Jacksons nephew, the Barnes family has to get that help outside of Orangeburg County, she said. Were having to go all the way to Mount Pleasant to get his needs fulfilled because theres nothing in Orangeburg, she said. TheTandD.com: Full access for 6 months for just $1 Support local journalism by becoming a member at www.TheTandD.com The editor's limited time offer is full access to all the website has to offer for just $1 for six months. https://go.thetandd.com/june3 For autistic children who are non-verbal, ABA therapy does wonders, Barnes said. With William, hes not non-verbal, hes very talkative, she said. William also has speech, occupational and physical therapies. Seven-year-old William is able to engage with other children like him through group therapy made possible at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, Barnes said. She also noted parents of autistic children are able to meet in groups at MUSC. Shed like to see those same opportunities for children and parents in Orangeburg County. Her son was diagnosed in March. Weve known for over three years, Barnes said, Once we moved from the Upstate down here for my husband to take his job at Volvo, thats when everything triggered for us to see the signs (of autism) in William. Barnes formerly worked as an ABA therapist and with a high-functioning autistic, ADHD child from the time he was 18 months until he started kindergarten. She saw similarities in William too. Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter (D-Orangeburg) said she was shocked to learn that services for autistic children in Orangeburg County arent readily available. Cobb-Hunter said shes interested in making sure children with autism have access, in Orangeburg County, to the services they need. She praised the Orangeburg County Library and the Holly Hill Library for work theyre doing to promote literacy and raise awareness of autism. Save the Children S.C. director Sonia Gass said Davids Walk is an example of Taking the literacy out of the normalcy of the school and put it in the community. She said the trail promotes spending time together and learning literacy. Save the Children state community engagement specialists Annie Walters and Destiny Johnson help the organization bring programs to areas throughout the state. Orangeburg County Library director Anna Zacherl said funding for Davids Walk, and the two additional reading trails, came from a $30,000 grant. She also noted that the county library paid in around $8,000 from its programming budget to have them installed in Holly Hill, Vance and Eutawville. The Orangeburg County Library also made the pages to fill in the wooden displays on Davids Walk. TheTandD.com: Full access for 6 months for just $1 Support local journalism by becoming a member at www.TheTandD.com The editor's limited time offer is full access to all the website has to offer for just $1 for six months. https://go.thetandd.com/june3 Upcoming dedications of the story walk trails include: Nov. 10, 5 p.m. at the Eutawville Community Park and Nov. 17, 1 p.m., at the Vance Community Park. NORWAY All seemed well with the Town of Norways budget during their Facebook Live September council meeting except for one facet that was explained, and the town is also dealing with several complications due to COVID-19 and is making some cancellations. Councilman Gregg Covington questioned a negative amount of $150 on the Vendors Day. "We used some of the funds Some of the proceeds from the Vendors' Event to cover the Senior Citizen Festival," Mayor Tracie Clemons replied. Clemons said, "As of last Monday, O.C. Parks and Tourism has approved our grant of $5000 (for our events). She stated that money would be used to help with expenses already accrued and will be put into those accounts, including the one in the negative. COVID-19 continues to affect the town in various ways. Clemons stated, "One of our employees has contracted the COVID virus." "Effectively immediately, all council and staff members shall adhere to the CDC and DHEC guidelines," Clemons read from a memo she drafted. "All unvaccinated council members and staff must wear a mask and have their temperature taken upon entering municipal property," she said. She said, "If you are the last person to leave for the day, you must spray down the area where you worked." The full memo may be obtained from town hall by council and staff members. Clemons then asked if council and she should cancel the remainder of the events for 2021 because the COVID-19 cases are going up. Councilwoman Berley James stated they should err on the side of caution and cancel future events in October. Covington initially asked if they could monitor the spike in cases for a month and see. Clemons said she has monitored it and that the spike has stayed steadily up over several months. Covington then also agreed that they should cancel future events in October. Clemons said they would have the Sept. 18 Vendors Day event but requested that all events in October be canceled. She stated that they could space out seating for the November Veterans Day event using social distancing guidelines but will revisit even having any other event, festivals or parades for November or December in the October meeting. A motion was made to cancel all October events in the Town of Norway. The motion was approved and seconded. In other business: Police Chief Edgar Williams said that the police department had 50 traffic citations for the month. He announced police reports for the month were made for animal abuse; two counts of assault and battery, third degree; two counts of burglary; one grand larceny; and one petit larceny among others. "We have also had individuals stealing trash cans around the municipality," Williams added. He said that they were investigating that. Clemons gave the wastewater report, saying, "Repairs at the Carnation Street station are ongoing. All is well at the wastewater plant. We are still have issues with the lift-station. Do not flush rags, feminine products or toys down the toilet. She added that they procured some signs for some of their chemicals under S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control regulations. Clemons also gave the water department report. She said, "We may have another potential leak on Lexington Avenue across from the Three Crosses Ministry." She said the contractor had been contacted to assess the leak and that it may be outside the scope of their water department. Clemons also stated that they are waiting on some permits for another ongoing water project and that they cannot advertise for bids until they get those permits. "There is a shortage of PVC pipe," she added. She mentioned with an ice storm in Texas this past year that a company that paints the pipe in Texas is behind, so the cost of the PVC pipe is high. She said that there may be delays on purchases for the Harrison Avenue waterline project because of this. She also added that overall that the state of S.C. received a D+ for drinking water and a D grade for wastewater and that some organizations would be looking for additional federal or other funding for that. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 On Friday, the Moguls in the Making creative writing career session was held in the Bulldog Lounge in the student center. Writer and executive story editor SaRah Jones was the guest speaker. Author and principal Katrina Johnson and author and entrepreneur Monica Brown were also panelists for the event. During the session, Jones spoke about her career and the process of how she got to where she is now. She talked about her struggle as a Black woman trying to make it in Hollywood and how she overcame adversity by being persistent and having faith. She also gave insight on how to be successful in a creative writing career. Johnson and Brown also offered tips and insights on being successful in the media industry. At the end of the session, students and alumni got an opportunity to ask questions, gain feedback and meet the panelists. Sa'Rah Jones Jones, a native of East Cleveland, Ohio, attended South Carolina State University where she majored in professional English and minored in broadcasting. Jones knew early on that she wanted to do something in the entertainment field but didnt quite know what. She realized her destiny when she was accepted into the Warner Bros Production Assistant Program. She was going to be a television sitcom writer. Jones worked in production for many shows at Warner Bros, MGM, Paramount, and Sony. Shortly after the birth of her son, Jones took a break from the entertainment business. During that time, she continued to hone her writing skills and co-wrote and published a childrens book, The Fabulous Minds of Tre and Eboni. The book was later purchased and widely distributed by the Los Angeles Unified School District. In 2014, Jones returned to television writing. She is currently the writer and executive story editor for the hit CBS sitcom, The Neighborhood, which stars Cedrick The Entertainer, Tichina Arnold, Max Greenfield and Beth Behrs. Jones is also a writer and story editor for the twice NAACP Image award winning Netflix sitcom Family Reunion, a show created by Meg DeLoatch that stars Loretta Devine, Tia Mowry and Richard Roundtree. Katrina Johnson Johnson has over 25 years of experience in education having served as principal of a K-8 school, curriculum coordinator, program director and afterschool coordinator. She led a 21st Century Communities and Learning Grant which launched a program totaling $199,000 over four years. This program enhanced students educational learning while providing opportunities for them. She has served on various district and school accreditation teams throughout the state and continues to serve students throughout the Upstate. Johnson received her bachelor of science degree in elementary education from SC State, a master of education from Converse College and an educational specialist degree in educational leadership from SC State. She holds memberships in various organizations such as A proud Life Member of the South Carolina State University Alumni Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Jack and Jill Associates, The South Carolina Association of School Administrators, and others. During her time at SC State, she was heavily involved on campus being a Bulldog cheerleader and Miss Sophomore. She is now dedicated to improving the lives of children and families by educating them on social awareness, and social and emotional learning. She has a strong passion for promoting creativity, resiliency and thinking outside of the box. Monica Brown Brown began her technology career over 20 years ago after a brief career in broadcast journalism. While at SC State, she worked in college radio. After college, she became a writing assistant at Upscale Magazine and also worked as an audio specialist for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. When Brown starting her IT career, she became extremely interested in project management and focused on growing her leadership skills in that area. Within a year, she began working for a major telecommunications company and was quickly promoted for her quality work. In January 2019, Brown joined SiriusXM + Pandora as vice president of digital product development. She was responsible for setting the strategy for initiatives supporting the Pandora Music App development and user experience. She recently joined Tucows Inc. which is based in Toronto, Canada, and is the second largest web domain registrar in the world. Brown earned her bachelor of arts degree in professional English and broadcast journalism from SC State and completed her master of business administration degree from the Michael J. Coles School of Business at Kennesaw State University. She has also completed project management classes with Villanova University, received the Project Management Professional Certification and completed Agile Methodology training. Browns book, Only One: How to be a Bad-Ass Boss in Corporate America, is now available on Amazon Books. Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 An art studio, computer lab, meeting rooms, outdoor amphitheater and walking track are among the amenities included in a new $9.2 million 50,000-square-foot library and conference center located in the heart of downtown Orangeburg. A dedication and ribbon cutting for the Orangeburg County Library and Conference Center at 1654 Russell St. is set for 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 29. OCL Director Anna Zacherl said a program is being worked on to include, but not be limited to, several members of the Orangeburg County Legislative Delegation and Orangeburg County Council, along with other state legislators, the county administrator and OCL board members. The Rev. J.P. Sibley, pastor of New City Fellowship in Orangeburg, will dedicate the facility. "We will actually be open that day until 6 p.m. So by the time the ribbon is cut, we'll be open and able to serve the people until 6 p.m. Depending on how many people come in, they will probably be brought in in groups and travel around the library and get to meet the staff," Zacherl said. Light refreshments will also be served at the ribbon-cutting event. The OCL's 9th annual S-Book-Tacular event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, but the library will not be open then. "Our very first full, normal working day will be Monday, Nov. 1. We'll be open from 9 to 7 p.m." Zacherl said. She said the facility not only has more parking, but a plethora of other items that the older facility at 510 Louis St. did not have. "We've got special story time spaces, an outdoor movie screen with an amphitheater, a dedicated art studio and a dedicated computer lab that's got that more than twice the number of computers we had in the previous location. "We've got computer training rooms, we've got the Friends of the Library Inc. here with their bookstore so they can be open very easily and, of course, we have all of the great people coming over from the old location," Zacherl said. "It's been a challenge because we lost about a third of our staff during COVID due to illness and then other reasons, people just retiring and leaving. So we're very short staffed, but we're also very motivated to make sure that the people get what they need," she said. OCL Circulation Supervisor Amy Ridgeway said, "We're here to meet the needs of the community, and this building allows us to do that in a much broader way. It is something that Orangeburg County deserves. The people here deserve it." After stepping through the glass doors of the Lowman Street entrance, individuals will most likely notice the new library's high ceilings, brilliant lighting and spaciousness. "The circulation desk has been hand carved. They are going to be greeted by the circulation staff when they come in, which is also the desk where we do a lot of checking items in and out and directing patrons where they need to go," Ridgeway said. The library has color-coded and wheelchair-accessible levels which take individuals up to each service area, including its 2,500-square-foot CREATE art room. "It's a beautiful space with beautiful art tables and stools. It's got an area where people can walk outside and actually do painting outside. There is also seating on each level, where people can set up computers, laptops, or charge their cell phone," Ridgeway said. The nonprofit Friends of the Orangeburg County Library also has a FRIENDS SHOP within the library. "There will be books and DVDs that are on that side of the area and on the inside of the shop, where patrons can actually purchase items. That money comes back to aid with the library and things going on within it. There is also an area that people can sit down and charge cell phones, get on the laptop and that sort of thing," Ridgeway said. Two meeting rooms are also included in the new library, one which holds approximately 200 people and a smaller one accommodating 10 to 15 people. "The meeting room is a free space that people can just call us and reserve the space and have a meeting or whatever they need. We do programs in there as well. There's also going to be a projector screen in there so that if someone needs to project a PowerPoint, show a movie or something like that, they would be able to do that," Ridgeway said. A computer lab area is also included in the library, she said. "There are 48 public computers in there, and then we have two lab monitors currently working in there. Javon Moore, who is head of digital literacy, is also in that area. She has a room that is separate from the actual computer lab, where she (or the two lab monitors) can do classes for people. "Javon also does a lot of one-on-one with people in the lab, where she takes the time to help someone who doesn't know how to work a laptop, or needs a little more help with updating their resume. They help with job applications. It is just unlimited in what they're able to help with, and what they do for our community," Ridgeway said. The library's books and collections are located straight past the circulation desk. "Large-type books are now at the front of the collection. Everything is spread out. We have DVDs, adult fiction, adult nonfiction ... reference, magazines. Then you go into a Young Adult area. That's actually a glassed-in area that is a designated area for teens to have the freedom to go and read the books they want. There's a computer in there. So they will have a really good area that they can hang out in," Ridgeway said. She continued, "The very last area is our children's area. ... The collection is spread out and there is lower shelving. There's windows bringing in beautiful lighting and artwork on the walls that just really creates a more inclusive environment." A family room is also included further back in the children's area, along with an area where anyone, including those accompanied by children needing to work on a computer, can access one. Public restrooms, including a family restroom, are located to the left of the circulation desk. Jennifer Chatto, OCL programming and outreach coordinator, said she is excited about the library's art studio. "Art is my passion. I have been teaching a Get Art, Get Smart program for children for the past eight years. It's just crazy. So many people come. We had to double the amount of classes that we had so we can serve everyone, but now I have a beautiful arts studio that's about 2,500 square feet, and it is great," Chatto said. "I just want to teach everyone in Orangeburg how to paint," she said, noting that art classes for adults to children ages 0 to 2 will be offered. Deandria Bennett, a technical assistant in the children's department, started her job in February 2020, just ahead of the pandemic's start. "As soon as I started, we had to close down. So I'm just super excited about the fact that I was able to witness a brand-new building coming in and now being able to serve these people and this beautiful space, I mean, I'm just ready." Marcia Snyder, coordinator of the Friends of Orangeburg County Library, said, "I would just like to thank Anna and the library planning committee for providing us with our own designated space." Snyder continued, "Libraries make me get all choked up. I am so impressed with the staff of this library. They will treat a homeless gentleman the same way they treat the lady who drives up in a Cadillac. "I am thrilled that the Friends (of OCL) are going to have the opportunity to raise more funds to provide for additional programming and more interns and special pieces of equipment that their normal budget doesn't allow for, as well as having more volunteer opportunities, which is exciting for membership." Laura Champy, a technical assistant in the children's department, said she is excited about seeing the children she had served in the past and the ability to host programs in multiple rooms. "We are capable of hosting more programs for the kids, and one I'm super excited about being able to bring back is Subarashi, an anime club for teenagers," Champy said. Roderick Gass, a computer lab monitor, said, "I'm super excited because I get to work around computers all day and serve the community as well, which is what I wanted to do when I came back to Orangeburg." "I'm originally from New York. I just love what I do. It's great because the library is the face of the community. You can't walk around anyplace in town without somebody asking, 'When is the library open?' or 'How soon can we come into the lab?' I hear that everywhere I go," Gass said. Orangeburg resident Keela Glover said, "I think I'm excited most about the brand-new space and all of the opportunities that come with it. Compared to the old building, it's bigger, better and there's more rooms for activities in the children's and teen rooms." "I'm excited that we're modernizing and our citizens in Orangeburg get a taste of something new and great," she said. Ridgeway said the library's outside area will also include a walking track with exercise equipment in its center. "There's also going to be a play area for kids," she said. The facility's adjoining conference center, complete with a separate parking area, can seat approximately 400 and accommodate approximately twice as many standing. Ridgeway said, "They have a coordinator who will be running that area. They'll be separate from us and we'll have nothing to do with managing, bookings or anything like that, but the conference center has a kitchen that people will be able to use if they want catered events and that sort of thing," Zacherl said, "It was great to work with Studio 2LR, who was the architect, and O'Cain Construction. They were going gangbusters out there for a long time. We've got some beautiful landscaping, and the place has really come together beautifully." The library director said individuals will be expected to abide by city and county ordinances which will require all visitors to wear face masks inside the building. "However, the hours are not going to be changed, but will actually be extended a little bit. We're planning on staying open until 7 p.m. every night. We will be open most days at 10 a.m., but on Monday and Fridays, we'll be open at 9 a.m.," she said. Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Hundreds of family members and friends gathered early Saturday morning, Oct. 16, to support the inaugural Walk the Block for Breast Cancer Awareness in Norway. Participants and survivors began registering for the event hosted by Gifted by Tonya at 7:30 a.m. on the cool fall day beneath clear blue skies and a rising sun. Tonya James welcomed everyone gathered on the lawn at 192 Tyler Road. She then introduced her young male assistants to the days participants as being a part of her group, Building Our Boys, a fellowship of youth from the community ranging in ages from 6 to 17 who are paired with an adult mentor. She remarked that teams of walkers and supporters came from as far away as North Carolina, Florida and Maryland to attend the event. James kicked off the eventful morning with a prayer circle of prayer of survivors holding hands and surrounded by their loved ones. After the prayer by Connie Jackson, James directed the honored guests to a special pink carpet-style runway area where they could sit comfortably to listen to the speaker for the morning, Darlene Milhouse Riley. I have been cancer free for the past eight months. I want to talk about how important it is for you to go get a mammogram every year, began Riley, a survivor who shared her journey from the first screening until now. Riley stated that she was told after her first mammogram in the year 2000 that she had a cyst in one breast and that she should eat healthy foods and watch her intake of things like chocolate. She didnt think much of the cyst and didnt return to have another mammogram until 2018 at which time medical professionals informed her that they saw something abnormal in her breast and that she should come in for a follow-up appointment. Oh, man, Im not going back. Its just the cyst, she told herself and waited until 2020 to finally have another mammogram. At that appointment, they told her she needed to have it checked out. Once again, she just brushed it off, saying that she was sure it was just the cyst, and she couldnt feel anything in a self-check, so why follow up? During the beginning of 2021 she had changed doctors, and that practitioner also told her that she needed to be rescreened and follow up if needed. I went to the appointment, and it seemed like it was just taking too long. I didnt want to stay, but I was talking to someone on the phone and they told me, Youre there, so why dont you go on in? So I had the mammogram, she said. A week later, they called me and said that they found something abnormal again and that I needed to come in and have an ultrasound. So I did that, she said, adding that the follow-up to that visit was a biopsy. It was painful, and it hurt me. It showed that I had stage one breast cancer that was about the size of a nickel, so I had it removed. I urge every last one of you that can to go get checked. Make sure that you do what you need to do, said Riley in ending her talk. Then she invited everyone to gather around the survivors, who were seated on either side of the pink carpet area to chant the following words after her: You are strong. You are special. You are awesome. You are tough. You are loved. You are not alone. You are supported. You are brave. You are courageous. You are a fighter. You are a fighter. You are a fighter. As the echo of voices that rang out through the morning air with power and conviction began to quiet, Darlenes son, Michael Sims, stepped up to the microphone to sing her an original song titled, You are Beautiful. At the close of the song, the DJ played some upbeat music as each survivors name was called, and she sashayed up and down the pink carpet having her moment in the celebration spotlight as her Walk the Block team cheered her on. We were so excited when we heard of the walk being held in our hometown, said Stephanie Hart from Norway. I am here supporting my mom, Shirley Hart, and my aunt, Flossie Peeples. They are both survivors. I know most of these ladies, and they have fought and survived, said the proud member of Team I Hart Champions. Reginald Youman of South Carolina All Terrain (SCAT) Riders from Norway sat atop his four-wheeler after riding around the block to show the participants just how quickly the route could be completed. We are out here supporting positivity and unity -- just having fun, said Youman of his team of ATV riders. Chrystal Jenkins said that despite the pandemic, she and her sister Jessica were so happy to be out in support of such a worthy community event. We are here to support the James Family Team in the breast cancer awareness walk, said Chrystal, adding that they also came out in memory of some of their family members who have passed away. Lakeshaw James, a member of Team Gifted, said that she was walking in honor of her mother, Sharon James, who is an 18-year breast cancer survivor. We are just totally blessed that we can do this for our survivors. God has truly been good. We give him all the praise, all the honor and all the glory, said Lakeshaw. To share your story or read stories of survivors on the Gifted By Tonya Facebook page, go to https://www.facebook.com/gifTedbyTonya. Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Tens of thousands of supporters of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his right-wing government marched in Budapest on Saturday in a demonstration of unity behind the populist leader's contentious policies that have led to challenges to his power both in Hungary and the European Union. The rally was dubbed a Peace March and participants gathered along the western bank of the Danube River and departed across Liberty Bridge, winding through downtown Budapest toward the site of a rare public speech that Orban delivered to his supporters. Orban painted a dark picture of what Hungarians could expect if he is defeated in a national election scheduled for next spring, expected to be the most serious challenge to his power since he took office in 2010. Orban enumerated his government's economic achievements, and blasted Hungary's previous socialist government which he accused of leading the country to financial ruin. It took us years to rectify the destruction of the left wing, Orban said. The socialists and their leader have remained hanging around our necks. The march was organized by nongovernmental organization Civil Unity Forum, an active promoter of the policies of Orban's Fidesz party, which has dominated Hungary's parliament with a two-thirds majority since 2010. The group's chairman, Laszlo Csizmadia, told The Associated Press before the march departed that the event was meant to demonstrate Hungary's sovereignty to the EU, which he said had undeservedly attacked Hungary in recent attempts to reign in what the bloc sees as democratic backsliding. We think that we have a right to state our opinions in the long term in the European Union," Csizmadia said. Orban also took aim at the EU, saying that Brussels had conducted a sustained attack on Hungary over its economic and immigration policies that have put his government at odds with the bloc's leaders. Dozens of prime ministers have attacked Hungary. We are still here, but who can remember even their names? he said. Laszlo Csendes came to the march from Veszprem, a city 75 miles (120 kilometers) southwest of Budapest. He said Orban's performance since 2010 had led to Hungarians prospering and an improvement in economic conditions. There are new jobs, youve just got to look around, Csendes said. Theres money for everything, and for everyone. Orban's staunchly anti-immigration government faces increasing pressure both in Hungary and internationally. The EU, of which Hungary is a member, is considering imposing financial penalties on the country over concerns that Orban has eroded democratic institutions and the rule of law in pursuit of what he calls an illiberal democracy. At home, Hungary's six largest opposition parties have vowed to put aside ideological differences and form a coalition to challenge Orban's party in upcoming elections. The parties argue the unity strategy is the only way to overcome a media environment dominated by government-aligned outlets and an electoral system unilaterally authored and passed by Fidesz which they say gives the ruling party an unfair advantage. The six-party opposition coalition concluded a primary race last week where voters elected independent candidate Peter Marki-Zay to be Orban's challenger for prime minister on the unity ticket. A self-described conservative Christian, Marki-Zay has argued he can appeal both to Hungary's liberal voters and disaffected Fidesz supporters. At a joint demonstration of the opposition parties which drew several thousand supporters on Saturday, Marki-Zay told the AP that he would lead the coalition in doing away with corruption, crackdowns on the media and abuse of government institutions he says has occurred under Orban's rule. Our basic goals for all of us, left and right, is for Hungary to be a democracy, to be governed by the rule of law in a market economy and as part of the European Union, Marki-Zay said. But some participants in the pro-government Peace March, many holding signs critical of the opposition movement, expressed anger at the coalition's ambitions to defeat Orban's government. I don't think they are able to govern, they dont have any concepts, said Judit Nemeth, a marcher from Budapest. They only have one goal, to oust Orban, who I think is Europes best politician. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 TRENTON, N.J. (AP) New Jersey voters have already begun casting mail-in ballots and on Saturday began heading to the polls for early in-person voting for the first time ever. The governor's race is at the top of the ballot, with Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy seeking reelection against Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a former Assembly member. Third-party candidates are also on the ballot. They are Madelyn Hoffman of the Green Party, Joanne Kuniansky of the Socialist Workers Party, and Gregg Mele of the Libertarian Party. Public polling in the race has shown Murphy with a lead over Ciattarelli. While the gap has narrowed, Murphy also has other advantages, including 1 million more registered New Jersey Democrats than Republicans and more cash on hand than Ciattarelli, according to state data. Early in-person voting ends Halloween. Election Day is Nov. 2. A closer look at where the two major party candidates stand on a few big issues: COVID-19 Murphy has led the state through the outbreak that saw New Jersey as an early hotspot but also one of the first state's to reach 70% of the adult population to be fully vaccinated. About 25,000 people have died from the virus since 2020, with 35% coming from nursing and veterans homes, according to state figures. Murphy closed many sectors of the state during the pandemic, including restaurants, theaters, gyms and nonessential retail, while also requiring face coverings. He then loosened restrictions as trends headed in the right direction and curtailed them more as vaccinations increased. He's instituted mandates in health care and education, among others, for workers to be vaccinated or to undergo regular testing. Murphy promised a review of his administration's handling of the outbreak but he said it will not be done in time for the election because the pandemic is still unfolding. Ciattarelli has said he supports vaccination but thinks masking in schools, for example, should be optional. He also agreed with Murphy's policy of giving educators the choice to get vaccinated or be tested regularly. The Republican slammed Murphy's policy early on in the pandemic of allowing nursing home residents to return to facilities from hospitals regardless of COVID-19 status, faulting Murphy for a spike in deaths among residents. The governor has responded that his policy required them to be segregated from the uninfected and that the facilities were the patients' homes. PROPERTY TAXES New Jersey's average property tax bill is about $9,100. That's the highest in the country, according to the nonprofit Tax Foundation, making these taxes a constant issue in the state. Because property taxes finance local governments as well as school districts, Murphy has argued that his increase of state education aid has decreased pressure to raise taxes. Indeed, Murphy has increased aid to schools through the state's funding formula, which has been approved by the state Supreme Court. Under Murphy, that aid climbed to nearly $9 billion, up about $1 billion since Republican Chris Christie left office. Property tax increases have slowed over that time, though that's in part due to a 2% property tax cap instituted under Christie. Murphy says he will continue to fund the formula to take pressure off property taxes. Ciattarelli wants to freeze property taxes for those over 65 as well as scrap the current school-funding formula to make it fairer. He points to high-price homes in Jersey City and Hoboken that have lower rates than $400,000 residences in Toms River and Hillsborough, for example. But it's not clear what his plan would look like or whether it would pass muster with the state Supreme Court, though Ciattarelli says his plan would. ABORTION Murphy, an abortion rights supporter, said he wants to sign the Reproductive Freedom Act into law if reelected. The bill would codify a woman's right to an abortion into state law, a move that's aimed at maintaining that ability if the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. Ciattarelli also supports the Roe v. Wade decision and a woman's right to choose an abortion, but he says the RFA goes too far by authorizing late-term abortions. He has said if the Supreme Court undoes Roe v. Wade, New Jersey would have to add the right to an abortion into state law, but he does not believe the high court would overturn the precedent decided by the court in 1973. STATE BUDGET Murphy's budgets have grown each year while in office, culminating in a spending plan of more than $46 billion, 15% higher than the previous year. He's financed the increases in part with tax hikes under his watch, including higher rates on businesses and individuals earning more than $1 million. He's instituted a host of new programs that languished in the Democrat-led Legislature under his predecessor, Christie. Those include some state-funded pre-K and community college, both of which he wants to expand if reelected. Ciattarelli laments the growth of the budget and says it needs to be cut. Asked what he would slash, he said he'd sit down with the Legislature on Day One to hash that out. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Authorities on Friday searched Grand Teton National park for a Texas man who was last seen a day earlier. Park officials identified the missing man as 26-year-old Jared Hembree. His last sighting occurred near Game Warden Point in Moran. Law enforcement for the park received a call from someone worried about Hembrees welfare based on an interaction with him outside of the parks eastern boundary, according to a press release. His vehicle was later found at Game Warden Point parking area in the eastern part of Grand Teton. Park rangers were joined on the search by deputies and a search and rescue team from Teton County. Searchers were being assisted by the Civil Air Patrol, a helicopter and dog teams. Hembree is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 170 pounds, with brown hair and black eyes. He was wearing a green t-shirt with black pants and was believed to be carrying a backpack. Anyone with information regarding Hembrees whereabouts was asked to contact the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 307-739-3301. Hembree is not the only person whos gone missing this year at Grand Teton. Gabby Petito disappeared at the park in August amid a road trip with her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie. After a search that received national attention, her body was found last month inside the park. An autopsy later determined she had been strangled. Laundrie returned to Florida alone and later went missing. His remains, which were found in a nature preserve there, were identified on Thursday. In June, 27-year-old Cian McLaughlin went missing after he went hiking at the park. Despite an extensive search, he has not been found. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 A slate of 20 bills proposed to be heard during next weeks special legislative session includes measures to prohibit employer or school-imposed vaccine mandates, stop discrimination based on vaccination status and expand accommodations and benefits for the unvaccinated. Many of the bills include criminal or civil penalties for parties who enforce vaccine mandates, whether on their workers, students or people seeking medical care. A handful of proposals brought by Democratic lawmakers take a different tack. They will attempt to pass $1,000 vaccine incentive payments for state employees and provide benefits to employees who leave workplaces that arent complying with local or federal COVID policies. State lawmakers are set to meet for three days next week to hear the bills, which will move through both chambers at once. Support for holding the special session gained momentum after President Joe Biden announced a federal vaccine mandate in September, which would affect any company with more than 100 employees. But that mandate has yet to be finalized or take effect, which means that it may be hard for Wyoming legislators to pass state laws that can effectively challenge it. One of the most far-reaching bills of the session, House Bill 1001 sponsored by Rep. Mike Greear, R-Worland, would ban employer vaccine mandates unless a company allows exemptions and alternatives for workers who dont want to get vaccinated which, although the bill calls it an exemption, would be similar to current policies in many Wyoming businesses that require unvaccinated employees to wear masks. If passed, the bill would also provide workers compensation for those injured by the COVID-19 vaccine and severance pay for people who leave or are fired from their jobs for not receiving the vaccine. HB1001 suggests an allocation of $30 million in total $20 million to the governors office for enforcement, and $10 million to the Department of Workforce Services to provide COVID-19 testing and antibody tests for workplaces that insist on mandating vaccines. Most of the proposed bills target future mandates that would be imposed by businesses or local government. But one sponsored by Sen. Larry Hicks, R-Baggs, would ban enforcement of federal law requiring COVID-19 vaccines, after those mandates have legal effect and have been challenged in the court. While most bills deal directly with COVID-19 policies, one is attempting to amend the statute governing vaccinations currently required in the states public schools by allowing personal objections for any required immunization. Currently, there are 12 required immunizations for Wyoming public school students. The COVID-19 vaccine in not one of them. That draft, sponsored by the Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Committee, would allow those personal objections to be approved by a health officer, and would also ban any vaccine from being mandated in schools until five years after its pediatric monitoring period begins. That would include all available COVID-19 vaccines, which began trials for use in children this year. School boards, superintendents or trustees would also be barred from imposing measures to slow the spread of disease if they impede movement, activity or require the use of PPE under a proposal brought by Sen. Troy McKeown, R-Gillette. The committee-sponsored bill would also require accommodations for employees or people in need of essential services (including medical help, transportation or groceries) whether thats making testing available, reassigning workers or other measures. Another proposal, sponsored by Rep. Ocean Andrew, R-Laramie, and dubbed the Grace Smith Medical Freedom Act after the Laramie high schooler who was arrested this month for trespassing after she was suspended for refusing to wear a mask and returned to school, would require health officers to grant waivers from mask or vaccine mandates to K-12 students. As a potential deterrent for employers or government agents imposing mandates, a pair of bills look to invoke the potential of hefty damages. House Bill 1004, brought by Rep. Chuck Gray, R-Casper, would allow workers denied employment based on vaccination status to sue an employer for up to $500,000 in damages. Senate File 1020, sponsored by Rock Springs Republican Sen. Tom James, would impose a $10 million fine on any public servant who enforces a COVID-19-related mandate. The state employee vaccine incentive program, proposed by Rep. Trey Sherwood, D-Laramie, also comes with a big price tag but only if it was effective. At $1,000 per employee, it would cost the state an estimated $14.7 million from Wyomings American Rescue Plan Act funds but only if everyone gets the shot. Any extra money would go back to the state. Thrown in with the COVID bills, a few unrelated proposals for expanding Medicaid, pausing firemens pensions and correcting an error in the recently passed gaming commission law may also be heard next week. A full list of bills to be heard next week, along with their text, can be found on the Legislatures website. Follow city and crime reporter Ellen Gerst on Twitter at @ellengerst. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 15 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. As the Wyoming Legislature prepares for its special session next week, we encourage our leaders to continue on the path toward economic diversification, certainty and stability. The legislature should continue its efforts to grow the economy, not increase regulation and mandates on businesses. Mandates, whether federal or state (including mandates by one to counteract mandates by the other), take away the ability to make important decisions from those most capable, most understanding and most impacted: business leaders and their employees. Since 1890, Wyomings leaders have spearheaded efforts to diversify our states economy through several boom-and-bust cycles. Complimenting those efforts are the actions of our steady-handed business leaders, a constant in every economic roller-coaster ride. Over 98% of the businesses that call Wyoming home are small business (under 100 employees) and employ about 63% of Wyomings total workforce. As business leaders, we have worked hard to make good choices and to keep our state strong and competitive. Our leaders have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in providing opportunities to grow and diversify Wyomings private sector. Some examples of these investments include expanding broadband, creating opportunities for meat processing, offering business relief during the COVID-19 pandemic, and funding infrastructure grants for communities. Businesses and State leaders are also working hard at creating job opportunities for Wyomings youth today and tomorrow. Now is not the time to unwind those positive steps, which are helping create a business climate envied by many surrounding states. We cant let our collective detest for federal over-regulation cloud our judgment on how we allow our businesses to operate in a free-market economy grounded in making choices and living with the consequences of those choices. Wyomingites understand better than most that one size does not fit all. One of the ways we have achieved collective success is by having a business climate that is welcoming and simple. From the smallest feed store operated out of a garage to our global corporations who employ hundreds, our businesses know what is best for their daily operations. State legislation that promotes the jailing of Wyomings business leaders, encourages employees to sue their employers or makes it any harder to run a business in Wyoming hurts everyone. Our slogan at the Wyoming Business Alliance is that business makes Wyoming better. Lets continue to strive to be our best, keep our eye on the ball and govern in a calm, measured, and common-sense manner, instead of reacting to federal policies we have neither seen nor had an opportunity to fully understand. Our federalist system is far from perfect, but two wrongs dont make a right, and Wyomings businesses need our leaders to get this right. Cindy DeLancey is the president of the Wyoming Business Alliance Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Laughter erupted in the back corner of the arena, chiming above the bawling calves and bellering cows. The cheerful banter warmed up the chilly autumn afternoon. Someone was telling a story. Everyone has some kind of story to tell. The narratives are sometimes most appreciated by a targeted audience, and this was definitely one of those. This particular day we were selling a few calves straight off the cows. It was a hurry-up-and-wait day, common when working with livestock. The brand inspector was waiting for the buyer and had written up the proper paperwork. We began to discuss cattle prices and how our calves measured up with those around the rest of the country, when the brand inspector pushed his hat back and grinned. Let me tell you what happened to me the other day! So, right in the middle of an entertaining Baxter Black-like moment, a movie reel began rolling in my mind as the words brushed strokes of color and texture in an animated version involving highlander cattle on a quest to escape a meat processing ambush. Occasionally we find ourselves in a gathering where we revisit the past. One memory spawns another and we eat them up as if they were fresh homemade pie. Recalling them spurs thoughts about the value of collecting those memories that make Wyoming the special place that it is. Our state is rich with the fodder that propagates the western perspective. Consider the weather-worn, retired ranchers with years spent building their legacies. Theres little that they havent experienced, and they come equipped with a unique language all their own. A creative mix and measure of their lifetime with the spices and flavorings of ranching are robust and juicy. Mull over how many times that last calf passed right by the open gate without going through it. The whole herd had already gone over the hill and the calf tore half a mile of fence down five feet away from the open gate. How many attempts were made to get that spotted cows calf tagged, and how many times did she put you back in the truck, on your horse, over the fence, or behind the 4-wheeler? Old rodeo buddies sprawled out at a table reminiscing about their rodeo days can heap up stacks of stories about rodeo wrecks, long nights, short days, special horses, roping stock and stock contractors. The rodeo world is family steeped in camaraderie where supporting one another is key and sharing almost everything is the norm. That includes a lot of good-natured high-jinx and serendipity moments: definitely worth putting on paper. Fond memory: the breakaway calves that spilled and scattered all over main street, the park and cemetery. The only nearby place to get them rounded up was an enclosed patio at a local saloon, which, that day was full. The customers thoroughly enjoyed it. Never overlook the gaffes involving the hapless non-ranching man that marries the independent ranch girl. Hes ill-equipped to handle calving season night checks, chilled calves in the living room, kitchen counters lined with obstetric chains, calf nipples, bottles, colostrum, syringes, and having to eat cold leftovers for weeks. Offering to blanket the old mare during a storm, struggling with straps, buckles, and a cold, wet wind didnt save him from the scolding the next morning when it was discovered that he had put the blanket on backwards. After all, it really didnt fit badly that way. Hunting season can rouse a lot of book-worthy happenings. Hunting guides, game wardens and outfitters can witness the best (and worst) of humorous humanity. One cant hold back the chuckles when a hunter shuts a gate from the wrong side, or gets buck fever so bad when they finally pull the trigger, they come away from the shot with a big bloody gash over their right eye or a bloody nose or both. Its not uncommon for out-of-staters to get lost or search the timberline and trails for game with a trophy animal mere yards directly behind them. The after-stories told by hunters after bagging their game are priceless and creative. Bullwinkle dies twenty-five times in one setting from sixteen different vantage points. Writers have the advantage of being able to live their lives twice. Just like those hunters, they bought the license and are entitled to the self-inflicted black eye, or bag the big one or maybe both. Shelagh Wulff Wisdom is a hardcore country soul whose life has evolved around ranching, livestock, horses and writing. She lives on a small ranch with her husband south of Douglas and is a dedicated advocate for veterans. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 THE Confederation of Regional Business Chambers (CRBC) is calling on the Government to consider an extension on the submission of the property tax forms beyond November 30, 2021. The CRBC, in a statement yesterday, said there can be criminal liabilities or a penalty if these forms are not filed by November 30, hence, Government is urged to consider the request to extend the deadline as an urgent matter. Deborah De Labastide pours her genuine love for the Yuletide season into her popular ponche-de-creme blends, pastelles and black cake. De Labastides self-branded Debs Exquisite Island Drinks line is a must-get for visitors at the annual Christmas upmarket at Lions Cultural Centre in Port of Spain. THE murder toll continues to rise following the shooting deaths of three men in separate incidents between Thursday evening and yesterday morning. The killings took place in Laventille, San Juan and Freeport. Two of the victims have been identified as Aaron Thomas and Nathaniel Phillip, while the victim in the Freeport incident remained unidentified up to yesterday evening. The pre-election splurge by the PNM-led Tobago House of Assembly (THA) draws attention to constitutional loopholes that should be addressed. Here is an administration which went in with a comfortable majority for the election which was held in January this year and came out in a dead heat with the challenger party. One of the spookiest things about Halloween is that adults now enjoy it as much as the kids. If your costumes are ready and your party plans already in place, a good dark book may be just the thing to get all the people in your house in the right frame of mind for next weekend. Here, courtesy of the Tucson Festival of Books, are some recently-released titles that should do the trick ... and are a treat! "The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig: A family returns to its hometown -- and the dark past that haunts them still in this masterpiece of literary horror by the bestselling author of Wanderers. Gwen Harvey Zombie CSU by Jonathan Maberry: What if zombies were real? And folks started climbing out of their graves to terrorize people who had done them wrong? Maberry brings his considerable talents to bring modern forensics, science, police practices, and humor to investigate the crime scenes and identify the suspects. Creepy! Tricia Clapp They did. And, moreover, What were they doing? What were their food? They were hooked, and made an arrangement to do a supported, but unpaid, archeological survey of Cabeza Prieta. Sandy and Rick, both 75, have documented over 600 features or sites that record human habitation in the area ranging from 10,000-year-old Paleo-Indian, through 16th-century European and 18th-century Oodham farming settlements. Theyve been particularly interested in how the desert Oodham and their ancestors managed to make treks across the desert on foot, from the Salt Pilgrimages to the Sea of Cortez; to the Yuma area to farm; and how they managed to conduct trade, as evidenced by seashells used for jewelry and obsidian for arrowheads. Their survey is complete, but now theyre seeing connections. Naturalist and writer Bill Broyles notes about the Martynecs, Without their work, much information would already be lost to erosion and vandalism. Because of their work, sites are better protected, and we all archeologists, site stewards, and public alike have a better understanding of who, when, and how prehistoric and subsequent people lived there. "The Art of Food" Community Day and other events The University of Arizona Museum of Art will host numerous events and related to this exhibit over the next few months. The first one, The Art of Food: Community Day is happening from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the museum, located at 1031 N. Olive Road at East Speedway. Community Day is free and open to the public, and will feature hands-on activities, demonstrations by local artists, special guests from local organizations such as Community Food Bank, Mission Gardens and Urban Forestry Project, and live music. Guests are also encouraged to bring their non-perishable food items for the UA's campus food pantry. A full list of planned events and programming related to the exhibit can be found on the museums website, https://artmuseum.arizona.edu/events. An Arizona doctor who ran a mobile medical practice in Tucson is facing multiple federal charges, accused of falsifying dozens of insurance billings over the last five years. Dr. Linh Cao Nguyen, 48, of Peoria, also is accused of stealing another doctors identity to disguise his own wrongdoing during an alleged fraud spree that ran from early 2017 until July of this year. A federal grand jury in Tucson returned a 51-count indictment against Nguyen on Oct. 20, the U.S. Justice Department announced in an Oct. 22 news release. Nguyens mobile practice, which also operated in Phoenix, dispatched health-care providers with different types of expertise to care for patients in their homes or in living facilities. The indictment says the practice operated under several names but mainly used three in Arizona: MD 24 House Call Physicians Network; MD24 House Call, Inc. and EcoHealth Neuropathy. The document lists nearly 50 episodes of fraudulent billing but does not specify the city in which each alleged incident took place. Customs officials at legal ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border reported about 6,500 encounters in September, which is far less than in August, July and June, when numbers were about twice that amount. At ports of entry in Arizona, customs officials reported about 400 encounters, which is down from about 1,050 in August. The term encounter refers to agents finding migrants crossing the border who are trying to evade detection as well as to asylum seekers who flag down agents. The number of encounters is higher than the actual number of migrants crossing because of Title 42, a public-health order in response to the pandemic used by both the Trump and Biden administrations since March 2020. Under this order, the U.S. government quickly expels many migrants without processing them under immigration laws. As a result, the number of migrants who repeatedly cross the border is much higher now than prior to COVID-19. More than 81% of the encounters during September in the Tucson Sector resulted in expulsions under Title 42. Only about 3,300 migrants were processed under immigration laws. The bulk of the encounters in the Tucson Sector in September, about 16,300, involved citizens of Mexico or Guatemala, which has been the trend. Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry was in stable but critical condition Saturday afternoon at a local hospital after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle downtown. Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bronson and Chief Deputy County Administrator Jan Lesher are in close contact with the Huckleberry family, a news release from the county said. A motorist's vehicle had collided with another vehicle on Broadway and then bounced or richocheted into Huckelberrys bicycle, according to a source with knowledge of the incident. Tucson Police said all involved in the Saturday morning crash stayed at the scene. They released no other information and said updates would come from county officials. No information was released about the extent of Huckelberrys injuries. Police asked drivers to avoid travel along Broadway between South Church Avenue and South Scott Avenue while they investigated. The site is near Huckelberrys office. Late Saturday afternoon, city transportation officials reported that the intersection had reopened and that the Sun Link Streetcar service, interrupted by the crash, was resuming. A lot of people are buying and renting homes and the supply is not keeping up with the demand so consequently all the prices are going up, he said. All of our units are affordable while everyone else is jacking up their prices. La Fronteras biggest complex to date, Gateway Apartments, on Oracle Road and Drachman Street, will have 120 units for seniors when its completed later this year. To qualify, residents must make less than 80% of area median income, which is about $53,000. Most who live in La Fronteras complexes make less than 60%, Ranieri said. The monthly rent is calculated on the persons income and cannot exceed 30% of total income. Tremendous need Ranieri said its difficult to get private developers interested because the profits are so high right now with market-rate apartments. The average rent in the Tucson area is now over $1,000 a month and some luxury units downtown command rents of up to $4,000 a month. Its not just individual rights versus collective responsibility the usual sides in the vaccine debate. The Tucson City Council is showing, as it imposes a vaccine mandate on the 4,000-plus city workers, that there are all kinds of thorny issues attached to such mandates. There are pragmatic problems, like whether the city should be firing potentially dozens of public safety officers during a murder wave. Undoubtedly calling the bluff of those employees is a risky move, though some may end up getting vaccinated after all. And there are philosophical issues, like whether a public servant owes it to the public to be vaccinated during a pandemic. Arguably, they do, despite the personal misgivings of a relative few. The council tangled over these and other issues Tuesday before ultimately deciding, by a 4-3 vote, to move toward firing those city workers, potentially up to 500, who do not get vaccinated against COVID-19. The firings could happen in mid-December, just before Christmas. But the issue that is ultimately likely to decide whether the city can move forward with the terminations is another one: religious accommodation. The more I dig into this, the more I see an issue that employers, especially government employers, simply should not be involved with. The bottom line is that researchers did not think the data was real. Their hypothesis was that maybe the data was wrong and that in someway the death certificates were off, or Hispanics would leave the United States and go to another country to die and their deaths were never recorded, or those with the best health came to the U.S., explained Ruiz. It remained controversial for roughly two decades, and it gained a lot of attention in about 2013. But today, the Hispanic Health Paradox is increasingly accepted as fact, said Ruiz who has studied the paradox for a decade. In 2011-12, Ruiz said he did a meta-analysis compiling data from 58 studies that represented 4.6 million people in the United States, and the longitudinal study showed the hypothesis was correct. The researchers findings and writings were published in medical, public health and psychological journals. The Hispanic Health Paradox in general says Hispanics tend to live longer than other groups. They also tend to survive in the context of disease, including heart disease, cancer, Alzheimers and many other conditions, said Ruiz. I felt compelled to look back even though I was warned not to, she said, referencing the biblical account of Lots wife turning into a pillar of salt. I knew I risked being changed, but I had to face the past for the sake of my father. It was not easy for me to bring these other families the truth. It was painful. But it was their story, and it belonged to them. Its important, she believes, for the younger generations to keep the reality of the Holocaust alive. Aaron Eisen, Annas 30-year-old son and co-author of Pillar of Salt, voiced pride in his mothers efforts. My grandfather, when he would give speeches, would say that the Holocaust was incomprehensible, that we cant comprehend how this happened, said Aaron Eisen, who attended the New Jersey gathering. But I think over time we are beginning to comprehend, and what my mother is talking about, is that theres still so much to learn. With the technology and the archives, theres still so many more lessons. As Ruth Salton approaches her 100th birthday, even she now understands the importance of telling the story, she said. NEW YORK (AP) A Turkish bank must face criminal charges that it evaded sanctions against Iran by processing billions of dollars of Iranian oil revenue, an appeals court ruled Friday. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a decision by U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman. An indictment returned in 2019 said the bank illegally moved about $20 billion in Iranian oil and gas revenues. It also said the state-owned bank sometimes disguised money movements as purchases of food and medicine so theyd qualify for a humanitarian exception to sanctions. A lawyer for Halkbank declined to comment on the ruling. In a decision written by Circuit Judge Jose A. Cabranes, a three-judge panel concluded that assertions that Halkbank was protected from prosecution by immunity given to foreign sovereigns through the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act is overcome by an exception for crimes committed during commercial activity. Although the bank was not charged until two years ago, the allegations involving it surfaced in 2015 when a wealthy Turkish-Iranian gold trader was arrested on sanctions charges as he arrived in the U.S. to take his family to Disney World in Florida. North Korea has increasingly criticized the broader U.S. security role in the Indo-Pacific amid an intensifying competition with China, Pyongyangs major ally and economic lifeline. Last month, the North threatened unspecified countermeasures following the Biden administrations decision to provide nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. It is a well-known fact that the U.S. troops and its military bases in (South Korea) are in use to put pressure on China and that the huge forces of the U.S. and its satellite states, which are being concentrated near Taiwan, can be committed to a military operation targeting the DPRK at any time, Pak said, using an abbreviation of the Norths formal name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. He said the increasing military presence of U.S.-led hostile forces in the region was based on a lame assertion that North Korea and China would cause trouble in Taiwan and the Korean Peninsula. This reality proves that the U.S. is in its bid to stifle our country and China, both socialist countries, in order to hold on to its supremacy, Pak said. OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Oklahoma Health Commissioner Dr. Lance Frye unexpectedly resigned from the post on Friday, effective immediately, the state health department said. Department spokesperson Rachel Klein said Frye felt it was time to move on" from leading the agency. His departure came a day after state Republican leaders, including Gov. Kevin Stitt, expressed outrage upon learning the health department in May issued a birth certificate with a nonbinary gender designation. The birth certificate was issued as part of a settlement with an Oklahoma-born Oregon resident. The settlement was reached under the administration of former state Attorney General Mike Hunter, Frye said. Frye lauded "the dedication, resilience and tenacity of the OSDH team," in a statement released Friday by the department. "They have worked tirelessly over the last two years to ensure Oklahomans had access to not only COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and critical information, but to other life-saving services. Stitt, who appointed Frye, praised his handling of the coronavirus pandemic in the state. Five years ago: A tour bus returning home to Los Angeles from a casino trip plowed into the back of a slow-moving semi-truck on a California highway, killing 13 people. Bill Murray received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Former student radical turned California lawmaker Tom Hayden, 76, died in Santa Monica, California. One year ago: Drugmakers AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson announced the resumption of U.S. testing of their COVID-19 vaccine candidates; each had stopped its testing after a study volunteer developed a serious health issue, requiring a review of safety data. France surpassed 1 million confirmed coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic, becoming the second country in Western Europe (after Spain) to reach the mark. President Donald Trump announced that Sudan would start to normalize ties with Israel, making it the third Arab state to do so as part of U.S.-brokered deals in the run-up to Election Day. Texas country singer and songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker, who wrote the pop song Mr. Bojangles, died of cancer at age 78. Todays Birthdays: Movie director Philip Kaufman is 85. Soccer great Pele (pay-lay) is 81. R&B singer Barbara Ann Hawkins (The Dixie Cups) is 78. Former ABC News investigative reporter Brian Ross is 73. Actor Michael Rupert is 70. Movie director Ang Lee is 67. Jazz singer Dianne Reeves is 65. Country singer Dwight Yoakam is 65. Community activist Martin Luther King III is 64. Movie director Sam Raimi is 62. Parodist Weird Al Yankovic is 62. Rock musician Robert Trujillo (Metallica) is 57. Christian/jazz singer David Thomas (Take 6) is 55. Rock musician Brian Nevin (Big Head Todd and the Monsters) is 55. Actor Jon Huertas is 52. Movie director Chris Weitz is 52. CNN medical reporter Dr. Sanjay Gupta is 52. Bluegrass musician Eric Gibson (The Gibson Brothers) is 51. Country singer Jimmy Wayne is 49. Actor Vivian Bang is 48. Rock musician Eric Bass (Shinedown) is 47. TV personality and host Cat Deeley is 45. Actor Ryan Reynolds is 45. Actor Saycon Sengbloh is 44. Rock singer Matthew Shultz (Cage the Elephant) is 38. TV personality Meghan McCain is 37. R&B singer Miguel is 36. Actor Masiela Lusha (MAH-see-el-la loo-SHA) is 36. Actor Emilia Clarke is 35. Actor Briana Evigan is 35. Actor Inbar Lavi is 35. Actor Jessica Stroup is 35. Neo-soul musician Allen Branstetter (St. Paul & the Broken Bones) is 31. Actor Taylor Spreitler is 28. Actor Margaret Qualley is 27. Actor Amandla Stenberg is 23. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. McGill was indicted in March 2003 on charges of murder, attempted murder, arson and endangerment. He was convicted on all charges in October 2004 and sentenced to death a month later, based in part on the fact that he was a previous felon and had committed the murder in an especially heinous, cruel or depraved manner. In his most recent appeals, McGill argued that his attorney failed him by, among other things, not obtaining and retaining necessary expert witness and evidence, not spending sufficient time on the case, not digging into records that would show a troubled childhood and addictions, and more. McGill said his attorney should have made a stronger case for mitigating circumstances that would have weighed against the imposition of the death penalty. Those included claims that he was sexually abused in a foster home, that he suffered brain injuries and that he began drinking alcohol at age 9, progressed to marijuana by age 13 and was a chronic, daily methamphetamine user by the time of the murder. But a U.S. District Court judge rejected the ineffective assistance of counsel claim, noting that McGills attorney spent four days at his sentencing hearing presenting evidence of mitigating factors. OPINION: "The importance of an opinion journalist at a newspaper, and the reason the press is mentioned in the First Amendment, is to call out powerful people when they abuse their power," writes the Star's new Opinion editor, Curt Prendergast. Black Friday is a week away. Here's a look back at businesses that have closed their doors over the years in Tulsa. The July 2020 decision ruled that a large chunk of eastern Oklahoma remains an American Indian reservation. The cities of Tulsa and Owasso have joined with the state of Oklahoma in its attempt to overturn the U.S. Supreme Courts McGirt ruling, claiming it has reduced American Indian crime victims to second-class status. Both cities on Friday filed a joint friend-of-the-court brief in a case the state wants the U.S. Supreme Court to review with the goal of either overturning or modifying rulings related to the case. McGirt has had and continues to have harmful consequences, attorneys for the two cities wrote in a brief filed in the case involving Victor Manuel Castro-Huerta. The cities claim no other decision by the Supreme Court has had a more immediate and destabilizing effect on life in an American State than McGirt v. Oklahoma. The tragic consequence is that some crimes are going unprosecuted, with a significant share committed by non-Indians against Indians, the cities state in their brief. Like other businesses in the tourism industry, CohostAI a homegrown Vietnamese version of Airbnb which uses AI technology to match travelers with accommodation providers struggled to keep its head above water during the pandemic. When the pandemic first hit Vietnam and halted both international and domestic travel, CohostAI was faced with the same question thousands of other tourism-related businesses found themselves faced with: change or die? Being flexible to survive CohostAI is a pioneer in applying AI technology to the operation and marketing of rental accommodations in Vietnam. The startups CEO and founder, Pham Kim Cuong, who goes by Kim Pham, spent ten years working as an engineer at major tech firms, including Google and Airbnb, before launching CohostAI. Aside from operating a web-based marketplace for accommodation, CohostAI has rented several of its own properties, both of which have taken a hit during the pandemic. According to Kim Pham, startups like his have had difficulty accessing government stimulus packages meant to ease the financial burdens of COVID-19. Those operating within the tourism industry, in particular, have had to reinvent themselves in order to adapt to the new normal. Pham Kim says this reinvention has typically manifested itself in four different ways. First, travel-related businesses have had to change their sources of clients from foreigners to domestic travelers. Second, businesses that focus on connecting travelers with accommodation have had to move to a profit-sharing model with property owners. Third, rather than borrowing money from families and financial institutions as before, tourism-related businesses have had to seek out investments. Finally, these businesses have had to pivot towards new opportunities as theyve arisen. Real estate startup Apus Home, for example, has moved away from helping hosts find short-term tenants and instead now helps hosts and co-hosts find candidates for long-term leases. While some entrepreneurs choose to sell fruits and vegetables while tourism in the country is effectively halted, others, like F&B Director, offer classes on how to clean and prepare rooms properly, mix cocktails, and other services that were rarely formally taught prior to the pandemic. CohostAI has taken similar steps. Apart from relying on its accommodation marketplace, the startup also helps other companies raise funds from investors and make their own direct investments in tourism startups. It has also invested in a homestay. New products Rather than looking at the pandemic as a threat, CohostAI has used it as an opportunity to develop new products. Alex Ho, director of training at CohostAI, said he and his coworkers have spent the past several months developing new services that will be ready for launch once the government agrees to relaunch domestic tourism. I understand the hardship of those in our industry who are having difficulties because of COVID-19. It is understandable to change careers in order to earn a living. In my opinion, however, rather than giving it, its important to think twice about how to overcome the situation, said Alex Ho. Ho plans to start a new company named Alexiana that will offer sports, academic, and property tours. The property tours will be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Mui Ne in Phan Thiet City. The time of companies focusing on just one product or service is over, said Alex Ho. The COVID-19 pandemic is an eye-opening experience that has helped us understand that, apart from our core services, we also have to develop some satellite products if we want to be able to deal with unexpected events, added he. CohostAI has operated as a software company and our key products are software solutions, of course. Our satellite products, like renting apartments, tourism, real estate brokerage, and investments, however, have helped us build a board ecosystem. Alex Ho delivers a presentation at an event with CohostAI hosts in Ha Noi in November 2019 in this supplied photo. Tourism may never return to the pre-COVID status According to Kim Pham, it is unlikely that Vietnams tourism sector will bounce back to what it was experiencing pre-pandemic. As a result, technology will be crucial in allowing platforms like CohostAI to provide customers with convenient tools to set up their own itineraries. At the moment, CohostAI is partnering with Alexiana to develop a platform that will allow customers to design their own vacations by answering just 30 questions relating to their specific demands. After completing 30 questions, a customer will be provided with a tour that meets their demands. The tourism industry will become more personalized in the future and technology will facilitate the trend, making tours cheaper and better, Kim Pham said. Brian Chesky, CEO and co-founder of Airbnb, told the BBC on September 22 that, the pandemic has changed how we travel forever. According to Chesky, the demand for renting houses has increased since last summer but customer habits have changed accordingly. Now, tenants choose to rent a house or an apartment for longer periods than before. For example, in the U.S., Airbnb found that the number of tenants who rented for extended stays increased by 70 percent in the second quarter of 2021 in comparison with the same period of 2019. In addition, tourists now pay more attention to new and interesting destinations rather than traditional holiday locales. CohostAI was founded in southern Californias Silicon Valley in 2016 by Kim Pham, a former engineer at Google, Airbnb, and Adobe. The company was moved to Vietnam in 2019. CohostAI specializes in developing software solutions in the home-sharing sector, providing hosts and co-hosts with a technical tool to run and manage their properties. They have developed a chatbot with virtual assistant Ana and the app of CohostAI Property Management to empower the hosts. As of 2018, CohostAI had launched in six countries with 2,000 apartments and houses for rent, 1,000 property owners, and 20,000 bookings across the world. In 2020, after being moved to Vietnam completely, CohostAI launched in nine provinces with five partners and more than 9,000 bookings. Cohost Vietnam is currently headquartered in Hanoi with a satellite office in Ho Chi Minh City. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! What you need to know today in Vietnam: Business -- Apple fans queued up outside cellphone stores in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday morning as they could not wait for the official launch of the iPhone 13 in Vietnam. Society -- Authorities in southern province of Binh Duong on Friday evening issued a decision to allow the resumption of sit-down service at restaurants, eateries and traditional markets from Friday. -- Police in the northern province of Bac Giang are investigating a case where a 47-year-old man murdered his parents and younger sister after being released from prison a week ago. -- Passengers with body temperature of above 37.5 degrees Celsius will be barred from boarding flights, according to Hanois Noi Bai International Airport. -- The An Giang Peoples Committee has issued a set of safety assessment criteria for eateries, food businesses, supermarkets, dine-in service, factories, construction works and shopping malls to reopen from Friday. -- The Can Tho Department of Transport on Friday announced the resumption of interprovincial passenger bus routes between the Mekong Delta city and seven other localities after months of suspension due to COVID-19. World News -- Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin was handed what was described as a safe "cold gun" on the set of his movie, but the prop gun contained live rounds when it was fired, killing a cinematographer, according to Reuters on Friday. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A serious traffic accident between a tractor-trailer and an electric bicycle claimed the lives of two girls in the south-central Vietnamese province of Binh Dinh on Friday morning. The tractor-trailer, steered by 36-year-old Tran Nam Binh on National Highway 19 in the direction from Quy Nhon Port to Tuy Phuoc District, hit the electric bicycle at the Dong Da Street - Ha Thanh 1 Bridge roundabout at around 10:00 am on Friday. The collision killed 14-year-old H.G.C., one of the two travelers on the electric bike, on the spot, while her peer was declared dead after hospitalization. The electric bicycle was stuck under the tractor-trailer and completely deformed. Onlookers gather at the scene of a serious traffic accident between a tractor-trailer and an electric bicycle in Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam, October 22, 2021. Photo: Lam Thien / Tuoi Tre Driver Binh fled the scene following the accident, according to witnesses. As the accident drew large gatherings and temporarily obstructed traffic, functional forces were mobilized to the site to regulate circulation and handle the scene. They handed over the bodies of the victims to Binh Dinh General Hospital for necessary tests and started investigating the cause of the deadly accident. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Ho Chi Minh City Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control issued a COVID-19 vaccination plan benefitting children from 12 to 17 years old on Friday afternoon. The committee estimates that about 780,000 children aged 12-17 in the city need to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with those from 16 to 17 years old being the first vaccine recipients. The injectable vaccine is approved by the Ministry of Health for use in children during the age range, with a prescription of two doses per child. Children will receive jabs at either their schools or medical facilities designated by their schools management boards. Children who do not go to school will be vaccinated at fixed or mobile vaccination sites selected by local authorities in Thu Duc City and districts. Kids with underlying diseases will get injection at a pediatric hospital or a general hospital with a pediatric specialty. Health workers will also inoculate children undergoing inpatient treatment at specialized pediatric hospitals or general hospitals with pediatric specialties, including those hailing from other provinces, in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health. Following the 16-17 age group, the remaining age groups will be administered doses in order from older to younger, depending on the vaccine supply and local epidemic situation. Health workers expect to give out the first vaccine doses within seven days after the health ministry provides detailed instructions. The municipal Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control requested the citys Department of Education and Training and Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs to review the number of children from 12 to 17 years old to facilitate the vaccination drive. Vietnam documented 3,985 additional COVID-19 patients on Friday, together with 5,202 recoveries and 56 fatalities. New cases fell to a daily average of 3,500 this month compared to over 10,000 in September. The country has so far fully vaccinated over 20 million of its 98 million population. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Authorities in Guangxi Province, China, have donated 800,000 doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine and many medical supplies to four northern Vietnamese provinces, which share the land border with it. The Peoples Committee of Quang Ninh Province in northern Vietnam held a ceremony to receive the donation presented by authorities in the Zhuang autonomous region of Guangxi on Saturday morning. The 800,000 doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine, a set of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), or outside-the-body life support system, and many other medical equipment and supplies in the grant have a total value of about US$9.7 million. This is the largest foreign aid shipment that authorities of Guangxi Province have ever given out in its history. Following the handover, the donated gifts will be allocated to Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, and Ha Giang Provinces, which share the land border and have a close cooperative relationship with Guangxi. Of that, Quang Ninh will receive 200,000 shots of the Sinopharm vaccine, ventilators and oxygen kits, 16 digital devices to monitor critically ill patients, and many other medical equipment and supplies. Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Ha Giang Provinces have recorded only 16, 217, and 295 community cases in the fourth COVID-19 wave that struck Vietnam on April 27, respectively, while Cao Bang has remained the only location with zero transmissions reported. So far, Cao Bang and Ha Giang have administered the first vaccine doses to over 45 and 60 percent of their adult population while Quang Ninh and Lang Son have fully inoculated over 78 and 51 percent of their adult population against COVID-19, respectively, according to the national COVID-19 vaccination portal. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Passengers at Noi Bai International Airport in Vietnams Hanoi capital will not be allowed to board planes if they have a body temperature of over 37.5 degrees Celsius after three measurements, according to a new COVID-19 prevention rule. The new rule came after the Ministry of Transport issued a temporary regulation, effective from October 21 to 30, that passengers with COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, are not qualified for boarding, the airport authority said on Friday. Accordingly, passengers will undergo three body temperature checks by automatic devices from their arrival at the airport until their boarding time. The first check will be performed at the gates of Terminal T1 and passengers who have a fever of over 37.5 degrees Celsius will have their body temperature measured for the second time five minutes later. If the fever persists after the second measurement, they will undergo the third one after the same interval of time. This image shows an automatic body temperature measuring device at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: Noi Bai International Airport Should the last measurement show the same result, they will be not allowed to proceed with check-in procedures and will be reported to the airports on-duty medical team for subsequent epidemic prevention steps. Passengers passing the first check will later undergo the second one at pre-flight security screening points, where automatic infrared thermometers will check their body temperatures and hand sanitizers are available for mandatory use. The last check will be carried out similarly at the gates leading to the aircraft area. Currently, the airport has installed infrared thermometers combined with hand sanitizers at seven gates to the aircraft areas and is continuing to equip the remaining ones with the same devices. Passengers are required to make health declarations via the PC-COVID app on their smartphones as part of the requirements for their flights. While performing check-in procedures, passengers must fill in a designated form of commitment on COVID-19 prevention and control and submit it to the carrier representatives. Along with identification papers, they should bring along COVID-19 vaccination certificates with the second shot given at least 14 days but no longer than 12 months before departure, proofs of COVID-19 recovery for no longer six months before flight dates, and certificates of negative tests for coronavirus within 72 hours before flight time. Since the pandemic hit Vietnam in early 2020, Hanoi has documented 4,339 infection cases, including 38 fatalities. Nationwide, 881,522 COVID-19 cases, including 803,326 recoveries and 21,543 deaths, have been recorded in 62 out of its 63 cities and provinces, except Cao Bang. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Thua Thien-Hue Province, in central Vietnam, is preparing to welcome foreign tourists with COVID-19 vaccination certificates, often called vaccine passports, in December, in a tourism recovery plan amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan was introduced at a meeting held by the provinces administration on Thursday day focusing on restoring and stimulating tourism operations while continuing the COVID-19 fighting, the Thua Thien-Hue Information Portal reported. From now until the end of November, the province will first focus on attracting domestic tourists back to its beauty spots, subject to strict epidemic prevention measures, as a preparation for welcoming foreign travelers with full COVID-19 vaccination in December. The province aims to lure fully vaccinated travelers from countries with effective COVID-19 control in Europe, Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, North America, and Oceania. The reopening of tourism to foreigners after nearly two years of suspension will be marked by the visit of a South Korean delegation that will arrive in Hue for an investment promotion conference held at the Laguna Lang Co Resort in Phu Loc District in December, the provincial Department of Tourism said. The welcoming of the delegation will not only be meaningful in promoting investment, but also a chance for the local tourism sector to prove its capability in serving international guests in new normal conditions, which the government uses to refer to its strategy of living safely with coronavirus, said the department. The resort now meets all the safety requirements for visitors as all its staff have been given full COVID-19 vaccination and all tourist facilities have applied effective measures for epidemic prevention, the agency commented. Currently, the province is working on a plan to transport the South Korean delegation from the Phu Bai International Airport to the resort and vice versa. Based on the experience obtained from the welcoming of the South Korean guests, the department will deploy other plans to serve foreign visitors at other attractions in the province. Due to the COVID-19 impacts, the total tourist arrivals to Hue, the capital city of the province, during the first nine months of 2021 reached only 633,315, down 56 percent form a year earlier. Of these arrivals, 18,796 were by foreigners, a decrease of nearly 96 percent year-on-year, the department reported. Revenue from tourism in the period was estimated at VND1,097 billion (US$48.27 million), down nearly 69 percent over the same period last year, the agency said. Since the pandemic erupted in Vietnam in early 2020, the province has documented 940 COVID-19 cases, including 11 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health's data. Nationwide, 881,522 COVID-19 cases, including 803,326 recoveries and 21,543 deaths, have been recorded 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! CDC, along with many other professional healthcare experts, are committed to increasing awareness of AFM. Listen to members of our community of experts as they express their dedication to learn more about AFM. William George Davis listens to closing arguments Tuesday in the 114th District Court at the Smith County Courthouse. He was found guilty of capital murder on Tuesday and the punishment phase began Wednesday morning. Chiribiquete National Park in Colombia (Creative Commons) An area larger than Wales has been lost from the Amazon rainforest in Colombia to growing levels of cattle farming, it has been reported. Britain has sent almost 250 million at a time of the government making cuts to the international aid budget to fund projects aimed at preventing deforestation in Colombia by providing local people with a financial alternative to cattle farming. The money was given to the Colombian governments Vision Amazonia programme, that was launched in 2016, which is currently supported by Britain, Germany and Norway. The scheme aimed to stop deforestation by incentivising communities in the rainforest to use the Amazons resources more sustainably. But some members of the indigenous Tucano community in Chiribiquete the worlds largest tropical national park, in Colombia have said huge areas of the rainforest are still being chopped down and burned to make way for cattle ranches, according to a Channel 4 News investigation. Fernando, a farmer, told the channel that the subsidy from the British government was not enough to stop farmers from keeping cattle. Another farmer told Channel 4 that authorities turn a blind eye to illegal deforestation by big cattle farming companies. Colombias Supreme Court of Justice in 2018 ordered that the rainforest be protected, but deforestation still continues. The USs Environmental Investigation Agency shows that the cattle population in the area has grown three-fold since 2016. An increase in deforestation activity coincides with a peace deal struck between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), according to sustainability website Chain Reaction Research. When approached by Channel 4 News, Colombias Minister for Environment Carlos Eduardo Correa said: We are making very significant efforts with our resources ... There are areas where we have to make greater efforts. We are making them. Earlier this week, ahead of the Cop26 climate summit, Colombias President Ivan Duque and his Brazilian counterpart Jair Bolsonaro pledged to work together to protect the Amazon from deforestation. Story continues Channel 4 said its investigation aired on Thursday night raises questions about whether international efforts are working to save the Amazon. World leaders are preparing to gather in Glasgow for the Cop26 conference on 31 October, where it is expected that the destruction of the rainforest will be discussed. Although it has been known as the lungs of the Earth and a major carbon sink, scientists confirmed in July for the first time that the Amazon is emitting more CO2 than it absorbs mainly due to deforestation fires. Read More Cop26: Climate activists walk 500 miles from London to Glasgow Climate changes could halt whisky production in Scotland by 2080 Watchdog dismisses calls to remove charitable status from climate denial group Amazon rainforest close to irreversible tipping point under Bolsonaro Amazon rainforest no longer carbon sink as it now emits more than it takes in Banks helping fund destruction of Amazon rainforest, environmental group claims Sebastiao Salgado: The unparalleled beauty of the Amazon rainforest and its indigenous peoples Two new species of critically endangered owl discovered in Amazon rainforest The Government should investigate any possible cover-up relating to the murder of a Kenyan woman whose body was found in a septic tank close to a British army base, a Labour MP has said. The body of 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru was found at the Lions Court Hotel in the town of Nanyuki two months after she disappeared in March 2012. The town is close to the Batuk (British Army Training Unit Kenya) camp. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace (Stefan Rousseau/PA) An initial inquiry was unsuccessful, but a fresh investigation has been launched after an inquest delayed until 2019 found Ms Wanjiru was unlawfully killed, the Sunday Times reported last month. This weekend, the newspaper reports that a soldier accused of the murder has been named by his comrades. According to the Sunday Times, the soldier allegedly confessed to the killing, and another soldier reported it to senior officers at the time but no action was taken. A post-mortem examination found Ms Wanjiru died as a result of stab wounds to her chest and abdomen. There was also evidence she had been beaten, although due to the condition of her body it was unclear whether she had been sexually assaulted. Witnesses told the Sunday Times that Ms Wanjiru, a sex worker, was last seen leaving the hotels bar with a British soldier. Labours shadow defence secretary John Healey said: The details of this young Kenyan womans death are dreadful, yet theres still no action from defence ministers on reports of grave failings by the British military exposed in this case. Shadow defence secretary John Healey (Gareth Fuller/PA) Theres been no MoD-led investigation of the soldiers involved and no inquiry into why the MoD failed to respond when Kenyan detectives asked for help. Nine years on, justice must now be done for Agnes and her family. The Defence Secretary must take this more seriously. He should pledge the fullest co-operation to Kenyan detectives and launch an inquiry into any possible cover-up from commanding officers, military police or the MoD. When our forces serve overseas they stand up for British values and these allegations, if proven, would profoundly betray those values. Story continues This is another case that raises serious questions about the way crimes are reported, investigated and prosecuted in the military. The failure of military justice undermines our relationships with allies and the bonds between those who serve with dedication in our armed forces. Tweeting about the Sunday Times story, Labour MP Jess Phillips said: This is brilliant reporting and a tragic tale which I will be pressing the Defence Secretary for answers about. Her name was Agnes Wanjiru and we owe her a debt. Ms Phillips added: I have actually stayed in this Hotel I believe while in Kenya meeting sexually exploited women and men. Labour MP Jess Phillips (Yui Mok/PA) An investigation into Ms Wanjirus death stalled when a request by Kenyan police in June 2012 to the British Royal Military Police (RMP) that nine soldiers be questioned apparently went missing. Detectives are said to have asked the RMP to put 13 questions to the soldiers, including whether any of them had sex with Ms Wanjiru on the night she disappeared. A photo of the victim was included in the request, as well as a request for DNA samples to be taken from the nine men. The Sunday Times is reporting that the man who allegedly admitted to the killing was not among the nine men. An MoD spokesperson said: In 2012, Special Investigation Branch carried out initial enquiries in Kenya, including providing information about British personnel to the Kenyan Police. No further requests were received at that time. Following the conclusion of a Kenyan inquest in 2019, we are aware that the Kenyan authorities are looking into this incident. The jurisdiction for this investigation rests with the Kenyan Police, and we are currently in discussions with the Kenyan authorities to determine what support is needed. Due to this being subject to an ongoing investigation it would be inappropriate to comment further. FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2019 file photo, former Venezuelan military spy chief, retired Maj. Gen. Hugo Carvajal, walks out of prison in Estremera on the outskirts of Madrid, Spain. A Spanish court on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, ordered the extradition of a former Venezuelan spy chief to the United States where he is wanted on charges of drug trafficking and belonging to a terror organization. Retired Maj. Gen. Hugo Carvajal, who for more than a decade advised the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez before breaking with his successor, had been resisting extradition since he was arrested in Spain in April 2019. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File) MADRID (AP) A Spanish court has delayed the extradition of a former Venezuelan spy chief to the United States where he is wanted on charges of drug trafficking. The same National Court tribunal that had consented to handing retired Maj. Gen. Hugo Carvajal over to American authorities earlier this week said on Friday that it was suspending his extradition to correct an error in its handling of the resolution. Spanish news agency EFE reported that the court had earlier pledged to consider his concerns about facing a life sentence in the U.S. before his extradition was formalized. Another court in Spain has also requested to question Carvajal as part of its probe into the alleged illegal financing of the left-wing United We Can party, the junior member of Spains coalition government. So far, the National Court tasked with considering his extradition has refused to let the other court question Carvajal. United We Can has consistently denied any links with illegal sources of financing. Carvajal, who for more than a decade advised the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez before breaking with his successor Nicolas Maduro, has been fighting extradition to the U.S. since he was arrested in Spain in April 2019. Prosecutors in New York allege that Carvajal used his high office to coordinate the smuggling of approximately 5,600 kilograms of cocaine from Venezuela to Mexico in 2006. Carvajal also allegedly provided weapons to armed FARC guerrillas in Colombia, according to the U.S. Treasury Department, and helped fund the groups activities by facilitating shipments of large amounts of U.S.-bound cocaine through Venezuela. A close collaborator of Chavez, Carvajal left Venezuela after he broke with Maduro, throwing his support behind the opposition to Maduros Socialist regime. It appears he had wanted to trade sensitive information about Maduro's regime in order to avoid extradition to the U.S. For the past two weeks, the Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) has been at the Venetian in Las Vegas hosting a pair of Main Events and after another five-day stretch, the $1,600 Main Event has come to its conclusion. The tournament was headlined by another $1 million guarantee and after three starting flights, the 1,341 total entries almost doubled that by generating a whopping $1,910,975 prize pool. On Friday, the final eight players took to the felt for Day 3 action, and it was a speedy affair to crown a new champion as Gediminas Uselis defeated David McGowan in heads-up action to take down the MSPT Venetian title along with the $325,428 top prize. "I feel amazing," Uselis stated after his victory. He continued by saying, "Coming back for Day 2, the whole field was tough, as was the final table, and being able to come out on top over these guys just makes the win that more amazing." The Lithuania native has been on quite the hot streak the past few years, first by winning his first Circuit ring back in 2019 in what was the inaugural $2,200 High Roller at Choctaw Durant for what was at the time a career-best $60,170. Uselis then topped that mark last year after he navigated his way through a 4,461 entry field in Event #76: $400 FORTY STACK No Limit Hold'em on the GG portion of the WSOP Online events to win his first WSOP bracelet along with a cool $227,186 and now gets to add MSPT Main Event Champion to his list of poker accomplishments while notching another career $325,428. MSPT Venetian $1,600 Main Event Final Table Results Place Player Hometown Prize MSPT POY Points 1 Gediminas Uselis Lithuania $325,428 1,900 2 David McGowan Chicago, IL, $210,202 1,700 3 Daan Mulders Netherlands $152,874 1,600 4 Benjamin Underwood Canada $116,758 1,500 5 Barry Hutter Sarasota, FL $97,903 1,400 6 Gennaro Proscia Italy $66,882 1,300 7 Raul Martinez Spain $51,595 1,200 8 Fabian Bernhauser Austria $40,129 1,100 9 Victor Canaple France $32,486 1,000 MSPT Venetian $1,600 Main Event Final Table Final Day Action Raul Martinez entered the final day with a little over seven big blinds but was able to get a pay jump after Fabian Bernhauser departed eighth place after losing a race against Daan Mulders while Martinez exited shortly after in seventh place. Gennaro Proscia started the day with roughly 25 bigs and doubled that early, but took his exit before the end of the second level after he was coolered by Mulders in a jacks-versus-queens hand. Next on the chopping block was WSOP bracelet winner Barry Hutter, who called off his short stack from the big blind holding an ace-six offsuit after McGowan jammed from the small blind holding a suited nine-seven. After seeing a six appear in the window, Hutter thought he was about to get a big blind special but it was just an illusion, as a seven was lying underneath to give McGowan top pair. The board completed with running fives and just like that Hutter, who came into the final day second in chips, took his exit in fifth place for just under a six-figure payday. Four-handed play looked like it might take a while after Benjmain Underwood doubled through Mulders when he turned a three-outer with ace-nine against ace-king, but ended up losing a race a few hands later holding the hand he just beat against McGowan's pocket jacks. The start of the day chip leader Mulders was the next person that watched McGowan take his chips after he called off his short stack from the big blind holding a suited jack-ten only to have McGowan roll over a dominating queen-jack suited. McGowan flopped his queen while Mulders turned a Broadway draw but he bricked the river and took home $152,874 for his third-place finish. After Mulders departed, the two chips stacks were dead even between McGowan and Uselis. So much so that the chips went back and forth for a full two levels before any real fluctuation started. It was from this point where Uselis really started to catch steam, winning in what seemed like almost every hand in the final level to send McGowan home in second place for $210,202. Gediminas Uselis & Rail Each year the English Department presents the Inman Quill Awards, with prizes of $100 for the best essay in English 1101 and the best essay in English 1102 written in the previous calendar year. The awards are announced during April at the Awards Ceremony. The Inman Quill Awards were founded by Dick Inman to honor his wife Peggy Inman, who was a departmental assistant on the Dahlonega Campus. She fostered many English students, faculty members, as well as staff members across the campus. Dick believed strongly that education is a joint endeavor among students, staff, and faculty. He made the original donation to fund the prizes because he also valued excellent writing and believed it inherently important for a strong economy and country. Anyone interested in donating to the fund may do so through the University of North Georgia Foundation. Thanks for visiting ! The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Thank you for your support! For Uzbekistan, relations with the EU now and in the future remain the most critical element of its foreign policy strategy, writes Eldor Aripov, on the eve of its presidential elections. as Euractiv reports, Uzbekistan is on the eve of an important political event presidential elections. The election campaign is in full swing, and it is taking place in a new political atmosphere. Five parties that have nominated their candidates are actively promoting their program ideas and platforms. The elections will be held in the conditions of new national electoral legislation, updated in accordance with generally recognised international standards. For example, a procedure has been introduced to include citizens of Uzbekistan living abroad on the voter list. They can vote regardless of whether they are registered in the consular register of diplomatic missions or not. There is high interest from the international community. In particular, election observers from 50 countries and a dozen international organisations are expected to attend. It is worth emphasising that the upcoming election will be an assessment of the reforms initiated by the head of state Shavkat Mirziyoyev and determine the further vector of Uzbekistans development. Mirziyoyev has been nominated and unanimously approved as a candidate by members of the Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan. At the 10th Congress of the party, Mirziyoyev presented key points of his election program Strategy of New Uzbekistan. The main message in his speech was that nowadays, the democratic reforms in the country have acquired an irreversible, stable character, and the state intends to continue their implementation. Indeed, over the past five years, under the leadership of Mirziyoyev, the living conditions of the Uzbek people have improved. The atmosphere of openness has become an integral part of the life of society. The irreversibility of the political and economic modernisation of the country is being ensured by the rule of law, the continuation of the development of civil society and market economy. Championing human rights and people interests determines the essence of all reforms and transformations carried out in the country. In particular, in recent years, the government has gradually eliminated forced and child labour and has created a comprehensive social protection system. In the economic sphere, the direction has been taken towards liberalisation, development of entrepreneurship and improvement of the investment climate. Privatisation of state assets, transformation of state-owned enterprises, unification of exchange rates have become the main conditions for increased economic growth. During 2017-2020, countrys economy grew by 24%, industry by 34%, and GDP per capita reached $ 1,700, up from $ 1,068 in 2011-2016. The level of investment activity has significantly grown: the total volume of investments in a short period of time increased by 2.1 times, including foreign investments almost 3 times. Thanks to the liberalisation of the economy and the simplification of customs procedures, the volume of exports in 2020 reached $15.1 billion, which is 25% more than in 2016. Important steps have been taken to ensure the transparency of government bodies, their accountability to the population. The political activity of the population, parties, non-governmental organisations is growing; the media are gaining activity and independence. The nature and content of the countrys foreign policy have changed. Today, expert communities are talking about the emergence of the phenomenon of a new foreign policy in Uzbekistan. Tashkent determined Central Asia as the priority of Uzbekistans foreign policy. The goal is to transform the region into a zone of stability and sustainable development, to establish an atmosphere of trust and good neighbourliness, which is fully consistent with the approaches of the EU. A symbol of this pragmatic approach is the regular Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia, initiated by President Mirziyoyev. At the recent meeting, it was decided to prepare a five-sided document on friendship, good-neighbourliness and cooperation in Central Asia in the 21st century and agree on a draft Roadmap for the development of regional cooperation 2022-2024. As cooperation between the Central Asian countries increases, important joint decisions are made at all levels on regional and international issues of mutual interest to the countries of the region: in the field of security, economy, investment, tourism, culture, health care and the environment. The situation in neighbouring Afghanistan has taken a special place in the new foreign policy of Uzbekistan. In response to the increased demand for food aid in Afghanistan, the UN World Food Program has established a main logistics centre in Termez (Surkhandarya region). Today, UN agencies are delivering necessary humanitarian supplies to the provinces of Afghanistan. The government of Uzbekistan also sent 1,300 tons of humanitarian aid with food, medicine and clothing to the Afghan province of Balkh. Undoubtedly, the EU is one of the key partners of Uzbekistan in the international arena. Tashkent attaches great importance to the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with the EU and its member states in both bilateral and multilateral formats. It is worth emphasising that in recent years, the EUs dialogue has been strengthened not only with Uzbekistan but also with all countries of the region. EU diplomatic presence and involvement has expanded, and approaches towards Central Asia have been updated. The most important thing in these relations is that, while supporting an open and constructive foreign policy of Tashkent in Central Asia, Brussels has radically revised its policy towards this region. This is reflected in the updated 2019 EU Strategy for Central Asia. It strengthened the emphasis on the development of interregional connection, the support of the EU for political stability and sustainable development of the Central Asian countries. The institutions of interregional interaction in the Central Asia-European Union format have proven themselves well. In this context, regular meetings within the framework of the High-level Dialogue on Political and Security Issues of the European Union and Central Asian countries allow exchanging views on serious issues of stable and sustainable development of the region. It is worth noting that in order to intensify trade cooperation in 2020, The European Commission has decided to grant Uzbekistan the status of beneficiary country to the European Union Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Plus ahead of schedule, which allows duty-free delivery of more than 6 thousand domestic products to the European market. Moreover, today in Tashkent and Brussels, serious attention is paid to the prospects for promoting trade and economic interaction within the framework of the new comprehensive Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), which has been under development since 2019. This agreement will undoubtedly become one of the important tools for building up mutually beneficial cooperation with the EU, including by attracting European investments, as well as the EUs experience in key areas of the countrys development. Furthermore, today one of the important priorities in the partnership between the EU and Uzbekistan and Central Asia are issues related to climate change and sustainable development. In this area, the parties have launched a number of key projects, such as European Union Central Asia: Cooperation in the Field of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Water and Energy Program for Central Asia, Green Central Asia, etc. The EU, thanks to its rich experience in the area of sustainable development, can offer a truly regional and cross-border approach to solving existing problems. For Uzbekistan, relations with the EU now and in the future remain the most important direction of the foreign policy strategy. Obviously, both sides have clear guidelines and priorities for interaction and understand each others demand. And today, there is reason to believe that the comprehensive dialogue of Uzbekistan with the EU is moving into a new qualitative stage, closer and more targeted cooperation in the most important areas. United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday, 21 October spoke with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and discussed an array of global issues including Afghanistan, Republic World reports. In the readout by the US State Department following Blinken and Guterres call, spokesperson Ned Price stated that both officials shared their concern over the escalating conflict in northern Ethiopia and the impact of violence on humanitarian operations. Blinken also lauded the UN chiefs efforts to tackle the humanitarian crisis in the East African nation. US State Department spokesperson Price said, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today to discuss topics of global importance, including Afghanistan. They also discussed their shared concern over the worsening conflict in northern Ethiopia, including the escalating violence and its impact on humanitarian operations. Secretary Blinken expressed U.S. appreciation for the Secretary-Generals efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and commended the efforts of the UN Country Team in Ethiopia, which continues to work under challenging conditions. The Secretary and Secretary-General Guterres discussed opportunities to strengthen international collaboration to stop the current hostilities, promote negotiations toward a sustainable ceasefire, and deliver life-saving assistance, he added. The Azerbaijani Army launched a counter-offensive operation, later called the "Iron Fist", on September 27, 2020, in response to the large-scale provocation of the Armenian armed forces along the frontline, Trend reports. The erupted 44-day second Karabakh war ended with the liberation of Azerbaijans territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation and the restoration of territorial integrity. Chronicle of the 27-th day of the second Karabakh war: - President Ilham Aliyev shared a publication on Twitter about the liberation of Zilanli, Kurd Mahrizli, Muganli and Alagurshag villages of Gubadli district. - President Ilham Aliyev had a phone conversation with the father of the National Hero Shukur Hamidov, who became a martyr. - The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense disseminated information about the latest situation at the front. Important territories and heights were liberated. The Armenian armed forces, leaving the positions, deserted. - Territories of Tartar, Aghdam and Aghjabadi districts were subjected to intensive shelling, and four UAVs of Armenian armed forces were neutralized. - Video of the destruction of Armenian personnel and armored vehicles was published. - Video from the Minbashili village of Jabrayil district, liberated from the Armenian occupation, was published. - Video of the destruction of Armenian volunteer detachments in the Khojavend and Fuzuli directions published. - Video of the destruction of artillery units and the command post of the Armenian armed forces as a result of air strikes was published. According to the first deputy head of the Ministry of Agriculture of Dagestan, Sharip Sharipov, the republic has already managed to beat last year's record for grape harvest. By October 23, 219 000 tons were harvested. "This is already almost 10 000 tons more than last year's record: in 2020, a total of 209 000 tons were harvested, RIA Dagestan quotes him as saying. According to the forecasts of the authorities, this year the grape harvest in Dagestan will exceed 225 000 tons. 1.5 thousand hectares of fruit-bearing vineyards have not yet been harvested. Sharipov stressed that the work on the restoration of viticulture in the Republic of Dagestan is yielding results. European Union leaders made a fresh effort on Friday to overcome their differences on how to handle immigrants, but disagreed on the best way forward, with the head of the bloc's executive saying there would be no EU funds for 'barbed wire and walls', Reuters reports. While total immigration numbers are low compared to the bloc's population of some 450 million people, the issue feeds support for nationalist and populist groups across the EU, making it hard to reach a compromise among its 27 members. "Recent months have shown that the pressure of migration is not letting up. It's actually rising again," said Austria's new chancellor, Alexander Schallenberg. A tightening of the bloc's external borders was essential, he said, endorsing Lithuania's call for EU financing for hard border infrastructure such as drones or fences. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen signalled opposition to this demand. "I was very clear that there is a longstanding view in the European Commission and in the European Parliament that there will be no funding of barbed wire and walls," she said. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, a telephone conversation took place today between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The ministers positively assessed the development of the bilateral relations this week, including the ban on illegal entry of Iranian cars into the Lachin corridor and the return of two Iranian citizens. Today, in Rustavi prison 12, the ex-president of Georgia Mikhail Saakashvili was visited by his colleague, former head of the Georgian Foreign Ministry Grigol Vashadze. However, he did not disclose the details of the conversation with the imprisoned politician. "Neither parties, nor party membership, nor the balagan that is going on in Georgian politics are important. Humanity and friendship are in the foreground. A huge and, perhaps, the most interesting part of my life is connected with Mikhail Saakashvili," Georgia-Online quotes Vashadze as saying. At the same time, the politician assured the journalists that he "remembered Saakashvili's message," but he will not deliver it for now. Kyrgyzstan is becoming the latest buyer of renowned Turkish combat drones in an effort to rev up its defense industry capabilities, a senior official announced, Daily Sabah reported. Kamchybek Tashiev, the deputy prime minister of Kyrgyzstan and chairperson of the State Committee for National Security, said they placed an order to buy Turkish drone magnate Baykar-made Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). The Central Asian nation will be taking the delivery of the drones soon, Tashiev told reporters. We purchase military equipment to boost our troops. The relevant funds have been already allocated from the budget. Turkey is currently constructing Bayraktar drones for us, he noted. Noting that a limited number of countries in the world possess Turkish armed drones, Tashiev said Kyrgyzstan will be one of them. The Bayraktar TB2 is a medium-altitude long-endurance aerial vehicle capable of remotely controlled or autonomous flight operations. It is manufactured by one of the leading Turkish defense companies Baykar. The drones will soon arrive in our country, Tashiev said. He noted that Bishkek also purchased Orlan-10 drones from Russia. An event dedicated to the 880th anniversary of the great Azerbaijani poet and thinker Nizami Ganjavi was held today in Moscow, in the BIBLIO-GLOBUS Trade House. The conference "Humanistic Ideas of Cultural Traditions of Russia and Azerbaijan and the Challenges of Our Time" was organized by the Eurasian International Development Association (EIDA) and the Literaturnaya Gazeta publishing house with the participation of the Mtsyri Festival of Young Poets. The event was aimed at studying the influence of humanistic and spiritual traditions on modern social relations in Russia and Azerbaijan, sharing experience on their preservation and development in the face of the challenges of the postmodern era, the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza reports. A round table of literary scholars and specialists in public and international relations and a literary festival "Words coming from the heart ..." with the participation of poets, musicians and writers were held in the framework of the conference. The round table was organized within the framework of the Literaturnaya Gazeta special project "The Present Past". The event was attended by Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elchin Askerov, Chairman of the Board of EIDA Elshad Iskenderov, Editor-in-Chief of the Literaturnaya Gazeta Publishing House Maxim Zamshev, Head of the Mtsyri Project, Chairman of the Russian Literary Society Alexander Chistyakov, President of the BIBLIO-GLOBUS Trade House Boris Yesenkin. The conference was also attended by the director of the Khudozhestvennaya Literatura publishing house Georgy Pryakhin, ANAS academician, director of the Institute of Manuscripts Teymur Karimli, Doctor of Philology, Scientific Secretary of the Institute of Manuscripts Azizag Najafli, the observer of the Kommersant publishing house, Sergei Strokan, poet Danil Fayzov. Today, an opposition For Unity and Freedom rally, organized in support of ex-Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is now serving a six-year prison term, kicked off in Batumi. The protesters also decided to support opposition candidates in the second round of the governor elections. "We have already received the first results in Batumi, and Georgian Dream is in opposition. After the second round, there will be a coalition mayor's office," Sputnik-Georgia quotes Mirdat Tamagadze, a member of the United National Movement, as saying. According to the Russian Embassy in Turkmenistan, yesterday, from Turkmenabat to Moscow, another 178 people were returned by plane. "On October 22, 2021, flight 8536 of the Russian S7 airline, organized by the Russian embassy, flew from Turkmenabat to Moscow. 178 passengers were able to come back home, RIA Novosti reports. Thus, to date, already 24 flights were performed from Turkmenistan to Russia. The Russian Federation has been returning its citizens from Turkmenistan since March 2020, when Ashgabat suspended air traffic. The Azerbaijani Embassy in Russia informed today that Armenian politician Arayik Harutyunyan, who plays the role of the head of a fake separatist regime in the zone of responsibility of Russian peacekeepers, has not met with Russian officials influencing Moscow's foreign policy. Thus, the diplomatic mission denied the fakes about Harutyunyan's meetings in the Russian capital with Russian officials. Azerbaijani diplomats drew attention to the fact that the Armenian media began to circulate disinformation about the working visits of Yerevans Karabakh puppets to Moscow to meet with Russian politicians. Russian and Chinese warships held their first joint patrols in the Western part of the Pacific ocean on October 17-23, Russias defence ministry said in a statement on Saturday, Reuters reports. Moscow and Beijing, which staged naval cooperation drills in the Sea of Japan earlier in October, have cultivated closer military and diplomatic ties in recent years at a time when their relations with the West have soured. The naval manoeuvres have been closely watched by Japan which said earlier this week that a group of 10 vessels from China and Russia sailed through the Tsugaru Strait separating Japans main island and its northern island of Hokkaido. The group of ships passed through the Tsugaru Strait for the first time as part of the patrol, Russias defence ministry said in the statement. The strait is regarded as international waters. The tasks of the patrols were the demonstration of the Russian and Chinese state flags, maintaining of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and guardianship of the subjects of maritime economic activities of the two countries, the ministry added. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said today on the air of NTV channel that NATO is now living according to the old schemes of the Cold War, when its main goal was "to respond to the threat from the East." "NATO, having made such a path of evolution, found itself in the situation of 1949, in fact, today it lives according to the schemes of the Cold War. The main efforts are aimed at fending off the so-called threat from the East, he explained. Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Sardor Umurzakov said today that the Taliban movement prohibited in Russia, which took power in Afghanistan, promised Tashkent to close all debts for electricity. "We held a discussion, there were representatives of the interim government who are responsible for the energy sector, there were representatives of the Electric Networks of Afghanistan company. An agreement was reached that as soon as the situation allows, all the debt that exists will be immediately paid off," TASS quotes the Deputy Prime Minister as saying. Turkey has launched the procedure to purchase F-16 fighter jets from the United States, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Saturday, Sputnik reports. "Technical work began on the supply of F-16 [aircraft]. We monitor this process. The strengthening of Turkey also means strengthening the defence of NATO," Akar said, as quoted by the Ministry of National Defence. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier in October that Washington had offered to sell F-16 aircraft to his country as a return for its investment in the F-35 program, from which Ankara was removed. Turkey caused a rift with its NATO ally after it bought Russia's S-400 air defence systems. The United States cancelled the sale of F-35 jets to Turkey in 2019 over claims that it could leak military secrets to Russia. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, addressing the citizens of Eskisehir, said today that he ordered to organize the expulsion of ambassadors from ten Western states at once for signing a call to release human rights activist Osman Kavala, accused of involvement in the 2016 coup attempt. The ambassadors of the United States, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Finland and Sweden will be expelled. Immediately after their joint statement calling for the release of Kavala, all diplomats were summoned to the Turkish Foreign Ministry. The Turkish Foreign Ministry drew their attention to the duty of any diplomats to comply with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Now the Turkish president has decided to strengthen the response to the demarche of the Western ambassadors. "I instructed our Foreign Minister to immediately take measures to ensure that these 10 ambassadors are declared persona non grata," Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. As the payment of the principal under the credit agreements to fund the Cat Linh - Ha Dong railway is due, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has begun paying debts, though the project has not yet in operation. The Government has submitted to the National Assembly a report on urban railway projects in Hanoi and HCM City. The report showed a number of problems with Cat Linh Ha Dong project. Its unclear about the commercial operation date of the project, developed with two thirds of capital from Chinese loans. The total revised investment capital of the project approved by MInistry of Transportation (MOT) in Decisions No 513 dated February 23, 2016 and No 1511 dated May 25, 2017 is VND18,001.5 billion, or $868.04 million, or VND9.2 trillion ($315.18 million), higher than the initially approved capital. The accumulated disbursed value by the end of the 62nd payment period (October 2021) is $731.25 million out of $868.04 million, or 84.2 percent. The official acceptance of the project was completed on March 24, 2021. The work has been recognized as meeting standards and design criteria. A system safety engineering certificate was granted to the project, which means the project meets all requirements to be handed over to the investor and put into operation. All the results have been reported to the State Inspection Council. After getting approval from the council, MOT will hand over the project to the Hanoi Peoples Committee to be put into operation. The Government has asked the MOT to clarify the responsibilities of agencies for the problems. MOTs report showed that besides the general contractor, which must take major responsibility for the tardiness of the project and the required investment capital increase, MOT, as the investor, and Management Board of Railway Projects also bear responsibility for project management. Meanwhile, design consultants in charge of the project must take responsibility for the quality of investment programming. Hanoi authorities, as the investor of the site clearance project, must be responsible for tardiness in site clearance, and supervising consultants must take responsibility in directing construction, and controlling the speed, quality and construction costs. As instructed by MOT, the Management Board of Railway Projects is checking the provisions of EPC contract to define the responsibilities of the EPC contractor and relevant parties to solve the problems in accordance with the law and the signed contract. The problems are related to payments and opinions of the State Audit. Because of the slow handover, Hanoi has not taken over the project and has paid principal under a financial mechanism previously approved. So MOF has used the money from the accumulation fund for debt repayment to pay due debts. Luong Bang Hanoi starts testing Nhon-Hanoi Railway Station line The dynamic testing phase of the Nhon-Hanoi Railway Station line began yesterday. The target of having 1.3-1.5 million enterprises by 2025 may be difficult to achieve as many obstacles and the Covid-19 pandemic have affected business seriously. A strong recovery and reform program is needed to encourage Vietnamese businesses. In early 2021, the Government assigned the Ministry of Planning and Investment to develop a resolution on enterprise development for the period of 2021-2025, with a vision to 2030, which targets 1.3-1.5 million enterprises by 2025. According to the Vietnam General Statistics Office, by the end of 2020, the country had about active 810,000 enterprises. To achieve the target, Vietnam must have 100,000-150,000 new businesses coming into operation annually. This year, due to the heavy influence of the Covid pandemic, a large number of enterprises has withdrawn from the market. It is estimated that by the end of 2021, the number of active businesses will be lower than that of 2020. The question is the target will be fulfilled? Unified anti-pandemic policy needed Entrepreneurs complain that with the policy each locality is a fortress to prevent the epidemic, many provinces have prioritized the fight against the epidemic with the desire to achieve "zero Covid-19" and this has affected business and production operations. In many localities, hundreds of pandemic checkpoints have been set up at entrances and highways, which have hindered circulation of goods. The Vietnam Association of Logistics Service Providers lamented that as provinces apply different epidemic prevention measures, goods transport has been seriously affected, doubling the burden on businesses that have had to struggle to survive in the pandemic. The characteristic of production and business activities is chain connections, regardless of administrative boundaries. Therefore, when local governments apply different policies and regulations on social distancing and goods transport and some provinces even close their doors to ensure zero Covid, input materials cannot reach factories and goods are kept in stock. This is seen as the fastest way to push enterprises to the risk of bankruptcy. Recent statistics from the General Statistics Office show that in January-September 2021, up to 90,300 enterprises withdrew from the market, up 15.3% over the same period of last year. On average, 10,000 enterprises were leaving the market each month. In fact, the number may be higher because when provinces implemented strict social distancing, many businesses could not complete closure procedures. This situation has never happened in the past 10 years. Experts estimate that from now until the end of 2021, the number of businesses that will stop operating or be dissolve will be around 120,000. Prolonged lockdowns have hit the economy hard. However, when switching to "living with Covid-19", there are still many obstacles. In some provinces, the risk of "sub-license" rises again, making it difficult for businesses to resume operations. Ly Kim Chi, Chairwoman of the HCM City Food and Foodstuff Association, said that businesses are already exhausted. If local governments issue more sub-licenses and regulations that cause difficulties for business operations, enterprises will "collapse" completely. Another challenge for business and production recovery is labor shortages, as tens of thousands of migrant workers have left cities to return to their hometowns to avoid the pandemic. Stronger reform Nguyen Dinh Cung, former director of the Central Institute for Economic Management, said that in 2017 the Institute had proposed that the Government remove three quarters of the existing 4,000 business conditions. However, in official documents issued later, the Government only asked to reduce and simplify 50% of these. In 2018, ministries and branches began reducing and simplifying business conditions under the Governments direction. "But I don't think that it really works because we recommended removing and abolishing, not simplifying business conditions," Mr. Cung said. Therefore, there has been no substantive impact on the business environment, and no positive effect on enterprises. Half-hearted reform has led to the risk that business conditions are recovering. The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) commented that the recent reform and reduction of business conditions and support for enterprises to enter the market has not been substantial. Ministries and state agencies claimed to have cut business conditions by up to 60%, but it is on paper only. In reality it's only about 30-40%. The market entry procedures are still complicated and overlapping. In 2016, the Government issued Resolution 35/NQ-CP on supporting and developing enterprises, which set a target of having 1 million enterprises operating by the end of 2020, but it failed. According to experts, the main reason is that the business environment still has many barriers for enterprises to enter the market. Therefore, in the period of 2021-2025, if there are no drastic reforms in the business environment and to changes in behavior detrimental to production and business activities, the dream of having 1.3-1.5 million enterprises by 2025 will be unreachable. Facing difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses need a strategy to restore safe production and business activities in the new anti-epidemic state. It is important for Vietnam to take action now, to maintain its competitiveness on regionally and globally, and not to fall behind in the economic recovery process. Economic experts said that it is necessary to take action immediately and have a comprehensive economic promotion program. Otherwise, recovery will be slow and painful. Tran Thuy In the trial reopening of domestic route, airlines can fly with 10 percent of capacity and passengers must show written commitments on anti-pandemic measures. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), after five days of implementing the pilot reopening of domestic flights (October 10-14), Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways and Pacific Airlines carried out 98 one-way flights out of a total 200 flights on 16 of 20 air routes they had planned before. The flights accounted for only 49 percent because the number of passengers was very low on some flights. This was attributed to the fact that many cities and provinces have not released documents guiding the management and supervision of arrivals to their localities. Some cities and provinces have set stricter anti-pandemic measures than regulations set by the central government (they are required to spend concentrated quarantine or monitor health conditions at home.) The average seat occupancy rate was 31 percent (the allowed rate was 50 percent). Bamboo Airways had the lowest rate, 20 percent. Pacific Airlines was licensed to provide 18 flights, but did not have any flights. Delays occurred with most flights because of complicated procedures. Localities asked airlines to submit lists of passengers with their names and addresses of destinations in Vietnamese language. This did suit the airlines passenger management system. As a result, both passengers and airlines had to spend time making declarations and doing other procedures before taking off. Aviation officers had to collect information about hundreds of passengers within a short time. The flight from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Tho Xuan (ThanhHoa) on October 18, 2021 was delayed four hours because the electronic health declaration app had an error and the declarations had to be made manually, while there were troubles in cooperation between the airline and the airport authority and Thanh Hoa Healthcare Department. A representative of an airline said the information that localities require airlines to provide 30 minutes before every flight is inconsistent. As a result, airlines workers had to prepare reports manually. In addition to the general procedures, passengers flying to DaNang also had to make declarations on Da Nang smart city or nguoi dan khai bao, dang ky vao thanh pho Da Nang (people make declaration and register to enter Da Nang) on khaibaoyte.gov.vn. I have been working in the aviation sector for 10 years and I have never seen airlines having to implement so many procedures manually, a senior executive of an airline said. There should be commonly used forms for online declarations to avoid gathering in crowds when following check-in procedures at the airports, including forms for passengers committing to implement anti-pandemic measures as required by the ministry, he said. In the trial reopening of domestic route, airlines can fly with 10 percent of capacity and passengers must show written commitments on anti-pandemic measures. The senior executive, who had two inter-provincial bus trips, from HCM City to Gia Lai and from Hanoi to Ha Tinh, after the Government released Resolution 128, came to a conclusion that there are fewer procedures to follow when traveling by land than by air. Opening the sky, closing the ground He said that airlines and travelers by air are now at a disadvantage compared with travelers by land or water. Air travelers must be either fully vaccinated or fully recovered from Covid-19 and have to show negative testing results. They also have to satisfy the requirements additionally set by localities. The requirement on distancing between seats in airplanes (airlines can use 50 percent of seats only) is also a reason behind high airfares. Reopening the aviation sector this way will make airlines incur bigger losses and make passengers hesitant to fly, said Luong Hoai Nam, a respected aviation expert. I really want to fly to Hanoi and some localities where I have business. However, if Hanoi and some provinces require 7-day home quarantine, I wont fly, he said. According to Bui Doan Ne, Vice President of the Vietnam Aviation Business Association (VABA), air transportation is considered one of the safest means of public transport. In order to avoid infections, airlines have applied many measures. Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat Airports have recently carried out disinfection with ultraviolet radiation. Vietjet Air provided free rapid tests to all passengers before boarding, including passengers who show negative testing results. And airlines regularly disinfect equipment and areas with high contact. Ne said its necessary to standardize procedures and implement them online. He emphasized the importance of technology and the sharing of data on Covid-19 prevention and control apps with airlines and localities. This will improve management efficiency and ease inconvenience for airlines and passengers. Also, its necessary to universalize testing, especially testing just before going onboard, and step by step increase flight frequency depending on the demand of every airline and locality. In related news, CAAV has proposed that passengers who have not been vaccinated but have negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test results within the past 72 hours will also be allowed to take flights. Ngoc Ha Transport ministry allows increase of domestic flight frequency from October 21 The Ministry of Transport has allowed to increase frequency of domestic flights, including those in the Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City air route. Though agreeing on a delay of wage reform, many National Assembly Deputies have asked the Government to prepare solutions to increase salaries for cadres, civil servants and public employees. State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc Under Resolution 27 of the 12th National Assembly, the increase of wages would be implemented from early 2021. However, the plan has been delayed until 2022 because of the impact of Covid-19. Under the financial mechanism designed to implement the wage reform program, 50 percent of the excessive amounts in local budget collections would be reserved for investment, while the other 50 percent would be used for the program. The amount totals VND600-700 trillion, almost enough for wage reform. However, because of the pandemic, localities have had to use the money from several funds to spend on treatment and medical equipment procurement. President Nguyen Xuan Phuc said though people are in difficulties and workers lack jobs, increasing wages for civil servants would be insignificant. I was among the first people who asked the Politburo, National Assembly and Government to delay the wage increase plan, Phuc said. He said that some National Assembly Deputies think if salaries cannot be raised immediately, there should be a policy to support civil servants and public employees. Some deputies have suggested raising salaries for civil servants who retired before 1995 at first, because they have low salaries and difficult lives. Its also necessary to continue production and business, and prepare resources to continue the wage reform program, which will improve peoples lives and help to prevent embezzlement risks. I think we cannot implement wage reform right now, but itd be better to raise salaries for those whose salaries are too low. Second, we need to prepare the best solution to continue raising wages for cadres and civil servants in 2022 or 2023, Phuc said. He said that wage reform needs to go together with apparatus streamlining. The Government needs to submit a plan on raising salaries and reforming wage policy in the time to come, he said. Deputy National Assembly Chair Nguyen Khac Dinh said delaying the wage reform is a necessity after two years of low GDP growth rates. If the economy recovers next year and the state budget collections are good, wage reform would be put into discussion again at a suitable time. Vu Thi Luu Mai, Deputy Chair of the National Assembly Finance and Budget Committee, while agreeing on the delay of wage reform, stressed that the program has been delayed two times, and its necessary to prepare resources to avoid another delay. Thu Hang National Assembly Chair Vuong Dinh Hue said voters expect decisions on two important issues how to prevent and control the pandemic in the time to come and how to recover socio-economic development. Chair of National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue The master strategy on fighting Covid-19 was discussed at the latest Party Central Committees plenum. The National Assembly will continue discussing the issue and come to an agreement on the necessity to reform the way of thinking, said Party Committee Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. The National Assembly will continue discussing the issue and come to an agreement on the necessity to reform the way of thinking, said Party Committee Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. National Assembly Chair Vuong Dinh Hue on October 21 said voters expect decisions on two important issues how to prevent and control the pandemic in the time to come and how to recover socio-economic development. The National Assembly Standing Committee has held meetings and seminars to find the best answers. Hue repeated Trongs speech at the fourth plenum that its necessary to change the way of thinking and put emphasis on safe, flexible and effective adaptation to the pandemic. The prerequisites include vaccination coverage, strict application of 5K principles, and application of IT. Regarding the overall socio-economic recovery and development program, Hue stressed the need to adjust fiscal and monetary policies to serve the program. As itll take time for preparation, the issue will not be approved at this session. The Standing Committee is considering asking National Assembly Deputies to organize one extraordinary session, possibly in December, to make a decision on the issue, he said, explaining that it would be too late if waiting until the next regular meeting in May 2022. He said that preventing and controlling the pandemic and ensuring social security should be seen as a long-term resistance war, so its necessary to prepare long-term resources. The older aid packages with total value of VND100 trillion have been implemented well, including the VND38 trillion package from the Unemployment Insurance Fund. The labor market is one of the sectors most seriously affected by Covid-19. The unemployment rate is the highest in the last 10 years (4.84 percent in cities, 3.04 percent in rural areas). The pandemic affected only 12.8 million workers in Q2, but the figure rose to 30 million. Of this, 5 percent lost jobs, 32 percent of workers took temporary leave, 50 percent worked in rotation, and 80 percent reported income decreases. According to the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA), 2,580 children have become orphaned. Of these, 2,500 children lost either a father or mother, and 80 children lost both parents. MOLISA Minister Dao Ngoc Dung said some international organizations have registered to sponsor the 80 children. His view is that Vietnam encourages support in kind and money, but doesnt agree to the organizations sponsorship. Its the countrys responsibility to take care of the orphaned children. The National Fund for Vietnamese Children will provide support in cash to the children. Those who still have either a father or mother will receive VND5 million each, while others will get VND20 million. Thu Hang Pandemic prevention and control policies must be unified nationwide: PM Pandemic prevention and control policies must be unified nationwide, PM Pham Minh Chinh told an online conference with the Steering Committees for COVID-19 Prevention and Control of 63 provinces today. I thought our music lineup was really strong, fair president and CEO Wes Allison said. That last Saturday night with Joe Nichols was huge and was the biggest one-day crowd weve had on the grounds, as far as I know, in the history of the fair. Allison said Saturday, Oct. 16, was the peak of the fairs 11-day run, with 28,000 in attendance. We sold out Saturday night rodeo, we almost sold out Friday night rodeo, so just a great event to kind of get back to normal, if thats the right word, he said. Allison said the nonprofit fair board has already given away $45,000 in scholarships and nearly $70,000 in premiums this year from fair revenue. The total amount raised this year for scholarships has not yet been quantified, but Allison is optimistic due to the record attendance of this year. That is really the true measure of our success is that I know we gave more scholarships and premiums in our livestock show which goes directly to the kids, Allison said. Apart from having a full fair, fair organizers worked with some other changes this year including a new fair layout, parking setup and the Base, a multipurpose building completed in April. Former Rep. Lee Terry spoke empathetically Thursday about former colleague Jeff Fortenberry and the federal indictment he faces, saying that when running for Congress, theres just a lot of people who send you money. You gotta know your customer a little bit, he told The World-Herald. In my position, and probably in Jeffs situation, you got to know these people they tell you theyre citizens, and then all of a sudden theyre not. We can do everything we think is right, and then one little thing can screw it all up, he added. Both Terry, who represented Nebraskas 2nd District from 1999 to 2015, and Fortenberry were recipients of illegal conduit campaign contributions that originated from a Nigerian billionaire, Gilbert Chagoury. Such donations from foreigners, even those funneled through American citizens, are illegal. In Terrys case, he said, he donated to charity the $5,200 given to him in 2014 as soon as the FBI told him it was investigating the legality of the gifts. WATERLOO A few hundred people rallying in support of striking John Deere workers didnt need many signs to get their message across Saturday morning outside the UAW Local 838 Hall. Their voices, cheers and occasional chants from Washington Street were heard loud and clear, and were greeted with honks from vehicles driving on the neighboring highway. Deere workers and their families were in attendance, but also other area laborers and pro-union residents, as Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart and a group of state elected officials urged those in attendance to stick together and not to give in to the agricultural machinery corporation making billions in profits. Theres been a resurgence in union power, and its what is needed at this time, said Phillip Sanchez, a Mason City farmer and member of Teamsters Local 238. When the unions are strong, America is strong. Almost all the officials referenced a personal or family connection to John Deere, the 1986 strike, or other unions. I talked to my dad the other day, and we talked about the 1986 strike, said Rep. Ras Smith, who represents state House District 62. We talked about what that meant and why almost 40 years later, were here again. You see all those years that dad put into the Foundry, and for some reason, only a few folks got rich. Charlie Wishman, Iowa AFL-CIO president, led a chant: When he said union, people responded with power. A few others rallied the group with the question, Are you fired up?, and other one-liners. The income divide between corporate management and middle class workers is getting wider and wider, they say, despite workers continuing to dedicate hours and hours to making Deere a successful company. Those at the rally called for fair wages and benefits, workplace safety, and a good retirement plan but most of all, they want to be treated with respect and dignity, especially for jobs many recognized as not being easy and requiring employees to work to the bone to complete. The strike is more than a week old. Negotiators are currently at the table, confirmed Rick Moyle, executive director of the Hawkeye Area Labor Council AFL-CIO, but he could not offer any additional updates on when he thinks an agreement could be reached. Theyre calling October, Striketober. Nationally, theres a major movement going on. Collective bargaining agreements are not being agreed upon, and folks are going on strike. Theres a wakening, Moyle told the crowd. For years and years, we have been put on our knees and made to beg for everything that we get. While they take it all, we get little. Your fight here, your strike when you voted 10,000 strong to go out the door and do what was right to protect future generations of John Deere workers and UAW workers it wasnt just for them. It was for the entire movement. It was for every working family, not only in the state of Iowa, but in the United States. State Rep. Bob Kressig, a retired UAW John Deere worker who represents House District 59, took part in the 1986 strike and related that experience to what is happening in 2021. We havent been out here that long. Our strike was almost six months, and it created situations of struggle for people, he said. I had some young kids then, a house, and bills. How are you going to meet all those needs? One difference, he noted, was the the division within the community at the time, and not having the broad support that there is today. Hart has relatives who worked at Deere, including his dad. Despite having touches of memory lapses, he said his father remembers the strike of 1986. He remembers it vividly because it has made an impression on his life that much, Hart said. I remember my mom taking extra shifts at work so that we could have food. When times were tough, we had to stick together. They understand that if you dont stand for something, then you will fall for anything. State Rep. Timi Brown-Powers, representing Iowa House District 61, grew up in a union home and remembers her dad casting votes on collective bargaining agreements. It takes a lot of guts to say were done, were not going to do this anymore, were going to get what we deserve she said. Youre at the top of history right now. Everybody is following you. She takes care of her dad in Des Moines, and recalled an emotional moment with him. He has a lot of things going on, and he cant talk, but I showed him a picture of the union guys that were in Ankeny, and he said: Lets go. And we went. We were on the picket line in Des Moines/Ankeny, for an hour, and he walked that picket line. State Sen. Bill Dotzler, representing Iowa Senate District 31, is another UAW Local 838 retiree who worked at Deere and was part of the strike in 1986. Its not about Republicans. Its not about independents. Its not about Democrats, he said. Its about sticking together as a team to win. Jesse Case, Teamsters 238 secretary treasurer and principal officer, also urged those in attendance to call the office of U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley and ask him to vote for the PRO Act, a bill in Congress that would make it illegal for companies like Deere to permanently replace strikers. We got a message to Deere. Deere thinks they are fighting the UAW and Waterloo, he said. They are not just fighting the UAW and Waterloo. They are fighting the Iowa labor movement. And if they think they can break the Iowa labor movement, they can kiss my ass. After the rally, people drove to picket sites near the Deere facility at 300 W. Commercial St. to demonstrate. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 2 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. COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) A woman who reported seeing a man later identified as South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh bloodied on a roadside after a shooting told an emergency dispatcher she didnt stop because it looks like a setup, according to 911 calls released Friday. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division made public the emergency calls from the aftermath of the Sept. 4 shooting in which a bullet grazed Murdaugh's head. Authorities have since charged Murdaugh with insurance fraud, saying he tried to have himself killed that day so his only surviving son could collect $10 million in a life insurance payout. The attorney is also facing charges he stole $3.4 million in insurance money meant for the sons of his housekeeper, who died in 2018 a few weeks after falling at the familys home, investigators said. On the 911 call from a man and a woman, the female passerby tells the dispatcher that she saw a man covered in blood, waving his hands on the side of the road. The man accompanying her observes that the man's SUV had the trunk open and the caution lights on. He looks fine, but it kind of looks like a setup, the woman says. So we didnt stop. Oh, I dont blame you, the dispatcher responds. The calls released Friday also include two made by Murdaugh himself near the scene of the rural road in Hampton County where Murdaugh had stopped on Sept. 4. State police have opened at least six investigations into the 53-year-old heir to a legal empire in Hampton County, South Carolina and his family since he found his wife and other son shot dead outside their Colleton County home in June. Among the investigations is a probe of millions of dollars allegedly missing from the huge law firm founded a century ago by his great-grandfather. During Murdaugh's first emergency call, which is about four minutes long, he informs a dispatcher that he had stopped after getting a flat tire: Somebody stopped to help me, and when I turned my back they tried to shoot me, Murdaugh says. Murdaugh proceeds to say he is bleeding pretty bad from somewhere on his head, describing the shooter as a white fella" who is a fair amount younger than him with really, really short hair. In a second call lasting more than seven minutes, Murdaugh says he has secured a ride to the hospital from someone at the scene, and later says he is hanging up because he has encountered the ambulance sent for him by a dispatcher. Days later, state agents proceeded to arrest Curtis Edward Smith, 61, accusing the former Murdaugh client of assisting him in the insurance scheme. Smith has denied shooting Murdaugh, telling The Associated Press that Murdaugh asked to meet with him, but didnt give a reason. When they got to the lonely road, Murdaugh asked Smith to shoot him. Smith refused, they wrestled over the gun and it fired once. Smith told the AP he wasnt sure if Murdaugh was hit. But in October TV interviews, he said he was certain Murdaugh was not struck by the bullet. Smith took the gun and got rid of it. He has not been clear about where he ditched it or why he didnt give it to police. With a friend like that, who needs enemies, Smith told the AP. Murdaugh's lawyers have said he bought drugs from Smith. They gave media outlets medical records they said show he was shot. They mention gunshot several times and said he had blood all over his shirt when he arrived by helicopter to a hospital in Savannah, Georgia. Notes from doctors indicate they saw a bullet wound, Murdaugh had bleeding on his brain and part of his skull was fractured, according to the records. Murdaugh is currently detained at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Columbia after a state judge denied bond Tuesday, saying the attorney's considerable financial resources and mental instability appear for now to make it too risky for him to await trial outside of jail. He had previously spent six weeks at drug rehab centers in Georgia and Florida, his attorneys said, battling an opioid addiction. - Associated Press writer Jeffrey Collins contributed to this report. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 MOORHEAD, Iowa (AP) 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. The Sioux City Journal reports that 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. Its important to me because there isnt anyplace like this, said Ehlers, who grew up three miles down the road and lives in nearby Soldier. Theres 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 historys 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. Its 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, its 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 its 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. Its 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 cant 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. Theyve heard stories of interracial marriages between Black and white settlers. Through the years, some white families didnt 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. Its something thats unique and I didnt want it to be lost, and I worried that in another 50 years it wouldnt 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 dont endure along with it. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Sioux City Journal. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Welcome to The First Word from AARP, a series of conversations with the experts. Today on The First Word, Seth Kugel on getting the most out of your vacation dollars. BL: Hello, Im Bob Love, editor-in-chief of AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. Welcome back to The First Word from AARP, our live interview series. You are in for a treat today. Seth Kugel has deservedly earned a reputation as one of the most entertaining and insightful travel experts in America. As the author of the New York Times Frugal Traveler column for seven years, hes traveled the country and the world on modest budgets and shown just how much fun and adventure you can have. His most recent book is Rediscovering Travel: A Guide for the Globally Curious. Many of you have already sent questions in to Seth, so thank you. Well answer some today, but for all of those who asked for personal travel advice, well do our best to send an email response in the coming days. Seth, it is fantastic to have you here. SK: Bob, thanks for having me. BL: Lets get right to it. You wrote a piece for our website a year ago in which you said that traveling frugally actually makes for better vacations than taking a more luxurious path. What was your thinking? Can you explain that a little bit more? SK: Sure. When you spend a lot of money when you travel, it tends to isolate you. Imagine a really exclusive resort where youre being pampered and youre staying in your luxury cottage on the edge of the sea and youre not really getting out there. The same thing with a really expensive hotel; if youre staying downtown in a really expensive hotel, youre not in a local neighborhood. What I like to do when I travel is to get out, to meet people, to learn about the place, to interact, and quite honestly, Ive stayed in really nice hotels and the last thing I want to do is leave. I want to go to the pool. I want to go to the awesome restaurant. I just think in general it forces you to get out there. If youre staying in a hotel thats just nice enough (Im not telling you to sleep in a youth hostel next to a bunch of 20-year-olds) but they dont give you free breakfast and there is no spa, then that forces you to get out on the streets and interact with people and have experiences. BL: Youve written before that you might go out to a pharmacy or a supermarket in a foreign country and you will learn some cool stuff, see some products that you didnt expect, some American products that you never expected to travel? SK: Yes, and it can be regional supermarkets as well within the United States. I think supermarkets are a place youve got to visit. Im not saying go to Walmart when you go somewhere, because youve got Walmart at home, but local markets are really great, especially in really diverse cities in the United States. I live right near an amazing Chinese supermarket that I am entertained by and I live right near it. There are a lot of very common, everyday things that are really interesting to do when youre in a different kind of a place. BL: Lets talk about an example of a recent trip in which you kept costs down but still had a great time. SK: My most recent trip was to Prague in the Czech Republic. For people who dont visit Europe all the time, its one of the great, old, historic cities of Europe. I stayed at a very, very inexpensive place. I compared the furniture to pre-Ikea. It was just very basic stuff, but perfectly comfortable. That was cheap. I certainly didnt want to be around there very often, though. I actually went because of a cousin who lives in Prague. He was very helpful with this tip. He said, There are still all these old-fashioned, communist-era cafeterias, and if you go, the food is incredibly cheap and the ambiance is like 1985. I went to a number of those places. Some of them are buried within office buildings, but theyre open to the public. So, you go in and you spend like $4 and you have real Czech cuisine. I wouldnt say its absolutely delicious, but the people youre around are really interesting. The people giving you the food are curious as to why you might be there. That would be one example. You could go to Prague and spend a lot of money going to the top museums, which are beautiful, and visiting Prague Castle. I did a little bit of that. I went to the supermarket, and a friend of mine (who is a friend of my cousins) said, Youve got to get these Tatranky bars. These are what would be the equivalent to us of Twinkies. I bought a whole bunch of them and I used them to keep the cost of my meals down, sort of as snacks. Theyre kind of like granola bars. Also, a lot of conversations got started. They saw a tourist with a Tatranky bar and theyre like, How do you know about that thing? Theres a lot of things that spending as little money as possible brings. BL: Ive noticed in your writing that you are interested in cuisine in general, in food in particular, and not necessarily exotic, but just good, honest food that folks are eating. SK: Yes. Look, part of the reason that I dont go to the really expensive restaurants is because I do budget travel. If someone were to invite me on the Michelin-starred tour of New York City or L.A. restaurants, I would go, but I think that there is something to be said for coming to New York and trying to figure out which are the top 10 pizza slices that are the best. You meet a lot of characters in these pizzerias. SK: I went through Kansas, and there is an area of Kansas famous for fried chicken, believe it or not, so I went to all of those places. BL: There is a kind of Kansas fried chicken as opposed to other kinds? SK: Yes. BL: When you think about taking a trip, how much of the trips success do you believe depends on planning? When youre thinking frugally, what is the tradeoff between the amount of money you spend and the amount of discomfort that you or a typical traveler would have to deal with? SK: Well, planning, I think, is very important and I think you should have a general plan for your trip. I certainly dont recommend an hour-by-hour plan, but you need to have a general plan for your trip to fall back on. Here are the 10 things that I want to do in the city. Some of them might require reserving in advance. If you want to go to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, you need to make reservations months in advance. To camp at Yellowstone, its too late now pretty much for the summer. So you do need to do certain things in advance, however my big rule is that when you get to the place, look for better things to do. Your plans are to fall back on if you cant find better things to do. Youre talking to someone and they say, Wow, you should go to this place because you love coffee or you love some kind of art. There is a Himalayan art museum in New York City. If you didnt know about it and you hear, youre like, Oh my God, Ive got to go there! You shouldnt be stuck on your own plans. When possible, do plans that dont cause you to pay a lot of money up front. But you know, if youre going to get a cheap hotel, you do want to do that sort of thing in advance as best you can. BL: I think what I picked up from the way that you think about travel, your philosophy is that you like an improvisational aspect to it: Hit the locals, see where theyre going for coffee or a cheap meal. SK: One of the things I think is great about travel is that our regular lives are routine. We do the same things every day in general, we go to the same places, we see the same people. I dont think its really as much fun to have a routine when you get somewhere. When unexpected things happen, you really feel alive and you feel like youre experiencing a place. You dont feel like youre experiencing a package deal. I have nothing against, say, going to Disney World with your kids or your grandkids, and its very well done, but nothing unexpected happens, or if something unexpected happens, its very carefully planned by the people who work there. When youre out in the city or the countryside or youre driving along a highway and you see an exit sign in a regular old town, it becomes incredibly interesting when you dont know whats going to be there and when people arent expecting you and people dont see as many tourists there as if theyre working at Disney World. BL: Most of your career was done solo travel. SK: Yes. BL: I think all of it, probably. SK: Pretty much. BL: A lot of our members have asked us recently about the ins and outs, the good and bad of solo traveling. Could you talk about your experience in that way, please? SK: A lot of solo traveling the biggest advantage of solo traveling is it basically forces you to talk to other people. If youre like me, here I am talking to you and talking to a whole bunch of other people, but in general, in private, Im pretty shy to meet new folks. When you go solo, youre stuck with either not talking to anybody all day long or chatting with someone in a store or cafe or someone you meet walking along a trail. When youre alone, you have more incentive to do that, so its great. The other thing, of course, thats great about solo travel is you get to decide exactly what you want to do. I dont think any of us have travel partners or family members who completely 100 percent agree with us on what we want to do, so you get to do what you want to do. Now there is the aspect of really being lonely and scared sometimes, and there is no one to say, Is that safe to do? You do have to use your judgment and read up ahead of time about specific local safety issues. BL: I was going to ask about that. SK: For gay travelers, for African American travelers, it depends on where youre going. You need to do a lot of preparation. There are also fantastic ways online to ask questions in travel forums. A lot of companies like Trip Adviser have places like Lonely Planet where you can go and ask questions. A lot of people ask questions about safety; Is it safe for a solo traveler this many years old to walk around this place at night? for example. You can get answers from people who have recently been there. BL: Great. It seems to us that the biggest costs of travel are transportation and lodging, so lets focus on that for a bit. In general, how do you get from here to there and back the cheapest way possible? SK: Well, there are a couple of things that you need to decide that have a big impact on that. One of the first things youre going to decide on is are you flexible with dates, because I cant tell you that if you need to fly from Chicago to Los Angeles on July 15th and come back on July 23rd, youre not going to find great savings. Its going to be the basic price. It might be a little cheaper if you do it in advance, but the real ways to save money are to adjust your dates, especially if you dont have kids at home anymore or if you have adult kids or dont have kids then you certainly dont want to travel on a Friday and come back on a Sunday evening. Theres that. Theres also the idea of traveling to fewer places. If youre taking a three-week trip, its a lot cheaper to fly to one spot and travel around that spot, maybe by car or local transportation, than to say that youre going to go to 10 European cities in 20 days or do the whole West Coast of the United States from San Diego up to the Canadian border and rush from one to the other and take a lot of flights. Staying in one place for more time, first of all, allows you to get to know the place better, and of course it costs less. When you get into very complicated airplane itineraries, there are ways to do it better. Lets say youre taking the trip of a lifetime for two months to a bunch of different countries. Ive done these tests online; depending on how you search, you can find massively different prices and conveniences. There are companies that will figure it out for you and can often save you a ton of money. Ill mention Flight Fox, even though Im not recommending them, but that is one example and Ive tested it out. I created this crazy itinerary for myself going through Europe and into Africa and then I sent it to them and they found a way to do it $3,000 cheaper than if I had figured it out just by using the sites that we all use. BL: Is it a free site? SK: No, you end up paying something, I cant remember exactly, but its way less than you usually end up saving and you have the choice not to accept their proposal. BL: Do you recommend joining airline memberships? SK: There is nothing wrong with signing up. In fact, you should, because why wouldnt you? You get free miles and, eventually, you might get a free trip. The problem is when people start to game the system and say, Oh my God, I have to travel American or Delta or their partners because thats what I collect miles on. Miles it seems like every month are worth less because it takes more and more miles to book something. Miles work well for people who have a job that forces them to travel a lot on the same route. Theyre always using the same airlines and they build up tons and tons of miles. For once- or twice-a-year travelers, its not really as important. The one thing I would recommend is, depending on how your credit is, signing up for credit cards that give you big bonuses like 50,000 miles or 70,000 miles, which will be enough for at least a domestic flight. The only thing is, they will charge you an annual fee. I have to admit, I sign up for these credit cards, get a year for free and then I cancel and I get a free flight out of it. You have to be very organized. Flights and miles are really for very organized people who will not be tempted to pay $100 extra for their flight just to go on their airline. Youre definitely doing it wrong if thats what youre doing. Miles are worth less than 1 cent. You can think about it that way. Do the calculations. Never get miles without realizing that theyre worth less than 1 cent each. BL: What about baggage fees? Do you have tricks to figure that one out? SK: I may have a bit of a counterintuitive view on this. I dont think you should torture yourself to avoid baggage fees. Certainly I think everyone can travel for one week with a carry-on bag, but now sometimes you even have to pay for the carry-on bags. I think the best tip I can give on baggage fees is to make your reservation through the airline website where they explain it all. You can look up the airfare costs on any site you want, but unless its very clear what youre going to pay for baggage, then you can go to the airline site itself. BL: Here is something that has always troubled me, and I dont know the answer to: Why am I always stuck in loading group 4? By the time I get in, every single overhead is stuffed full of other peoples things. Why do they do that? SK: Well, just wait until you get a bit older and then you can get on first! Everyone who has some sort of status on the airline, probably business travelers who always travel this airline, theyll get in before you. Children will get in before you. You probably got a cheaper ticket. Now you can pay more to get on early. I just bought a flight and it asked if I wanted to pay $15 extra to be in an earlier boarding group, and I just couldnt do it. I find myself often getting on with a carry-on stuffed to the gills, and if there is nowhere to store it, they take it and check it for you. I dont have any problem waiting for my baggage for an extra 20 minutes when I get to the place. That wouldnt be the reason. The fees are one thing. Also, if you really want to pack a little extra, just check your bag if the price is reasonable. If its $75, which sometimes it can be these days for international flights, then dont do it, but I wouldnt worry about it too much. BL: All of these booking sites like Expedia and Travelocity offer the same airline fares these days, our experts tell us. Are there places to go for real travel deals that you know about? SK: Again, a lot of it depends on your dates. If your dates are flexible, there are ways to search dateless or date ranges. You always want to do that. The idea of coming back a day later on a holiday weekend can save you a lot of money. A lot of it you can do yourself. Youre right, the prices are mostly the same, especially on easy flights: one-leg domestic flights, one-leg flights to Europe from the East Coast and that sort of thing. When it comes to international flights and flights from smaller cities, one of the things to remember is that Southwest Airlines is not on these sites, so you definitely always want to check Southwest. They have opted out. The airlines have to pay a fee to be on these sites, so you always want to check Southwest. Sometimes if its a complicated flight, you might want to use a travel agent. Its very counterintuitive these days, but even with a three-leg flight thats international, a lot of times youre not going to get the best deal. The example I love to give, that wont be relevant to everybody, is if you go to China and try to take a domestic flight inside of China, when Ive tested it, the variation of what you get when you search Expedia versus Kayak, for example, is huge. It just so happens that trip.com is owned by a Chinese company now, so trip.com is pretty good for domestic Chinese flights. There is no way to know that necessarily without doing a lot of research. Just be aware that more complicated flights, youll find bigger variations in what youll find online. Dallas to Seattle, probably not. BL: Im the type of guy, when I arrive at a new destination, my preference is to rent a car and drive around. Is there a formula about when to do that and when not to, in your experience? SK: A formula, Im not sure, but certainly a lot of things apply, like what is the public transportation like, what is Uber like in the place youre visiting, how many people are you traveling with, how much stuff you have with you. Obviously, if you rent a car and you want to take camera equipment around, its safer, you can lock stuff in your car. More rural areas, you want to be on your own and have that flexibility. I think it depends on the way you do it, and it depends also on rental car rates. If you come to New York City, first of all, youd be crazy to rent a car in New York City, but even if youre going around the area, rental cars cost a lot more in New York City than they do in very car-friendly places. I guess thats the best advice. Dont feel bad about it if youre getting something out of it. You realize also that public transportation does have its charms. I just mentioned Prague. I was completely charmed by the transportation in Prague, which are trams, trollies. Theyre always on time. I live in New York City. Nothing is ever on time! When I was in Prague, everything was on time and it comes every six minutes. I remember staying in a bar and knowing that it was a three-minute walk to the tram at midnight and knowing that I could literally leave the bar and the tram would come at exactly the right time. If the public transportation is great, taking public transportation is a great way to see a place. BL: I once read that when Francis Ford Coppola blows into a new town, the first thing he does is he takes the touristy bus trip around the whole town, gets the idea of the lay of the land, does the circuit, and then he explores on his own. What do you think of that? SK: I like it. It doesnt have to be the touristy bus trip, necessarily, but I definitely believe if youre going to be in a city for four days, taking the first day and ticking off the big attractions is important because you dont want to miss them. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, which are on the same boat trip, is a must-see in New York City, but do it on the first day, get it out of the way and then do your explorations on the next days. I agree with that. BL: Lets talk lodging now. It seems like there has been a revolution with the rise of Airbnb and similar home and condo rental services. Based on your experience, are they really cheaper than hotels? SK: Based on my experience, Airbnb is really cheaper than hotels, maybe not every single place, but it really is. There are certain tradeoffs with Airbnb. There are reasons not to like Airbnb politically like there are reasons not to like Uber politically. People have to make their own decisions. One of the things I tell people with Airbnb is try to stay in places with Airbnb that are real peoples houses as opposed to obvious vacation rentals where a place is open all year long and has people rotating in and out. You can tell that by looking at user reviews. You can rent a room in someone elses house and by the way, thats a great thing to do because then youre automatically meeting local folks and its also cheaper if you stay in a room in someones house than it is to get your own apartment and thats cheaper than staying in a hotel. There are lots of ways to do it. You dont necessarily have to go through Airbnb. I love it. The other thing is you get to cook on your own when you want to. I think making breakfast for yourself is a great way to save money, although eating breakfast out is also great because breakfast is cool and different everywhere you go. BL: John W., one of our members, just wrote in: If youre on a budget, are there some obvious choices on where to consider going or not going? SK: Well, I would look for places that are less touristy or going to really touristy places in the off-season. Thats just basic. Youre not going to go to New Orleans during Mardi Gras and save a lot of money, but you could go during the winter or during the week and get some really good deals there. You can also look at any hotel site and filter it. If you went onto, say, Booking.com, you can get a really good sense of how expensive a city is by looking at how many hotels there are under $150 a night on the dates that you are going. If you compared New Orleans with Portland, Oregon, and you see a lot of nice-looking hotels in Portland for under $100, then thats going to be a cheaper, overall, city. Thats a good way to tell whether a city is cheap. Its just a little trick. A great way to do it is to not decide your destination firsthand. Try three different locations that you think you would like to go to and look what you can get at each one, choose the cheaper one and save the other one for next time. BL: Im picking up a theme with you: If you can approach travel with flexibility of spirit, you are possibly in for not only a treat, but a cheap treat. SK: I couldnt have said it better myself. BL: Listen, another question just came in. CookiesDS writes, Where is the best park for 55-and-over people who cant ride big roller coasters or rides due to bad backs, but still want to have kick-butt fun? SK: Well, I definitely dont have the answer to that, but I really appreciate the spirit of the question. You definitely dont want to go to Coney Island and ride the Cyclone. That thing batters your back for sure. Im sorry, I dont have the exact answer to that. BL: One of our editors is a proponent of having one memorable excursion on every vacation, like a hot air balloon or dinner at a four-star restaurant, but obviously those costs run into the hundreds or thousands. What are great, unique experiences that youve encountered over your years that dont cost that kind of coin? SK: I think were at a great moment in travel now because experiences are on sale everywhere. Youll book a tour or a cooking lesson with a unique local person and get to do it. If you dont want to pay for a hot air balloon, why dont you take food tour in Queens? I live in Queens, New York, and it is the most international, vibrant and cheap area of the city, and there have got to be at least five people running really interesting inside culinary tours. That would be one example. Another way to do it is to do things on day trips rather than five days. You can afford a luxury spa for a day, but not for three days. There are day-long boat cruises, staying on farms, that sort of thing. There is a lot of opportunity to do that too these days. What a great time to travel. Experiences are everywhere. Just look it up. There is such a huge variety. If you want to do a Cambodian cooking lesson, thats one thing. If you want to ride Icelandic horses, thats another thing. Its really just all out there for you. Its a great time for travelers. BL: Were getting towards the end. I want to give you a lightning round of questions. You can swat it away if you dont have an answer. If I gave you $1,500 and five days to go anywhere, where would you go? SK: I would go definitely to a place I had never been before. Im thinking that I might go to eastern Canada, Prince Edward Island and that area, a place I had never been before. I could almost drive there. BL: Is there a drive/fly ratio formula? When do you stop driving and take a plane? How many miles? How many hours? SK: Id say how many people. If youre a family of four or two couples and you can drive, four times that is really important. Also, are there interesting things along the way? I once did a trip from Washington, D.C., to Savannah, Georgia, and almost didnt make it to Savannah because I was stopping off in so many places along the way. If youre willing not to take the main interstate and take a smaller road, thats a really good way to do it. BL: San Francisco or Los Angeles? SK: I am partial to Los Angeles. Its a very difficult place to visit and San Francisco is a very easy place to visit, but its so incredible and enormous and full of crazy immigrant neighborhoods you can get lost in but also really high-end culture. I love L.A. Maybe its heresy for a New Yorker to say that, and I enjoy San Francisco, but its getting expensive out there and very precious. BL: Yosemite or Yellowstone? SK: Thats easy, Yosemite because I have never been there, but its going to have to be after this summer because the campsites are full. BL: New York or D.C.? SK: The only reason to choose D.C., I think, is because of the great museums there and theyre free. Thats a budget reason to go to D.C. I live in New York. There are so many great neighborhoods to see and so many great things to do, I guess I just have to say New York. BL: There are more world-class restaurants in D.C., and since were headquartered there, Ill do a little shout-out. SK: Yes. My brother lives in the D.C. area. I do really like going there. I love the Postal Museum. If you havent been to the Postal Museum, what a great museum that is. BL: How about an Atlantic Ocean beach or a Pacific Ocean beach? SK: I think Id choose the Pacific Ocean because I feel like Im going to like the people near the Pacific Ocean beach better, but thats really the only reason. BL: Arent the Long Island beaches some of the best in the world, out by the Hamptons? SK: Youre talking to a freelance journalist. I dont go to the Hamptons. BL: We talked about solo traveling. Give me 30 seconds or so on traveling with a group. Does it get cheaper, does it get better when you have more people around you? SK: Cheaper, yes. Better? Not so sure. You have to choose your travel companions very, very carefully and make sure youre all on the same page and come to some ground rule agreements beforehand. If youre with a big group, getting there can be cheaper if you go in a car, of course. Staying can be cheaper if youre willing to get an Airbnb for example that is a whole house. Thats really great. And just realize, you can always split up and go off on your own for a day, and you really should. There is no real reason to have to stay together the whole time. Even a couple can split up, which is something I really recommend. BL: If I wanted to stay on a farm and have farm-to-table food, are there apps that will take me to those things? SK: Im not sure the answer to that. Chowhound.com is a great site for asking questions about specific cuisines, and certainly, if you asked that question on chowhound.com, you would probably get a million answers. Many would say, Weve answered that question before, just do a search. You can often search and find great answers. BL: Seth, thank you very much. This was a blast and it was inspiring. Its a good moment for me to remind everyone that AARP offers lots of ways to help you plan great vacations. Check out aarp.org/travel and youll find lots of information and advice on destinations and planning and Seths articles. Plus, the page is our gateway to all of many travel discounts and services. Speaking of which, go to the member benefits section of aarp.org for the current list of all discounts, which change, by they way, and services that we offer to make sure that youre getting the maximum from your membership. Thank you for joining us at The First Word from AARP. Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE Mark Ronchetti could be inching closer to a gubernatorial run after abruptly resigning as a KRQE-TV meteorologist Thursday on the heels of an updated campaign website briefly going live. Ronchetti, who was the GOP nominee for an open U.S. Senate seat in 2020, said Friday he had not yet made a final decision about whether to run for governor next year. Krysty and I will continue to talk to our girls and pray about the direction were going to head in next, Ronchetti said in a statement, referring to his wife and daughters. We hope to have a final decision by next week. Ronchettis resignation was announced by KRQE-TV anchors during a Thursday evening broadcast, after Ronchettis campaign website featuring a Mark Ronchetti governor logo was made publicly viewable. The website was taken down shortly after the Journal inquired about it. Meanwhile, the state Democratic Party seized on the situation Friday, accusing Ronchetti of publicly denying his political ambitions while privately holding closed-door meetings for a possible gubernatorial campaign. Delaney Corcoran, a Democratic Party spokeswoman, said Ronchetti has shown he will always prioritize personal political gain at the expense of New Mexicans. Ronchetti left KRQE-TV to run for the U.S. Senate in 2020. He won a three-way Republican primary race in his first foray into statewide politics, but lost in the general election to Democrat Ben Ray Lujan, and subsequently returned to the television station. Given that backdrop, the Democratic Governors Association recently warned KRQE-TV that Ronchettis on-air presence as a meteorologist could subject the station to equal treatment provisions under federal communications law if he were to run for governor next year. Under federal communications law, radio and television stations must provide equal broadcast time to opposing political candidates, with certain allowable exceptions. The letter did not mention Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham by name, although the governor was elected in December 2020 as the DGAs chairwoman, a prominent post for fundraising and supporting Democratic governor candidates. Shortly after the most recent letter was sent, Ronchetti accused Lujan Grisham of using her position to harass him and his family, and to try to get him fired from his television job. He also said he had not commented on political issues or done anything of a political nature since the end of the Senate campaign. Seven other Republican candidates have announced gubernatorial campaigns, with whoever wins the GOP nomination set to run against Lujan Grisham in the November 2022 general election. The governor recently reported raising more than $2.5 million for her re-election campaign during a recent six-month time period and having $2.1 million in her campaign account. Thats more than six times more money than the top-raising Republican state Rep. Rebecca Dow of Truth or Consequences, who reported having $337,000 in her campaign account after transferring more than $105,000 from her legislative war chest. Another GOP candidate, Greg Zanetti of Albuquerque, questioned whether Ronchettis background qualifies him to be governor. Mark is an accomplished weatherman, but New Mexico is going to need someone with real world military, financial and business experience to turn the state around, Zanetti said in a Friday statement. Meanwhile, state Republican Party chairman Steve Pearce said recently it would be difficult for any candidates not already in the race to be competitive in the June primary election. I would say the field is probably looking like its going to look next year, Pearce said during an interview with KKOB news radio. Millions more Americans just became eligible for COVID-19 boosters, but figuring out whos eligible and when can be confusing. And adding to the challenge is that this time around, people can choose a different brand of vaccine for that extra dose. A number of factors, including the vaccine you started with and when your last dose was, help determine when you qualify. Just like the initial shots, boosters are free and will be available at pharmacies, doctors offices and clinics. Here are some things to know: WHY ARE BOOSTERS NEEDED? People who are fully vaccinated are still strongly protected against hospitalization and death from COVID-19. But immunity against infection can wane over time, and the extra-contagious delta variant is spreading widely. U.S. health authorities want to shore up protection in at-risk people who were vaccinated months ago, though they emphasize that the priority remains getting the unvaccinated their first shots. ARE BOOSTERS AVAILABLE FOR ALL THREE VACCINES AUTHORIZED IN THE U.S.? Yes, Pfizer boosters began last month, and this week the government cleared extra doses of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines too. More than 120 million Americans will become eligible for a booster in the coming months, or about 2 out of every 3 vaccinated adults, officials say. But whos eligible and when differs depending on which vaccine you got first. CAN I GET A BOOSTER NOW? If you got Pfizer or Moderna shots first, youre eligible if your last dose was at least six months ago and youre 65 or older, or are a younger adult who has health problems or a job or living conditions that put you at higher risk of severe illness or exposure to the coronavirus. Health care workers, for example, are included because they are regularly exposed to the virus and cant come to work with even the mildest of infections. WHAT IF I GOT THE J&J SHOT? Anyone who got a J&J shot at least two months ago is eligible, regardless of age or other factors. WHY ARE THERE DIFFERENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE DIFFERENT VACCINES? A single shot of the J&J vaccine is less effective than two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer formulas, and health authorities decided it was important for the J&J recipients to achieve a similar level of protection. As for the timing, J&J simply tested more people with a two-month booster than one at six months. For recipients of Moderna or Pfizer vaccinations, theres no clear data that everybody needs another dose, but immunity against infection in at least some people appeared to wane around six months. WHAT IF I DONT WANT TO WAIT SIX MONTHS? Experts agree that getting a booster too soon can reduce the benefit. Timing matters because the immune system gradually builds layers of defenses over months, and letting that response mature improves the chances another, later dose will provide even stronger protection. WHAT DOES MIXING AND MATCHING BOOSTER DOSES MEAN? It means a booster of a different brand from your original vaccination. That gives flexibility in situations such as nursing homes where only one type of booster might be brought in. It also gives people at risk of a rare side effect linked to one kind of vaccine the option of switching to a different shot. SHOULD I SEEK OUT A DIFFERENT VACCINE? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration didnt recommend that people switch but left open the option. Preliminary results of a government study found an extra dose of any vaccine triggered a boost of virus-fighting antibodies regardless of what shots people got to begin with. For people who originally got a J&J vaccination, the Moderna and Pfizer shots appeared to offer a stronger boost. But researchers cautioned the study was too small to say one combination is better than another. DO I NEED A BOOSTER TO STILL BE CONSIDERED FULLY VACCINATED? No, the CDC says people still are considered fully vaccinated starting two weeks after the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, or the single-dose J&J shot. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky says the definition of fully vaccinated is not being changed for now because not everyone is eligible for boosters at this point. WILL THIS BE MY LAST BOOSTER? Nobody knows. Some scientists think eventually people may get regular COVID-19 shots like annual flu vaccinations. But researchers will need to study how long protection from the current boosters lasts. ___ The Associated Press Health & Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. We New Mexicans spend a lot of time lamenting the bad lists New Mexico and Albuquerque end up on, so why not take some time to highlight a positive one? Outside Magazine, an industry publication focused on the outdoors, named Albuquerque one of its 20 top cities and towns to live in on its annual list. Our fair city appeared alongside metropolitan areas like Chicago and Philadelphia, and outdoor meccas like Austin, due in large part to investments made at the city and state level. To get that recognition is really powerful, and I think it is evidence of the benefits residents are seeing, said Axie Navas, director of New Mexicos two-year-old Outdoor Recreation Division and a former editor at the publication, which has offices in Santa Fe and earlier this year was acquired by a Colorado company. Outside has run a version of this list for more than two decades, but the publication made some changes to its criteria this year. Rather than fixating on craft beer and beautiful landscapes, this years list prioritized affordability and equitable access to the outdoors. The articles intro said it combined demographic data with on-the-ground research about green infrastructure to create its list. Each section was written by a local expert, with Santa Fe-based writer Murat Oztaskin authoring the Albuquerque capsule. From new parks to greater state-level investment, our experts shared highlights of their favorite places and what improvements theyre seeingor not, the story reads. New Mexicans might be accustomed to seeing Santa Fe and Taos appear on lists like this one, but the states largest city has not always gotten credit for its access to the outdoors. And not without reason, as Outside notes. The lands surrounding Albuquerque might be beautiful, but theyve long been relatively inaccessible to a lot of the citys population. The article ranks Albuquerque 40th in outdoor access among Americas 100 largest cities, despite abundant public lands. Navas told the Journal that increasing access to the outdoors for underserved populations, including low-income youth, was one of the reasons the division was created in 2019. Navas pointed to a lack of public transportation to and from public lands as well as a lack of affordable housing near public spaces as barriers to access. I think thats something that communities, the state and the federal government need to address together, Navas said. The states Outdoor Equity Fund, included in the law that created the outdoor division, is designed to mitigate those barriers by funding organizations that offer equitable access to the outdoors for New Mexico kids. In its second funding cycle, the fund awarded $898,337 to 57 programs across the state, up from $261,863 to 25 programs the year prior. Navas added that states with established outdoor recreation industries, including Colorado and California, have created their own equity programs modeled after New Mexicos. I think New Mexicos really setting the stage for that work, Navas said. At this point, you might be asking: so, what does this have to do with economic development? Beyond having personal benefits, Navas said providing access to the outdoors for kids can help create a lifelong interest in the industry, potentially creating a broader network of workers and entrepreneurs who can power the industry for years to come. And having New Mexicos largest city at the middle of that can help establish it as a hub for outdoor offerings in other parts of the state, Navas said. If that happens, Outside wont be the last national outlet paying attention to Albuquerques outdoor economy. Stephen Hamway covers economic development, health care and tourism for the Journal. He can be reached at shamway@abqjournal.com. Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal Albuquerque Public Schools bus drivers will soon be receiving a pay increase as the district attempts to keep and attract drivers amid a shortage. The wage increases, which were approved by the Board of Education on Wednesday, will raise pay for bus drivers by $1 an hour, bringing the minimum wage to $18. Hiring bonuses for new bus drivers and hiring referral bonuses were also approved at the meeting. With the incentives, new bus drivers will receive $1,000 paid out over the course of a year and current bus drivers will receive $500 for each referral hired. The wage increase and hiring incentive come as the school district faces mass staffing shortages across all jobs, with bus drivers being especially in demand. According to an online APS job posting list, the district has 730 active job postings. Transportation Executive Director Royce Binns told the board Wednesday that the district is currently short 70 drivers, not including any backup drivers. This means thousands of students are not being transported to school as they would be in normal years, Binns said. APS spokeswoman Monica Armenta said roughly 5,600 students are unable to take a bus to school due to routes being cut, with the West Side being most affected. During public comment, bus driver Reuben Apodaca said bus drivers, dispatch workers, training staff and shop technicians are all having to cover bus routes on a near daily basis. When they signed on to be in these staff positions, they understood that they would probably be called up, but its happening pretty much on a daily basis and, of course, that leaves us, the bus drivers, without anyone back at the yard to support us because theyre all out driving, he said. Armenta said that about 40% of routes are either doubled or tripled, resulting in longer bus ride times for students. Its a given that its taking longer to get to school right now, she said. Binns said the district has dealt with shortages for a long time, but the current level of shortages could be consequential in the coming winter months when drivers are more likely to call out since there wont be any drivers available to cover for them. Binns said the pay raise and stipend are an attempt to attract and retain more drivers during a time when drivers can earn more by working for private companies or the city government. At this current time, we are not seeing anybody applying or even having an interest in (applying), he said. So, were hoping that the increase and (the stipends) will get some motivation for our department. Binns said the increase is just the first step and that hourly wages for bus drivers should be increased to $20 to remain competitive. The New Mexico community will come together to remember filmmaker Halyna Hutchins. The 42-year-old director of photography was killed on the set of Rust on Thursday, while she filming at Bonanza Creek Ranch, just south of Santa Fe. According to the International Cinematographers Guild 600, there will be a vigil from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23, at Albuquerque Civic Plaza, 1 Civic Plaza. Our close-knit film and television community is grieving, and we know that this has deeply affected many of us, the guild said in a release. Lets all take a moment and gather together to honor Halyna and her accomplishments and grieve together as one. Organizers are asking attendants to bring a candle. New Mexicos IATSE 480 is also helping put on the event. Hutchins is survived by her husband, Matthew, and her 9-year-old son. There is also a GoFundMe to raise money for Hutchins family, https://www.gofundme.com/f/raise-funds-in-memory-of-halyna-hutchins Instagram Movie The Broadway actor accuses 'Come From Away' producers of 'unlawfully' terminating him from the musical due to religious beliefs after he denounced Covid-19 safety protocols. Oct 23, 2021 AceShowbiz - Broadway star Chad Kimball is suing the producers of musical "Come From Away" for allegedly firing him due to his religious beliefs. The actor appeared in 1,100 performances of the show and was a member of the original cast. However, he contracted COVID-19 back in March 2020 and faced backlash in November when he vowed to disobey coronavirus safety restrictions on religious services. "Respectfully, I will never allow a Governor, or anyone, to stop me from SINGING, let alone sing in worship to my God. Folks, absolute POWER corrupts ABSOLUTELY. This is not about safety. It's about POWER. I will respectfully disobey these unlawful orders," he tweeted at the time. When "Come From Away" returned to Broadway last month (Sep21), Kimball wasn't invited to reprise his role as well as being absent from the filmed version that's now streaming on Apple TV+. In his lawsuit, Kimball claims that the producers "unlawfully terminated (him) wholly or partly because (his) religious beliefs simply made them uncomfortable." "(The) failure to re-hire was based wholly or partly upon (his) religious faith." The legal papers also explain how Kimball has been affected by the firing, stating, "As a result of his termination as a result of faith, (he) felt extremely humiliated, degraded, victimised, embarrassed, emotionally distressed, extremely distraught and intimidated." "(Kimball) was made to suffer significant economic and professional harm, in addition to emotional and physical pain and suffering, economic loss; physical and emotion stress; and, in some instances severe emotional trauma, depression, illness, hopelessness and anxiety, loss of confidence, self-esteem and self-worth, and other irreparable harm resulting from the strain of employment controversies caused by Defendants and/or Defendants' agents and/or employees." The "Come From Away" producers have yet to respond to the lawsuit. WENN Celebrity The Captain James T. Kirk of 'Star Trek' has been called out by the 'Dynasty' actress for travelling to space with Jeff Bezos' crew to promote commercial space flights. Oct 23, 2021 AceShowbiz - Joan Collins has accused William Shatner of being a "fool" for his recent space journey. The 88-year-old actress hit out at the 90-year-old actor - who played Captain James T. Kirk in the "Star Trek" films and TV series - after he became the oldest person to go to space earlier this month. "What a fool," she said on "The Jonathan Ross Show". "Who wants to do that? No, absolutely not! Did you see Bill Shatner? He was in the air and they were turning him upside down." The actor ventured up into space with former Amazon CEO Jeffo Bezos as a part of the billionaire's Blue Origin project, which seeks to run commercial space flights. The 11-minute flight made headlines all over the world, but Joan thinks it was irresponsible and damaging for the planet. "Let's take care of this planet first before we start going off," she sighed. By contrast, the Hollywood star previously admitted to loving his space experience. He said shortly after returning to Earth, "Everybody in the world needs to do this. It was unbelievable." "The Jonathan Ross Show" airs in the U.K. on Saturday (23Oct21) at 9.30pm BST on ITV and ITV Hub. During the interview, Joan Collins also revealed Donald Trump was desperate to star in "Dynasty". The actress starred as diva Alexis Colby from 1981 to 1989, and she's revealed that the former U.S. President did everything he could to join the cast. She told The Jonathan Ross Show, "He pretended to be (taken with me) - I don't think he was." "I was a great friend of (his ex-wife) Ivana's. Then he called up one of the producers from Dynasty and said, 'I want to be in Dynasty.' He said, 'I'm sorry we're all cast.' Trump said, 'But, I am Dynasty!' And he said, 'No you're not. We have all these other people.' " "Trump said, 'Look, I'd be great to play one of Alexis's lovers.' He said, 'I think those parts - there was a few! - have been cast.' A few weeks later, (the producer) spread this story around Hollywood, he (Trump) denied it." "Trump said, 'I would not want to be Joan Collins' lover on or off screen.' Which I thought was rather rude!" WENN Celebrity The Emmy-winning actor, who shared screen with Tom Hanks in 1980s sitcom 'Bosom Buddies', has passed away at the age of 66 after battling cancer for two years. Oct 23, 2021 AceShowbiz - Emmy winner Peter Scolari, who was best-known for starring opposite Tom Hanks in 1980s U.S. sitcom "Bosom Buddies", has died after a two-year battle with cancer, aged 66. The beloved actor died early on Friday (22Oct21), his manager Ellen Lubin Sanitsky announced. Scolari's 43-year show business career included a 2016 Emmy-winning role as the father of Lena Dunham's character on HBO's "Girls" and, most recently, he played Bishop Thomas Marx on the supernatural TV series "Evil". He also received three Emmy nominations as the boss of Bob Newhart's character on American comedy "Newhart", which ran from 1984 to 1990. Peter reunited several times with his more famous "Bosom Buddies" co-star Hanks, and made a cameo in Tom's 1996 directorial debut, "That Thing You Do!". He also reteamed with Hanks for the 2013 Broadway production of "Lucky Guy", a biographical drama about journalist Mike McAlary, which was written by Nora Ephron. Scolari appeared on Broadway six times, beginning in 2003 with "Hairspray". His final New York stage appearance was in the 2018 Off-Broadway production of "The True", also starring Edie Falco, Michael McKean, and his wife Tracy Shayne. Newhart paid tribute to his late co-star, "I knew that Peter was sick, but his death still comes as a great shock. We were friends and colleagues for over 40 years. Julia and Peter, as a vacuous couple (Michael and Stephanie), were an essential part of the success of 'Newhart.' In life, he was a fantastic person, and it was a joy to work together. He will be sorely missed and his passing at 66 is much too early." WENN Celebrity Grace Hightower's demand to get half of former husband's multi-million-dollar earnings has been shut down by a court, three years after he filed for divorce. Oct 23, 2021 AceShowbiz - Robert De Niro's estranged wife Grace Hightower won't get half of the actor's earnings, a court has ruled. The "Raging Bull" star filed for divorce from Hightower, his wife of 21 years, in December 2018, with his ex demanding half of the actor's $300 million (217 million) fortune, despite signing a prenuptial agreement in 2004. Hightower claimed the wording of the contract also grants her 50 per cent of De Niro's earnings since they exchanged vows in 2004, which she believes to be around $300 million, thanks to the 38 movies and 35 lucrative business investments he made during the union. His total fortune is estimated at $500 million (362 million). However, the Appellate Division rejected Hightower's arguments and upheld the Manhattan Supreme Court ruling from February as they said in their decision, "The husband's income earned during the marriage and other business assets acquired during that time are his separate property." De Niro's lawyer Caroline Krauss told Page Six after the ruling, "The decision speaks for itself. We obviously agree with the conclusion." Hightower will still walk away with millions from the divorce as she and De Niro will sell their $20 million (14.5 million) former marital home and put $6 million (4.3 million) from the sale towards buying a house of her choice that she can live in with their two children. De Niro will also pay his ex $1 million (725,215) a year in alimony until she remarries or one of them dies as per the terms of their prenup. Hightower and De Niro first headed to divorce court in 1999 after just two years as husband and wife. They subsequently reconciled and remarried in 2004. Instagram Music The 'You'll Be in My Heart' hitmaker, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford have added more shows to make up the dates previously canceled due to Covid-19 outbreak. Oct 23, 2021 AceShowbiz - Genesis have been forced to extend their final tour after shutting down their upcoming London concerts following multiple positive COVID tests. The rockers have now rescheduled three dates at the London O2 for March, 2022 - three months after "The Last Domino?" tour was supposed to end. Earlier this month (Oct21), Phil Collins and his bandmates were forced to postpone their final U.K. reunion shows after more than one positive COVID test "within the band." The Last Domino? tour kicked off in Birmingham, England last month (Sep21), marking the trio's first shows in 14 years. As well as three shows in London, the band was also forced to axe a gig in Glasgow, Scotland. In a message to fans on 8 October (21), the trio wrote, "Following guidance and advice from the Government, it is with huge regret that the final four shows of Genesis' Last Domino? Tour (this evening (8/10) at Glasgow SSE Hydro and 11, 12, 13 October at The O2 in London) have had to be postponed due to positive COVID19 tests within the band." "We are working to reschedule them as soon as possible and will announce the new dates through our website (www.genesis-music.com) and social media channels as soon as possible." The statement did not specify if Collins, keyboardist Tony Banks, and guitarist Mike Rutherford had contracted the virus. "This is a hugely frustrating development for the band who are devastated with this unlucky turn of events," the note continued. "They hate having to take these steps but the safety of the audience and touring crew has to take priority. They look forward to seeing you upon their return." The new U.K. shows at The O2 in London will now take place on 24 to 26 March. Instagram Celebrity Matthew Hutchins confirms Alec Baldwin has reached out to him in the wake of cinematographer wife's passing following the fatal incident on the set of new movie 'Rust'. Oct 23, 2021 AceShowbiz - The husband of Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer who died on Thursday (21Oct21) after Alec Baldwin discharged a prop gun on a movie set, is being supported by the actor following the tragedy. Baldwin broke his silence on Friday morning about the accident, which took place during the production of western Rust in Santa Fe, New Mexico, tweeting, "There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna." Now, Matthew Hutchins has confirmed he is in touch with the film's star and producer, telling the Daily Mail, "I have spoken with Alec Baldwin and he is being very supportive. At this time, I still have not had an opportunity to prepare a statement, which I am planning to release. My intent is to, you know, put into words some of the things about her life and the situation which are I think most important. I plan to post that onto my Twitter as soon as I have an opportunity later today." "There's obviously a lot to deal with whenever there's any death in the family. We're moving around to address all the things we need to do on the ground. There's a lot of phone calls and messages." He added that his family has been moved by the outpouring of grief for his late wife. "And we greatly appreciate all the sympathy," he said. "It feels like people are going to move mountains. One thing we're trying to do is to set up a memorial with AFI, the American Film institute. And that is in process, and there will be more details in the statement." Hutchins trained in cinematography at the American Film Institute. The 42 year old director of photography, who was viewed as a rising star in her field, was transported by helicopter to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque, where she was pronounced dead. "Rust" 's director, Joel Souza, was also injured and taken to hospital by ambulance, but he was released late on Thursday. WENN/FayesVision Celebrity Other Baldwin family members, including Hailey Baldwin and Stephen Baldwin, also break silence on the accidental shooting that killed 'Rust' director of photography Halyna Hutchins. Oct 23, 2021 AceShowbiz - Ireland Baldwin slammed "insensitive" journalists who reached out to her for interviews in the wake of fatal accident involving her father Alec Baldwin on the set of "Rust". On Friday, October 22, the model took to her Instagram account to share a screenshot of a "freelance journalist" who contacted her for an interview despite knowing that "it's a sensitive time." "I was hoping to possibly do an interview with you. Obviously I would make it beneficial for the both of us, but I know it's a sensitive time," the reporter wrote to the model. "Of course you're Alec's daughter, so anything you have to say on the situation would be important." The journalist added, "I would obviously tread carefully and be respectful of everyone involved. If you want you can call me." Ireland wasn't impressed though as she wrote on her Stories, "To the handful of journalists who have been contacting me, you're despicable and insensitive." She went on to note, "To anyone who's been giving out my number. please lose it and don't contact me again." Later in a separate post, Ireland shared support for the family of Halyna Hutchins, the director of photography who was killed after Alec accidentally misfired a prop gun on "Rust" set. "My love and support go to Halnya Hutchins' family and friends," she penned. As for injured director Joel Souza, the 25-year-old sent "healing thoughts," before concluding, "And wishing I could hug my dad extra tight today." Ireland Baldwin broke her silence on Alec Baldwin's accidental shooting. Other Baldwin family members also broke her silence on the matter. Taking to Instagram Story, Hailey Baldwin wrote, "Sending all my love to the family of Halyna Hutchins. This is a truly unimaginable and devastating tragedy. My thoughts are also with Joel Souza as he recovers. I am absolutely heartbroken for everyone involved." Hailey's actor dad Stephen Baldwin also issued a statement following the tragedy. "Asking for your prayers tonight friends not much can be said other than please pray for all involved in the wake of this tragic accident thank you," so he wrote on Instagram. Alec, meanwhile, took to Twitter on Friday morning to express his condolences to the director of photography's loved ones, after the tragic accident on the Santa Fe, New Mexico set of the western movie. "There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours," the former "Saturday Night Live" cast member wrote. "I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna," he added. Lucasfilm TV The 'Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith' star will be joining Rosario Dawson, who is set to portray fan-favorite character Ahsoka Tano in the upcoming limited series on Disney+. Oct 23, 2021 AceShowbiz - A new familiar face is reportedly set to appear on "Ahsoka", Disney+'s latest "Star Wars" spin-off series. According to a new report by The Hollywood Reporter, Hayden Christensen will be reprising his role as Anakin Skywalker/Darth on the upcoming series. If the report is to be believed, the "Star Wars" alum will be joining Rosario Dawson. The "Men in Black II" actress will be playing fan-favorite character Ahsoka Tano, a Jedi Knight survivor made her live-action debut in the sophomore season of "The Mandalorian". As of now, plot details of "Ahsoka" are kept under wraps. It is also unknown how Hayden will be featured on "Ahsoka" but it is likely that he will be seen in flashbacks or a Jedi presence as "Ahsoka" is set five years after "Return of the Jedi". "Ahsoka" will be written by Dave Filoni. Meanwhile, Jon Favreau is serving as executive producer. It is reported that the production on the planned limited series will begin in early 2022. "Ahsoka" is among 10 "Star Wars" shows that are being developed on Disney+ following the huge success of "The Mandalorian". Disney has yet to comment on the casting report. Fans of "Star Wars" may remember Hayden for his famous appearance as the future Vader in 2002's "Star Wars: Attack of the Clones" and 2005's "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith". He is also set to return to the role of "Obi-Wan Kenobi", starring opposite Ewan McGregor. Additionally, Hayden will join Moses Ingram, Joel Edgerton, Bonnie Piesse, Kumail Nanjiani, Indira Varma, Rupert Friend, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Sung Kang, Simone Kessell and Benny Safdie on the series, which is expected to arrive sometime in 2022. Celebrity In 'The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst', the real estate heir appears to confess to murdering wife Kathie Durst and friend Susan Berman when he wasn't aware he was being recorded. Oct 23, 2021 AceShowbiz - Real estate heir Robert Durst has been charged with the murder of his wife Kathie Durst, after being sentenced to life in prison last week (ends October 15) for the murder of his friend Susan Berman. Kathie's 1982 disappearance and the subsequent death of Berman were the subject of the 2015 six-part HBO series "The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst", which reignited interest in both cases. Last month (September 2021), Durst was convicted of the 2000 execution-style murder of Berman, who prosecutors believe helped mislead police chiefs by pretending to be his wife on the phone after she had vanished. On Friday, October 22, New York state authorities confirmed they have also charged him with the murder of his wife, whose body was never found. Kathie was declared legally dead in 2017. "The Westchester County District Attorney's Office can confirm that a complaint charging Robert Durst with the murder of Kathleen Durst was filed in Lewisboro Town Court on October 19, 2021. We have no further comment at this time," the Westchester County District Attorney's Office said in a statement released to The Hollywood Reporter. In Andrew Jarecki's wildly popular HBO docu-series, Durst appeared to confess to murdering both women when he wasn't aware he was being recorded. He is heard muttering, "You're caught... what the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course." He claims he was high on meth when he made the confession. The dark case also inspired the fictionalized 2010 drama "All Good Things", starring Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst. Instagram Celebrity The 'Real Housewives of New Jersey' alum and the businessman, who started dating in November 2020, got engaged in 'exquisite' moment in Greece earlier this month in fireworks-illuminated proposal. Oct 23, 2021 AceShowbiz - Joe Giudice seemingly didn't expect that Teresa Giudice's engagement to her boyfriend Luis Ruelas was coming this soon. In response to the happy news, Joe revealed in a new interview that he's happy for the couple, but admitted to thinking that it might be rushed. "I'm happy for Teresa and Louie, I give them my blessings," Joe told Celebuzz!. "I think they moved a bit quick into this romance but I'm glad she found her true love and wish them all the best." Teresa and Luis started dating in November 2020, two months after she and Joe finalized their divorced. The new couple then took their relationship to a more serious level earlier this month when they moved into a huge New Jersey mansion together. Later on October 19, the businessman popped the question to "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" alum during the couple's vacation with Teresa's former "RHONJ" co-star Dina Manzo and her husband David Cantinat the Amanzoe Resort in Porto Heli, Greece. It was said that the proposal featured sparklers, candles, roses, a violinist and a fireworks display. In a picture that was obtained by PEOPLE, the couple wore all-white outfits while standing in an elaborate arrangement on the beach that included a "Marry Me" sign, candles and rose petals. "It was absolutely exquisite," a source told PEOPLE. "The choreographed fireworks display illuminated a 'Marry Me' sign as Louie got down on one knee. Teresa was completely surprised." Another source claimed to HollywoodLife.com, "Teresa is ecstatic right now and she truly feels she found her dream man." The informant also shared that the Bravo personality, who shares three daughter with Joe, "is happier than shes been in a long time." Music The newly-released track is the third single off the house music supergroup's forthcoming album called 'Paradise Again', which is set to be dropped in early 2022. Oct 23, 2021 AceShowbiz - Swedish House Mafia has double treats for their fans. After releasing the single "Moth to a Flame" featuring The Weeknd, the Swedish house music supergroup announced the first global tour in nearly a decade. The group, which consists of Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso, shared the announcement on Instagram on Friday, October 22. " 'PARADISE AGAIN WORLD TOUR 2022'. General on sale Oct 29 at 10am local time. Pre-order PARADISE AGAIN now for early access to tickets. Link in bio," they wrote on Instagram. The trio will tour across the United States and Canada starting from July 29 at Miami's FTX Arena until mid-September at San Francisco's Chase Center. They will continue to Europe, kicking off at Manchester's AO Arena on September 29 and rounding off at the Uros Arena in Tampere, Finland on November 13. The announcement arrived just hours after Swedish House Mafia dropped their collaboration with The Weeknd called "Moth to a Flame". On the track, the "Save Your Tears" crooner sings about being a better partner for someone who is dating someone else. "But does he know you call me when he sleeps?/ But does he know the pictures that you keep?/ But does he know the reasons that you cry?" the ex-boyfriend of Selena Gomez sings in the chorus. "Or tell me, does he know where your heart lies?/ Where it truly lies." As for the visual, it features a plethora of naked bodies sharing intimate moments on top of each other. The Weeknd is hardly recognizable in the clip as he hides behind glasses and a black puffy jacket. "Moth to a Flame" is the third single off Swedish House Mafia's upcoming album "Paradise Again", which is set to be dropped in early 2022. They previously released "It Gets Better" and "Lifetime", the latter of which featuring Ty Dolla $ign and 070 Shake. WENN Celebrity The 'Umbrella Academy' actor talks about his sexuality in a new interview, admitting that he 'gave it a few tries' with other men to see if he's gay or bisexual. Oct 24, 2021 AceShowbiz - Robert Sheehan explored his sexuality "to see if there were any tinges in a gay or bisexual area." The "Misfits" actor experimented with other men to see if he was gay or bisexual, but after "a few tries" he decided it "wasn't really for me." Speaking to Independent.ie, Robert said, "I explored my sexuality, just to see if there were any tinges in a gay or bisexual area, but there wasn't really for me. I gave it a few tries though." Robert also admitted he's not been a good romantic partner in the past as he was guilty of being "selfish." He said, "Absolutely. In relationships, I had a tendency to be rather selfish at times." When asked if he has ever issued an apology to any of his exes, he said, "I've done that. It is a good idea. It's as much about you as it is about them but, if you're doing some spiritual housekeeping, I think it's no harm to reach out." Robert is now in a serious relationship but explained that fame can make things complicated. "The Umbrella Academy" actor said, "It's easier to meet someone when you're famous but harder to conduct a relationship with someone. There is someone (significant) now and it's been an interesting learning challenge for me; a confrontation with the self and noticing old patterns emerge and then watching them dissolve." "At ground level, relationships have become easier for me because I know that what I'm fighting with is myself. Suddenly you're five years old and you're having the same feelings you had when your mother told you to go to bed early and, all of a sudden, you're playing the role of your five-year-old self, and your girlfriend is your mother, and you might punch a wall because you're an adult. And so, all this stuff, I've really improved upon." "(The alternative) would be not working on it. I'd be slaving under it for the rest of my life and grow old exactly the same and have people say, 'Ah that's just our Robert, cranky as ever, he's a character', when really he was just a sulky oul p**ck who never dealt with the way he was." SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. - One local rotary club has been raising funds to help fight youth substance abuse for over 30 years. Tonight, the Sundial Riffle Raffle presented prizes to three lucky winners. The raffle, sponsored by Redding East Rotary and formerly known as the Ducky Derby, has raised more than $5,000,000 for local schools and youth groups. Prizes given out tonight included a houseboat vacation, four tickets to a Giants game next year, and the grand prize being a choice between a new car or $20,000. The money schools make from selling tickets goes directly back to them to help support youth sports, clubs, and any substance abuse programs. "And this money allows the kids to be in a partnership with the adults of the community and to raise money for their own programs. So, that way they are kind of getting a hand instead of a handout, and I like the idea of working with our local kids so that they know that the adults are here to support them," Chairman of the Sundial Riffle Raffle Marge Beck said. This year's lucky winners include: Pizza Factory of Shasta Lake will receive the Grand Prize of $25,000 toward the purchase of a vehicle purchased at Taylor Motors Buick Cadillac GMC or SJ Denham Chrysler Jeep FIAT OR $20,000 cash. Sherry Bova will receive the 2nd Place prize of a 5-day houseboat vacation on a 16-Sleeper Houseboat donated by Shasta Marina, up to a $2,990 value, plus a $500 gift card for the Shasta Marina store and fuel donated by Umpqua Bank. Jean Arnaz will receive the 3rd Place prize of a San Francisco Giants Weekend including four box seats, hotel, dinner plus many extras valuing $1,200), courtesy of InterWest Insurance. After canceling last year's raffle due to COVID-19, the organization was still able to raise over $100,000. Samsung, Indias most trusted brand, teamed up with Samsung, Traveller National Geographic India to #UncoverTheEpic. Filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer, Eshika Fyzee travelled to the stunning Kashmir valley to capture the elusive wildlife species. With best-in-class camera features of the flagship Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G like Space Zoom, Eshika clicked stunning shots of the Himalayan Black Bear capturing details from far away. At Samsung, we are constantly looking for new ways to engage with our consumers and provide them with innovations that enable them to do more. We are excited to unveil another exciting chapter of #UncoverTheEpic featuring Himalayan species in their natural habitat. Together with National Geographic Traveller India, we aim to showcase the capabilities of pro-grade 108MP lens of Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G that can transform the way we shoot and capture visuals, said Sumit Walia, Senior Director, Samsung India. Eshikas journey exploring the Himalayan species in their natural habitat can be viewed on both Samsung India and National Geographic Traveller Indias social media channels starting today: shMfuycr0TU?autoplay=0&rel=0" frameborder="0"> #UncoverTheEpic As part of this campaign, National Geographic Explorer and Wildlife filmmaker Eshika Fyzee set off on an adventure across the Kashmir valley and the stunning Himalayan Mountains. Eshika explored the valley to capture the Himalayan Black Bear along with other species. Using the incredible camera capabilities of the flagship Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, she captured the magnificent species while spreading the message that one does not always need heavy telephoto lens or bulky camera equipment to document wildlife and natural history. I knew I was setting myself up for a huge challenge when I decided to capture an animal like the elusive Himalayan black bear on a smartphone. These are extremely shy animals and seeing the animal in itself - let alone photographing one - is a huge task in a vast terrain like the Himalayas. I was blown away by Space Zoom feature on Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, because I could keep a distance and still get crisp shots of the black bear all by using a smartphone that fits in my pocket, said Eshika Fyzee, National Geographic Explorer and Filmmaker. Best-in-Class Camera Experience With the most advanced pro-grade camera system, Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G users can capture stunning, studio-quality photos in various lightings and settings. 100x Space Zoom is powered by Samsungs first-ever Dual-tele lens system, both equipped with Dual Pixel to capture clear shots even when you are far from the action. The combination of anti-shake technology, 10x optical zoom and both laser and dual-pixel autofocus enables the cameras to produce results that rival those of high-end DSLRs. With 8K Video, users can capture the entire moment in stunning quality and turn their best candid moments into high-resolution stills with 8K Video Snap. The enhanced 108MP pro-grade camera of Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G enables users to express and connect in a host of new ways. We are extremely delighted to announce that flybig has entered into an agreement with IRCTC to facilitate travellers to avail the benefit of flybig Air ticket bookings on the IRCTC Air platform. The officials informed that the partnership of IRCTC & flybig will allow the passengers to book their travel tickets to any northeast flybig destination without any hassle through IRCTC portal, which will boost the Tourism in NE. The partnership is launched in line with Dekho Apna Desh to promote NE sectors flora, fauna & culture. It also boost Azadi ka Amrit Mohtsav, promoting connectivity & economic growth of NE sector. flybig will always remain in endeavour to add more routes for facilitation of the travellers & promotion of tourism flybig is a new scheduled commuter airline offering air travel solutions aligned with the underlying travel needs and preferences in emerging cities of India. It is an industry partner for the government in realizing policy outcomes as per the UDAN scheme aimed at making air travel affordable and widespread, to boost inclusive national economic development, job growth, and air transport infrastructure development of all regions and states of India. The airline began operations in January 2021 and is focused on connecting tier-2 and tier-3 cities within India. flybig is promoted by pilot turned aviation entrepreneur Captain Sanjay Mandavia. Captain Mandavia has successfully conceptualized and developed several businesses in commercial aviation, some of which have been transformational and have contributed substantially to the size and increasing capability of commercial aviation in India. Celebrating the big occasion during these festival season, Chander Bahadur the Head of finance at flybig airlines mentioned the Guwahati being our 2nd mainstream destination, the operations kicked off in May 2021, connecting Guwahati to Tezu, Pasighat, Rupsi, Agartala, Dibrugarh, Calcutta. Lila Bari is our new sector to be launched on 31st October Zensciences - a leading brand and digital marketing consultancy based in Bengaluru - announced the appointment of Artthi Ponnuswamy as the Vice President of Brand Solutions. Arrthi joins Zensciences after 15 years with Origami Creative Concepts where she was Head - Brand Strategy. Prior to that, she has been associated with organizations like AC Nielsen, McCann Worldwide and DDB Mudra. With almost two decades of extensive multi-industry experience, Artthi has strong brand, marketing and communication expertise. At Zensciences, she will be responsible for leading and developing strategic and creative-led brand solutions that drive growth across clients. Artthi joins us at a crucial stage in our growth journey. With organisations continuing to navigate through the evolving normal, her expertise will help us drive transformational strategy across our client portfolio, and strengthen our purpose of adding business context to creative outcomes. Looking forward to this next chapter with her onboard. said Rahul Koul, Co-founder & Partner at Zensciences. Discussing her new role at Zensciences, Artthi Ponnuswamy said I am extremely happy to join an 'un-agency' which is growing at such a rapid pace. Zensciences is one of the few agencies which has consulting, brand and technology as its three pillars of offerings - all core to the success of any brand. The opportunities here are plenty and I'm looking forward to making a difference to some of the brands that Zensciences is handling and the organisation, at large. In the past 6 months, Zensciences has added multiple new clients to its portfolio, across sectors like analytics, IT services, engineering, R&D and healthcare. Their focus will remain on enterprise customers with a global footprint, while enabling a distributed delivery model. Poised for rapid growth, they are aiming to double their revenue pipeline and people supply chain within the next two years Alton, IL (62002) Today Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 36F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 36F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. So, what is going on in the Ahwatukee real estate market? Is the bubble going to burst? The subject of vaccine hesitancy is all over the news. Government agencies and Big Pharma stew and fret over how to address it and demolish it. The WHO has declared it one of the top threats to global health. But there is another type of hesitancy that is of paramount importance to the health and well-being of our nation, and it is election fraud investigation hesitancy. It is particularly a problem that plagues Republican legislators and establishment party members. What part of "election security" do they not understand? The legacy media spout the notion that the 2020 election was the most secure in history. In fact, it was the least secure election. In a soon to be released, explosive inside report on the events that occurred at the TCF Center in Detroit during the 2020 election, author Phil O'Halloran explores in gritty detail the egregious violations of state election laws and statues in Michigan, major security breaches, illegalities, intimidation, and verbal as well as physical abuse of GOP challengers. O'Halloran was present at the TCF Center and was an eyewitness to what occurred. This report will be forthcoming from Michigan Citizens for Election Integrity (MC4EI.com). The response from the Republican Michigan legislators who dominate the state House and Senate has been tepid at best and AWOL at worst. Michigan grassroots conservative patriots have sadly experienced the death of outrage in their beloved state. Where is the exhilarating "tear down this wall" moment of statesmanlike speechmaking a la President Reagan? How about the "this will not stand" salvo from George H.W. Bush to Saddam Hussein? Nowhere to be found. Instead, we have Republican legislators who try to explain away the TCF debacle by saying that both sides (McBroom Report, see p. 13) threw temper tantrums and so nothing can be taken seriously. You know, kids will be kids! Child psychologists understand that this phrase as giving a kid a "get out of jail free card" with no responsibility or consequences. And that is exactly what Michigan Republican legislators handed over to the Democrat poll workers and election officials at the TCF Center on election day. The vast majority of Republican legislators do not see the necessity of a forensic audit in Michigan. They hide behind NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) they have signed pertaining to any evidence they may have seen from the TCF Center in Detroit. They don't put any muscle into utilizing their subpoena power to demand information from Detroit election officials such as video surveillance films of drop boxes, courtesy of Zuck Bucks. They ignore the abundance of affidavits filed by GOP poll challengers, all attesting to the same violations of law and fraudulent activities. They sidestep invites to conservative Republican rallies at the state capitol to demand action. They put up their fingers in the wind to see which way the audit wave is blowing in the hopes that it won't blow their way! Mainstream media say the Arizona audit proves that Biden won. It did no such thing, but the blind media only saw the "hand recount" part of the elephant and ran with it. Michigan legislators' response was, "Whew, no fraud tsunami coming our way!" Just a tempest in a teapot. The Republican-founded Lincoln Project led a national effort to harass lawyers who represented Republicans or the Trump campaign. Two Republican Michigan Board of Canvasser officials attempted to rescind their certifications of the election result after being subject to harassment, intimidation, and doxxing. Any lawyer who wanted to come to their aid in defense had to think twice. Threats were directed against them and their families. Meanwhile, a deafening silence emanated from Michigan legislators, who are suppose to have ultimate jurisdiction over elections. It has been said that Republicans eat their young, while Democrats abort their young. For Republicans to ignore or deny the claims of their own party members of illegalities does not bode well for the health of their party going forward. Democrats, too, have their own problems, with election-rigging and fraudulent practices in their ranks. Ultimately, everyone suffers when we do not have a bipartisan commitment to the rule of law. The issue goes deeper than just election-related matters. We no longer have a society that believes in what has been termed "obedience to the unenforceable." Clay Christensen, former Harvard business professor, discussed this in a compelling video on religious freedom. If we do not have a society of citizens willing to stand up for what is right without being cajoled to do so, we will never have enough lawyers, police, or judges to deal with the adverse consequences. So, somewhere in a cemetery in Detroit, Mr. Moral Outrage lies entombed, where no one comes to visit or lay flowers. Case closed, as far as mainstream Republicans and Democrats are concerned. But a day of reckoning will yet unfold as conservative patriots in the state of Michigan bravely carry on in their quest for truth and justice. In the prescient words of Ben Franklin, "justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are." Rebecca Behrends, M.D. is a retired E.D. physician and is vice president of research for Michigan Citizens for Election Integrity at MC4EI.com. Image: Tom Arthur via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Now that I am seven episodes in, I feel confident saying that Impeachment: American Crime Story, airing Tuesday evenings on FX, is the fairest and arguably the best real-life political drama Hollywood has ever produced. What mystifies me is that no one on the Right appears to be talking about it. The third in the American Crime Story series, this 10-part drama faithfully tracks the perjury and obstruction of justice scandal that very nearly ended the Bill Clinton presidency. While the first two in the series -- The People vs. O.J. Simpson and Versace -- dealt candidly with the issues of race and homosexuality, Impeachment takes candor a step further and deconstructs the Lefts revisionist history of Bill Clintons sex scandal. The Bill Clinton character, served up with equal parts charm and menace by British actor Clive Owen, is something of a monster. When Paula Jones, played with minimal condescension by Annaleigh Ashford, testifies that Clinton exposed himself we believe her, not him. Her vivid description of Clintons royal member will not please the ex-president. It is only in the seventh episode that the Hillary Clinton character, played -- unconvincingly, alas -- by Edie Falco of Sopranos fame emerges from the shadows. Although it is too early to tell, my guess is that Hillary will not like the portrait of herself as cold and controlling. That said, I expect the producers to pull their punches when it comes to revealing Hillarys role in quelling the bimbo eruptions that threatened Clintons political career from the get-go. Those bimbos -- the Clinton term, not mine -- include not just Paula Jones, but sexual assault victims such as Elizabeth Ward Gracen and Juanita Broaddrick, the latter of whom Clinton raped. (Viewers see Broaddrick briefly once in an early episode but will not see her again.) When Bill ran for president in 1992, Hillary was instrumental in hiring private investigators to bribe and/or threaten these women into silence. Said Sally Perdue, a former Miss Arkansas and Clinton paramour, "[The PI] said that there were people in high places who were anxious about me and they wanted me to know that keeping my mouth shut would be worthwhile. As Perdue explained, Worthwhile meant a GS-11 or higher job with the federal government. If she rejected the offer and talked to the media, He couldn't guarantee what would happen to my pretty little legs. My guess is that the Hillary in Impeachment will get to play dumb about all of this. The conservatives involved in Clintons undoing generally come off better in Impeachment than they did in the media of that era. Far from being a sex-crazed inquisitor, the Ken Starr character shies from even talking about sex, let alone pursuing Clinton on sex-related charges. Starr deputy Mike Emmick, played by Colin Hanks, Toms son, comes across as thoughtful and considerate in his handling of Monica Lewinsky. The Ann Coulter and Lucianne Goldberg characters compensate for their manipulative bitchiness with some really shrewd one-liners. I suspect that each of the two will like the way she is portrayed. The Monica we meet in Impeachment, played here by Beanie Feldstein, is the Monica the media gave us in 1998 -- spoiled, self-absorbed, delusional, and ripe for the plucking. Unanswered here, as everywhere, is the question of whether a 22-year-old woman should be held responsible for her own behavior. In that Monica was involved in the production, the producers give her a pass and give us a zaftig mass of child-woman badly in need of her mommy, more victim than vixen. The real surprise of Impeachment is how the producers portray Linda Tripp. As Tripp learned the hard way, there is no such thing as a whistleblower with a Democrat in the White House. There are only traitors and snitches. The media of that era encouraged their audiences to hiss at the very mention of her name. With Hillarys active encouragement, they drove Tripps approval rating down to the low teens. Tripp died of cancer a year ago, largely forgotten and unredeemed. She never did get a book deal, never told her side of the story. Impeachment tells that story for her. As the last known witness to see White House counsel Vince Foster alive, Tripp rejects rumors he was murdered, but she does question the illicit purging of his office files upon Fosters presumed suicide. She also discounts Kathleen Willeys tale of being molested by Clinton. Of the women involved, Willey will least appreciate the way she is depicted. Exiled to the Pentagon, quite possibly because she knew too much, Tripp meets fellow exile Monica Lewinsky. She has a mix of motives for betraying her friendship with the blubbering Lewinsky. Betrayal or not, had a woman with comparable motives done the same to bust a Brett Kavanaugh or a Clarence Thomas, let alone a Donald Trump, the media would have celebrated her. In 1998, Tripp was seen less as an Anita Hill than as a Cruella de Ville. In Impeachment, she is something other -- a tough, calculating divorce whose deserved contempt for Clinton overrides whatever feigned loyalty she has to Lewinsky. Instead of being treated as a heroine, however, Tripp finds herself with her adolescent children watching as the heavyweight John Goodman plays her for laughs on Saturday Night Live. The producers know that what the media did to Tripp was wrong. Actress and co-producer Sarah Paulson (Marcia Clark in the OJ saga) corrects the record. If the voters can let go of their Clinton worship, she will win an Emmy for her portrayal. Jack Cashills latest book, Barack Obamas Promised Land: Deplorables Need Not Apply, is now on sale. See www.cashill.com for more information. Image: FX To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. After canceling the nation's border wall as an all-time high of 1.7 million illegals pour in, Joe Biden is building a border wall solely for himself. According to the New York Post: [T]he Department of Homeland Security has found one access point it can shore up doling out $455,000 to a Delaware construction company for a fence around President Biden's "Summer White House." In September, the department awarded a contract of $456,548 to Turnstone Holdings LLC for "PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF SECURITY FENCING AT 32 FARVIEW, REHOBOTH DELAWARE," according to USAspending.gov, an online database tracking federal government spending. The contract started Sept. 21 and is expected to end Dec. 31. Construction of the fence is expected to end by that date. Now, far be it for any of us to question presidential security. Biden spends very large chunks of his presidential time at his Delaware vacation house on a tony beach resort, so if he needs protection, he probably needs protection there. A wall allows the Secret Service to focus on potential problems instead of forcing them to constantly scan the entire horizon for trouble. But for us? Who've been inundated with unvetted illegals pouring in at what's now an all-time historic high? No fence for us. Joe Biden and all his minions canceled the bought and paid for border wall, which only needed a bit of construction. The materials were there, the labor was paid for, the contracts were signed. Yet Joe Biden canceled that and now pays more than $3 million a day in breach of contract penalties to keep the wall unbuilt, wasting $2 billion so far on that bid to keep America unprotected. Meanwhile, tons of expensive steel purchased for wall construction earlier now sits for miles in piles, rotting the desert sun either to disintegrate from neglect or else get stolen. Biden's Homeland Security secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, flippantly dismissed the whole thing not with an explanation, but with "'because I said so" jerkwaddery: "It is the policy of this administration, we do not agree with a building of the wall." That is no explanation at all, and it points hard to the Bidenites wanting borders open and millions of illegals free to invade. Consistent with the DHS border barrier plan, @CBP, in coordination with the @USACEHQ, intends to cancel the remaining border barrier contracts located within the Laredo Sector and all border barrier contracts located in the Rio Grande Valley Sector. https://t.co/ZkI0vYnmWn Homeland Security (@DHSgov) October 8, 2021 This leaves the region utterly unprotected. Two states launched lawsuits yesterday. Even the horse patrols of the Border Patrol, which serve as labor-intensive human walls, have been canceled, based on the phony, ignorant, and mendacious claims of Border Patrol's horse reins being "whips." No word on how that investigation, or rather, attempt to railroad the agents as wicked racists, is going, but we do know that even the horse patrols, which are used in lieu of a far more effective border wall, are out of commission, and human-smugglers are starting to use real bullets now against the Border Patrol's figurative thin blue line. Sure enough, the migrants are coming in hard now. What's been called the "mother of all caravans" bearing 95,000 illegals is now coursing its way through Mexico and will reach the U.S. border soon. Who might really need protection? Yes, the American people. They not only need it, they're entitled to it, and Joe Biden can only think of himself. To hear the press tell it, he needs protection against right-wing crazies. Maybe those angry parents at school boards who've been branded domestic terrorists. I don't want to say there'd never be an instance of a real right-wing crazy putting himself in the role of assassin; there could be. But in recent years, authentic attempts to harm political leaders have come from Biden's own far left as the near-killings of GOP politicians Steve Scalise and Rand Paul demonstrate, and, for that matter, the vandalism attacks on the house of House speaker Nancy Pelosi. The hazings of Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin by far-left extremists allied with Biden also fall into that category. They could use protection, too, even as Biden laughs off those leftist threats as "part of the process." The fact that the Bidenites have cheapened the term "terrorist" down to parents protesting at school board meetings while ignoring threats from the left pretty well shows that they aren't all that serious about actual terrorism. There's also the perceivable threat to Biden from rabid Islamist terrorists. But even that's questionable. The late al-Qaeda terrorist chieftain, Osama bin Laden himself, commanded his terrorist minions not to take Joe Biden out because he was so incompetent. That served al-Qaeda's aims better than assassination. If there's a threat from that front, it's unreported. Both things call to mind that for Joe, this may well be a status fence, the kind of barrier the ultra-wealthy favor to keep the hoi polloi away in their fancy beach communities. Plus Biden can now swim naked if he wants, which, given his past, might be the actual idea. Most people can probably accept a fresh new pricey presidential fence as one of Joe's permanent perks even if he uses it for status. What they can't accept is that Biden refuses to protect the public from the authentic dangers it faces from an unvetted migrant invasion and, at the same time, makes himself a self-serving flaming hypocrite. Image: Screen shot from video posted by Good Morning America via YouTube. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. You've probably already seen the viral video from Yuma, Arizona, where a Marine Corps veteran stopped an armed, black-clad pair of robbers attempting to rob a convenience store. Dont mess with Marines: US Vet stops armed robbery in Arizona store with bag of Gatorades and a snack A sheriffs office in Arizona has released a video of a Marine Corps veteran - taking down suspected gun-wielding criminals.#USA pic.twitter.com/Zj46RylOBp The RAGEX (@theragex) October 22, 2021 He appears to be acting instinctively, a guardian of the rest of us, heedless of his personal risk, just as when he wore the uniform of the USMC. Yesterday, he was on Fox News and was interviewed by Dana Perino, who spoke for many of us when she said she'd like to buy him a beer. What followed was not what she expected. The Marine who stopped the corner store robbery in the viral video was just on Fox News. He ended his interview saying "Epstein didn't kill himself" haha. pic.twitter.com/NUkZaow09j Kassy Dillon (@KassyDillon) October 22, 2021 Hat tip: Ace of Spades. Photo credit: Twitter video screen grab. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. At one point, it looked as if Biden's DOJ and FBI were in the catbird seat waging war against parents who dared challenge leftist dominance in schools in the form of school boards authorizing Critical Race Theory, gender madness, and masks on healthy children. The wheel of fortune has turned, though. Merrick Garland exposed his ignorance and partisanship before congress, and the National School Boards Association (NSBA) has offered a groveling apology. It works to push back against ascendant leftism. The big news week before last was that an organization most people had never heard of the NSBA had sent a letter to the White House informing the administration that parents opposing school boards were probably domestic terrorists. Practically by return mail, Merrick Garland assured the NSBA that the FBI would work with school boards across America to stop this plague. Parents rightly understood that they were being threatened. In short order, though, the house of cards that the administration, the NSBA, and the DOJ had constructed began to collapse. First, we learned that the primary news story to which the NSBA pointed to make its case about domestic terrorism was anything but. Instead, it was school district terrorism. A 14-year-old high school girl was sexually assaulted by a cross-dressing boy in the girl's bathroom. The school refused to call law enforcement against the boy; instead, it called law enforcement to remove her furious father, who was calling the principal names. The father was eventually able to prove that there was an assault through a rape kit, allowing the sheriff's department to get involved. At that point, the district swung into self-protection mode. The superintendent immediately informed the school board about the assault, and then all of them got mass amnesia, leading them to deny any knowledge when later confronted about the assault. They also transferred the student who committed the assault (and who apparently admitted to the fact) to another school, where he promptly assaulted another girl. The father went to the Loudoun County School District board meeting to demand accountability. Instead, the superintendent and the board members lied, saying they knew nothing about the assault. Additionally, a parent verbally attacked the father. That's when the cops threw down the anguished and angry father and dragged him out of the room. Again: This wasn't parental terrorism; this was school district terrorism. The NSBA's narrative crumbled further when it emerged that the original NSBA letter came not from the NSBA's board, but from the president and CEO, who had consulted with the White House before sending the letter without the board's knowledge or approval. It was a rogue operation. Finally, although Merrick Garland squirmed and prevaricated, it emerged that, when he sicced the FBI on parents across America, he hadn't bothered to learn whether there really was an epidemic of parent attacks on school boards. Maybe he even watched this video: Teacher sings about how parents are terrorists pic.twitter.com/uw1UyflDtt Libs of Tik Tok (@libsoftiktok) October 21, 2021 Had Garland actually investigated, he would have learned that there were parents who used their time at board meetings to harangue board members, but that's free speech, not terrorism. Garland simply read the letter, had a hazy idea about some news stories, and he was off. On Friday, the last chapter in this disgusting farce played out when the NSBA's board sent out a letter to its member boards across America apologizing for what had happened and promising that "we are going to do better going forward." BREAKING: NSBA apologizes for letter that served as basis for @TheJusticeDept AG #Garlands directive for FBI to target parents as domestic terrorists, including #LoudounScandal outrageously labeling dad of rape victim as poster-boy of domestic terrorism. Will the AG reverse? pic.twitter.com/VkFJxKIfpK Chip Roy (@chiproytx) October 23, 2021 There's a message here and a very clear one: the left has no natural brakes. It will push as hard as it can to get what it wants. However, when ordinary Americans stand up and fight, the left will back down. Remember that both the Bolsheviks and the Nazis were never more than 30% of the population. They won because the other 70% let them. We Americans can do better. It's time to speak up and push back. And whatever you do, don't forget that the White House was involved in this effort to control America's parents by stigmatizing them as domestic terrorists. No White House has ever done this before, and no White House should ever be allowed to do it again. (As an aside, I mentioned yesterday that, in honor of International Pronouns Day, I'm going to apprise you of my daily pronouns for a week or until I get bored. Today, my pronouns are "Let's Go Brandon" and "Potato." And no, they don't make sense, but neither do all the other made-up pronouns.) Image: Merrick Garland testifies before Congress. YouTube screen grab. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Cancel culture is everywhere. A celebrity might be canceled over a tweet made decades ago. A picture of a politician at a party might trigger a demand for his resignation. Using the wrong pronoun can get a person fired, sued, even arrested. The hardest hit are universities, where the love of learning has been replaced by an obsession with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The diversity on display may be slavish conformity to progressive thinking and values, and there is certainly no inclusion for anyone who questions progressivism, but no matter. The individuals devoting themselves to DEI are different colors and espouse the theory of gender being a matter of preference rather than biology, and that's what counts. In such times, it's heartening to observe an instance of successful pushback against cancel culture. Geophysicist Dorian Schuyler Abbot was invited to lecture at MIT. That lecture was canceled after Abbot criticized DEI, claiming that it "entails treating people as members of a group rather than as individuals, repeating the mistake that made possible the atrocities of the 20th century." Strictly speaking, DEI is not within Abbot's area of expertise. He's a research scientist at the University of Chicago. He studies climate, paleoclimate, ice, habitability, and exoplanets. His lecture at MIT was supposed to be the John Carlson Lecture on climate and the possibility of life on other planets. Abbott is a recognized expert in this field. Nevertheless, Abbot has an opinion about DEI and concerns about how it is affecting academic life, and he expressed himself. The First Amendment gives him the right to express himself. Student-activists who were horrified at the thought of actual diversity and equity promptly demanded that MIT cancel Abbot's lecture. MIT obliged. The story usually ends with the heretic being punished as the mob demands. In this instance, there was a happier ending. Abbot was recognized by the American Council for Trustees and Alumni as a 2021 Hero of Intellectual Freedom. The University of Chicago staunchly refused all demands that Abbot be disciplined in any way for speaking his mind. Best of all, Princeton University decided to host Abbot's lecture, and more than 4,000 people signed up for the Zoom. Score one for the good guys! Pandra Selivanov is the author of The Pardon, a story of forgiveness based on the thief on the cross in the Bible. Image: Dorian Abbot. YouTube screen grab. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. Disgraced swamp lobbyist Tony Podesta was supposedly all washed up. He reportedly had shut down his powerhouse lobbying firm, The Podesta Group, in 2017, in the wake of its Ukraine scandal, executives fleeing, and prosecutors on his tail. It was billed as "powerhouse to poorhouse," given that his firm was reportedly making $24 million a year. Nevertheless, the press declared he had faded from the scene. His Wikipedia page declares he was "formerly" one of Washington's most important lobbyists and fundraisers. He'd supposedly retreated into...buying and selling and "gifting" fine art, which, in the Biden era, is interesting. Aside from art, Podesta's kept busy. Business, in fact, is booming. And for America, that's bad news. Here's Podesta's latest news, from the Epoch Times: Chinese tech giant Huawei paid longtime Democrat lobbyist Tony Podesta $500,000 from July to September to lobby the White House, according to a recent government lobbying disclosure report. It's not clear what policies Podesta lobbied on or whom he might have contacted at the White House. According to the disclosure form, it stated that lobbying was for "issues related to telecommunication services and impacted trade issues." Huawei hired Podesta in July. The disclosure comes at a time when the Biden administration is under close scrutiny for its policies toward Huawei. More importantly, the revelation came less than a month after the company's chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou was allowed to return to China after the Department of Justice inked a deal with her. Huawei, recall, is the Chinese tech giant whose output is ready-made for spying. It's Chicommed up, with the Chinese government at every level of its operations. Under President Trump, it got sanctions and a bust of a top official, described in the passage just above. Somehow, under Joe Biden, she got let off. I wrote about that here. Sara Carter, back in July, noted this: It's a sure fire and brilliant move on the part of Huawei. Podesta has all the connections within the Democratic Party that the Chinese Communist Party needs, as it continues to spy and penetrate the American people and market. Frank Fang, at the Epoch Times, got the White House denials of any undue influence, both around the release of the Huawei official, daughter of the company's founder, and other stuff: A White House official told CNBC, which first reported on the lobbying disclosure report, that it had nothing to do with Meng's release, when asked about the lobbying. "This was a law enforcement matter that was entirely in the Justice Department's handsnot a policy matter," the White House official stated. The official added: "President Biden and this administration believe digital infrastructure equipment made by untrustworthy vendors, like Huawei, pose a threat to the security of the U.S., our allies, and our partners. Export controls against Huawei remain in place." That's is a little hard to swallow. Podesta, in fact, has had his fingers in every swampy lobbying scheme that tends to undermine America. He was involved in the Ukraine scandal at the dawn of the Trump era, taking cash from pro-Putin forces there. He was involved in the Uranium One sale of its assets to a Russian governmentlinked entity. He was the lobbyist who protected a wokester oil company in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Here are some specifics from the Center for Security Policy: 5. Tony Podesta lobbied for criminal Russian bank. John's brother, lobbyist Tony Podesta, John's, took $170,000 over six months in payments from a sanctioned Russian bank, Sberbank (and offshore subsidiaries). The money was for lobbying the U.S. to lift sanctions on Sberbank in 2016, while John Podesta ran Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. 6. Podesta Group lobbied for same pro-Kremlin Ukrainians as Manafort. The Podesta Group, founded by John and Tony and headed by Tony, took $900,000 in payments from what Politico calls "pro-Russian Ukrainian politicians who also employed former Donald Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort." The purpose was to conduct influence operations against Congress and federal agencies on behalf of the pro-Putin figures. The Trump campaign's liaison to the RNC in 2016, Rick Gates, connected the Podesta Group with the European Centre for a Modern Ukraine, a non-profit whose board originally contained Ukrainian members of parliament from the pro-Russian party." The lobbying ended in 2014 when Ukraine's pro-Putin president, Viktor Yanukovych, fled to Moscow. 7. Uranium One: Sale of 20% of US Uranium Production to Russia. Uranium One was owned by Frank Giustra, a close friend and business partner of former President Bill Clinton. Then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton approved the company's sale to the Russian nuclear agency, Rosatom, giving Putin's nuclear weapons monopoly ownership of 20% of US annual uranium production. Sberbank, which hired lobbyist Tony Podesta, was the lead financial institution involved in the transaction. Tony Podesta's firm also represented Uranium One before the State Department in 2012 and 2015. Giustra and others tied to the sale donated $145 million to the Clinton Foundation. Anything he's ever been involved in has involved a player who's intended to undermine America. He's also highly connected. His brother, John, used to run the Democratic National Committee as well as the Center for American Progress. John's sidekick, Neera Tanden, after being rejected for confirmation in another post, has just been appointed White House staff secretary. She's the one in charge of gatekeeping the documents that Biden is going to see. A useful connection for Podesta to have, that's for sure. Now he's with the ChiComs and not even trying to hide it. Five hundred thousand is a lot of money to pay for nothing if the White House denials are to be believed. If one doesn't, what is Huawei getting from all this cash, and why was it so important for Huawei to hire Podesta? We often wonder how Chinese influence works within the Biden administration. Here is how it looks in one instance. There are likely more, and it's not pretty. Image: Pixabay, Pixabay License. To comment, you can find the MeWe link for this article here. As I hear, the CNN town hall meeting was boring and very boring. I did not watch it live but saw video clips on the internet and read the play-by-play reports from Bill O'Reilly. Maybe the most controversial answer was President Biden committing to defend Taiwan if attacked by China: COOPER: "Are you saying that the United States would come to Taiwan's defense?" QUESTIONER: "If China attacked?" BIDEN: "Yes, we have a commitment to do that." Hello, Pacific Fleet: you may have an appointment in Taiwan sometime soon. Hello, General Milley: What are you going to tell the Chinese general this time? Hello, Congress: Did anybody vote to give President Biden the authorization to go to war over Taiwan? As the article goes on to explain: The Taiwan Relations Act to which the United States is currently party does not guarantee the U.S. will engage militarily if China attacks Taiwan, which it has claimed for decades is sovereign Chinese territory, but states that the United States "will make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain self-sufficient defense capabilities." U.S. presidents have pursued a policy of "strategic ambiguity" so that China would not know exactly what the U.S. response would be to an attack. Well, ambiguity no more. We will meet the Chinese in Taiwan if they choose to pull the trigger. Maybe this is the post-Afghanistan Biden or a president showing that he is firm. Maybe he went off the text as he is prone to do. (That he might have done so is reflected in a White House "clarification" saying, "There is no change in our policy. The U.S. defense relationship with Taiwan is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act." Maybe we're now using confusion rather than ambiguity.) Maybe this is Biden being Biden and proof of why he only does interviews with the "in the tank" Anderson Cooper at CNN. The "man of gaffes" is committing the U.S. to a war that the public does not understand and the U.S. Congress did not vote for. Unlike President Bush, who spoke about the strategic importance of Iraq in 200203, no one in the Biden administration has said a word about Taiwan. Did I miss the speech to Congress? Or the secretary of state before Congress committees? Or the vice president on the Sunday shows like V.P. Cheney talking Iraq years ago? What could go wrong? Stay tuned, because a lot will when you say stuff like this on TV. PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk). Image: Biden at his town hall. Twitter screen grab. To comment, you can find the MeWe post for this article here. The Fushimi Castle in Kyoto was one of the last places of action during the age of warring statesa period in Japanese history, stretching from the mid-15th to the early 17th centuries, that was marked by near-constant military conflict. It ended when Tokugawa Ieyasu came into power and established the Tokugawa shogunate and unified all of Japan under a feudal system. But before that could happen, he had to defeat the supporters of Toyotomi Hideyori, the five-year-old son and designated successor of the recently departed Toyotomi Hideyoshi. When Hideyoshi died in 1598, the five regents he had appointed to rule on behalf of his minor son began jockeying amongst themselves for power. Tokugawa Ieyasu was the most powerful of the five. History preserved in blood. 400-year old blood-stained footprints on the ceiling of Genko-An, Kyoto. Photo credit: Andrew Evans/Flickr Ieyasu gained the loyalty of many daimyos, or feudal lords, who didnt like Hideyoshi, but Ishida Mitsunari, a powerful daimyo, opposed him. Mitsunari allied himself with the other regents and plans were made on all sides for war. Tokugawa Ieyasu, meanwhile, had sieged Fushimi Castle from Toyotomi Hideyori, and placed it under the protection of Torii Mototada, a samurai and a trusted ally of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Shortly after the siege, Mitsunari organized an army of 40,000 and marched towards Kyoto in order to take the castle back. Mototada was forewarned of Mitsunaris approaching army, but despite being badly outnumbered2,000 men against 40,000Mototada elected to stay and defend the castle. For the next twelve days, Mototadas garrison put up a gallant resistant to the attack, until a betrayal from within allowed Mitsunaris men to breach the fortress. With fires raging everywhere, Mototada and his remaining three hundred and seventy warriors did what any respectable samurai facing defeat would have doneseppuku or ritualistic suicide. Taking their swords, the brave warriors cut open their bellies severing their insides, causing massive bleeding and instant death. Blood ceiling at Genko-An, Kyoto. Photo credit: michael hobby/Flickr Although the siege of Fushimi Castle is considered a mere skirmish, Torii Mototada's actions had a great impact on the course of Japanese history. In the weeks that followed, Tokugawa Ieyasu raised an army of 90,000 and challenged Ishida Mitsunari's forces for a decisive battle at Sekigahara, which would mark the final victory of Tokugawa Ieyasu over all his rivals. With Mitsunari vanquished, Tokugawa Ieyasu became the first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. His family would rule Japan for the next 268 years. In 1623, Ieyasu had the fire-damaged Fushimi Castle dismantled, and sections of the castle that had not been burned or destroyed were salvaged. Some of the salvaged materials happened to be the floor boards upon which Torii Mototada and his men committed suicide to avoid capture. Their bloods had soaked so deep into the wood that the boards were permanently stained. In honor of their valiant sacrifice, these floor boards were incorporated, mainly as ceilings, into a number of castles and temples across Kyoto. They are known as chitenjo, or blood ceilings. The patterns on the darkened boards resemble little more than water stains, but on close examination, you can clearly see footprints and handprints. For those interested in visiting, the temples where you can see blood ceilings are, Genkoan, Shodenji, Yogenin, and Myoshinji in central Kyoto, Hosenin in the Ohara area, Jinouji in Yawata, and Koshoji in Uji. Bloody hand prints at Shodenji Temple. Photo credit: JapanVisitor/Flickr Blood smears at Shoden-ji temple. Photo credit: taiken.co A replica of the Fushimi Castle built in 1964. Photo credit: Maechan0360/Wikimedia 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 Little Arunachal Girl Consoles Her Classmate Missed His Mother:- Youngsters and children are full of compassion and empathy. A video of a little girl from Arunachal Pradesh is found consoling her classmate and the emotional video is now going viral. The viral video is winning the hearts of the audience. The video shows a little girl who asked her classmate not to cry. She holds his hand asking her friend 'Aise mat ro na. Aise nai rote'. It means that 'Donot cry like this'. She also said 'Mummy ka yaad aa rahi hai tumko?'. It means that 'Are you missing your mother?'. The boy was left in tears and she said 'Hum log jayega na April me. Aise nahi rona hai, ok?' which means that 'We'll go in April. Don't cry like this, ok?'. The incident took place in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh in a school hostel. The video is now viral on Instagram and Twitter. Several users shared and posted comments for the video. Here it is: 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* (ANSA) - ROME, OCT 22 - Italy's COVID-19 Rt transmission number was up slightly at 0.86 in the period between September 29 and October 12, according to a draft of the latest coronavirus monitoring report of the health ministry and the Higher Health Institute (ISS). That compares to a RT of 0.85 in last week's report, a figure which, in turn, was up from 0.83 the previous week. A Rt of over 1 indicates that the epidemic is in a phase of expansion. The incidence of cases was up slightly too, at 34 for every 100,000 inhabitants in the period from October 15 to 21, compared to 29 in last week's report. Experts say it becomes difficult to track and trace cases once the incidence goes over 50. The report said that the pressure the coronavirus is exerting on Italy's hospitals had continued to fall. It said the proportion of intensive-care places taken up by COVID patients was 3.9%, down from 4.1% last week. It said the proportion of ordinary hospital places occupied by coronavirus sufferers was down from 4.6% to 4.2%. The report said the number of regions/autonomous provinces where the COVID risk was considered moderate, rather than low, had gone up from three to four. They are Abruzzo, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Piedmont and new entry Campania. The weekly monitoring report was presented later on Friday after was examined by the government's COVID-19 'control room' taskforce. It said that some 345,000 first jabs had been given in the last week, and 7.6 million Italians over the age of 12 were without a first vaccination. After approving the draft, ISS chief Silvio Brusaferro said "in Italy there is a situation of control of the pandemic". He said there had been a "slight increase in mortality" over the week. "But we are still in the midst of a pandemic and prudence is needed," he added. Brusaferro added that vaccines had been shown to be "highly effective" against the new virus variants that are springing up, especially a new one that originated in the UK. He said that there had been 86 sequencings of the delta variant up to October 19. Health ministry prevention chief Gianni Rezza said that the general trend of he epidemic was "favourable". Rezza added "we do not know when we'll have to revaccinate the youngest members of society". (ANSA). The Government is to offer extra support with a 500 million package to hundreds of thousands of families, but concerns have been raised that it is not enough. Chancellor Rishi Sunak will announce a range of investments to give children the best possible start in life, during Wednesdays Budget and Spending Review. Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, said critical support is needed for nurseries, childminders and pre-schools, where there have been thousands of recent closures, and it is frustrating that they are not part of the proposals. Rishi Sunak (Peter Byrne/PA) He said the Government knows the existing structure is crumbling, and Labour called the package a smokescreen for the Conservatives failure to support families in the past. Mr Sunak said: I passionately believe that we have a duty to give young families and their children the best possible start in life. We know that the first 1,001 days of a childs life are some of the most important in their development, which is why Im thrilled that this investment will guarantee that thousands of families across England are given support to lead healthy and happy lives. The funding includes around 80 million to create another 75 family hubs in local authorities across England. They are support centres for families to access services in one place. A further 100 million will go towards supporting the mental health of expectant parents, while 120 million will be invested in other comprehensive family support programmes. Around 300,000 of the most vulnerable in society will be supported with an extra 200 million to support people through complex issues that could lead to family breakdown. Kate Green, Labours shadow education secretary, said: Family hubs are a sticking plaster for a fractured childcare and children services landscape. This supposed commitment rings hollow after 11 years of Conservative cuts have forced the closure of over 1,000 childrens centres, cutting off the early learning that sets children up for life. This has come alongside the Government stripping away early intervention childrens services, allowing problems to escalate into crises. This is a smokescreen for the Conservatives failure to deliver for families. A recent poll revealed parents felt like they were drowning and were isolated because of a lack of support during the past 18 months. More than four in five (82%) said they were struggling with at least one of the warning signs that may indicate parental burnout due to Covid-19. Mr Leitch said nearly 3,000 providers in the sector have closed since the start of the year, and 16,000 in the last six years. He told BBC Breakfast: That tells you we have a crumbling infrastructure, so I come back to this point: its no good just having a bit-piece approach to this, it needs a revamp. He added: I hope theres more coming in the Spending Review, but I do question why would you create another infrastructure of early years support when the existing structure is crumbling around you. And Government knows this is the case. So its a bitter pill to swallow, to see all of this and yet the existing system is ignored. Additional investment for children and families is welcome but any suggestion the package will solve the early years crisis in the country is at best misguided, and at worst deliberately misleading, according to Mr Leitch. He said: So-called free childcare schemes in this country have been woefully underfunded for years, giving nurseries, childminders and pre-schools no choice but to increase fees for paid-for hours to remain financially sustainable. If Government is truly committed to helping families access the early support, education and childcare services, it must commit to investing in the whole of the early years sector, not just a part of it. He urged Mr Sunak to ensure the spending review includes a full, independent review of early entitlement funding and a commitment to investing what providers need to deliver quality, affordable, sustainable early education and care both now and in the future. Imran Hussain of Action for Children said: This is good news. Giving children the best start in life is vital and family hubs provide lifeline services to do that, supporting parents and helping children develop. After years of cuts to these services, we hope this will mark the start of a programme of investment to ensure all children can access high-quality early years services. Vicky Nevin of the NSPCC said: Worryingly, health visiting is missing from this package. Health visitors are in a prime position to spot when parents are struggling with their mental health and families need additional support. But the workforce has been drastically cut by around a third since 2015. The NSPCC is calling for additional funding to train and recruit 3,000 health visitors so every new parent can access mental health support in their community. Two kittens and a cat have died following a deliberate fire at a flat in Fife. The incident happened at a block of flats on Keir Hardie Street in Methil at around 4.15am on Saturday. A 36-year-old woman left the flat at around 8pm on Friday, and police said it is believed that no-one had been at home since then. Detectives said that no-one was injured, but two kittens and a cat which were in the flat died as a result of the fire. We're appealing for information after a flat fire happened in #Methil in the early hours of Saturday (23 October) morning. There were thankfully no injuries but animals who were within the flat died as a result of the fire. Read more here: https://t.co/h5M6nmnS5k pic.twitter.com/RNhJk0Xwz3 Fife Police (@FifePolice) October 23, 2021 They are treating the blaze as wilful and appealed for information. Detective Sergeant Clark Forrest, of Levenmouth CID, said: Thankfully there were no injuries to anyone within the block of flats but the damage to the property and loss of the womans kittens and cat has been extremely distressing for her. Were still trying to establish the full circumstances so Im appealing to anyone who has any relevant information or witnessed anything suspicious in the early hours of Saturday morning, or perhaps the days leading up to the incident, to contact us. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 0714 of October 23 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained. A man who was arrested on suspicion of a terrorism offence in connection with the Manchester Arena attack has been bailed pending further inquiries. Greater Manchester Police said the 24-year-old man was bailed on Saturday. The man, who is from the Fallowfield area of Manchester, had been arrested on suspicion of engaging in the preparation of acts of terrorism/assisting others in acts of preparation under section 5 of the Terrorism Act (2006). Police activity at a cordon in the Moss Side area of Manchester after the bombing (Jonathan Brady/PA) He was arrested at Manchester Airport shortly after arriving back in the UK. A total of 22 people, including children, died in the terror attack at the Manchester Arena on May 22 2017. At around 10.30pm on the day of the incident, British-born Salman Abedi, 22, walked into the foyer of the arena, as crowds streamed out of an Ariana Grande concert, and detonated a device packed with shrapnel. His brother Hashem was handed a record 55-year sentence in August last year for his part in the atrocity. The public inquiry into the deaths of the victims is continuing, and it emerged earlier this week that the elder brother of Salman and Hashem was allowed to leave the country a day after he was stopped at an airport by police. Tributes to victims of the Manchester concert bomb attack in Albert Square (Danny Lawson/PA) Officers using counter-terrorism powers interviewed Ismail Abedi, 28, which caused him to miss his intended flight from Manchester on August 28, but he successfully boarded a plane at the same airport on August 29 and has not returned to the UK since. He had been called to give highly important evidence at the public inquiry into the atrocity. On Monday, Ahmed Taghdi, 29, a childhood friend of Salman Abedi, was arrested as he attempted to leave the country following the granting of a High Court order last week which ordered him to attend. He gave evidence on Thursday before he was later released from custody. He denied trying to flee the UK to avoid questions about his close relationship with the bomber and what he knew of the plot to attack the Manchester Arena. Liz Truss has said she wants to build a network of liberty around the world with like-minded partners as she warned against the UK becoming strategically dependent on China. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, the Foreign Secretary said that China was an important trading partner for the UK. But she said it was important not to become reliant. Ms Truss, who was promoted in the reshuffle last month and has been on a trip to India in recent days, was asked about the involvement of Chinas state-owned energy company CGN in Sizewell C, and she said: Id go back to the broader comments Ive made about diversifying supply. CGN is part of a consortium behind the planned new nuclear plant in Suffolk. India is our great friend, an economic powerhouse and the worlds largest democracy. Our relationship will be vital over the coming decades. Good meeting @DrSJaishankar to discuss closer collaboration on: Technology Investment and trade Security and defence pic.twitter.com/K6QuwPFnxC Liz Truss (@trussliz) October 22, 2021 Ms Truss said: I think its very important that we dont become strategically dependent and I think its important that we make sure that were working, particularly in areas of critical national infrastructure, with reliable partners. She added: We are making sure, in all of our policy positions, that we are able to work with like-minded partners on key strategic areas. Ms Truss also appeared to suggest to the Telegraph that the UK could not be dependent on China for 5G networks. It follows the fiasco of the rollout of 5G in the UK, which saw Chinese firm Huawei ultimately excluded from the process on security grounds, leaving the country reliant on only two equipment vendors while causing a likely delay to the full installation of 5G networks. (Dominic Lipinski/PA) She said: It is very important that we dont become strategically dependent on high-risk vendors in this space. There are other areas like quantum, artificial intelligence, cyber security where we need to make sure the partners were innovating with are reliable and there is a bond of trust there. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, a centrist and a stumbling block to Democratic President Joe Biden's ambitious social agenda, acknowledged on Thursday having discussed leaving the party if his Democratic colleagues considered his stance "an embarrassment." A day after dismissing as "bullshit" a Mother Jones report that he was considering it, Manchin told reporters he had discussed the possibility of becoming an independent "if I'm an embarrassment to my Democrat colleagues, my caucus, the president being the leader of the Democratic Party." "I said, me being a moderate centrist Democrat, if that causes you a problem, let me know and I'd switch to be an independent. But I'd still be caucusing with Democrats," Manchin said. "That's the only thing that was ever discussed. No one accepted that." He did not specify the colleagues by name. Manchin spoke as Democrats struggled to reach agreement on a Biden social agenda that is likely to be reduced from $3.5 trillion to below $2 trillion, as a result of opposition from Democratic moderates including Manchin and Senator Kyrsten Sinema. The Senate is split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans, with Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat, casting the tie-breaking vote, giving Manchin and Sinema powerful sway over the direction of legislation. As a senator from West Virginia, a conservative state that relies on coal and has largely backed Republican politicians in recent years, Manchin has been at odds with many of his fellow Democrats over key aspects of Biden's agenda, including its climate change provisions. He narrowly won re-election in 2018 and next faces voters in 2024. Mother Jones had reported on Wednesday that Manchin would first resign from his Democratic leadership post in the Senate and then register as an independent if Democrats did not scale back the spending bill further. The Senate has two independent lawmakers who caucus with Democrats: Senators Bernie Sanders and Angus King. (Reporting by David Morgan; Editing by Scott Malone and Howard goller) Marysville, CA (95901) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 46F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 46F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. 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! A total of eight people including four farmers died in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence that took place on October 3 Local farmers blame Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Kumar Mishra 'Teni' and his son for the violence. (PTI Photo) Lakhimpur Kheri: A SWAT team of the Uttar Pradesh Crime Branch on Saturday arrested three more persons in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case taking the total number of arrests to 13. The accused have been identified as Mohit Trivedi, Dharmendra Singh and Rinku Rana. The three accused would be presented before the court soon. The crime branch is going to request the court to send the accused to 14-day police custody. Ten people, including Ashish Mishra, son of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ajay Kumar Mishra 'Teni', were arrested earlier in connection with the case. The police had served a notice to Mishra and summoned him for questioning. A total of eight people including four farmers died in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence that took place on October 3. Local farmers blame Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Kumar Mishra 'Teni' and his son for the violence. They were allegedly mowed down by a vehicle that was part of the convoy of the Minister in Lakhimpur Kheri in north-central Uttar Pradesh. Videos are also being circulated on social media where a Mahindra Thar was seen knocking down protesters from behind. However, Ajay Mishra Teni had refuted the allegations saying that his son was not present at the site of the incident. Ashish reiterated the same and refuted the allegations. Later, several people, including Ashish Mishra, were arrested in the case. This will be his first visit to J&K after the Centres abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 Srinagar: Security has been scaled up across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Union home minister Amit Shahs three-day visit starting on Saturday, with thousands of uniformed forces in battle dress keeping strict vigil at strategic and vulnerable locations and in many crowded areas of major towns. This will be his first visit to J&K after the Centres abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Srinagars historic Lal Chowk and its neighbourhood and the scenic boulevard situated a furlong away are especially under strict security vigil with hi-tech Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or camera-fitted drones maintaining aerial surveillance. The 7-km stretch of the road from the citys Badyari Chowk to Nishat, which is part of the boulevard overlooking the Dal Lake, is being closed for vehicular traffic for three days from Saturday morning to enable smooth movement by Mr Shah and his entourage and to secure the venues of his official meetings. Official sources said the Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) of various security forces, particularly the J&K police and the CRPF, have been deployed at select places to meet any eventuality, while dog and bomb disposal squads are also in a state of readiness. Additional checkpoints have been set up all across the Union territory. The sources said security was beefed up further in and around the areas with a minority population in the wake of the recent spate of targeted killings in which two local Kashmiri Pandits, a Sikh woman and three Muslim residents and four Hindu and one Muslim labourers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh were shot dead. The authorities blamed the targeted killings on separatist militants and said some of the 17 militants killed in encounters in the past two weeks were involved in these incidents. The sources said extraordinary security bandobast has been necessitated by the possibility of future incidents of terrorism. A security official who spoke to this newspaper on condition of anonymity said: Whenever a VVIP is visiting a place, certain steps are taken to enhance security. In Kashmir, it is with greater reason vital to be vigilant. What is being done is to reduce the chances of terrorist attacks during the home ministers visit and to prevent the recurrence of unfortunate incidents in which 11 civilians lost their lives recently. CRPF DIG (operations) Mathev A. John said: The decision to use the UAVs for aerial surveillance has been taken in the wake of recent attacks on minority community members and non-local labourers. Mr Shah is due to hold a series of high-level security review meetings in Srinagar and Jammu. He will also evaluate the work done on the development front, particularly the PMs Development Package (PMDP) for J&K. He will be accompanied by Union home secretary A.K. Bhalla, other senior MHA officers and the heads of various Central armed police forces and intelligence agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau, official sources said. Story Timelines In our effort to always give our readers the best, up to date local reporting, we have recently collaborated with Ohio University students to build interactive, constantly updated timelines for stories that are important to you. Graveside services for Dorothy Clarice "Dottie" Cross 86, of Athens have been scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday November 22, 2021 at Oaklawn Memorial Park with Bro. Cody Craig officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Autry's Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home. Mrs. Cross passed away November 18 During the nearly 20 minute video, the flames continue to fight back despite numerous attempts to put them out. Thankfully, no one was injured.The Luxrally is a members-only rally that was almost finished. This year it went from Philadelphia to Atlanta. The drive that's interrupted in this video started in White Sulfur Springs and had just moved into Georgia when the fireworks began.According to the driver, not a single warning light or dash light came on. The only way they knew to stop was through an alert from another driver.In fact, despite having radios in each of the cars participating, it wasn't until the driver of a Porsche 911 got up beside the Cadillac and flagged them down that the XTS came to a halt.By the time it finally comes to a full stop it was "very significantly on fire" according to Ed. Before filming began both the front and rear were fully engulfed in flames. The tires burst as well despite Ed trying to put the flames out with his own fire extinguisher.Thankfully, no other cars were involved (of all the cars taking part, the Cadillac might be the least expected to have burned up). Among them are Bolian's Ferrari F430, a Bentley Bentayga, a Ferrari FF, a BMW 750, and a Porsche 911 Carrera.Ed finishes the slightly anticlimactic video by taking us on a quick tour of his 2009 Ferrari F430 Scuderia . The bright red seats stand out from the dark grey paint.Bolian complains about the rough suspension and says it probably isn't the best rally car. If anyone would know it's Bolian, who once set the Cannonball record for the fastest coast-to-coast drive from New York City to Los Angeles.Ultimately we'd say that any car that doesn't burn down randomly is a pretty great choice over one that does. The weapons were launched at an inflatable target in the sea known in the navy as the "big red tomato". This is the first time when the Royal Navy used the Martlet in frontline operations. The recent live firing exercise follows extensive testing at ranges off the UK coast by the Yeovilton-based Wildcat Maritime Force.The new missile system is designed to bring extended protection around the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers, providing offensive and defensive capabilities against small boats and fast attack craft.Captain James Blackmore, Carrier Strike Group's Air Wing Commander, explains that the "Martlet is a new air to surface lightweight multi-role missile recently introduced into service for the Wildcat helicopter and that may pose a threat to the Carrier Strike Group."Weighing 13 kg (29 lbs) and with a range of more than 6 km (3.7 miles), the laser-guided missile is capable of accelerating to a top speed of Mach 1.5 in only 0.3 seconds.The Wildcat HMA Mk2 helicopter is outfitted with an advanced electro-optical sensor suite located in the aircraft's nose. This enables it to identify threats at a significant range both during the day and at night. The helicopter's nose turret also has a laser target designator, which sends out a coded laser beam to guide the Martlet to its target.According to the Royal Navy , Wildcats can currently carry up to 20 laser-sensor missiles that can be launched against both stationary and moving targets."This first firing during an operational deployment not only gives confidence in the end to end weapon kill chain but also offers an overt demonstration of one of the many strike capabilities provided by the Air Wing from within the Task Group," said Captain Blackmore. A four-and-a-bit hour drive away from the home of most Italian automakers In Modena, the Italian capital of Rome, is in negotiation with the American microchip maker Intel to construct a new microchip fabrication facility. Preliminary estimates peg the potential deal as being worth upwards of 4 billion ($4.7 billion).Traditionally, Intels made its name as one of the worlds leading microchip fabricators in x86 archetecture based consumer electronics alongside their hometown rivals at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). Both conveniently headquartered in the same neighborhood of Santa Clara, California.As far as most people know, Intels chips usually end up in high-end computers and tablets. Whats less known is theyve also supplied microchip components to customers in the auto industry.Intel is intent on focusing on continental Europe as the location for the sight of their next production facility, with Germany and France having also expressed similar ambitions for hosting one of the largest tech firms in the world.A large portion of the multibillion-euro project is expected to be supplied by public money.The Italian government has gestured to Intel that it is ready and willing to provide more than ideal energy and labor costs to make a deal more attainable.Intels profits lie for the most part in consumer electronics like desktops, laptops, and tablets. But the implications of another mega factory supplying much-needed microchips to industries of all sorts is a welcome sign, even if it wont solve the problem outright. Such a facility in one of the most historic cities in all of Europe can only be another feather in Romes cap. FSD NHTSA ADAS Full Self-Driving I'm really sick of seeing the abuse hurled by uninformed people towards @missy_cummings , @PeteButtigieg , and @NHTSAgov. If you're upset about this appointment and see it as problematic - here is why you're wrong. ???? Mahmood Hikmet (@MoodyHikmet) October 21, 2021 Noooo Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 21, 2021 THIS ???? is the TRUE elon musk ! The most pathetic billionaire ???????? pic.twitter.com/kFcUKJRtTs Cristina Balan - STOP Forced Arbitration (@CristinaIBalan) October 21, 2021 A recap of Chinese brand EV models announced so far with LiDAR and LiDAR supplier: Xpeng P5: Livox NIO ET7: Innovusion R Auto ES33: Luminar ARCFOX Alpha S HI: Huawei WM Motor M7: RoboSense IM L7: Most likely RoboSense#LiDAR pic.twitter.com/NFo4vYoUZd Lei Xing?? (@leixing77) October 22, 2021 Its Fri-YAY! Morning coffee and some tunesan anthem of strength for all the #safety champions out there. Keep up the great work! Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers - I Won't Back Down (Official Music Video) https://t.co/Hcd3pOpIPk via @YouTube Jennifer Homendy (@JenniferHomendy) October 22, 2021 WRONG This IS reckless driving You should NOT sit in back of a Tesla on Autopilot EVER Autopilot is NOT autonomous or self-driving YOUR supervision is required 100% of the time You may kill yourself or others Signed, The guy w/the Tesla Autopilot #CannonballRun record pic.twitter.com/LweMVv4JsA Alex Roy (@AlexRoy144) May 17, 2021 Unfortunately, we do not doubt that the mob that attacked her is probably celebrating their victory. Everything points to precisely the opposite: it was something they may regret for the rest of their lives if they really love Tesla that much. What they have done was to harm the company.The first reason for that is a matter of reputation. Instead of attracting more people to the brand they claim to defend, these guys are actually pushing them away from it. Famous folks have already said they would never buy a Tesla regardless of how good they think the cars are. It is a way to avoid being part of the club. Others compare these owners to some sort of cult, even to fundamentalist religions. Their behavior towards Cummings gives critics even more arguments to sustain that.What does the company have to do with it? A typical enterprise would have some sort of shielding by not getting involved with the discussion. Lars Moravy and Zachary Kirkhorn tried to be professional about that at the Q3 2021 earnings call, but it was already too late. Elon Musk said Cummings was biased on Twitter. She quickly invited him to discuss that anytime. The Tesla CEO did not answer.He only replied to a fake Missy Cummings that tweeted they would take away hisBeta because her LiDAR company could not compete with Tesla. The owner of that account has since changed its name to Jeff Who, but the internet never forgets. A screenshot shared by Cristina Balan shows Musks interaction with whoever the person behind that Twitter account is. Any CEO would avoid that trap. Musks answer showed he thought it was at least entertaining.To make Cummings bashing seem more legit, these guys are saying Cummings is biased because she is a member of the board of directors for Veoneer. The Swedish LiDAR company connection would make her unfit for the task of being a safety adviser. That is cringeworthy, to say the least. Mahmood Hikmet patiently explained why in a Twitter thread.Summing it up, Missy Cummings was not invited bybecause she is neutral or impartial. The safety agency could just name a judge if that were the goal. What NHTSA wants is her expertise: it needs people who know what they are talking about. Cummings does that when it comes to autonomous driving tech and its interaction with humans. She is a world specialist in the subject.As Hikmet stresses, she is an adviser. The government may get her opinion and accept it, change its policies a bit due to what Cummings says, or completely ignore whatever she brings up. Making a petition to prevent her from advising NHTSA gives her role more weight than it actually has. Thanks to all the repercussions, that may even become true.The Tesla fans that wrote a petition to ask NHTSA to cancel her nomination claim that they are doing that in the name of safety. Teslas FSD and Autopilot would save lives. Yet, they do not explain why the company did not adopt proper testing with its software. All other carmakers only put something in the hands of their customers when it is stable. Tesla released beta software for its customers to test.It also did not forget a legal disclaimer that blames them if anything bad happens when testing the software. It would be interesting to hear any explanation that could frame that as safe behavior in any way. So far, we have not seen a single argument to defend that which did not sound wholly lunatic or fallacious. If these guys are against Cummings, her words on safety may be heard with more interest by the government.On top of that, the petition states that for over 13 years, the industry has tried unsuccessfully to bring LiDAR powered self-driving cars to market. This is an ode to misinformation. Before anything else, because there is no self-driving car in the market, although some Tesla fans say it is perfectly safe to be in the rear seat when a Tesla is on Autopilot Tesla itself has promised autonomous cars for years. From a basically solved problem in 2016, it remains basically unsolved for a company that said its cars would become appreciating assets due to that capability. Teslas promises are even less credible after the Autopilot program director left the company.CJ Moore was the man that told the California DMV that Elons tweet does not match engineering reality when the Tesla CEO promised full autonomy soon. It did not take long for Moore to leave the company since that episode. We only discovered that because a lawsuit against Tesla and Autopilot wants Moore as a witness, and the company said he is no longer an employee.When anyone says that a vehicle that does not drive on its own is a self-driving car, they are autonowashing, as Liza Dixon defined that behavior. In other words, they are making something seem more autonomous than it actually is.This is not the only mistake contained in that short sentence in the petition against Cummings. LiDARs are becoming cheaper and being incorporated in a series of production vehicles.Automotive journalist Lei Xing made a list of Chinese vehicles that will have LiDARs soon: Xpeng P5, NIO ET7, R Auto ES33, ArcFox Alpha S HI, WM Motor M7, IM L7, and GAC Aion LX. Volvos successor to the XC90 will use LiDARs, as well as the Lucid Air, BMW i4, BMW iX, and multiple other products. None of them claims to be autonomous.The goal of LiDAR is to create redundancy, or else, to have a backup if any of the detection systems in an autonomous driving system fails. If cameras were dirty, a radar could help detect objects. If radars had any issues, LiDAR might keep the car going. Apart from refusing to use LiDAR, Tesla gave up on radars a while ago.The company claims to be able to solve autonomous driving with cameras only. If any of them fails or gets a dirty lens, theres no backup. A recent study by AAA provedsystems might not work as they should if it rains.According to the petition against Cummings, Teslas system would be safer because it is easier and cheaper to implement. LiDARs would demand expensive retrofitting. Ironically, Musk admitted his company would have to replace the cameras in vehicles made before Tesla Autonomy Day, on April 22, 2019. Thats a perfectly fine example of retrofitting. And it only costs up to $10,000: thats what Tesla charges from anyone willing to buy FSD.If the campaign to prevent Cummings from joining NHTSA were based just on incorrect (or purposefully deceiving) assumptions and concepts, it would at least have been civilized (even if eventually dishonest). It was not, as Cummings closing her Twitter account demonstrates.In his thread, Hikmet shared a screenshot of the tweets made about her. It is a horror show of misogyny, sexism, vulgarity, and bootlicking toward Musk. You can check that for yourself inside Hikmets thread embedded below, although we do not recommend it. It is repulsive and depressing.If Cummings really had anything against Tesla, as her detractors claim, this sort of behavior certainly did not help. Not only with what she thinks about Teslas demeanor, but also about what other authorities may consider. The U.S. Transport Secretary recently said Musk should call him if he has anything to say about Cummings.Jennifer Homendy already saidis misleading and irresponsible. The NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) Chair tweeted in support of Cummings and shared I Wont Back Down performed by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Homendy could have chosen The Toasters performing one of their most famous songs, but shes probably not that much into ska.That shows the kind of support Cummings enjoys with critical people in the safety area. After what she has gone through, that support tends to increase. We wonder how many signatures a petition to back her up would get at Change.org. Nobody has created any so far. The one made by Tesla fans and investors seems to have stalled at a bit less than 23,000 signatures. From a potentially large group of Tesla owners, it was not as popular as they probably expected.Paradoxically, that may be good for the company: it may mean most customers think Cummings can help make Tesla safer precisely by challenging its approach to autonomous driving. The ones that claim it is safe are only worried about their stocks and what to brag about in YouTube videos.Hopefully, she will not back down or let them down despite all the absurdities she had to endure these days. Not being on Twitter will probably make her more productive as an NHTSA safety adviser. Thank you, detractors. Orbex Prime, publicly introduced in 2019 by space company Orbex, boasts of being the worlds largest 3D-printed rocket thanks to the engine produced this way, which is manufactured from a single piece without joints by SLM Solutions. Now, thanks to the findings of a study conducted at the University of Exeter, Orbex names its Orbex Prime the worlds most environmentally-friendly space rocket.Thats a bold claim right there, but its not entirely surprising. Orbex had said before that the unique build of the space rocket and the fact that it used ultra-low-carbon biofuel would make it much greener than other rockets. The main structure is made of carbon fiber / graphene composites, and the innovative architecture translates into 20% more efficiency and, as such, reduces 30% of inert mass.According to the study, Orbex Prime, which is eyeing a launch in late 2022 at the Space Hub Sutherland in the North of Scotland, will have a carbon footprint up to 96% lower than any other space program. With carbon offsetting, the footprint will be reduced altogether, which will make Orbex Prime completely carbon neutral.The fact that it uses ultra-low-carbon biofuel (BioLPG) makes Orbex Prime 86% more environmentally-friendly than launch vehicles that are powered by fossil fuels. Direct launch emissions for Prime are 96% lower than with a horizontally launched vehicle, Orbex notes. One launch of the Prime space rocket results in total emissions of 13.9 tons of CO2e, including direct emissions from the launch and indirect emissions from the production of the fuel, which is the average amount of emissions produced by one single person in the UK in a year. This amount will be offset through carbon-offsetting programs, Orbex says.Prime is reusable and leaves no debris on Earth, in the atmosphere or the Earths oceans. Hopefully, it will set the pace for every other player in the space game, in the UK and abroad.Orbex will be the first commercial orbital space launch company to use a renewable, carbon-friendly fuel, Chris Larmour, CEO of Orbex, explains. We believe it is time for ultra green launch systems to come to the fore. We have to move away from the use of heavily polluting fossil fuels now that more efficient, sustainable alternatives are readily available, and we hope to see much tighter regulations coming into force. Arguably, a little one, but this blue Chevy Camaro ZL1 has way too much power for this intimate setup. And just so everyone knows the truth, we need to paraphrase the videographer behind the Jmalcom2004 account on YouTube: this is not the supercharged ZL1 to play with and it's probably not stock at all.Well, all questions about what hides under the hood of this blue Chevy Camaro ZL1 will remain unanswered. Although were back at the intimate small-town dragstrip where even the Christmas tree is a portable one, it seems the videographer didnt have a chance to find out more about its technical secrets.Thats not a big issue for fans of racing encounters that praise dragstrip action above all words, though. As such, the video (embedded below) quickly dives into the smokin hot abyss (aka the race prep) part ahead of showcasing the contestants. The supercharged ZL1 sits on the left lane and a thoroughly modified crimson Chevy S-10 dwells by its side.The first skirmish is clearly won by the supercharged wonder, although theres no official indicator. Just the bus-length winning distance... So who needs digital ET and trap speed scoreboards anymore? Interestingly, if one looks closely towards the end of the run, theres a little hint pointing out the Camaro build being too powerful for this intimate dragstrip That much becomes crystal clear during the evening encounter between the ZL1 and an S550 Ford Mustang. Blue Oval fans better look away, as the Stang did put up a great fight, but it still wasnt enough. Instead, the Camaro unleashed the inner monster and ultimately won the battle... even though its driver almost lost control towards the end of the run! The idea of a jet engine was not new. While a turbojet engine was showcased in 1910 in Paris, British engineer Frank Whittle patented the first real jet engine in 1930. In the beginning, the army officials ignored his idea. It was too much for them to understand. But German Hans von Ohain had a similar vision and formulated his theory about a jet engine in 1933. Three years later, he got his idea patented. Aircraft maker Heinkel noticed the young engineer and hired him. They gave him everything he needed, and, in 1938, the first jet-engine powered experimental aircraft, HE-178, took off and proved that Ohain was right. The jet-age began.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Aviation asked the two leading aircraft producers, Heinkel and Messerschmitt, for a fighter plane with two jet engines. Both of them started to work on that project. Even though Heinkel was more advanced in research, BMW independently developed another powerplant: the Jumo engine. It was designed by Anselm Franz and proved to be more powerful than the unit developed by Ohain. Everybody was going into uncharted territory. Yet, Messerschmitt understood better how to do the airframe. They made the wings slightly swept back at an angle of 18.5 degrees to change the aircraft balance, which also helped in the speed department. By 1939 , the aircraft had already taken shape, but there was a lot of trouble with the powerplants. The fixed radial rotor and the materials used were difficult to manage. While Heinkel worked its engine for reliability, BMW worked on the fuel efficiency, and they were far more advanced. A theory said that the project was delayed because Adolf Hitler ordered the aircraft maker to transform the fighter jet into a fighter-bomber jet. Yet, that was only one of the problems. The real issue was with the engines themselves. Their high fuel consumption and vibrations prevented the aircraft from entering into service.The Minister of Air pushed Messerschmitt harder to develop the aircraft. Messerschmitt had already completed the airframe, but BMW still had troubles with the evolved Jumo engines. Finally, in 1942, the ME-262 Schwalbe took off with the Jumo 004B powerplants. Unfortunately, they still had problems and couldn't be used very easily. Pilots couldn't abruptly push the gas to the corner but rather slowly. Yet, in full power, each jet engine produced 4,000 lb of thrust, which was enough to rocket the aircraft at 540 mph (870 kph), way faster than any other knight of the sky. It was 120 mph (193 kph) faster than the famed P-51 Mustang . A former ME-262 pilot, Hans Guido Mutke, claimed that he once achieved Mach 1 in a 90 degrees dive, but that wasn't confirmed. British and Soviet tests with the aircraft after the war confirmed speeds of up to 0.84 Mach.With its 34.9 ft (10.6 m) long body, a 41 ft (12.6m) span, and 11.4 ft (3.5m) height, the aircraft was a fierce machine. One of the battles that showed its superiority took place over Germany's sky on March 18th, 1945. A group of 37 ME-262 attacked an impressive air force of 1,221 bombers, including B-17s Flying Fortress , and 632 escorting fighters. They destroyed 12 bombers and one fighter while losing three. Germany managed to produce around 1,400 units, of which just 300 fought in the air. Allied forces were instructed to destroy their landing sites and kill them on the ground. The weapon system of this first jet-fighter plane was based on four 30 mm cannons placed on the nose, and wooden launch pads under the wings for unguided missiles.Despite their technical problems, these aircraft were way ahead of the allied machines. The UK already had a jet-engine aircraft, the Gloster Meteor, which entered service in July 1944, but its limited range and lower speed prevented it from facing the German ME-262.After the war, allied forces seized most of the remaining aircraft and took them for study. Ohain moved to U.S. in 1947 and became a research scientist at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He was, after all, a brilliant scientist, not a war supporter.After WWII, Czechoslovakia used a reverse-engineering process and built their own jet-engine aircraft, named S.92. They sold eight of them to the Israeli air force. They managed to adjust and improve the aircraft, and the result was a far better machine. Fortunately, the German industry couldn't make that before 1943.At the time of writing, there are only three flight-ready ME-262 Shwalbe, all being fitted with GE jet engines developed after WWII based on the original Jumo powerplants. Yet, they are more reliable. The Jumo had a life of just 15 hours flight-time, and took 25 more hours for service. Having some of the most famous comic book superheroes in the world, the MCU is no stranger to great cars. They introduced them right from Phase One, and marveled us with some vintage models straight from 2008s Iron Man.Since everyone knows Tony Star was the epitome of richness (he auto describes in Avengers as genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist"), and his kind of people stores a lot of impressive vehicles. Stark fits the description all too well, and his garage includes a long list of luxury and classic cars, like the 1932 Ford Flathead Roaster, a Saleen S7 and 1967 Shelby Cobra, but also a Tesla Roadster We also see Stark drive an Audi R8 as he rolls up to a charity event and to the airport before flying to Afghanistan. Fans all around decided this is his top-choice, and it looks like Audi is top brand the lead member of the Avengers prefers, and his license plate read Stark 4, a later model has Stark 11.Some of the other cars hes driven or shown in his garage are a Rolls-Royce Phantom and a Bugatti Veyron SS, a 1949 Mercury Cupe, a 1953 Ghia Cadillac, a 1978 Wolf WR Ford Replica and an Acura NSX, in which he drives off with Bruce Banner at the end of the first Avengers movie.During Avengers: Endgame, Stark arrived at the Avengers facility in an Audi E-Tron GT , showing his taste in cars evolves the same way technology does. Among other Audi models hes had are an Audi R8 Spyder and two versions of the E-Tron, white and red.We must remember Stark wasnt the only rich guy we have among the superheroes, and Dr. Stephen Strange got his powers thanks (or due to) a car accident. Smug and confident, he takes his Lamborghini Huracan Coupe to the limit on narrow cliffs roads in his self-titled movie. That results him in a near-death experience that leaves him paralyzed before becoming the master of mystical and martial arts.Loki's getaway car from the S.H.I.E.L.D facility with the Tesseract in the 2012 The Avengers is a Hummer H3T. The off-roader is exposed at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, and you can see it along life-sized figures of the beloved Avengers.Since fighting alien villains isnt a well-paid job, at the beginning of his career as Ant-Man, Scott Langs hangs around in a 1972 Ford Econoline which his former cellmate, Luis, owns. The pickup truck makes an appearance in Avengers: Endgame, and its the nest of several criminal activities, but also the key to traveling to the Quantum Realm. Talk about iconic.Nick Fury, director at S.H.I.E.L.D., drives a 2019 Infiniti QX50 in the post-credits of Avengers: Infinity War, in a crucial scene where he pages Captain Marvel before being turned to dust.A notable mention would be the Harley Davidson LiveWire that Scarlett Johannsons character, Black Widow, rides in Avengers: Age of Ultron during a battle. Back when the movie was released in 2015, the electric motorcycle was just a concept, and it was available for fans who could afford it in 2020.Guardians of the Galaxy 2 features a Ford Mustang II King Cobra, and Ant-Man and the Wasp has the 2019 Hyundai Veloster. Black Widow drives a Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C7 in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and in Black Panther, we see TChalla sit on top of a technologically-advanced Lexus LC500 that his sister, Shuri, operates from afar. We also see a 1995 Chevrolet Impala SS in Captain Marvel.So far, the Avengers liked to roll in a mix of luxurious and vintage cars, some of them were quite interesting and fun. While we havent covered all of them, or all their means of transportation, its exciting to see whats more to come in the upcoming Phases, and Lexus will play a big part in the upcoming Marvel movie, The Eternals Yes, the people behind the sale call it "The Ultimate Flex", and as part of the bargain, you get a matching NFT (Non Fungible Token) to add to your haul.California is home to some 35 million registered vehicles and each is eligible to receive a unique license plate stamped with anywhere from two to seven characters. Its the two-character plates that are the most exclusive in that two-character repeating designations such as MM are obviously limited.And theres actually a website for the MM plate . As one of only 35 two-letter plates, the MM is in actuality one in a million and thusly valuable to someone with money to burn.As if it matters, whoever shells out the cash can slap the plate on the back of their car. A recent change to Californias Special Interest License Plate Application means the DMV now includes an option to release interest to a new owner, meaning it can be resold for reuse on any vehicle.So if you have the hankering to spend a little disposable income, you can buy the MM license plate on OpenSea, a digital art auction site - for $24.3 million. But hey, that seems reasonable as the license plate comes with a matching non-fungible token. Part of the pitch is that the license plate and the accompanying digital artwork are unique.The NFT further bolsters the authenticity of your sensible purchase as the plate itself includes a QR code and ID number on the back of the plate.Just like NFTs, license plates are exclusive by nature, always 1 of 1, says the listing. The pairing of these two rarities was inevitable. This minting has established provenance, and hopes to inspire an entire community around an aftermarket buying (and) selling desirable license plate configurations.If someone actually ponies up the cash for the MM plate theyll find themselves in possession of the worlds most expensive license plate. Their purchase will also eclipse the price paid for the current titleholder, a plate issued in Abu Dhabi bearing the number 1.That plate sold at auction for $14.3 million in 2009. The most expensive U.S. plate was issued in Delaware and marked with 11, and it sold back in 2008 for a paltry $675,000. Why it matters: Polarization and misinformation are driving competing narratives about how much to fear rising crime, what's causing it, what to do about it and how much to prioritize it as an issue in the 2022 midterms. A majority of Americans mistakenly believes that violent crime is worse now than it was 30 years ago, according to an Axios/Ipsos poll . A majority of Americans mistakenly believes that violent crime is worse now than it was 30 years ago, according to an Axios/Ipsos poll. Why it matters: Polarization and misinformation are driving competing narratives about how much to fear rising crime, what's causing it, what to do about it and how much to prioritize it as an issue in the 2022 midterms. Republicans are much more likely to blame reduced police funding and Democratic politicians for recent spikes. more likely to blame reduced police funding and Democratic politicians for recent spikes. Democrats are more likely to blame the economic downturn and too many guns. Between the lines: Americans absorbed recently released FBI data showing that violent crime, including murder, has jumped since the start of the pandemic, with a historic one-year spike in 2020 data compared with that of 2019. But many missed this important context: Even the higher numbers in 2020, and so far for 2021, are significantly lower than those of the late 1980s and early 1990s. By the numbers: 64% of overall respondents said there are more reports of violent crime in the U.S. this year than last year. And preliminary crime stats largely bear out that finding. There was little difference in how Republicans, Democrats or independents answered that question. But 58% of overall respondents inaccurately believed violent crime is worse now than 30 years ago. That was true for about two-thirds of Republicans and a little more than half of Democrats. Context: Partisan divisions quickly appeared when those who believe violent crime went up were asked to identify the main causes. 54% of Democrats saw loose gun laws as a main cause, compared to just 8% of Republicans. 85% of Democrats said tighter gun control restrictions would have at least a minor impact on reducing gun violence and violent crime; 53% of Republican respondents said that would have no impact at all. 58% of Republicans but just 14% of Democrats said reduced police funding was a main cause. Fact check: While the 50 largest U.S. cities cut their 2021 police budgets 5.2% in aggregate, according to data compiled by Bloomberg CityLab, law enforcement's share of general expenditures actually rose slightly. The intrigue: A majority of respondents reported feeling at least somewhat safe in their own communities, while Black and Hispanic respondents were less likely to feel safe, and more likely to express concerns about crime and violence, than white respondents. What they're saying: Chris Jackson, Ipsos pollster and senior vice president, said the fact that most Americans feel largely safe in their own communities but are deeply divided on the causes of and responses to violent crime shows that issue "has been pushed into a national partisan framing." "It's really an abstract issue for most people, and their views about it are defined by the media they consume." Methodology: This Axios/Ipsos poll was conducted Oct. 14-20 by Ipsos KnowledgePanel. This poll is based on a nationally representative probability sample of 1,246 general population adults age 18 or older. The sample includes 310 Republicans, 407 Democrats and 425 independents. The U.S. and Israel are planning to form a joint team to hold discreet negotiations on the reopening of the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem, Israeli officials say. Why it matters: The consulate handled relations with the Palestinians for 25 years before being shut down by then President Donald Trump in 2019. Senior officials in Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's government see the consulate issue as a political hot potato that could destabilize their unwieldy coalition. Biden told Bennett during their White House meeting in August that he will not abandon his plan to reopen the consulate in Jerusalem, setting up a major point of contention between the administrations. Driving the news: Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid discussed the consulate issue during their meeting in Washington last Wednesday. Lapid pushed back on the U.S. position, saying, I dont know how to hold this coalition together if you reopen the consulate," according to Israeli officials. Blinken said he understood the sensitive political situation and wants to start a dialogue to work toward a solution, the officials say. What's next: Blinken proposed the formation of a small team including Lapid and himself along with one or two aides from each side to discuss the issue with maximum discretion. Lapid agreed but said he wants to hold off on such a dialogue until after the Israeli government passes a budget in the first week of November. Between the lines: The issue is so politically charged because the U.S. would once again have separate missions for the Israelis and the Palestinians in Jerusalem. The Israelis believe that would infringe on their sovereignty in the city. For the Palestinians, it could strengthen their claim to part of Jerusalem. Asked after Lapid's visit about the possibility of the U.S. instead opening a consulate in the West Bank, a senior Israeli official responded favorably but said he couldn't say whether that was under consideration. What they're saying: A spokesperson for Lapid said no team was formed yet, and he reiterated that Lapid had made his opposition to the reopening of the consulate clear in all of his meetings in Washington. PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) - Phoenix Children's sent an email to nearly 370 employees, identifying them as exempt from the hospital's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. "Wow, what pretty flagrant violation of the law. It's impressive for how clear-cut it is," said Alexander Kolodin, an attorney hired by a nurse on the email. "This is something that should never have happened, and when something that should never have happened happens, and it hurts people, when it leads them into a position where people are judging them because something very private was disclosed, people have rights to get compensation for that." Kolodin is an attorney with the Davillier Law Group and has worked on medical rights issues across the country. He was retained by a nurse who wishes to remain anonymous at this time. ADHS says Arizona is ready to vaccinate children ages 5 to 11 ADHS Interim Director Don Herrington said in a blog post on Wednesday that "Arizona stands ready" to vaccine children, pending approval from the Food and Drug Administration. "My response to getting the email was that it makes me feel judged both in the community and my place of work because it makes it feel more of a hostile environment, just being judged for the vaccine status," the nurse said. The email was sent by the Employee Relations Department, according to that nurse. The email's purpose was to inform exempt employees of new protocols taking place on October 18th; carbon copied on the email were 368 Phoenix Children's employees that were approved for a medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine. "My biggest fear on that is, gosh, this is a hospital that, if people are trying to entrust them with all kinds of sensitive medical information and if they can't get something like this right, what else aren't they doing right?" Kolodin said. "If this is the first thing as a breach of privacy that comes out, then what else do they know that's been leaked previously or could have been leaked in the future?" the nurse questioned. Many people on the email replied to it, explaining their disappointments. One wrote, "your email individually identifies every single person who has sought exemption. This seems to be a violation of privacy of employment/health records." Kolodin's client said she has heard from other nurses who have filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Services for a HIPAA violation. "Employers requiring employees to get the shot and disclose that to the employer, the employer is supposed to keep that information and information on exemptions very, very confidential and that, they have failed to do," Kolodin said. Kolodin is in the process of filing a formal complaint against the hospital. He also said he is "strongly considering" a class-action lawsuit. If you are interested in being part of the class-action lawsuit, call the Davillier Law Group. Arizona's Family reached out to Phoenix Children's multiple times for a comment; they have not responded so far. Bakersfield, CA (93308) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. Low 48F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly to mostly cloudy. Low 48F. Winds light and variable. He was born in Shafter and died in Shafter, but in between he lived a life of service, community and family You can reach Ishani Desai at 661-395-7417. You can also follow her at @idesai98 on Twitter. Email Dan Walters of CalMatters at dan@calmatters.org. CalMatters is a nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism venture committed to explaining how Californias state Capitol works and why it matters. For more columns by Walters, go to calmatters.org/dan-walters. Surf Warnings, High Wind Warnings, Flooding for Oregon / Washington Coast: UPDATES Updated 10/23/21 at 4:56 PM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Portland, Oregon) [UPDATE: POSSIBILTIES OF WATERSPOUTS / TORNADOES ON SUNDAY] ---- A wide array of storm warnings and watches have been issued for both the Oregon and the Washington coast, as another weather system is set to kick in and bring flooding, dangerous surf, and high winds to the beach towns of almost the entire Pacific Northwest. The National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Seattle, Medford and Portland have issued these, including a high wind watch for the Washington coast and upper half of Oregons coast, a high wind warning for the south Oregon coast, and coastal flooding and high surf warnings for the entire Oregon coast and southern Washington coast. These are largely for Sunday through Tuesday. This now includes the possibility of waterspouts or tornadoes forming in the region, although the NWS said it is not a high likelihood. It will be extremely dangerous on beaches, with more than 30-foot waves expected onshore in many areas. High Wind Warnings Oregon / Washington Coast. From the tip of Washingtons Olympic Peninsula down through Brookings, the NWS offices in both states have issued high wind warning in effect for Sunday and Monday. Southeast winds of 40 mph with gusts to 60 mph are possible along the upper Washington coast. From Ocean Park down through the central Oregon coast, south winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph are possible near beaches and headlands. A high wind warning is effect for the southern Oregon coast on Sunday, with gusts up to 70 mph. High Surf Warnings Oregon Coast Through South Washington Coast. The NWS has issued a more direct high surf warning for the southern Oregon coast, in effect from 7 p.m. Sunday through 5 a.m. on Tuesday. That covers Brookings through roughly Reedsport. However, the NWS has taken the unusual step of issuing a surf warning for the south Washington coast and northern half of Oregons coast by embedding it in the coastal flood warning for that area, making it not quite as clear. Conditions will be more severe up north, with the NWS saying 30 to 35-foot swells will be hitting the area from about Florence up through at least Wesport. Very hazardous sea conditions will exist on Sunday and Monday," the NWS said. A large westerly swell will produce hazardous beach conditions with waves crashing over jetties, water moving logs on beaches & sneaker waves running much higher up the beach than usual." It all begins far offshore. See Oregon Coast Weather - Washington Coast Weather A large building west-southwesterly swell most likely somewhere on the order of 25-30 feet will push onto the coast late Sunday into Monday," the NWS said. This will result in combined seas building towards 30-35 feet. As a result, expect very high surf that could result in property damage along the coast Sunday evening/night and a very dangerous sneaker wave threat lingering into Monday." On the southern Oregon coast, it will still be extremely dangerous with large, breaking waves of 28 to 35 feet. The NWS referred to all of this as life-threatening." Along the northern Washington coast, the NWS there has not issued any beach warnings just yet but has indicated surf will be extremely high there. Coastal Flooding Warning For Northern Half of Oregon Coast, Southern Third of Washington. The Coastal Flood Warning is in effect from 8 p.m. Sunday through 5 a.m. Tuesday, with high tides around 4:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday. Major flooding, up to one foot above ground level, during high tides is expected along the immediate coast as well as low lying areas near bays, sloughs, and the lower reaches of the coastal rivers," the NWS said. Unpredictable and destructive waves may swamp beaches and other areas including lookouts, parking lots and jetties with no warning. The NWS said beach erosion is quite possible. Shore Acres near Coos Bay, photo courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast In southwest Washington similar conditions in the past have resulted in significant flooding in Raymond, erosion to homes and roads near Washaway Beach along Highway 105 near North Cove, and/or erosion to campsites near Cape Disappointment," the NWS said. In northwest Oregon similar conditions in the past have resulted in severe erosion near the south jetty of the Columbia River in Clatsop county, and/or flooding in Seaside, Cannon Beach, Neskowin, and/or the Pacific City Airport. On the central Oregon coast similar conditions in the past have resulted in severe erosion in Neskowin and/or Yachats, and flooding in Lincoln City." This will be one of those infamous storm watch weekends where it will be unusually easy to get hurt, yet it will attract more visitors. Be sure to stay off all beaches during this period. Considering the wind conditions, you will want to find a place where you can waves from inside your car. The period just before and after this event may be a better time to go look at places like Depoe Bay, Westport or Shore Acres near Coos Bay, where storm waves will likely still be putting on some kind of show. Oregon Coast Hotels for this event - South Coast Hotels - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees nearly 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast. LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted 1701 BBQ, one of the newest and most popular barbecue joints in Beaumont, has made Texas Monthlys list of the Top 50 barbecue spots in the state. 1701, aptly named after the address of the historic building it began occupying at the end of 2020, has been an almost instant hit among barbecue lovers in Southeast Texas drawn to its combination of central Texas smoking styles and Southeast Texas charm. Opened by James Blue Broussard and company just over 11 months ago, 1701 BBQ is now as easily spotted by a parchment sign on the front door declaring SOLD OUT, as it is by the neon Local sign hanging in the dining room. Texas Monthly complimented the pit crew on their brisket and pork ribs cuts not usually associated with Southeast Texas barbecue in addition to its sausage. Related: What's New: 1701 makes barbecue debut From opening a restaurant during a global pandemic to being among one of the top barbecue spots in the state, General Manager Travis Cox called these past several months a whirlwind. But its been a rush the team has sustained thanks to the connections they found while making great eats. Its been unreal, Cox said. We went from not really knowing each other to building this team together. I think its a success we were able to generate because we really do care about every bite. Just this week, 1701 BBQ debuted its own house-made boudain, further cementing its balance between central and Southeast Texas. Cox said customers can expect some more new tastes and menu items to drop in the near future as the crew continues to experiment and grow behind the smoker. The Calder Avenue eatery now joins 49 other joints that made Texas Monthlys sixth list since the magazine started scouring the state in 1997. For this list, 32 editorial staff and three freelancers visited 411 restaurants across the state over about two months before Texas Monthlys top barbecue experts visited the top candidates. Related: Local barbecue spot makes Texas Monthly's Top 25 list 1701 BBQ was the only Southeast Texas joint to make the list, joining Charlies Bar-B-Que on College Street in the honor of being listed in one of the publications lists. Charlies was named in the magazines 2019 25 Best New and Improved Barbecue Joints. Before 1701 became a brick and mortar restaurant, fans of Broussards barbecue had to visit the Blue Davis food truck that made the rounds across the region. Related: 1701 Barbecue brings style Central Texas to Beaumont Broussard and his partners sold the pop-up operation in 2019 and he briefly returned to the family mortuary business, now just next door to his restaurant, but the smoke quickly returned. The operation has been expanding its smoking capacity since it opened with three industrial smokers and has been taking on catering and pop-up events at places like Neches Brewing in Port Neches. When Texas Monthlys barbecue guru, Daniel Vaughn, visited 1701 back in September, he complimented the craft and willingness of the crew to break away from Beaumont's deep barbecue traditions to deliver something uniquely good. 1701 Barbecue isnt like the other barbecue joints in town, and thats okay, Vaughn wrote in his review. I love the deep history of Beaumont barbecue and wouldnt think to leave town without one of the areas signature links, but Broussard wanted to offer his hometown a different take on Texas barbecue than theyre used to. jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/jd_journalism Getty Images An assistant director who handed Alec Baldwin a loaded prop gun on the set of the western "Rust" told the actor the firearm was "cold," or unloaded, officials say. The assistant director "did not know live rounds were in" one of the three guns set aside on a cart for filming before Baldwin fired the gun, striking cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in the chest and director Joel Souza in the shoulder, killing Hutchins and hospitalizing Souza, according to court records obtained by the Associated Press, New York Times and Santa Fe Reporter on Friday. While the warrant affidavit filed by Santa Fe Sheriff's Office investigators offers new details about the moments immediately before and after Thursday's shooting at Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico, the document does not answer how the live round ended up in the gun. LONDON (AP) Britains Queen Elizabeth II was back at Windsor Castle on Friday and in good spirits after revelations that she spent the night in a London hospital earlier this week. Buckingham Palace said the 95-year-old British monarch went to the private King Edward VIIs Hospital in London on Wednesday for preliminary investigations. She returned to her Windsor Castle home at lunchtime on Thursday and was understood to be back at her desk by afternoon, undertaking light duties. The queen underwent the tests after she canceled a scheduled trip to mark 100 years since the creation of Northern Ireland, and the palace said she had reluctantly accepted medical advice to rest for a few days. The matter was not related to COVID-19. The palace does not normally offer a running account of the monarch's health, citing her privacy. However, in this case it confirmed the queens hospital stay after The Sun newspaper reported the news. On the whole, there is a rule of thumb is that if a senior member of the royal family undergoes a procedure or an operation, there is a medical bulletin, royal expert Robert Hardman told the BBC. But that doesn't apply to tests. The attention paid to the development merely reflects the great affection the global community has for the monarch, said Hardman, author of Queen of the World, which chronicles the monarchs influence and stature around the globe. She hates people making a fuss of her in general but particularly to do with health,'' he told the BBC. And I think theres a concern to sort of maintain the dignity of the office, and I know that one reason why nothing was said about yesterdays trip to hospital was that they sort of didnt suddenly want sort of huge banks of cameras and 24-hour news setting up outside the hospital.'' The long-secretive monarchy faces struggles similar to those of other leaders and celebrities who face a voracious appetite for details on their personal lives and health status. For comparisons sake, the Vatican issued daily bulletins about Pope Francis 10-day hospital stay in July after he had a chunk of his colon removed. The Vatican had kept the hospitalization and Francis condition secret until the pope was already admitted and was about to go into surgery. But the Vatican has long been notoriously secretive about the health of popes, most significantly when it refused to even acknowledge the obvious signs that St. John Paul II suffered from Parkinsons disease. The Vatican has cited the popes medical privacy in limiting information flows, but the vacuum of information often serves to fuel speculation about an eventual papal death and conclave to elect a successor. There has been some disquiet this week about Elizabeth's health. Only days ago, she was seen using a walking stick at a Westminster Abbey service marking the centenary of the Royal British Legion, an armed forces charity. Though she had used a cane in 2003, it was after she underwent knee surgery. Focus then turned to her hectic schedule, which has in recent days included audiences with diplomats, a reception at Windsor Castle for global business leaders, and attending the horse races at Ascot Racecourse. In less than two weeks she is due to host world leaders at the United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland a big engagement cited as one reason why she might want to rest up in advance. Though Elizabeth has enjoyed robust health throughout her life, she is Britains longest-lived and longest-reigning monarch. She is due to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee 70 years on the throne next year. Elizabeth has ruled since 1952 and was widowed this year when Prince Philip died at age 99 in April. She has cut back on her workload in recent years but still keeps a busy schedule of royal duties. She recently declined the honor of being named Oldie of the Year by The Oldie magazine. Her office said that Her Majesty believes you are as old as you feel, as such The Queen does not believe she meets the relevant criteria to be able to accept. ___ Associated Press writer Nicole Winfield in Rome contributed SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) An assistant director unwittingly handed Alec Baldwin a loaded weapon and told him it was safe to use in the moments before the actor fatally shot a cinematographer, court records released Friday show. Cold gun, the assistant director announced, according to a search warrant filed in a Santa Fe court. Instead, the gun was loaded with live rounds, and when Baldwin pulled the trigger Thursday on the set of a Western, he killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Director Joel Souza, who was standing behind her, was wounded, the records said. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office obtained the warrant Friday so investigators could document the scene at the ranch outside Santa Fe where the shooting took place. They sought to examine Baldwins blood-stained costume for the film Rust," as well as the weapon that was fired, other prop guns and ammunition, and any footage that might exist. The gun was one of three that the film's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, had set on a cart outside the wooden structure where a scene was being acted, according to the records. Assistant director Dave Halls grabbed the gun from the cart and brought it inside to Baldwin, unaware that it was loaded with live rounds, a detective wrote in the search warrant application. It was unclear how many rounds were fired. Gutierrez removed a shell casing from the gun after the shooting, and she turned the weapon over to police when they arrived, the court records say. Halls did not immediately return phone and email messages seeking comment. The Associated Press was unable to contact Gutierrez, and several messages sent to production companies affiliated with the film were not immediately returned Friday. The films script supervisor, Mamie Mitchell, said she was standing next to Hutchins when she was shot. I ran out and called 911 and said Bring everybody, send everybody, Mitchell told The Associated Press. This woman is gone at the beginning of her career. She was an extraordinary, rare, very rare woman. Mitchell said she and other crew members were attending a private memorial service Friday night in Santa Fe. Baldwin described the killing as a tragic accident." There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. Im fully cooperating with the police investigation, Baldwin wrote on Twitter. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna. No immediate charges were filed, and sheriffs spokesman Juan Rios said Baldwin was permitted to travel. Hes a free man, Rios said. Images of the 63-year-old actor known for his roles in 30 Rock and The Hunt for Red October and his impression of former President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live showed him distraught outside the sheriffs office on Thursday. Guns used in making movies are sometimes real weapons that can fire either bullets or blanks, which are gunpowder charges that produce a flash and a bang but no deadly projectile. Even blanks can eject hot gases and paper or plastic wadding from the barrel that can be lethal at close range. That proved to be the case in the death of an actor in 1984. In another on-set accident in 1993, the actor Brandon Lee was killed after a bullet was left in a prop gun, and similar shootings have occurred involving stage weapons that were loaded with live rounds. Gun-safety protocol on sets in the United States has improved since then, said Steven Hall, a veteran director of photography in Britain. But he said one of the riskiest positions to be in is behind the camera because that person is in the line of fire in scenes where an actor appears to point a gun at the audience. Sheriffs deputies responded about 2 p.m. to the movie set at the Bonanza Creek Ranch after 911 calls described a person being shot there, Rios said. The ranch has been used in dozens of films, including the recent Tom Hanks Western News of the World. Hutchins, 42, worked as director of photography on the 2020 action film Archenemy starring Joe Manganiello. She was a 2015 graduate of the American Film Institute and was named a rising star by American Cinematographer in 2019. Im so sad about losing Halyna. And so infuriated that this could happen on a set, said Archenemy director Adam Egypt Mortimer on Twitter. She was a brilliant talent who was absolutely committed to art and to film. Manganiello called Hutchins an incredible talent and a great person on his Instagram account. He said he was lucky to have worked with her. After the shooting, production was halted on Rust. The movie is about a 13-year-old boy who is left to fend for himself and his younger brother following the death of their parents in 1880s Kansas, according to the Internet Movie Database website. The teen goes on the run with his long-estranged grandfather (played by Baldwin) after the boy is sentenced to hang for the accidental killing of a local rancher. Lee, son of martial arts star Bruce Lee, died in 1993 after being hit by a .44-caliber slug while filming a death scene for the movie The Crow. The gun was supposed to have fired a blank, but an autopsy turned up a bullet lodged near his spine. In 1984, actor Jon-Erik Hexum died after shooting himself in the head with a prop gun blank while pretending to play Russian roulette with a .44 Magnum on the set of the television series Cover Up. Such shootings have also happened during historical reenactments. In 2015, an actor staging a historical gunfight in Tombstone, Arizona, was shot and wounded with a live round during a show that was supposed to use blanks. In Hill City, South Dakota, a tourist town that recreates an Old West experience, three spectators were wounded in 2011 when a re-enactor fired real bullets instead of blanks. ___ Associated Press writers Jake Coyle and Jocelyn Noveck in New York; Lizzie Knight in London; Yuras Karmanau in Kyiv, Ukraine; Ryan Pearson in Los Angeles; Walter Berry in Phoenix; and Gene Johnson in Seattle contributed to this report. NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) It seems a strange place to pitch a tent. Plump in the middle of the United Nations-patrolled buffer zone that has divided Cyprus along ethnic lines since 1974, in the heart of the island's medieval capital, two Cameroonian asylum-seekers have lived in a small blue tent for nearly five months. The breakaway Turkish Cypriot north, through which they entered hoping to reach the European Union-member, Greek Cypriot south, will deport them if they go back. And the south seems determined not to let them in to discourage more would-be migrants from trying the same route. To make things worse, the two can see people freely moving between north and south all the time, as their tent is beside a main authorized crossing one of nine linking the two communities. Enjei Grace says that she and Daniel Ejube were wrong to try to enter the internationally recognized south that way to apply for asylum. We are sorry," the 24 year-old says with tear-filled eyes, adding that she hopes authorities won't leave them in limbo forever. We just pray that they sort things out, its not been easy on us, she said. Neither the Cyprus government nor authorities in the breakaway north have directly referred to the case so far. And the government has given no indication that it would let them in, for fear that could encourage other migrants from the Middle East and Africa to see the buffer zone as an easy gateway to asylum. Cyprus says it has the highest number of first-time asylum applications among all 27 EU members, relative to its population of roughly 1.1 million. Interior Minister Nicos Nouris has told EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson that the country can't host more asylum seekers due to the severe burden" on its reception system. At an EU Asylum Support Office conference in Malta last week, Nouris said Cyprus is obliged to take significant and drastic" measures along the buffer zone, adding that about 800 migrants crossed it recently within a 10-day span. Nouris added that 15,000 migrants have had their asylum applications rejected but can't be deported because there's no coherent EU policy or agreement with their home countries on sending them back. Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades told fellow EU leaders at a Brussels summit on Friday that so far this year the country's authorities have received 6,800 asylum claims, with 6,250 of those filed by people who crossed over from the north. The Cypriot government claims that Turkey systematically forwards asylum seekers to the Mediterranean island's Turkish Cypriot north so that they can create a new pressure point on the south. It says almost 80% of arriving migrants enter illegally across the buffer zone. Cyprus was split in 1974 when Turkey invaded following a coup by supporters of union with Greece. Only Turkey recognizes a Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence in the north. Only the Greek Cypriot south enjoys full membership benefits. Decades of reunification talks have got nowhere. The island's convoluted politics were lost on Grace and 20-year-old Ejube when they flew, separately, to an airport in the north with hopes of leaving a troubled past behind. Grace says she fled Cameroon to escape civil war and an uncle who sexually harassed her. Ejube said his father paid for his trip to Cyprus where he would study and avoid being recruited by Cameroon's rebel forces. Both he and Grace said they didn't know about Cyprus' division. Grace said the island appeared the main" available EU destination when she decided to emigrate. After realizing asylum wasn't available in the Turkish-Cypriot north, Grace and Ejube say a friend told them in May that they could easily jump a fence at night to reach the south. Luck was not on their side. U.N. police officers patrolling the fenced area at a section of the capital's 16th century Venetian-built walls happened to notice them and returned them into the buffer zone. Normally, the U.N. passes asylum seekers over to authorities in the south, but this didn't happen with Ejube and Grace. They've lived there since, with food and clothing donated by the U.N. refugee agency and individuals from both the Greek and the Turkish Cypriot community. U.N. Peacekeeping Force spokesman Aleem Sidiqque said the Cyprus government has the responsibility" to accept asylum seekers and that the Force's job is to coordinate between the two sides to prevent unauthorized access" to the buffer zone. Emilia Strovolidou, spokeswoman for the U.N. refugee agency said Grace and Ejube should be allowed access to asylum procedures according to national, EU and international law. Despite our interventions with the authorities, access has been denied," she said. ___ Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration Someone may have witnessed the fatal shooting of Port Arthur man nearly three years ago outside of a nightclub in a high-crime area, but officials said nobody wants to talk. Herbert Clark Jr. has been accused of killing Scharonn TyV Leroyce Cole, 41, near a nightclub on Dec. 2, 2018. Testimony in the first-degree murder trial began Tuesday in Jefferson County Judge Raquel Wests 252nd District Court. Jefferson County Assistant District Attorney Luke Nichols said Cole was unarmed and wanted a fist fight with Clark that night in the 400 Block of Procter Street. Related: Murder trial to begin with potential life sentence on the line In painting a backdrop for the case in his opening statements, Nichols said several of the witnesses are not unfamiliar with law enforcement and the justice system, adding one is on probation and another is about to be indicted on heroin charges. He also said Cole, a convicted felon, was not perfect. That is the world this happens in, he said. This doesnt happen in the light. These things happen in the dark of night with people who are a part of that lifestyle. (Hebert) Clark Jr. did shoot Cole. He had no justification. He is guilty. Defense attorney Wendell Chip Radford, reminded the jury that the state must prove Clark is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Radford told them if they are going to put someone in prison for up to the rest of his life that the witnesses should be credible. The state is going to call some witnesses, and I want you to judge their credibility, Radford said. Judge if they have reasons to lie because you are the judge of the witness. Make them hold to that high burden. Three witnesses and three experts were called to the stand Tuesday. Among them was a police officer, a crime scene investigator, an expert firearms examiner and a forensics pathologist. Coles daughter, a man who was in the clubs parking lot during the shooting and a woman who drove Clark to Dallas also were asked to testify. Port Arthur Police Officer Chad Morrison said a large crowd of more than 50 people had gathered by the time police arrived on the scene around 2:30 a.m. Cole, who had nine gun shot wounds, including in the back, was dead when Morrison arrived. He recognized Cole from a drug arrest the previous year. Body cam footage recorded Morrison asking a crowd, which had formed a circle around Cole, to back up as he approached Coles body outside of Club Sistahs in Port Arthur. Hey man, are you alright? Morrison asked on the recording, but he received no response. Morrison said the crowd yelled at him and refused to move as he tried to preserve the scene, which included shell casings but no weapon. Authorities said no one in the crowd volunteered first-hand information about what happened. Tuesdays testimony echoed bystanders potential lack of involvement. Coles daughter Roylea Snownden said she was threatened outside the night club the weekend before her father was found dead in the street. She and a friend were celebrating her brothers birthday when Clark asked for her friends name and phone number. Clark, who Snownden believed was armed, accused her of interfering and began to cause a scene. Snowndens brother encouraged her to call her father, who ultimately stayed the night with her because he was worried. We never spoke again about it after that, said Snownden, who was at home when she learned her father was killed about a week later. Through questioning Port Arthur resident Austin Sam, Nichols confirmed that Sam was in the parking lot with friends when he heard shots and saw a lot of running. He saw a short guy and a big guy believed to be Clark and Cole, respectively arguing. Sam confirmed it appeared the big guy was trying to fight and harm the little guy. Sam, who remained largely unforthcoming through questioning, was subpoenaed for the trial. I dont want to have no part in this, Sam said. He denied knowing Clark or seeing him the night of the shooting, but Nichols accused him of giving false testimony. I swear to God I have never seen him before, the man said. The state and the judge let the man, who is dealing with other legal issues, take a break to speak to his attorney. Austin, you took an oath this morning and all I want you to do and all you are required today is tell the truth whatever that is, West said, admonishing him. You do need to understand that if you are under oath and if you do not tell the truth you can get charged with a felony offense of perjury. After the break, Sam told Nichols that he has a family and nine children he takes care of that he cannot put in harms way, and it has been clear to him that he should not go to court. Sam didnt specify who encouraged him not to speak in court. Nichols said Sam previously had identified Clark using a photograph provided by police. But in court, Sam said police pressured him into talking and he told them he wasnt sure it was Clark. Sam confirmed he saw a person leave the scene of the shooting in a car that didnt match the color of the vehicle Snownden said Clark was driving the weekend before. By late afternoon, Nichols called Port Arthur resident Elizabeth Le to testify. She said Clark, who she identified in court, came to her apartment complex around 3 a.m. Dec. 2, 2018, asking for her help in exchange for $300 to get to Dallas to see a girl. Le had given him a ride a couple of times before. It was nothing odd, Le said. Clark, who was 31 at the time, was arrested in Dallas in February 2019 before being taken back to Jefferson County. West previously said he was convicted of manslaughter in 2009 and aggravated assault in 2017. With those previous convictions, if Clark Jr. is found guilty, he faces a sentence of 25 years to life in prison, West said. meagan.ellsworth@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/megzmagpie BENNINGTON Tara Barber, her husband and young son, Ethan, didnt choose to be homeless. We wound up on the street in the middle of the night with our 7-year-old, Barber, of Bennington, said. Wed had a family member who offered us to stay at their home, but they changed their mind, so we spent a night out on the street. We surrounded him, kept him between us to keep him warm, just kind of lying there awake until the morning came. You dont know what that feels like until it happens. Troy Weeks knows. The Brattleboro resident said he lost his home in a family disagreement after his fathers death. His mother moved in with his sister, leaving him nowhere to go. So that just left me out, and she wasnt going to change her mind, Weeks said. Shes a pretty stubborn woman. For individuals and families in Southern Vermont who are beset with bad timing, ongoing financial hardship and poverty, and mental health and substance use disorders, homelessness is an ever-present, existential threat. Weeks and Barber are just a few of the many Vermont residents who rely on a public safety net thats rife with gaping holes. One resource highlighted in the news lately is emergency housing aid that places at-risk Vermonters into motels, paid for by the state. Weeks and Barbers family have been using this program for a while. What is motel housing aid? When the COVID-19 emergency was declared, the state significantly expanded the eligibility for its general assistance motel program, which makes motel rooms and beds available to the states homeless and near-homeless populations. The thinking was that it would prevent the spread of COVID-19 among people with nowhere else to go. In July, the state added back some restrictions, leaving about 700 people no longer eligible for temporary motel housing. The eligibility was extended 84 days for pregnant women, families with children, the disabled and other vulnerable people. That deadline arrived on Sept. 21, but the state extended eligibility one more month. Earlier this week, in response to the public need, Gov. Phil Scotts administration said it will convert the program to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, through the state Department for Children and Families. Scott is also asking the Legislature to allocate another $179 million through the American Rescue Plan Act to build more affordable housing. Advocates: Not enough; do more Advocates for people experiencing homelessness want to see the state accept funding from the federal government to extend the motel program through the end of the year, and then tap $36 million set aside by the Legislature. They are also asking that homeless people who became ineligible in July be accepted back in for the winter, noting that the high costs and low inventory of rental housing in Vermont make finding a home very difficult. Barber, the mom of Ethan, 7, said she believes permanent housing, and not stop-gaps, are the way to help end homelessness and the drain of chronic motel stays by people experiencing homeless. The amount of money theyre spending on putting people in rooms, if they could give that money toward helping people get into a real place to live, it would be a lot cheaper than whats happening now, probably a lot cheaper than what they pay in just one month here, said Barber, whos gone from motel to motel for two years while homeless. She said the system doesnt make any sense, and that she just wants Ethan to be a normal kid. He goes to school and hears people talking about the things they do in their houses, what they have, and hes here in this one-room hotel room, sleeping on an air mattress, doing his homework out on a tray table outside, Barber said. We just want a normal life for him, one where we get to the point that every day is predictable, as predictable as it can ever be. This is not a life. Stayed in Brattleboro motel since spring With the governors extension of benefits, Troy Weeks can continue living at the Econo Lodge in Brattleboro, where he has stayed since early spring. It puts a roof over my head and I stay warm, and they also have A/C, and they got a shower and a really comfortable bed, said Weeks, who has a disability and needs a walker. Weeks said hes finding it helpful to work with service agencies such as Groundworks Collaborative, a housing and food insecurity group, and Pathways Vermont, a nonprofit that seeks to end homelessness and offers care and community integration to the often-traumatized people living in shelters, on the streets or in the woods. In Weeks case, he was accepted for Section 8 housing. So Ive got a lot of things really rolling for me, he said. The team that I have working for me is amazing. Theyre just absolutely amazing people. Despite the housing crunch, Weeks has faith that he will find a place to live with the help of the organizations. I believe in God, and I believe God sent them to me, he said. I put in my own legwork, too. You cant help those who dont help themselves. Prior to the motel, Weeks lived with his parents in an apartment. He said his father was getting sick so Weeks would watch over him and cook his meals. Nonprofits step in to help fill the gap Weeks said Groundworks almost instantaneously put him up in motel housing after he lost his place to stay. Learning he would still be eligible to live at the Econo Lodge came as a total relief, he said. It was like, you let your breath out, he said. You could lower your shoulders, and youre like, this is good. Weeks said his disability prevents him from working. His biggest focus is on finding Section 8 housing. Im really looking forward to the next month, he said. I just wonder what I did to make it all work. Asked what hed say to the governor and state for extending the benefits, Weeks said, Id say thank you. Its your tax money that lets me stay in that motel. Weeks is humbled by the program. Though a veteran, he said as a personal choice, he doesnt take veterans benefits because he wasnt shot or wounded in war. What will it take to change the system? While emergency motel stays help keep people from sleeping in cars, all parties recognize that its not a permanent solution. We need the political will and leadership to make the bold moves necessary to make this a state priority, the House Progressive Caucus, including Rep. Mollie S. Burke of Brattleboro, said Oct. 18. State Rep. Dane Whitman of Bennington sits on the House Human Services Committee, which held a joint meeting on the administrations plan on Monday. Whitman is concerned that the added bureaucracy of the emergency rental aid plan would lead to more people losing shelter, and wants to see expanded eligibility reinstated for the winter. I think we need to house folks at the very least through this winter. It would be inhuman to put folks on the street on Jan. 1, Whitman said. Furthermore, for the people who lost eligibility, those people are in the streets in the rain and the cold right now. I dont see why, if there is an available hotel room, why we would deny someone a roof over their head. On Friday, The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming that vaccine-related strokes in pilots have caused an epidemic of plane crashes. On Friday, The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming FEMA workers arent subject to a vaccine mandate, and also falsely asserting that theyre being used to replace health care personnel who refuse to comply with such mandates. Allen Harris is the owner of Berkshire Money Management in Dalton. He can be reached at aharris@berkshiremm.com. Community News Editor / Librarian Jeannie Maschino is community news editor and librarian for The Berkshire Eagle. She has worked for the newspaper in various capacities since 1982 and joined the newsroom in 1989. Its a nightmare for people trying to save lives amid the opioid epidemic: someone overdoses, and, when the first responders arrive on the scene, they cant help because they arent carrying Narcan. By the time help arrives, the person has died. Thats a case that state Rep. William Smitty Pignatelli, D-Lenox, heard about several years ago. And he wants to make sure it never happens again, with a bill that would require first responders across Massachusetts to carry naloxone. Naloxone, commonly known under the brand name Narcan, is a powerful opioid antagonist that can reverse an overdose, and has been hailed by addiction advocates for saving lives. In the last few years, it has become increasingly common to find the drug in the cruisers and pockets of Berkshire County police officers, from North Adams to Great Barrington. But a handful of the countys larger police departments including Pittsfield, Lee and Lenox do not carry Narcan, relying on EMS and other emergency personnel to administer doses when necessary. Some fire departments also do not carry the drug. Advocates say that could endanger lives in situations where emergency responders without Narcan arrive first to an overdose call. Every minute counts, every second counts, said Jennifer Michaels, medical director of the Brien Center. Ive heard of people overdosing in our community, EMS is not there, police dont have Narcan, and the person dies. Pignatellis bill, the HOPE Act helping overdosing persons in emergencies would mandate that all first responders carry an opioid antagonist, such as Narcan, on their person or in their vehicles. The requirement would be contingent on availability of the drug, which has seen some recent national shortages, and it would be the departments responsibility to outfit staff with kits. The bill, which Pignatelli has previously introduced, would have little impact on departments already accustomed to using Narcan. But it could mark a turning point for some of the countys first responders. Legislators and speakers will discuss Pignatellis bill, among other opioid-related measures, at a House hearing at 1 p.m. Monday. The livestream will be available at malegislature.gov. Police policies vary Among the countys largest municipalities those with at least 5,000 residents five police departments carry Narcan regularly: North Adams, Adams, Williamstown, Great Barrington and Dalton. Three do not: Pittsfield, Lee and Lenox. Across the county, nearly 60 percent of first responders do not carry Narcan, according to Pignatelli. That includes many police departments in smaller towns, as well as some fire departments, largely those with volunteer firefighters. Those numbers could see a dramatic increase in the coming months, thanks to an ongoing effort by the Berkshire Opioid Abuse Prevention Collaborative, which is offering the drug to departments at no cost through state and federal funding. The project is ongoing and will include municipalities across the county. In statements to The Eagle, several police departments that do not carry Narcan cited financial, logistical and regulatory concerns. Doses typically cost between $20 and $40, though some funding sources are available, such as BOAPCs effort. The drug is also supposed to be kept at a relatively stable temperature ideally between 59 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit and not be exposed to extreme heat or cold. It has a shelf life of about 18 months. The Pittsfield Police Department told The Eagle it keeps a limited supply at its headquarters for the booking room and specialty units but that officers do not carry Narcan in cruisers. We have considered Narcan previously, Lt. Gary Traversa wrote in an email to The Eagle. But funding, regulations around possession, and other logistical hurdles have prevented us from being able to move forward. Also, having a full-time EMS system in the city has mitigated the necessity for Pittsfield Police Officers to carry it. He also said the department would not be able to take advantage of BOAPCs funding until we work out how to safely carry it without exposing it to extreme temperatures. Lee Police Chief Craig DeSantis said his department considers training requirements, logistical concerns and potential fiscal impacts when making policies and that the citys fire department carries Narcan. Lenox police also said their local ambulances carry Narcan. BOAPC offers Narcan to first responders The number of departments carrying Narcan could increase dramatically in the coming months. The Berkshire Opioid Abuse Prevention Collaborative (BOAPC) is working to outfit first responders, including police and firefighters, with Narcan, using state and federal funding as part of a broader overdose response project. The program is available to all departments that do not yet carry Narcan, said Jennifer Kimball, principal planner with the Berkshire Regional Planning Committee and BOAPC coordinator. Weve had first responders across the county who want to take advantage, Kimball told The Eagle. Were very happy about that. Peru and West Stockbridge are among the towns working with BOAPC to begin carrying Narcan in the near future, chiefs for those departments confirmed. Funding for the work comes from a Bureau of Substance Addiction Services and a partnership with the Northampton Health Department, with the Narcan funded through a Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant and Substance Abuse Program grant. A responsibility Advocates argue that carrying Narcan is relatively cheap, with costs that can often be offset through bulk purchasing and state funding programs, and that it is critical to ensure the first person on the scene can administer the drug. Especially in the rural areas of Massachusetts, which were in, sometimes when you call 9-1-1 you dont know whos gonna be the first first responder to show up, said Pignatelli. Chances are they could be coming from their house, driving to the scene, waiting for the ambulance or the police car or the fire truck to arrive. Departments that do carry Narcan say they have been able to equip officers with the drug with relatively little inconvenience. Adams Police Chief Scott Kelley told The Eagle that his officers carry Narcan because they know they might be the first person on the scene. If we can bring someone out of an opioid overdose with a spray of Narcan, thats what were going to do, he said. Its not something that I wouldnt do because of cost. In Williamstown, interim Police Chief Mike Ziemba said it was another service the department could provide and that officers have been able to revive people using the drug. Advocates say the drug is not only relatively simple to use and store, its also a critical tool in the fight against opioid deaths, at a time when fatalities have hit record levels across the county and in the Berkshires. Nearly 100,000 people died from drug overdoses during the first year of the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced recently. The vast majority of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. involve opioids. In Berkshire County, 56 people died of opioid overdoses in 2020, a 44 percent jump from the previous year. For Michaels, those numbers underline the reality of the crisis, and how important it is to deploy every available tool. I think police are probably very burdened with a lot of responsibilities, she said. Ive heard concerns about storage. Naloxone, you cant just leave it in your car if its below a certain temperature. And it expires and has to be replaced. But these are all things weve all dealt with for years and years. Its a responsibility that we take to serve our community. Michaels pointed out that the drug is easy to administer and cannot harm someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose. Administering a dose of Narcan during an overdose gives that person another shot at reclaiming their lives, she added. People who struggle with addiction, usually, at some point, theyll seek treatment, she said. If youre helping save their life, youre helping them get that much closer to potentially getting into recovery. She also stressed that people can overdose even when they dont think they are taking opioids, given the prevalence of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin. Were seeing people who are purchasing what they think are benzodiazepine pills, or cocaine, but theyre actually buying a product laced with fentanyl, she said. People who are buying virtually any substance off the street are at risk for opioid overdose. For her, that makes Pignatellis legislation an obvious step forward. I think this is overdue, she said. Pignatelli pointed out that many departments have been able to overcome the hurdles involved with carrying Narcan, including local police, state police and Boston police. And, he added, the drug has even saved lives of first responders exposed to fentanyl dust. I think the time has come to require it, he said. And I have not heard a legitimate excuse yet why they would not. GREAT BARRINGTON The towns insurer has paid it about $167,000 allegedly stolen by an employee and now is suing the worker accused of the theft. Town officials last month said that insurance also will cover the cost of the towns investigation and legal fees into what authorities say was long-term embezzlement from Town Hall after officials had made a claim under its surety bonds. The town will have recouped about $200,000. Former assistant treasurer/collector Deborah Ball, 64, continues to face trial in Berkshire Superior Court for allegedly pocketing money she diverted from taxpayer accounts. That criminal trial is on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic backlog. Great Barrington suing former tax collector for $150,000 she allegedly stole In 2018, a routine audit turned up what investigators now say was malfeasance at Town Hall to the tune of at least $150,000 in stolen taxpayer money. Now the town is suing to get it back. A routine audit in 2018 revealed discrepancies between what Ball collected from property tax payments and the amount she posted to taxpayer accounts. Investigators with town police and the Berkshire District Attorneys Office say the theft had been going on since 2012 and affected the accounts of 92 residents. The town had sued Ball to recoup the money, but now the insurer has taken over that lawsuit, said Town Manager Mark Pruhenski. Pruhenski said the town will work to rectify the accounts of residents whose real estate taxes were diverted. Town taxpayers were not on the hook for any legal fees or financial auditing costs, or for the missing funds, he said. People wait Friday at a vaccination center in Kramatorsk, Ukraine. Coronavirus infections and deaths in Ukraine have surged to all-time highs amid a laggard pace of vaccination, which is one of the lowest in Europe. Ralph Gardner Jr. is a journalist whose work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and The New Yorker. He can be reached at ralph@ralphgardner.com. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of The Berkshire Eagle. Spearfish, SD (57783) Today Rain showers this evening changing to mixed rain and snow overnight. Low 34F. Winds light and variable. Chance of precip 40%.. Tonight Rain showers this evening changing to mixed rain and snow overnight. Low 34F. Winds light and variable. Chance of precip 40%. What Is the Kingdom of God? A kingdom is simply a territory that is ruled by a king. Therefore, the kingdom of God is territory that is ruled and controlled by God himself. When we think of kingdoms, we often think of physical territory. But you cannot apply that ideology to the kingdom of God because it goes beyond that. In our present state, the kingdom of God is not a physical kingdom it is a spiritual one. It is not about land or territory; it begins in the heart of a person. God is not interested in taking physical territory. He doesnt have to because he already owns it all. However, this is not true of a persons heart because God does not automatically rule there. When God is looking to establish his kingdom in the earth, he does this in the hearts of men and women. He works from the inside out. Some people mistakenly believe that God wants to take over the political system, the media, or every other worldly system to promote his agenda. What God really wants is to take over the reign in a persons heart, because when he does that everything else will follow. How Do You Gain Access to the Kingdom of God? Because the kingdom of God begins in the heart, there is only one way to gain access to the kingdom. There must be a change in your heart. Here is how Jesus put it. Jesus replied, Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again (John 3:3). Unless you are born again you will have no access to the kingdom of God. Remember, the kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom that begins when you are born again, and you surrender lordship to God in your heart. Eventually there will be a physical kingdom of God that we will see, but that will not happen until after Jesus returns and establishes his kingdom on the earth. Until then, the kingdom of God lives in your heart. Photo credit: Getty Images/Javier Art Photography BIG RAPIDS Crossroads Charter Academy board members, this week, addressed a teacher shortage issue the district is facing and the means they are exploring to tackle it. Within the last year, the district has lost multiple teachers and is in a position of putting some of their substitute teachers into paraprofessional roles to cope with the loss of educators. Superintendent Ross Meads told the Pioneer the administration is looking at ways to mitigate the loss and encourage more teachers to apply. Last year we lost seven teachers, and in the past, most schools when you transferred in only gave you five years experience in your step scale, Meads said. Because teachers are at such a premium I think superintendents that said for the first-time ever that they would give up to 10 years experience instead of just five." "That just makes it more worthwhile for a teacher between five to ten or even over five to transfer from one district over to another," he added. Some buildings have seen a major hit to their staff numbers, causing trouble with scheduling and substituting. The elementary building has reported struggles with the loss of full-time teachers. Meads said finding replacements for teachers with the same high level of experience has been difficult. Some of our teachers we lost went to other schools within our ISD, and one was outside our ISD, Meads said. Theres no question that when you lose good, experienced teachers that it has an impact because in teaching, as with any profession, theres a learning curve." "Once teachers through experience have gained those skills, to lose them is huge. Not to say their replacements wont learn those same skills over time, but when theyre first and second-year teachers, theres just a lack of experience, so that makes an impact on a classroom and also on a school," he added. The administration is exploring avenues to address the educational gaps the shortage has created, including working with college institutions like Grand Valley State University and Ferris State University to create employment pipelines for early education professionals to come to the schools. Meads said the changes to regulations by the state have allowed some professionals who may not have studied teaching specifically entry into teaching which has helped with managing the losses. The state is aware of the teacher shortage and so they have made some alternate routes to certification for people who have been working in their given profession but did not train to be teachers, Meads said. The programs are designed to help fast track teachers into a teacher certification process. We talked in our assistants meeting about working with Ferris to turn out local teachers that hopefully stay with the ISD, as well as working with GVSU since they are a chartering institution. Weve gone through a cycle where 15 years ago there were all kinds of teachers available, and now were going through a time of a shortage, he added. Its a great profession for people to get into right now because there is a need, and will be a need moving forward, for teachers for a number of years. The Teachers of Tomorrow program allows individuals enrolled in its program to get certification to teach for two academic semesters with full pay and benefits while receiving classroom support from field supervisors and campus mentors while completing other program requirements. Upon successful completion of the third year of teaching, participants will become fully certified to teach in the state of Michigan. Prior to full admission to the program, individuals are required to pass the applicable Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) subject area examinations that correspond to the subject area and certification grade level that a tester wants to teach. SHALLOW POOL OF SUBSTITUTES Meads said the school is also facing issues finding enough substitutes to cover for the teachers they have on staff. I think all of us in the ISD are struggling with a shortage of substitutes just because weve pulled some of our subs to actually come on board as paraprofessionals who are filling other positions, Meads said. Weve cut down on our own pool through that, but just like theres a shortage of teachers were also running into a shortage of substitutes, we have talked about raising daily sub pay and long term sub pay to see if we can get people interested in doing it. Its not only in education, but I have also never seen a shortage of workers as we have in all of our communities right now, he added. Fast food places arent opening lobbies because they dont have the staff to man those lobbies, I mean its just unheard of. We are going through a shortage in the workforce as a whole, and it absolutely affects our ability to get substitute teachers. To try to address the shortage, in 2018 the Michigan Legislature lowered the threshold to qualify to be a substitute teacher from 90 college credits to 60 credits and loosened rules that made it difficult for retired teachers to work as substitutes without endangering their pensions. Meads said he hopes that making changes, and looking at options to encourage applications, will help make a difference for both teaching and substitute hires. The teacher shortage is causing a huge change in the way that traditional public schools and charter schools are looking at new hires and what they are willing to offer to get them, Meads said. We have tremendous potential in our teachers who were training, but theyre still young and theres something to be said for experience. I think we set a message to our staff that we appreciate them and do want them here, and I give them credit for staying with greater wages being offered out there. We hope that working with higher institutions and changes with state regulations will make a difference in our numbers. BIG RAPIDS The Information Security and Intelligence program in Ferris State Universitys College of Business has more support from the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Defense, courtesy of a recently approved $150,000 grant. This latest award brings total funding from the government agencies to more than $850,000. It will assist our development of cybersecurity curriculum content, which will be shared with community colleges and high schools, said Greg Gogolin, program coordinator and professor of Cybersecurity and Data Science. Through collaboration with the universitys Spanish department, we hope to produce podcasts in that language to tell how cybercrime is a global issue, and the ISI program can be a students opportunity to join the professionals learning to detect and defeat the hackers in real-time. Gogolin said the plan is to offer the content to instructors working to create a curriculum in space, along with modules designed as training resources for law enforcement professionals. We want to build up the investigative abilities so that threats against public officials that propagate on social media can be limited and addressed, Gogolin said. The authorities face an incredible number of death threats, toward those in health care and government, from the school board trustee to elected officials and those in the judicial ranks. Another element of ISI instruction supported by the grant is training for department faculty. Molly Cooper, an associate professor, and other Artificial Intelligence instructors are learning from peers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Texas, according to Gogolin. He added that the goal is to build their capabilities as instructors in this new Ferris Bachelor of Science curriculum. Molly has something of a stealth career as a voiceover professional, which we will put to use in our podcasting, along with her significant contributions as a member of our AI faculty, Gogolin said. We are very glad to have this assistance gained from the NSA/DoD in their annual grant cycle. The ISI program will further bolster its informational base for high school and college students who take part in cyber competitions, currently offered in their center in the College of Business building and in time through new facilities in the Center for Virtual Learning. We hope to give cyber competitors greater acclimation as to what to expect so that they can get the most out of their event, Gogolin said. We intend to have those podcasts and materials available to them in the next year. ISI is the only ABET Accredited cybersecurity program in Michigan. Additionally, the program has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and a Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence by the Department of Defense. The Ferris ISI program is an Amazon Web Services Academy, Cellebrite Forensic Academy, EC-Council Accredited Training Center, Palo Alto Networks Academic Partner, CompTIA Academy Partner, and Pearson Vue Testing Center. High schools interested in participating in the universitys ISI cyber competitions can find more information on the departments web page. OSCEOLA COUNTY Blue Triton Brands, Inc., formerly Nestle Waters North America, Inc., announced it will not be utilizing the water withdrawal capacity authorized by the permit issued to them under the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act. The permit, approved under then-Gov. Rick Snyders administration, allowed Nestle to increase its well extraction from 250 gallons per minute to 400 gallons per minute once the company developed a plan to monitor groundwater levels, stream flows, wetlands, aquatic life and habitat in the surrounding watershed. Arlene Anderson-Vincent, with Ice Mountain Natural Spring Water, stated in a letter to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy that Blue Triton will amend its water withdrawal assessment for the White Pine Springs well in Osceola County to reduce the registered capacity to 288 gallons per minute, a withdrawal capacity that does not require a permit. Blue Triton stated it will not utilize the extra capacity authorized under the approved Section 17 permit at this time. In 2016, Nestle applied for the permit to increase water withdrawals to 400 gallons per minute. Despite overwhelming opposition from the community and environmental groups, the permit was granted. A Nestle Waters spokesperson said at the time that they firmly believed that EGLEs decision to approve the permit application was appropriate, as it carefully reviewed the application in the most extensive analysis of any water withdrawal in Michigan history. Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians challenged the permit, filing a petition for a contested case hearing. When we saw that they wanted to pump 400 gallons per minute, it sounded a lot like the Mecosta County case, in which the judge ruled that 400 gallons per minute is not sustainable, Peggy Case, president of MCWC, said at the time. In May 2020, EGLE dismissed the groups appeal after an administrative judge upheld the permit approval, stating that the higher pumping rate was reasonable under common law principles of water law in Michigan. MCWC is currently awaiting an Ingham County judges appellate decision on whether the organization has standing to contest the permit within the state administrative court. Case said the group is pleased with the companys decision regarding the lower extraction rate, but unhappy the company will still be pumping more than is already being pumped. Case previously said the water withdrawals have already reduced the water volume in Twin Creek and Chippewa Creek, two cold water tributaries of the Muskegon River, whose headwaters are near the companys well. MCWC claims that both creeks run lower, and mudflats have worsened since Nestle increased the water extraction rate from 150 to 250 gallons per minute in 2015. In 2009, MCWC won a settlement in litigation against Nestle that limited extraction from Sanctuary Springs in Mecosta County to 218 gallons per minute. The new 288 gallons per minute extraction has already passed the states water withdrawal assessment tool, according to EGLE. The company has until March 2023 to install a new pump or the approval expires. Once installed, Blue Triton can begin pumping at the new rate, which equates to over 414,000 gallons a day at full capacity. A related dispute between Nestle and Osceola Township over local zoning hampered the companys ability to build new distribution infrastructure needed to transport the additional water extracted from the White Pine Springs well to its bottling plant. The township board withheld approval to build a booster station in the township. The Michigan Court of Appeals sided with the township in 2019, rejecting Nestles claim that bottled water met the zoning ordinance's definition of an essential public service. Anderson-Vincent said at the time that the company was disappointed in the ruling. We believe the plan we proposed met the townships site plan and special use standards, she said. She added that from the beginning the goal of the company was to limit the impact to the local community and the environment as much as possible, and that the structure would be a positive contribution to the community by adding tax revenue. The company's Ice Mountain Water bottling plant in Mecosta County employs around 280 local workers and provides an economic impact of $14.2 million annually, in the five-county region of Mecosta, Osceola, Montcalm, Newaygo and Kent counties, according to an economic impact study posted on their website. The economic contribution, including monies spent on wages, vendors, donations, etc., totals $18.6 million. In addition, they provide nearly $2.4 million in state and local taxes. Getty Images BIG RAPIDS Big Rapids voters who have not yet registered to vote can do so in person at the city clerks office now through 8 p.m. on Election Day. Residents can also apply for, and return, an absentee ballot at the clerks office in the same trip. CAN REVERSAL PROGRAMMES BEAT DIABETES? Our modern way of life is at odds with the optimal functioning and upkeep of the human machine. Unreasonable demands on the body and mind, coupled with erratic food habits has only added to the overall deterioration of the body-mind equilibrium, leaving us with numerous lifestyle disorders, which could have been avoided with a hard reset of our erring way of life as it stands. Unfortunately, there hasnt been much of an improvement in that department and consequently we are faced with a burgeoning diabetes-affected population. Healthcare providers are in the fray to launch various diabetes reversal programmes, to tackle this calamitous national (and international) healthcare challenge. We shall try and find out just how effective and viable these programmes are. American opposition to Smart Cities and all the risks associated with them has been continuous (see 1, 2, 3, 4). Nevertheless, proponents wont stop trying to convince citizens and legislators to embrace and fund their vision. From Smart Cities Dive: Regional consortiums create one of the largest US smart cities networks Dive Brief: A group of seven regional smart cities consortiums have teamed up to form the National Smart Coalitions Partnership, representing one of the largest smart cities networks in the U.S. The national coalition includes the Colorado Smart Cities Alliance; the North Texas Innovation Alliance; The Connective, a greater Phoenix-area consortium; the Illinois Smart City & Region Association; Kansas City, Missouris, KC Digital Drive; the Southern Arizona Smart Region, led by the Regional Partnering Center; and Smart North Florida. The group intends to leverage the potential federal investment in the countrys infrastructure currently being debated in Congress, while sharing best practices across the groups network of more than 100 local governments, companies and universities to help local leaders implement, replicate and scale solutions. Dive Insight: The smart cities market is facing many challenges, according to Tyler Svitak, executive director of the Colorado Smart Cities Alliance. Among those challenges include a barrier of capacity within government to execute, he said. A good smart cities program should include dedicated funding, staff and a governance structure thats interdepartmental, Svitak said. He said other key challenges include public perceptions around privacy and the constant debate over what a smart city is and is not. The national coalition aims to address many of those hurdles via collaborations across regions. The mission of the National Smart Coalitions Partnership is to broaden partnerships, resources and initiatives that are currently helping individual communities in their respective areas to deploy smart city technologies, the official announcement writes. The group will provide member education, convene and participate in events, conferences and workshops, and aim to set up multi-region projects and joint research opportunities. It plans to meet at least monthly and discuss five key topics: connectivity, cybersecurity, transportation, sustainability and resilience. Svitak said it will also convene their national stakeholders including private sector partners and universities twice a year to discuss specific challenges and solutions that cities experience as they undertake initiatives. A minimal amount of the groups funding comes from its collective organizations, according to Svitak. And although the group doesnt currently have any significant private sector partners or foundation investors, he said they do hope to secure some outside funding. The partnership also comes at a time when many local leaders may feel jaded about the lack of impact that new tech or bright shiny objects have had, compared to what they were originally promised to deliver, according to Svitak. But while some of those solutions may have proven to be complex to implement, he also said that cites have in fact become smarter at entering partnerships and deploying smart initiatives. The potential influx of new federal investments should also help restore interest in the smart city conversation, Svitak said. To help prepare for that possible wave of federal dollars, groups like Sidewalk Labs, Replica and the Smart Cities Council recently formed a lobbying group to prioritize city interests. Federal investments in urban policy and innovation are fragmented across a host of cabinet agencies and departments, urbanist and University of Toronto professor Richard Florida said in an earlier email interview about the newly formed Coalition for Urban Innovation. Better coordination surrounding those efforts could make those investments more efficient and impactful, he said. Activist Post reports regularly about Smart Cities and unsafe technology. For more information, visit our archives and the following websites: 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. Help Our Community Please help local businesses by taking an online survey to help us navigate through these unprecedented times. None of the responses will be shared or used for any other purpose except to better serve our community. The survey is at: www.pulsepoll.com $1,000 is being awarded. Everyone completing the survey will be able to enter a contest to Win as our way of saying, "Thank You" for your time. Thank You! Take The Survey Soldiers from Canadian Forces Base Shilo have wrapped up their time standing guard outside the United Kingdoms Royal residences. Advertisement Advertise With Us STEVE PARSONS/PA WIRE Queen Elizabeth II meets members of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery at Windsor Castle on Oct. 6. Soldiers from Canadian Forces Base Shilo have wrapped up their time standing guard outside the United Kingdoms Royal residences. From Oct. 4 until Friday, 90 soldiers with the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery made up the Queens Guard at Buckingham Palace, St. James Palace, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London. The soldiers guarded the residences and took part in mount and dismount ceremonies. The visit was to commemorate the regiments 150th anniversary. "This is an opportunity that created lifelong memories and experiences for all members involved. Not many soldiers in the Canadian Armed Forces can say they were part of the Queens Guard and it is such a privilege and honour to be able to serve Canada in this way," said Master Warrant Officer Jason Power in a press release. The deployment also included a visit from Queen Elizabeth II herself. The Brandon Sun A man who fired a shotgun out his bedroom window during an argument with his wife was handed a one-year conditional sentence Thursday afternoon after a judge warned him of the dangerous turn the day could have taken. Advertisement Advertise With Us A man who fired a shotgun out his bedroom window during an argument with his wife was handed a one-year conditional sentence Thursday afternoon after a judge warned him of the dangerous turn the day could have taken. The Brandon Sun is not naming the 50-year-old man to protect the identity of the victim. He previously pleaded guilty in late July to uttering threats, unsafe storage of a firearm and careless use of a firearm. The incident started on Nov. 14, 2019, when the mans wife called 911, Crown attorney Brett Rach said. The two were arguing and she reported her husband grabbed a shotgun and fired a round out the window toward her car. He then threw the shotgun down and the woman locked the firearm up, Rach said. When police arrived they arrested the man for careless use of a firearm. Rach told the court the man kept the shotgun loaded in the corner of the bedroom. While the accused had a gun safe, he kept it unlocked. It also contained several other guns with ammunition. In a statement to police, the man said he fired the shotgun out the window "in an attempt to annoy his wife," Rach said. The incident started early in the morning at approximately 5 a.m., when the couples alarm went off. The victim asked him to turn it off and from there, Rach said, it escalated. "[The accused] stated something to the effect that she was going to have a hard time getting to work today and used the stock of the gun to smash a hole in the bedroom window. He then put the barrel outside the window [and] pulled the trigger," he said. A few days earlier, the couple had another argument where the man threatened to kill his wife, the Crown said, noting the domestic violence aspect. "He stated Ill kill you, and moved toward her like he was ready to choke her," Rach said. The woman tensed up and pushed his hands away. Rach asked the judge to sentence the man to a year in jail, noting he told police he smashed the window "for dramatic effect to frustrate [the victim]." "[The man] not only essentially used the gun in a threatening manner, he discharged it. It wasnt just shown in order to make a point, it was discharged towards a road. That raises public safety concerns as well," he said. Defence lawyer Myles Davis said his client served in the Canadian Armed Forces for more than a decade, including in combat overseas. That experience resulted in PTSD and other mental health issues. The man is also remorseful, Davis said, and has changed his ways since the domestic violence incident. Davis asked the judge to sentence him to a conditional sentence order of between six months and a year in length. Conditional sentences allow people to serve a jail sentence in the community, but they could go to a real jail if they breach the order. Speaking to the court while wearing a long green coat, the man said the incident shouldnt have happened and he is working on himself. Judge Patrick Sullivan said the situation is difficult as the man went 50 years without a criminal record, but must have terrified his wife the dangerous night of Nov. 14. "You shot the gun out the window, but the presence at all of a firearm in the course of a domestic argument is terrifying," he said to the man, who sat in the witness box in the middle of the courtroom. "Your intention might have been to annoy or interrupt the argument but from the perspective of someone in my position, that is dangerously close to heading in a different direction." Sullivan said a jail sentence was needed to send a message to the community. He sentenced the man to a one-year conditional sentence order with a 24-hour curfew. He also banned him from owning weapons for 10 years. dmay@brandonsun.com Twitter: @DrewMay_ Public health officials announced Friday that at least one person in a kindergarten class from Lt. Colonel Barker V.C. School in Dauphin had recently contracted COVID-19. Advertisement Advertise With Us Public health officials announced Friday that at least one person in a kindergarten class from Lt. Colonel Barker V.C. School in Dauphin had recently contracted COVID-19. According to a news release from the province, the individual(s) in question may have been infectious when they attended school on Tuesday. "At this time, there is no evidence of further spread in the school, and students can continue to attend school as long as they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 as listed on the following page," the release read. This update marks the 15th COVID-19 case that Mountain View School Division officials have registered since the 2021-22 academic year began on Sept. 7. According to the numbers listed on the divisions own website, Roblin Elementary has endured the most COVID-19 cases at nine. The remaining COVID-19 exposures can be found in Goose Lake High School (two), Henderson Elementary School (one), Grandview School (one), Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School (one) and Lt. Colonel Barker V.C. School (one). As of Friday evening, the province has registered a total of 483 COVID-19 cases connected to Manitoba K-12 schools since the start of the fall semester. The vast majority of these cases are attributed to students (415), while the remaining cases (68) were contracted by school staff. The Mountain View School Division is composed of 16 schools with an annual enrolment that hovers around 3,100 students. The Brandon Sun Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School recently received a $5,000 prize from the CWB Welding Foundation after placing third in the organizations inaugural Forged By Youth award contest. Advertisement Advertise With Us Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School recently received a $5,000 prize from the CWB Welding Foundation after placing third in the organizations inaugural Forged By Youth award contest. According to a Wednesday news release from CWB, Crocus Plains award-winning project was spearheaded by instructor Jamie Irwin, who helped a group of approximately 12 students construct a pair of metal angel wings that stand just over six feet tall, with 146 feathers welded to the frame. SUBMITTED The welding project that recently earned Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School $5,000 through the CWB Welding Foundation's inaugural Forged by Youth award program. Irwin told the Sun on Thursday afternoon that he is planning to invest this $5,000 prize into the Crocus welding program. The first and second place projects for CWBs inaugural Forged By Youth award program belong to Pontiac High School of Shawville, Que. ($15,000) and Rimbey Junior Senior High School of Rimbey, Alta. ($10,000). The CWB Welding Foundation is a national registered charity that relies on the support of industry and community organizations to address the welding skill trade shortage in Canada. The Brandon Sun OTTAWA - Public Safety Minister Bill Blair says the federal government has approved a request for pandemic aid in Saskatchewan, including military support. Liberal candidate for Scarborough Southwest Bill Blair speaks during a campaign event in Ottawa, Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021. Blair says the federal government has approved a request for pandemic support in Saskatchewan, including military support. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang OTTAWA - Public Safety Minister Bill Blair says the federal government has approved a request for pandemic aid in Saskatchewan, including military support. Blair issued a series of tweets saying the government approved the request in order to support Saskatchewan residents as the province faces a surge of COVID-19 cases. Blair also says the Canadian Forces will "provide communities the support they need to fight the pandemic." Blair's office earlier confirmed it had received and was reviewing a formal request for assistance from the Saskatchewan Party government. The minister says on Twitter that Ottawa is also in talks with the province to provide additional help from the Canadian Red Cross and other health resources. Eight critical care nurses with the Canadian military began work at an Edmonton hospital earlier this month after the Alberta government also requested help with its surging numbers of COVID-19 infections. "We will always be there to support Canadians, and will have more to say on the situation in SK shortly," Blair tweeted late Friday. Saskatchewan has already transferred some COVID-19 patients to Ontario. Data from the health authority for this month shows Saskatchewan had the most residents in intensive care units per capita than any other province at any point in the pandemic. Earlier this week, the province released modelling that shows hospitalizations are likely to increase until December, unless restrictions are reintroduced, and health care might not return to sustainable levels until March. The Saskatchewan Health Authority said Friday it may need to activate the next stage of its triage plan, as COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to overwhelm the health-care system. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 23, 2021. SAINT JOHN, N.B. - A New Brunswick pastor is free after spending a week in jail and apologizing to the courts Friday for breaches of COVID-19 public health rules. Pastor Philip Hutchings, left, and his wife Jamie Hutchings leave the courthouse in Saint John, N.B., Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. Hutchings, a New Brunswick pastor, is free after spending a week in jail and apologizing to the courts for alleged breaches of COVID-19 public health rules. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Kevin Bissett SAINT JOHN, N.B. - A New Brunswick pastor is free after spending a week in jail and apologizing to the courts Friday for breaches of COVID-19 public health rules. Philip James Hutchings, the pastor of His Tabernacle Family Church in Saint John, repeatedly apologized in the Court of Queen's Bench and agreed to sign an undertaking stating he understands the health rules and will comply. Hutchings was found in contempt for not abiding by a consent order signed Oct. 8 requiring his congregants to follow health orders such as masking. Lawyers for the province say Hutchings held a service two days later where people were seen leaving the church without masks, and health officials were barred from entering. "My apologies your honour," Hutchings said in court Friday in a low voice while wearing a mask. "I intend to comply." Justice Hugh McLellan was quick to point out that Hutchings also said he would comply two weeks earlier but didn't. The judge went on to detail how Hutchings and members of his congregation were seen leaving the church without masks, and enforcement officers were stopped by security guards and not allowed to enter the church. He noted that Hutchings then went on social media and mocked the provincial inspectors and boasted that he and congregants held a "packed service" at a new location. "Do you see how that affects your credibility?" the judge asked. Hutchings asked for another chance, noting that every batter gets three strikes. That prompted McLellan to start listing the pastor's actions in recent weeks, quipping "I'm losing track of how many strikes there are." He asked if Hutchings has considered that he may be misleading people to which Hutchings apologized again. The judge said words were not enough and drafted an undertaking for Hutchings to sign to say he understands the provincial rules and will comply with them. New Brunswick public health rules require church congregants to wear masks. The law also requires that congregants either show proof of vaccination or keep socially distanced and that they not sing during services, which can be held at up to 50 per cent capacity. The judge released a consent order declaring that Hutchings was in contempt of the Oct. 8 order and setting the punishment at seven days imprisonment, which has been served. The pastor had been detained since a court hearing last Friday. McLellan also wants other officers of the church to be bound by the undertaking and has ordered Hutchings, his wife and two other officers to appear in his courtroom on Oct. 29 to sign a similar consent order. Hutchings told the court his next few services will be conducted online. The pastor did not speak with reporters as he left the courthouse or with supporters who waved signs that had images of masks and syringes and read "Be Brave! Do Not Comply with Discriminatory Orders and Mandates." One of the supporters, fellow pastor Ken Gilliard, said he doesn't believe there is a pandemic. "We are preaching freedom," he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2021. OTTAWA - Some Kabul safe houses, where hundreds of Afghans who helped the Canadian military and non-governmental organizations are waiting to flee to Canada, are set to be closed in two weeks because of lack of funding. Afghans walk in an alleyway as the sun sets in Kabul, Afghanistan, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021. Some Kabul safe houses where hundreds of Afghans who helped the Canadian military and non-governmental organizations are waiting to flee to Canada are set to be closed in two weeks because of lack of funding. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Felipe Dana OTTAWA - Some Kabul safe houses, where hundreds of Afghans who helped the Canadian military and non-governmental organizations are waiting to flee to Canada, are set to be closed in two weeks because of lack of funding. An organization running the safe houses, where around 1,700 people with approval to come to Canada are being housed and fed, say that "time has run out" for them. Without government support, some will have to close because they do not have the cash to keep all of them open. The safe houses, set up for interpreters who helped the Canadian military and Afghans working with Canadian non-governmental organizations, are funded by veterans, charities and private donations. Afghans already approved to come to Canada are to be told imminently there is not enough funding to keep housing them all, said Stephen Watt from Northern Lights Canada, which works with refugees. Wendy Noury Long, director of the Afghan Interpreters Association, said Afghans with papers to come to Canada are facing being turned out "into the cold" in Kabul. She said the Canadian government has been asked for funding to keep the safe houses open, but it has not yet been forthcoming. A spokesman for Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said Friday that the federal government is still finding new ways to bring Afghan refugees to Canada. "By working with our allies, civil society groups, neighbouring countries and an array of other partners, we're exhausting all options and finding new routes to bring refugees to safety in Canada," Alex Cohen said in a written statement. "An important part of this is working closely with a variety of veterans groups, NGOs and other organizations on the ground in Afghanistan including financial support. Since the conclusion of evacuations, we've worked together to help roughly a thousand refugees leave Afghanistan. We cannot share more details due to security concerns." The safe houses were set up as a temporary measure a staging post before travel to Canada, Noury said. But because so few Afghans are able to leave Kabul, they are stuck there as sitting ducks," she said. Aman Lara, the Canadian non-governmental organization that is running the safe houses on the ground, said because evacuations were so slow it did not have funds to keep them all open. "Due to the complexity of the situation in Afghanistan, Aman Lara regretfully has to scale back accommodation support to Afghans in need of evacuation by Nov. 5. Currently, approximately 1,700 people are under our care, the organization said in a written statement. We had expected that applications would be processed in a timely manner and evacuations would be swifter. Unfortunately, our ability to finance the accommodations has diminished and time has run out. The accommodations are costly and have been funded through private donations, it added. While it is disappointing to scale back these accommodations, Aman Lara is committed and will continue to focus on the safe evacuation of vulnerable Afghans out of Afghanistan. We are working closely with the government of Canada and are exploring both land and air options, to facilitate their pathway to Canada." Interpreters, and others who helped Canadians posted in Afghanistan, were shepherded to the relative safety of Kabul before the Taliban took control of the country. Canada ended its airlift mission from Kabul near the end of August as the U.S. was completing its own withdrawal from the country. Thousands of people with permission to travel to Canada were left behind including Canadian citizens. Noury Long said there was "an inability to indefinitely fund these facilities in any kind of long-term capacity" and that escaping Afghanistan even through neighbouring borders was becoming increasingly difficult. Canada has pledged to resettle 40,000 Afghan refugees who have fled the country and has set up a special program for especially vulnerable Afghans including women leaders, human rights activists and persecuted minorities. Around 3,700 Canadians and Afghan refugees, including former interpreters were airlifted out by Canada before the end of August. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan announced on Friday that Canada will resettle up to 322 more Afghans who helped NATO countries, and their immediate family members, who must meet Canadas admissibility requirements. This pledge is in addition to up to 150 NATO-affiliated Afghans in the process of being resettled in Canada. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2021. OTTAWA - Sen. Josee Forest-Niesing is in hospital after contracting COVID-19, despite being fully vaccinated. Senator Josee Forest-Niesing arrives to the Senate to be sworn-in on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018. Sen. Josee Forest-Niesing is in hospital after contracting COVID-19, despite being fully vaccinated. Her office says the 56-year-old Sudbury senator is no longer in intensive care and is hopefully on the mend. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick OTTAWA - Sen. Josee Forest-Niesing is in hospital after contracting COVID-19, despite being fully vaccinated. Her office says the 56-year-old Sudbury senator is no longer in intensive care and is hopefully on the mend. It says she was fully vaccinated earlier this year. So-called "breakthrough cases" of COVID-19 are rare. Ontario reports that just 2.4 per cent of COVID-19 cases reported since last December involved people who had received two doses of an approved vaccine at least 14 days prior to infection. The province estimates that unvaccinated individuals are seven times more likely to contract COVID-19 compared to those who are fully vaccinated. Among people 60 years of age and older, the province estimates that unvaccinated individuals are 28 times more likely to be hospitalized due to COVID-19. Forest-Niesing's office says the senator is "grateful for the messages of support she has received and the excellent care the hospital and its staff are giving her." Forest-Niesing was appointed to Canada's Senate in 2018. She is a member of the Independent Senators Group. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2021. ABBA's newest album, "Voyage," marks 40 years since the Swedish pop group has released new music. The group has since garnered new fans thanks to the Jukebox musicals "Mamma Mia!" and "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again." Contributing writer Grace Feuchter said that although four decades have passed, "Voyage" was worth the wait. Want to praise someone or get something off your chest? Darts and Pats is the place to do it. Fitz: Did you never burst out with, How DARE you? I live that way, and what youre saying is just wrong! Fran Kelly: I never did. And I never would because theyre entitled to their opinions. But I must say on a personal level, that was a challenge to keep my equilibrium. I will also say that since same-sex marriage was passed it has been wonderful for us all to feel we have the approval of the nation, that we have counted for more since that vote. Fitz: Who was the trickiest politician to interview? Fran Kelly: Trickiest is such a loaded word. I will say the most difficult to penetrate was John Howard. He could give a long answer without drawing breath ... And I would say interviewing many energy ministers over the years has been hard theres so many deep facts to be contested in that space and I have had to marshall my intellectual powers to retain the facts and be quick enough to bring them back into the ring. So I found those always very challenging. Fitz: What do you make of the criticism thats levelled at the ABC by those who say it has a left-wing bias. Fran Kelly: I dont think it has. Now, of course, we all bring our values to our work. But you know, all of us learn the basic rules of journalism, which is objectivity and balance, and thats what I try to bring to the table every single morning. Ive been dubbed Climate Change Kelly, and weve been accused of having too many Indigenous stories on our program. But thats not a left wing bias. That is determination to make sure that we are covering the concerns and the policy impacts on all Australians, including the most vulnerable Australians. I think sometimes thats where people get confused calling it left wing. In terms of politics, I can show you my text line every single morning, where I get accused variously of being a left-wing stooge, to being the extra member of Scott Morrisons cabinet, so a lot of my audience are not seeing me as a left-wing journalist, thats for sure. Loading Fitz: You used to be in a punk band, doing gig after gig. Whats your next gig now? Fran Kelly: I wish it was a punk band! You never know. Journalistically, Im still working that out. There is an election coming, I will have a role within the ABC around that. Fitz: How has politics changed in the 17 years youve been in the chair? Is it harder to get an honest answer? Fran Kelly: Yeah, I think it is. And I think its partly because of social media and the capacity for pile-ons. The politicians are scared of a loose word. And thats why we are lamenting leaders with big visions, prepared to take the time to bring the nation along to a big decision. When John Howard was trying to sell GST to the nation, he didnt take weeks, or month, he took a year to get people understanding the intricate detail. And its hard to see now, how they can get the time and space for that in the news cycle. Scare campaigns are so easy to mount. Loading Fitz: If this is your Academy Award speech, is there anybody youd like to thank apart from God? Fran Kelly: Id like to thank the Breakfast team in its many iterations because Im just behind the mic as the front person. But what I do every day is a sum of all the parts of the hard work and the commitment of a band of journalists over the years that have a truly, truly wonderful commitment to the program. Fitz: Did you watch Morning Wars? Fran Kelly: Yes, but I enjoyed more The Loudest Voice, with Russell Crowe playing Roger Ailes. Oh my god. It was an explanation, a revealer, of how we get got to where we are with the Trump years. You could see the seeds being planted and how they grew and spread, and all the stuff thats brewing that is so dangerous for democracy. Fitz: To finish, I want to throw a few names at you, so you can give me your instant response. Fran Kelly: OK . . . Fitz: Malcolm Turnbull. Fran Kelly: Big thinker. Fitz: Kevin Rudd. Fran Kelly: The apology. Fitz: Penny Wong. Fran Kelly: Grace under pressure. Fitz: Barnaby. Fran Kelly: Relentless. Fitz: Scott Morrison. Fran Kelly: Pragmatic. Fitz: Fran Kelly. Fran Kelly: Tired. Famous one day, forgotten the next My book on Sir Hubert Wilkins is launched this week. The extraordinary thing about this bloke is that despite now being the most unheard of Australian anyone has never heard of, he was so famous in his day. He made the front page of The New York Times on three days running! You can read The Sun-Herald extract here. Joke of the Week At brekky time, Baby Bear looks into his small bowl. It is empty. Whos been eating my porridge? he squeaks. Papa Bear notes the same. Whos been eating my porridge? he roars. Mumma Bear puts her head through the serving hatch from the kitchen and yells, For goodness sake, how many times do we have to go through this? It was Mumma Bear who got up first; it was Mumma Bear who woke everyone in the house; it was Mumma Bear who made the coffee; it was Mumma Bear who unloaded the dishwasher and put everything away; it was Mumma Bear who set the damn table; it was Mumma Bear who put the friggin cat out, cleaned the litter box and filled the cats water and food dish; and, now that youve decided to drag your sorry bear arses downstairs and grace Mumma Bears kitchen with your grumpy presence, listen good, cause Im only going to say this one more time ... I havent made the goddam porridge yet! Tweet of the Week Letting Barnaby Joyce decide climate policy is like letting anti-vaxxers decide health policy. @tanya_plibersek Quotes of the Week Australia currently, make no mistake, is a tyrannical police state. Its citizens are quite literally being imprisoned against their will. So when do we deploy? - American conservative commentator Candace Owens arguing for an invasion of Australia. She wasnt the kind of person who would chop off her foot and go AWOL. - Melissa Caddicks husband Anthony Koletti to Channel Sevens Michael Usher. We dont know what the ambition of the government is. I think what weve seen [is] eight years, three prime ministers, 21 energy policies, and now weve got the Prime Minister trying to wrangle a last-minute deal with the National party about what they actually stand for. - Shadow Finance Minister Katy Gallagher on Insiders. I love the Aussies. Their history of rugged independence is legendary; Ive always said Australia is the Texas of the Pacific. The COVID tyranny of their current government is disgraceful & sad. Individual liberty matters. I stand with the people of #Australia. - US Senator for Texas, Ted Cruz, targeting the Northern Territory vaccine mandate. Nearly 70,000 Texans have tragically died from COVID. There have been zero deaths in the Territory. Did you know that . . ? We dont need your lectures, mate. You know nothing about us. And if you stand against a life-saving vaccine, then you sure as hell dont stand with Australia. - NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner replies to Ted Cruz on Twitter. Im suggesting they go green Faceplant. - ABC finance reporter Alan Kohler with his suggestion for a new name for Facebook. Her Majesty believes you are as old as you feel, as such the Queen does not believe she meets the relevant criteria to be able to accept and hopes you find a more worthy recipient. - A letter from Tom Laing-Baker, the Queens assistant private secretary, turning down the offer of the title Oldie of the Year for her. Her Majesty is 95. I went to the boys, and they said We are not playing you. Were not taking you because youre a girl, and youll be hurt by the ball if it gets you. I came home angry and after that, I went to my father and said I want to cut my hair. So, I cut my hair and went back on another day, and they didnt recognise me. - Teenage cricketer and Sydney Sixers recruit Shafali Verma with the story of her sporting life, starting at 14 when she cut off her hair and posed as a boy for her dreams of playing for India. Dont overplay your time in the limelight. It is time to allow your electors a choice. Denying them a choice between a green future, as opposed to an old, polluting one, will be seen for what it is: grandstanding. - Andrew Forrest to Nationals MPs opposed to a package of climate measures being debated by Prime Minister Scott Morrisons cabinet. I literally spat my water out. These are two people Ive known quite well and the fact that I had no knowledge of it, like, yeah, it was quite shocking. - Zach Bentley, who worked for Gladys Berejiklian when she was NSW transport minister, treasurer and later premier, telling the ICAC his reaction to finding out that Berejiklian and Daryl Maguire were in a romantic relationship. Im sorry to say I think Australia is an outlier at the moment in its scale of ambition, and I say that as I know cities and states of the federal system in Australia are trying to step up and civil society is trying to step up. - Former Irish President Mary Robinson criticising Scott Morrisons rejection of a more ambitious 2030 emission reduction target. Ms Robinson and former United Nations general secretary Ban Ki-moon were speaking during an online forum of a group of former international leaders founded by Nelson Mandela called The Elders. Things being as they are, I still dont know if I will go to Melbourne. I will not reveal my status whether I have been vaccinated or not, it is a private matter and an inappropriate inquiry. People go too far these days in taking the liberty to ask questions and judge a person. Whatever you say yes, no, maybe, I am thinking about it, they will take advantage. - World No.1 Novak Djokovic once again being a prat and declining to reveal whether he has been vaccinated against COVID-19. Queensland has recorded a double-doughnut day with no new COVID-19 cases as more than 100 high schools in the state have begun operating pop-up clinics to get vaccinated. There were 26 active cases in Queensland. The state reached 74.1 per cent single dose vaccinations and 59.36 per cent of double dose. Education Minister Grace Grace urged Queenslanders to attend one of 116 high school hubs opened for a Super Saturday. If you dont want to do it for yourself. Do it for your family, your elderly grandparents, your young siblings, your aunts, your uncles but make sure you get vaccinated, she said. Cambodias journey has been a long and harrowing one. Before the signing of the Paris Peace Agreements 30 years ago today [23 October], the country was on its knees: ravaged successively by massive US bombing, civil war, the Khmer Rouges genocidal reign of terror, invasion by the Vietnamese and civil war again. These onslaughts caused the deaths of some 2 million Cambodians and effectively destroyed the lives of many more. The 1991 Paris accords did bring lasting peace to the country, and Australia can remain proud of the role we played in making that happen. We initiated the diplomatic strategy that, after many failed previous attempts, finally worked essentially by defining an unprecedentedly hands-on role for the United Nations which gave China a face-saving way of withdrawing its support for the Khmer Rouge. Lieutenant-General John Sandersons leadership of the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia military mission during the critical 1991-93 period was crucial to its success. Then foreign minister Gareth Evans (left) representing Australia at the Paris conference on Cambodia on October 23, 1991, at which the Paris Peace Agreement was signed. But, as I said when representing Australia at the Paris signing ceremony, peace and freedom are not prizes which, once gained, can never be lost. They must be won again each day. Their foundations must be sunk deep into the bedrock of political stability, economic prosperity and above all, the observance of human rights. Sadly, the truth of that observation has been borne out repeatedly over the last three decades. We brought peace to Cambodia, and with it some overdue national economic development. But as to democracy and human rights the other two core elements of the Paris agreements the record has been one of dismal failure. 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 Stating that a robust judiciary is of "utmost importance" to make democracy successful, Union Law and Justice Minister on Saturday underlined various decisions taken by the Centre to improve the Rijiju was speaking at the inauguration of two wings of the annexe building at the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court. Notably, speaking after Rijiju at this event, Chief Justice of India N V Ramana said is important for improving access to justice, but it is baffling to note that its improvement and maintenance was being carried out in an ad-hoc and unplanned manner in the country. The Law minister said it was the responsibility of the Union government to ensure that the judiciary is not only extended full support but is also made robust. He also called for a "harmonious relationship" between the judiciary, executive and legislature. "A robust judiciary is of utmost importance to make our democracy successful. We have taken many decisions to provide support to (judicial) infrastructure, which is core," he said. In the last Cabinet meeting, the Centre has taken various decisions. One of the important decisions was to sanction Rs 9,000 crore for the development of the infrastructure of the lower judiciary, Rijiju said. This budget has been sanctioned for the construction of 3,800 court halls and 4,000 residential units for all the judicial officers in the district and subordinate courts among others, he added. He said the Central government will "pool together" the money (Rs 9,000 crore) with state governments for developing the "The Centre will provide Rs 5,357 crore for constructing 3,800 court halls and 4,000 residential units for judicial officers. We have made a provision for 1,450 lawyers' halls. The government will construct 1,450 toilet complexes. There will be 3,800 digital computer rooms," the Law minister said. Rijiju said a provision has also been made for the betterment of gram nyayalayas (courts in villages). As part of the 'E-Court Mission Mode Project, 18,735 courts have been computerised so far, the Law minister said. He said litigants can access the information of 19.43 crore cases and about more than 15.50 crore orders and judgments. "Digital India is the mainstay and in the process, the digital judiciary will be equally important. Many steps have been taken already," he said, adding that virtual courts have been set up at various locations. The Law minister said a common citizen should not struggle to get justice. "It is the responsibility of all of us to ensure that the gap between justice and the common man must reduce as much as possible," he said. Acknowledging constraints, challenges and limitations, Rijiju also said "a genuine effort will make some advancement." "We all are working for our nation. We all are committed to giving justice to the people of this great nation. We are a team. We are just different organs of our system," he added. Rijiju said the Supreme Court emerged as a global leader with over 96,239 virtual hearings till July 9, 2021. "The Supreme Court has taken a leadership role in ensuring the delivery of justice during the pandemic. In this duration, district courts heard 97.25 lakh cases while the high court heard 51.38 lakh cases till October 11 this year. The Supreme Court emerged as a global leader with over 96,239 virtual hearings till July 9, 2021," he added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Saturday reported a net reduction of 2,017 in active cases to take its count to 173,728. Indias share of global active cases now stands at 0.98 per cent (one in 102). The country is tenth among the most affected countries by active cases. On Friday, it added 16,326 cases to take its total caseload to 34,159,562 from 34,143,236 an increase of 0.1%. And, with 666 new fatalities, its Covid-19 reached 453,708, or 1.33 per cent of total confirmed infections. With 6,848,417 more Covid-19 vaccine doses being administered on Friday, Indias total count of vaccine shots so far reached 1,013,028,411. The count of recovered cases across India, meanwhile, reached 33,532,126 or 98.16 per cent of total caseload with 17,677 new cured cases being reported on Saturday. Now the tenth-most-affected country by active cases, third by deaths, second by total cases and recoveries, India has added 105,989 cases in the past 7 days. India now accounts for 0.98% of all active cases globally (one in every 102 active cases), and 9.17% of all deaths (one in every 11 deaths). India has so far administered 1,013,028,411 vaccine doses. That is 2965.57 per cent of its total caseload, and 72.51 per cent of its population. Among Indian states, the top 5 in terms of number of vaccine shots administered are Uttar Pradesh (129191729), Maharashtra (99246897), West Bengal (74677245), Gujarat (71896546), and Madhya Pradesh (70679835). Among states with more than 10 million population, the top 5 in number of vaccine shots per one million population are Kerala (1133807), Gujarat (1125628), Delhi (1122694), Jammu and Kashmir (1085264), and Uttarakhand (1031660). Backwards from here, the last 1 million cases for India have come in 44 days. The count of active cases across India on Saturday saw a net reduction of 2,017, compared with 3,086 on Friday. States and UTs hat have seen the biggest daily net increase in active cases are Assam (104), Jammu and Kashmir (56), West Bengal (42), Himachal Pradesh (31), and Delhi (29). With 17,677 new daily recoveries, Indias recovery rate stands at 98.16%, while fatality rate remained unchanged at 1.33%. The Indian states and UTs with the worst case fatality rates at present are Punjab (2.75%), Uttarakhand (2.15%), and Nagaland (2.14%). The rate in as many as 16 is higher than the national average. Indias new daily closed cases stand at 18,343 666 deaths and 17,677 recoveries. The share of deaths in total closed cases stands at 3.63%. Indias 5-day moving average of daily rate of addition to total cases stands at 0.1%. Indias doubling time for total cases stands at 1450.0 days, and for deaths at 471.9 days. Overall, five states with the biggest 24-hour jump in total cases are Kerala (9361), Maharashtra (1632), Tamil Nadu (1152), West Bengal (846), and Mizoram (745). India on Thursday conducted 1,364,681 to take the total count of tests conducted so far in the country to 598,431,162. The test positivity rate recorded was 1.2%. Five states with the highest test positivity rate (TPR) percentage of tested people turning out to be positive for Covid-19 infection (by cumulative data for tests and cases are Dadra & Nagar Haveli-Daman & Diu (14.75%), Kerala (13.19%), Goa (12.32%), Sikkim (12.18%), and Maharashtra (10.7%). Five states with the highest TPR by daily numbers for tests and cases added are Kerala (11.64%), Mizoram (9.51%), Sikkim (4.36%), Nagaland (3.45%), and Manipur (3.37%). Among states and UTs with more than 10 million population, five that have carried out the highest number of tests (per million population) are Delhi (1544794), J&K (1164097), Kerala (1040523), Karnataka (738731), and Telangana (691995). The five most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (6599850), Kerala (4897884), Karnataka (2985227), Tamil Nadu (2692949), and Andhra Pradesh (2062781). Maharashtra, the most affected state overall, has reported 1632 new cases to take its tally to 6599850. Kerala, the second-most-affected state by total tally, has added 9361 cases to take its tally to 4897884. Karnataka, the third-most-affected state, has reported 378 cases to take its tally to 2985227. Tamil Nadu has added 1152 cases to take its tally to 2692949. Andhra Pradesh has seen its tally going up by 478 to 2062781. Uttar Pradesh has added 1 cases to take its tally to 1710069. Delhi has added 38 cases to take its tally to 1439526. Delhi's was recorded in the "moderate" category on Friday and it is likely to improve over the next two days due to strong winds and rainfall, authorities said. According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences' forecast body SAFAR, Delhi's Index (AQI) was recorded at 162, which is in the "moderate" category. "Delhi's AQI is in the moderate category. As per SAFAR methodology, effective fire counts are 894 and its share is 4 per cent in Delhi's PM2.5 as transport level winds are not favourable for intrusion," it said. In the presence of local dry weather and westerly winds, the local dust emission will lead to high PM10 levels, the SAFAR added. "Additional dust transport from Rajasthan desert areas due to higher winds and dry conditions are contributing to PM10 enhancement," it said. The number of farm fires also increased significantly with 1,288 such incidents recorded on Friday, according to data shared by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). Punjab recorded 1,111 fires, Haryana 140, Madhya Pradesh 29, Rajasthan five and Uttar Pradesh three. Delhi did not have a single incident of farm fire. However, the SAFAR said the impact of fire emission is almost negligible due to faster dispersion and the wind direction. The IARI said the number of stubble-burning events had decreased from 969 on October 20 to 765 on October 21 in the six study states. A total of 6,502 burning events were detected in these states between September 15 and October 21, which were distributed as 4,327, 1,368, 631, zero, 40 and 136 in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh respectively. Overall, the total number of burning events recorded in the six states is 52.5 per cent less than in 2020 till date. Punjab recorded a 59.9-per cent reduction, Haryana recorded a three-per cent increase, Uttar Pradesh recorded a 13.4-per cent increase, Delhi recorded a 100-per cent reduction, Rajasthan recorded a 88.9-per cent reduction and Madhya Pradesh recorded a 78.8-per cent reduction in the current season, as compared to 2020. Stubble burning in the neighbouring states significantly contributes to Delhi's The active fire events due to paddy residue burning were monitored using satellite remote sensing, following the new "Standard Protocol for Estimation of Crop Residue Burning Fire Events using Satellite Data". Punjab and Haryana attract attention during the paddy harvesting season in October-November. Farmers set their fields on fire to quickly clear off the crop residue before cultivating wheat and potato. It is one of the main reasons for the alarming spike in pollution in Delhi-NCR. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on Saturday said that there is "omnipresent danger" to the stability of due to China's ambitions for power at the global level. is making "huge" inroads in and in the Indian Ocean region to cement its position as an emerging global power, he said delivering the first Ravi Kant Singh Memorial Lecture here. That country's dealings with Myanmar and Pakistan and its foray into Bangladesh are also not in India's interests, Gen Rawat said. "Myanmar and Pakistan are the largest recipients of military hardware from They receive support in global fora from China," he said. On Indo-Pak relations, Rawat said Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism as well as by non-state actors is a stumbling block in the peace process between India and Pakistan. "China's partnership with Pakistan and its stand on Jammu and Kashmir can be best described as an anti-India nexus," he added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister on Saturday met Indian COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers who said his leadership was a key factor in India being able to administer 100 crore doses of the jabs in just about nine months. During the meeting, Modi discussed various issues including furthering the vaccine research, sources said. Representatives from seven vaccine makers -- Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Zydus Cadila, Biological E, Gennova Biopharma and Panacea Biotech -- participated in the meeting. Following the meeting, Adar Poonawalla of Serum Institute of India credited Modi's vision for the milestone and said they in the meeting discussed how to take the industry forward and prepare for future pandemics, to continue enhancing the capacity. "All over the world now, countries are going to invest in vaccine production and India needs to stay ahead. We discussed how to do that together with industry and government," he said. His father Cyrus Poonawalla said, "Had it not been for him (Modi) and (he) driving the health ministry, today India would not have been able to make a billion doses. There is no doubt in my mind about that." The prime minister was happy that the assurance given by the Serum Institute that it will make India self-sufficient in vaccines at the lowest possible price in the world was fulfilled. "The PM went out of the way and made regulatory people move very fast and they also cooperated," he added. Pankaj Patel of Zydus, another vaccine maker, said Modi was the "biggest factor" in the development of the DNA-based COVID vaccine. He praises the prime minister for his encouragement and support and also for mentioning the DNA vaccine at his address at the United Nations. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar were also present in the meeting. The cumulative COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country have exceeded 101.30 crore, according to the latest health ministry data. On October 21, India achieved a major milestone in its vaccination programme against COVID-19 as the cumulative vaccine doses administered in the country surpassed the 100-crore mark, resulting in celebratory events across various parts. More than 75 per cent of India's adult population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, with nine states and union territories administering the first dose to all eligible people. Over 31 per cent of the country's around 93 crore adults have been administered both doses, according to health ministry officials. So far, all adult population in nine states and union territories -- Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Dadra and Nagar Haveli -- have received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine. Three vaccines -- Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and Sputnik V -- are currently being used in the country's Covid vaccination drive. #WATCH | "...PM went out of his way, made everyone move very fast... Had it not been for him... and driving the health ministry, today India would not have been able to make a billion doses....: Cyrus Poonawalla, Serum Institute, after meet with PM Modi. (Source: PMO) pic.twitter.com/UpxV55yjNR ANI (@ANI) October 23, 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.) Prime Minister is set to interact with the seven Indian manufacturers of the COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday, days after the country crossed a milestone of administering 100 crore vaccinations. During the interaction, the PM will take stock of the experiences of the manufacturers as well as discuss various issues like furthering vaccine research. As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with the administration of 68,48,417 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage has surpassed the 100 Crore mark to reach 101.30 Cr (1,01,30,28,411) as per provisional reports till 7 am today. (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.) Prime Minister will meet seven Indian COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers on Saturday, a meeting that comes in the wake of the country achieving the landmark of administering 100 crore doses of the jabs, official sources said. Representatives from seven vaccine makers -- Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Zydus Cadila, Biological E, Gennova Biopharma and Panacea Biotech -- will be participating in the meeting. Modi is likely to emphasise on ways to vaccinate eligible people in India as quickly as possible and also help other countries in inoculating their population as part of the mantra "vaccine for all", an official source said. The cumulative COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has exceeded 101.30 crore, according to the health ministry data updated at 7 am. India on October 21 achieved a major milestone in its programme against COVID-19 as the cumulative vaccine doses administered in the country surpassed the 100-crore mark, resulting in celebratory events across various parts. More than 75 per cent of India's adult population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, with nine states and union territories administering the first dose to all eligible people. Over 31 per cent of the country's around 93 crore adults have been administered both the doses, according to health ministry officials. So far, all adult population in nine states and union territories -- Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Dadra and Nagar Haveli -- have received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine. Three vaccines -- Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and Sputnik V -- are currently being used in the country's Covid drive. (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.) warehouse workers on Staten Island, the southernmost of New York's boroughs, have signed a call for unionisation. The move is a red rag for the retail behemoth having a turnover of $386 billion in 2020. The organisers said their plan on Monday is to ask federal labour officials to authorise a union vote. The push is barely 12 miles from Wall Street, to some the heart of global capitalism. It ratchets up growing unionisation efforts at Amazon, at 950,000 folks, the second-largest private employer in the US after Walmart. "We intend to fight for higher wages, job security, safer working conditions, more paid time off, better medical leave options, and longer breaks," Labor Union (ALU) said on Thursday. founder Jeff Bezos unapologetically fought off labour organising. In April, while Bezos was still in office, 6,000 warehouse workers in Bessemer, Alabama voted (and rejected) the biggest union campaign yet. This after President Joe Biden came out rather publicly in favour of unionisation. "Workers in Alabama - and all across America - are voting on whether to organise a union in their workplace. It's a vitally important choice - one that should be made without intimidation or threats by employers. Every worker should have a free and fair choice to join a union," Biden had tweeted on March 1, embedding a video statement. It is unusual for a sitting American President to say this, though Biden was careful not to direct workers to vote in favor of unionisation lest he violate US labour law. Biden didn't name Amazon either. Yet no one was in doubt what he meant by directly naming Alabama warehouse workers. He also denounced anti-union efforts, aiming bluntly at Bezos. Republican Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, had published a stinging op-ed in USA Today on Amazon's ways. "The days of conservatives being taken for granted by the business community are over," he wrote. This led The New Yorker to say: "Amazon's influence is so vast, touching on issues from wealth and income inequality to antitrust policy, the American relationship with China, the omnipotence of workplace surveillance, and the atomising effect of big business, in its most concentrated and powerful form, on families and communities, that it can scramble ordinary politics. For a moment, at least, it can put Marco Rubio and (Democrat) Stacey Abrams on the same side. Most organising campaigns have a symbolic quality, in which the employer and its workers stand for different models of economic organisation. The fight in Bessemer is different because it is so direct. Amazon isn't a proxy for the future of the economy, but it's heart." After the win in Alabama, Amazon was accused of stepping outside allowable guidelines and improperly pressurising warehouse workers against unionising. The election should be redone, a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) hearing officer said in a non-binding recommendation in August. "Our employees had a chance to be heard during a noisy time when all types of voices were weighing into the national debate, and at the end of the day, they voted overwhelmingly in favour of a direct connection with their managers and the company," a company spokesperson countered. As the Bessemer vote fizzled out, the Staten Island effort began, led by ALU, a new, self-organised worker group. The group's president, Chris Smalls, staged a walkout at the start of the pandemic to protest working conditions. He was fired. Amazon said the firing was because Small violated safety guidelines. NLRB needs to approve workers' requests for a union vote. Smalls and his team plan to file some 2,000 cards on Monday, signed by Staten Island staff saying they want that. The push targets four Amazon facilities in the Staten Island cluster, estimated to employ 7,000. Rules require the organisers to submit signatures from 30 per cent of the workers they seek to represent. A change of guard from Bezos to Amazon old-timer Andy Stacey in July hasn't changed the party line one bit. In a statement on Thursday, Amazon spokesperson Kelly A. Nantel said unions are not "the best answer" for workers... Every day we empower people to find ways to improve their jobs, and when they do that we want to make those changes quickly. That type of continuous improvement is harder to do quickly and nimbly with unions in the middle". In Alabama, meanwhile, workers continue to aim for a second chance to vote on unionising. A regional director is weighing whether to schedule a new election. The Brotherhood Teamsters has also been targeting Amazon. That includes a push for warehouse workers in Canada. --IANS nikhila/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.) US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday discussed topics of global importance including Afghanistan, according to US State Department. In a statement, the state department said that Blinken and Guterres also discussed their shared concern over the worsening conflict in northern Ethiopia, including the escalating violence and its impact on humanitarian operations. Secretary Blinken expressed US appreciation for the Secretary-General's efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and commended the efforts of the UN Country Team in Ethiopia, which continues to work under challenging conditions. "The Secretary and Secretary-General Guterres discussed opportunities to strengthen collaboration to stop the current hostilities, promote negotiations toward a sustainable ceasefire, and deliver life-saving assistance," the statement read. (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 blueprint for how developed countries will contribute $100 billion a year to poor nations confronting is set to be unveiled on Monday despite objections from the U.S. and other nations that almost derailed the announcement. The plan is seen as critical to the success of the COP26 climate summit scheduled to begin Oct. 31 in Glasgow, Scotland. Rich nations have fallen short of their 2009 pledge to collectively deliver $100 billion annually to help poor countries confront climate change, shift to clean energy and build resilience. And without more money, some developing nations, such as Bangladesh and Indonesia, have said they cant step up their climate pledges. Developed countries were roughly $20 billion below the $100 billion target in 2019, the last year for which totals have been released. The U.S. had objected to a plan to make up for shortfalls in previous donations with higher contributions in future years, according to three people familiar with the matter who asked for anonymity to describe private negotiations. Details of how the matter was settled werent immediately available but the people confirmed that an announcement, which had been expected this week, would be made Monday. A successful COP26 will require progress on the finance agenda, said Lorena Gonzalez, senior associate for UN Climate Finance with the World Resources Institute. Leadership has been lacking, Gonzalez added. Developed countries will need to show a new level of solidarity, also in terms of acknowledging the impacts of the pandemic have been uneven and so has been the recovery. President Joe Biden last month committed the U.S. to provide $11.4 billion in climate finance annually by 2024. And Congress is on track to spend between $2.8 billion and $3.1 billion on climate finance in fiscal 2022. Yet that still leaves the U.S. lagging well behind other in meeting its share of the target. ALSO READ: India seeks compensation for climate damages caused by rich nations Whether -- and how -- to account for continued shortfalls this year and last so that finance still reaches a $100 billion annual average between 2020 and 2025 has been a major sticking point in negotiations, said the people. The U.S. was among nations concerned about the ability of the group to collectively increase contributions in future years to compensate, the people said. Another point of contention was how much money to devote to climate adaptation, as vulnerable countries plead for more help dealing with the consequences of a warming world -- including droughts that stifle crops, intense storms that destroy communities and rising seas that threaten to swallow some island nations. COP26 President Alok Sharma commissioned the plan from Canadian environmental minister Jonathan Wilkinson and Jochen Flasbarth, state secretary at Germanys environment ministry, and asked them to deliver it before the UN summit. Spokespeople for Wilkinson and U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. At a meeting with European Union ambassadors Thursday, Sharma said negotiators remained within touching distance of a final deal, and asked attendees to check your pockets for loose change, according to a person familiar with the session. The spending plan is being closely watched as a signal of the commitment of wealthy nations whose greenhouse gas emissions are most responsible for fueling A weak plan would complicate talks at the climate summit by undermining the credibility of and inflaming tensions on the issue, even as negotiators try to fashion a new finance promise beyond 2025. --With assistance from Stephen Wicary, Jessica Shankleman and Birgit Jennen. Around the world in 80 days? How about 274. Royal Caribbean announced Wednesday the launch of its Ultimate World Cruise a 274-night adventure that visits all seven continents, and hits more than 150 destinations in 65 countries. Highlights will include the Great Wall of China, Icelands Blue Lagoon, Egypts Great Pyramid, and Indias Taj Mahal. The trip, billed as the longest ever offered by a major cruise company, will cost $61,000. The cruising industry suffered a crippling hit after Covid-19-related travel restrictions, which began in early 2020, prevented most voyages for more than a year. Royal Caribbeans 9-month-long sailing will surpass Viking Cruises 245-night Ultimate World Cruise, which launched in August of 2019. (It was forced to end early as a result of the pandemic.) Passengers will board the Serenade of Seas vessel in Miami, Florida starting December 10, 2023 and travel the seas until the journey ends on September 10, 2024. The trip will be divided into four segments, and passengers will have the option to join for some or all of them. The extensive trip comes months after cruise line companies began rolling out multi-month itineraries to cruise enthusiasts, many of whom were eager to resume travel after spending months in pandemic isolation. Those trips booked up quickly. Now more than ever, people have resolved to travel the world and make up for lost time, said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean. India is seeking payment for the losses caused by climate disasters, its environment ministry said while laying out the countrys positions on critical issues that will be negotiated at the United Nations COP26 climate summit in the coming weeks. Our ask is this: there should be a compensation for expenses incurred, and it should be borne by developed nations, Rameshwar Prasad Gupta, the ministrys senior-most civil servant, said on Friday. He added that India stands with other low-income and developing countries on the matter. Leaders and diplomats from across the globe are set to gather in Glasgow, Scotland, for the annual COP summit, which is seen as a make-or-break meeting to stave off the worsening effects of Compensation for climate disasters is expected to be a major sticking point at the talks, and the subject is something that India has already raised with U.S. climate envoy John Kerry, according to Gupta. Rich countries have added the majority of greenhouse gases causing the planet to warm above pre-industrial levels. The 2015 Paris climate agreement included language to address loss and damage, but it left questions about liability and redress unanswered. Discussions began as early as 2013 at a previous summit in Warsaw, but the technical details of how such money transfers occur still hasnt been thrashed out. The broad idea is that, based on historical contributions to global greenhouse gases, countries will provide compensation for the damages that pollution will one day cause. Countries that suffer climate impacts can then lay claim to money for repairs after a climate-fueled hurricane or flood. But not all disasters are caused by climate change, and scientists have only recently begun the hard work of being able to calculate how much a warmer planet contributed to an extreme weather event. ALSO READ: Deal struck on $100 bn a year climate aid plan for poor countries India is the worlds third-largest emitter on an annual basis today and among the top ten historical emitters, which means it too will have to contribute money into the pot. Even if Indias pay-in for damages were roughly 4%, the country would stand to get a larger pay-out for the losses it will incur, Gupta said. If they want India to be a part, we may be willing, he added. Net Zero The country is the only among the worlds 10 largest not to have set a goal to zero out its emissions. Even its neighbor China has one for 2060, slightly later than the 2050 target that the U.S., the U.K. and the EU are aiming for. Earlier this year, India considered setting a net-zero goal, but it has since backed out. Not all nations need to announce a net-zero target before Glasgow, according to environment minister Bhupender Yadav. Climate finance hasnt come in, said Gupta. For more ambitious climate goals, let there be more finance first. This issue is set to be another talking point at the summit. Developed countries were supposed to provide $100 billion in climate finance to developing countries annually, starting in 2020. The money would be used for projects that reduce emissions and help countries adapt to warming. The latest figure stands at about $90 billion, and the hopes for the full commitment are dimming as the Glasgow conference approaches. As with past COP meetings, Indias delegation also plans to bring up the point of fairness. The countrys annual per capita emissions stand at about two tons of carbon dioxide, compared to more than 16 tons for the U.S. and less than half of the global per capita average. The recent energy crunch marked by soaring natural gas prices has also given India ammunition to continue using coal, the only fossil fuel which it has in abundance. Thats going to be a problem for the U.K., the host country, with COP26 President Alok Sharma having said that the Glasgow talks could consign coal to history. India Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed that he will join the COP26 summit along with 120 other heads of state. The conference runs from Oct. 31-Nov. 12. There's an intriguing subplot to President Joe Biden's upcoming meeting with The world's two most prominent Roman Catholics will be celebrating a shared outlook on church teaching and vital social issues even as Biden faces unwavering opposition from many U.S. Catholic bishops over his stances on abortion and LGBTQ rights. Less than three weeks after Biden's visit to the Vatican on Friday, the American bishops will convene in Baltimore, with one of the agenda items inspired in part by conservatives who contend that Biden's support for abortion rights should disqualify him from receiving Communion. Though any document that emerges is not expected to mention Biden by name, it's possible there could be a clear message of rebuke. This is way beyond embarrassing, said Massimo Faggioli, a professor of historical theology at Villanova University who recently authored a book about Biden and Catholicism. For some of the bishops, it's an act of intimidation" toward Biden, Faggioli said. And they have a pope who is protecting a Catholic president's access to the sacraments he's had to send a signal from the Vatican saying, We don't think this is wise.' The pope upholds Catholic doctrine opposing abortion and same-sex marriage, but he has irked some conservative Catholics in the U.S. and elsewhere by emphasizing other issues that mesh with Biden's priorities protecting the environment, combating racial injustice and poverty, for example. The pope and Biden see eye to eye on many issues, Faggioli said. But they both are really embattled, facing very strong headwinds ... fighting against different kinds of ideologues. Biden is only the second Catholic president of the , after John F. Kennedy, and displays his faith openly, often wearing a rosary and attending Mass routinely. The devotion dates to childhood; he has expressed gratitude to the nuns who helped bolster his confidence while he struggled with stuttering as a schoolboy. Wherever there were nuns, there was home, he wrote in his 2007 memoir Promises to Keep. My idea of self, of family, of community, of the wider world comes straight from my religion. His faith was tested, but not weakened, after his wife and baby daughter were killed in a traffic accident in 1972. I never doubted that there was a God, but I was angry with God, he told The Christian Science Monitor in 2007. In that same interview, Biden conveyed why he considers himself a faithful Catholic despite his views on abortion. My views are totally consistent with Catholic social doctrine, Biden said. There are elements within the church who say that if you are at odds with any of the teachings of the church, you are at odds with the church. I think the church is bigger than that. Francis already has made clear he won't shun U.S. political leaders who support abortion rights. On October 9 he met at the Vatican with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose abortion stance has drawn the wrath of the top Catholic in her hometown of San Francisco, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone. Cordileone has been urging the U.S. bishops conference to send a message to Biden, Pelosi and others that would move them in their conscience. They need to understand the scandal that is caused when they say they are faithfully Catholic and yet oppose the church on such a basic concept, he told The Associated Press in April. Under Catholic policy, decisions regarding exclusion from Communion are left to individual bishops. While Cordileone has discouraged Pelosi from receiving Communion in his archdiocese, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the archbishop of Washington, has made clear that Biden is welcome to receive Communion when he attends services there. Francis, asked last month whether Biden and like-minded politicians should be denied Communion, avoided a yes or no answer, saying bishops must minister to such people with compassion and tenderness. He warned that clerics shouldn't let influence decisions about receiving Communion. Abortion is not the only issue placing Biden in opposition to the U.S. bishops. He is a strong supporter of the proposed Equality Act, which would extend federal civil rights protections to LGBTQ people nationwide. The bishops say the bill, currently stalled in the Senate, would violate the religious freedom of churches and individuals opposed to same-sex marriage and various transgender-rights policies. The meeting this coming week will be Biden's first encounter with Francis since becoming president, but he has met him three times before: first when Francis was inaugurated as pope in 2013; later during the pontiff's 2015 visit to the U.S.; and in 2016, when Biden visited the Vatican for a conference on regenerative medicine, where he spoke on cancer prevention. Francis repeatedly reaffirmed his opposition to abortion in recent weeks, calling the procedure murder and defending the right of conscientious objectors to refuse to participate in it. He has likened abortion to hiring a hitman to solve a problem. Chad Pecknold, a professor of theology at The Catholic University of America, doubts that the pope will confront Biden over his support for abortion rights, but said many Catholics bishops included may wish that would happen. on Saturday accused the Biden administration of raising military tensions with through its reckless backing of Taiwan, and said that the growing U.S. military presence in the region constitutes a potential threat to the North. In comments carried by state media, Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong Ho criticised the United States for sending warships through the Strait and providing Taiwan, a self-ruled island that claims as part of its territory, with upgraded weapons systems and military training. The United States' indiscreet meddling in issues regarding Taiwan, which the North sees as entirely a Chinese internal affair, threatens to touch off a delicate situation on the Korean Peninsula. Pak's statement came a day after President Joe Biden told a CNN townhall event that the United States was committed to coming to Taiwan's defence if it comes under attack from While that seemed to blur Washington's long-held stance of maintaining strategic ambiguity on whether it would intervene if China were to attack Taiwan, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Biden had no intent to convey a change in policy. China and split amid civil war in 1949, and although it maintains formal diplomatic relations only with Beijing, the U.S. remains committed by law to ensure can defend itself from outside threats. has increasingly criticized the broader U.S. security role in the Indo-Pacific amid an intensifying competition with China, Pyongyang's major ally and economic lifeline. Last month, the North threatened unspecified countermeasures following the Biden administration's decision to provide nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. It is a well-known fact that the U.S. troops and its military bases in (South Korea) are in use to put pressure on China and that the huge forces of the U.S. and its satellite states, which are being concentrated near Taiwan, can be committed to a military operation targeting the DPRK at any time, Pak said, using an abbreviation of the North's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. He said the increasing military presence of U.S.-led hostile forces in the region was based on a lame assertion that North Korea and China would cause trouble in Taiwan and the Korean Peninsula. This reality proves that the U.S. is in its bid to stifle our country and China, both socialist countries, in order to hold on to its supremacy, Pak said. Nuclear negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have stalled for more than two years over the issue of relaxing crippling U.S.-led sanctions against North Korea in return for steps by the North to wind down its nuclear weapons program. Pyongyang sees the possession of nuclear weapons as the ultimate guarantor of the survival of the Kim dynasty that has run the country with an iron fist since the 1940s. Ending a monthslong lull in September, North Korea has been ramping up its missile tests while making conditional peace offers to Seoul, reviving a pattern of pressuring South Korea to try to get what it wants from the United States. Sung Kim, Biden's special envoy for North Korea, arrived in South Korea on Saturday for talks with allies on reviving negotiations with the North. Kim told reporters he expected productive discussions with South Korean officials during their meeting on Sunday, before leaving the airport without taking further questions. The Biden administration's pullout from Afghanistan underscored a broader shift in U.S. focus away from counterterrorism and so-called rogue states like North Korea and Iran. That is putting the focus on confronting a near-peer adversary in China, and part of that apparent strategy appear to be offering the North a resumption of talks without preconditions. But the North has so far rejected the idea of open-ended talks, saying that Washington must abandon its hostile policy, a term North Korea mainly refers to sanctions and U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises. A steady rise in bond yields in the United States and India is likely to put pressure on the stock valuations and the rally in the markets, which have witnessed a sharp rebound from the March 2020 lows. Historically, there is a negative correlation between the 10-year government bond yields and equity valuations. The 10-year bond yield in the US is up 44 basis points (bps) since the end of July, and 75 bps since the beginning of the current calendar year. The 10-year US government bond had a yield of 1.67 per cent on Friday, sharply higher than the 0.92 per cent at the end of ... Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday announced that he would contribute his salary for the month of October 2021 towards the Uttarakhand's Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF). His contribution to the CMRF was announced in the wake of the natural calamity that struck the state recently. Amid torrential rains, the hilly state has witnessed flooded roads, buildings, landslides and overflowing rivers leaving people stranded in various places. The death toll in the rain-battered has mounted to 64 and 11 people are still missing according to official estimates. Police in collaboration with the State Disaster Management Force (SDRF) on Friday started a disaster-relief camp in Rudrapur city of Udham Singh Nagar for the victims affected by floods in the area. People are being provided food and various medical facilities as a part of this camp, which was set up under the supervision of Inspector General, SDRF, Pushpak Jyoti on the instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. On Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted an aerial survey of rain-affected areas of Uttarakhand and said effective coordination between various agencies and timely warnings had helped contain the loss of life and property in the state. The aerial survey was conducted along with CM Dhami and Governor Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd). (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.) Metropolis Healthcare has completed the acquisition of Dr Ganesan's Hitech Diagnostic Centre (Hitech) along with its subsidiary Centralab Healthcare Services (Centralab) on Friday, 22 October 2021 for a cash consideration of Rs 636 crore. The acquisition has been funded through internal accruals and debt of Rs 300 crore. Dr. Ganesan, the promoter and founder of Dr Ganesan's Hitech Diagnostic Centre (Hitech), will be part of the leadership team for next few years to enable a smooth transition and integration with Metropolis Healthcare. Metropolis Healthcare will also get access to 31 laboratories including 3 National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) accredited laboratories and 68 collection centres of Hitech. Post completion of the acquisition, Hitech and Centralab has become wholly-owned subsidiary and step down wholly owned subsidiary respectively of the company. The acquisition of of Dr Ganesan's Hitech Diagnostic Centre (Hitech) along with its subsidiary Centralab Healthcare Services (Centralab) will help Metropolis Healthcare in - strengthening the leadership position, increase B2C contribution in focus cities, enable deeper penetration in mid-segment of the market and enhance profitability through revenue and cost synergies. On FY21, the revenue of Dr Ganesan's Hitech Diagnostic Centre (Hitech) stood at Rs 124 crore, rising 49% Y-o-Y. The business momentum also continued in FY22 with strong growth across all parameters, the press release highlighted. Metropolis Healthcare's consolidated net profit surged to Rs 74.92 crore in Q1 FY22 from Rs 2.88 crore in Q1 FY21. Net sales surged 128.30% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 326.76 crore during the quarter. Shares of Metropolis Healthcare shed 1.12% to end at Rs 2,826.50 on Friday, 22 October 2021. Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics company in India with a widespread presence across 19 states in India. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On 22 October 2021 Metropolis Healthcare has completed the acquisition of 100% stake of Dr. Ganesan's Hitech Diagnostic Centre (Hitech) along with its subsidiary Centralab Healthcare Services (Centralab) on 22 October 2021 for a cash consideration of Rs.636 crore as per the terms and conditions of the Share Purchase Agreement including amendments thereof entered between the Company and the sellers. Post completion of the aforesaid acquisition, Hitech and Centralab has become wholly-owned subsidiary and step down wholly owned subsidiary respectively of the Company. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Home Minister on Saturday sought the support of the youth of in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "vision of a peaceful and developed" J-K, while reiterating that assembly election will be held in the union territory after delimitation and restoration of statehood will follow. The government will not allow anyone to create hurdles in the path of peace and development in Kashmir, Shah, who is on his first visit to Jammu and since Article 370 was revoked in August 2019, said during an interaction with the members of youth clubs of the union territory. I have come here to forge a friendship with the youth of Join hands with Modi ji and the Government of India and become partners in the journey to take Kashmir forward, he said. The Union Home Minister said the youths of Kashmir should take advantage of the various opportunities being created by the administration for their progress. God has made Kashmir as heaven with its natural beauty, but Modi ji wants to see peace, prosperity and development here as well. For that, I have come here to seek support from the youth of Kashmir. The administration has lent a hand of friendship, youth clubs have been created, you have been given a platform, an opportunity, so come forward and take this opportunity. Make democracy stronger here, let the youths respond to the elements who try to make people go astray, he said. Shah asserted the government's commitment to bringing peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir. "Rest assured, the developmental journey in Kashmir will not stop, and no one will stop J-K from becoming an ideal state with respect to development, peace, infrastructure and prosperity, he added. Shah said he has made a promise in Parliament that the statehood of J-K would be restored and it would be done after the assembly elections. Elections will happen. (Politicians from Kashmir want that the) Delimitation be stopped. Why? Because it hurts their Now, such things will not stop in Kashmir. "The youth of Kashmir will get opportunities, so a right delimitation will be done, which will be followed by elections and then the status of the statehood will be restored. I have said this in the country's Parliament and this is the roadmap, he said. Shah said he felt pleased after his interaction with the members of the youth clubs as the youth of Kashmir has now "set out on the right path and become a shareholder in the journey of development". I wish you all the very best. Keep moving forward and take benefit from this opportunity of youth clubs and support the administration, 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.) AAP supremo and Delhi Chief Minister will visit in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh next week to offer prayers at the birthplace of Lord Ram, official sources said on Saturday. A grand temple is coming up at the site which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram in Currently, a makeshift structure exists enclosing Lord Ram's idol. Kejriwal will offer prayers at Ramlala temple on October 26, they said. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced that it will contest the assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh early next year. (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.) Meet is rolling out a new feature that would let the meeting host to turn off participants' microphones or cameras. The feature has been rolled for Workspace for Education Fundamentals and Education Plus domains. It will launch to additional Workspace editions in the coming months. "The meeting host is the only user in a meeting who can use the 'mute all' feature. Once all participants are muted, the meeting host cannot unmute them. However, users will be able to unmute themselves as needed. The mute all feature will only be available for hosts who are joining from a desktop browser, but will be launching on other platforms in the coming months," Google said in a blog post. The microphone and camera lock feature will be off by default; hosts will have to turn it on during meetings if they want to use it. Recently, started rolling out live speech into translated captions. The live caption feature comes in handy especially for users with disabilities and also for those who want to keep track of what is being said in a virtual meeting word by word. The feature will be useful in all-hands meetings and training programs with globally distributed teams, as well as educators communicating with students. --IANS wh/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.) New Delhi [India], October 23,(ANI/Heylin Spark): Email marketing offers the highest return on investment among all digital marketing channels that exist in contemporary Digital Marketing. As a Certified Mailchimp Expert & Mailchimp Pro Partner, Deep Focus has assisted numerous global clients from different industries in profitably running their email marketing campaigns by utilizing the power of engaging and quality content driven emails. It offers pocket-friendly & result-oriented packages that help clients to improve their marketing ROIs and increase brand awareness. With over 4 billion daily active email users, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the ROI for email marketing is almost 4 times higher than any alternative online marketing technique. Emails landing up in spam folder is one of the biggest obstacles faced by individuals and businesses. As high as 45% of all emails sent end up in the spam folders. This reduces the probability of converting a prospect into a paying customer. With over 1.88 billion existing websites and around 252,000 new websites getting created every day worldwide, online businesses are on the ascent. In the modern internet-powered digital era, conversion-optimized website designs, along with result-oriented email marketing, can help to establish a global brand with ease. Deep Focus specializes in the art of email marketing and web designing by leveraging its talent pool, which entails experienced industry professionals. It offers a one-stop solution to all things digital. From dynamic website creation to running profitable email and digital marketing campaigns, it takes a comprehensive approach to brand building. Empowered by technical experts, marketing professionals, and support teams, Deep Focus has helped small business owners, solopreneurs, corporate giants, entrepreneurs, freelancers, SMEs, and NGOs to fulfil their dreams. The Mailchimp Experts have trained individuals and organizations on several aspects of email marketing. Regardless of whether your search is for sophisticated web solutions including WordPress Website Design services, Website Customization, PHP Powered Web Application Development, Custom Quotation System Development, Email Marketing, Social Media Marketing, or SEO, Deep Focus will address all your needs. The website development plan includes a domain name, 5 premium templates, 10 Pages custom designed as per content, and a website hosting server at a very nominal fee of $800. As the best Email Marketing Agency in India, it offers 10 keywords ranking, monthly blogs, on-page optimization, and backlinks at a mere $300. The $200 email marketing package includes Mailchimp Account Setup, Template Designing, Campaign Setup, and Reporting. Leveraging the real potential of email marketing requires professional expertise that is offered by the top email marketing agencies in India. Establishing yourself as the best in the industry is far from easy. Deep Focus has multiple accolades to back this claim. It is proud to have achieved the Mailchimp Pro-Partner Status, Email Automation Certification by Mailchimp, Gold Medal for Best Email Campaign of 2021, and Notable Networker Award by BNI. With a vision to digitally support individuals and organizations, it strives for excellence. Click (https://deepfocus.in) to explore more. This story is provided by Heylin Spark. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/Heylin Spark) DISCLAIMER (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Coimbatore, (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 23,(ANI/BusinessWire India): Treating a stroke can be time-sensitive as the time frame for treatment is comparatively restricted. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital provides a detailed outlook on Stroke Management and the steps to save a stroke patient's life. A stroke in the human body occurs when the supply of oxygen and blood is interrupted due to occlusion or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. This eventually causes the death of brain cells. As a result of inadequate oxygen supply and cell death, it can lead to brain damage that could be irreversible and even lead to death. The Management of Ischemic Stroke Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is one of the most commonly reported strokes. AIS occurs when there is an interruption in the oxygen supply due to a clot in the blood vessel. AIS is considered a medical emergency where every second is important for recovery. Medical reports state that every minute two million neurons die immediately after the onset of ischemic stroke. Every advancement in the medical field has been a boon to mankind. Similarly, stroke treatment has also undergone evolution to help people recover from a deadly situation. The two most widely proven and accepted treatments are: IVT- Intravenous Thrombolysis EVT- Endovascular Treatment (i.e Mechanical Thrombectomy) Though before the introduction of these methods, Nihilism was a widely practised method in the treatment of stroke. Before you visit a hospital for stroke treatment, the basic identification of stroke is crucial as this can help one in taking immediate action. An acronym named FAST can help in giving a better understanding of the signs that stroke can show. F: Facial Droop - One can observe absolutely no movement in one side of the face A: Arm Drift - There will be drifting of one arm S: Speech - Slurred and mumbled speech usually inaudible T: Time - Time to reach out to medical help When one is suspected of suffering from stroke and the mentioned signs show up, it is paramount to reach out to the emergency department. Within four and a half hours, the diagnosis and treatment have to be provided. Here's a runway of sixty minutes on what happens after the patient is taken to an emergency ward. In about ten minutes, the patient is attended to by an emergency physician. In about fifteen minutes, the patient is examined by the Neurologists. In about twenty-five minutes, the diagnosis involving on contrast CT brain scan and MRI is performed following the protocol. In forty-five minutes, the results of the scan usually come through and the situation is analyzed, and the treatment is also discussed. In sixty minutes, the patient is initiated with thrombolytic therapy. In case a stroke-affected person is brought to the emergency care within the golden window of four and a half hours, for breaking or dissolving the clot, the thrombolytic method is adapted where a drug is injected intravenously immediately after the diagnosis. In cases where the clot is in the large vessel of the brain then along with the thrombolytic method, mechanical thrombectomy is also initiated that can help in the clot removal through suction. If the patient is brought to the hospital after the golden window of the onset of stroke, in such cases up to 24 hours a direct thrombectomy is planned if the occlusion is in the large vessel. In posterior circulation stroke condition, the golden window is extended up to six hours for thrombolysis and up to twenty-four hours for thrombectomy. With both the treatment options available at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, the medical experts are present round the clock, to treat ischemic stroke and help people to get back to their normal bodily functions without any severe disabilities. Stroke can be highly fatal and the severity of damage can be irreversible unless the patient is brought to the hospital in time. Neurologists at Ramakrishna Hospital (https://www.sriramakrishnahospital.com) offer a lot of treatment options to help overcome the stroke and its complications. Visit the hospital to consult with the Best Neurologists in Coimbatore that are experts in their respective medical field. In the event one lives far away, they provide online video consultation for those who require an immediate consultation for their health issues. Doctors are available round the clock to provide effective treatment. Sri Ramakrishna Hospital's services are at par with global benchmarks, ensuring that people get the treatment they need. This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India) DISCLAIMER (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) St. Johnsbury, VT (05819) Today Some lingering evening flurries or snow showers. Evening clouds will give way to clearing overnight. Low 24F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some lingering evening flurries or snow showers. Evening clouds will give way to clearing overnight. Low 24F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. CAMEROUN :: Man arrested in road between Bertoua and Lom Pangar.for trafficking :: CAMEROON With over 77kg of pangolin scales A man has been arrested for trafficking in pangolin scales in Bertoua. He was arrested during an operation carried out by wildlife officials of the Divisional Delegation of Forestry and wildlife of Lom & Djerem, in collaboration with the Gendarmerie. The operation was technically assisted by a wildlife organization, the Last Great Ape Organisation also known as LAGA. He was arrested with over 77kg of pangolin scales hidden under a black tarpaulin and concealed in a white pickuphe drove to the place where he attempted to sell the pangolin scales in Bertoua. Following his arrest, reports reveal that the suspect is a public transportation driver plying the stretch of road between Bertoua and Lom Pangar. Preliminary investigations show, the suspect activated several poachers in the region, particularly around the Lom Pangar Dam and supplied pangolin scales and other wildlife products to several traffickers. The reports stated that thealleged trafficker got the pangolin scales from villages including Deng Deng and Lom Pangar in the East Region. When wildlife officials uncovered the contents of the bags that were found in the car, about a third of the scales were from giant pangolins. This species of pangolin is particularly more threatened with extinction than the other two species that the country has. The scales are not used locally but traded illegally to mainly Chinese traffickers who ship it out of the country to China where it is highly demanded for various reasons and used as beauty accessories, aphrodisiacs and as milk boosters for lactating women. Several studies say that pangolin scales are merely keratin, the same material that makes up human nails and hairs, and have no such purported healing properties. The illegal trade in pangolin scales has picked up stem recently following the lifting of the ban on movements imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Traffickers seem to be relishing the moment and are now on the offensive intensely trafficking in pangolin scales.On July 21, a wildlife trafficker was arrested at the Brigetterie neighbour in Yaounde with 331kg of pangolin scales representing 1.600 killed.Pangolins are totally protected and the wildlife law of the country prohibits any form of possession of the animal. A child stands on the grounds of the Christian Aid Ministries headquarters in Titanyen, Haiti, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021. The leader of the 400 Mawozo gang that police say is holding 17 members of missionary group is seen in a video released Thursday saying he will kill them if he doesnt get what hes demanding. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) Glen, NH (03838) Today Windy. Light snow this evening will give way to partly cloudy skies late. Low near 25F. Winds WNW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of snow 90%.. Tonight Windy. Light snow this evening will give way to partly cloudy skies late. Low near 25F. Winds WNW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of snow 90%. Atlanta (Oct. 23, 2021) The Carter Center is alarmed by the Israeli Defense Ministrys designation of leading Palestinian human rights organizations as terrorist organizations. Under the domestic Anti-Terrorism Law of 2016, these organizations employees can be arrested and all assets seized. The named organizations are globally respected for their outstanding and courageous work documenting human rights violations in occupied Palestine. We stand in solidarity with human rights defenders who represent the conscience of all who seek peace and justice in Israel and Palestine. The Israeli decision to criminalize these organizations is the latest chapter in a long campaign to undermine and defund human rights organizations. The decision was based on undisclosed evidence, giving the rights groups no possibility to rebut the accusations. Increasingly, governments around the world, Israel among them, are abusing counterterrorism laws to silence human rights workers and organizations. This trend is a grave threat to democracy and human rights everywhere. The Israeli government must reverse its decision or immediately come forward with proof and be transparent about why the determination was made. We urge the United States government and the international community to call on Israel to withdraw the designation. ### Contact: In Atlanta, Soyia Ellison, soyia.ellison@cartercenter.org In Ramallah, Qais Asad, qais.assad@cartercenter.org The Carter Center Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope. A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide. At the time of writing, Rons Gone Wrong holds an 80% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes. Heres what the critics are saying: Aparita Bhandari of The Globe and Mail finds the film both fun and timely: The bond between Barney and Ron is clearly the reason this movie works. Galifianakis is delightfully deadpan and weird, natch. Grazer (whose seeming confidence was charming in Luca) plays Barney with a likeable vulnerability. Releasing at a time when were yet again questioning the tech worlds hold on our lives through algorithms and data-mining, Rons Gone Wrong is also relevant for the adults in charge of the various family devices. Awarding the film three stars out of four, Pat Padua of The Washington Post notes his surprise at the films intense critique of tech: Its clear that this horrifying near-future is much like our present. Co-directors Sarah Smith, Jean-Philippe Vine, and Octavio E. Rodriguez, working from a script by Smith and Peter Baynham, pack a chilling dystopian punch, especially for a childrens movie. The co-creators of the B-bot look suspiciously like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates, and the latter character admits outright that B-bots are tailor-made not just to make money, but to spy on their owners. Angie Han agreed, in her review for The Hollywood Reporter, that the films satire resonates: Rons Gone Wrong may just capture one of the most realistic sci-fi futures seen onscreen in recent memory, in that it barely feels like a sci-fi future at all [W]hat the animated feature lacks in daring imagination, it makes up for with endearing good humor, thoughtful cultural critique, and one heck of a cute robot. The Associated Presss Mark Kennedy is less impressed, arguing that the film is both derivative and muddled in its message: Rons Gone Wrong cynically skewers tech-makers but doesnt adequately address the machines they make. It doesnt even dissuade the idea that algorithm-based steel toys can indeed be our friends. It apes too many films already out there and even its theme song Sunshine by Liam Payne is a pale imitation of a Maroon 5 song. Rons Gone Wrong has indeed gone wrong. Michael Ordona is also unenthused in Los Angeles Times, finding problems in the central relationship: Photo: Bob Kronbauer After decades of advocating for the environment in Canada and around the world, David Suzuki says humanity is on a "suicidal path" and little has changed. According to the iconic Canadian environmental activist, time is running out to prevent the most frightening aspects of climate change. As such, he isn't surprised that Vancouver's youth are taking to the streets to protest government inaction. "I think it's an indication of how frustrated people are and civil disobedience seems to be the next step," he told Vancouver Is Awesome via telephone. "My fear is that if this doesn't get the attention and discussion of our so-called leaders, you know, some [...] people are going to start even more disruptive tactics and that's what I'm worried about." Suzuki attended Extinction Rebellion's first of "14 days of disruption" on Saturday (Oct. 16) where he spoke to demonstrators and passersby. Members of the organization's Vancouver chapter blocked the intersection of Burrard and Georgia streets in the afternoon and four of them were subsequently arrested. The environmental group has demanded that Canada's provincial and federal governments end fossil fuel subsidies before the 26th annual UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, which is something Suzuki said must happen. "You know what the United Nations said in 2019: We are facing a loss of biodiversity, unprecedented and it threatens the biosphere for humans," he underscored. "How can we survive in a world in which humans have taken over the bulk of the planet, eliminated so many ecosystems and species? It's really quite terrifying." "People are becoming increasingly desperate." Extinction Rebellion member and President of Unifor Local 950 Brent Eichler told V.I.A. that the group knows their demonstrations will make locals angry particularly those who are behind the wheel. "We understand that and we accept that there is no other way...because we tried every other way," he stated, adding that the protesters must accept "huge personal costs." Suzuki echoed Eicher's words, noting that people "have to think about why are they doing this," highlighting the recent clashes between demonstrators and police in Fairy Creek. "We're still on a suicidal path. And that's why people are becoming increasingly desperate," noted Suzuki. The environmentalist pointed to activist Greta Thunberg and what he said is her "enormous impact," explaining the teen "cut through all of the garbage that we're getting and just said, 'look, you know I'm a child. I believe I'm taught to take science seriously. And what the scientists are saying is there's no future the way we're going.' It's very, very simple, and look at what she got: children around the world have taken up her message." "But is anyone really listening?" This undated file photo provided by the El Paso County, Colo., Sheriff's Office shows Carla Faith. Faith, a Colorado day care owner convicted of misdemeanor child abuse and other crimes for keeping 26 children hidden in a basement was sentenced Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, to six years in prison. Faith was only licensed to care for up to six children and only two of them were allowed to be under the age of 2. (El Paso County Sheriff's Office via AP, File). For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, WMAZ-TV. Buena Vista, CO (81211) Today Mainly clear. Low 29F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low 29F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. 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 Georgia state health officials reported on Friday there have been 121 additional deaths due to the coronavirus. The current total is 24,357. There are 1,069 new cases on Friday, as that total reaches 1,257,310 confirmed cases of coronavirus. Hospitalizations are at 85,039, which is an increase of 184 from Thursday. Here are the numbers by county: Catoosa County: 8,280 cases, up 13; 87 deaths; 294 hospitalizations Chattooga County: 3,651 cases, up 4; 89 deaths, up 2; 248 hospitalizations Dade County: 1,793 cases, up 6; 17 deaths; 68 hospitalizations Walker County: 9,414 cases, up 19; 116 deaths, up 1; 352 hospitalizations, up 1 Whitfield County: 19,133 cases, up 16; 310 deaths, up 1; 911 hospitalizations The life and legacy of Jeff Morelock, who passed away on Feb. 13, was celebrated in the Victory Cove subdivision. Mr. Morelock's wife, Kathy, his son, Davis and family (wife, Ashlan, daughter, Emma Ann and son Jefferson), along with their church family from First Cumberland Presbyterian Church came together with Habitat staff for Jeff Morelock Day. They enjoyed lunch and shared precious memories of Jeff and his passion for the mission of Habitat. The group continued the afternoon with their labor of love, in honor of Jeff, and painted Kerea Westfield's home. Pastor Jennifer Newell of First Presbyterian Church quoted Isaiah 38:2. "But he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands." She said that was Jeff Morelock. The Tennessee Public Defenders Conference met for their annual training Conference in Chattanooga this week. In addition to hosting speakers ranging from author Sara Mayeux to Civil Rights Corps Senior Attorney, Tara Mikkilineni, the conference welcomed two honored guests: Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Bivins, and Mrs. Joan Carter, the widow of State Rep. Mike Carter. Rep. Carter served in the state House of Representatives during the 108th through 112th General Assemblies, representing a portion of Hamilton County, including Ooltewah. In addition, Rep. Carter previously served as a Hamilton County general sessions judge from 1997 to 2005. Rep. Carter, or as many members of the Public Defenders Conference called him, Judge Carter, was instrumental in championing legislation to create the Public Defenders Appellate Division, as well as pushing for grant funding to create a pilot program to staff forensic social workers in public defender offices. In October of 2019, the Public Defenders Conference awarded Rep. Carter with the Friend of the Public Defender Award for his powerful advocacy on behalf of a more robust and equitable justice system. In 2020, Rep. Carter was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and he passed away on May 15, 2021. The Hamilton County Commission voted unanimously to appoint his wife, Joan Carter, to Rep. Mike Carters House District 29 seat. Rep. Joan Carter served honorably from June 19 of this year, until a special election could be held on Sept. 14. During that time, the District Public Defenders Conference Executive Committee voted unanimously to rename the Friend of the Public Defender Award the Mike Carter Award to honor its 2019 recipient and true friend. The year 2020 obviously presented other bad news: the world faced a challenge like wed never experienced in modern times. COVID-19 seemed to bring the world to a halt. However, public defenders never wavered. The attorneys and staff continued to zealously represent clients, including by visiting them in jails and prisons, despite the dangers and challenges that COVID-19 presented, said officials. Chief Justice Bivins acted swiftly and decisively to bring stakeholders in the criminal justice system together (virtually) to discuss which types of cases should be held virtually versus in-person, rule suspensions to improve innovation, and how to access to courts and clerk offices when physical access was limited. Chief Justice Bivins issued orders to ensure courts remained accessible and open, and that the constitutional rights of defendants were protected, while also keeping the courthouses, including public defenders, as safe as possible. His expeditious leadership undoubtedly saved lives and kept the wheels of justice rolling during a time when all else seemed to pause, said officials. In Chattanooga on Wednesday, the Public Defenders Conference was honored to have Mrs. Joan Carter present the inaugural Mike Carter Award to Chief Justice Bivins for his courageous leadership during the historic pandemic of 2020 and 2021. Justice Bivins graciously accepted the award, giving his condolences to Mrs. Carter, and thanking public defenders for continuing their work throughout the pandemic. A woman on Wilcox Boulevard called police about seeing a snake on her apartment floor. The officer also saw it partially under the stove. Unable to retrieve the snake, the woman stayed with her caretaker in another apartment. * * * Police were dispatched to an open door at an apartment complex on Broad Street. The apartment manager said that the back patio door to an apartment appeared to be open and had broken glass. Officers arrived on scene and observing the broken glass and open door, entered and cleared the apartment. No people were located, but a large amount of clothing and miscellaneous items were found inside. Officers also found $42.25 in the bedroom closet. Officers made contact with the manager, who said that the apartment tenant was going through the process of being evicted. The tenant was not far enough behind on rent per the complex's policy to be evicted yet, but she had not been seen at the location for some time. Suspects remain unidentified due to no camera footage being found, nor any witnesses to the door being broken. The found $42.25 was taken into Property at the CPD Property room. * * * A man on Canal Street told police that his car alarm went off at 10:30 p.m. Police attempted to check surveillance video, however the cameras were not functioning. * * * Police observed a woman standing between the northbound and southbound lanes of Williams Street on the north side of the intersection of W. 21st St. The woman was holding a sign and panhandling. Police spoke with her and reminded her that she may not panhandle in Chattanooga. She was checked for warrants, which she did not have, and was given a verbal warning. She left the intersection. * * * Police observed two people outside of 5850 Ragnar Dr. (a condemned residence). There was a white male in the driveway talking with a white female in a black sedan. The man identified himself and the woman. He told police he was there to "work on his truck," and the woman said she was there to give him a ride when he finished, however she decided to leave after police spoke with her. Police then left the scene, as the man was working with his truck. * * * A driver of a Toyota told police that a truck from General Shale lost a portion of its load and a concrete block fell on his vehicle's running board. It was apparent to police that contact was made, but not apparent if there was damage or not. The driver said he would contact his insurance, and General Shale, who was not on scene, said they would cover damages to the Toyota. No injuries were reported. * * * A woman on Union Avenue told police the catalytic converter was stolen from her 2004 Honda Element (TN tag). She said the converter had been cut off of her vehicle. No suspect information could be obtained. * * * A woman on Calhoun Avenue told police that Sunday morning it was discovered that Ready 2 Hang Art's Instagram had been hacked and a lot of very profane material was posted on it. She said she has traced the IP addresses from which this was done to Nashville. She said they have taken down the profane postings, but have not reported this to Instagram. Police suggested that she report this to Instagram and, since she says that she has the location in Nashville from where this was done, she might check with Nashville PD to see if they can be of assistance to her. * * * Police observed a red Mazda SUV parked at the end of Poplar Street with a damaged windshield, no tag, flat tires and a tarp on the windows. Police placed a 48 hours Chattanooga City Notice Sticker on the vehicle. Police will check after the allotted time and tow the vehicle if needed. * * * A concerned citizen reported a person had discarded a brown bag near the gas pumps at the Citgo station, 7400 E Brainerd Road. Further investigation found that the bag contained garbage, which was promptly thrown into the dumpster. * * * Police spoke with two homeless people on McCallie Avenue, and identified them. They two were behind a business charging their phones. A staff member who works at the business said that they were not welcome on the property and needed to leave and not come back. Police told both men that they were trespassed and not allowed back on the property. * * * A woman on Sherry Circle said someone filed for unemployment with her information through her old job. She said she is in need of a report to file a claim. * * * Police tried to contact a driver of a black Chevrolet SUV on Hughes Avenue with no license plate that was parked illegally (wrong direction) in front of a residence. The Chevrolet was unoccupied at the time the police tried to make contact. Police spoke with a resident about the vehicle and they told police that they didn't know who it belonged to, it just showed up and hasn't moved since it arrived. Police decided at this time to place an orange 48-hour tow sticker on the front driver's side windshield. That way the owner of the Chevrolet has ample notice to move the vehicle from the area. * * * A man told police someone filed for unemployment through his job at Unum using his personal information. He was notified by human resources and was told to file a police report. * * * A woman on Hixson Pike told police she had run out of gas and someone was going to get her some more. Police blocked traffic until the gas arrived. Her tank was filled via a jerry can and she left. * * * A man on Ashford Villa Circle told police two people who possibly live at the apartment complex continue to play loud music from their cars. The man showed police where it is a breach in the housing contract at the complex. He said he has tried to talk to management, but nothing has happened. The man showed police a video showing how loud the music is. He wanted a report made since management won't do anything. * * * A man on Idlewild Drive called police because he wanted a woman to leave, which she did. * * * A woman on Rossville Boulevard had gotten lost going home and needed a ride back to Chatt Inn at 2000 East 23rd St. She was transported home without incident. * * * A man on Jenkins Road said a white Chevrolet Tahoe pulled up next to him and began to yell at him. The complainant did not specify what the person was saying, however he did say that no firearms were brandished, and the suspect did not follow him into the gas station parking lot once the complainant exited the interstate and called police. * * * A man on Jim Snow Way told police a female was on a bike near their company property and talking in an irate manner on the phone. He said he wanted the woman to move along, but said she was not on their property and he recognized the road as a public city road. The man said he was concerned about the woman remaining, due to a gate that would be closing around 5 p.m. to block the road off. While police spoke with the man, the woman started to leave the area on her own accord. The man requested a report documenting the presence of the woman, who never stepped foot on their company property. * * * A concerned citizen reported a person had discarded a brown bag near the gas pumps at the Citgo station, 7400 E Brainerd Road. Further investigation found that the bag contained garbage, which was promptly thrown into the dumpster. General Hospital was definitely filled with some major twists and turns this week. Sonny watched in awe as Nina got carted off to jail. Anna sat vigil for Valentin. And the ever-conniving Victor made a deal for his freedom. There was definitely plenty of drama to be had in Port Charles this week! General Hospital | Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images On General Hospital, Anna sat vigil for an unconscious Valentin On todays episode of General Hospital, Anna sat vigil for Valentin, who still hasnt gained consciousness. The doctor told Anna that the bullet was fragmented. As a result, it couldnt fully be removed. The doctor recommended Valentin be transported to the United States to get the rest of the bullet out. Anna refuses to leave Valentin's side until he wakes up. Where does her investigation go from here? A brand-new #GH starts RIGHT NOW on ABC! @finolahughes pic.twitter.com/QtcXn5HYE9 General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) October 22, 2021 This bit of news devastated Anna. And naturally, this lends credence to the previous speculation that Anna and Valentin are becoming more than friends. To be fair, their affair is long overdue. Even if Robert Scorpio thinks Anna is the love of his life, Annas clearly catching feelings for Valentin. When last we left these two, Anna swore to Valentin that she wouldnt let him die in Greece. She then kissed his hand and promised to return. It seems like upcoming episodes of General Hospital will explore this burgeoning affair in greater detail. Sonny watched helplessly as Nina got arrested Speaking of affairs, todays episode of General Hospital left Sonny reeling. According to Soaps @ SheKnows, Sonny and Nina met at the Metro Court today. Sonny told Nina that he and Carly are rebuilding their life together. This didnt exactly thrill Nina. But, she said shed accept it, mostly because she has no other choice. She also told Sonny that she hoped Phyllis stays in Port Charles so she could win back the trust of the people she loves. But nothing could have prepared either one of them for what was coming next. No sooner do they finish their conversation at the Metro Court that the Port Charles Police show up. As it turns out, theres a warrant out for Ninas arrest! It seems shes wanted for identity theft and fraud! So the questions still remain: who ordered Ninas arrest? Was Carly behind it all? Upcoming episodes of General Hospital will definitely reveal all. Victor makes a deal for his freedom Meanwhile, according to SoapHub, the ever-conniving Victor made a deal for his freedom. And he made an offer that Anna couldnt refuse. WATCH: Victor quite enjoys playing games with Anna and Robert but which of them is winning? #GH pic.twitter.com/9QlmpWYPaI General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) October 23, 2021 Down in Crete, Victor Cassadine (Charles Shaughnessy) had a proposition for Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) and Robert Scorpio (Tristan Rogers): give him full immunity from prosecution, and hed tell them where Peter August (Wes Ramsey) and by extension, Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) and Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati) is, they reported. Anna gave serious consideration to the trade; Robert opinioned they should just do the world a favor by offing the villain; and surprise, surprise, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart) co-signed the latter plan. We already know Victor and the truth dont really have the best of relationships. Will we really see him turn over Peter to Anna on upcoming episodes of General Hospital? RELATED: General Hospital Weekly Sneak Peek: Carly is Forced to Make Choices, As Sonny Forces Nina to Comply Sammi Sweetheart Giancola isnt part of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, but she will always be part of the original cast and a fan favorite for many. While some MTV fans miss Giancolas presence in the Jersey Shore reboot, theyre still living for these four moments from the shows initial run. These are the most memorable Jersey Shore moments starring Sammi Sweetheart. Sammi Sweetheart Giancola | Steven Lawton/FilmMagic Sammi Sweethearts Fred Flintstone toe We cant talk about Giancolas best moments from Jersey Shore without talking about Ronnie Ortiz-Magros thoughts on her feet. In the famous Jersey Shore scene, Giancola calls Ortiz-Magro a stumpy bastard. He retaliates with a jab of his own, telling Giancola she has a Fred Flintstone toe. It's the Fred Flintstone big toe for me. pic.twitter.com/R4sTmoaZIE Jersey Shore (@JerseyShore) August 14, 2020 Thats not a joke to me, thats personal issues, Giancola replies. In an attempt to make things better, Ortiz-Magro offers to suck Giancolas big toe. Today, this scene lives rent free in many fans heads. Sammi Sweetheart Giancola turns down Mike The Situation Sorrentino on Jersey Shore When Jersey Shore began, Ortiz-Magro wasnt the first man Giancola was interested in it was Mike The Situation Sorrentino. One of the first nights in the house, the two go on a date, complete with hand-holding on the boardwalk. We vibe good with each other, Giancola tells cameras. Im comfortable with Mike. Working together in Danny Merks Shore Store, Giancola is impressed with Sorrentinos ability to sell clothing with I Love The Situation on it after exposing his abs. But as quickly as Giancolas romance with Sorrentino started, it ended. She started dating Ortiz-Magro shortly after and the rest is history. Jenni JWoww Farley and Sammi Sweetheart Giancolas Miami brawl in Jersey Shore Season 2 When the roommates were in Miami for season 2, tensions were high because of the note Jenni JWoww Farley and Nicole Snooki Polizzi wrote for Giancola explaining Ortiz-Magros indiscretions. Ironically, Giancolas fight with Farley began because of the roomates issue with Pivarnick. Vinny why would you try and start trouble right now? Giancola interjects after Vinny Guadagnino tells Farley about Pivarnicks comments. Why is my conversation even being brought up though? Farley questions, to which Giancola replies: Dont yell at me, honey! Then, things turn into an all-out brawl. Farley hits Giancola and the roommates step in to pull them off of each other. Later, Guadagnino and Ortiz-Magro get physical. For the rest of the trip, theres a divide in the house because of the note, but fans will never forget Giancolas rumble with JWoww. Ronnie Ortiz-Magro and Sammi Sweetheart team up on Angelina Pivarnick in Miami Pivarnick left Jersey Shore Season 1 because she was homesick and missed her boyfriend. When she returned to the house in season 2, the roommates didnt necessarily welcome her with open arms. The reality star would remove herself from the show once again, but not before getting involved in the note drama between Farley, Giancola, and Polizzi. In season 2, episode 11, just before Pivarnicks exit from the Miami house, Ortiz-Magro and Giancola give her a piece of their minds. RELATED: Jersey Shore Cast Banned From Doing This While Filming Season 4 in Florence, Italy Out of everybody in the house, I thought you two were my f****** true friends, Pivarnick tells Ortiz-Magro and Giancola, bags in hand. No, you called me fake, Giancola tells her. After Pivarnick left, Giancola admits to feeling bad about the situation, but fans still remember her standing up to Pivarnick in an iconic send-off. Sean Hannity is best known as a conservative political commentator and celebrity. He is also a TV and radio personality and an author. He is best known for his appearance on the debate show Hannity & Colmes, where he debated topics from the conservative point of view against his more liberal cohost, Alan Colmes. Sean Hannity has lived an exciting life leading up to his successful career as a primetime host on the Fox News Network. It makes one wonder if someone with so much success even graduated from college? Sean Hannity did not take the traditional educational path Sean Hannity | Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Politicon According to Biography, Sean Hannity was born in 1961 as the only son and youngest child of Irish immigrants in New York City. Both of his parents worked in the justice system. His mother was a corrections officer and a court stenographer, and his father was an officer in the family court system. Hannity spent his childhood attending Catholic schools, where he graduated from high school. He went on to attend college at Adelphi University, New York University, and the University of California-Santa Barbara. Interestingly enough, he did not earn a college degree at any of the schools he attended. Instead, he chose to focus on his childhood fascination with building a career in radio. Hannity was fired from his first radio job According to Britannica, Sean Hannity got his first radio position in 1989 at the University of California-Santa Barbara. He worked as a volunteer host on KCSB FM in Santa Barbara. Hannity didnt waste time working toward building his conservative audience and credentials while at KCSB. This led to some somewhat controversial events, including one particular episode when he made some anti-LGBT comments. He was taken off the air promptly after these events. This speed bump in his career did not stop Hannity. He used assistance from a local chapter of the ACLU to get permission to return to his radio show. He then used the publicity surrounding the events at KCSB to get a position at WVNN in Athens, Alabama. This was Hannitys first paid radio position. It only took a few years for Hannity to reach the top of the local market with his afternoon program. He started building his name in the conservative world, including developing a relationship with well-known conservative Congressman Newt Gingrich. He also met his wife, Jill Rhodes, while working in Alabama. Hannity moved on to Atlanta, Georgia, from 1992 to 1996, where he worked for WGST. Soon after his stint in Atlanta, Hannity got his first radio program in New York City at WABC in 1997. He started airing during a late-night slot, but then he got moved to the much more desirable afternoon drive time slot. It was during this time that Hannitys career started to build up major steam. Fox News Channel changes everything for Sean Hannity LISTEN NOW: Im like a Marine all week. I work out, I eat at a specific time. I research at a specific time, I write at a specific time. All week long, thats my life https://t.co/QyNr7oqUbT Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) October 7, 2021 In 1996, Sean Hannity was hired by a brand-new conservative cable channel created by Robert Murdoch and Robert Ailes, the Fox News Channel. Hannity was to be one of the original primetime hosts alongside Alan Colmes, his more liberal counterpart. Hannity & Colmes lasted 13 years and ended when Colmes left the program in 2009. Hannity & Colmes was a massive success as it spent 60 months as the top program for its time slot, and it averaged 3.3 million viewers right before Colmes made his exit. Hannity then went on to host his own self-named program, Hannity, at 9 pm till 2013, when it got moved to the 10 pm slot. The time change occurred when Fox News wanted Megyn Kelly in a more prominent position to attract a younger demographic. Hannity moved back to 9 pm in 2017 after Kelly left Fox News. Hannity also maintains his own radio syndicated program, The Sean Hannity Show, which attracts upwards of 13.5 million listeners for every episode. Fox News has been good for Hannity as they pay him a whopping $36 million a year salary. Add that to his published books and real estate investments, and he is estimated to have a net worth of $200 million. Hannity was the son of Irish immigrants in New York City who dreamed of being on the radio. He never finished college, but one could say Hannity is doing alright for himself. RELATED: Why Do So Many People Watch Sean Hannity on Fox News? First year nursing student, Emma Champlin, attends a clinical laboratory class at Fresno State on Oct. 13 in Fresno, California. Champlin said like many of her classmates, she saw the pandemic as a chance to learn critical-care skills and to help at a time when those abilities are needed. Back on Feb. 18 of this year, Cheshire native Katie Stack Morgan carried a mix of excitement and nerves to work. As the Deputy Project Scientist for the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover, she had waited four years to see a capsule reach the planet, but to land, it had to survive going through the atmosphere in a process that the science community calls seven minutes of terror. Nine years ago, Morgan had seen the process completed successfully with the Mars Curiosity Rover, but knew that the trek is always a stressful ordeal. It (the rover) is lowered down on a sky crane, which is a series of cables. When it lands, the rover breaks out of the capsule, explained Morgan. It is a pretty intense process, but weve pulled it off twice now. Since there is a delay between Martian time and Earth, Morgan didnt get to see the landing live, but she enjoyed watching the video afterwards. We were getting updates on the process from a space ship, recalled Morgan. It sent back these amazing images of the capsule landing. It was the first time that we had filmed footage of it. Over the last eight months at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California, the 2004 Cheshire High School graduate has been working to investigate terrain. For research, Morgan focuses on tracking the history of Martian sedimentary rocks and studying the evolution of ancient surfaces. It (Mars) was once very earth-like. It had liquid water and was capable of having ancient life, but it is now desolate, stated Morgan. It is hard to find ancient rocks on Earth because of plate tectonics, but you can find that on Mars. It is something that we couldnt study on our planet. Perseverance is the first leg of an effort to bring back samples to Earth. The rover has 43 tubes, 38 being for soil. So far, four tubes have been sealed up. We want to collect rock and soil samples that will revolutionize how we look at the solar system and life on Mars, stated Morgan. Morgan said that she is always building geologic models in her head. I think its cool that we can look at rocks and see how they behave, explained Morgan. We are just doing it on a different planet. After space flight, Morgan and team started out checking the Perseverance instruments. A helicopter moved along with the rover, stated Morgan. It has done 13 flights, which is really neat. After three months, the rover received approval to move around. It is now working on a geologic crater. We have taken images before, but had never explored it, recalled Morgan. Its fun for me to have thought about this landing site for so long and to now see the rocks up close. Scientists look at orbital data in planning courses. You pull out the map and decide where you want to go and what you want to see along the way, explained Morgan. We have this strategic plan in mind, given how many big boulders there are and how long it will take to get there. With a large team of 500 scientists and a couple hundred more engineers, Morgan feels that is important to work together. The engineers want to go on the flat road because it is safer, while the scientists want to go over the big rocks because they want to see them up close, said Morgan. To help with movement, Morgan is pleased to have a new auto navigation feature. We can tell the rover where to go and it assesses the terrain, stated Morgan. "The rover can move up to 100 to 200 meters a day. For Morgan, one of the most exciting things is looking at new pictures. *Im the first person to see the images that have never been shown before and that is pretty cool, stated Morgan. We do release them pretty quick, so if people know the right (web) sites, they can view them, too. While not envisioning working with rovers as a child, Morgan has always been interested in astronomy. My parents saw that interest and were supportive of it, recalled Morgan. They took me to planetary shows and got me a telescope. After graduating from CHS in 2004, Morgan went on to earn her degree in Geosciences and Astronomy at Williams College in Massachusetts. She recalls how a planetary geology class opened her eyes to how much people can learn about the world. Ive always liked history and thinking back in time, explained Morgan. Im amazed by the fact that we can study something in front of us and construct an amazing history of our planet and other planets. For graduate school, Morgan traveled out west to study geology at the California Institute of Technology. In my first couple of years, I was a little bit lost, reflected Morgan. I wasnt sure if I wanted to stay in science, so I put out feelers for more opportunities. In what she sees as a life-changing experience, she was given the chance to be a graduate assistant at JPL and work on the Mars Rover Curiosity project. It was the most exciting thing Ive ever done. I got to know the people who work at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, recalled Morgan. I was lucky that Curiosity landed when it did. I had this moment when it (my interests) all clicked. For her first day, she remembers not understanding what any of her colleagues were saying. Over time, you learn to speak engineering and discover what the rover does, stated Morgan. While continuing to study at school, Morgan worked her way up to become a member of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Team in 2012. I started at the bottom of the totem pole like taking notes every day because you want to know why you did certain things with the rover, stated Morgan. As a grad assistant, I realized that I had something to provide scientifically and could participate more in the process. At JPL, she had an opportunity to lead an investigative team that decided where the Curiosity Rover would move for a span of six months. Through research, the team found that the planet had the chemistry to support microbe life. Scientists and engineers work differently. It was good to learn how to speak engineering such as the lingo and explain that to my fellow scientists, explained Morgan. I enjoyed the interaction with other scientists and also being able to explore another planet. I thought to myself that I had found my calling. Morgan believes that her work with the Curiosity Rover led to her joining the Perseverance team. After getting her Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees at California Institute of Technology, she became the Deputy Project Scientist for the next rover in 2017. In contrast to the Curiosity program, Morgan started working in the development stages for the Perseverance Rover. It is an interesting experience, reflected Morgan. I didnt see the rover get built from scratch the first time. I think I took for granted that, of course, the rover works. For delivery, the rover is packed in a capsule, attached to the top of a rocket, and then blasted into space. During a six-to-eight-month trek to Mars, the capsule separates from the rocket. Morgan appreciates all the steps that went into the Perseverance Rover reaching its destination. The capsule was launched on July 30, 2020, but the design project started a decade ago. You see the hard work and the blood, sweat, and tears, stated Morgan. At times, you dont think that it is going to get pulled off, but now it is all working the way you want it to work. Since a day on Mars lasts approximately 40 minutes longer than on Earth, Morgan has an unusual work schedule. We (the scientists) are waking up in the middle of the night when a lot of people on Earth are sleeping, said Morgan. When I did Martian time for Curiosity, I was living alone with my dog, but now I have a family with two kids and a husband. It has become more of a challenge, but I have made it work. With the world dealing with the pandemic over the last two years, Morgan feels that Perseverance was an apt name for the rover. I think that many people felt that the mission meant a lot because of what we were going through on our planet, said Morgan. As the next step in the process, Morgan said there may be a fetch rover sent to Mars to collect rocks and return them to Earth. The earliest that it could happen would be the 2030s, added Morgan. In her field, Morgan has received honors as the NASA Software of the Year Award in 2018. Back in 2013, she was also named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Science and Healthcare. I feel fortunate to be doing this (work) so early in my career, said Morgan. While building her professional career in California, she has liked being able to still connect with people from her hometown. Right before the Perseverance Rover landed this year, CHS teacher Julie Barker asked Morgan to call in and talk about the mission with students in the Science National Honor Society. It was exciting to share the rover with them, Morgan reflected. She has also spoken about her work with a Girl Scouts troop in Cheshire. It is good to talk to young girls and show them that this kind of science career is within their reach, stated Morgan. Apple takes down Bible app in China to appease communist regime Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Apple has removed a popular Bible app and a Quran app in China after the communist countrys regime deemed that the apps violated local laws on hosting religious texts. Bible App by Olive Tree, which has over 1 million downloads, and Quran Majeed, used by millions of Muslims, have been taken down due to compliance issues, the tech company told the BBC. Apple refused to comment but directed the BBC to its Human Rights Policy: Were required to comply with local laws, and at times there are complex issues about which we may disagree with governments. Apple also told the BBC that the apps had been removed because Chinese officials had stated they violated laws on hosting illegal religious texts. Apple chief executive Tim Cook has been accused of hypocrisy from politicians in the U.S. for speaking out about American politics, but staying quiet about China, the BBC noted. Chinese authorities are also removing Bible apps and Christian WeChat public accounts as new highly restrictive administrative measures on religious staff went into effect earlier this year. Open Doors estimates that China has more than 97 million Christians, many of whom worship in unregistered or so-called illegal underground churches. The U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern documented more than 100 incidents of Christian persecution in China between July 2020 and June 2021 as the countrys communist regime seeks to forcefully convert independent religious groups into mechanisms of the Chinese Communist Party. ICC tracked 23 incidents of authorities demolishing religious structures and symbols during its reporting period, the group said in its report. The CCP has torn down, destroyed, and removed numerous churches in China, especially those that refused to submit to its control, the report said. The persecution watchdog added in the report that it recorded 14 cases of Sinicization, which is a state campaign to forcefully assimilate religious groups into CCP-defined Chinese culture. As an example, ICC highlighted the plight of a church bookstore that was forced to display Mao Zedongs Little Red Book instead of the Bible. The Administration for Religious Affairs also ordered Christians to study President Xis book and memorize his speeches. Under the direction of President Xi Jinping, officials from the CCP have been enforcing strict controls on religion, according to another report released in March by China Aid. Open Doors USA, which monitors persecution in over 60 countries, estimates that there are about 97 million Christians in China, a large percentage of whom worship in what China considers to be illegal and unregistered underground house churches. Christians are not the only religious minority to face persecution at the hands of the CCP, however. Estimates suggest that as many as 1 million to 3 million Uyghur and other ethnic Muslims have been subject to internment camps in the western Xinjiang province, where they are taught to be secular citizens who fall in line with the CCP. In January, the U.S. State Department recognized Chinas treatment of Uyghurs as a genocide. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment This Tuesday the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill abruptly canceled classes in an effort to stop the spread of an epidemic. It is not Covid-19. Nonetheless, the deadly disease they were trying to stop is now the second leading cause of death in college- and high school-aged individuals. No immunization is available to stop it, nor will one ever be. There are no nasal, blood, or other quick tests that can screen for the disease. Classes were canceled in an effort to prevent a suicide outbreak or suicide cluster. This year, 10 million Americans will wrestle with whether or not to end their lives. One and a half million will be seen in emergency departments for suicide attempts and ideation. Every 11 seconds someone attempts suicide. Americas suicide rate now ties the all-time high experienced in the Great Depression of the 1930s: 14.5 per 100,000 per year. But if we look more closely, we quickly see that our current situation is far worse. In the 1930s, they did not have the medical technology to reverse overdoses, dialyze off poisons, and mechanically ventilate those who temporarily lost their respiratory drive. They did not have in-school depression screening, a national suicide prevention hotline, or a 911 emergency system. No effective medical treatment for depression existed. Today, one out of every eight adults takes an antidepressant. In short, without the invention and intervention of modern medicine and trauma systems, our suicide rate would be 200 to 300 times higher than has ever been experienced at any time in recorded history. What should we do? For several decades, mental health experts have recommended greater access to mental health screening, counseling, and medications. They have advocated for destigmatizing mental illness and mainstreaming previously marginalized groups and behaviors. But here is the problem: for the last several decades, America has followed these recommendations, and yet virtually every year, our suicide rate has increased by approximately 2%. Albert Einstein is credited with saying that to continue doing more of the same thing while expecting a different outcome is the definition of insanity. Perhaps it is time that society faces up to the reality that what we are doing is not working. Just as Einstein needed to free himself from the dictum that time is a universal constant, perhaps we need to free ourselves from the notion that societys unquestioning forward momentum will inevitably lead us to a better world. Have we built a world that is unlivable? Will continuing down this same road lead us further from sanity? Are those taking their own lives really the sensitive ones our canaries in the coal mine? One of western medicines most powerful tools for studying disease is to use an animal model. But in the realm of suicide this method breaks down. There is no animal model of suicide because humans alone are unique in this behavior. Since the dawn of time, no zebra has ever woken up and said, To heck with it. Today I will not run from the lion. As a result of this phenomenon, the concept of faith was introduced to those of us who attended medical school several decades ago as we studied suicide. This happened even though most of my professors and students like me (at the time) were atheists. Why? Because since Emile Durkheims 1897 study of suicide, it has been known that people who have a committed belief in God are four to six times less likely to die by suicide than atheists. In medical school, I was taught that humans are a combination of mind, body, and soul; today, discussion of the soul has been subtracted. Recently, I submitted an op-ed for Suicide Prevention Week to my citys newspaper. It ended as follows: Society can continue to try and prevent suicide by doing more of what is not working. But I believe it is time to start allowing things like faith, God, love, and even the concept of suicide as a moral wrong back into our approach to suicide prevention. The editor responded, Just read through the op-ed, and the only problem is at the end, where he brings up suicide as a moral wrong. Apparently, in our brave new world, suicide as a moral wrong is news unfit to print. Canceling classes is fine, but our suicide problem is much bigger than a day off can solve. Perhaps living in age where a physician can no longer express the opinion that suicide is morally wrong is one of the reasons our countrys youth are deciding that life is not worth living. China must stop sending North Korean defectors back Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment North Korea is infamous for having one of the worst human rights records on earth. In recognition of this fact, some human rights advocates dubbed September 24, 2021, as Save North Korean Refugees Day. Crossing the border into China is the only option for most North Koreans trying to escape from North Korea. Yet, when they arrive in China, they face a whole new set of dangers. Most North Korean defectors are women, and most are sold into human trafficking once they arrive in China, often as brides for Chinese men. Defectors who are caught by Chinese authorities and sent back to North Korea face an even worse fate, as the North Korean regime brutally punishes repatriated defectors. North Korean Freedom Coalition Chair Suzanne Scholte says that certain torture, imprisonment, and potential death await the defectors upon their forced return to North Korea. One Christian North Korean defector, Ji Hyeona, has shared her harrowing story of enduring a forced abortion in a North Korean labor camp after she was repatriated (the regime does not recognize half-Chinese children). She said: "Every night, I heard the screams of women going through forced abortions in the prison camp. I, too, could not avoid this fate, as I was three months pregnant with a half-Chinese, half-Korean baby in my womb. Where they placed me was not a hospital bed, but it was a desk. And a fearful-looking doctor forcibly pried open my legs and inserted forceps and started killing my baby in my womb by cutting up and shredding my baby." This is the level of cruelty experienced by repatriated defectors. The threat posed to religious freedom by these brutal repatriations should not be ignored. Upon their return to North Korea, one of the first questions defectors are asked by authorities is if they met any Christian missionaries. Responding in the affirmative would guarantee time in a labor camp or even a death sentence. Many North Korean defectors encounter Christianity for the first time while in China, either by South Korean missionaries ministering to them or by seeking help from Chinese churches. For newly converted Christians, returning to North Korea is all the more dangerous. The North Korean regime views religion of any sort as a threat to the Kim regimes stranglehold on the minds of its citizensa threat they will brutally suppress. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea has become even more isolated and repressive. The U.S. State Department recently issued a statement condemning the North Korean regime for the increasingly draconian measures [it] has taken, including shoot-to-kill orders at the North Korea-China border, to tighten control of its people under the guise of fighting COVID-19. With devastating conditions such as these, it is all the more important that China stop repatriating North Korean defectors. North Koreas human rights violations, especially those against repatriated defectors, are well-documented. China is party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which states that refugees should not be returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom. With North Koreas long history of human rights violations, it is wrong for China to repatriate defectors back to North Korea. Instead, Beijing should cooperate with the South Korean government to help bring defectors to South Korea, a safe country that is ready and willing to take them. Letters sent to President Xi Jinping and Chinese ambassadors have called upon the Chinese government to uphold the human rights of the defectors and pursue a plan to resettle to willing countries, especially South Korea which offers defectors automatic citizenship. Activists are delivering appeals for a change in policy at more than a dozen Chinese embassies located around the world. Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused a brief pause in Chinas repatriation of defectors, they have since resumed, placing thousands of North Korean defectors currently in China at risk. Now more than ever, the Chinese government should be held accountable for sending defectors back to certain punishment in North Korea. Originally published at The Daily Signal. If prophecy predicts things will get worse, why engage the culture? Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment There are many reasons pastors and other Christians offer for avoiding politics and other forms of cultural engagement, but one I find particularly annoying is based on eschatology. The argument claims that when it comes to biblical prophecies, matters will only worsen before the Second Coming of Christ; therefore, nothing can be done to stop the current trajectory of evil and injustice. Except for seeking to win others to faith in Christ before judgment falls, it's mostly a waste of time to attempt to change the direction of a sinful society. Frankly, there are many biblical responses to refute this point of view, but allow me to share one that's not so often given. It was by renowned Christian evangelist Dr. Billy Graham someone we don't typically think of as a social reformer but who articulated it quite well in his book, Approaching Hoofbeats. Graham wrote: "I believe the judgment of God can be withheld for a period of time. It doesn't even take the repentance of a whole city to delay God's judgment plans. Abraham was granted a delay if he could find a mere ten righteous men in Sodom. Still, the Judgment Day is coming. The distant sounds of the four horsemen grow louder every day. How long will God postpone the judgment? We do not know. But we do know from this wonderful vision of John [John's vision of the four horsemen in the book of Revelation] what we believers must do in the meantime. Those who have died in Christ must patiently wait for that day. Those of us still alive in Christ must continue working as God's allies in the salvation of the lost and social justice." Graham's use of the phrase "social justice" didn't carry with it the Marxist trappings of nowadays. Graham was simply talking about the Christian responsibility to work for change in the world that reflects the character of our Creator. Graham stood for the civil rights of African Americans in his day. His messages supported the battle against abortion, pornography, and vice. Graham further admonished Christians in his book: "We must not be content with easy answers. The call to follow Christ is not easy. It is easy to receive salvation but there can never be 'cheap grace.' Our redemption by the Cross of Jesus Christ was costly to God. So, also, we must be willing to deny self and take up a cross and follow Christ. It is not easy to follow Him. It is not easy to decide what tasks you can do and what tasks you must leave for others. It is not easy to take a stand when issues are complex and two-sided. It is not always easy to witness for Him. It is not easy to work against evil that judgment might be postponed, but it is the task to which we are all called." In Luke's Gospel, Jesus told a parable about a man who owned land and wanted a tree cut down. He wanted the tree removed because it wasn't producing fruit. When he instructed one of his workers to destroy the tree, the worker replied, Sir, leave it for a while just yet. Let me dig around it and fertilize it. Perhaps after doing this, it will bear fruit, but if not, you can cut it down (Paraphrase of Lk. 13:6-8). Certainly, this parable demonstrates delayed judgment to allow the endeavors of God's people to attempt to turn things around. And throughout history, it seems clear this has happened. In his book, Graham mentions two times from the Bible. There was that time when the reluctant prophet Jonah was sent to Nineveh to preach God's imminent judgment. But the people turned away from their gross wickedness, and Nineveh was spared for another 150 years. Huldah, the prophetess, told the people of Judah that God's judgment was going to soon fall. The King responded by humbling himself before God. So, the Lord said to him, "Therefore I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this place" (2 Kings 22:20). Judgment was delayed until after the King's death several years later. What are these but examples of delayed judgments, in part due to the obedience of God's servants, whose actions worked to that end? Two great spiritual awakenings in America. One which took place before the Revolution and the second afterward unquestionably saved this nation from destruction in its formative years. Because faithful preachers, men like Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield, and many others were bold in speaking to the sins of their time, numerous revivals broke out, resulting in God sparing the country from what would have likely been a great fall. I know what I've written will throw some prophecy hawks into a tizzy. But as Graham said, "[T]he Bible's prophecies are in such stark contrast with the synthetic predictions of the computer. The Bible takes human nature into account." In other words, everything that God's Word predicts will come to pass. But exactly when or how these prophecies will pan out is not always so clear. What is abundantly clear, however, is that what God's people do and the way the world responds is factored into it. Therefore, the Rapture isn't an excuse for the church to be raptured from responsibility now. Our task is not simply to prepare ourselves, our families, and others for the next world. We have a mandate to work to better God's creation which is a reference to this world. We can't do that and avoid politics. We cannot reasonably keep it out. When Christ finally does come again, "it will be good for that servant whose master finds him so doing" (Mt. 24:46). Maryland pastor facing federal charges for arranging 60 fraudulent marriages in citizenship scheme Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Maryland pastor was indicted this week for allegedly arranging fraudulent marriages of foreign nationals with American citizens to give them permanent residence in the United States in exchange for thousands of dollars, the Department of Justice says. Joshua Olatokunbo Shonubi, a 50-year-old pastor at NewLife City Church, Inc. in Hyattsville, allegedly arranged 60 fraudulent marriages between January 2014 and January 2021 to secure permanent residence for foreigners, according to the indictment, ABC 7News reported. The indictment alleges that Shonubi, often utilizing his role as pastor of NewLife, directly or through others, recruited and groomed U.S. citizens, including economically disadvantaged citizens, with payments and promises of money in exchange for marrying foreign nationals, then sponsoring the foreign nationals for permanent residence in the United States through USCIS, the Justice Department said. The accused also allegedly gave dozens of reference letters on his churchs letterhead for the foreign nationals application for permanent residence, falsely stating: his relation to the parties; the nature of the marriage; his role in providing spiritual guidance or counseling; and his belief as to the romantic nature of the marriage, according to the seven-count indictment. Shonubi also allegedly created fake rental leases showing his company, Jaypro, as landlord to falsely prove that the couples were living together. If convicted, Shonubi faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit visa fraud and marriage fraud and a maximum of five years in federal prison for each of six counts of presenting false documents to a federal government agency, the Justice Department added. In April, a pastor in Washington, D.C., was arrested for fraudulently obtaining more than $1.5 million from the Paycheck Protection Program, which he then splurged on personal expenses, including 39 cars. Pastor Rudolph Brooks Jr., founder and senior pastor of the Kingdom Tabernacle of Restoration Ministries, was arrested after federal authorities seized some $2.2 million he deposited in various bank accounts as well as a 2018 Tesla Model 3. Court papers alleged that Brooks applied for a PPP loan on behalf of his company Cars Direct on May 9, 2020, in the amount of $1,556,589. To support his application, the pastor allegedly submitted fraudulent tax forms showing $724,469 in payments via Forms 1099-MISC and $7,471,630 in total unemployment payments to employees from Cars Direct. His churchs website described him as a man after God's own heart and has a passion for God's people. Pastor Brooks desires to see believers grow spiritually and desires to see the church function according to the word of the Lord. His intense love for the Lord, relentless spirit and ability to tap into the very heart of God make him a memorable speaker. With his love for God and lively preaching style, which can hold even the skeptics attention, Pastor Brooks speaks and shares the heart of God with compassion and conviction, the church noted. NIH admits US taxpayer dollars funded gain-of-function research at Wuhan lab Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A top congressional Republican is asking for answers after the National Institutes of Health appears to have admitted that contrary to multiple previous assertions, United States taxpayer dollars were used to fund gain-of-function research that could have caused the coronavirus. Lawrence Tabak, the principal deputy director of the National Institutes of Health, said in a letter to Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, that the organizations grant to EcoHealth Alliance funded a limited experiment at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan, China, where the coronavirus is believed to have escaped from. Still, Tabak denied that any of the coronaviruses studied using NIH grants became COVID-19. ???????????? July 28th NIH says no NIAID funding was approved for Gain of Function research at the WIV. Obviously, they were lied to. NIH confirmed today EcoHealth and the WIV conducted GOF research on bat coronaviruses. @PeterDaszak with EcoHealth hid it from the USG. pic.twitter.com/Ou3ZLKto0L Oversight Committee Republicans (@GOPoversight) October 20, 2021 The limited experiment described in the final progress report provided by EcoHealth Alliance was testing if spike proteins from naturally occurring bat coronaviruses circulating in China were capable of binding to the human ACE2 receptor in a mouse model, Tabak wrote. He stressed that All other aspects of the mice, including the immune system, remained unchanged. Tabak maintained that although laboratory mice infected with the SHC014 WIV1 bat coronavirus became sicker than those infected with the WIV1 bat coronavirus, that was merely an unexpected result of the research, as opposed to something the researchers set out to do. EcoHealth failed to report this finding right away, as was required by the terms of the grant. EcoHealth is being notified that they have five days today to submit to NIH any and all unpublished data from the experiments and work conducted under this award, he added. In response to Wednesdays letter, Comer crafted a letter to NIH Director Francis Collins, said It is still too soon to say that COVID-19 did not originate in the WIV with U.S. taxpayer dollars. He added that some of the statements made in the Oct. 20 letter contradict the assurances made by Collins in a July 28 letter to the Committee. ????BREAKING???? We know: EcoHealth & Wuhan lab conducted gain-of-function research with taxpayer $$$. EcoHealth concealed data showing they worked on coronaviruses in Wuhan. Director Collins and Dr. Fauci misled Americans about this cover up. @NIH must brief Congress NOW.???? pic.twitter.com/cACSl4g14o Oversight Committee Republicans (@GOPoversight) October 21, 2021 Specifically, Collins reported that Results of the WIV experiments under the EcoHealth Alliance grant were reported to [the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases] and published contemporaneously in peer-reviewed scientific literature to inform the global scientific community of these findings. He also mentioned a requirement that if any of the chimeric viruses generated under this grant showed evidence of enhanced virus growth greater than ten times that of the original virus from which they were created, the grantee must immediately stop all experiments with these viruses and provide NIAID and the WIV Institutional Biosafety Committee with the relevant data and information related to these unanticipated outcomes. Comer told Collins that based on Tabaks admission that EcoHealth Alliance failed to abide by the terms of the grant, NIH must answer whether or not at the time of the July 28, 2021, response to the Committee, it knew of EcoHealths failure to properly and promptly report all of its scientific findings. The fact that EcoHealth submitted its most recent progress report for the grant period ending May 31, 2019, on Aug. 3, 2021, suggests NIH knew, at the time of its letter to the committee, that EcoHealth had not been forthright with the U.S. government, Comer added. Comer concluded the letter by requesting that Collins brief members of the House Oversight Committee as soon as possible. The NIH, as well as its subagency NIAID, have faced questions for months about whether taxpayer dollars funded gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. At a May 11 hearing, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., described gain-of-function research as juicing up naturally occurring animal viruses to infect humans. He pressed Dr. Anthony Fauci, the head of NIAID who has become the public face of the U.S. governments response to the coronavirus pandemic, if he supported the funding of gain-of-function research at the Wuhan lab. The NIH has not ever and does not now fund gain-of-function research in the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Fauci asserted. At a July 20 hearing, Paul informed Fauci that Dr. Richard Ebright, a molecular biologist from Rutgers University, concluded that the research conducted in Wuhan matches, indeed epitomizes, the definition of gain-of-function research. When Paul asked Fauci if he wanted to amend his May 11 remarks in light of Ebrights testimony and the fact that lying to Congress constitutes a crime, the epidemiologist declined: I have never lied before the Congress and I do not retract that statement. In an appearance on Fox News Primetime Thursday, Paul pushed back on the idea that it was unexpected that it gained function. The senator asked: How do you know if its unexpected or not? its unknown. If you take a virus from a cave, you combine it with a virus that has a 50 percent mortality, it either is going to be more transmissible or less but you dont know in advance whether its going to be worse or better, he added. So when it gains function, that is something that actually is expected. Some of these viruses are going to gain function and then the possibility of leaking out, I think, is a horrific thing for mankind. As of Friday afternoon, the coronavirus pandemic is estimated to have contributed to the deaths of nearly 5 million people worldwide, including more than 750,000 Americans. New Jersey to allow midwives, nurses perform abortions under new regulation Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has approved a regulation change that allows physicians assistants, nurses and midwives to perform abortions. Last week, the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners unanimously approved new rules that the Office of New Jersey Acting Attorney General Andrew Bruck insists will eliminate medically unnecessary regulations on abortion in New Jersey and open new avenues for reproductive healthcare services across the state. Specifically, the changes repeal the Termination of Pregnancy rule that the agency believes singles out abortion care for targeted regulation by requiring that all terminations of pregnancy be performed only by a physician, and barring office-based terminations beyond 14 weeks gestation. The change in regulation will also enable Advanced Practice Nurses, Physician Assistants, and Certified Nurse Midwives and Certified Midwives to perform early aspiration terminations of pregnancy. At a time when other states are creating roadblocks to reproductive health and abortion care, New Jersey is working to expand access to these vital services, especially for communities facing, systemic, economic, and logistical barriers to care, Murphy said in a statement. Reproductive freedom and equal access to health care are the right of all New Jerseyans and I applaud the Board for acting to protect both today. Bruck praised New Jerseys commitment to ensuring our residents have access to the health services they need. He thanked the Board of Medical Examiners for carefully considering the evidence and reaching a decision that puts the health of New Jerseyans first. Todays action eliminates medically unnecessary rules that have disproportionately limited healthcare access for people of color and underserved communities, Bruck added. Sean Neafsey, acting director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, predicted that thousands of qualified and trusted providers in our state will now be allowed to play a role in expanding abortion access. He argues that residents will have enhanced choices and more timely access to essential reproductive health care. The new regulations are set to take effect in the coming months upon the publication of the adoption notice in the New Jersey Register. The policy changes constitute one provision of the Reproductive Freedom Act, a bill currently under consideration in the New Jersey legislature. First floated last year as Amy Coney Barretts likely confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court caused concern that the 1973 Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade would be overturned, the Reproductive Freedom Act would codify the right to abortion into state law. Additionally, the bill would require insurance companies to cover abortions and contraception at no cost to patients. Marie Tasy, the executive director of the pro-life advocacy group New Jersey Right to Life, characterizes the Reproductive Freedom Act as an extreme, shameful bill. In a recent op-ed, Tasy warned that because the Act is noticeably silent on any gestational limits, the Act will permit these abortions to be performed during all stages of pregnancy, even if these babies are viable and at full-term. Tasy also expressed concern that the bill would invalidate the long-standing Conscience Clause law for health care workers, forcing them to now perform and assist in abortions even if it goes against their religious, moral or philosophical beliefs. While New Jersey is an overwhelmingly Democratic state where a majority of residents have expressed support for legal abortions in some or all cases, the Reproductive Freedom Act has stalled. The bill has yet to receive a committee hearing more than a year after its introduction in both chambers and with the legislative session set to conclude in less than three months. In a previous interview with the New Jersey Globe, State Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, the primary sponsor of the bill, attributed the stall to the fact that some lawmakers dont think we really have to do this now. Senate President Steve Sweeney indicated that a lot of the things in the bill already exist in statute in New Jersey right now. Murphys approval of the new rules comes as the New Jersey gubernatorial election is set to take place in less than two weeks. A poll conducted this month by the Democratic polling firm Schoen-Cooperman Research found Murphy leading his Republican opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, by 9 percentage points. New Jersey is one of two states, along with Virginia, holding gubernatorial and state legislative races this year. 40 Navy Seals push for religious exemption to COVID-19 vaccine mandate: 'Fighting for their careers' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A group of about 40 Navy Seals is prepared to file legal action against the Pentagon over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, due to claims that they have been wrongfully denied a religious exemption. Attorney Michael Berry of the First Liberty Institute, the legal nonprofit that is representing the 40 service members seeking a religious exemption, told Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson in an interview Tuesday evening that he believed his clients are fighting for their careers. You would think in this country, the Department of Defense would respect religious beliefs, but instead the Navy is using religious beliefs as some sort of ideological litmus test to purge anybody who opposes the vaccine from our military, Berry explained. Our clients, these Navy Seals, theyve been told that even if their request is ultimately approved, theyre going to be removed from the Navy Seal community. Berry also took issue with the Defense Department limiting travel for unvaccinated family members of Navy Seals personnel, rhetorically asking: since when does the DoD have authority or jurisdiction over family members? Berry also voiced concern with a policy that could enable the Navy to force service members to repay the cost of their training and education if they are discharged for refusing the vaccine. A spokesperson with First Liberty informed The Christian Post on Wednesday that they are planning to file a lawsuit "in the very near future" if the Navy does not lift the mandate, adding that they "are prepared for litigation." In August, the Pentagon announced that would require U.S. military personnel to receive a COVID-19 vaccine by mid-September, citing combat readiness as a justification. Now that the Pfizer vaccine has been approved, the department is prepared to issue updated guidance, requiring all service members to be vaccinated, stated Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby. These efforts ensure the safety of our service members and promote the readiness of our force, not to mention the health and safety of the communities around the country in which we live. Rear Adm. Bruce Gillingham, surgeon general of the U.S. Navy, released a statement at the end of August voicing support for the Defense Departments vaccine mandate. The DoDs mandatory vaccination policy is the proven way to ensure the readiness and the safety of our naval force, DoD civilian work force, and the American people and our allies and partners, stated Gillingham. Vaccinating every eligible service member improves readiness and ensures our Sailors and Marines are equipped with the biological body armor needed to protect ourselves from biological threats. The Washington Post reported earlier this month there are hundreds of thousands of U.S. military personnel who are either unvaccinated or not yet fully vaccinated. The percentages of fully vaccinated personnel varied between the services, with 90% of Navy reported as vaccinated versus 72% of the Marine Corps. Missouri county agrees to pay $150K to settle megachurch's lawsuit over COVID-19 restrictions Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A megachurch in Missouri has been awarded a settlement of nearly $150,000 following a dispute with the local government over coronavirus restrictions. Jackson County, Missouri, home to the states largest city of Kansas City, agreed to pay $146,750 to Abundant Life Baptist Church in Lees Summit as part of a settlement in a lawsuit filed by the church against the county more than a year ago. The church raised concerns that the county's coronavirus restrictions treated places of worship more harshly than secular entities. Under the terms of the settlement, Jackson County vowed that in exchange for Abundant Life Baptist Church dropping the lawsuit, it would ensure that future enforcement measures would not impose stricter requirements on religious organizations than their secular counterparts. The Kansas City Star reported that the Jackson County legislature voted to approve the settlement Monday. Legislator Dan Tarwater explained to the KC Star that the motivation behind approving the settlement was because they believed they were going to lose the case. Tarwater was one of six Jackson County legislators to approve the settlement. Three of his colleagues voted against approving the settlement, which will be paid by the county government and Truman Medical Centers that runs the countys health department. In the lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri in May 2020, Abundant Life Baptist Church argued that under reopening guidelines that became effective in Eastern Jackson County on May 11, non-essential retail stores, personal services, and restaurants and bars serving food could reopen to the public if they follow CDC recommended social distancing recommendations, adopt a social distancing protocol, and restrict the number of individuals in a building using formulas based on the facilitys occupancy load. Secular businesses were allowed to reopen at 10% to 25% capacity based on a buildings size. By contrast, the county classified churches as large gatherings and social events in the reopening plan. Businesses in this category could not have more than 10 people in their venue, regardless of its size. Defendants orders impermissibly discriminate against religiously-motivated gatherings and in favor of commercially-motivated gatherings, the lawsuit asserted. The complaint noted that based on guidance cited by then-Attorney General William Barr, Religious institutions must not be singled out for special burdens. Specifically, Barr maintained that the First Amendment and federal statutory law prohibits governments from impos[ing] special restrictions on religious activity that do not also apply to similar nonreligious activity. The lawsuit also implied that the coronavirus restrictions imposed in eastern Jackson County ran afoul of the Missouri Constitution, which guarantees that all men and women have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to their own consciences. The Missouri Constitution also mandates that government shall ensure that any person shall have the right to pray individually or corporately in a private or public setting so long as such prayer does not result in disturbance of the peace or disruption of a public meeting or assembly. The lawsuit asked a judge to declare that: Defendants plan, orders to effectuate the Plan, criteria, guidance, interpretations, policies and practices are facially unconstitutional in that they single out religious activity for disparate and unfair treatment. The plaintiff also sought an order requiring the defendants, which included Jackson County itself, the Jackson County Health Department, Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr., Jackson County Health Director Bridgette Shaffer and Jackson County Administrator and Emergency Management Coordinator Troy Schulte, to pay its attorneys fees. In the time between the lawsuit and the announcement that Jackson County would pay Abundant Life Baptist Church nearly $150,000, judges have issued multiple rulings in favor of places of worship seeking relief from coronavirus restrictions. Most notably, in its November ruling in Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn v. Cuomo, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down similar worship restrictions that limited in-person worship gatherings to 10 people in certain parts of New York state. Even in a pandemic, the Constitution cannot be put away and forgotten, the justices concluded. The restrictions at issue here, by effectively barring many from attending religious services, strike at the very heart of the First Amendments guarantee for religious liberty. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Last week, it was reported that a Bible app and Quran app had been removed from Apple's App Store in China following pressure from the Chinese government. This is hardly surprising behavior from the Chinese Communist Party. But now, an American company has been enlisted to do its dirty work. The watchdog group Apple Censorship was the first to report that the apps, Bible App by Olive Tree and Quran Majeed, had been taken down. When Apple removed the Quran app, the app makers were told it contained content that is illegal in China. China's restrictions on religious texts have affected those of all faiths, sometimes brutally so. In Xinjiang, Uyghur Muslims who are caught with religious content on their phones can be detained without trial in an internment camp. Leaders at Olive Tree removed the Bible app themselves. "Olive Tree Bible Software was informed during the App Store review process that we are required to provide a permit demonstrating our authorization to distribute an app with book or magazine content in mainland China," a spokesperson told BBC News. "Since we did not have the permit and needed to get our app update approved and out to customers, we removed our Bible app from China's App Store." They ultimately hope they can get the app back on the App Store. This seems unlikely, as the Chinese government has ramped up restrictions limiting Chinese citizens' access to the Bible overall. Physical copies of the Bible can no longer be purchased online in China, Christian businessmen have been prosecuted for selling audio Bibles online, and the Chinese Communist Party has announced that it is developing its own version of the Bible that will embrace socialist values. The Chinese government's crackdown on citizens' access to religious texts is continuing. With Apple's removal of the Quran app and Olive Tree's self-censorship, Chinese government pressure is now forcing American companies to do the censoring for them. This comes at a time when free expression online is under attack around the world. Freedom House's Freedom of the Net 2021 report found that "[m]ore governments arrested users for nonviolent political, social, or religious speech than ever before." And for the seventh year in a row, China has the single worst conditions for internet freedom. Instead of enabling this problem, American corporations like Apple should be fostering freedom of expression abroad, including religious expression. Although American corporations regularly advocate for progressive policies at home, they often neglect to take strong stances against authoritarian regimes abroad. Last November, Apple went so far as to lobby to weaken the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, a bill that would block products made using the forced labor of Uyghur Muslims from entering the United States. Apple seems to be putting profits before human rights, whether it comes to removing religious apps at the Chinese government's request or profiting from modern-day slavery in China. Last month, Apple and Google deleted a Russian political opposition app from their app stores after Russian censors demanded it. These acts of cowardice are troubling. Do American corporations really want to take on the role of censors for freedom-hating regimes? Apple and other American companies need to grow a spine and stand up to authoritarian regimes intent on exerting control at the expense of basic freedoms such as freedom of expression and religious freedom. They must do a better job at pushing back against the Chinese government and other bad actors. Otherwise, they will make themselves complicit in facilitating human rights abuses against people around the world. American companies can do better, and American customers should demand that they do. Originally published at the Family Research Council. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Since Inauguration Day, the U.S. Senate has confirmed five of President Bidens appellate court judges the most at this point in a presidency since President Nixon. First Libertys legal experts have discussed previously how President Biden has seen a quick start to nominations and confirmations, although it remains to be seen whether he can or will make a lasting impact on the composition of the judiciary. However, the president was recently presented with two more opportunities to fill seats on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, currently comprised of six conservative-appointed to five liberal-appointed judges. Last week, Second Circuit judges Jose Cabranes and Rosemary Pooler, both appointed by President Bill Clinton, announced theyd take a form of semi-retirement known as senior status effective upon the confirmation of their successors. Why are these two recent vacancies significant? Because President Biden could be on the verge of shifting the balance of judges on the Second Circuit. Biden has moved quickly to fill three existing vacancies on the Second Circuit, which has 13 judgeships. That included replacing one of President George W. Bushs appointees. Two other nominees are pending with the U.S. Senate. One of them, Myrna Perez, is awaiting a confirmation vote, which could happen in the coming weeks. However, two additional openings give the President a total of four spots to fill. If he successfully fills those slots, it could have a couple impacts at the Second Circuit: Flipping the court back to a Democrat-appointed majority Biden judges would make up five of 13 judgeships Its clear President Biden does have a chance of impacting the composition of at least one appellate court in the near future. But as he looks at putting forward more judges, its worth asking: How qualified are Bidens nominees for these critical lifetime judgeships? Less depth on the bench? The gap between Biden and Trump nominees According to data from the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, it appears there are significant differences in the qualifications of President Bidens circuit court nominees compared to those of his predecessor, President Trump. The chart below shows a side-by-side comparison of approximately the first dozen Trump and Biden nominees to the appellate courts. It includes important factors, such as Supreme Court and appellate court clerkships, as well as relevant professional and legal experience: Additionally, consider the following from a previous judicial analysis First Liberty conducted. Last year, our legal experts found that among Trump appellate nominees: Forty percent clerked for a Supreme Court justice, while 80% clerked at a federal appellate court. That compares to less than 25% of President Obamas nominees who clerked on the Supreme Court, and less than 50% with federal appellate clerkship experience. Although both Biden and Trump nominees are of similar ages, theres a stark contrast in many of their qualifications. But theres another critical difference not reflected in the chart above. The gap between President Bidens and Trumps nominees is also evident when one considers what each of them prioritized when selecting and vetting candidates for the federal bench. The Trump administration focused on vetting nominees according to their judicial philosophy and selecting originalists who would interpret the Constitution according to its plain original meaning and text. On the other hand, President Biden seems to be placing greater emphasis on identity politics when selecting federal judges. From the beginning, the Biden administration has openly touted that its policy agenda is to restore balance to the judiciary via diversity. Theres nothing inherently wrong with championing diversity on the judiciary. However, the Biden administrations approach so far has given priority to those candidates who meet selected intersectional standards on race and sexual orientation while sharing a liberal or activist approach to the law. Theres still time in President Bidens tenure and more vacancies are likely to come up. So, in fairness, it remains to be seen how the qualifications of his entire class of judges (district and circuit) will compare, once his presidency ends. Nonetheless, when it comes to the credentials for a nominee to be qualified and fit for a lifetime judgeship, President Trumps picks appear to have set a very high bar. And if President Biden is looking to claim a positive and lasting differentiation between him and his predecessor, he could be facing an uphill climb. Originally published at First Liberty. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment One of the top podcasts in the country is Christianity Todays Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, a series that explores the founding, dynamics, scandals, and aftermath of Mars Hill Church, founded by Pastor Mark Driscoll in Seattle, Washington. It joins a slew of documentaries, exposes, and historical dramas that explore cults, spiritually abusive groups, and prominent (but ultimately dysfunctional) ministries. Some of these institutions are Christian in origin and doctrine; others are not. Nevertheless, it is obvious that the watching and listening public of America is fascinated by the nexus of faith, narcissistic personalities, avariciousness, and power dynamics that one finds in such stories. Abusive religious groups and their scandals cannot help but create a reaction. Many Christians have reevaluated bylaws, canons, institutional structures, rhetoric, and practices to stave off predatory personalities, insatiable egos, and very real harms inflicted upon Christs flock. To see the Lords sheep fleeced in the name of biblical fidelity and Christian discipleship is a particularly ugly blasphemy, with its fair share of sacrileges. Others respond by questioning ancient Christian doctrines and practices; more than a few people question the benefit and validity of religion (or, rather, religious communities) altogether. Nevertheless, one theme emerges from all of these reactions: a desire that such abusive projects never occur again. There is a deep aspiration to tamp down if not extinguish the popularity of religious gurus, whether they be Rajneesh (the Bhagwan) or abrasive, manipulative pastors who flee from church discipline and accountability. In fact, some seem willing to throw out the proverbial baby with the bathwater to achieve such ends, tossing out fundamentals of Christian orthodoxy to ensure safety and sanity. However, Christians must not be naive about the realities at play when it comes to spiritually abusive groups. People really are driven to strong personalities for leadership and identity, regardless of the era or the place. At the same time, we live in an era of immense disintegration and alienation, even while we are social creatures. We will crave a place to belong. Similarly, relativistic views and secular discourse that stifle deep spiritual investigation and devotional meditation starve us religiously. Biblical illiteracy exacerbates lack of discernment, at least in more Christian societies. And, perhaps most crucially of all, what is normal in our society is deeply contested and, in some areas, deeply wrong. As school boards, parents, and magistrates argue over the reality of male and female, and as Christian norms, values, and teachings are increasingly sidelined, mocked, and suppressed, two important trends will likely arise. First, sincere, biblically faithful Christians will seek out pastors, speakers, writers, and other leaders who reject such errors forthrightly, boldly, and even dramatically. Brash behavior and rhetoric against the spirit of the age will draw in supporters. Meanwhile, idiosyncrasies and doctrinal confusion not only go unaddressed but are doubled down on as beneficial or even essential. To gain a loyal following, one must often be weird. More seriously, the sins of beloved leaders may receive a blind eye all in the name of the good they do for others and their necessity for an institutions survival. Why kill the goose that lays the golden eggs, even when the goose is preaching poison from the pulpit, exuding a far-from-blameless character, or unjustly enriching himself? Second, it will be much harder for clergymen and laymen alike to vet religious personalities and their ministries. Simply put, if the average American cannot distinguish between a boy and a girl, then what is now mainstream cannot be used as an accurate gauge of what is normal or acceptable in the Church. When the strange and immoral become normalized, the doctrinal and moral sniff test becomes much more difficult to apply and use. When is someone being counter-culturally faithful, and when is someone leading others in a sectarian, exploitative, or heretical trajectory? Christians cannot trust in the surrounding culture to form and accurately assess what is and is not acceptable in a preacher or teacher. What is a Christian to say? What are Christians to do? It is important to remember that corrupt religious figures have haunted historys pages for a long time; similarly, faithful, loving Christians have also exerted themselves in ministry, often at great sacrifice. To this day, there are good people fulfilling their vocations, being salt and light to the world. There is no need to reject religion altogether. In fact, it is almost assuredly impossible to do so. Also, Christians must not feed their fascination for the novel, shiny, and faddish. New doctrine and strange practices, while exciting, do not always belie good intentions in fact, quite the opposite. Finally, pastors must be vigilant watchmen and wise gatekeepers for their flocks, which is exactly what ancient Christians expected of pastoral leaders (as outlined in such texts as the Pastoral Epistles). Pastors, along with well-informed laymen, must help congregants exercise discernment. This entails a certain familiarity if not working mastery of certain fields of study germane to such sober-minded religious assessments. This means seminaries (if they will still exert major influence in the Church for the coming decades, which seems likely) must double down on the unglamorous traditional subjects required for the M.Div. and equivalent degrees: thorough training in biblical languages, church history, and theology. General knowledge of logic, philosophy, and history will also prove a helpful foundation. Unfortunately, even evangelical seminaries havent been completely immune to fads or cutting academic corners on helpful subjects, often pushing for fewer years of study or deeply investing in novel counseling theories. Schooling is far from the end-all or be-all of pastoral ministry and ecclesiastical health, but divinity schools of various stripes remain an important and helpful step in the clerical pipeline. However, even with such preparations, corrupt religious leaders will still gather followers. Certain people have the talents and desire to lead others, and, in this case, they happen to excel at leading others spiritually astray. The hope is that Christians in faithful churches wont be so easily deceived and that they can effectively help others to avoid or escape toxic personalities and organizations for better pastures. Originally published at Juicy Ecumenism. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment In their landmark 1990 book After the Ball: How America Will Conquer Its Fear and Hatred of Gays in the 90's, gay strategists Marshall Kirk and Hunter Madsen laid out a brilliant plan for changing American attitudes towards homosexuality. They stated that to desensitize straights to gays and gayness, inundate them in a continuous flood of gay-related advertising, presented in the least offensive fashion possible. If straights cant shut off the shower, they may at least eventually get used to being wet. Looking back from the vantage point of 2021, we can now say that this was not a matter of shutting off a shower and thereby getting wet. It was a matter of not shutting off a continual downpour, thereby getting soaked. And the soaking continues by the hour, with transgender taking the place of gay in the bombardment. Thats why it is imperative that we refuse to get used to this new normal. It is not normal. It will never be normal. And we must not accept it as normal. It violates natural law and it violates Gods design for humanity. Surely, He has a better way. Last week, I was looking at the CDCs official Coronavirus Self-Checker website seeing what steps they recommended for checking yourself for COVID (which I did not have, for the record). After filling out my name and age on the site, I scrolled to the next box, which asked, What sex were you assigned at birth, on your original birth certificate? Yes, this is the level of cultural craziness to which we have descended. The radical idea of having your sex assigned at birth is now considered normal (as opposed to the obvious pronouncement of, Its a boy! or Its a girl!). Since people can actually change the sex on their birth certificate, you must be asked for the data on your original birth certificate. As Ive asked countless times before, what kind of madness is this? The CDC is asking these questions because there are biological differences between men and women. And in many cases, those biological differences are of great medical importance. Today, however, even to ask the question, Are you male or female? is to walk into a cultural minefield. We must not get used to this or accept it as normal. Ever. Years ago, when doing research for A Queer Thing Happened to America, I first came across the concept of having your gender assigned at birth, as if it was the arbitrary decision of the doctor, as in: Lets assign this kid to be male. (We are not talking here about less than 1 percent of the population that is intersex but about obvious, undeniable males and females.) As I wrote back in the book, First, the concept of having multiple gender identities is now acceptable (which means that you might consider yourself male and female and even something else, not biologically but psychologically). Second, it is now widely accepted in many LGBT circles that you are not born male or female but you are assigned a gender at birth (by society, through the medium of your parents and the doctors). There is even a regulation concerning this in the San Francisco Unified School Policy: Transgender students shall not be forced to use the locker room corresponding to their gender assigned at birth. Many readers shook their heads in disbelief when reading this, thinking. This will never become mainstream. Well, think again. Mainstream it is. The next box on the CDC website asked, How do you currently describe yourself?, offering four choices: Male, Female, Transgender, I Prefer Not to Say. And why does the CDC even need to know this? How will this help you self-check for the Coronavirus? Yesterday, my wife, Nancy, was looking for nutritional information about vegetables, which linked her to the well-known Living Strong website. There, on a page dealing with health and nutrition, she read, The number of servings of vegetables you need depends on your age and sex assigned at birth, according to the USDA. Even Living Strong cannot simply say, Your sex, since sex is now as malleable as your mind. As for your sex assigned at birth, it appears to have some importance after all. Otherwise, why even refer to it anymore. To say it again, we must not accept this as normal. Ever. What about the latest news concerning Richard Rachel Levine? He has now been promoted to four-star admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, earning praise from outlets like the Washington Post, which celebrated the organizations first-ever female four-star admiral. Except that Levine is a biological male who identifies as female. Yet this is somehow a breakthrough for women? Isnt it really a slap in the face of other women, since the first female to reach this rank is not a female at all? Sorry, but I refuse to accept this as the new normal, let alone celebrate this as some kind of big moment for women. Not a chance. Even more seriously, parents are still reeling over the news that Loudon County School officials allegedly covered up the rape of a girl in what should have been the privacy of a school bathroom, all for the cause of transgender activism. As reported by the Daily Wire, On June 22, Scott Smith was arrested at a Loudoun County, Virginia, school board meeting, a meeting that was ultimately deemed an unlawful assembly after many attendees vocally opposed a policy on transgender students. What people did not know is that weeks prior on May 28, Smith says, a boy allegedly wearing a skirt entered a girls bathroom at nearby Stone Bridge High School, where he sexually assaulted Smiths 9th grade daughter. Yet it was Smiths outrage when others did not believe his report that drew the attention of our government, with Attorney General Merrick Garland calling in the FBI to investigate parents like Scott Smith as potential domestic terrorists. We must not accept this as normal! And what about describing women as non-prostate owners, since all other descriptions have either become ambiguous or are deemed bigoted? There is no way we can accept this as normal, just like we cannot accept chestfeeding displacing breastfeeding or agree with the idea that some men menstruate. Never! Things have actually become so extreme that Bari Weiss, a liberal feminist married to her female partner, is calling out todays cultural craziness, saying to Brian Stelter on CNN, Well, you know, when you have the chief reporter on the beat of COVID for The New York Times talking about how questioning or pursuing the question of the lab leak is racist, the world has gone mad. When you're not able to say out loud and in public that there are differences between men and women, the world has gone mad. When we're not allowed to acknowledge that rioting is rioting, and it is bad, and that silence is not violence, but violence is violence, the world has gone mad. Very well said! The world has gone mad, which is why I continue to use scare quotes when referring to gay marriage, not to insult gay couples, but to refuse to accept this as marriage. And thats why, as much as there were other things I would rather write about, yet again, I needed to raise my voice. I urge you, my friend. Do not accept this as normal. 8-month-old baby among 17 kidnapped missionaries in Haiti, charity says Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment An 8-month-old baby is among the 17 kidnapped missionaries in Haiti being held for a ransom of $17 million by the notorious 400 Mawozo gang, Christian Aid Ministries said Tuesday as officials in the troubled Caribbean nation and the U.S. continue negotiating for their release. Haitian Justice Minister Liszt Quitel confirmed Tuesday that the 400 Mawozo gang, which kidnapped the missionaries Saturday while they were working with Christian Aid Ministries, demanded $1 million each for their safe return. Many people, including CAM management and Haitian and U.S. authorities, are working diligently to bring our loved ones home safely, Christian Aid Ministries said in a statement. In an effort to protect the identity of the missionaries, prior to Tuesday, not many details had been released publicly about them except that their group includes six men, six women and five children, of which 16 are Americans and one is Canadian. Christian Aid Ministries revealed in their most recent update on the kidnappings that the youngest member of the group is just eight months old while the oldest is 48. The ages of the adults being held captive range from 18 to 48. The ages of the children are 8 months, 3 years, 6 years, 13 years, and 15 years. Today, we again commit our workers to Gods care. For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways (Psalm 91:11). Pray that our workers could respond to hatred with Jesus love, overcome the spirit of fear with faith, and face violence with a genuine desire to bless their oppressors, Christian Aid Ministries said. Minister Ron Marks of the Hart Dunkard Brethren Church in Michigan previously told The Detroit News on Monday that several members of his church a family of five, including four children are among the kidnapped missionaries. While he chose not to identify the members he shared that the youngest child is younger than 10. Since the kidnapping of the missionaries, Haitians have taken to the streets demanding their release. Schools and most businesses were closed for a second consecutive day in Port-au-Prince Wednesday, according to The Haitian Times, following a call for a general strike to protest kidnappings and widespread insecurity which followed the assassination of the countrys late President Jovenel Moise in July. "Without these missionaries, a lot of the old people you see out here would not have been able to send their children to school. Without these missionaries, a lot of these people would have lost their homes to floods. Without these missionaries, our damaged homes would never have been repaired," a protester who declined to give his name told Voice of America in Titanyen, a village north of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. "It's they who built a road that we can travel on today." Another Titanyen protester, who identified himself only as Robert, also praised the work of the missionaries in their community. They asphalted our roads; they helped us protect our homes from landslides and floods. We are asking for their freedom right away. And we are asking the kidnappers to let us live in peace," he told VOA. Christian Aid Ministries continued calling for prayers for the kidnapped missionaries Tuesday, noting that they were involved in significant ministry work before the kidnappings. This group of workers has been committed to minister throughout poverty-stricken Haiti. Their heart-felt desire is to share the love of Jesus. Before the kidnapping, their work throughout Haiti included supporting thousands of needy school children, distributing Bibles and Christian literature, supplying medicines for numerous clinics, teaching Haitian pastors, and providing food for the elderly and vulnerable, the international charity said. In recent months, they were actively involved in coordinating a rebuilding project for those who lost their homes in the August 2021 earthquake. When kidnapped, the group was returning from a visit to an orphanage that receives support from Christian Aid Ministries. NEW DELHI, India (AP) Facebook in India has been selective in curbing hate speech, misinformation and inflammatory posts, particularly anti-Muslim content, according to leaked documents obtained by The Associated Press, even as the internet giant's own employees cast doubt over its motivations and interests. Based on research produced as recently as March of this year to company memos that date back to 2019, internal company documents on India highlight Facebooks constant struggles in quashing abusive content on its platforms in the worlds biggest democracy and the companys largest growth market. Communal and religious tensions in India have a history of boiling over on social media and stoking violence. The files show that Facebook has been aware of the problems for years, raising questions over whether it has done enough to address the issues. Many critics and digital experts say it has failed to do so, especially in cases where members of Prime Minister Narendra Modis ruling Bharatiya Janata Party are involved. Across the world, Facebook has become increasingly important in politics, and India is no different. Modi has been credited for leveraging the platform to his party's advantage during elections, and reporting from The Wall Street Journal last year cast doubt over whether Facebook was selectively enforcing its policies on hate speech to avoid blowback from the BJP. Modi and Facebook chairman and CEO Mark Zuckerberg have exuded bonhomie, memorialized by a 2015 image of the two hugging at the Facebook headquarters. The leaked documents include a trove of internal company reports on hate speech and misinformation in India that in some cases appeared to have been intensified by its own recommended feature and algorithms. They also include the company staffers concerns over the mishandling of these issues and their discontent over the viral malcontent on the platform. According to the documents, Facebook saw India as one of the most at risk countries in the world and identified both Hindi and Bengali languages as priorities for automation on violating hostile speech. Yet, Facebook didnt have enough local language moderators or content-flagging in place to stop misinformation that at times led to real-world violence. In a statement to the AP, Facebook said it has invested significantly in technology to find hate speech in various languages, including Hindi and Bengali which reduced the amount of hate speech that people see by half in 2021. Hate speech against marginalized groups, including Muslims, is on the rise globally. So we are improving enforcement and are committed to updating our policies as hate speech evolves online, a company spokesperson said. This AP story, along with others being published, is based on disclosures made to the Securities and Exchange Commission and provided to Congress in redacted form by former Facebook employee-turned-whistleblower Frances Haugens legal counsel. The redacted versions were obtained by a consortium of news organizations, including the AP. Back in February 2019 and ahead of a general election when concerns of misinformation were running high, a Facebook employee wanted to understand what a new user in India saw on their news feed if all they did was follow pages and groups solely recommended by the platform itself. The employee created a test user account and kept it live for three weeks, a period during which an extraordinary event shook India a militant attack in disputed Kashmir had killed over 40 Indian soldiers, bringing the country close to war with rival Pakistan. In the note, titled An Indian Test Users Descent into a Sea of Polarizing, Nationalistic Messages, the employee whose name is redacted said they were shocked by the content flooding the news feed. The person described the content as having become a near constant barrage of polarizing nationalist content, misinformation, and violence and gore. Seemingly benign and innocuous groups recommended by Facebook quickly morphed into something else altogether, where hate speech, unverified rumors and viral content ran rampant. The recommended groups were inundated with fake news, anti-Pakistan rhetoric and Islamophobic content. Much of the content was extremely graphic. One included a man holding the bloodied head of another man covered in a Pakistani flag, with an Indian flag partially covering it. Its Popular Across Facebook feature showed a slew of unverified content related to the retaliatory Indian strikes into Pakistan after the bombings, including an image of a napalm bomb from a video game clip debunked by one of Facebooks fact-check partners. Following this test users News Feed, Ive seen more images of dead people in the past three weeks than Ive seen in my entire life total, the researcher wrote. The report sparked deep concerns over what such divisive content could lead to in the real world, where local news outlets at the time were reporting on Kashmiris being attacked in the fallout. Should we as a company have an extra responsibility for preventing integrity harms that result from recommended content? the researcher asked in their conclusion. The memo, circulated with other employees, did not answer that question. But it did expose how the platforms own algorithms or default settings played a part in producing such objectionable content. The employee noted that there were clear blind spots, particularly in local language content. They said they hoped these findings would start conversations on how to avoid such integrity harms, especially for those who differ significantly from the typical U.S. user. Even though the research was conducted during three weeks that werent an average representation, they acknowledged that it did show how such unmoderated and problematic content could totally take over during a major crisis event. The Facebook spokesperson said the test study inspired deeper, more rigorous analysis of its recommendation systems and contributed to product changes to improve them. Separately, our work on curbing hate speech continues and we have further strengthened our hate classifiers, to include four Indian languages, the spokesperson said. ___ Associated Press writer Sam McNeil in Beijing contributed to this report. See full coverage of the Facebook Papers here: https://apnews.com/hub/the-facebook-papers US oil and gas producers continue to focus on fiscal discipline and resist implementing a drilling surge despite commodity prices being at multi-year highs. Oilfield service company Baker Hughes and data analytics company Enverus said Friday the US rig count dropped by one to 542, though the count is 255 more than the 287 at work nationwide last October. The number of rigs seeking crude also dropped, by two, to 443, 232 more than the 211 at work last year. The number of rigs drilling for natural gas rose by one to 99, 26 more than the 73 drilling for natural gas a year earlier. Texas dropped one rig to 249 124 more than the 125 working statewide last year. New Mexico added two rigs for 87. California (1) and Louisiana (1) joined New Mexico as producing states with a rise in rig activity while Utah (1) and Wyoming (3) joined Texas in seeing a decline. The Permian Basin inched up one rig to see 268 at work regionwide, 135 more than the 133 active rigs last year. Lea County, New Mexico, remains the most active county in the Permian with 57 rigs, up two for the week. Eddy County, New Mexico, is second with 27, unchanged for the week. Midland and Reeves counties each reported 23 rigs, down two for Midland County and unchanged for Reeves County. Martin County added one rig for 21, and Howard County was unchanged at 18 rigs. Loving County reported 17 rigs at work within county lines, up one, and Upton County had 15, also up one rig. Ward County saw the steepest drop among Permian counties, dropping three rigs to nine for the week. According to Enverus Rig Analytics, the U.S. rig count inched up by one in the last week to 639 as of Oct. 20. The count is up 4 percent over the last month and up 95 percent in the last year. The largest week-over-week changes occurred in the Gulf Coast, where four rigs were added. The Permian and Anadarko basins dropped by four rigs each to hit 237 and 54, respectively. All major plays tallied month-over-month increases except the Anadarko Basin, which was flat. The Permian added the most rigs, at seven, with an increase of three on the New Mexico side, to 75, and four more on the Texas side, to 162. The most notable county-level change was in Lea County, New Mexico, where five rigs have been added. At 51 total, Lea is by far the most active county in the basin followed by Midland County, where 29 rigs are running. Drilling down further, Mewbourne Oil has added the most rigs in Lea County over the last month, with three new rigs bringing its total to seven. Only EOG Resources is running more rigs in Lea at nine, up by two on the month. NEW YORK (AP) Days shy of his 86th birthday, Robert A. Caro has reached the point where his own life is a piece of history. The New-York Historical Society has established a permanent exhibit dedicated to Caro, winner of two Pulitzer Prizes and many other honors for his epic biography of Robert Moses, The Power Broker, and his ongoing series on President Lyndon Johnson. The exhibit, "Turn Every Page, begins Friday and draws upon Caros archives, which he donated to the society in 2020. It includes videos, photographs, draft manuscripts, reporters notebooks, an outline he keeps on the wall of his office, newspaper clippings and such everyday items as a Smith-Corona typewriter. Walking through the exhibit on a recent morning, Caro explains that his only dream growing up was to be a writer, maybe a well known writer." The wall displays on the second floor of the society trace his evolution from editor of his high school newspaper, The Horace Mann Record, to his years as an investigative reporter for Newsday, to his famously lengthy and detailed books. Asked what kind of impression Turn Every Page might leave with young visitors who don't know a lot about him, he responds that "the quality of the writing matters as much in nonfiction as in fiction. He also anticipates a less reverent take: This guy is sort of nuts. Caro began The Power Broker more than 50 years ago, but has completed just five other books since the Moses biography came out in 1974: his first four Johnson books and the relatively brief Working, a compilation of essays and speeches released in 2019. His most recent Johnson biography, The Passage of Power, was published in 2012, and he answers the inevitable question about the fifth and presumed last volume by saying no release is likely in the near future. Some artifacts here help explain why. Caro points out a handwritten list he compiled in the early 1970s when he was trying to show that Moses had plotted to keep people of color out of Jones Beach State Park, which opened in 1929. Caro knew that Moses had worked to limit mass transportation to Jones Beach, but he wanted tangible evidence of the results. So Caro and his wife and collaborator, Ina Caro, stood near the entrance to the beach, tracked the people coming in and determined that the overwhelming majority were white. Pictures from rural Texas, where Johnson was born and raised, remind Caro of how much he a child of New York City private schools and Princeton University needed to educate himself. For his Johnson books, he expected to interview a few Texans for a little more color." He ended up living there for three years, at the edge of the Hill Country." He remembers the heavy water buckets that women had to haul because their homes had no plumbing, and poking the hard, infertile earth on the former Johnson family ranch. The exhibit includes a manuscript page from Master of the Senate, Caro's third Johnson book. He recalls spending so much time in the Senate in Washington that pages called him the nut in the gallery. Tourist groups would come and go, sessions on the floor would open and adjourn, but Caro would remain, just absorbing the world that Johnson dominated as Majority Leader in the 1950s. There is no substitute for going there yourself, he says, because you never know what youre going to find out. That's why my books keep taking so long. Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of the historical society, says the exhibit came out of conversations she had about the archives with Caro, who lives nearby and has been visiting the museum since childhood. He didnt want his work confined to a research room. He wanted attendees to understand the world as he did. He's a quintessential New Yorker through whom you can see American history, she says. The exhibit is called Turn Every Page in honor of advice Caro received decades ago from Newsday managing editor Alan Hathway about the importance of looking through every document in hand. That's the fun part, he says, the research, finding out: the manuscript from a long-lost Johnson crony that acknowledged votes were stolen in Johnson's notorious, narrowly won 1948 Senate race; the boxes of papers Caro has reviewed at the Johnson presidential library in Austin, Texas; the time he and his wife sat on a floor in the pre-Internet years and looked through telephone books to track down old classmates of Johnson. The pain begins with the writing. Behind one glass front at the exhibit is a heavily marked-up manuscript page for The Passage of Power. Johnson is only a month into his presidency, which began after John F. Kennedy was assassinated on Nov. 22, 1963, and Caro wants to describe a late-night phone conversation between LBJ and civil rights leader Roy Wilkins. Like many of his peers, Wilkins has come to admire Johnson, after initially distrusting the Texas Democrat who had allied himself with Southern segregationists when he joined the Senate. Near the end of their call, as Johnson is about to hang up, Wilkins tells him, Please take care of yourself." When Johnson appears not to take him seriously, Wilkins repeats, Please take care of yourself," and adds, "We need you. Lines throughout the page are crossed out and written over. Caro remembers chastising himself You, Bob, feel this is such a telling and revealing moment and you're not doing it" before making a couple of small but satisfying revisions. He changed one sentence from They believed him, referring to how civil rights leaders felt about Johnson, to They believed in him. And he set Wilkins' closing words off in their own paragraph, writing in red in the left margin to instruct his typist not to miss the paragraph sign. I re-wrote this so many times, he says. Click here to read the full article. executives routinely dismissed or downplayed employee concerns about the spread of misinformation on its platform, both before and after the 2020 presidential election, according to a wave of articles published Friday citing newly leaked internal documents. The dismissive attitude among the companys higher-ups left Facebook unprepared to deal with the events of Jan. 6, when a pro-Trump mob descended on the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the election, the articles allege. In response to the articles, Facebook VP of integrity Guy Rosen said it was absurd to suggest the events of Jan. 6 were the result of how Facebook responded to the attack. [R]esponsibility for the insurrection lies with those who broke the law during the attack and those who incited them, not on how we implemented just one series of steps we took to protect the U.S. election, Rosen said in a statement. Some of the reports Friday said the documents, provided in a coordinated release, were from Frances Haugen, a former product manager at Facebook, who previously leaked information to the Wall Street Journal, filed complaints with the SEC and testified before Congress. But other outlets, including the Washington Post, said their reports were based on an affidavit filed with the SEC from a second whistleblower, an ex-Facebook employee formerly on the companys integrity team, who wished to remain anonymous. According to the Washington Post, the new SEC affidavit alleges that Facebook executives undermined efforts to fight misinformation, hate speech and other problematic content out of fear of angering then-President Donald Trump and his political allies, or out of concern about potentially dampening the user growth key to Facebooks multibillion-dollar profits. CNN cited an internal Facebook analysis of the Jan. 6 insurrection, which the news org said was provided by Haugen, that found that the policies and procedures put in place by the company were not enough to prevent the growth of so-called Stop the Steal groups. Almost all of the fastest growing FB Groups were Stop the Steal during their peak growth, the Facebook analysis said, as reported by CNN. Because we were looking at each entity individually, rather than as a cohesive movement, we were only able to take down individual Groups and Pages once they exceeded a violation threshold. We were not able to act on simple objects like posts and comments because they individually tended not to violate, even if they were surrounded by hate, violence, and misinformation. Per the New York Times, of the several dozen emergency steps Facebook employees recommended on Jan. 6, some were put into place, like mass-deleting posts that were being reported for promoting violence. But other countermeasures, such as preventing groups from changing their names to terms such as Stop the Steal, were not fully implemented because of last-minute technology glitches, the Times reported. A Bloomberg report cited comments by Facebook staffers who expressed outrage after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The remarks, directed at Facebook CTO Mike Schroepfer, were included in disclosures provided to Congress in redacted form by lawyers representing Haugen. Im struggling to match my value to my employment here, one employee wrote on an internal discussion board, according to the Bloomberg article. I came here hoping to affect change and improve society, but all Ive seen is atrophy and abdication of responsibility. According to the New York Times report, citing the leaked documents, a Facebook data scientist wrote in a Nov. 9 internal memo that as much as 10% of all U.S. views of political content on the site were of posts alleging that the 2020 U.S. presidential was fraudulent. But Facebook didnt take steps to reduce the spread of such misinformation, fearing a user backlash, per the Times. In a Jan. 11 interview at the Reuters Next conference, Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg acknowledged that our enforcement is never perfect, so Im sure there were still things on Facebook, after the company removed groups associated with QAnon, the Proud Boys and Stop the Steal. But, she said, I think these events were largely organized on platforms that dont have our abilities to stop hate, dont have our standards and dont have our transparency. In a 1,200-word blog post Friday evening, Facebooks Rosen defended the companys actions with respect to the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. He said Facebook put numerous protocols in place ahead of and after the 2020 election. According to Rosen, that included putting a series of temporary product measures in place where there were specific risks that spikes in activity on the platform could mean that the many systems we had in place to enforce our policies may not be able to keep up. He said Facebook took these steps to respond to specific signals we were seeing on the platform, such as spikes in reported content and turned some of them off responsibly and gradually as those signals returned to their previous levels. To blame what happened on January 6 on how we implemented just one [measure] is absurd, Rosen wrote. We are a significant social media platform so its only natural for content about major events like that to show up on Facebook. But responsibility for the insurrection itself falls squarely on the insurrectionists who broke the law and those who incited them. Rosen added that Facebook worked with law enforcement in the days and weeks after January 6 with the goal of ensuring that information linking the people responsible for it to their crimes is available. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Even though a judge ordered a Jan. 6 defendant not to associate with the extremist group the Proud Boys, he spoke at the Justice for J6 rally in September where more than a dozen members of the group were in attendance. Micajah Jackson, a Marine veteran who admitted to the FBI he stormed the Capitol, spoke at the September 26th Justice for J6 rally (which was much smaller than the original Jan. 6 rally) in support of defendants charged with crimes related to the insurrection, CNNs KFile reported Saturday. According to videos and photos obtained by CNN, Jackson can be seen sharing conspiracy theories about Jan. 6 near a group of Proud Boys. The Southern Poverty Law Center has classified the Proud Boys as a hate group. During his speech at Justice for J6, according to video obtained by CNN, Jackson claimed that the government had weaponized the FBI, the Capitol Police, D.C. police, antifa, BLM, and Democratic activists to set up a coup against patriotic Americans like myself and hundreds and thousands of others that are still being persecuted, which he said was akin to KGB stuff. He also stated, according to CNN, that the Department of Justice should prosecute every Congress member that was part of this set-up coup against us. Photos on Twitter from the day surfaced by KFile show Jackson posing with Republican Arizona state Rep. Walt Blackman, who is running for a seat in Congress. A man sporting a polo shirt favored by the Proud Boys stands not far behind them, CNN noted. According to a May 18 order, a federal judge stipulated Jackson not associate with any known members of the Proud Boys organization as a condition of his release from incarceration ahead of his trial. But, the outlet did not find evidence of Jackson directly interacting with anyone from the group that day. @JerodMacEvoy Excuse me Jerod. How can you consider me a White Nationalist when I asked to take a picture with @BlackmanForAZ @theWaltBlackman and @PastorJeroneTv. You have slander my character and my Christian values. You will be sued. Mark my words low life. pic.twitter.com/OW1GVamVFY TheJFKReport (@TheJFKReport) September 26, 2021 His lawyer, public defender Maria Jacob, said in a statement to CNN that Jackson did not know that Proud Boys would be in attendance at Justice for J6, and she denied that he had contact with members of the group while he was there. Mr. Jackson did not have any contact with any members of the Proud Boys at the Justice for J6 rally and had no knowledge that any of its members would attend. The government is aware of the allegations and to date has filed no suggestion of a violation or request for action, she said. According to the criminal complaint, Jackson attended the rally on Jan. 6 wearing an orange armband that he said was given to him by Proud Boys from Arizona. The complaint states that the Proud Boys from that state chose to wear the color orange so they could easily identify each other that day. A photograph included in the complaint purports to show Jackson and a group of people who identified as Proud Boys marching toward the Capitol, and a video shows Jackson walking with a group toward the Capitol led by Proud Boys organizer Joe Biggs. Capitol CCTV footage later showed Jackson inside the building where he appeared to be live-streaming from his phone. When FBI agents interviewed Jackson at his home in March, he admitted to entering the Capitol but denied associating with the Proud Boys before Jan. 6. The complaint, however, stated that evidence found on social media accounts connected to Jackson contradicts that claim. PHOENIX (AP) An attorney for members of the San Carlos Apache tribe on Friday asked the the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco to back a nonprofit groups efforts to keep a copper mining company from gaining federal Arizona land the Apaches consider sacred. We are talking about the survival of the Apache people, attorney Luke Goodrich told the panel, arguing that an end to religious activities on the land known as Oak Flat would help spell an end to the tribe. Joan Pepin, an attorney for the U.S. government, argued the land transfer must go ahead because it was part of legislation approved by Congress. The land has been set to be transferred to Resolution Copper, as part of a provision in a must-pass 2014 defense bill, once the final environmental impact statement is published. The three-member panel did not immediately release a ruling. The judges will now confer in private and write a decision that may not be issued for as long as three months. Goodrich said the group could take the case to the Supreme Court if the appeals court sides with the U.S. Forest Service, the agency that has planned the land transfer. Apache Stronghold, a nonprofit organization representing tribe members, sued the federal government in Phoenix federal court in January to block the pending transfer of the land near the community of Superior, which the Apache tribe says is important to its religion. The group has hoped to stop publication of the final environmental review that would let the transfer proceed. Our work continues, Apache Stronghold leader Wendsler Nosie, Sr. said after Friday's hearing, encouraging all tribal governments and tribal members to stand together. We have heard loud and clear (the government's) position." U.S. District Judge Steven Logan in February rejected a request from Apache Stronghold to keep the U.S. Forest Service from transferring the land to Resolution Copper, a joint venture of global mining giants BHP and Rio Tinto. Attorneys for the Forest Service have argued in filings that the land legally belongs to the United States and that transferring its own property isnt a substantial burden to the Apache groups ability to practice its religion. But Apache tribal members argue otherwise. They call the mountainous area Chichil Bildagoteel. The land has ancient oak groves and traditional plants that tribal members say are essential to their religion and culture. Resolution Copper has said it would not deny Apaches access to Oak Flat after it receives the land and for as long as its safe. But the project would eventually swallow the site in a deep hole, something that ultimately would make any visits impossible. Resolution Copper has said the mine could have a $61 billion impact over the projects expected 60 years and employ up to 1,500 people. It would be one of the largest copper mines in the United States. DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Detectives have made an arrest in the death of a 21-year-old man who was shot in northeast Des Moines, police said Saturday. Darren Antwon Diggs, 27, was charged with first-degree murder and robbery. Police said Digg and the victim knew each other and that the motive appears to be drug-related robbery. MOOSE, Wyo. (AP) Authorities have been searching Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming for a Texas man who was last seen on Thursday. Park officials identified the missing man as Jared Hembree, 26, and said he was last seen near Game Warden Point in Moran, The Casper Star-Tribune reported. MEXICO CITY (AP) A San Jose, California woman born in India was one of two foreign tourists killed in the apparent crossfire of a drug-gang shootout in Mexicos Caribbean coast resort of Tulum. Authorities in Quintana Roo, the state where Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cancun are located, said one of the dead women was Anjali Ryot. An Instagram account under the same name showed a post of Ryot lounging and smiling on a seaside pier in Tulum two days ago. It listed her as a travel blogger from Himachal, India, living in California. A linked Facebook page said she lived in San Jose. A German woman who was killed has been identified as Jennifer Henzold, though no hometown was immediately available for her. Three other foreign tourists were wounded in the shooting late Wednesday at a street-side eatery that has some outdoor tables, right off Tulums main strip. They included two German men and a Dutch woman. The German Foreign Office issued a travel advisory about the violence, advising its citizens if you are currently in the Tulum or Playa del Carmen area, do not leave your secured hotel facilities. The gunfight apparently broke out between two groups that operate street-level drug sales in the area, according to prosecutors. The tourists were apparently dining at the restaurant and may have been caught in the crossfire. The shooting occurred on Tulum's Mini-Quinta, a reference to Playa del Carmen's larger, flashier bar and restaurant zone known as Quinta Avenida, or Fifth Avenue. On Friday, the civic group Citizens Observatorio of Tulum posted photos of hand-lettered signs that appeared at a local market in Tulum, signed by a drug gang known as Los Pelones, roughly the Shaved Heads. The sign said the shooting was a warning, so you can see we mean business," adding you either get in line or we are going to continue shutting places down like the Mini Quinta, an apparent warning to pay extortion demands for protection money. We are in control here, the sign added. The gang, part of the Gulf Cartel, has long extorted protection money from bars and night clubs in Cancun, but has now apparently extended operations further south to Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The gang is also fighting the Jalisco Cartel and other groups for the area's lucrative drug market. The killings threatened Tulum's reputation as a low-key carefree beach town without the crowding and problems of Cancun. After the shooting, U.S. tourist James Graham said he had come to Tulum with the idea of possibly buying a property there to rent out on AirBnB. Right now, we are not so sure we're going to buy anything here, Graham said. I think that what was surprising, is we figured that this type of crime wouldn't necessarily be where the main tourist areas are, just because it's such a big part of the economy, Graham said. You would think that you would be very careful to make sure that you know the tourists feel very safe coming here. But there have been signs the situation was out of control months ago. In June, two men were shot to death on the beach in Tulum and a third was wounded. And in nearby Playa del Carmen, police stage a massive raid Thursday on the beach town's restaurant-lined Quinta Avenida, detaining 26 suspects most apparently for drug sales after a city policewoman was shot to death and locked in the trunk of a car last week. Prosecutors said Friday they have arrested a suspect in that killing. Crime has gone up a little with extortion, with drug sales to foreigners and Mexicans, the prosecutors office said in a statement about the raid. The administration of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has pinned its hopes on Tulum, where it has announced plans to build an international airport and a stop for the Maya train, which will run in a loop around the Yucatan peninsula. SONGPHOL THESAKIT/Getty Images PORT ANGELES, Wash. (AP) About 40 shipping containers tumbled into the Pacific Ocean in rough seas west of the Strait of Juan de Fuca entrance on Friday, authorities said. The U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Northwest said on Twitter Friday afternoon that the ship lost the containers when it listed to its side. NEW YORK (AP) A Turkish bank must face criminal charges that it evaded sanctions against Iran by processing billions of dollars of Iranian oil revenue, an appeals court ruled Friday. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a decision by U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman. An indictment returned in 2019 said the bank illegally moved about $20 billion in Iranian oil and gas revenues. It also said the state-owned bank sometimes disguised money movements as purchases of food and medicine so theyd qualify for a humanitarian exception to sanctions. A lawyer for Halkbank declined to comment on the ruling. In a decision written by Circuit Judge Jose A. Cabranes, a three-judge panel concluded that assertions that Halkbank was protected from prosecution by immunity given to foreign sovereigns through the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act is overcome by an exception for crimes committed during commercial activity. Although the bank was not charged until two years ago, the allegations involving it surfaced in 2015 when a wealthy Turkish-Iranian gold trader was arrested on sanctions charges as he arrived in the U.S. to take his family to Disney World in Florida. The trader Reza Zarrab eventually testified he paid over $50 million in bribes to a former Turkish finance minister to help a sanction-busting scheme prosecutors say was run by Halkbanks deputy general manager for international banking, Mehmet Hakan Atilla. Prosecutors maintained that Atilla used his position to help build and protect the scheme that enabled billions of dollars in profits from Iranian oil sales to flow through world financial markets since 2011. Atilla was convicted of five of six criminal charges against him, including conspiring to defraud the U.S., bank fraud and conspiracy to violate sanctions against Iran. Zarrab hired Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor, to try to broker a deal between Turkeys president and the U.S. government to resolve the charges. The talks in 2017 failed to result in a deal. Zarrab eventually cooperated and testified against Atilla at his trial. Atilla was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison. After Atillas release from a U.S. prison, he returned to Turkey. The earlier prosecution against Zarrab and Atilla and the current case against Halkbank has further strained ties between the two countries. NEW DELHI, India (AP) Facebook in India has been selective in curbing hate speech, misinformation and inflammatory posts, particularly anti-Muslim content, according to leaked documents obtained by The Associated Press, even as its own employees cast doubt over the companys motivations and interests. From research as recent as March of this year to company memos that date back to 2019, the internal company documents on India highlight Facebooks constant struggles in quashing abusive content on its platforms in the worlds biggest democracy and the companys largest growth market. Communal and religious tensions in India have a history of boiling over on social media and stoking violence. The files show that Facebook has been aware of the problems for years, raising questions over whether it has done enough to address these issues. Many critics and digital experts say it has failed to do so, especially in cases where members of Prime Minister Narendra Modis ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, the BJP, are involved. Across the world, Facebook has become increasingly important in politics, and India is no different. Modi has been credited for leveraging the platform to his party's advantage during elections, and reporting from The Wall Street Journal last year cast doubt over whether Facebook was selectively enforcing its policies on hate speech to avoid blowback from the BJP. Both Modi and Facebook chairman and CEO Mark Zuckerberg have exuded bonhomie, memorialized by a 2015 image of the two hugging at the Facebook headquarters. The leaked documents include a trove of internal company reports on hate speech and misinformation in India. In some cases, much of it was intensified by its own recommended feature and algorithms. But they also include the company staffers' concerns over the mishandling of these issues and their discontent expressed about the viral malcontent on the platform. According to the documents, Facebook saw India as one of the most at risk countries in the world and identified both Hindi and Bengali languages as priorities for automation on violating hostile speech. Yet, Facebook didnt have enough local language moderators or content-flagging in place to stop misinformation that at times led to real-world violence. In a statement to the AP, Facebook said it has invested significantly in technology to find hate speech in various languages, including Hindi and Bengali which has resulted in reduced the amount of hate speech that people see by half in 2021. "Hate speech against marginalized groups, including Muslims, is on the rise globally. So we are improving enforcement and are committed to updating our policies as hate speech evolves online, a company spokesperson said. This AP story, along with others being published, is based on disclosures made to the Securities and Exchange Commission and provided to Congress in redacted form by former Facebook employee-turned-whistleblower Frances Haugens legal counsel. The redacted versions were obtained by a consortium of news organizations, including the AP. Back in February 2019 and ahead of a general election when concerns of misinformation were running high, a Facebook employee wanted to understand what a new user in the country saw on their news feed if all they did was follow pages and groups solely recommended by the platform itself. The employee created a test user account and kept it live for three weeks, a period during which an extraordinary event shook India a militant attack in disputed Kashmir had killed over 40 Indian soldiers, bringing the country to near war with rival Pakistan. In the note, titled An Indian Test Users Descent into a Sea of Polarizing, Nationalistic Messages, the employee whose name is redacted said they were shocked by the content flooding the news feed which has become a near constant barrage of polarizing nationalist content, misinformation, and violence and gore. Seemingly benign and innocuous groups recommended by Facebook quickly morphed into something else altogether, where hate speech, unverified rumors and viral content ran rampant. The recommended groups were inundated with fake news, anti-Pakistan rhetoric and Islamophobic content. Much of the content was extremely graphic. One included a man holding the bloodied head of another man covered in a Pakistani flag, with an Indian flag in the place of his head. Its Popular Across Facebook feature showed a slew of unverified content related to the retaliatory Indian strikes into Pakistan after the bombings, including an image of a napalm bomb from a video game clip debunked by one of Facebooks fact-check partners. Following this test users News Feed, Ive seen more images of dead people in the past three weeks than Ive seen in my entire life total, the researcher wrote. It sparked deep concerns over what such divisive content could lead to in the real world, where local news at the time were reporting on Kashmiris being attacked in the fallout. Should we as a company have an extra responsibility for preventing integrity harms that result from recommended content? the researcher asked in their conclusion. The memo, circulated with other employees, did not answer that question. But it did expose how the platforms own algorithms or default settings played a part in spurring such malcontent. The employee noted that there were clear blind spots, particularly in local language content. They said they hoped these findings would start conversations on how to avoid such integrity harms, especially for those who differ significantly from the typical U.S. user. Even though the research was conducted during three weeks that werent an average representation, they acknowledged that it did show how such unmoderated and problematic content could totally take over during a major crisis event. The Facebook spokesperson said the test study inspired deeper, more rigorous analysis of its recommendation systems and contributed to product changes to improve them." Separately, our work on curbing hate speech continues and we have further strengthened our hate classifiers, to include four Indian languages, the spokesperson said. Other research files on misinformation in India highlight just how massive a problem it is for the platform. In January 2019, a month before the test user experiment, another assessment raised similar alarms about misleading content. In a presentation circulated to employees, the findings concluded that Facebooks misinformation tags werent clear enough for users, underscoring that it needed to do more to stem hate speech and fake news. Users told researchers that clearly labeling information would make their lives easier. Again, it was noted that the platform didnt have enough local language fact-checkers, which meant a lot of content went unverified. Alongside misinformation, the leaked documents reveal another problem plaguing Facebook in India: anti-Muslim propaganda, especially by Hindu-hardline groups. India is Facebooks largest market with over 340 million users nearly 400 million Indians also use the companys messaging service WhatsApp. But both have been accused of being vehicles to spread hate speech and fake news against minorities. In February 2020, these tensions came to life on Facebook when a politician from Modis party uploaded a video on the platform in which he called on his supporters to remove mostly Muslim protesters from a road in New Delhi if the police didnt. Violent riots erupted within hours, killing 53 people. Most of them were Muslims. Only after thousands of views and shares did Facebook remove the video. In April, misinformation targeting Muslims again went viral on its platform as the hashtag Coronajihad flooded news feeds, blaming the community for a surge in COVID-19 cases. The hashtag was popular on Facebook for days but was later removed by the company. For Mohammad Abbas, a 54-year-old Muslim preacher in New Delhi, those messages were alarming. Some video clips and posts purportedly showed Muslims spitting on authorities and hospital staff. They were quickly proven to be fake, but by then Indias communal fault lines, still stressed by deadly riots a month earlier, were again split wide open. The misinformation triggered a wave of violence, business boycotts and hate speech toward Muslims. Thousands from the community, including Abbas, were confined to institutional quarantine for weeks across the country. Some were even sent to jails, only to be later exonerated by courts. People shared fake videos on Facebook claiming Muslims spread the virus. What started as lies on Facebook became truth for millions of people, Abbas said. Criticisms of Facebooks handling of such content were amplified in August of last year when The Wall Street Journal published a series of stories detailing how the company had internally debated whether to classify a Hindu hard-line lawmaker close to Modis party as a dangerous individual" a classification that would ban him from the platform after a series of anti-Muslim posts from his account. The documents reveal the leadership dithered on the decision, prompting concerns by some employees, of whom one wrote that Facebook was only designating non-Hindu extremist organizations as dangerous. The documents also show how the companys South Asia policy head herself had shared what many felt were Islamophobic posts on her personal Facebook profile. At the time, she had also argued that classifying the politician as dangerous would hurt Facebooks prospects in India. The author of a December 2020 internal document on the influence of powerful political actors on Facebook policy decisions notes that Facebook routinely makes exceptions for powerful actors when enforcing content policy. The document also cites a former Facebook chief security officer saying that outside of the U.S., local policy heads are generally pulled from the ruling political party and are rarely drawn from disadvantaged ethnic groups, religious creeds or casts" which "naturally bends decision-making towards the powerful. Months later the India official quit Facebook. The company also removed the politician from the platform, but documents show many company employees felt the platform had mishandled the situation, accusing it of selective bias to avoid being in the crosshairs of the Indian government. Several Muslim colleagues have been deeply disturbed/hurt by some of the language used in posts from the Indian policy leadership on their personal FB profile, an employee wrote. Another wrote that barbarism" was being allowed to flourish on our network. Its a problem that has continued for Facebook, according to the leaked files. As recently as March this year, the company was internally debating whether it could control the fear mongering, anti-Muslim narratives pushed by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, a far-right Hindu nationalist group which Modi is also a part of, on its platform. In one document titled Lotus Mahal, the company noted that members with links to the BJP had created multiple Facebook accounts to amplify anti-Muslim content, ranging from calls to oust Muslim populations from India and Love Jihad, an unproven conspiracy theory by Hindu hard-liners who accuse Muslim men of using interfaith marriages to coerce Hindu women to change their religion. The research found that much of this content was never flagged or actioned since Facebook lacked classifiers and moderators in Hindi and Bengali languages. Facebook said it added hate speech classifiers in Hindi starting in 2018 and introduced Bengali in 2020. The employees also wrote that Facebook hadnt yet put forth a nomination for designation of this group given political sensitivities. The company said its designations process includes a review of each case by relevant teams across the company and are agnostic to region, ideology or religion and focus instead on indicators of violence and hate. It did not, however, reveal whether the Hindu nationalist group had since been designated as dangerous. ___ Associated Press writer Sam McNeil in Beijing contributed to this report. ___ See full coverage of the Facebook Papers here: https://apnews.com/hub/the-facebook-papers ANNISTON, Ala. (AP) Gates have been installed at the mouth of a cave in eastern Alabama to protect the habitat of two endangered species that live in the cavern, the state wildlife agency said. Mined by the Confederacy during the Civil War for saltpeter, a component of gunpowder, Weaver Cave near Anniston is an important home for gray bats and tricolored bats, according to a release from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) Lawyers representing New Seasons Market have filed a $2.7 million lawsuit against an Oregon beef producer accusing the company of negligence for delivering beef tainted with E. coli in 2019, court records show. Several people were sickened by the bacteria, prompting a wide recall, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. The suit, filed this week in Multnomah County Circuit Court by the Portland-based company, names Country Natural Beef, based in Redmond. Lawyers for New Seasons and Oregon Country Beef didn't immediately return calls for comment from the newspaper. On Nov. 8, 2019, officials from the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Department of Agriculture told New Seasons three cases of E. coli had been connected to ground beef sold in Portland-area stores of the grocery chain. The chain took samples from meat cases and sent them to a state-run lab for analysis. Two came back positive for E. coli and both were determined to have come from Country Natural Beef, the lawsuit said. New Seasons pulled ground beef from shelves in all of its stores and recalled ground beef products it had sold, according to the suit. The suspension of ground beef sales lasted three months, the lawsuit says. Many customers returned products and received refunds, and New Seasons disposed of the unsold beef products, according to the suit. New Seasons seeks money to recover costs from paying refunds, cleaning, issuing and carrying out the recall and investigating the outbreak source. The chain also seeks damages for a loss of goodwill with customers, according to the suit. The lawsuit said Country Natural Beef has examined its internal procedures and implemented a new beef testing policy. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) A judge has vacated a Trump-era rule that limited states' ability to review federally-permitted water projects. When the federal government OKs a permit for a project that will discharge into navigable waters, state governments have the right to review the project to make sure it complies with state laws. States can approve, modify or deny the permit. Former Republican President Donald Trump's administration issued new rules that limited states' ability to review these permits. Attorneys general in California, Washington and New York led a coalition of 21 states to sue to block this rule. Now that Democrat Joe Biden is president, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants to reconsider the rule. Thursday, a U.S. District Judge William Alsup ordered the rule sent back to the EPA for further proceedings. But he also vacated the rule, meaning it won't stay in effect while the EPA makes changes. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, praised the judge's ruling. He said states rely on their reviewing power to safeguard our precious resources by ensuring that federal projects meet the state's robust water quality requirements. A Kentucky couple who pleaded guilty to misdemeanors in connection with the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol were sentenced to five years of probation Friday and fined $5,000 each. Lori Vinson and Roy Vinson of Morganfield were also ordered to perform 120 hours of community service. Prosecutors had asked for one month in jail for Lori Vinson and three months of house arrest for her husband. U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton raised his voice as he imposed the couples sentences, chastising them for being gullible enough to believe the lie that the election was stolen from former President Donald Trump. Were tearing our country apart, he said. We are so divided as a country that we are killing ourselves as a country." Both of the Vinsons pleaded guilty to parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building, a misdemeanor charge that carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison. The Vinsons apologized for their actions. It was never, ever my intention to go to Washington, D.C., and break the law, said Lori Vinson, who said in January that she lost her nursing job at Ascension St. Vincent in Evansville, Indiana. Its going to have a lasting impression on my reputation for probably the rest of my life. Thomas Vinson said he and his wife went to the Capitol as peaceful people. I made a terrible decision by going into that building and escorting my wife into that building, Thomas Vinson said. Sir, I havent had even a traffic stop in 25 years much less any kind of altercation with the law. Walton, now a senior judge, has served on the district court for the District of Columbia since October 2001 after being nominated by Republican President George W. Bush. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A Minnesota lawmaker is encouraging supporters to donate to a Lindstrom family facing federal criminal charges in connection with participating in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Sen. Mark Koran, a North Branch Republican, on Friday posted a link to a crowdfunding site launched by a member of the Westbury family four members of which are now among the eight Minnesotans to be charged so far with crimes related to the deadly Capitol riot. LOS ANGELES (AP) Levels of wretched-smelling hydrogen sulfide gas that have plagued south Los Angeles County communities for weeks are declining as authorities use various mitigation methods in a flood control channel emitting the gross odors, authorities said Friday in an online news conference. The problem was reported Oct. 7 and traced to the 15-mile-long (24-kilometer) Dominguez Channel, which flows into Los Angeles harbor. The smell has chiefly affected the city of Carson and several other Los Angeles suburbs. The gas is being created by a natural phenomenon called anaerobic digestion which occurs when bacteria break down vegetation when theres a lack of oxygen in the water, said Mark Pestrella, the countys public works director and chief engineer of the flood control district. In addition, the investigation revealed the presence of chemicals that are contributing to the problem. Pestrella did not identify those chemicals and he said he could not comment further because it may involve criminal or civil actions. Public works is spraying the channel with a biodegradable odor neutralizer called Epoleon, which converts hydrogen sulfide to a salt. Daily tides are being relied on to spread the neutralizer, and Pestrella said drones are being considered to help that process. A system of bubblers is being installed in the channel to oxygenate the water and convert the decay process into aerobic decomposition, eliminating production of hydrogen sulfide, Pestrella said. Also, high intensity lighting is being placed along the channel for use at night because its believed the bacteria involved is photosensitive, he said. Measurements by air-quality regulators are showing drastic reductions in gas readings, Pestrella said, but he could not estimate when the problem would be eliminated because people have individual levels of sensitivity. Authorities have recommended that residents keep windows closed, buy special air filters or leave the area, if necessary. The county has placed 26 households in hotels and so far has approved 857 of more than 2,000 reimbursement requests, Pestrella said. Some area residents claim the problem originated Sept. 30 when a big commercial fire in the city of Carson erupted among pallets and boxes of ethanol-based hand sanitizer, and that debris and sanitizer then flowed into Dominguez Channel Pestrella said he could not speculate on those materials. Public health teams have visited more than 7,000 homes, nearly 200 business and all the schools in the area to share health recommendations, answer questions and provide technical assistance on how to reduce odors indoors. What we hear time and time again is that people are frustrated and they are worried, and thats understandable, said Dr. Muntu Davis, the county health officer. Exposure to hydrogen sulfide can cause headaches, dizziness, irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, Davis said. Symptoms also may include nausea and abdominal discomfort that may lead to vomiting. The smell might also cause an asthma attack. Since the beginning of the incident, hydrogen sulfide readings in the air have been low enough that these symptoms are expected to be transient, short-term and reversible, Davis said. The symptoms are due to the smell of the odors and not due to hydrogen sulfide accumulating in the body, he said. Symptoms tend to go away when you leave the area or when the odors decrease or are no longer present, which is what we all hope will happen in the near future, he said. Davis said that people in Carson have expressed concern about exposure to hydrogen over days, weeks or months even though the levels are low. Based on what we are currently seeing, we generally do not expect people to develop long-term health issues after this odor event goes away, Davis said. Hydrogen sulfide is a gas that does not stay in your body for very long. Pestrella said there is no green vegetation left because it has been completely broken down into what looks like inky black soot. The long-term plan is to dredge the channel and remove the vegetation but that cant be done immediately to solve the problem because that could create additional health hazards by exposing legacy pollutants such as sulfur and metals trapped in 100 years of sediment, Pestrella said. That project will take two years. OMAHA, Neb. (AP) An Omaha police officer exchanged gunfire Friday afternoon with a suspect in the theft of catalytic converters, but neither the officer nor the 17-year-old youth he was pursuing were struck by the bullets. The Omaha Police Department said in a news release that officers responded to the Tranquility Pointe Apartments for a 911 call that two males were attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle in the parking lot. The caller provided a description of the suspect vehicle and two of its occupants. SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) New Mexicos Democratic governor will soon be headed to Scotland for the United Nations upcoming climate conference, where world leaders will talk about accelerating action toward the goals of the Paris Agreement to slow global warming. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams office announced her travel plans Friday. She will be accompanied by several members of her cabinet during the first week of the conference. The governor said in a statement that it will be an honor to talk about New Mexicos mandate for zero-emissions electricity by 2045 and pollution-reduction rules for the oil and gas industry. But I know that we as a state, as a nation, as a planet must go further by pursuing bold, equitable and just climate solutions. I am looking forward to this significant opportunity for collaboration and action at the global level, she said. The trip's expenses are being paid by the nonprofit organizations the Energy Foundation and the Climate Registry, said Lujan Grisham's press aide, Nora Meyers Sackett. The cost was not disclosed. Lujan Grisham is facing competing pressures from environmental activists and the fossil fuel industry as she seeks reelection in 2022 in a state that is now the second leading oil producer in the United States. New Mexico state and local governments and public schools, in particular rely heavily on income from oil and gas production. That dependence has grown since Lujan Grisham won election in 2018, according to the Legislatures budget and accountability office. As economic activity has rebounded from early pandemic restrictions, New Mexico oil production has reached record levels, recently exceeding 1.2 million barrels a day. Lujan Grisham has cautioned President Joe Biden against efforts to curb oil production on public lands, saying doing so would affect her ability to achieve goals like universal access to early childhood education. PITTSBURGH (AP) Joshua Angrist suspects that his childhood in Shadyside in the 1960s and 70s wasnt like those of other people who have won the Nobel Prize. He rode his bike around the city at all hours, stopping home for dinner before heading out again with his friends. He played bass in a band, then switched to guitar. He frequently skipped Hebrew school. In high school, looking to do the bare minimum, he figured out the requirements for graduating and gamed the system so he could finish a year early. I was mostly left to do whatever I want, said Mr. Angrist, 61, of Brookline, Mass. I didnt like school very much. I loved working, and I just wanted to be a working man and have a salary and have a car. Years later after leaving Pittsburgh, serving time in the Israeli army, earning a doctorate in economics and staying on faculty at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology long enough to receive a rocking chair to commemorate his 25th anniversary Mr. Angrist won the Nobel Prize in economics. He shared the award, announced Oct. 11, with David Card of the University of California, Berkeley and Guido Imbens from Stanford University. The three researchers were honored for their work on drawing conclusions from natural experiments, or the types of situations that occur naturally in the world, rather than through researchers intervention. Mr. Angrists work has focused on the economics of education and school reform, the effects of immigration and labor market regulation, and econometric methods for program and policy evaluation. He wrote a book on econometrics or the use of statistical methods to develop theories or test hypotheses in economics in 2014. In 2019, he founded a company that uses software and algorithms to help make decisions about school choice, teacher placement and scholarships. He is a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research, a nonpartisan organization that investigates and analyzes economic issues, and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. But as a high school student in Pittsburgh, Mr. Angrist wasnt so interested in learning. He hadnt even heard of economics yet. In 11th grade, opting out of any advanced or accelerated classes, he stacked his schedule with the minimum requirements to graduate two English classes, two health classes, two gym classes and got his diploma early. He then spent time working at different medical facilities as an aide, starting at a small organization that worked with children who had severe handicaps and then moving to a state facility. He was a union member, but the pay was still low. Another from Allderdice At Taylor Allderdice High School, which now does have economics courses, Mr. Angrist is the second former student to win the Nobel Prize and the second to admit they werent really fond of the classroom. Frances Arnold, who won the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2018 for work that harnessed evolutionary principles to create new proteins, used to routinely cut class while she was a student at the Squirrel Hill school. After her win, Ms. Arnold who lived in Edgewood, Shadyside and Squirrel Hill during her childhood in Pittsburgh told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that she wasnt rebellious, just bored. Allderdice Principal James McCoy isnt too concerned that the schools Nobel laureates didnt actually have much interest in their high school courses. Every student has a moment when education catches on, Mr. McCoy said. Sometimes, its the first day they walk in the high school; sometimes, its their senior year; and sometimes, its after graduation. Ms. Arnold returned to the high school in 2019, the year after receiving the award, to talk with a group of particularly science-oriented students. Mr. McCoy said he hasnt started discussions with Mr. Angrist yet, but he is hoping to arrange something. Now, Mr. McCoy said, hes working with the schools alumni group to show our students: Hey, this can be you one day. These people came through the same halls youre walking through each day. More work ahead After his early graduation in 1977 and his stint at other jobs, Mr. Angrist went to Oberlin College in Ohio. There, he met the economist Orley Ashenfelter, who would later give him the idea that he would spend much of his career studying but first, he would turn down his offer to go to Princeton University. After graduating from Oberlin in 1982, Mr. Angrist went to Hebrew University in Jerusalem for graduate studies, but he later dropped out. The experience was not academically successful, but it was personally, he said at a news conference Oct. 11. Thats where he met his wife. Mr. Angrist then spent time in the Israeli army before later taking up the offer to study at Princeton. During one labor economics class, his thesis adviser, Mr. Ashenfelter, came in with an idea. He had just heard about a study, Mr. Ashenfelter said, where a group of researchers compared the death rates of people who had high lottery numbers in the draft for the Vietnam War and those who had low numbers. Someone should do that to look at their earnings, he thought. So Mr. Angrist did. I went that day to the library, he said. In some sense, Ive been working on the draft lottery all my career. Its that kind of problem that grabs me. I have an interesting question and a clear, maybe not immediate, way to answer. Mr. Angrist was born in Columbus, Ohio, and moved to Pittsburgh for his parents work. His dad got a job at Carnegie Mellon University and his mom at the University of Pittsburgh. They eventually left academia but never left Pittsburgh, Mr. Angrist said. Today, they still live in Squirrel Hill, close to Blue Slide Park and Frick Park both spots the family would visit often when Mr. Angrist and his two brothers were growing up. His parents belong to Congregation Dor Hadash, one of the congregations that was using space at the Tree of Life synagogue on Oct. 27, 2018, when a gunman killed 11 worshippers. They werent there, but as it played out, it wasnt clear what was happening, Mr. Angrist said, remembering the trauma of that day. They lost good friends. Growing up, Mr. Angrist went to synagogue with his family at what was then the Hebrew Institute of Pittsburgh, on Forbes and Denniston avenues in Squirrel Hill. The building is now home to Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburghs girls schools and early learning center. Mr. Angrist spent most of his time in Frick Park and remembered the fierce debate over which Squirrel Hill pizza spot was better: Mineos or Napolis. These days, the debate centers around Mineos vs. Aiellos, but at the time, Mr. Angrist walked past the other rival pizzerias on his walk to and from school, which, he joked, was uphill both ways. Mr. Angrist doesnt come back very often his parents usually travel to visit him because thats where the grandchildren are but he said, Pittsburghs a great place to live, and I often wonder why more people dont live there. The day after winning the Nobel Prize, Mr. Angrist went back to work at MIT. He taught his normal labor economics class. The graduate students made sure he was recognized with a Champagne toast. Im happy to have won the Nobel Prize, of course. Who wouldnt be? Mr. Angrist said. But it is quite overwhelming. I need to come up with a strategy that I can keep working and not just be a Nobel Prize winner. I have lots more years of work in me. ___ Online: https://bit.ly/3pfaRcQ KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) A 28-year-old man was stabbed to death Friday following an altercation with another man in the yard of a home in Kansas City, Missouri, police said. Police on Saturday identified the victim as 28-year-old Darryl Gilland. A person of interest remains in custody as detectives work with prosecutors on charges, police said in a news release. CIUDAD VICTORIA, Mexico (AP) Residents of the northern Mexico border city of Matamoros were recovering Saturday from a night of terror in which raging gunbattles left civilians diving for cover. The government of the border state of Tamaulipas said three gunmen, including a leader of the Gulf Cartel, were killed in the firefights with police. A female municipal employee who was apparently caught in the crossfire during the Friday night shootout also died, and two civilians and two suspects were wounded. The drug gang gunmen opened fire after police and soldiers tried to stop one of their vehicles. Police found a bulletproof vehicle along with a .50-caliber sniper rifle at the scene of the shooting, which spread along the city's boulevards. A total of four suspected gunmen were arrested in Matamoros, located across the Rio Grande from Brownsville, Texas. During the running gunbattles, gang members hijacked vehicles and set some afire to block roads. Roadblocks were reported at 15 points throughout the city. Patrons of restaurants and shopping malls posted videos on social media of people diving for cover on floors and behind walls. Tamaulipas state officials said the dead gang leader was Ariel Trevino, alias El Tigre, who headed a feared group of Gulf Cartel gunmen known as The Scorpions. The government said Trevino served as head of the cartel's lookouts and headed up their operations in various smaller border communities in the area. Factions of the Gulf Cartel have attacked police and each other for years in and around Matamoros and the neighboring city of Reynosa. SANTA CRUZ DE LA PALMA, Canary Islands (AP) Spains prime minister announced Saturday that his government will speed up already promised aid to help the thousands of residents on La Palma island whose homes and livelihoods have been destroyed by a protracted volcanic eruption. On his fifth visit since the Atlantic island was shaken by the Sept. 19 eruption, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that his government would pass new measures this week to help millions of euros in aid to reach those in need. Sanchez's government had already assigned 63 million euros ($73 million) in direct aid, with another 6 million euros ($7 million) for the local farming and fishing industries impacted in the impacted area. Lava flows from the eruption on the Cumbre Vieja volcanic ridge have damaged or destroyed more than 2,100 buildings, mostly houses and farms. The molten rock, which has covered over 850 hectares (2,100 acres), has also knocked out irrigations systems and roads in the largely agricultural area. Though most of the island of 85,000 people off northwest Africa is unaffected by the eruption, part of the western side is facing an uncertain future. The lava flows are still going strong over a month later, gobbling up more buildings and forming newly-born land where it has reached the sea. Locals are also feeling the toll of the nonstop roar from the volcano and the constant series of low-level earthquakes under their island. About 7,500 residents have had to be evacuated from their homes in prompt action by authorities that has prevented the loss of any lives. Most have taken refuge with family or friends but around 430 people are in temporary lodgings provided by the local government. The Canary Islands government is buying up empty apartments to house those whose homes have been demolished. It has also pledged to modify regulations to help rebuilding efforts once the eruption finally stops. But the end is nowhere in sight, warned Canary Islands president Angel Victor Torres. We still have weeks ahead of us, Torres said. We are living through some very difficult times. (But) no resident of La Palma will have to leave the island to continue their lives. ABERDEEN, Wash. (AP) A crowd is pouring into a parking lot on Broadway Street in Aberdeen. People in booths are hawking homemade goods. Theres rainbow flags. Tweens with kitchen-sink dye jobs. Old folks and strollers. Everyone is cheering for the drag performers swaggering between rows of folding canvas chairs. Compared to big city Pride events, this is small but so meaningful in places where being queer isnt always easy. City Councilwoman Tiesa Meskis is beaming in her tie-dye shirt and magenta eyeshadow. She and her wife, Julie Meskis, are setting handmade lotions and essential oils on a table. Its been a side business for six years. This is our first drag show, she told KNKX Public Radio with a smile. Tiesa Meskis is easygoing. You wouldnt know it, but she had a wild summer that peaked with an international news story that turned ugly. But thats not why were talking. When I first heard about Meskis, I didnt know there was a trans woman politician in Washington state. I checked in with the LGBTQ Victory Fund, and it turns out they hadnt heard of another one either. Meskis is Washingtons first openly transgender official that we know of. I revealed this on her couch. Her eyes shot open. I thought there had to be at least one or two more, she said. Thats kind of amazing. Big, crunchy Northwest cities like Seattle and Olympia have a reputation for accessible health care and safety, which appeal to transgender people. But Aberdeen isnt that at all. Its rural, coastal and conservative by comparison. Its small, a 10-minute drive end to end, with one-way streets on the main drag. Its got tough roots. Logging and fishing built this place, and Aberdeens never quite recovered from those industries implosion. Some here proudly trace their lineage to pioneer roots. Others would leave if they had the money. Meskis isnt from Aberdeen. She grew up in Santa Cruz, California, a confused Catholic kid who found release and community through the campy, bold queerness of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. For decades, fear kept her in the closet, but about two years ago she started inching out and experimenting with her presentation in public using subtle makeup, womens clothes and long hair. After a while, people began asking if she was transitioning. Shed tell them that she wasnt quite ready to admit it, a wishy-washy sentiment that weighed on her. By July, she just couldnt wait. Meskis was more than a year and a half into her term on the city council when she came out. It was a bit of a non-event. The local paper, The Daily World, didnt cover it as a standalone story. Walking around Aberdeen, people were familiar with Meskis but said her coming out wasnt a big deal around town. I ran into locals David Jackson and Albert Cummings outside Key Bank. They said people here mind their own business. Cummings, who is Black, recalled when he moved to Aberdeen more than 25 years ago. When I first got here, I met a lot of people who were racial, he said. And I mean racial. But now, since Ive been here for so long, we all get along good. Meskis appearance may have changed, but her politics havent. She was elected on bread-and-butter issues like roads, police staffing and budgeting. Her number one issue is building a levee to take Aberdeen out of a floodplain, which she says drives out investment. If you spend enough money refurbishing a house or business, the Federal Emergency Management Agency gets involved. Its a nightmare, she said. She described Aberdeen as a town searching for its next new venture. Its been dilapidated and not ran so well for a few years, she said. And we have this kind of rival of the old school trying to keep things in the past and revive that old-school logging and fishing nature. The rest of us are going, No! We need to move forward! Were a town a little at odds with itself at times. Political races with transgender candidates, even small ones, can make national news but only when theres conflict. The casual, live and let live attitude in Aberdeen could explain why nobody has heard about her. And why everything was quiet until Meskis heard about a transphobic sign posted at The Sucher & Sons Star Wars shop. It said, If youve got a d--- youre not a chick, Meskis said. Shes unsure if the sign was about her, but it hurt all the same. She marched to the store with her wife, who filmed an interaction with owner Don Sucher. It turned personal with Sucher asking, Do you know how many people youve embarrassed in city hall? In the days after the video went viral, activists planned to protest the store, but canceled when far-right Proud Boys from Oregon announced theyd attend a counterprotest. A few dozen Sucher supporters showed up. The Daily World wrote that hundreds more dropped in to buy up Star Wars memorabilia. Meskis stayed out of it, but people in Aberdeen and around the world started harassing her online. Some conservatives claimed shed duped people into voting for her. All of a sudden, her identity mattered. A lot. Meskis felt angry, hurt and that who she was distracted from what she wanted to do. My objective was never to trick anybody, you know, she said. When I ran for office, I ran on my ideals and those are still my ideals. Your gender identity, your sexuality, I dont think should be a determining factor in whether or not youre suitable to fill a position within government. Its been two months and the online harassment has died down. At the drag show, queer people said Aberdeen is getting better, although its still behind the times on LGBTQ issues. Ashton Lanning is a transmasculine person who was bullied mercilessly in middle and high school. If I were more out, or less passing, and worked regular jobs, I would be screwed. And there are a lot of genuinely good allies here. Im not going to s--- on my community. Theyre half the reason Im still here. In Meskis, he feels theres someone on his side. Considering what hes experienced, her historic status made him wide-eyed. Meskis is proud that queer people here see something in her. But her goal was never to make a grand point about gender or social issues. It was economics and infrastructure. And in the end, its not transphobia, the video or the bullying on social media that may run her out of town, but the very issues she cares about. The business with her wife Julie? They want a brick-and-mortar store. The floodplain makes insuring a house or business here nearly impossible. Shes not sure if shell have the opportunity to run again. If were still in the area, I might run again, Meskis said. Theres a lot about Aberdeen that I still really like. Id feel I was abandoning people if I left too soon. UNITED NATIONS (AP) North Korea has never been more isolated from the international community as a result of its drastic steps to prevent COVID-19, and the ruptured global ties are having a dramatic impact on the human rights of the people inside the country, the U.N.s independent investigator on the reclusive northeast Asian nation said Friday. Tomas Ojea Quintana told the General Assemblys human rights committee and an earlier news conference that North Koreans are facing food shortages and collapses in their livelihoods, and the most vulnerable children and elderly people are at risk of starvation. He said he is also really, really concerned about the extent of hunger in political prison camps. The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea -- the Norths official name -- closed its borders to prevent the pandemic, which Ojea Quintana said would have a devastating impact on the peoples right to health because the DPRKs health infrastructure suffers from underinvestment and a critical shortage of supplies caused by underlying human rights issues. The draconian steps the government of the DPRK has taken to prevent COVID-19 from entering reportedly include a policy of shooting individuals who attempt to enter or leave the country, he said. In his final report to the General Assembly after six years as the U.N. special investigator on human rights in the DPRK, Ojea Quintana added that increased restrictions on freedom of movement and the shutting of national borders has choked market activity that has become essential for peoples access to basic necessities, including food. He said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has recognized the grim food situation and is investing in efforts to prevent starvation in the country. Nonetheless, as a result of the border closures, he said, the lifesaving humanitarian work of the United Nations and other international actors has also ground to a halt, with no United Nations international staff currently in the country and diplomats continuing to leave. The people of the DPRK should not have to choose between the fear of hunger and the fear of COVID-19, Ojea Quintana said. He said the pandemic has demonstrated that the only way to tackle a virus that doesnt respect international borders is through international cooperation. However, the dark irony is that the absence of international personnel can buttress those within the country seeking permanent isolation, he said. The DPRK rejected an offer of vaccine from the World Health Organizations COVAX program, an ambitious project to buy and deliver coronavirus vaccines for the worlds poorest people, Ojea Quintana said, and there is a discussion about whether the international community should offer North Korea a full-scale vaccination of the population. Its clear the DPRK fears an outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, he said, and unless all the population is vaccinated it could be the case that borders may continue to be closed. Ojea Quintana said there are also some ideas of opening special zones to do trade with China in the border area while protecting the population from COVID-19. He said trade with China has given North Koreans the opportunity to survive and make a living. In his report to the General Assembly, the U.N. investigator said he recommended that in light of the pandemic, the Security Council committee monitoring sanctions against the DPRK over its nuclear program should re-evaluate the sanctions regime under these circumstances, and when necessary to ease those sanctions. While humanitarian aid to the DPRK is exempt from sanctions, Ojea Quintana said sanctions have had unintended consequences on ordinary people. As one example, he said, U.N. sanctions against the export of textiles and seafood -- industries where women are the predominant workers -- have resulted in women who are family bread-winners losing their jobs. Ojea Quintana said he recognized the paradox of deteriorating social and economic rights in the DPRK while the government continues to test missiles, probably diverting resources that should be allocated in those areas. U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said in response to Ojea Quintanas report that the simple truth is that the DPRK regime itself is responsible for the humanitarian situation in the country. He said sanctions remain in place, but the United States is involved in efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the neediest North Koreans. DUNSMUIR, Calif. (AP) A wreckage found on a ridge in far Northern California on Friday is that of a small plane that requested an emergency landing but never arrived at its expected destination, authorities said. Someone spotted the black Cessna 150 near Dunsmuir, about 45 miles north of Redding, and was able to confirm it was the missing plane after seeing its tail number, Siskiyou County Sheriff's spokeswoman Kelly Giordano said. Update at 4:45 p.m. on October 22: This story has been updated to include a statement from Torchy's Tacos. A family has filed a lawsuit against Austin-based Torchy's Tacos after a mother claims her son developed salmonella after eating contaminated onions at one of its San Antonio restaurants. The suit was filed by a San Antonio woman on behalf of her minor son, and includes Torchy's, its parent company Success Foods Management Group LLC and ProSource Produce LLC, a food distributor among the defendants. According to court documents, the plaintiff ate dinner at the Torchy's Tacos on 18210 Sonterra Place on August 21. Six days later, the court filing stated the minor began to "experience exhaustion and a headache." The mother claimed his symptoms progressed over the next 10 days with increasing intensity, including fever, diarrhea, and intense pain in his lower back. The minor was taken to an emergency room on September 3. However, an examination failed to yield a diagnosis, according to the suit. His mother reported he was in such intense pain that he could not walk or sit up. The document stated he was taken to Methodist Children's Hospital where he received treatment for complications from a salmonella infection in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. According to the court filing, the infection reportedly led to sepsis, organ failure, pneumonia, acidosis, thrombocytopenia, pericardial effusion, interstitial emphysema, and extreme pain when it reached the bones around his sacroiliac joint. On October 21, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a salmonella outbreak linked to onions from Chihuahua, Mexic, and distributed by ProSource, which is based in Hailey, Idaho. As of Thursday morning, the outbreak has sickened more than 650 people in 37 states. Torchy's Tacos included the statement below: "This week we learned that we are being sued based on an allegation that on August 21 a guest ate food from our Sonterra San Antonio restaurant and a week later became ill. This October lawsuit filing was the first notice we have received about this claim. At Torchys, our number one priority is providing safe and delicious food to our guests. We take this claim very seriously and have retained nationally respected food safety experts to track our food supply in August to see if they can find a connection between the food we served then and this claim. We can report our Sonterra location has a uniform record of excellent health inspection scores, including a 100-score routine inspection from the City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District as recently as October 8, 2021. Our thoughts are with this guest and his family and we hope for continued recovery." The family is seeking more than $200,000 of compensation to cover the family's medical bills and to compensate the minor for pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, future lost wages, and more. The plaintiff in the suit is represented by Seattle's Marler Clark LLC and the Hill Law Firm of San Antonio. WASHINGTON - Senior Democrats are preparing a sweeping new tax plan that would aim to raise hundreds of billions of dollars from the fortunes of America's roughly 700 billionaires, an abrupt shift in the party's approach to funding a large expansion of the safety net. For years, Democrats have argued for higher income and corporate tax rates, saying that wealthy Americans and well-off companies should pay more to fund new social benefits, like subsidized day care and paid family leave, primarily benefiting working class Americans and shrinking inequality. But even as Democrats seized control of the White House and Congress, they haven't been able to fully coalesce around a tax and spending plan - with Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., expressing opposition to a rise in tax rates. Now, an unexpected compromise appears to be emerging over the billionaire tax proposal. Senate Finance Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore., is drafting the plan, but both senior Biden officials and other senior Democrats are cautiously optimistic Sinema and other centrist lawmakers support the effort, according to interviews with three congressional aides and two administration officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to reflect sensitive negotiations. It remains uncertain whether the plan will be backed by every Senate Democrat and almost every House Democrat, which would be necessary for its passage. The shifting nature of the tax legislation reflects the challenge Democrats face in trying to rebalance an American economy that most economists believe has grown increasingly unequal over the last several decades. Democrats had largely unified behind increasing taxes on those earning more than roughly $500,000 per year, while also raising the corporate tax rate paid by large firms. That approach was consistent with Biden's insistence that Americans earning under $400,000 per year be spared any new tax hikes, a pledge the administration considers necessary to protect the political popularity of any new taxes. The new path under consideration would represent an even more stark attempt to narrowly tailor new tax hikes to avoid political blowback. It would shield not only the lower and middle classes but also exempt the bulk of the top 1% - concentrating them instead on the wealthiest .0002%. The plan would also begin to address the populist tumult that roiled the Democratic Party during the last presidential campaign. Sinema spoke several times about the billionaire tax with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., an advocate for the Wyden plan who helped popularize the idea of a wealth tax on billionaires during her campaign, according to spokespeople for both senators. At the outset of negotiations, Biden had pitched a plan to tax fortunes when they are passed down to heirs, aiming to close a loophole that allows rich Americans to receive large inheritances tax-free. That plan collapsed, however, amid a revolt from Democrats in Iowa and Montana who warned it could hurt family farms, even though Biden was open to exempting farms worth less than $25 million. "Even before the pandemic, there had been decades of dramatically rising inequality, especially at the very, very top of the distribution. But the pandemic really crystallized the pathologies of that divergence," said Austan Goolsbee, who served as a senior economist in the Obama administration. "Now that we need money to pay for these investments, you can see why Democrats would immediately turn to say, 'Who has had the greatest time during this trying period? It's the billionaires.'" Some economists point out that increases in inequality represent a much broader phenomenon than just increases in billionaire wealth, and argue that taxes capturing a much wider swath of the population are likely necessary to fund the transformative spending plans Democrats are pursuing. Tax experts are also generally wary of creating a tax for such a small group of people that it may be easier to avoid, as well as inventing new tax programs out of whole cloth. "Countries with a more robust welfare state tax everybody a bit more, rather than just the rich," said Joshua McCabe, senior fellow of policy and welfare at the Niskanen Center, a center-right think tank. "The amount of revenue you can get from squeezing folks making less than $400,000 per year is small, and if you're looking at billionaires it's even smaller." The proposal would be incorporated into the reconciliation bill that Democrats hope to pass soon and could help offset the roughly $2 trillion the bill is likely to spend over 10 years on a variety of new federal programs. The administration recently briefed congressional Democrats on a series of other new sources of revenue that would raise trillions of dollars without increasing the corporate tax rate. Those include higher tax enforcement through the Internal Revenue Service; a new global minimum tax; and a new 15% minimum tax on corporations, among other measures. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Friday the plan could "absolutely" be paid for without an increase in the corporate tax rate, citing these options. Democrats are still struggling to reach agreement on their broader tax measure, although House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Friday lawmakers hope to reach an agreement within days. The tax component represents just one of the many impasses Democrats must resolve before agreeing to the legislation, as the party remains divided over a raft of competing legislative priorities. The billionaire plan newly under consideration by the Senate faces objections among House Democrats, who already advanced a roughly $2 trillion tax package that included rate hikes on the rich and on corporations. Some tax experts are also wary of creating a complicated new system of taxation in a matter of days. House Ways and Means Chair Richard Neal, D-Mass., said the Wyden plan could "become really complex." "When you do rates, they're efficient and they're easily implemented. Unlike the more esoteric ideas of taxing this or taxing that, rates are simple by nature. People understand them," Neal said. "There's only one proposal on revenue that has passed a legislative body. It's ours." Currently, wealthy Americans do not have to pay taxes on vast accumulations of wealth because they are only taxed once the asset is sold. Billionaires often borrow against their non-taxed assets, which allows them to spend enormous sums of money while effectively paying very low taxes relative to their income and worth. Under the "Billionaire Income Tax" proposal, a summary of which was obtained by The Washington Post, the federal government would require billionaires to pay taxes on the increased value of their assets such as stocks on an annual basis, regardless of whether they sell those assets. Billionaires would also be able to take deductions for the annual loss in value of those assets. It would also set up a system for taxing assets that are not easily tradable, like real estate. The tax would apply to billionaires and people earning over $100 million in income three years in a row. "A key of engine of the rise of wealth inequality is the very low effective tax rates billionaires currently have," said Gabriel Zucman, an economist at the University of California Berkeley. "Since the proposal would significantly increase their effective tax rate, it would be a significant step toward limiting the rise of wealth inequality." The White House's legislative ambitions have generally narrowed in recent weeks as Sinema and Sen. Joe Manchin III, D-W.Va., demand major cuts to the spending size of the legislation. But the Democratic centrists have appeared open in recent days to aggressively taxing America's billionaires - typically a demand of the left. Sinema has balked at seemingly more modest proposals to raise tax rates on wealthy individuals and big corporations, and they appear to have fallen out of the legislation. That has led to surprising renewed exploration of taxing billionaires, in part because there may be political upside for Democrats in training the tax hikes on the extremely rich - most of whom live in California and New York, rather than swing-states - rather than on the merely rich. A spokesman for Sinema, John LaBombard, did not confirm or deny her support for the billionaire tax. The spokesman said in a statement that the senator "is committed to ensuring everyday families can get ahead and that we continue creating jobs. She has told her colleagues and the president that simply raising tax rates will not in any way address the challenge of tax avoidance or improve economic competitiveness." White House officials have been involved in crafting the plan, while officials at the Department of Treasury have provided guidance as well, people familiar with the matter said. Biden has already publicly endorsed the concept. After taking the stage to sustained applause, Bill Maher offered his audience good news and bad news. Californias wildfire season might be ended by rain, he said, but because its California that was likely to lead to more disasters including flooding and landslides. Continuing in that same mode, Maher went on to cite Hawaii opening back up to vaccinated travelers. Finally, a governor who is asking the right questions about COVID like, how will my policies affect Bill Mahers New Years Eve plans? he said and mentioned that his planned New Years Eve gig there was back on. It wasnt the only holiday he invoked in his opening monologue; Halloween came up as well. This is the time of year when youre really excited about your costume, but it hasnt gotten you canceled yet, Maher said. Not surprisingly, Maher had a few thoughts on Donald Trumps recently-announced social network. Its called Truth Social; apparently Shit My Dad Says was taken, Maher said. He went on to quickly address Facebooks recent announcement of a name change and the controversy surrounding Dave Chappelles The Closer and promised more discussion of the latter subject later in the episode. The first guest this evening was Saru Jayaraman, author of One Fair Wage: Ending Subminimum Pay in America. Jayaraman has made multiple appearances on the show, and Maher connected the Great Resignation to Jayaramans work dealing with workers rights. She noted that the bulk of people who have left their jobs are restaurant workers, many of whom are dealing with being paid a subminimum wage, and whose existing concerns were exacerbated by the pandemic. Jayaraman went on to debunk the idea that people are leaving jobs due to pandemic relief funds, pointing out that a significant number of those who have left subminimum wage jobs havent necessarily received relief funds theyve just hit a breaking point. The two clashed on a few subjects, but by and large were in agreement and when Jayaraman pointed out that chain restaurants charged the same in states with a minimum wage for restaurant workers as they did in states with a subminimum wage, Maher cited it as an example of de facto corporate welfare. All told, it was one of the most informative one-on-one interviews Mahers had this season Jayaraman challenged him on a few points, but the areas in which they found common cause were also revealing. The episodes panel featured a pair of returning guests, Andrew Yang and John McWhorter. Both have new books out: Forward: Notes on the Future of Our Democracy and Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America. Maher kicked things off by raising the subject of supply chain issues and the state of the economy, with Yang making a case that different ways of measuring the economy had different bearings on everyday life in other words, that just relying on the stock market to see how good things are is an inherently flawed approach. The debate turned to a variety of subjects from there, including David Shors take on the Democratic Party and New York Citys handling of gifted and talented programs. From there, Maher did a quick bit on the idea of woke horror which featured a poster for The Invisible Mansplainer. In the second half of the discussion, the subject turned to Dave Chappelles The Closer and the controversy surrounding it. That said, the debate hit something of a bump in the road early on, as McWhorter made a reference to Immanual Kant that effectively paused the conversation for a while. Maher argued that the word transphobic was frequently used incorrectly and that, in the case of the debate over The Closer, that its being used in a situation where no hatred is involved. It led to one of the more surreal moments on the show, when Maher cited the Rotten Tomatoes critic-versus-audience ratings for The Closer and McWhorter pivoted from there to a critique of defund the police rhetoric. (Or its possible that the audience ratings for Chappelles latest special are going to be weighted in favor of existing fans of Chappelles work making that and the critical ratings a case of apples and oranges.) Maher did concede that there has been a rise in violence directed at trans people but stated that he didnt think that Chappelles latest special was the reason why. Largely, the discussion in this half of the panel found Maher and McWhorter debating back and forth, with Yang making an occasional interjection though Maher did close the segment by asking Yang about his launch of a third party, about which Maher was skeptical. Maher cited his own skepticism of Ralph Naders Green Party runs including showing a photo of him begging Nader not to run in 2004. Maher pondered the Delta+ variant in New Rules, Chipotles foray into cosmetics and Kanye Wests face mask. The purpose of a disguise is to make fewer people look at you, Maher quipped regarding West. You dont look Joe Nobody you look like Trump before he goes into hair and makeup. The bulk of the segment focused on whether or not the country was headed for a national divorce. This was taken from a Tweet posted earlier this week by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. And while he was skeptical of the source Maher described Greene as the house you tell your kids to avoid on Halloween he did note that this has been a subject a lot of thinkers have been exploring lately. His argument? Less hatred on all sides in contemporary American political discourse. Maher made a good point that social media can encourage very vituperative language at the drop of a hat, which then normalizes it. He went on to share an anecdote about a Bosnian-born cab driver who told him the situation in the United States reminded him of Bosnia before the civil war. He made the case for de-escalating rhetoric, reminding the audience of the blissful moment not long ago when Facebook was down for several hours. It was an unlikely note of peace to bring the episode to a close. Thanks for reading InsideHook. Sign up for our daily newsletter and be in the know. The post Bill Maher Defends Dave Chappelle on This Weeks Real Time appeared first on InsideHook. News Council comments on COVID expenditures City of Marion Common Council has been tasked with collaborating with Mayor Jess Alumbaugh to allocate funds received from the federal government. The city of Marion has received financial support from the federal government for COVID expenses through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Safety Act (CARES) that may be spent to aid industries and individuals affected by COVID. The CARES Act funds were required to be used by Dec. 31, 2020, so there is no longer a budget for the money received from the federal government to spend in the city. The total amount of CARES Act funds received by the city was $909,950, which has now been depleted due to the time limit according to the City Controller Julie Flores. At least $3,000 was utilized for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), thermometers and construction of protective areas for the Parks Department, about $11,000 was utilized for Police and Fire Department overtime, nearly $35,000 was used to purchase protective supplies for the Police and Fire Department and City Hall, around $1,000 was used for improvements of teleworking capabilities, approximately $34,500 was utilized for medical response vehicles to transport PPE, at least $4,000 was used for protective supplies for the Police and Fire Department, and about $34,500 was utilized for Police and Fire overtime. This spending totaled $123,010.34 from the CARES Act, according to Flores. The remaining funds were utilized for Police and Fire Department payrolls, which totalled $786,939.25, Flores said. Council proposed hazard pay to be included in the CARES Act spending, which surrounding city councils and mayors were collaborating to pass, but the hazard pay proposal was vetoed by Mayor Alumbaugh and sustained by the council. There was an effort to give, essentially, hazard pay to police and firefighters and I think transportation workers, which in itself is not a bad idea but it is not permissible under the CARES Act, said Councilman Mike Cline. The council asked for it, the Mayor vetoed it and the council sustained the veto because it didnt have enough votes to override it. Council President Deborah Cain believes that the funds should have been used for more specific projects, such as aiding those working from home, rather than placed entirely in payroll as the reimbursement was already in the budget. What it should have been used for was equipment for first responders. We had staff that had to stay home and work, said Cain. We just had that discussion in the budget hearing with Chief Flynn that he said that they need more laptops for the department as they work from home. That is something this CARES Act shouldve been used for. According to Cline, the payroll funds were recently appropriated for raises, but it was not presented to the council as hazard pay. Mayor Jess Alumbaugh was the authorized representative for the spending of the CARES Act funds and allocated the money as he saw fit. Mayor Alumbaugh focused rather on city improvements through the purchase of picnic tables, playground cleaning equipment, overtime pay, transportation services and more while the council seemed to focus more on the emergency workers specifically, pushing for hazard pay and new protective materials such as masks for the fire department according to Cain. While Mayor Jess Alumbaugh was the authorized representative for the spending of the CARES Act fund, the ARPA fund must be approved and appropriated by the city council for spending. ARPA funds have not yet been appropriated and spent, but the first installment of $3,152,913.46 was given to the city on July 26, 2021. The total funds will be deposited in July 2022, totalling $6,306,983.92, and no expenditures have been made yet according to Flores. Council and the city must present their plans and data by Jan. 31, 2022, to fall within the guidelines of the act and to ensure proper spending and allocation according to Cain. Beyond her passion for helping first-responders, Cain believes that the ARPA money should begin to address the blight that has affected Marion and many surrounding areas for quite awhile as the funds are meant to better the community and the citizens. There were no additional funds put into blight. There are no additional funds in the budget put toward blight. But, theres funds somewhere used to pay on a lawsuit that I dont see quality of life being improved for the citizens of Marion in winning this lawsuit, said Cain. Thats what we need to focus on, quality of life, and thats what this ARP money is supposed to be. Mayor Alumbaugh was not available for comment and did not respond to media requests as of deadline Friday. Florida, FL (34429) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low around 60F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low around 60F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Sorry, no valid subscriptions were found for this Publication. Please select from an option below to start a subscription. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 24 Hour Access Avis "Darlene" Searan, age 75, formerly of California, passed away at Restwell Home Plus in Oskaloosa, KS, on Tuesday, November 16, 2021. She was born the daughter of Leo Abraham and Avis Amelia (Gabbert) Searan in Claremore, OK, on June 25, 1946. Darlene loved watching baseball, especially, At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of workers stayed home, rendering physical office spaces useless, at least temporarily. Now that employees are returning to in-person work, what does the current commercial real estate market look like? And what does the future of office space | EP 6 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 22) - If elected to the Senate, labor leader Sonny Matula said he will push for measures that will further strengthen the country's healthcare system and benefit the workers' sector amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Matula said he will seek free COVID-19 testing as well as assistance for laborers who would get infected with the coronavirus. "Dapat mayroon silang assistance, or mayroong tinatawag natin na proposal for a pandemic leave kung mayroong ma-COVID-19 infected 'yung ating mga manggagawa para hindi sila mawalan ng income sa panahon na sila ay nagkasakit o naka-quarantine sila," Matula told CNN Philippines' News Night on Friday. [Translation: They need to have assistance, or we have what we call the proposal for a pandemic leave, so if the workers get infected with COVID-19, they won't lose income during the time that they're sick or under quarantine.] Matula added that he will also push for the recruitment of more healthcare workers. He also promised to scrap contractualization, including for personnel working at the frontlines of the health crisis. "Karamihan ng ating mga na-recruit na mga healthcare personnel ay mga contract of service, may contractualization na nangyayari, na ang kanila namang ginagawa ay permanenteng trabaho. 'Yan ay ating babaguhin," he said. [Translation: Majority of our healthcare personnel have contracts of service, there's still contractualization, when what they've been doing is a permanent job. That's what we're going to change.] Matula was earlier selected by presidential hopeful Vice President Leni Robredo to complete her senatorial lineup for the 2022 polls. The labor leader said he was grateful for the inclusion, as he underscored the importance of having a representative of the sector in the Senate. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 23) The Commission on Elections (Comelec) held a voting simulation Saturday in San Juan an activity that would help the poll body assess protocols and give the public a sneak peek of what to expect when they cast their votes next year. The voting process Body temperatures will be checked upon entry. Those with high temperatures or any other COVID-19 symptom will be directed to an isolation polling place. Otherwise, they would head to the first step the Voter's Assistance Desk where they will be informed of their precinct assignment. Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said they expect the voting process to be short, and would take around five to ten minutes. "'Yung waiting time 'yun ang problema natin diyan, kung masyadong maraming tao," Jimenez said. "We're thinking siguro mga average 30-40 minutes ang waiting time natin." [Translation: The waiting time would be the problem, if there would be a lot of people. We're thinking the average would be 30-40 minutes of waiting time.] Voters should also bring their face masks and face shields. There would also be regular disinfection of the poll place and materials. The windows in the classroom of San Juan Elementary School were also open for ventilation. Comelec said it may mount another election dry run in the coming weeks if needed. Three precinct layouts The poll body also said it is trying three layouts of polling precincts in the 2022 polls: - One voting room and an adjacent room as holding area - One voting room, one room to feed ballots to vote counting machines (VCM), and one holding area - One voting room with VCM and voters CNN Philippines' Melissa Luz Lopez contributed to this report. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 23) COVID-19 vaccines will still work against the new Delta sublineage, despite it being reportedly 10% more transmissible than the original Delta variant, an infectious disease expert told CNN Philippines. "Ang AY.4.2, ang sublineage ng Delta na 'to, ang mutation nandoon sa spike protein, hindi doon sa area na ang primary target ay nakakaapekto sa bakuna, so hindi naaapekto ang mutation na 'to doon sa Delta variant kung bakunado ka," Dr. Benjamin Co said on CNN Philippines' Newsroom Weekend on Saturday. [Translation: The mutation of the AY.4.2 sublineage of the Delta variant is on the spike protein, not on the area whose primary target affects the vaccine so the mutation will not affect you if you are vaccinated.] The new sublineage has reportedly driven up a surge in coronavirus cases in the United Kingdom. Co said the UK's spike in infections may be due to relaxed mask-wearing protocols in indoor spaces, as well as rising cases among school-age children. He added that other European countries are not concerned about the sublineage. "There is no other variant of concern as terrible as the Delta variant for now," Co said. The Department of Health said it has not yet detected the Delta sublineage among the samples it sequenced in the country. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 23) A hospital workers group called on the Department of Health (DOH) to immediately distribute the Special Risk Allowance (SRA) and other benefits to all medical frontliners. Contrary to the DOH's claims, Private Hospital Workers Alliance of the Philippines (PHWAP) spokesperson Donell Siazon said the agency has yet to complete its payment of SRA to all healthcare workers "What about our meal, accommodation, transportation, and life insurance compensation? This is what we expect but to no avail," Siazon, also the University of Sto. Tomas Hospital union president, said in a statement. Numerous eligible healthcare workers have been complaining about not receiving a single centavo. The DOH has also been under fire after the Commission on Audit flagged the department for "deficiencies" in the management of over 67 billion, earmarked for pandemic response. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), meanwhile, has released around 1.2 billion in total to compensate medical frontliners who attended to infected patients from December 20, 2020 to June 30, 2021. The DBM also said another 407.08 million will be charged from the 2021 Contingent Fund to complete the allowance payments to 117,926 healthcare workersnot exceeding 5,000 per month in the covered period. For Siazon, medical frontliners should be vigilant and should insist on the benefits that are rightfully theirs. He also warned that the country will still not be able to rise above the health crisis if their grievances are not addressed. "Need we remind everyone that this is not merely about the appropriate funds for just compensation but the very lives of our health workers," he said. Chinese General Hospital Employees Association president Jess Obien also urged senators to respond to their grievances by including their needed allowances in the 2022 budget of DOH. We are worried that next year's budget will not correct the injustice inflicted on us, Obien said. Their non-recognition of our just and legitimate demands after what healthcare workers and the general public have been going through in this pandemic is simply unacceptable, Siazon added. United Frontliners Party-list nominee Johann Evasco also argued that a Magna Carta for Frontliners should be passed by Congress. While there are laws for healthcare workers in the private and public sector, the pandemic situation manifests the need to broaden the government's concern to all frontliners who are sacrificing their life and limb in the health sector as well as other support services, Evasco said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 23) The government is studying the possible inclusion of the United Kingdom in the "red" list of areas tagged as high risk for COVID-19 in light of a new Delta variant subtype, a Health official said Saturday. "Pinagaaralan po natin iyan (We are studying this)," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a government briefing. "Actually, ang assessment naman natin for countries para ma-tag siya kung red, yellow or green siya every week naman po 'yan," she added. [Translation: Our assessment to determine which countries should be tagged as red, yellow, or green is done every week.] The UK is under the "yellow" list of countries or territories tagged as moderate risk for COVID-19 until Oct. 31. Those coming from yellow countries can enter the country, subject to quarantine and testing protocols. Only Romania is under the "red" list of countries or territories tagged as high risk for COVID-19. Entry of travelers from red countries, except for Filipino evacuees, is prohibited. The AY.4.2 subtype was identified in a portion of rising infections in the UK. Vergeire said studies are ongoing to confirm if it is 10% more contagious than the standard Delta variant. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier said the Delta variant appears to be about as transmissible as chickenpox, with each case infecting eight or nine others on average. READ: Delta variant subtype not yet detected in PH DOH Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 23) The Department of Tourism (DOT) said efforts are in full swing to help welcome tourists back to various destinations across the country, now that COVID-19 travel restrictions are slowly being eased. The agency on Saturday launched a 90-second tourism advertisement with the slogan, "It's More Fun with You"featuring various destinations in northern Luzon. It encourages Filipinos "to travel and explore the country again after a long hiatus due to pandemic-related travel restrictions. The said campaign also supports recovery initiatives and efforts of the tourism industry," the DOT said. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat also said the video and other preparations are being made to welcome more tourists in the country in anticipation of the Christmas season, and in light of some destinations like Boracay and Bohol being able to ease travel restrictions for fully vaccinated local tourists. "With health and safety protocols in place, we can look forward to opening more tourism destinations in time for the holidays, and shift recovery into high gear Gusto natin ipakita (we would like to show) na it's still more fun in the Philippines while we are all safe, Puyat added. The department also said plans are now being made to welcome staycationers in Metro Manila. DOT's Metro Manila regional director Woodrow Maquiling, Jr. said there are now at least 40 staycation hotels open in the National Capital Region. Intramuros Administration head Atty. Guiller Asido also said group-guided tours in the Walled City will be made available to fully-vaccinated tourists once their tourism frontliners complete their COVID-19 vaccination. Local authorities recently announced Boracay will scrap negative RT-PCR test requirements for fully vaccinated local tourists by November, once it completes the vaccination of all tourism frontliners and island residents. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 23) - The top political aspirants of progressive coalition Laban ng Masa are setting their sights on the multibillion-peso ill-gotten wealth of the Marcos family to boost the budget for COVID-19 response. Presidential and vice presidential aspirants Leodegario "Ka Leody" de Guzman and Walden Bello on Saturday bared their comprehensive electoral platform, which includes pursuing the recovery of 126 billion from the Marcos loot. "Tingin natin importante na nasa plataporma, lalo na at may tumatakbo sa darating eleksyon na galing sa pamilyang ito," Raquel Castillo, national coordinator of Laban ng Masa, said during the presentation of the group's platform for the 2022 elections. [Translation: We think it is important that it be included in the platform, especially with someone from the family running in the upcoming elections.] "We can use this recovery of the Marcoses' stolen wealth in part to respond to the COVID pandemic, and provide all the needed ayuda (assistance), vaccines, and protection for everyone," she added. In December 2019, the Sandiganbayan junked a 200-billion forfeiture case against the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, his widow Imelda Marcos, his children Senator Imee Marcos, former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Irene Marcos, and Constante Rubio - a close associate of the former president - for lack of sufficient evidence. READ: Sandiganbayan junks 200-B ill-gotten wealth case against Marcos family Aside from targeting money from the Marcos family, the tandem also seeks to impose a "Wealth Tax" on individuals with a net worth of over 100 million. They also hope to meet domestic needs rather than producing for profits and exports, ban contractualization, abolish regional wage and provide a 750 minimum daily wage. All workers should also receive 5,000 monthly subsidies for food and health. The group also stressed the need to impose price controls on oil, power, internet, water, and basic commodities. They also seek to revive agriculture and manufacturing sectors and institute small farmers' control of agriculture. De Guzman, a veteran labor leader, said billionaires are the winners with the continuous presence of contractualization and the rice tariffication law, while tens of millions of Filipinos face hardships. Bello, meanwhile, urged Filipinos to side with "the representatives of the people." "Pacquiao, Moreno, Lacson, and Marcos will promise the moon and the sky, and everything nice. Leody and I, in contrast, offer a tough program of real reform that cannot succeed unless most of our people rally behind to defy the rich and powerful that will lose because of it," he said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 23) The enrollment of participants for the clinical trial that seeks to determine if the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin works against COVID-19 is set to begin next month, Science and Technology Undersecretary Rowena Guevara said Saturday. The study needs 1,464 asymptomatic and non-severe COVID-19 cases, according to Guevara. "Ang ating patient recruitment ay maguumpisa ngayong Nobyembre," she said in a government briefing. [Translation: Our patient recruitment will begin this November.] The official said the study - spearheaded by Dr. Aileen Wang of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital - will be conducted in the quarantine facilities of Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, University of the Philippines Diliman, and Makati Science High School. Preliminary findings may be released at the end of this year, she added. Guevara said the local trial is part of an international study led by the University of Liverpool in England. The Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration still do not recommend the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment because of insufficient scientific evidence. Other clinical trials vs COVID-19 Filipino researchers also tested virgin coconut oil, lagundi, and tawa-tawa against COVID-19. Two other trials on the impact of virgin coconut oil on confirmed COVID-19 cases are ongoing, Guevara said. The studies being conducted in the cities of Valenzuela and Muntinlupa stemmed from the clinical trial last year by researchers of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute in Laguna, which found that VCO can ease symptoms of suspected COVID-19 patients. The lagundi trial ended in August, the DOST undersecretary said. Results showed the herbal medicine is "safe" to use for the treatment of mild symptoms of patients without comorbidities. As for the tawa-tawa study, 172 participants have reported they stopped exhibiting symptoms between days three and five. On the other hand, the country is still awaiting the go signal from the World Health Organization before starting the solidarity trial on COVID-19 vaccines, Guevara reported. But she said the trial teams are ready to begin and the study sites have been identified. Meanwhile, two of the eight pharmaceutical firms authorized to conduct clinical trials for their COVID-19 vaccines in the country have completed their studies, Guevara said. However, she did not name them. Guevara also said the DOST's study on the mixing and matching of COVID-19 vaccine brands may be held in Muntinlupa, Marikina, and Davao. 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, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account. Janet May True, 82, from Covington, IN, a former Danville resident went to be with the Lord at 9:45 P. M. Thursday November 18, 2021 at the home of her daughter in Champaign. She was born December 17, 1938 at Los Angles, CA the daughter of Jack and Vera Mary (Branch) Guyer. She was a homemak Funeral service for Otis C. Harrison, Jr., 47, formerly of Oakwood, passed away November 6, 2021 in Cypress, CA. Viewing will be on, Monday, November 22 at Emanuel Funeral Home of Palestine from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 23, at True Vine DOXA Center, Fairfie Hours before actor Alec Baldwin fired a fatal gunshot from a prop gun that he had been told was safe, seven camera crew members for the movie he was filming walked off the job to protest conditions and production issues that included safety concerns Connecticut will receive millions more in rental assistance money in the coming weeks and may apply for more as the federal government reallocates funds from states and localities that were slower to dole out their dollars. In the first round of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Connecticut received $235.9 million. The states total allocated for round two is $186.6 million. So far, $88.6 million has come in, said Aaron Turner, a Department of Housing spokesman. The additional influx of cash means the state will have more money to give to renters who were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, the state has assisted about 17,500 households, according to data available Friday. I think when it comes down to it, there are a few things that are very important to somebodys life, and being able to pay your rent is at the very top, said Yves Galliotte, director of operations and programs at NeighborWorks New Horizons. If you cannot pay your rent, its a whole new level of stress. NeighborWorks New Horizons is a New Haven-based organization that develops and rents affordable housing as well as providing community services. The group has been helping renters complete their rent assistance applications, Galliotte said. Renters are eligible for the states program, UniteCT, if their households earn up to 80 percent of area median income and were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program covers up to $15,000 in rental assistance and $1,500 in electricity payments. In Connecticut, nearly 16,000 tenants said they were not confident they could make rent next month. And just over 17,000 said they were very or somewhat likely to be evicted in the next two months, according to the latest Household Pulse Survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of the Treasury published updated guidance for the rental assistance funding. The guidance said all states that hadnt obligated at least 65 percent of their funding by Sept. 30 would need to submit a performance improvement plan and Treasury would recapture excess funds. Connecticuts program had a sluggish start. In the first months of the year, money trickled out to renters, and the program was plagued with technological problems, housing experts and renters have said. It was difficult for tenants and landlords to navigate the early system. UniteCT has since ]resolved most of the technology issues, allowed more self-attestation in the absence of documents and revoked a requirement that landlords forgive 15 percent of rent owed in order to participate in the program. At the end of August, only about 30 percent of the states first round of funding had been spent. But progress ramped up in the early fall, and the state met federal requirements to spend 65 percent of its money. Dawn Parker, the UniteCT director, previously said the early delays occurred because the state was still trying to establish the program. As of Friday, the state had $342.5 million in aid either paid or in progress, according to its online data dashboard. Im seeing people get the money more quickly, said Pamela Heller, a staff attorney with the Connecticut Fair Housing Center. I would say that it definitely has improved. Still, some applicants have faced technology issues, Heller said. For example, one of her clients submitted an email address for her landlord. The landlord got a new email address a few days later, and filled out his part of the form under that address. There wasnt a way to fix the discrepancy between the two emails, and her client had to re-submit the application, Heller said. UniteCT applications are only available online. So, Galliottes group has been helping people who arent tech-savvy or dont have internet access at home, he said. One group assists people in the initial stages showing them how to upload documents or doing it on their behalf. Then a second group reviews the posted documents to ensure nothing else needs done before the application is sent to the state, he added. They help at least 30 people per week. Once they find out they were approved, you just have to see the look of relief on their faces, Galliotte said. Its actually very moving. Despite the increased number of people who have gotten assistance, there is still a need in Connecticut for more funding, Heller and Galliotte said. Funds in the initial round of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program not spent or promised to renters in need are set to be taken back and given to states that have used the money. Connecticut is applying to receive some of that reallocated money, and reallocation is going to be determined based on need, according to Treasury documents. The program was funded with $25 billion through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The second phase, established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, has $21.55 billion. Nationally, the program has been slow to roll out. Housing experts have blamed the sluggish pace on understaffed programs, burdensome documentation requirements and landlords who are reluctant to participate, among other problems. And in late August, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ban on most evictions for nonpayment of rent, the need for rent assistance became even more urgent as people who had lost income during the pandemic faced losing their homes. The CDC instituted the ban in September 2020 to prevent COVID-19 spread by keeping people from losing their homes and having to move into congregate living at homeless shelters or in with friends and family. Evictions, and particularly final orders to evict, have been ticking up in Connecticut since the Supreme Courts decision. Theyd been lower in the state than before the pandemic because of the federal ban and a state-level moratorium. As far as I know the numbers are going up steadily, Heller said. I believe the last I heard is that we are at pre-COVID levels. Erik Trautmann / Hearst Connecticut Media Stop & Shop is hosting a one-day job fair at all 90 Connecticut locations Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with an on-the-spot interview. Stop & Shop is seeking to fill e-commerce and store roles, including union positions in the bakery, deli, grocery, seafood and produce departments. Overnight, cashiers, porters, baggers and home shoppers are also available positions. Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media BRIDGEPORT A city man and convicted felon was held on a $400,000 bond after police said they found a loaded gun and ammunition in his home. Connecticut State Polices Gang Unit, as well as Statewide Narcotics and Bridgeport Police Department, raided a Holly Avenue home Friday. The warrant stemmed from a joint investigation from the FBI, state police and Bridgeport police of convicted felon Al-Malik Shabazz, 53. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) A Florida man has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for lying about damage caused by Hurricane Irma in order to receive disaster relief money. Deontre Javan Taylor, 27, was sentenced Friday in Jacksonville federal court, according to court records. Besides the prison time, he was also ordered to repay money the he received from the federal government. Taylor pleaded guilty in June to disaster assistance fraud. STRATFORD Captain Stephen OHara climbed up a ladder from the second floor of the Two Roads Brewery, behind other firefighters. On the roof near the silos were more firefighters gathered by a Stokes basket, a portable stretcher used by first responders and the military for rescues. Fortunately, no one was in it. OHara was leading a training exercise on Thursday morning where 20 firefighters practiced rescuing people from confined spaces using ropes and litters. The department was able to conduct the training after recently receiving nearly $26,000 through a grant from FEMA. The training will allow firefighters to handle varied situations, he said. It can be used for confined spaces, which is what were doing today. If we have to go over an embankment, if we have someone stuck in one of the cell tower poles, we have the carnivals that come to town, if were not able to access via our ladder truck, this is one of the ways that we might be able to do that, OHara said. The firefighters on the roof were simulating using the basket attached to what Lt. Sean McKenney called a high point, which is similar to a pulley. When a team of firefighters is pulling someone to safety, they use mechanical advantage to apply the correct amount of force. The firefighters were using a 2-1 system to simulate pulling someone out of harms way. McKenney said that someone would have to pull a victim using half as much force as the weight of a load, so a firefighter pulling with 100 pounds of force could lift a 200-pound person to safety. If they use too much force it could put the victim at risk since the firefighters might not be able to gauge how much force is being used to bring someone back up. The result is that if a firefighters arm is caught on something it could lead to severe injury or even dismemberment. Theyre taught to be cautious, he said. Its a very methodical process. So theres a saying that slow is fast and fast is slow, McKenney said. The firefighters are also aware that a potential victim will sometimes be in a vulnerable emotional state or simply might lose their nerve at the prospect of being pulled up by ropes. The feeling of being lifted up into the air is a little unnerving for some, but the sensation of being lifted into the sky is the same at four feet or a 100 feet off the ground, he said. As a victim is gradually lifted into the air, their anxiety should lessen, he added. But overcoming their nerves is not easy, he said. Theres always a little sense of hesitation, transitioning over an edge at height. Thats just nature, he said. While the firefighters were getting trained on how to rescue people in confined spaces, the brewery was getting something out of it too. Peter Doering, one of the founders of Two Roads Brewery and a partner, said the department had been scouting potential locations for training, and picked the brewery as an ideal location. But the crews werent just practicing their rescue skills. We had a temperature probe, which we had been scratching our heads how to get repaired for quite a few months. And when these guys showed up, it was like, OK, you can go ahead and do this, Doering said. McKenny, when not training to rescue human victims, rescued the temperature probe, a long metal rod. Yet while the firefighters and the brewery each benefited from the training, OHara said the ultimate beneficiaries are the people of Stratford. Its going to make our department a whole lot more versatile. And its going to help keep the residents of the town safer, he said. STRATFORD One of William Shakespeares lines in his play, As You Like It would go on to become one of the most famous lines in English literature. All the worlds a stage, and all the men and women merely players, Shakespeare wrote. And while the Shakespeare theater in Stratford burned down in 2019, residents and visitors will find themselves as players on a different kind of stage. The town will host the Shakespeare Renaissance Festival, the first of its kind in Stratford, which is named after Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeares birthplace. The fair will boast a magician, live music, battle reenactments and games. It will be held at Shakespeare Park, 1850 Elm St. Tom Dillon, one of the organizers, said that the upcoming event will make great use of the space that was formerly occupied by the theater. The Renaissance Festival is just like the perfect thing for the property and to keep the space lively. And were just really excited to bring a bunch of great acts down to Stratford, Dillon said. But visitors heading to the festival wont just see attendees dressed in period appropriate clothing, peppering their conversations with ye and thy. Theyll also get to see some of the more bloodier aspects of the Renaissance, which also had the Thirty Years War and the attempted Spanish invasion of England. One of the performers is called the Knights of Gore, who is a large team that puts on an unscripted battle together, Dillon said. So theyll be performing twice during the day in a section of the park. So its a full-scale, armor-clad melee of total chaos. Its going to be a ball. Dillon also said that the performers will be dressed accurately, wearing a mixture of plate and leather armor. Tim Brisol, co-owner and general manager of the Shakespeare Renaissance Festival, said the event will also feature a Shakespeare comedy act named Shakespeare Approves. An actor dressed up as the Bard will pick a Shakespearean play to perform, but will introduce comedic elements to make it more child friendly. Bristol said he was surprised this is the first event of its kind at that spot. Im actually surprised that no one has done this at the Shakespeare Park before, Bristol said. The performance aspect of a Renaissance fair, Bristol said, is underappreciated. People equate Renaissance fairs to carnivals and Renaissance fairs are more of a show than a carnival, Bristol said. He pointed out that the Knights of Gore will not be holding mock combat but will actually strike each other though the weapons are blunted to prevent severe injury. Other entertainers will be wandering around, performing for an audience. The event, which is close to Halloween, will also be a costume contest as well. But its not all about acting and performance. Food will be in abundance as well. Except dont expect any venison or eel pie. Bristol said that he actually tried to see if someone could serve period-accurate food, but it was difficult to source an appropriate provider. Instead, burgers, empanadas and grilled cheese sandwiches will be served from food trucks. Everyones favorite Renaissance fair food is kettle corn and were going to have that and fried Oreos, Bristol said. The festival will be held on Sunday, October 24 from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 dollars for children and any one under six can enter for free. As we all watched a few weeks ago the images of Haitian refugees as they endured human rights violations by patrol officers at the Texas border, I and many of my fellow Haitian-American brothers and sisters felt helpless, angry and grief-stricken. While many Haitians throughout the Diaspora would love to return to our beautiful Ayiti,, once called la Perle des Antilles, we know that under current conditions, that is nearly impossible. This reality is underscored by the overwhelming number of Haitians who have fled Haiti over the recent months, years and decades, yearning to breathe free from the oppression of a government overrun by corruption, gang violence, and a country battling economic instability, the assassination of its president and natural disasters. With this new wave of Haitian refugees fleeing from Haiti, Haitian-Americans have been watching intently the response of the Biden administration. As a result, there has been a collective outcry by the Haitian-American community on the administrations mishandling of this crisis and tone-deaf, bordering on racist response. To many, these swift deportations and mistreatment of black Haitian refugees call to mind the days of the deportations of the Haitian boat people en masse in the 1970s and 1980s while the U.S. government (both Democratic and Republican administrations) welcomed and extended open arms to Cubans for decades. For many in my community, this scenario felt all too familiar to what some believed was the betrayal of the Clinton administration with promises of U.S. aid that only materialized into policies that had devastating effects on Haiti and the Haitian people. These Haitian-Americans have asked me, why do Haitian-Americans continue to support a Democratic Party that doesnt support us? Without equivocating, I must make it clear that I am disappointed with President Bidens refusal to act by executive order to reverse Title 42. In deporting nearly 10,000 Haitians in less than two weeks, the Biden administration has used Trumps Title 42 public health law to justify his actions, citing public health concerns amid the pandemic. I am disgusted by his administrations doubling down to enforce this Trump-era draconian law without affording real due process to these Haitian refugees to make asylum claims. With Congress failure to pass meaningful immigration legislation, there is no line or path to legal entry. Why hasnt the administration grabbed the bull by the horns and acted through executive orders to address these pressing issues? Why leave people, human lives in limbo waiting for immigration reform which hasnt happened in several decades? Did Haitian contributions to this country count for nothing? What contributions, you ask? It is indisputable that the Haitian Revolution contributed greatly to doubling the land size, wealth, power, and influence of the fledgling U.S. republic. Napoleon was forced to sell the French territories now known as the Louisiana Purchase to President Thomas Jefferson in 1803 because he lost so much fighting the former enslaved people in the Haitian Revolution. And lets not forget the Haitian soldiers who helped American colonists at the Siege of Savannah in 1779. Haitian-Americans are proud of their ancestors contributions just as the Afghans are proud to have helped Americans in the nearly 20-year war in Afghanistan. But is seems America has forgotten Haitians. And at times, both political parties may seem indistinguishable when it comes to Haitian policy. However, they are very different in their platform and policies and to say that one is indistinguishable from the other, we are engaging in false equivalencies. Given that the Democratic Party platform is more progressive than the GOP and is concerned about expanding rather than restricting civil rights, I am calling out President Biden to not just talk the talk, but to walk the walk. Mr. President, do the right thing to preserve our U.S. Constitution and afford these Haitian refugees due process and equal protection of the laws. I know that it will not be an easy task to undo Trumps policies, while balancing a political tightrope to appease both the progressive and moderate wings of your party, but it must be done. Our fragile democracy depends on it. Those yearning to breathe free depend on you, Mr. President. Reine Boyer, of Bridgeport, is an attorney with the Fairfield County Law Group, LLC. Just a little over 41 years ago, on a cold and rainy day, a letter arrived in my Narragansett, R.I. post office box. The return address shouted in bright colors, The News-Times. I was excited about whether this daily newspaper in Danbury would hire me as I opened the envelope. At 24 years old, I really wanted to leave a little Ocean State weekly where I had worked for the last nine months and wanted join the staff of a daily paper. That had been my desire after choosing to major in journalism at Southern Connecticut State University. I immediately called The News-Times and asked, as directed, for Suburban Editor Mike Hartnett. A nice enough fellow, he set up an interview. I drove to Danbury and talked about my love for journalism, all my college experiences in it, and even took a little test to show my skills. Mike then asked when I could start. Two weeks. Ill be here. Great, he replied. A week later, cold feet froze that decision. Rhode Island had drawn me back home after a series of fires burned down our family house four times in the three previous years, including the last one just a few months after graduating from college. However, thats another story, real as it is. A need to escape elsewhere came as soon as I got home. I was fearful, though, of striking out on my own for many complicated reasons related to the fires. But I tried. I worried that another fire would happen. I couldnt go. I called Mike and pulled out. Gracious, he accepted my weak and subtly-side-stepping reason that I just wanted to remain in Rhode Island. Regrets mounted in me for backing out. Embarrassed, I soon called Mike. I told him honestly that I changed my mind. Come back to Danbury and lets talk, he said. I went with a fair amount of pride in check. You know, you are the only person I ever hired twice. I want a commitment youll come, he said. Yes, I replied and showed up within the month. I remained at the paper for nearly five years. Unknowingly to both of us, we charted a course that would change my life. He first put me in a small town and taught me the ropes of covering them. He had done the same. When I became city hall reporter, he helped me find courage to challenge public officials the kind Id later become, ironically. He taught me about writing, interviewing and meeting deadlines. He helped me understand investigative reporting. Mistakes happened, though. Invariably they do with young reporters. Misspelling names, unintentional errors in fact, fuzzy angles and beginnings of stories that were just boring to him and would have been to readers, too. Mike, Im really sorry, Id say when a problem arose. Hed reply nicely to learn from it. This was such a change from the crusty, hard-edged editors I worked for during past internships. Born in Britain, Mike had genteel manners, a warm laugh, a wry sense of humor with much subtlety to it, and no desire to beat on the hired help. More importantly, he also cared about his staff, mostly 20-somethings just starting out in the news business. He also showed us the people we covered were more than characters in a story, but real people with real problems and real feelings. He loved his family that put up with him working a late-night shift with us newbies for many years, which included him having young kids and them starting to grow up. One memorable example of this editor was his nightly ritual of saying goodbye to the staff when the paper went to press. Kiss, kiss, hed shout out in the white-walled, windowless reconverted supermarket that was our newsroom. Good night, nightside, hed say next to waves from a few busy reporters at our dark brown and very long wooden table. It was our collective desk holding our typewriters. The digital age hadnt arrived yet. Hed don his blue and white fishermans hat and windbreaker and head out the door. The next day hed return, refreshed and with a sense of humor always surfacing in his daily nite notes of reminders. One once said, All, no nuns killed in car crashes today and Armageddon is still a few days away, but your stories for the Summertimes special supplement are due tomorrow. Need them now! Kiss, kiss - Mike. For me, this supportive attitude and hands-on mentoring also helped cultivate my interest in public policy. So profound it was, I applied in 1984 to Harvards John F. Kennedy School of Government for my masters degree. Admission came without the typical graduate record exams. I had to show proof through more than 40 stories those Mike assigned or edited that I understood basic workings of government and public policy. It helped to bypass one of the two years of required study so that I could afford the $60,000 price tag. Wow! That chance of getting hired twice in Danbury paid off, I believed, yet still not understanding in my youthful way the larger gifts of stability along with knowledge, insight and passion of journalism he infused in me and the rest of us. After I earning my degree at Harvard, Mike and his wife, Mary Jo, would put me up in their Brewster, N.Y., home while I looked for jobs in New York City. They fed me franks and beans, often standard fare in the household. A news and journalism junkie like me, he also was an usher in my wedding. A few years later he helped me cope when my wife wanted a divorce and moved to back to Hyannis, Mass., with my 2-year-old child. In ways clear only years later, he also jump-started the process for me to recover from the four fires that took everything I owned each time. In his mentoring and friendship also came a sense of stability. For my part, I helped him on some weekends clear land where he was building a house. However, he gave far more to our relationship than I could or did. My career next took me to the Connecticut Post, then to Connecticut state government for 33 years and now back to covering those same small Rhode Island towns around Narragansett. He went on to other papers, trade publications, freelance writing and screenwriting. Mike and Mary Jo moved to Virginia 11 years ago. We lost touch. A stark contrast, thinking back now, to our conversations every day long ago. He remained, though, alive in my mind for the friendship, teacher of lessons minor and significant, and someone who shone a light when I needed it. On Oct. 11, I read a Facebook post expressing sympathy to his son, Christopher. There was a photo of Mike. He looked larger than life. Oh, God, thought, and felt a deep, choked-up kind of foreboding feeling. He had died a few days before. We never said goodbye. I never got to tell him how influential and important he was in my life. Theres a hole and lots of guilt. Its a familiar kind of story to many. For whatever the reason, that acknowledgment gets on a to-do list. More important things have our attention. But are they? There was no nite note that came as a reminder on this one. Kiss, kiss, Mike, old buddy. Ill see you shortly after my final deadline. We have lots of catching up to do. Bill Seymour is a writer for The Independent weekly newspaper and South County Life magazine in South Kingstown, R.I. House Financial Services Committee Member Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn. and 201 Members of Congress yesterday wrote to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen expressing concerns associated with the proposed threshold increase from $600 to $10,000 or higher for IRS reporting requirements. Of note, the first Democrat from the House has expressed opposition for the proposed reporting requirements. Rep. Charlie Crist, D-FL, detailed his concerns Thursday. The letter echoes a recent quote from NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger on the threshold increase. It has become abundantly clear that Americans oppose the IRS obtaining additional information on their financial accounts, stated Berger. The updated plan is nothing more than window dressing in an attempt to shore up support for a flawed proposal. Instead of creating financial privacy risks for consumers and adding compliance costs for our nations community financial institutions, Treasury and the IRS should focus its attention on the data it already has to increase tax compliance. In the letter, the Congressional Members outlined their opposition against the proposal, calling Treasurys response out-of-touch [] with the grave and sincere concerns that millions of Americans have with this idea. Kankakee, IL (60901) Today Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 32F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 32F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. A free "Rules of the Road" review course is being offered at the Watseka Public Library on from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Nov. 4. The review course combines an explanation of the driving exam with a practice written exam. Local Ingram: ECPPS student sent home for not complying with mask rule jeure / Photo courtesy ECPPS Ingram cday / Screen capture/YouTube Cassandra Young, lead nurse for the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools, gives a presentation on COVID-19 protocols and the overall COVID situation in the schools at the ECPPS Board of Education meeting, Monday. An Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools student recently was suspended and sent home for three days for not fully complying with the districts face mask mandate, the districts interim superintendent said. ECPPS interim Superintendent Eddie Ingram reported the incident during a Board of Education committee meeting Monday. He said hes communicated to principals that the school board supports disciplining students who refuse to follow the districts mask-wearing mandate. He said a principal told him his school had suspended a student for three days for not wearing a mask properly. He did not say which school the student attends. Now again, were not going to suspend someone whose mask slips down and they readily put it back up, Ingram said. Were not talking about that. Were talking about that defiant, no, Im not wearing it or I dont care what you say. Ingram said if students are disrespectful toward school nurses he expects that to get the same disciplinary response from principals as it would if they were disrespectful toward teachers. We dont want to be Attila the Hun with masks but you have also charged us ... with wearing masks, so were going to do that, Ingram told the school board. And that includes students and staff. Ingram added that he understands that wearing a mask all day long is hard. Ingrams comments came near the end of a presentation by Cassandra Young, lead nurse for ECPPS, on COVID-19 protocols and the overall COVID situation in the schools. Board member Pam Pureza asked Young how ECPPS nurses feel about how well the schools are doing with mask-wearing. There is some frustration, Young acknowledged. Especially at the districts high schools, students can be a little bit defiant, she said. Young said families are being asked to keep their children at home if they are exhibiting COVID symptoms. She also said there is a lot of confusion about the difference between isolation and quarantine. The main difference is that if someone is isolating they are already sick, Young said. Quarantine applies when someone has been identified as a close contact of someone who is sick. If a student has tested positive for COVID-19 the districts policy is for them to isolate for 10 days from the start of their symptoms or from the day they get a positive test, she said. If a student is symptomatic they can provide a negative test result or an alternative diagnosis, Young said. In addition, students who test negative for COVID must be free from symptoms such as fever and vomiting for 24 hours before returning to school. Students who test positive for COVID must quarantine for the full 10 days. Students and adults who are identified as close contacts of someone diagnosed with COVID are asked to quarantine for 14 days from the last contact they had with the infected person, which is the CDC gold standard, Young said, referring to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So if a students mother is COVID-positive and the child lives with the mother, that student would have to quarantine for 14 days from the 10th day the mother had the disease, Young said. Staff members can test on day 5 and if they test negative they can return on day 8, Young said. But we are asking that the student population quarantine for a full 14 days, she said. Pureza asked about older students who have been fully vaccinated. Young said a student who is identified as a close contact but is fully vaccinated and determined to have been wearing their mask correctly would not be required to quarantine. Early in the school year we had a huge spike in numbers and that was why the decision was made to stick with the 14-day quarantine, Young explained. Young said state and local health officials are already predicting a holiday COVID spike, which contributed to the districts decision to stick to 14 days. Young said the plan is to re-evaluate protocols after the holidays. Is the spike only happening with the students or is it happening with the staff as well? asked board member Daniel Spence. Were seeing it primarily with the students, Young said. Thats a change from last school year when most COVID cases were among adults. A lot of the reason has to do with the fact that a large percentage of school staff has been fully vaccinated, Young said. As of Friday, ECPPS has reported 253 student and staff COVID cases since the start of the school year in August. More than half 55% have been reported at four schools: Pasquotank County High School (43), Northeastern High School (39), Elizabeth City Middle School (31) and River Road Middle School (29). So far this week, only eight cases have been reported, down significantly from the 34 reported last week. Pureza said one concern she has is kids being out of school. A student potentially could have two quarantines consecutively and miss a month of school, she noted. Its just a vicious cycle of children missing school, Pureza said. State testing results from last year show that students have not done as well academically when they have had less time face to face in school, Pureza said. Ingram agreed that its difficult when students have to quarantine multiple times and said he understands Purezas concern. But we also want people safe and I feel like the nurses have worked hard and collaboratively and been very thoughtful in their thought process, he said. Ingram said he knows nurses are sometimes working late at night because he has become involved in some of those late-night phone calls. Young said nurses try to keep students in school if at all possible but also will err on the side of caution. 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 Jason Martin Moore, 40, of Ashland Ky, died Saturday November 13th, 2021 at Kings Daughters Medical Center in Ashland Ky. Jason was born September 4th, 1981 in Ashland KY. A son of the late Jarome "Marty" and Donna Roe Moore. He is preceded in death in addition to his parents by his grandmot 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. When I read in the Daily Mail yesterday that the British Medical Association is to ballot its members on industrial action at a time of growing concern over the number of new Covid cases and a seemingly stalled vaccination programme I was shocked. But I cannot say I was surprised. It reminded me why, a decade or so ago, I resigned my membership of the BMA because of its skewed priorities and lack of concern for the profession I love. Indeed, the very use of the word Association artfully conceals the fact that the BMA is a powerful and reactionary trade union, with an outlook better suited to a 1970s car factory than to representing the medical profession in the 21st century. On Thursday, the British Medical Association instructed all 6,600 GP practices to defy Health Secretary Sajid Javid's nine-point package Most people who work in the NHS tend to stand on the political Left but the BMA is a hardline socialist organisation with, I would argue, militant Trotskyist tendencies on the part of some of its leadership team. And how they would love to provoke industrial action against a Tory government! The BMA doesnt care that we are still in the throes of a pandemic or that almost five million people who are eligible for booster jabs still havent got them. Still less does it care that millions more patients cannot get the face-to-face appointments they want with their GPs. On Thursday, the BMA instructed all 6,600 GP practices to defy Health Secretary Sajid Javids nine-point package launched earlier this month after a campaign by the Mail which aims to get patients back into surgeries to see their doctors. Angus Dalgleish is a professor of oncology at a London teaching hospital The BMAs GP committee also backs industrial action over two issues: the administration of medical exemptions for people who cannot get vaccinated, which doctors say adds to their workload, and pay transparency, which requires GPs earning over 150,000 to declare their income. It says the latter measure will increase hostility to GPs, and I can see their logic there. The BMA does not want you to know this but the truth is that most GPs are now very well paid indeed. This is due to bungled contract reforms under the Blair government which pushed up incomes while simultaneously removing GPs obligations to see patients out-of-hours and at weekends, or make home visits. This permanently damaged the relationship between doctor and patient. Industrial action now would be nothing short of catastrophic for the reputation of my profession, and for the future of general practice. Let us be honest and say that GPs reaction to the Covid pandemic has been mixed. There was a pre-existing shortage of doctors and many GPs have worked long hours filling in for sick colleagues. Launched earlier this month after a campaign by the Mail, Health Secretary Sajid Javid started his nine-point package which aims to get patients back into surgeries to see their doctors But too many of them jumped at the chance to pull down the shutters on their practices, and retreat to their home computers. Yes, the doctor will see you now but only on Zoom. Before the pandemic, 80 per cent of appointments were conducted in person. This has fallen to just 57 per cent. A very close friend of mine recently experienced symptoms suggesting a serious neurological problem. When he called for an appointment, he was offered a phone consultation three weeks later. Hospitalisations have totalled to 560,251 in the UK from April 16 to October 18 this year Sensibly, he paid to see a private GP who promptly arranged appropriate medication. Had my friend waited those three weeks, the disease would have progressed so far that he might by now have been in a wheelchair. I have heard numerous stories like this, and so too have the public and they are rightly angry. They see workers on the front line in hospitals, retail and on public transport and wonder how GPs on six-figure salaries, and with pensions most people can only dream of, can possibly justify taking industrial action. The BMA has a point when it says that doctors are besieged by pointless bureaucracy, but we who are privileged to practise medicine have a solemn responsibility to rise above such frustrations. For well-paid doctors to even call for industrial action during an ongoing health emergency is a self-destructive error and one that the public may never forgive. Angus Dalgleish is a professor of oncology at a London teaching hospital. The Cabinet Minister was laughing. They decided that everyone who attends COP26 had to be driven around by an electric car. But so many people are coming they've realised they haven't enough charging points. So they've been scrambling to find diesel generators to help boost the capacity.' A second Cabinet Minister was struggling to find the funny side. I'm sick of it. Every time I do a speech, they try to slide some more COP nonsense into it. Something about telling people to do less washing-up, or eat less meat. It's ridiculous.' A third Cabinet Minister was simply resigned: 'COP's turning into a circus. No 10 are trying to get a grip but it's spiralling out of control. They're saying to foreign governments, 'Can you keep the size of your delegations to a minimum?' And they'll be told, 'OK, we'll keep it down to 1,500 people.' ' The UN Climate Change Conference, which opens in Glasgow on Sunday, is supposed to be the event that saves the planet. But ask anyone in government and they'll tell you the truth. Save the planet, Boris Johnson... by axeing a farcical summit for the world's worst hypocrites Vladimir Putin (left), who has been forced to announce a workplace shutdown across Russia to try to get on top of a surge in cases, isn't attending. Neither, it appears, will President Xi (right) of China It's a farce. It's degenerating into chaos. And to many, the best thing for the environment would be if Boris Johnson, right, just bit the bullet and scrapped it. The whole purpose of COP26 was meant to promote global environmental sustainability. Instead, it is being turned into a catwalk for the green showboating of the global elite. Or, in the case of Japan, showplaneing. Last week it emerged that a specially configured Boeing 777 had been flown 6,000 miles (without passengers) solely to see whether the pilots would prefer to use Prestwick or Edinburgh airports when the official Japanese delegation arrives. It's also been announced that when the runway of choice has been chosen, special measures will be put in place to ensure arriving dignitaries can be whisked speedily to their destinations. Unfortunately, COP26 has become so bloated that nearby roads will become gridlocked, so leaders will be ferried to their hotels along the Clyde Expressway, which has been turned into a VIP lane. Joe Biden (pictured) has had to tear up his original COP26 strategy as he struggles to manage America's surge in virus cases and force his own 'Build Back Better' budget through the Senate Views of the site during final preparations with one week till opening of UN Climate Change Conference UK COP26 I understand the COP26 PR team, conscious of the questionable 'optics' developing around this orgy of pro-environmentalism, had hoped for some events to show global leaders utilising public transport. But the opportunities are shrinking. The Unite union, with a commendable eye to the main chance, has announced that more than 1,300 bus workers will use the conference to go on strike over pay. If you think all this unfolding chaos is shaping up to be bad news for the planet, then spare a thought for the real victims: COP26's corporate sponsors. Veteran tree-huggers NatWest, Microsoft and Jaguar are among companies which have reportedly written to the Government condemning 'mismanagement' by the 'very inexperienced civil servants' organising the event. But, painful though it is to see the opportunity for some greenwashed product-placement disappearing in a cloud of jet and motorcade fumes, what were those sponsors expecting? Who in their right mind would hold a such a vital summit in the midst of a deadly pandemic? As one Minister told me: 'People think COP is going to last three weeks. But it's been going on for over a year. And we've been trying to deal with something else quite big during that period.' Covid's shadow over COP26 was always going to be too long and dark. Vladimir Putin, who has been forced to announce a workplace shutdown across Russia to try to get on top of a surge in cases, isn't attending. Neither, it appears, will President Xi of China. Last week, China's economic recovery was thrown into reverse as the economic Covid aftershocks continue to reverberate. And Joe Biden has had to tear up his original COP26 strategy as he struggles to manage America's surge in virus cases and force his own 'Build Back Better' budget through the Senate. Meanwhile, there are disturbing signs here that Boris is about to fall heavily between two Covid and COP26 stools. Rishi Sunak is tearing his hair out trying to work out how to align the Prime Minister's multi-billion-pound net-zero commitment with his need to tackle the 2.2 trillion Covid debt mountain. French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at of the second day of an EU Summit in the Justus Lipsius building, the EU Council headquarter on October 22 Disused oil rigs anchored in the Cromarty Firth in Cromarty, Scotland. Ministers are expressing concern that as Boris's notoriously fickle attention has drifted towards Glasgow, there has been insufficient focus at No 10 on the vaccine rollout At the same time, Ministers are expressing concern that as Boris's notoriously fickle attention has drifted towards Glasgow, there has been insufficient focus at No 10 on the vaccine booster rollout. The argument within government is that the climate crisis cannot wait. Having been put back once by Covid, COP26 had to go ahead to refocus attention on another, potentially even more apocalyptic, global emergency. But the opposite is going to happen. Rather than emphasise their stewardship of the environment, world leaders are again going to reveal just how detached they are. Pressing ahead with COP26 while the globe is still struggling to contain Covid is the equivalent of forcing someone back into a burning building to carry on removing the asbestos. Yes, the threat from global warming represents a real and present danger. But this morning, Covid and its economic impact are a more imperative one. In order to tackle environmental challenges, people are going to be asked to make significant sacrifices. And that will involve politicians and the burgeoning green lobby and their sponsors taking public opinion with them. But instead of showing families that they have a plan for saving their planet, our leaders again seem intent on giving the impression they reside on an entirely different one. COP26 is about to replace Davos as the event that most gratuitously frames the arrogance, hypocrisy and entitlement of the global ruling class. Their gigantic jets will descend upon Prestwick. And they will alight and tell us how we each need to reduce our global environmental footprint. Their motorcades will speed along their exclusive expressway. And they will get out, then inform us we have to do our bit by walking our kids to school. They will assemble for their plush banquet. And after dessert and coffee, they'll retire to put the finishing touches to speeches that lecture us about eating sustainably. Worst of all, they think no one will notice their green doublespeak. That this grotesque 'do as I say, not as I do' grandstanding will pass everyone by amid a kaleidoscope of polar bears, Greta Thunberg and homilies about our grandchildren. Prime Minister Boris Johnson looking at the Orbital Marine Power stand in the Innovation Zone of the Global Investment Summit at the Science Museum Which might actually be the optimum outcome. The best that the organisers of COP26 can hope for now is that as many people as possible ignore them. That those concerned about where the next booster jab is coming from, or how they will cope with soaring fuel prices, will blink and miss this UN imitation of The Fyre Festival. Because if they don't, those same people aren't going to be happy. As I've written before, a dangerous disconnect is opening up. Between those who believe that everyone has bought into their liberal, environmental consensus and those who want a recognition that we live in a complex world of competing priorities, not all of which revolve around the level of carbon emissions in 2050. Anyone doubting this should have a word with the Insulate Britain protester who recently ended up tied by irate motorists to a railing with his own banner. It's very late in the day. But the best way of saving COP26 and the planet is to cancel it. The drum beat has started for another round of Covid restrictions. The NHS Confederation, the body representing NHS staff, wants the Government to impose Plan B to manage rising cases with masks mandatory again in public spaces, home-working and vaccine passports. The trade union Unite has demanded reimposition of masks on public transport. On Thursday, the British Medical Association accused Ministers of wilful negligence for rejecting a move to Plan B. So far, officially at least, the Government has resisted these calls. And dissenting Tory MPs have condemned them, with Steve Baker accusing technocrats of sacrificing Britains freedoms on the altar of healthcare administration. The NHS Confederation wants the Government to impose 'Plan B' to manage rising cases, with masks mandatory again in public spaces, home-working and vaccine passports He says: We cannot allow the liberties of the people of this country to be a tool of NHS capacity management. But as Britain faces such calls to protect the NHS at the expense of going about our everyday lives, its worth remembering who has paid the steepest price for measures taken to protect it so far. Also, who is most fearful of the NHS falling over. With the UK birth rate below replacement since the 1970s, the baby-boomer generation is the countrys largest single cohort, with 14.28 million members in 2019. According to the Financial Times, about 80 per cent of all UK wealth is held by this group, including more than half of UK housing wealth. And with the boomers now flocking into retirement, one of the most troubling trends in politics has been an increasingly open breakdown of solidarity between this powerful, rich demographic and the generations coming after them. The most familiar example of this conflict is the stand-off between older people fighting housing over-development, and young people desperate for affordable homes. This battle recently saw the seemingly safe Tory seat of Chesham and Amersham in Buckinghamshire fall to the Lib Dems, in a by-election campaign dominated by debate about building on the Green Belt. Another issue is how to fund ballooning adult social-care costs, when the proportion of working, taxpaying adults to retirees is shrinking. But perhaps the most under-discussed source of tension is, for many, literally a matter of life and death: Covid restrictions. So far, the Government has resisted these calls for another round of Covid restrictions Throughout the pandemic, support for restrictions has been highest among older generations. Ninety-two per cent of over-65s supported lockdowns, according to a YouGov poll in January. This is understandable, as (according to Age UK) the risk to life from catching Covid rises rapidly over the age of 60, from less than one in 1,000 under 60 to 18 in 1,000 for the over-90s. Overall, though, Britons across all age groups have supported lockdowns, showing commendable solidarity to help protect those most vulnerable to serious illness. But while lockdowns have taken their toll on us all, theyve impacted cruelly on the young, starting with babies and their mothers. The mental health charity Mind reports that with support groups and services shut down and family blocked from visiting, new mums have faced health anxiety and stark post-birth isolation. Miserable mothers mean miserable babies: 47 per cent of new mums interviewed by the Parent-Infant Foundation reported concerns over their little ones clinginess. A further 26 per cent worried about increased crying and tantrums. The poorest mums reported these worries at twice the rate of their wealthier peers. And its not just babies who have suffered. Childrens wellbeing has suffered across the board: one recent study by YoungMinds found that 80 per cent of young people said the pandemic had worsened their mental health. Its also devastated schooling. Teachers worked hard during lockdown to provide some kind of ongoing education. But shutting schools has blown a huge crater in a generations learning a crater that gets bigger the poorer you are. According to the National Foundation for Education Research, engagement has been patchy, with only about 40 per cent of pupils returning their latest assignment. In the most deprived areas, engagement was 13 per cent lower again. Its hardly surprising. Even the most motivated pupil would struggle with remote learning if confined to a cramped or chaotic home, with limited internet access or study space. And when the charity MSI Choices reports a 33 per cent increase in domestic violence during the pandemic, its likely many of these children were trying to study in just such frightening conditions. Meanwhile, university-age youth were encouraged to return to campus, only to be locked down again and told to link up to video lectures and tutorials from their digs while paying full tuition fees. Its not just students who were isolated. Office for National Statistics data showed that those aged 16 to 29 were twice as likely as over-70s to be lonely during the pandemic. As Britain faces such calls to protect the NHS at the expense of going about our everyday lives, its worth remembering who has paid the steepest price for measures taken to protect it so far And the Mental Health Foundation reports that young people, full-time students and single parents were the loneliest. The young have borne the brunt of the economic shock as well. Another ONS report shows that more than two-thirds of those who lost their jobs during the pandemic were under 25. Young people who have kept their jobs were hard hit, too. Some older workers with families, spacious homes and established careers welcomed the opportunity to work from home but the arrangement has been less happy for young working adults. Early-career employees need training: IPSOS reports that 60 per cent of workers under the age of 24 and 50 per cent of 25-to-40-year-olds have struggled while deprived of face-to-face time with their colleagues. And to cap it all, the Government recently announced that working-age adults will have to pay a new health and social care levy to help fund the NHS. For young graduates earning more than 30,000, this will amount to a 50 per cent tax rate. According to one recent study, the Covid death rate for under-18s is about two in every million. Despite this relatively low risk, the young have made these sacrifices with little complaint. They have sacrificed friendship, opportunity, education and mental well-being to help halt the spread of coronavirus. Theyve shown a willingness to forgo life experience, to face stunted career prospects and loneliness, to miss out on life and love and learning. Theyve endured missed schooling and developmental delays. Domestic violence. Poverty. Elevated taxes to pay for the aftermath. Britains youth are a far cry from the whining, self-absorbed snowflakes of cruel stereotype. During the pandemic, theyve shown a public-spirited solidarity for which we should all be grateful. Now, another round of health terror is being whipped up by politicos and technocrats. This isnt to protect the public. Theyre doing it to shield their fraying fiefdoms from the kind of pressure that would show up years of maladministration. We can argue all day about how the NHS got into such a state that it might seem reasonable to abolish civil liberties so our healthcare infrastructure doesnt fall over. And of course its wrong to pit the generations against one another. Now, nearly two years into this horrible pandemic, we know the brutal facts about the risks and costs of Covid. Pictured: National Medical Director for NHS England Stephen Powis. While lockdowns have taken their toll on us all, theyve impacted cruelly on the young, starting with babies and their mothers. If we ignore the asymmetrical price paid by children and young people for measures to control a virus that poses little danger to them, we will be pitting the old against the young. No one is threatening a return to a full lockdown yet. But were told that Cabinet Office officials are discussing a Plan C that would forbid mixing between households. The drum beat is getting louder by the day. As the country faces this prospect, we need much more vocal solidarity for the young people who are Britains future. They have sacrificed enormously over the past two years, despite being at little risk from Covid themselves. For the sake of our community as a whole, and for the young, we must stand up for everyday life. For an individualistic and secular boomer generation, often gripped by a fear of death, this is a big ask. But if Britain is to thrive as a nation across the generations, it is vital to have higher principles than bare survival at any price. Mary Harrington is contributing editor at UnHerd. As a farmer and president of the NFU, representing 55,000 farming businesses, all Ive ever wanted is for global Britain to strike trade deals that are fair for farmers and fair to the British public; deals that fulfil the Governments very strong commitment that our farmers wont be undermined. We know how much the public cares about this. Last year, more than a million people signed one of the biggest petitions the country has seen demanding that British food standards are protected. The Mail on Sundays Save Our Family Farms campaign has been vital in this fight and led the Government to introduce a legally binding commitment to produce a report on the impacts that trade deals will have on food and farming. There is no other sector that will allow MPs oversight and ultimately a say on free trade agreements. But the future of rural Britain our iconic countryside with its patchwork of stone walls, hedges, flower meadows, rolling fields of wheat and barley is at a crossroads. Its fate along with farming and food production lies in political hands and the decisions made by Ministers will have far-reaching and huge consequences for us all. Minette Batters (left), pictured with former International Trade Secretary Liz Truss (right), wants global Britain to strike trade deals that are fair for farmers and fair to the British public I often hear talk in Government that farmers are no longer relevant to modern politics, too small a voice to matter. What such wrong-headed views dont factor in is that farmers underpin the very fabric of the country and the environment that politicians are so committed to protecting. Remove farmers and environmental degradation is inevitable. Although food security and self-sufficiency are of critical national importance, the Governments actions indicate a level of questionable economic literacy. I can only think Ministers are blind to the damage theyll be presiding over or, even worse, theyre actively pursuing a policy of cold-blooded attrition of the land. I hope my biggest fear is unfounded. Failure to maintain food self-sufficiency would drive farmers from the land. For it is they who run businesses, food production and who care for the environment and you cant have one without the other. So when I hear talk about setting 30 per cent of land aside for nature, my immediate question is what about the farmers? Who will look after the land, produce our food? And what are we to do when Ministers tell businesses that they must increase costs with higher wages and abide by tougher regulations, while in the same breath ask us to cut costs to compete with the most efficient farmers in the world? These questions cause downward glances and as yet remain unanswered. Success for all independent trading nations lies in partnership working. After many years, the New Zealanders and Australians have learned to spread their risk. They have small populations. They can farm at huge scale and are therefore serious exporters of agricultural commodities. Their production costs are much lower and they allow for a flexible global scheme on access to workers. Their governments, too, are heavily invested in the technical expertise for opening up new markets and interestingly food prices in both countries are higher than the UK. Such issues are not the only reason why the stakes for British farmers are exceptionally high. Our Government is introducing new laws on animal sentience, animal welfare and the environment. These are areas about which farmers care passionately. Our only ask is that other countries, with whom we are striking trade deals, do the same. But there is no sign of this happening. Crucially, as with any business, British farmers would become uncompetitive if undercut by imported food produced in ways that would be illegal in this country. Im continually asked by Ministers to think positively. Quite frankly, that is deeply insulting to the farmers who I represent. If you are running a business which could fold because while you raise standards, at the same time your own Government welcomes imports produced with much lower standards, it is offensive to be told by politicians just to smile more. Our antipodean cousins have played a blinder in the negotiations for the trade deal agreed with Britain last week. New Zealands PM patted Boris Johnson on the back and used a rugby analogy to give her verdict on the deal: The All Blacks won! Six years ago, the then Australian High Commissioner, Alexander Downer, told me: You screwed us over when you joined the EU. Weve been through hell and were coming back to get you. Minette Batters of the National Farmers' Union (left) said she often hears talk in Government that farmers are no longer relevant to modern politics, too small a voice to matter How right he was. The UK has allowed a fully liberalised trade deal that the Australians never thought in their wildest dreams was possible. I dont doubt the pain that Australia had previously suffered and I also dont doubt the passion Australia had for ensuring its farmers got a great deal with the UK. What farmers here and the British public need is the same willpower and ambition from our government. Representatives of Australias High Commission in this country have been very busy here hosting parties for Cabinet members and MPs championing their great country. In view of this, I spoke to one of these Australian representatives at the recent Conservative Party conference and told them that my members needed equivalent action from our Government. They agreed. I also asked if they thought Australia would have an animal sentience or welfare bill any time soon. The response was: Never! We need to be globally competitive. That conversation vividly underlined to me how high the odds really are stacked against British farming. As we stand at the crossroads of change, there are vital choices for our Government to take. Those choices are simple. Do we want our farmers to have a future? Do we believe that we should have a thriving food producing industry? Do we want to support our farmers in their drive to go net zero by 2040? Or do we want to outsource our food production, abandon British farming to history and wave in food from anywhere in the world, regardless of the standards and conditions in which it is produced? To secure our farmers future, requires strong, global leadership. I believe there are four things Britain needs from our Government to help get us on the right road. 1. Follow the lead of Australia and New Zealand by putting in place full-time trade ambassadors, or agricultural counsellors, to identify new countries to export to and open up these markets for our high quality food. Farmers should be invited to be part of trade delegations to underline the trust, traceability and standards of our food production. 2. In the legally binding food security report that the Government has to produce before the end of the year, the Government needs to use the current food self-sufficiency figure of 60 per cent as a metric for success. The fact is that if food production levels drop too low, our farming industry will become unviable. 3. Ensure we have a planned approach to accessing a workforce for our farms and food processing industry when theyre needed. And thus make sure we never again face the same crisis of slaughtering healthy pigs simply because of a shortage of abattoir workers. 4. Work with the British farming sector to be world leaders in climate-smart farming. Our farmers want to lead the world, using new, sustainable farming policies. Never has there been a more pressing time for Britain to show global leadership in sustainable, quality food production. The Government has the opportunity to win a global gold for this at COP26. The alternative is the huge risk that in future years we will look back and realise to paraphrase Churchill that never have we lost so much for so little Irate Tory MPs have warned the boss of the parliamentary spending watchdog that he must resign if the expenses system isnt fixed within a year. It was tough table-turning talk indeed from backbenchers at the 1922 Committee last week, especially as its only 12 years since the appalling expenses scandal of duck ponds, moats and fraudulent second-home claims led to jail time and the setting up of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa). Interestingly, sources inside the meeting report there was little push-back on the taxpayers behalf from Ian Todd, the Ipsa chief executive whose CV includes a top job at the hopeless police watchdog, the IOPC, and a stint regulating bouncers. Todd is said to have apologised and pledged a review, claiming Ipsa was formed quickly in response to a crisis and due a rethink The poor man was addressing the 1922 Committee after Boris Johnson had first whipped up the crowd of old hands and newbies. MPs griped at Todd that Ipsa doesnt repay expenses fast enough, the website is buggy and the watchdog is too slow to approve security provisions a powerful criticism in the wake of the killing of Sir David Amess. Todd is said to have apologised and pledged a review, claiming Ipsa was formed quickly in response to a crisis and due a rethink. One attendee was adamant that Todd even questioned whether Ipsas dual role of paying out and overseeing expenses was still compatible, and if the regulatory function might be better hived off to another body. Ipsas press team was quick to deny this insisting their boss had argued how the regulatory and customer service roles ARE compatible but did confirm Todd had promised during the meeting to review the payments process. Certainly a group of MPs are pushing for the oversight function to be hived off. One told me they want Ipsa to go back to being an expenses department but in the same breath described the old Fees Office, which did the job before 2009, as plainly corrupt. Meanwhile, the new brood of Parliamentarians boldly told Todd that Ipsa should simply trust them and accept expenses claims more easily. One prominent voice in the meeting was Karl McCartney the MP for Lincoln, who incidentally had to apologise for sending abusive notes to Ipsa staffers processing his claims in 2013. And what about Chris Loder, the little-known Tory MP for West Dorset who gave Todd the resignation ultimatum in the meeting? Oh yes, hes endured some bad press for egregious expenses claims. In fact, Free Loder was named as the biggest claimer out of 150-odd MPs from the 2019 intake. Call me cynical, but I fear that they dont have the publics interest at heart. Now Govey goes all Deluxe Worry not, the Govey-ites have settled on their own acronym for their bosss new Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). Just call it Deluxe The alphabet soup following Michael Goves takeover of the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, and now Levelling Up (MHCLGLU?), has left us searching for a pithy department name. Worry not, the Govey-ites have settled on their own acronym for their bosss new Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). Just call it Deluxe, says one. Scary stories about men injecting women in nightclubs have not deterred the Health Secretary from reaching for the needle. No sooner had Sajid Javid been snapped receiving the flu jab, he offered to give photographer Stefan Rousseau a dose. Luckily, a worried female nurse intervened. Insiders tell me there are serious concerns about stopping First Minister Nicola Sturgeon using the global leaders descent on Glasgow as a platform for independence and the SNP With COP26 looming, Ministers are desperate to meet a new secret target of zero per cent emissions. It has nothing to do with carbon dioxide or climate change but everything to do with hot air and raising the political temperature in Scotland. Insiders tell me there are serious concerns about stopping First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, above, using the global leaders descent on Glasgow as a platform for independence and the SNP. Or as one MP puts it: There are three objectives at COP: Save the planet. Save the country. And stop Sturgeon from getting a photo with Biden. Jeremy Clarkson has done more for British farming in one TV series than the BBC's Countryfile has managed in 30 years of broadcasting, according to the Cumbrian sheep farmer James Rebanks. And I know exactly what he means. Because you might have seen me alongside the former Grand Tour and Top Gear presenter in episodes of Clarkson's Farm. Kaleb Cooper asks for reassurance from politicians that farmers like him are wanted and that it will still be possible to make a living from growing and rearing good food to high standards At last the British public have been given a TV programme that tells the truth about farming. Above all, it makes one thing brutally clear: it is bloody hard work. It's stressful. It's on the edge. Kaleb Cooper and Jeremy Clarkson were honoured by the British Farming Awards for raising the profile of British farming I hope viewers, too, see the amount of enthusiasm that's involved. Farming to me like so many others is not a job, it's a way of life. I started on my 13th birthday, when my mum bought me three hens. I worked out that I could make 6-a-week profit from selling the eggs. Six months later I had 450 hens and a delivery round. I went into school only so I could supply eggs to the teachers. I love it but you have to. Because farming is mentally and physically draining. I'm now in my early 20s and I've set myself up as contractor hiring myself out for specific jobs. I can do a whole range of different jobs: topping, mowing, hay turning, baling and moving muck or anything involving tractor or loader work. I start work at 6am and often finish at 1am. People ask what time I finish and I just say, 'When the work's done.' There's so much to go wrong, as the viewers see week after week, the main one being the weather. We're completely dependent on something we can't control, and that's hard. Like farmers across Britain, we didn't get enough sun in the Cotswolds this year, so the crops in the ground weren't drying properly. Should we have left them there to rot and lose yield? Or should we have paid good money for heating equipment to dry the crops in the barn? How do you calculate that? Mr Cooper hopes that if shoppers understand more about how much hard work goes into farming they will be encouraged to buy British There are no monthly wages in farming and it all tends to come at once when a job is finished or all the crops have been sold, leading to cashflow problems If you're losing 200 an acre, that could be the difference between green and red, profit and loss, staying afloat or going under. One mistake could cost you 25 per cent of your yield. It's not like running the hens when I was at school. Today, I have four tractors that cost me 150,000. That's a lot of money. What if something goes wrong with them? How do you pay? In farming, we don't get a monthly wage. It all tends to come at once when you've finished a job or sold the crops. So there are big cashflow problems. Then there's the shortage of truckers so spare parts might not arrive for weeks. Added to all this, the price of steel is shooting up. If I want a new tractor, it's going to cost me around 20 per cent more. As for the idea of buying a farm, it's completely impossible for someone like me. The price of land has gone through the roof. There's always something going wrong, whether it's machinery that won't work or sheep that keep on escaping no matter what we do. And financially, it's getting more complicated every day. Everything's up in the air. Right now, the Government wants us to plant fields of flowers and clover to encourage wild birds. Is that a farmer's job? I went to college to learn how to grow wheat to feed the people of Britain. One of the great things about Clarkson's Farm is that it's really, really showing people how hard it is including Jeremy himself. When he decided to give farming a go, he thought that he'd scatter some seeds on the ground and sit back while they grew into crops. Farming relies on many external variables, whether it's machinery that won't work or sheep that keep on escaping I can tell you, he's been a bit shell-shocked by how hard he's had to work. I hope, as well, that viewers can see how much effort and time goes into creating something as apparently simple as a loaf of bread. Shoppers can buy one for as little as 50p and never think about everything that has gone into making it. Perhaps being aware of all this now will persuade more people to buy British, too. Today, the average age of a farmer in this country is around 61. I'm not surprised. Young people will be asking themselves, 'What's in there for me?' And 'How much money will there be at the end of the year?' It's not easy to find the answers. More than anything else, we need reassurance from politicians that farmers like us are wanted, that it will still be possible to make a living from growing and rearing good food to high standards and that there's a future for people like me. Kaleb Cooper and Jeremy Clarkson have just been honoured by the British Farming Awards for raising the profile of British farming. Clarkson's Farm is on Amazon Prime Video. Rishi Sunak is planning to cut air passenger duty for flights within the UK in the Budget, as part of the Governments drive to level up the country and cement closer ties within the Union. The move will coincide with a hike in the rate for long-haul destinations such as Australia, South Africa and Japan as the Treasury tries to burnish its jet zero environmental credentials ahead of next months COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. The duty, which is currently levied in two bands under 2,000 miles and above 2,000 miles is paid by airlines, but is usually passed on to their customers. Rishi Sunak is planning to cut air passenger duty for flights within the UK in the Budget, as part of the Governments drive to level up the country and cement closer ties within the Union The Chancellor is also planning to help level up the country by spending 6.9 billion on improving rail, tram, bus and cycle networks in English big city regions (file image) The maximum levied per passenger, which is already due to rise to 554 next April, is likely to go even higher for destinations more than 6,000 miles away. The Chancellor is also planning to help level up the country by spending 6.9 billion on improving rail, tram, bus and cycle networks in English big city regions. Mr Sunak is also considering cutting the tax on beer from kegs and sparkling English wine to protect pubs and vineyards from the economic damage wrought by Covid, and imposing a residential property developer tax to pay for the removal of flammable cladding from high-rise buildings. The move will coincide with a hike in the rate for long-haul destinations such as Australia, South Africa and Japan as the Treasury tries to burnish its jet zero environmental credentials ahead of next months COP26 climate summit in Glasgow The levy would be paid by housebuilders with profits of more than 25 million who hoard land. Mr Sunak is also expected to announce 3 billion of investment in education, including the quadrupling of places on skills bootcamps and more classroom hours for up to 100,000 16- to 19-year-olds studying T levels. When Kellie Brown launched her own flower business just two weeks after being made redundant from her high-flying fashion job, she had no idea it would grow into a $14 million floral empire selling 93,000 bouquets a year. Ms Brown was working as a designer in Melbourne when she realised life at the top of the world's most notoriously cutthroat industry wasn't all she expected it to be. 'It was a toxic environment - it certainly wasn't what it said on the tin,' she told Daily Mail Australia. Ms Brown was laid off in 2015 and set off to combine her two greatest passions: fashion and flowers. Kellie Brown (pictured) was made redundant from her fashion job so decided to start her own flower business Fig and Bloom from the booth of her car Ms Brown risked it all and took $10,000 she had saved for a house deposit to start a roving flower business called Fig and Bloom. She spent the first year largely operating from the boot of her car by driving to the flower market, wrapping bunches, and hand-delivering about 4,000 of them to customers across Melbourne. Ms Brown gained many of Fig and Bloom's 17,300 Instagram followers in the first few months as the businesses' launch cashed in on the rise of the social media platform. She enticed fans with ornate arrangements in trendy shades which appeared to go against the trend. 'At the time flowers were still very unsophisticated, you were still getting bright, primary colours wrapped up in daggy pink cellophane,' Ms Brown said. 'I just kept thinking, why is this industry not evolving, why can't I design them in a different way and bring flowers into the 21st century?' Ms Brown risked it all and took $10,000 she had saved for a house deposit to start the roving, subscription-based flower business Ms Brown soon realised she would need more knowledge than she had if she wanted the business to grow. She messaged leading floral design brands on Instagram, and found one in Manhattan and another in Brooklyn that offered her internships. 'I literally swept the floors and asked questions,' she recalled. Ms Brown even trained with Queen Elizabeth's principal florist Shane Connolly and attended a masterclass with him at the New York Flower School. The experience led her to design Fig and Bloom's arrangements around four key themes: pretty and pink, rustic, contemporary white, and bright and colourful. Kellie Brown (front row, right) now employs a team of 48 staff across three Australian states and is planning to expand The four flower trends set to be big in 2022 * Baby's breath * Dried and preserved arrangements * Mixing fabric with fresh flowers * Mixing obscure plants with flowers Advertisement One of the best-sellers is the Osaka design - a lavish creation inspired by Japans annual Cherry Blossom festival that features roses, chrysanthemum disbuds and gypsophila. It comes in four sizes with prices ranging from $100 to $360. Ms Brown believes the design is popular because it is aspirational. 'People love it because a lot of people tend to love Japan and what cherry blossoms represent,' she said. 'The country is still on people's bucket lists which means it has longevity - it's been in stock for years and it's still one of our biggest sellers.' While many businesses crumbled under the pressure of the pandemic, Fig and Bloom - and indeed the flower industry as a whole - has flourished. Business has boomed since the Covid -19crisis began in March 2020, when Australia was plunged into lockdown and gifting became one of the only ways for people to connect with family and friends. While many businesses crumbled under the pressure of the pandemic, Fig and Bloom - and indeed the flower industry as a whole - has flourished 'It's still a scary time, but back then it was crazy,' Ms Brown said. 'We went form receiving orders at a steady pace to being so inundated we had to shut down the website. 'We had a full team but we had to double staff literally overnight.' The business now employs a team of 48 staff across one physical store in Melbourne, a second in Sydney, and a third which has just opened in Brisbane, delivering to more than 900 locations along the East Coast. Ms Brown's designs have caught the attention of some of the world's biggest brands and seen her work with leading names including Ferrari and Lexus. She also counts Elton John a fan, after decking out his green room for both the Australian and New Zealand legs of his 2020 world tour. The business is now on track to earn $14 million in revenue this financial year and Ms Brown is busy finalising an expansion which will see delivery areas broadened to include Adelaide, Canberra, Newcastle, and the Gold Coast. If you had told Paul Wahlberg in 1988 that his youngest brother Mark would one day be a major film star earning US$20 million a picture and worth an estimated US$350 million, he would have said you were crazy. If you'd also told Paul back then that one day he and his brothers Mark and Donnie would own a restaurant chain boasting 60 outlets across the US, Canada, Europe and, from December, Australia, his response would have been the same. But, incredibly, it has all become a reality. Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg and his brothers - Paul and Donnie - are set to open their first Wahlburgers in Australian from December (pictured with their late mother Alma Wahlberg) Paul (pictured) and his brothers Mark and Donnie now own restaurant chain Wahlburgers boasting 60 outlets across the US, Canada, Europe and, from December, Australia What is Wahlburgers? Wahlburgers is a casual dining restaurant and bar founded by the Wahlberg brothers. Famed for its burgers, salads, sandwiches, loaded tots and frothy shakes, the US burger chain currently has 60 locations across the US, Canada, Europe and, from December, Australia. The company has invested $50million in opening 20 restaurants across Australia and New Zealand over the next five years, with plans to employ more than 500 workers. Advertisement Back in 1988, 16-year-old-Mark Wahlberg was a cocaine-using, marijuana-peddling wild child who had just served 45 days in an adult prison for a violent random attack on a Vietnamese immigrant on the streets of Boston. At the same time Paul, then 24, was washing dishes for a catering company, and Donnie, 18, was trying to get a record label interested in the boy band he had put together with friends and named New Kids on the Block after a rap song he had written. From a broken family of nine children living in a three-bedroom apartment, the future wasn't looking particularly rosy for any of the Wahlbergs. When Mark was locked up in rat-infested Deer Island House of Correction after being charged with attempted murder and pleading guilty to a lesser charge of criminal contempt, he looked to be heading down a one-way path. As he told a reporter in 2001: 'As soon as I began that life of crime, there was always a voice in my head telling me I was going to end up in jail. Three of my brothers had done time. My sister went to prison so many times I lost count.' It was that brief but frightening stint in the adult prison that saw Mark make a conscious decision to turn his life around. With Donnie's help he started his own successful band, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, which led to a move into modelling, acting and film stardom. Paul said he still finds it hard to believe that the two little brothers he once shared a tiny bedroom with - along with three other brothers - are now household names The Wahlberg brothers are set to open their first Wahlburgers restaurant in Australia just steps away from the Sydney Opera House (picture of the Sydney location) 'We went through ups and downs like all families do,' Paul said this week. 'Stuff happens that you have to deal with. I didn't know everything Mark was getting up to. Sometimes you hear about things, sometimes you don't. 'All I know is that he turned his life around, worked hard, succeeded and I couldn't be prouder.' The same goes for Donnie, who parlayed the worldwide success of New Kids on the Block into a lucrative career as a television actor with leading roles in series' such as Blue Bloods and Band of Brothers. Paul still finds it hard to believe that the two little brothers he once shared a tiny bedroom with - along with three other brothers - are now household names. 'There was no way you could have predicted what they have become,' he says. 'How many people get off that bus in Hollywood saying they are going to be a star? How many people sing in some tiny club dreaming they are going to be part of the biggest band in the world? 'Thousands? Millions? And how many make it? Not many, but my two brothers did. I guess I always felt like there was something special there, but maybe everyone thinks that about their little brothers.' The first Australian outlet will open opposite the Sydney Opera House in December, serving the same 'simple comfort food', as Paul calls it Paul entered the world of food and hospitality at the age of 16 when he began working in the kitchen of a catering company handling up to 20 events every weekend One thing that Paul did know for sure, was that the times when all the Wahlberg kids, plus their parents when they were still together - and a grandmother who was living with them - got together for Sunday lunch, it was no place for the faint hearted. 'If I have to describe those lunches in one word, it's chaos. There were 12 of us in a tiny kitchen, all talking and eating and passing plates of food around. 'It was never dull, I can guarantee that. Those were some of the best times of my life.' It is that kind of atmosphere and home cooking that he and his brothers have tried to replicate in their Wahlburgers restaurants. Paul entered the world of food and hospitality at the age of 16 when he began working in the kitchen of a catering company handling up to 20 events every weekend. The US chain is famous for its beef burgers, salads, sandwiches, loaded tots and frothy shakes Aussies can expect simple comfort food - including mouthwatering burgers and loaded tots 'There was an energy there that I really liked. In the off-season a friend's dad asked me to come work at his restaurant. Maybe it was all the practise I got from helping my mother cook for 12 people, but I took to it. 'It was like a Forrest Gump moment. One day someone said: 'You're good at this. You should become a chef' and I thought, 'yeah. That's it. That's what I want to be.' He worked his way up to become executive chef at some of Boston's best fine dining establishments before opening his own up-market Italian-Mediterranean restaurant and, across the road in 2001, the first Wahlburgers. With the backing of his famous brothers, the restaurants - and the Wahlburgers reality TV series which featured them and their beloved mother Alma, who died earlier this year - have been hugely successful. The Mile 22 star arrived in Australia in November last year to check out the location and meet with his Australian partners Sam and Roy Mustaca who own United Cinemas, Australia's largest independently owned cinema chain The first Australian outlet will open opposite the Sydney Opera House in December, serving the same 'simple comfort food', as Paul calls it, that the Wahlberg family feasted on at their Sunday get-togethers. 'As one of nine kids I was always hungry,' Paul said. 'I used to love that kind of food, like burgers and Sloppy Joes and English muffin pizzas. 'Even today, my favourite food is burgers. I'm always in the car going to one place or another and like I said, I'm always hungry. I need something I can eat while I drive, so a burger it is.' Which is not to say that you can't get a healthy meal at Wahlburgers - part-owner Mark, who is a noted fitness fanatic, insists on it. 'We've got salads, chicken, you name it,' Paul says. 'You can't eat burgers every day - not that I don't try ' 7 Macquarie St, Opera Quays, Circular Quay. (Formerly Buckley's Restaurant). Seating for 250. Open breakfast until late. Licensed. A fully vaccinated mother who caught COVID-19 when she was pregnant delivered her first child while on a ventilator and doesn't remember giving birth. Wendy Davidson, 33, from Coweta County, Georgia, has been called a 'miracle mom' after spending weeks battling the virus at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, where she welcomed her son, Gabriel, 28 weeks into her pregnancy. Despite having had the Pfizer vaccine, she became so sick that she was in and out of consciousness and later had to be put on a ventilator after her oxygen level dipped to the mid-60s, WGCL-TV reported. Scroll down for video Story: Wendy Davidson, 33, from Coweta County, Georgia, was pregnant when she caught COVIT-19 after being fully vaccinated and was on a ventilator when she delivered her newborn Premature: Medical staffers performed an emergency C-section to deliver her son, Gabriel, 28 weeks into her pregnancy Scary: Despite having had the Pfizer vaccine, Wendy became so sick that she was in and out of consciousness and later had to be put on a ventilator after her oxygen level dipped 'The nurse was in the room and she was like, "Hey, were getting ready to intubate your wife and put her on the ventilator," and I was like, "What?"' Wendy's husband Jeremy told the new station. 'I was like, "Are you serious whats going on?" and they said her oxygens dipped really low.' Ongoing fears about the health of both Wendy and her baby prompted medical staffers to perform an emergency C-section to deliver her son 28 weeks into her pregnancy, a miracle, according to doctors. The newborn, who weighed just three pounds, is currently in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the hospital. Miracle baby: The newborn, who weighed just three pounds, is currently in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the hospital No memory: Wendy, who doesn't remember delivering her son, has been relying on her husband Jeremy to help her fill in the pieces Hard to handle: 'Every time I see my son I want to cry,' she said. 'I wanted to see him come out, you know, but, I didnt get that luxury' Wendy didn't remember anything about her time in the hospital and had to be told she had delivered her first child. 'Every time I see my son I want to cry,' she told WGCL-TV while on the verge of tears. 'I wanted to see him come out, you know, but, I didnt get that luxury.' 'Shes been trying to piece it together,' Jeremy added. 'Shell ask me when he was born, what happened, how she got over in the neuro-center, its just, everything is just strange to her.' Wendy said the whole time she was in the hospital, medical staffers called her the 'miracle mom' and the 'miracle baby's mom.' She was discharged from the hospital for the first time earlier this week. While her son is still in the NICU, he is improving and putting on weight. Gabriel is expected to be able to come home at the end of November. The 40-year-old Duchess of Sussex revealed to TV host Ellen that Lilibet 'Lili' Diana, her second child with Prince Harry, 37, has started teething. In a teaser for her sit-down with the talk show host (left), Meghan told Ellen, 63, that she is looking for 'anything to relieve [Lili's teething]' to which the talk show host jokingly replied that she should try 'tequila'. 'That's Auntie Ellen for you,' Meghan responded, as Ellen admitted: 'That's why I don't have kids'. According to People, the Duchess (pictured right while pregnant with Lili and inset with son Archie) also gushed that she and Harry are 'just happy' living in their $14 million Montecito mansion with Lili and Archie, two. Meghan's interview with Ellen marks the second high-profile TV sit-down she has done since stepping back from royal duties. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sparked fury in March when they did a interview with Oprah and made several damaging allegations about the royals. Ellen, whose show is in its final season, and the Duchess are close friends having met years ago at a dog shelter. Advertisement Princess Eugenie channelled autumn chic this weekend as she joined her friends for a cosy night out at The Walmer Castle pub in west London. The Queen's granddaughter, 31, who welcomed her first child, August Brooksbank, in February this year with husband Jack, 35, looked the picture of cosy in a floor length red coat with strappy heels and little black dress. Eugenie was joined by husband Jack and a group of well-dressed friends at the pub, which is owned by David Beckham and Guy Ritchie. Her appearance comes as The Queen, 95, was admitted to King Edward VIIs on Wednesday afternoon and stayed there overnight for tests following the cancellation of her trip to Northern Ireland. But the royal family have kept calm and carried on since the hospital admission, with Eugenie's cousin Prince William spotted taking his family to Heathrow airport this week. Princess Eugenie channelled autumn chic this weekend as she joined her friends for a cosy night out at The Walmer Castle pub in west London. The Queen's granddaughter, 31, who welcomed her first child, August Brooksbank, in February this year with husband Jack, 35, looked the picture of cosy in a floor length red coat with strappy heels and little black dress Eugenie was joined by husband Jack (back right) and a group of well-dressed friends at the pub, which is owned by David Beckham and Guy Ritchie Eugenie's appearance comes as The Queen, 95, was admitted to King Edward VIIs on Wednesday afternoon and stayed there overnight for tests following the cancellation of her trip to Northern Ireland Eugenie, who is the daughter or Prince Andrew, 61, and Sarah Ferguson, 62, normally frequents exclusive members only clubs, but seemed completely at ease this weekend in the unassuming celebrity-owned club. Joining Eugenie was some very well-heeled friends including Julia Wynn and Julian Michal Isaacs, Viscount Erleigh the son of The Marquess of Reading. Showing off her natural beauty, Eugenie tied her red hair back into a low bun and kept her make-up light and natural. Sporting a midi-black shift dress, the Princess appears to have cemented her style credentials adding a golden hoop and small black bag. Eugenie normally frequents exclusive members only clubs, but seemed completely at ease this weekend in the unassuming celebrity-owned club Showing off her natural beauty, Eugenie tied her red hair back into a low bun and kept her make-up light and natural Adding a touch of glamour, the mother-of-one teetered with black strappy heels as she chatted with a group of pals. In 2018, David Beckham paid 3 million for the pub which his near his Holland Park home with his friend Guy Ritchie. The royal recently followed in the footsteps of her cousins Prince Harry and Prince William, by launching an urgent plea for people to protect the Earth's oceans. Eugenie is an ambassador of the Blue Marine Foundation, hailed the ocean as 'the best natural solution we have to climate change on the planet'. Sporting a midi-black shift dress, the Princess appears to have cemented her style credentials adding a golden hoop and small black bag In 2018, David Beckham paid 3 million for the pub which his near his Holland Park home with his friend Guy Ritchie The night out comes as Buckingham Palace was accused yesterday of misleading the nation over the state of the Queen's health. The royal co-wrote a piece for Spear's Magazine, which has been produced in partnership with the Blue Marine Foundation, with Clare Brook, CEO of the foundation. It's been a rocky month for Eugenie, who's father Prince Andrew has been embroiled in a scandal over his friendship with paedophile financer Jeffrey Epstein. The night out comes as Buckingham Palace was accused yesterday of misleading the nation over the state of the Queen's health. Commentators including BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell questioned whether the palace had undermined public trust by failing to reveal she had been taken to hospital. The palace's communications team told journalists the Queen had remained at Windsor Castle. Joining Eugenie was some very well-heeled friends including Julia Wynn and Julian Michal Isaacs, Viscount Erleigh the son of The Marquess of Reading Eugenie chatted with friends in the pub and left with a group of girlfriends at the end of the evening All smiles! Eugenie looked delighted to see her pals in the pub with them sipping on beer and wine for the night out However on Thursday night more than 24 hours later it confirmed she had been taken to the private hospital in London. Unusually, the royal standard remained flying at Windsor on Wednesday, even after the Queen had left. The flag represents the sovereign and is flown only when she is present. A royal source denied it was kept aloft as part of a cover-up and said the standard did not move to every building she visited. The source said Windsor had remained the Queen's residence, despite the overnight trip. Mr Witchell insisted journalists and the public 'weren't given the complete picture'. He added: 'The problem, it seems to me, is that rumour and misinformation always thrive in the absence of proper, accurate and trustworthy information. Keeping it cool: Eugenie looked all natural as she met with friends at the celeb-haunt in Notting Hill Eugenie looked delighted at The Walmer Castle in Notting Hill. She was joined by a group of well-heeled pals and her husband Jack Eugenie's outing came amid concerns for The Queens health after tests in hospital. She is pictured in the Notting Hill haunt Peter Hunt, a royal commentator and former BBC journalist, claimed there had been a 'failed attempt' to cover up the hospital admission. He said: 'The media's faith in the veracity of royal communications will have been sorely tested by the failed attempt to hide the fact the Queen spent a night in hospital. Buckingham Palace can ill afford a breakdown in trust, given all they're dealing with.' Palace officials are generally reluctant to disclose information relating to health matters because the Royal Family is entitled to privacy and medical confidentiality. But updates are usually provided if a senior royal is admitted to hospital, and the health of the monarch is of constitutional significance. As head of state, the Queen's health has been subject to intense scrutiny, which increases as she gets older. The revelation that she had needed to be seen by specialists in hospital her first overnight stay for eight years has fuelled public concern about her health. The royal - who is the daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson - looked delighted as she chatted with mates All cosy! Eugenie's friend's cuddled up to her as she sported a cosy blue woolly cap to protect herself from London's autumnal chill Mr Witchell told BBC Breakfast: 'We are told that she's back at Windsor Castle, undertaking light duties. Well, we must hope that we can place reliance on what the palace is telling us.' Royal expert and biographer Ingrid Seward said: 'They did mislead the media. I think they were trying to protect the Queen, because she would not have wanted a fuss, but it was misleading.' Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, added: 'The Queen does have a right to a certain degree of privacy, but on the other hand she's head of state. 'So does that entitle us to know exactly what ailments she may or may not have? It's a very difficult one to get the balance right for the satisfaction of everybody.' The Queen was discharged from hospital on Thursday and is now expected to remain in Windsor, where doctors have told her to rest. Buckingham Palace has not disclosed the nature of the tests carried out at King Edward VII's and it is not known whether she will need any further examination or treatment. She was taken from Windsor to hospital by car rather than by helicopter, and was expected to stay for a short period while she was seen by specialists. The decision to admit her overnight was taken for 'practical reasons', a source said. A royal spokesman said on Thursday night : 'Following medical advice to rest for a few days, the Queen attended hospital on Wednesday afternoon for some preliminary investigations, returning to Windsor at lunchtime [on Thursday], and remains in good spirits.' The day before there was no mention of hospital. A senior royal aide argued that the monarch was entitled to privacy on medical issues and the palace had never given a 'running commentary' on her health. They maintained that tests and preliminary investigations should be kept private. And they said that had she gone in for a more serious reason the public would probably have been told. However in 2018 the Queen secretly had surgery to remove a cataract. Lady Louise, who is the daughter of Andrew's younger brother Prince Edward, 57 and Sophie Wessex, 56, looked confident as she rode around the royal residence on a white horse Advertisement Prince Andrew appeared to put his woes behind him today as he joined his niece Lady Louise Windsor, 17, for a horse ride at Windsor Castle. The Duke of York, 61, was joined by a female groom for the jaunt as his mother's Berkshire home. Meanwhile, Lady Louise, who is the daughter of Andrew's younger brother Prince Edward, 57 and Sophie Wessex, 56, looked confident as she rode around the royal residence on a white horse. The royal family appear to be putting their woes behind them and carrying on as normal following the Queen's admission to hospital this week. Prince Andrew appeared to put his legal troubles behind him today as he joined his niece Lady Louise Windsor, 17, for a horse ride at Windsor Castle Lady Louise, who is the daughter of Andrew's younger brother Prince Edward, 57 and Sophie Wessex, 56, looked confident as she rode around the royal residence on a white horse Her Majesty, 95, was forced to cancel her trip to Northern Ireland on doctor's orders after being ordered to rest. She was then admitted to King Edward VII's on Wednesday afternoon and stayed there overnight for tests. Donning traditional riding gear, the Queen's second son drove himself to the grounds from his nearby home, the Royal Lodge. Lady Louise lives with her parents and younger brother James, Viscount Severn at Bagshot Park, in Surrey - which is a short drive from Windsor Castle. Lady Louise, is a keen equestrian and, like her late grandfather the Duke of Edinburgh, has competed in carriage-driving competitions. It is believed that the late Duke of Edinburgh also taught her mother Sophie to drive a team of horses as the family shared a love of the animals. Donning traditional riding gear, the Queen's second son drove himself to the grounds from his nearby home, the Royal Lodge Lady Louise lives with her parents and younger brother James, Viscount Severn at Bagshot Park, in Surrey - which is a short drive from Windsor Castle. Louise's uncle Andrew looked delighted to be riding today, letting out a huge grin while atop a horse. The Duke of York has come embroiled in scandal this year having stepped back from royal duties following speculation over his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Lady Louise Windsor is named as one of Tatler's top dates in their Little Black Book She's only 17 but Lady Louise Windsor has already been named as one of the hottest dates in the UK. Society Bible Tatler named the Queen's granddaughter in the top ten alongside Emma Raducanu, Lady Lola Bute, daughter of the late racing driver the Marquess of Bute; Bridgertons Rege-Jean Page and David Beckhams model son Romeo. The full Little Black Book is in Tatlers December issue, available via digital download and on newsstands from Thursday, October 28. Advertisement This week, one of Epstein's victims claimed the the paedophile's New Mexico Zorro Ranch housed three huge computer rooms to spy on famous guests, including Prince Andrew. Maria Farmer, a former employee of the late billionaire, alleges that the footage would include Prince Andrew's alleged 2000 stay at the 33,339 square foot estate. Farmer claims the rooms were 'bigger than houses', and were packed with computers and video equipment belonging to Epstein and his former girlfriend and alleged accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, and used in his spying network. The appearance also comes as The Queen, 95, was admitted to King Edward VIIs on Wednesday afternoon and stayed there overnight for tests following the cancellation of her trip to Northern Ireland. But the royal family have kept calm and carried on since the hospital admission, with Prince William and Kate Middleton spotted taking his family to Heathrow airport this week while Andrew's daughter Princess Eugenie was also seen for a night out in London with her husband Jack Brooksbank and group of well-heeled pals. Commentators including BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell questioned whether the palace had undermined public trust by failing to reveal she had been taken to hospital. The palace's communications team told journalists the Queen had remained at Windsor Castle. However on Thursday night more than 24 hours later it confirmed she had been taken to the private hospital in London. Unusually, the royal standard remained flying at Windsor on Wednesday, even after the Queen had left. The flag represents the sovereign and is flown only when she is present. A royal source denied it was kept aloft as part of a cover-up and said the standard did not move to every building she visited. The source said Windsor had remained the Queen's residence, despite the overnight trip. Mr Witchell insisted journalists and the public 'weren't given the complete picture'. Louise's uncle Andrew looked delighted to be riding today, letting out a huge grin while atop a horse. The Duke of York has come embroiled in scandal this year having stepped back from royal duties following speculation over his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. She's only 17 but Lady Louise Windsor has already been named as one of the hottest dates in the UK. Society Bible Tatler named the Queen's granddaughter in the top ten alongside Emma Raducanu, Lady Lola Bute, daughter of the late racing driver the Marquess of Bute; Bridgertons Rege-Jean Page and David Beckhams model son Romeo The royal family appear to be putting their woes behind them and carrying on as normal following the Queen's admission to hospital this week. Andrew is pictured today He added: 'The problem, it seems to me, is that rumour and misinformation always thrive in the absence of proper, accurate and trustworthy information. Peter Hunt, a royal commentator and former BBC journalist, claimed there had been a 'failed attempt' to cover up the hospital admission. He said: 'The media's faith in the veracity of royal communications will have been sorely tested by the failed attempt to hide the fact the Queen spent a night in hospital. Buckingham Palace can ill afford a breakdown in trust, given all they're dealing with.' Palace officials are generally reluctant to disclose information relating to health matters because the Royal Family is entitled to privacy and medical confidentiality. But updates are usually provided if a senior royal is admitted to hospital, and the health of the monarch is of constitutional significance. As head of state, the Queen's health has been subject to intense scrutiny, which increases as she gets older. The revelation that she had needed to be seen by specialists in hospital her first overnight stay for eight years has fuelled public concern about her health. This week, one of Epstein's victims claimed the the paedophile's New Mexico Zorro Ranch housed three huge computer rooms to spy on famous guests, including Prince Andrew, pictured today Lady Louise, is a keen equestrian and, like her late grandfather the Duke of Edinburgh, has competed in carriage-driving competitions Mr Witchell told BBC Breakfast: 'We are told that she's back at Windsor Castle, undertaking light duties. Well, we must hope that we can place reliance on what the palace is telling us.' Royal expert and biographer Ingrid Seward said: 'They did mislead the media. I think they were trying to protect the Queen, because she would not have wanted a fuss, but it was misleading.' Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, added: 'The Queen does have a right to a certain degree of privacy, but on the other hand she's head of state. 'So does that entitle us to know exactly what ailments she may or may not have? It's a very difficult one to get the balance right for the satisfaction of everybody.' The Queen was discharged from hospital on Thursday and is now expected to remain in Windsor, where doctors have told her to rest. Buckingham Palace has not disclosed the nature of the tests carried out at King Edward VII's and it is not known whether she will need any further examination or treatment. She was taken from Windsor to hospital by car rather than by helicopter, and was expected to stay for a short period while she was seen by specialists. The decision to admit her overnight was taken for 'practical reasons', a source said. Advertisement England's representative for Miss World has revealed new stunning photos as she prepares for Miss World in Puerto Rico. Rehema Muthamia, 25, was crowned Miss England in August in a glittering ceremony in Coventry and will now represent England at the 70th Miss World in Puerto Rico later this year. Rehema received the shimmering crown - along with 2,000 and a host of other goodies including a photoshoot and a website - from previous winner Bhasha Mukherjee, an NHS doctor who held the title for two years after the pandemic saw last year's ceremony cancelled. Rehema will fly out to Puerto Rico in late November with the winner announced on 16th December. England's representative for Miss World has revealed new stunning photos as she prepares for Miss World in Puerto Rico. Rehema Muthamia, 25, was crowned Miss England in August in a glittering ceremony in Coventry and will now represent England at the 70th Miss World in Puerto Rico later this year. Rehema received the shimmering crown - along with 2,000 and a host of other goodies including a photoshoot and a website - from previous winner Bhasha Mukherjee, an NHS doctor who held the title for two years after the pandemic saw last year's ceremony cancelled. Rehema will fly out to Puerto Rico in late November with the winner announced on 16th December. Gorgeous new photos show Rehama in an emerald green dress with gold trimming. while proudly sporting her crown and sash. Other shots show her in yoga gear while she has also posed in dozens of gowns ahead of her competition. Miss World is the oldest running beauty pageant, having been created by Eric Morley in 1951. Eric Morley also created Come Dancing which later became Strictly Come Dancing after it was bought by the BBC. Muthamia spent part of her childhood in Kenya before moving over to England and studying at the University of Sussex. Miss England 2021 prepares to do battle in the 70th Miss World title in Puerto Rico. Rehema will fly out to Puerto Rico next month After winning, the health technology consultant, who can speak four languages, said: 'My family are so supportive they can't stop talking about it, and the Kenyan community has really got behind me and wanted to support me and loved seeing someone from my heritage being represented.' She will now represent England at the 70th Miss World in Puerto Rico and pocketed 2,000 in cash alongside a wardrobe of evening and occasion wear, a photoshoot, a personalised website, luggage and a glamour mirror. The health technology consultant, who can speak four languages, said: 'My family are so supportive they can't stop talking about it, and the Kenyan community has really got behind me and wanted to support me and loved seeing someone from my heritage being represented.' She also revealed how enduring an abusive relationship had helped her to be stronger as a woman. She revealed: 'I would have to say that the most difficult experience that I've had in life is having gone through an abusive relationship and it's not something that people speak about often. Muthamia also revealed how enduring an abusive relationship had helped her to be stronger as a woman. She revealed: 'I would have to say that the most difficult experience that I've had in life is having gone through an abusive relationship and it's not something that people speak about often. 'But having gone through a relationship that was abusive it helped me learn more about myself.' Muthamia added: 'Knowing that I was able to come through that experience, learn more about myself and my worth, who I am as a woman and be able to now use this platform in Miss England to help other women is amazing'. She will now represent England at the 70th Miss World in Puerto Rico and pocketed 2,000 in cash alongside a wardrobe of evening and occasion wear, a photoshoot, a personalised website, luggage and a glamour mirror. Queen Letizia of Spain was the picture of autumnal chic yesterday as she joined her lookalike daughters for a trip to Santa Maria del Puerto de Somiedo, Letizia, 48, sported brown boots and dark jeans with a timeless jacket and statement scarf for the family outing. Her husband, King Felipe VI, 53, who coordinated in an open collar navy suit trouser with a puffer jacket for a layer of warmth. Queen Letizia of Spain was the picture of autumnal chic yesterday as she joined her lookalike daughters for a trip to Santa Maria del Puerto de Somiedo Letizia, 48, sported brown boots and dark jeans with a timeless jacket and statement scarf for the family outing The family were visiting Santa Maria del Puerto de Somiedo, which has been honoured as the 2021 Best Asturian Village, the day after the 'Princesa de Asturias' Awards Princess Leonor, 15, and Infanta Sofia, 14, joined their parents on the day out. Future monarch Leonor, a student United World College of the Atlantic in Wales, opted for a casual look in jean and jumper with a trendy check jacket. She sported the same shoes as her sister Sofia - box fresh white trainers. Future monarch Leonor, a student United World College of the Atlantic in Wales, opted for a casual look in jean and jumper with a trendy check jacket. The family were visiting Santa Maria del Puerto de Somiedo, which has been honoured as the 2021 Best Asturian Village, the day after the 'Princesa de Asturias' Awards Sofia also donned a power blue coat and light patterned jacket - while all three wore their hair back in ponytails. Letizia proved her natural beauty sporting a light make-up look. The mother-of-two opted a light layer of foundation and smoky eye look. Keeping the look low-key, Letizia sported minimal jewellery. Letizia proved her natural beauty sporting a light make-up look. The mother-of-two opted a light layer of foundation and smoky eye look. Keeping the look low-key, Letizia sported minimal jewellery. Sofia also donned a power blue coat and light patterned jacket - while all three wore their hair back in ponytails. Letizia met Felipe VI at a dinner party in 2002, and the pair enjoyed an instant connection, leading to their royal wedding in May 2004. The former newsreader is the granddaughter of a taxi driver and the eldest daughter of Jesus Jose Ortiz Alvarez, a journalist, and first wife Maria de la Paloma Rocasolano Rodriguez, a nurse and hospital union representative. She attended public high school and did a degree at the Complutense University of Madrid. She later gained an MA in Audiovisual Journalism at the Institute for Studies in Audiovisual Journalism. King Juan Carlos abdicated in 2014 in favour of his son, now King Felipe VI. Johnson & Johnson's Covid vaccine should be rolled out urgently, according to top scientists who believe it may prove a game-changer in No10's efforts to persuade hesitant adults to get jabbed. Analysis of NHS data suggests up to 2million over-50s are still yet to come forward for their first dose, despite being eligible since March. Experts claim offering them the convenience of J&J's vaccine, which was approved for use in Britain in May, could boost uptake rates because it only requires a single jab. Only one dose of it is needed for Brits to obtain a Covid passport, too. Research estimates that 10 per cent of Brits avoiding the Covid jab do so out of a phobia of needles, meaning in theory that about 200,000 unvaccinated over-50s may be avoiding the vaccine for this reason. Experts say although the Johnson & Johnson jab still requires a needle, the prospect of only facing a single dose, rather than the usual two, could convince some people to take the plunge. The call comes amid warnings of a difficult winter ahead, with rising Covid cases and deaths combined with slow rollout of the Covid booster jab program. While most over 50s have got both their Covid vaccines, about 2million, or roughly one in 10 over 50s in England are completely unvaccinated as the country heads towards winter Just 4.5 out of the 9.3million eligible people in England (47 per cent), the majority in the over 50s, have received their top-up doses to date, with patients saying they are struggling to find out where to get the shots Some experts hope that offering the unvaccinated over 50s the single dose Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine might inspire some, who may have a fear of needles, to come forward. More than five million booster doses delivered in UK An estimated 5.3 million booster doses of Covid vaccine have been delivered in the UK, new figures show. It is the first time data on boosters has been reported by all four nations. A total of 4,524,517 doses have been delivered in England, along with 429,801 in Scotland, 322,591 in Wales and 43,536 in Northern Ireland. It means around one in nine people in the UK who have received a first and second dose of vaccine are likely to have also received a booster. The figures have been published by NHS England, Public Health Scotland, Public Health Wales and the Northern Ireland Department of Health. The total for England includes a small number of third primary doses of vaccine, NHS England said. Wales currently leads the other nations in the proportion of double-jabbed people who have also received a booster, at 14.4 per cent. The equivalent proportion for England is 11.9 per cent, with 11.1 per cent for Scotland and 3.5 per cent for Northern Ireland. A breakdown by age group suggests more than half of double-jabbed people aged 80 and over in England have now had a booster (53.6 per cent), compared with just under a half (47.2 per cent) in Wales. Some 39.8 per cent of eligible 75 to 79-year-olds in England have also had a booster, along with 30.6 per cent in Wales. Data on booster take-up among age groups in Scotland and Northern Ireland is not yet available. Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the milestone as 'fantastic', adding: 'It's vital that you take up your booster jab when you're offered it this winter.' Dr Nikki Kanani, deputy lead for the NHS vaccination programme, said: 'The NHS Covid vaccination programme continues to accelerate at speed and it is fantastic that in just one month, more than five million booster doses have been delivered across the UK, including over 4.5million in England alone. 'Hundreds of thousands of people continue to book in for their vital boosters every day, including almost half a million on Wednesday and Thursday this week, and with millions more set to receive invites next week, I would urge everyone to book in as soon as possible to get crucial protection this winter. 'The booster is not simply a nice to have, it will provide important extra protection as we go into the winter period. 'So if you have been invited or a family or friend has been invited, please do come forward.' Advertisement Just 4.5 out of the 9.3million eligible people in England (47 per cent), the majority in the over 50s, have received their top-up doses to date, with patients saying they are struggling to find out where to get the shots. Ministers were relying on the success of the the booster programme successful rollout of jabs to 12-15-year-olds and boosters to the over-50s, healthcare staff and the most vulnerable to quell the impact of another wave. But it has put together a 'Plan B' that would see the return of face coverings and work from home guidance if the NHS faces unsustainable pressure. Experts have now warned that lagging rates of vaccine uptake in the over-50s could be a problem in itself. Earlier this month, a MailOnline analysis revealed that 1.9million over 50s had yet to receive any form of the Covid vaccine, meaning they could be unprotected from the virus as the weather starts to get colder and people increasingly stay indoors. This figure includes up to 127,288 over-80s who are considered to be highly vulnerable to the virus on the basis of their age. The over 80s were first offered the Covid vaccine last December. Dr Al Edwards, Associate Professor in biomedical technology at University of Reading's School of Pharmacy, said offering the unvaccinated over 50s the J&J jab could convince them to come forward. 'Offering convenient services can be incredibly effective,' he said. 'Having one dose, instead of having one, and then having to book another one, that could help definitely.' Considering the recent rise in Covid cases and the the risks the virus presents to the over 50s, Dr Edwards said it was critical to get as many of these people vaccinated as possible in the coming weeks. 'Anything we can do to get even one dose into people's arms will make a massive difference,' he said. 'Multiple doses, in the long run, is likely to be the very best, but the jump from one dose to no dose is enormous in terms of protection. 'There are things we can do that would prevent early death and vaccinating people over 50 who aren't vaccinated would be a really big one.' The J&J jab was approved for use in the UK in May but exact details on when it might actually be deployed have not been forthcoming. The UK's medical product regulator, the MHRA (Medicines & Healthcare products, Regulatory Agency), have gone so far as to produce a information leaflet about the jab to be handed to patients after they get vaccinated. In May No10 announced to great aplomb that it had secured 20million doses of the vaccine and these would form a part of the UK's third shot booster program. In this announcement, the Government lauded the fact the vaccine could be stored at fridge temperatures, between 2 and 8 degrees, making it 'ideal' for distribution to UK's care homes. At the time the Government said it was expecting the first deliveries of J&J jab later this year. But Government sources have now told MailOnline the UK is yet to receive any doses of the J&J jab, repeating only that it is expected 'later this year'. J&J's jab, which works in a similar way to the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, has already been rolled out in the EU 15 million times. Johnson and Johnson jabs are already being distributed in the EU having been given to 15million people since June . They are however one of the smaller suppliers of Covid vaccines to the continent The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is one of three Covid vaccines approved for use in the US and, similar to the EU, has been administered to 15 million people Needle-phobia keeping you away from the Covid jab? Here's how to cope What is needle phobia? Needle phobia is a fear of medical procedures that involve needles or injections. How common is it? It is very common, affecting at least one in 10 people. What causes it? Many patients with needle phobia may have had a lot of blood tests or procedures as a child. What can I do to overcome my fear? Tell the person who is coordinating your care, giving you your injection or doing a blood test about your worries. They may be able to answer any specific questions you have, and help you cope with the procedure, for example by chatting to distract you. Don't worry, staff looking after you will not be annoyed or think you are a wimp when you tell them they would like to know so that they can help to make it easier for you There are also techniques such as applied tension, where you your body to increase your blood pressure to ward off fainting, and relaxation breathing to help assist you with your fear. Advertisement It is also one of the weapons in the US's arsenal, with 15 million doses given as of October 16. Ministers have yet to sign off plans on who will be offered the jab first because the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advises the government on vaccines, has yet to issue its advice. While the UK is waiting for the J&J vaccine, some experts are saying that offering the jab to the unvaccinated over 50s could offer them crucial protection over the winter. Dr Edwards said not only will getting the jab help protect you from the virus it may also stop you becoming so ill from Covid that you take up NHS resources and staff needed in an emergency. 'It would be tragic to have a medical emergency and find your health service is too full to be able to give you the best possible care,' he said. 'If not enough people get vaccinated the health system won't be able to look after you, or the people you care about.' On the issue of needle phobia, Dr Edwards, who describes himself as a blood donor who faints at the sight of blood, said he understood people's fear. However, he said that offering these people a single jab may lift this barrier as it was not insurmountable. 'I understand the fear of needles is powerful, I really do, but I think that shouldn't be barrier to doing something like this,' he said. 'Having one dose, instead of having one, and then having to book another one, that could help definitely.' Professor Anna Whittaker, an expert in vaccines and behavioural medicine from the University of Stirling, said the offering the single jab to the unvaccinated over 50s could offer them quicker protection as the country heads into winter. 'Generally if a vaccine has proven efficacy and safety in the age group concerned then it would be worth offering,' she said. 'Another advantage of a single dose (beyond reduced needles) is that full protection happens faster than a two-dose schedule.' The single-dose vaccine has been shown to be 67 per cent effective in preventing Covid infection. In comparison, the most recent UK data for vaccine efficacy showed that two doses of Pfizer were 73 per cent effective at preventing infection and two doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab was 62 per cent effective. The UK government lists Moderna, the third Covid vaccine approved for use in the UK as 95 per cent effective in preventing infection. Both trials and real world data for the J&J jab has shown it is 85 per cent effective in preventing severe disease or hospitalisation. However, there have been some reports of a rare neurological condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome, where the body's immune system attacks the nervous system, and some cases of blood clots associated with the vaccine. This is similar to the risks associated with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, which works using similar technology. Experts have previously suggested that anti-vax conspiracy theories and complacency from believing the pandemic is essentially over could be driving some over 50s to shun the vaccine. The calls come amid concerning trends in Covid data in recent days with cases breach 50,000 yesterday, the first time since July in a 15 per cent weekly jump on last week. Experts have long warned of an expected surge this winter, fueled by pupils returning to schools, workers heading back to offices and people socialising more indoors. Covid vaccines have been proven to reduce the need for hospitalisations. Last month a Public Health England report found unvaccinated people were up to five times more likely to be hospitalised if they catch Covid than the double-jabbed. Patients and moderate doctors have united in fury against Left-wing GPs threatening industrial action over face-to-face appointments. The British Medical Association was yesterday condemned for its tone-deaf refusal to comply with orders to see more patients in person. MPs warned that a handful of extremists running the union were trying to bounce rank-and-file doctors into industrial action at a time of national emergency. Doctors also criticised the BMA for misreading the public mood at a time when millions of patients were struggling to access vital care. The Daily Mail is campaigning for a return to face-to-face appointments, which now make up just 57 per cent of consultations compared to 80 per cent before the pandemic. The British Medical Association was yesterday condemned for its tone-deaf refusal to comply with orders to see more patients in person. This comes as Health Secretary Sajid Javid (Above) unveiled a nine-point package of measures to improve patient access last week Doctors also criticised the BMA for misreading the public mood at a time when millions of patients were struggling to access vital care The Daily Mail is campaigning for a return to face-to-face appointments, which now make up just 57 per cent of consultations compared to 80 per cent before the pandemic Last week Health Secretary Sajid Javid unveiled a nine-point package of measures to improve patient access. But on Thursday the BMAs GP committee voted unanimously to reject the plan, claiming they had no alternative but to ballot members on industrial action aimed at reducing their workload. The BMA has urged the countrys 6,600 GP practices to refuse to participate in plans to name and shame surgeries which dont see enough patients in person. Mr Javid is yet to respond publicly to the incendiary move, and ministers will be wary of inflaming the situation as the NHS heads into a winter crisis. But campaigners called on the Health Secretary to get a grip on the situation and say it is vital GPs comply with the plans for more face-to-face appointments for the sake of patients. Dennis Reed, of campaign group Silver Voices, said: If GPs are going to refuse to comply voluntarily, then face-to-face appointments should be made a legal requirement. Sajid Javid has been silent and needs to get a grip on this issue. Public opinion could turn against them A RETIRED psychiatrist who believes his sisters broken hip was missed because her GP refused to see her face-to-face last night said public opinion would turn against doctors if they take industrial action. Dr Stewart Scott, 69, previously backed the Daily Mails campaign for patients to be seen in person and warned people would die if GPs persisted with telephone and Zoom appointments. His 78-year-old widowed sister, who does not want to be named, is recovering in hospital from surgery to repair a hip fracture, which Dr Scott said was misdiagnosed as sciatica after her GP insisted on speaking to her over the phone instead of visiting her at home. She spent weeks in agony and her ordeal prompted him to make a complaint to the practice, in Cumbria, his MP and the Care Quality Commission. Advertisement Paul Bristow, a Tory MP and member of the Commons health committee, said: Rank-and-file doctors should not be bounced into industrial action at this time of national emergency. The last thing our fight against Covid needs is threats from a handful of extremists. Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the former Conservative leader, said: With the threat of increased infections and possible hospitalisations, Im surprised the BMA think this should be the time for this. Dr Laurence Gerlis, a GP from Same Day Doctor, told GB News: The doctors have misread the public mood and public sympathy for GPs is at an all-time low. A few GPs have used the pandemic to avoid seeing patients, either because they were frightened of catching Covid or because they saw it as a way of doing less work. Matthew Lesh, of the Adam Smith Institute think-tank, said: Somehow, GPs find it outrageous that taxpayers, who are paying their salaries, are demanding that they provide face-to-face appointments. But Liberal Democrat health spokesman Daisy Cooper said: This shows the Governments deliberately provocative plans to name and shame GPs has backfired. Sajid Javid must now dial down the rhetoric and get round the table with doctors and patient groups to find a way forward. As part of the proposed industrial action, the BMA will ballot members on whether GPs should refuse to sign vaccine exemption certificates, potentially ruining hundreds of family holidays. The certificates provide official proof that patients cannot get vaccinated for medical reasons. People who are medically unfit to be vaccinated need them as an alternative to the NHS Covid Pass in order to travel overseas. The BMA claims family doctors are too busy to review applications for the certificates. argaret Miller, 70, suffers leukaemia blood cancer, but is yet to get her third jab About 1.4 million Britons had their third Covid jabs last week most of them aged over 50 with no underlying conditions. Keep this in mind while I tell the head-bangingly frustrating story of 70-year-old Margaret Miller, a retired primary school teacher from Worcester. Margaret suffers incurable leukaemia blood cancer. This not only means she struggles to fight off infections, but also that her body hasnt reacted as well to the Covid vaccine as most peoples do. To give her the best chance at protection against the virus, which could easily kill her, she needs three doses. Rules introduced by the Government last month mean that she and half a million Britons with similar conditions are entitled to an extra jab, or third primary dose, eight weeks after their second jab, which Margaret had at the end of April. The booster, by contrast, is routinely given to all over-50s six months after their second dose. Trouble is, Margaret has yet to get her third jab. She wrote to her GP quoting the official guidance stating her eligibility, on September 21, but was ignored. Three weeks later, she called the GP surgery and was told to call 119, the vaccination support helpline. A 119 call-handler there said, incorrectly, that despite her diagnosis, she was not eligible for an extra jab. So, another call to the GP. After she had waited on hold for 30 minutes, a locum doctor said he wasnt sure about the jab, but would email her regular doctor who might know. Margaret Keenan, the first person to receive the coronavirus vaccine in December last year, receives her booster jab at University Hospital Coventry in Warwickshire on September 24 Three days later, Margaret received a text from NHS England: You have been identified as a patient who is immunocompromised and are eligible for a third primary dose of the Covid vaccine. Please contact your GP surgery to book in for it. She called the GP again mentioning the text but was told her hospital consultant would be able to book her in. So she called the hospital, and a clinical nurse said hed never heard of the third primary dose, and couldnt book her in, but would call her GP personally and demand the clinic take care of it. Margaret told me last week: He called me back and said, Im 23rd in the phone queue. Sorry, I give up. Two days later this text came through from her GP surgery: Further to our earlier discussions, and having discussed with the doctors, you will be called for a booster dose no earlier than six months after your second jab. I hope this helps. Margarets response? No it doesnt help. It feels like no one is listening. Since The Mail on Sunday first highlighted the complete confusion over the third primary dose programme, weve been inundated with letters containing similar stories to Margarets. New data from the charity Blood Cancer UK shows that only a fifth of the 500,000 Britons eligible for a third primary dose have had it, due to logistical flaws. Basically, GPs and other healthcare staff havent received enough clear information about the third primary dose from NHS England, so some are unaware such a thing even exists. For some nonsensical reason, the NHS computer system does not recognise third primary doses, so GPs cant book patients in for it. We were told by NHS England a fortnight ago that the situation would be resolved. Well, it hasnt been. And its not good enough. Health Secretary Sajid Javid said last week: Weve got the jabs, we just need the arms to put them in. Well, as Margaret said: Im here, I want it, where is it? Mel Whiteley receiving a Covid-19 booster jab, administered at Croydon University Hospital, south London, as the NHS begins its Covid-19 Booster Vaccination Campaign on September 16 Have you been caught in the third dose nightmare? Email us at Health@mailonsunday.co.uk Advertisement I appreciate its a confusing situation. Theres the booster, and then the third primary dose. They are the same physical vaccine, but given to different groups of people at different intervals. At the same time, there are still people having first and second doses. But if Margaret, and I, and legions of our readers, can get their heads round it all, why cant health chiefs and Ministers? Perhaps they think itll all just sort itself out? Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Britons remain stuck in their houses, terrified a trip to the shops could end up killing them. Charities have, until now, advised third primary dose patients to just book in for a booster dose, when offered. Although it may be recorded incorrectly, any extra dose is better than no extra dose. But, as of next week, this is no longer a viable option. Insiders have told us the boosters will, from now on, include the Moderna vaccine even if patients have had other brands for their first and second dose. When given as a booster, only a half dose of Moderna is needed. But for a third primary patient, for the best chance of it having the desired effect, it needs to be a full dose, studies show. Last week, 140 patients with conditions affecting immunity, including blood cancer, were mistakenly given a half dose of Moderna at a vaccine centre in Midlothian, Scotland. The health bosses in charge said their mistake had posed no risk to individuals. Health Secretary Sajid Javid (pictured above) said last week: Weve got the jabs, we just need the arms to put them in. Well, as Margaret said: Im here, I want it, where is it? Experts I spoke to disagree. Its wrong to say it isnt a risk, says Dr Penny Ward, visiting professor in pharmaceutical medicine at Kings College London. Half a dose may well have provided a small boost, but this population need a full dose for the best chance of long-lasting protection. The situation is a gargantuan mess. And the worst part is, it was entirely preventable. Ive been sitting in meetings with NHS officials since the summer, warning this would happen, says Gemma Peters, CEO of charity Blood Cancer UK. They said, Dont worry, well take care of it. Since The MoS first highlighted the complete confusion over the third primary dose programme, weve been inundated with letters containing similar stories to Margarets, writes Eve Simmons (pictured) Ive spent the past two weeks chasing health officials for an indication as to how they plan to solve the problem. The experience was like bashing my head against a wall. NHS England said it was a matter for the Department of Health and Social Care, and the Department of Health and Social Care said I should take it up with NHS England. And the UK Health Security Agency (the new name for Public Health England)? Nothing to do with us, guv, they might as well have said. NHS England, when I went back to them, asked if I had thought about contacting the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which has nothing to do with this sort of thing. Eventually, I got this meaningless response from an NHS spokesman: The NHS is vaccinating in line with JCVI guidance and has sent out hundreds of thousands of invitations to those who are immuno-suppressed to back up the conversations patients are having with their clinician so that they can get their lifesaving jab. Pathetic. No wonder patients such as Margaret find themselves embroiled in a communication nightmare. Now, though, Blood Cancer UK and The Mail on Sunday have come up with what we believe to be a solution. Vaccination hubs across the UK should accept an NHS letter or text message as proof of eligibility for a third primary dose. These could be issued by hospital consultants or GPs. Vaccination centres must also be told about the difference in the Moderna dose for this group. In the meantime, Margaret has written a third letter to her GP surgery, hoping this time she might get somewhere. Im not asking for the Earth, she told me. Just give me my goddam jab! It is a situation that is, without doubt, playing out in households across the country right now. A primary school-age child with a cough, then a fever. A lateral flow test displaying the dreaded two red lines. Just hours before, there had been a call from a teacher another pupil had come down with confirmed Covid. For Fran Simpson, mother to Magnus, five, it all felt pretty much inevitable. When schools returned in September, all Covid restrictions mask-wearing, one-way systems and bubbles that require children to isolate if someone else in the group tests positive had been dropped. Fran, a psychology lecturer from North Yorkshire, continues: Every class has had at least five cases each over the past month or so, and it seems like many parents arent testing their kids any more. It feels like its getting worse by the week. Although shes been double-jabbed, as is her partner, Fran says shes nervous shell catch Covid too. Im paranoid, as Ive had Covid once before and it made me really sick and so has my other child Saskia, who is nine. And shes not vaccinated. Right now, the rate of Covid infection in children aged six to 11 is twice the national average, according to data from the Office For National Statistics. The only age-group more likely to have the virus are 12 to 15-year-olds. But while teens are now being offered a jab, young children are not. When asked at last weeks Downing Street press conference if there were any plans to vaccinate younger children, Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, indicated they were not, adding that children were less likely to transmit the virus. Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, pictured during a media briefing on coronavirus in Downing Street, London (file photo) Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Professor Adam Finn, paediatric expert at the University of Bristol and member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), confirmed this, saying: Younger children do not tend to get sick from Covid, so this isnt a priority because they wont be burdening the health service. Its a vastly different approach to the one taken by health chiefs in the US, who plan to begin rolling out the Pfizer vaccine to primary school-aged children by the end of this month. The proposal came immediately after the publication of data from Pfizer showing a third of the dose given to adults is safe for young children and triggers a strong immune response. No serious side effects were recorded. Previous studies show the jab stops people passing on the virus in at least a third of cases. Now, with warnings that Britains daily case numbers could soon top 100,000, there are calls from some of the UKs scientists for us to follow suit. Writing in The Lancet medical journal last month, a group of Britains top Covid experts argued that such a strategy would be twice as effective at reducing the spread of the virus as vaccinating adolescents. Their calculations showed that vaccinating five to 11-year-olds could reduce Covid hospitalisations and mortality by 60 per cent, and reduce instances of long Covid by three-quarters. Dr Peter English, a public health expert and past chairman of the British Medical Association Public Health Medicine Committee, describes vaccinating young children as crucial for curbing the scale of the UKs epidemic. As cases continue to rapidly rise, more and more children will bring the virus home to their parents or grandparents, who are more likely to get severely sick and need hospital assistance, he says. Professor Penny Ward, a pharmaceutical expert at Kings College London, says: If we want to shut off the circulation of this virus we need to reduce the number of people who can catch it. Potent argument: Experts believe that vaccinating five to 11-year-olds would be twice as effective at reducing the spread of the virus as giving the jab to adolescents COVID FACT 36 per cent of nine-year-olds would say yes to a Covid jab, according to a school survey of 27,000 nine to 18-year-olds. Advertisement That means vaccinating everyone, including younger children. Last Thursday, former Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose suggestion last year to extend the gap between vaccine doses from three weeks to three months proved a success, released a report that called for vaccinating under-12s to be made a priority. So why arent Government scientists following this advice? Part of the answer lies in the fact that, unarguably, Covid poses very little risk to the average primary school child. Most are unlikely to even suffer symptoms. And when looked at in this way, as the JCVI did, the benefits of the vaccine are negligible. Prof Finn, and others, argue the risk of vaccinating younger children may be greater than the risk of them catching the virus, citing increasing reports of heart inflammation issues in young adults. The condition, called myocarditis, leads to chest pain, breathlessness and a pounding or fluttering heartbeat. Several hundred cases related to the vaccine have been reported around the world, mostly in 16 to 24-year-old men. For this reason, the UK Government is offering children aged 12 to 17 just one dose of the vaccine, as a precaution. Myocarditis appears to be very rare and people seem to recover quite quickly, says Prof Finn. But we dont know if, down the line, people affected might develop further heart problems as a result. In older age groups, Covid poses a greater threat, for the benefit of getting vaccinated clearly outweighs the risk of a rare side effect. But in younger children, the chances of them getting severely ill with Covid are just as low as the risk of developing myocarditis. Previous studies show the jab stops people passing on the virus in at least a third of cases. Now, with warnings that Britains daily case numbers could soon top 100,000, there are calls from some of the UKs scientists for us to follow the US's suit (file photo) Covid Q&A: Will vaccines stop the spread or is natural immunity as good as a jab? Q: How much less likely are you to spread Covid if you have been fully vaccinated? A: People who are double jabbed are far less likely to catch Covid and then go on to infect others. This has been proven in several studies. Microbiologist Christopher Byron Brooke at the University of Illinois said last week: [Vaccines] absolutely do reduce transmission. Vaccinated people do transmit the virus in some cases, but the data are super crystal-clear that the risk of transmission for a vaccinated individual is much, much lower. A Dutch study found that vaccinated people infected with the Delta variant of Covid are 63 per cent less likely to infect members of the same household who were unvaccinated. Given this, researchers suggested the vaccine could reduce transmission by more than 80 per cent overall. A team at Yale University looked at data from Israel and came to a similar conclusion: the overall vaccine effectiveness against transmission was 89 per cent. Earlier studies suggested that vaccinated people might carry as much virus as people who are unvaccinated, but the methods used in this research have since been called into question. Q: How about natural immunity isnt that just as good as a jab? A: All immunity is natural, whether it comes from catching Covid or being vaccinated against it. Both events trigger the bodys immune system to react and create cells that are able to recognise and fight off the virus, should it come into contact with it again. However, evidence shows that fewer people will be protected by immunity derived from an infection than with vaccination. A Danish study suggested that, six months after catching Covid, over-65s had only 47 per cent protection. However, this is older data and reinfection is expected to be more likely with the Delta variant. New data suggests unvaccinated individuals should expect, on average, to be reinfected with Covid-19 every 16 months, although for those who are older this could be far more frequent, with some scientists suggesting that reinfection in those without vaccination could occur after just three months. Advertisement But other scientists disagree. Firstly, the clinical trials on under 12s completed so far have found no cases of myocarditis and Dr Ward says studies show the risk diminishes under the age of 16. Dr English says: The risk of getting myocarditis from Covid is far greater than the risk of getting it after vaccination. Experts say the Governments scientific advisers are also relying on outdated evidence about the benefits of vaccination in terms of slowing spread of the virus into the wider community. Early on in the pandemic, the prevailing view among scientists based on Chinese studies was that few young children caught Covid, and even fewer passed it on. But the Delta variant has changed the picture dramatically. Dr David Strain, Covid expert at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, says the appearance of this highly contagious mutation has turned children into viral reservoirs. He says: We are starting to see a pattern that suggests the virus is spreading from schools into the community. In the hospital, we are seeing more and more cases of parents and grandparents coming in who have been isolating from the world, and the only social contact they have had is young family members. Its not the first time the JCVI has ignored the community-wide benefit of jabbing young people. It came to a similar conclusion with children aged 12 to 15, advising that the margin of benefit for vaccinating adolescents was too small for it to support the rollout. This decision was later overruled by Prof Chris Whitty, Englands Chief Medical Officer, on the basis that vaccinated teens would be less likely to catch Covid and then have to isolate, and this would benefit their mental health, education and social development. Dr English says: The JCVI has insisted on not looking at the risk of children passing the virus to parents, or the risk of long Covid. This isnt a typical approach to vaccines. We offer young children a flu jab not to protect themselves, but to protect vulnerable adults around them who they could pass it on to. University of Cambridge data published last week offered one possible argument against jabbing children: three-quarters of five to 14-year-olds have already had Covid and will be somewhat protected. Prof Finn said: Its possible that so many children will end up infected that cases will begin to go down because of the wall of immunity built up. But Prof Ward says there is not yet enough data to show if immunity from natural infection can match that of vaccines or last as long. We arent yet sure how robust natural immunity is so it makes sense to top it up with a vaccine just in case. Dr Finn said it was likely that the JCVI would take a similar approach to how it handled approving the vaccines for pregnant women, waiting for real-world data to arrive from the US before making a decision. You have to go a bit carefully with this kind of call, he says. But other scientists say this has the potential to backfire as it did in pregnant women. They have been among the most reluctant to have the vaccine, said to be due to mixed Government messages about how safe it was for them. UK vaccine chiefs waited until data on 130,000 vaccinated pregnant women in the US was published before giving it the green light, leading to continued hesitancy. Currently, a fifth of the most critically ill Covid patients in hospitals in England since July are unvaccinated pregnant women. Parents may be similarly hesitant and read the JCVIs caution as a sign that theres something to worry about. Simon Jones, 41, father to Dylan, ten, and Rory, eight, seems to think so. Rory tested positive for Covid recently, having come home from school with a cough. The family have all, so far, tested negative. However, they feel extremely cautious. You hear about inaccurate results. We dont want to be the ones who give Covid to everyone else, so were isolating, says Simon. Currently, a fifth of the most critically ill Covid patients in hospitals in England since July are unvaccinated pregnant women (file photo) COVID FACT The US and Canada are expected to soon approve vaccines for under-12s, while United Arab Emirates and China have already done so. Advertisement Would he have the boys vaccinated if it meant an end to situations like this? No, is the instant response from the advertising sales executive, who lives with his partner in East London. Well, I just dont know about it you hear about the risks. Id need to know more before I said yes. According to a survey carried out in June, a third of parents of children aged six to 12 say they would be unlikely to get their child vaccinated if a jab was made available. More than half of parents who said they were unlikely to vaccinate their children said they were worried about long-term effects. One in five said they would wait to see how well the vaccines work on other children. Poor vaccine take-up is already a problem in adolescents. Only 17 per cent of children aged 12 to 15 have come forward for their jab. Experts say some of this is due to hesitancy among parents, which may have been avoided had it not been for mixed messaging about safety. Prof Iain Buchan, public health expert at the University of Liverpool, said the situation has been worsened by the pandemic of misinformation online. Prof Buchan, who has helped co-ordinate the rollout of vaccines in Liverpool schools, said: Were seeing rising numbers of anti-vax protesters outside schools and death threats sent to vaccinators. This could in part be responsible for the lumpy take-up in some parts of the country. Despite authoring the Lancet study arguing the clear benefit to vaccinating five to 11-year-olds, Dr Strain says he understands why parents would be hesitant. Yes, the vaccines are proven to be safe, but I have young children and would like to see some more data before I get them vaccinated. Fran Simpson, however, says she would go for it immediately if Magnus was offered a jab. If theres anything we can do the bring down the number of infections in schools, we should do it, she says. Fran also believes it is important to vaccinate children to protect them from long Covid, after Saskia developed the condition last year. She suffered from severe fatigue and breathing difficulties for months, and still suffers occasional flare-ups. As a result, Fran helped found the charity Long Covid Kids, which supports families. She says: You hear people say the risk to children is small, but Ive seen first-hand the impact this disease can have on them. Dune Cert: 12A, 2hrs 35mins Rating: The French Dispatch Cert: 15, 1hr 48mins Rating: The Harder They Fall Cert: 15, 2hrs 10mins Rating: Dear Evan Hansen Cert: 12A, 2hrs 17mins Rating: An hour into Denis Villeneuves long-awaited new version of Dune, I was confidently dusting down my fourth star and just beginning to wonder whether a fifth might yet be in order. After all, it looks fantastic, Frank Herberts sprawling science-fiction novel makes reasonable sense and, best of all, the Harkonnens one of the two families battling for control of the desert planet Arrakis are no longer plump, red-haired figures of gravity-defying fun, as they were in David Lynchs unhappy 1984 production. This time theyre really quite scary. Dune, starring Josh Brolin and Oscar Isaac (above), looks fantastic, Frank Herberts sprawling science-fiction novel makes reasonable sense But somewhere in the long closing 90 minutes (be warned: this is a very long film) that fourth star slipped slowly away, at least for anyone like me who dips happily in and out of the sci-fi genre rather than being a dedicated devotee. Would it be the House Atreides represented by the young heir apparent Paul, played by Timothee Chalamet or the predatory Harkonnens who end up controlling Arrakiss reserves of spice, the hallucinogen that somehow also makes interstellar travel possible? I found I didnt care quite enough, despite the extravagantly made-up Stellan Skarsgard channelling a lot of Marlon Brando into his performance as Baron Harkonnen. Oh, the horror, the horror. Would it be the House Atreides or the predatory Harkonnens who end up controlling Arrakiss reserves of spice? Zendaya (above) stars So what goes wrong? With Herberts influential novel predating the first Star Wars film by a dozen years, Villeneuve plays up the comparisons, clearly out to establish that Dune got there first. Nevertheless, as Rebecca Ferguson and Chalamet, playing mother and son despite being only 12 years apart in real life, rush around Arrakis dodging dreaded sandworms and searching for the indigenous Fremen people, theres a sense of having seen too much of this sort of thing before. And with Dune 2 probably still to come (depending how this one goes down), a lack of resolution doesnt exactly send you out into the street with a spring in your step either. Some of my closest friends love Wes Anderson films, but hard as Ive tried, and The Grand Budapest Hotel apart, Ive never quite seen the appeal. Theyre too arch and mannered, over-reliant on that strange deadpan acting that Anderson loves so much and that Bill Murray an Anderson regular has down to an underplayed T. Hes here again in The French Dispatch, playing the soon-to-be-dead editor of a Kansas newspaper supplement that has, for decades, celebrated all things French. Its episodic in structure, with a cast fairly dripping with stars, and each heavily narrated segment plays out as a series of beautifully composed tableaux. They sadly just dont add up to very much. Bill Murray's here again in The French Dispatch with Frances McDormand (above), playing the soon-to-be-dead editor of a Kansas newspaper supplement Ethnically speaking, the great American western has historically been an oh-so-white affair as far as main characters are concerned. Well, The Harder They Fall (also on Netflix from November 3) is the western that starts putting that right with a black ensemble cast, led by Jonathan Majors and Idris Elba, playing the goodies, the baddies and everything in between. With a pumping reggae soundtrack its a bit mannered too but in a good way. Dear Evan Hansen is one of those films where you go in aware that its the movie of a Broadway musical, yet it still comes as a surprise when Ben Platt starts to sing. With a contrived-feeling plot involving a US high school, mental fragility and one very big lie, it certainly wont be for everyone but does just about get there in the end. People are struggling to have their names and home addresses removed from bogus firms registered at Companies House by fraudsters. Experts warn that fake information posted on the official register of UK companies is leading to small firms being scammed out of thousands of pounds. Last month, The Mail on Sunday reported that tens of thousands of people are unknowingly having firms set up in their name by fraudsters who shockingly use the details to take out loans or swindle consumers. Despite promises by the Government to beef up its powers, Companies House is powerless to check the veracity of information supplied by those forming a new firm. As a result, its register is littered with false data. Since our report, we have been deluged with correspondence from victims and experts worried at the inability of Companies House to tackle this mountain of fraudulent information. Scam: Tens of thousands of people are unknowingly having firms set up in their name by fraudsters who shockingly use the details to take out loans or swindle consumers Retired chartered librarian William Clarke, 77, pleaded with Companies House to remove his home as the registered address of a firm he had never heard of. He says: 'I was worried that if the firm got into debt, the lenders could send the heavies round to our home.' William, who lives in the Midlands with his disabled wife, grew more fearful when he received a letter from Nationwide Building Society asking if he would like a start-up loan. He says he was told by Companies House it would take 35 days for his address to be removed. 'Before that I had to prove I lived at my own address,' he says. 'But the people who fraudulently registered the firm at our address didn't need to provide any evidence.' Another reader, from Northern Ireland, finally managed to get Companies House to dissolve a firm four months after he reported it had fraudulently used his name and address. But the company still appears on the register, and he is still listed as a person with significant control. He cannot remove his name without a court order. 'Why should I pay to do this?' he asks. 'Companies House accepted this false information, not me, so it should be going to court to fix it.' Diane Vaughan, 66, from Woking, Surrey, only found out she had two Chinese mail order firms registered at her home address when she received VAT letters from Revenue & Customs. She says: 'I've been going through hoops since August trying to get my address removed. I'm worried it will affect my credit score.' Small businesses are also victims of the menace of fraudulent information on Companies House. James Campbell of the European Freight Trades Association warns that fraudsters can file bogus accounts to make it look like they are established, profitable and creditworthy. Since this information goes unchecked, unsuspecting small businesses then extend them credit, only for the fraudsters to disappear with the debt unpaid. 'Bogus accounts are the weapon of choice of the fraudster,' he says. 'Credit reference agencies use Companies House to create reports that firms rely on to decide whether to extend credit to a new business. If that is fake, the credit reports are inaccurate as well. These reports should carry a disclaimer.' Campbell says some businesses have lost thousands of pounds, though telling members what to look out for has stemmed losses. As we prepare for a winter of sky-high energy prices, the question of how to heat our homes is understandably on many of our minds. It is a major issue for the Government, too. The country's housing stock is old and poorly insulated, and in order to hit the decarbonisation targets it has already signed up to, the Government must persuade us to swap our gas boilers for heat pumps, and further insulate our draughty homes. Last week, ahead of the COP26 summit starting in Glasgow next Sunday, Boris Johnson laid out plans to turn Britain green and 'lead the charge' against global climate change. They are measures he believes will enable Britain to become carbon neutral by 2050, although they will cost upwards of 1trillion to implement. Rolling the dice: Boris Johnson is persuading us to swap our gas boilers for heat pumps, and further insulate our draughty homes As part of the new heating and building strategy, homeowners will be offered grants of 5,000 to encourage them to install heat pumps, as gas boilers are phased out from 2035. Separately, more money will be earmarked to encourage greater take-up of electric vehicles, while a new generation of nuclear power stations will help produce clean electricity. Despite the immense costs, some critics say it won't be enough. 'The Government's new heating and building strategy must be more ambitious in its goals,' says Dave Sheridan, executive chairman of sustainable housebuilder Ilke Homes. 'There's no time for dither or delay. Climate change is here and now.' Opportunity knocks for the brave investor Energy inefficient buildings are a problem for the Government and an expensive (and chilly) one for homeowners. But the need to modernise Britain's housing stock presents an opportunity for investors. Randeep Somel, manager of investment fund M&G Climate Solutions, says that the UK Government is alone in writing the requirement to get to net zero (by 2050) into national law. This means there is little choice but to spend money getting the country's housing stock up to scratch. He says: 'If you look out over the next 30 years and ask yourself the question 'what are the areas of the economy that will have a guaranteed requirement for investment?' then one of the answers is making homes more eco-friendly. This is a long-term investment trend that is here to stay.' Industrial premises, too, will need energy efficiency measures. Alex Betts, senior investment manager at asset manager Aquila Capital, says that businesses will have to replace old lighting with energy efficient LED systems as well as insulate their buildings better. 'Zero carbon is something they have to get their heads around,' he says. Stocks to warm your home and portfolio To take advantage of the green revolution in housing, it is possible to invest in some of the companies specialising in this sector. Danni Hewson, financial analyst at wealth platform AJ Bell, likes insulation provider Kingspan. She says: 'From the anticipated push to retrofit insulation, to new 'district heating' systems and the burgeoning needs of industry, this building materials specialist has been steadily gaining investor support over the last few months.' Shares in Kingspan are up 20 per cent this year. But not every investor will be comfortable about investing in Kingspan. Its insulation products were used in Grenfell Tower, which caught fire in June 2017 with the loss of 72 lives. Some big investors such as Baillie Gifford have sold their holdings in the company as a result. Kingspan has admitted 'unacceptable conduct and historical process shortcomings, involving a small number of employees' relating to selling its insulation for taller buildings despite the fact it failed fire tests. The firm says that the conduct of the employees involved 'does not reflect the high standards of integrity and safety that are core Kingspan values'. Those wanting to buy into an insulation boom but to avoid this controversial company could look at Danish alternative Rockwool International. Its product is made out of volcanic rock. Rockwool shares are traded in euros but can be bought by UK shareholders on most wealth platforms. Somel, at M&G, rates the stock, which he holds in his fund, and says Rockwool is widely used. 'I live in a new flat development in London,' he says. 'Phase two of the development is being built next door and I look out of my window and see the Rockwool vans turning up to install the insulation.' Rock wool's shares are up 26 per cent this year. An alternative is Kingfisher. Keith Bowman, investment analyst at wealth platform Interactive Investor, says the company, which also owns DIY chain B&Q, is increasingly focused on the 'green homes' space. He says: 'Kingfisher sells a growing array of products which could help homeowners 'green' their homes. Everything from insulation through to solar panels.' Kingfisher shares are up nearly 4 per cent this year. To invest in heat pump technology, Somel suggests Spirax Sarco. The firm makes heat pumps, currently concentrating on commercial buildings. However, he says that larger residential complexes are coming within its remit and that the company is constantly innovating. Its shares are up 32 per cent in the last year. Somel also suggests that green investors look at the potential of hydrogen, touted as the new green alternative to gas to heat our homes. Two UK companies that you can buy that are working on this technology are Sheffield-based ITM Power, which makes the proton exchange membrane electrolysers necessary to turn renewable energy into hydrogen. Also Ceres Power which works on fuel cells. ITM shares are up 76 per cent in the past 12 months and the company has just raised 250million to fund its business expansion. Shares in Ceres are up 44 per cent over 12 months. Ceres has just appointed William Tudor Brown, co-founder of the British semiconductor success story Arm Holdings, to the board, which Somel says is 'excellent news.' Green funds for home efficiency Many investors who want to buy into green investment themes prefer to do so through diversified funds. For access to greening our built environment, there are specific funds for energy efficiency, but most funds tend to invest in numerous sustainable themes, such as renewable energy and electric vehicles. For pure energy efficiency, Jason Hollands, managing director of investment platform Bestinvest, likes SDCL Energy Efficiency Income. The investment trust has exposure to 41 projects, embracing energy storage, green energy distribution networks (for example, Stockholm's gas grid which is 70 per cent biogas), solar farms such as Onyx in the US, and UK electric vehicle charging infrastructure firm EV Networks. However, the trust's shares trade at a hefty nine per cent premium to their asset value. Hollands also rates fund WHEB Sustainability, which features resource efficiency as one of its key investment themes. Just under a quarter of the portfolio is focused on resource efficiency, with another 7 per cent in water management. The fund's price is up 50 per cent over three years. James Carthew at investment trust analyst QuotedData, likes Triple Point Energy Efficiency, an energy saving fund that also owns some Scottish hydro power plants. There is also the new Aquila Energy Efficiency Trust, which is targeting a yield of 5 per cent. Aquila's strategy is to enter into contracts with big companies that want to green their buildings, paying for the upgrades upfront and then receiving a guaranteed proportion of the savings over time. This is still a new fund, so no relevant performance data is yet available. Outside the pure energy efficiency space, Laith Khalaf, head of investment analysis at AJ Bell, says 'green' funds are very expensive because there is so much demand. He says: 'The clamour for renewable energy infrastructure is so great at the moment that you will often have to pay over the odds as a retail investor. This is also a specialist investment area and that comes with risks attached.' Khalaf suggests that more diversified sustainable funds may be a safer bet. A favourite is Liontrust Sustainable Future Global Growth. He adds: 'The manager, Peter Michaelis, has been investing in sustainable stocks since before environmentalist Greta Thunberg was born. 'The fund invests in companies which are making the world cleaner, healthier or safer.' The fund has generated a three-year return of 87 per cent, though its top holdings the likes of scientific instrument maker Thermo Fisher and Google owner Alphabet may not necessarily scream 'renewable energy' at you. Once, the UK was self sufficient when it came to food. Today, more than half comes from abroad, with just 23 per cent of fruit and vegetables grown here, according to research based on Government data. As recent weeks have shown, that reliance on imports can create serious shortages, with supermarkets routinely running out of goods that most consumers consider staple fare. But there are other factors to consider too. Fruit and vegetables taste best when they are freshly picked. When produce comes from abroad, it is invariably at least a week old and can sometimes be in storage for months, peppered with preservatives and tasting of little or nothing. A good buy: Fruit and vegetables taste best when they are freshly picked There are energy considerations as well. The further food has to travel, the greater its environmental impact. The entire food industry is responsible for about 20 per cent of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions, according to scientists, with fruit and vegetable production accounting for a sizeable proportion of that total. Light Science Technologies Holdings was founded expressly to increase the amount of fruit and vegetables the UK can grow locally, using advanced technology to improve yields, make food taste fresher and increase its nutritional value. The company was listed on the London Stock Exchange's junior AIM market this month. The shares are 12.45p and should increase substantially in value as this country and others focus on producing more food closer to home. Chief executive Simon Deacon started his own lighting business at the tender age of 19. Initially based in a portable cabin, the firm amassed clients including Marks & Spencer and Next, and left Deacon, 48, with a lifelong interest in lighting and electrical equipment. In 2016, he acquired Manchester-based manufacturing firm, UK Circuits and Electronics Solutions. The business makes circuit boards, delivered 7million of turnover last year and has a strong order book, with customers including Rentokil Initial, top car makers and supermarkets. In 2019, the business was tasked with creating lights for an indoor farm. The project was so successful that it spawned a new firm, Light Science Technologies. Today, Light Science Technologies Holdings encompasses both the established circuit board business and the recently formed farming technology division. Deacon, who lives on a working farm, is passionate about increasing the amount of food that the UK can grow locally. Recognising that plants react differently to every environment, he and his team have created more than 40 variations of lighting kit, individually tailored to growers' needs and used in glasshouses and polytunnels, as well as indoor (or vertical) farms. Successful harvests from these structures do not just depend on lighting, however, so Light Science has developed sensors to monitor pretty much everything that plants need to thrive, from oxygen, carbon dioxide and humidity to the gentle breezes that foster growth at certain stages. These sensors relay data in real time back to the Light Science laboratory. Technicians can then advise clients to increase or reduce nutrients and other products throughout the day and even at night. The technology has a dramatic effect on yields, allowing farmers to grow fruit and vegetables under cover all year round, rather than just in the summer. This translates into more locally grown produce and much better income for farmers, many of whom are forced to import fruit and veg at a loss in winter, so they can fulfil supermarket contracts. Energy and water consumption is reduced too while, crucially, the food tastes better when it is fresher. The equipment even allows growers to reduce or dispense with artificial pesticides and fertilisers, so enthusiasts believe that produce grown under cover can be considered as 'natural' and organic as top, field-based fare. Deacon is working on contracts that should deliver turnover of more than 40million in the next few years and interested parties include Ocado-backed Jones Food Company, which recently started building Europe's largest vertical farm, just outside Bristol. Huge glasshouses and polytunnels are far less appealing to the eye than rolling fields but, with Light Science's innovative kit, they can have a dramatic effect on how much fresh produce we can grow throughout the year, from salad leaves and strawberries to cucumbers and unusual varieties of carrot. Vertical farms add to the mix and they can be erected on industrial estates, retail parks and even in city centres. Midas verdict: Light Science Technology Holdings combines a robust, revenue-generating circuits business with an exciting new division, that operates in a fast-growing market and can help to solve some of the UK's knottiest food production issues. As a relatively young firm, the outlook is not risk-free but, for investors keen to support entrepreneurial UK businesses, the shares, at 12.45p, are a buy. Ticker: LST Traded on: AIM Contact: lightsciencetechnologiesholdings.com or01332410601 Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein is exploiting a series of tax perks to undercut some of Britain's most successful online retailers, according to a major report seen by The Mail on Sunday. The mysterious Chinese firm uses its tax advantages to sell products at significantly less than its British competitors and it has become a thorn in the side of Boohoo and Asos despite operating in Europe for just seven years. Global sales at Shein are forecast to approach $20billion (14.6billion) next year, which could eclipse some of the world's largest retailers including Zara-owner Inditex and H&M. In the UK, market sources estimate Shein's sales are now worth at least 250 million a year and are rising rapidly. On the up: Made in Chelsea star Georgia Toffolo modelling Shein fashions A 99-page report by investment bank Morgan Stanley states that tax exemptions alone mean Shein's costs are up to 20 per cent lower than its rivals. It says that allows it to undercut Manchester's low-priced fast fashion retailer Boohoo by 15 per cent and London-based Asos by 35 per cent. Shein's prices are now about half those of discount clothing retailer H&M, it added. Boohoo's group sales in the UK will top 1billion this year doubling market share on two years ago. But Morgan Stanley has cut profit guidance on Boohoo by 10 per cent for next year and reduced its recommendation for the stock to 'underweight' meaning investors should cut their holdings. The bank also reduced its profit forecast for Asos in subsequent years, but it is not urging investors to sell. Shein uses its efficient supply chain and customer behaviour data collecting troves of information from social media and apps while adding thousands of new products to its website daily to stoke demand. Its web traffic in Britain has doubled this year alone. But its growing global dominance and secrecy have caught the eye of governments across the world including the UK where its 'sinister' approach has been criticised by Tom Tugendhat MP, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and India where it was among dozens of Chinese apps banned over security concerns last year. In 2018, China waived export taxes for companies shipping direct to shoppers as a result of a trade war with former President Donald Trump. This appears to have added rocket fuel to Shein's already rapid growth ever since. Shein is free from Chinese VAT and consumer taxes and is subject to lower corporation taxes. These incentives are awarded to it for manufacturing in China and then only selling its goods outside the country. Arriving in the UK by post, the parcels are of such low value that they are not subject to import duties as they would be if the goods were delivered to British distribution centres in shipping containers the method used by other big retailers. The bank's analysts said the company's 12-15 per cent 'order handling fee', which Shein applies to bigger deliveries to the UK, almost exactly mirrors the excise duty. It said that 'shipping to the end user exclusively from China' reaps a 'tax advantage' that has helped to reinforce the momentum driven by its well-honed product development strategy. Shein uses a 'test and reorder' model to fast-track popular outfits, has massive ranges and cheap sources of supply. It said suggesting its success relates to tax advantages alone would be a 'misunderstanding' of its model. Morgan Stanley said Shein's current price advantage 'might not be sustainable should tax policies change' in China, Europe or the US. French bank Credit Suisse said in a recent report that a reaction by Western governments 'to level up the playing field' with restrictions on direct imports of cheap Chinese goods could impede the company's progress. It said: 'There are practical difficulties in monitoring or halting thousands of small-value packages, but we would not exclude governments eventually following the example of India.' Morgan Stanley said the ease with which Shein has been able to get a foothold in the global fast-fashion market is 'the most extraordinary aspect' of the company's rise. The bank added: 'Other similar or even more disruptive players could well emerge over the next ten years further increasing pressure in this market.' The powerful woman at the heart of a Westminster lobbying offensive by the 'buy now, pay later' giant Klarna can be revealed today. The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the Swedish financial technology firm has hired the wife of Pensions Minister Guy Opperman ahead of a Government crackdown on the online shopping phenomenon. Flora Coleman joined the loans firm after a successful stint lobbying for payments firm Wise in the lead-up to its 9billion flotation on the London Stock Exchange. Klarna has landed a number of significant meetings with Ministers since Coleman became its global director of public affairs in July. Billionaire founder Sebastian Siemiatkowski was granted a private audience with Treasury Minister John Glen. Klarna is understood to have pushed for the meeting since before Coleman joined the company. Links: Klarna boss Sebastian Siemiatkowski, left, and Flora Coleman, right with her husband, Pensions Minister Guy Opperman Siemiatkowski was also invited to deliver a speech at last week's Global Investment Summit for the world's most powerful investors, where the focus was green investment. He later attended a reception hosted by the Queen at Windsor Castle. When Coleman was at Wise, she reportedly held a 'spouse pass' for the House of Commons, granting her access to Parliament's meeting rooms and bars as Opperman's wife. The MoS understands Coleman has not held a spouse pass at any time while at Klarna. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Klarna in its lobbying attempts, which have broken no rules. Klarna has become one of the most talked-about 'fintechs' in the City after it attracted an eye-watering valuation of 33.1billion following investment from Japan's Softbank. London is up against New York in the race to win Klarna's blockbuster listing. Glen is spearheading a Government push to rein in 'buy now, pay later' firms such as Klarna and its big Australian rival Clearpay, which allow customers to pay for their shopping in monthly instalments interest-free. Thousands of online shops offer Klarna or Clearpay as payment options. But the products are unregulated. Klarna has faced criticism for offering loans without credit checks or ensuring customers can afford repayments. The Financial Conduct Authority earlier this year called for 'very urgent' action after finding 'significant potential for consumer harm.' The Treasury last week launched a consultation on new rules to protect customers, most of whom are younger shoppers. The sector has become a key target for regulators after 'buy now, pay later' spending boomed in the pandemic, tripling to 2.7billion in 2020 as Instagram influencers promoted the service. Klarna's meeting with Glen is seen in the industry as a big coup. Sources said Clearpay, founded by 31-year-old billionaire Nick Molnar, tried to speak to Glen at the Conservative Party conference this month but was turned down. One source said: 'The Klarna meeting was completely independent of the other players. It wanted to warm relations, and Sebastian got some airtime with Glen definitely more than any other provider. It seemed quite exclusive for Klarna.' Siemiatkowski then earned a coveted invitation to last week's 'green' investment summit with the world's most affluent investors. The 40-year-old rubbed shoulders with BlackRock chairman Larry Fink, JP Morgan chief executive Jamie Dimon, and Ana Botin, chief executive of Santander. The investor jamboree was also packed with top politicians. Boris Johnson, Chancellor Rishi Sunak, and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss all gave speeches. Royals such as Princes Charles and William also attended the evening reception at Windsor Castle. Though Klarna is not a big investor or UK corporation like most other summit attendees, it said it took climate change 'seriously' and last week announced a 750,000 investment into 'climate transformation' projects. It also announced an overhaul of operations last week days before the Treasury launched plans to create new rules for the sector. Klarna said it would bring in stronger credit checks and penalise customers for missed payments. The sector expects the rules to be in place by the end of 2022 with stringent affordability checks and guarantees that customers will be treated fairly especially those who struggle to repay. The Government is encouraging fast-growing technology firms such as Klarna to list in London. Klarna has said it is considering London, but has previously suggested it is leaning towards New York. Klarna said: 'We are one of the largest fintechs, operating globally in 17 markets. In the UK, we work with 17,000 retailers and serve 15million customers, so of course we engage with Government. We follow the highest standards to get the best for UK consumers.' Flying taxis are set to shuttle passengers from Heathrow to cities in the south of England for the price of an Uber in just four years' time, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Under the plans, passengers arriving at the airport could take an electric air 'taxi' to London's Canary Wharf in just 13 minutes for around 50 per passenger. A similar journey in an Uber costs 46. An air taxi from Heathrow to Cambridge would take 28 minutes and cost 58 per person, compared to 102 for an hour-and-a-half hour taxi or 52 for a two-hour train journey. Up in the air: The ambitious project is being masterminded by British firm Vertical Aerospace in partnership with airline Virgin Atlantic and Heathrow The ambitious project is being masterminded by British firm Vertical Aerospace in partnership with airline Virgin Atlantic and Heathrow. Vertical Aerospace boss Stephen Fitzpatrick, who previously founded energy supplier Ovo, said he plans to revolutionise Britain's transport network by launching a fleet of electric air taxis to fly passengers around the UK more quickly and cheaply than by road and rail routes. Bristol-based Vertical Aerospace estimates that air taxis produce lower carbon emissions per mile than electric vehicles or petrol cars, making them greener than taking an Uber. In what Mr Fitzpatrick described as a 'major milestone' for electric flights, Vertical Aerospace has agreed a partnership with Heathrow to help launch the first air taxi flights from the airport by 2025. Heathrow is exploring how Vertical's electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft could fit into its airlines' existing flight schedules and help ease congestion on surrounding roads. Vertical's four-seater VA-X4 aircraft will shuttle passengers arriving at Heathrow to London and satellite cities including Cambridge, Oxford, Bristol, Southampton and Portsmouth. The electric air taxis will be operated by Virgin Atlantic, which has ordered up to 150 battery-powered VA-X4 planes and is in talks to launch a Virgin-branded network of electric aircraft from Heathrow, Manchester and Gatwick. Other airlines are expected to follow suit as they look to cut carbon emissions. As well as airport shuttles, Vertical plans to launch regional air routes opening up new connections across the UK including Belfast to Glasgow, Liverpool to Hull and Aberdeen to Edinburgh. Its planes can travel more than 100 miles before recharging their lithium-ion batteries and have top speeds of 200 miles per hour, making air taxi flights around three times quicker than car journeys and five times faster than the train. Company documents show the expected fare for a 50-minute trip from Liverpool to Hull could cost 112 and a 41-minute flight from Cardiff to Plymouth would cost 89. The electric planes will produce around 5kg of carbon per passenger on a 90-mile flight, compared to 11kg for an electric vehicle and 38kg for petrol cars. The air taxis will take off and land at 'vertiports' housing runways, passenger terminals and charging points, which could be based at airports, rural airfields, motorway service stations or on the rooftops of train stations and office buildings. Inner-city sites could be used for short-distance, on-demand 'air taxi' services, hailed by an app. Mr Fitzpatrick said: 'This new generation aircraft bridges the gap between communities separated by inconvenient public transport or impassable terrain, facilitating new regional networks. Because, unlike helicopters, they are safe, clean and quiet, they will deliver huge benefits for densely populated cities too more convenience and less congestion.' Vertical Aerospace has taken $5.4billion of orders globally for up to 1,350 planes from customers including aircraft leasing giant Avolon, American Airlines and helicopter manufacturer Bristow. Spain's Iberojet, part of the Avoris tourism group, has ordered up to 100 aircraft that will island-hop between the Balearic and Canary islands. It expects to be fully certified by 2024 under the stringent EASA safety standards similar to large commercial airlines and 100 times safer than helicopters. Futuristic: The air taxis will take off and land at 'vertiports' housing runways, passenger terminals and charging points Its investors include engine-maker Rolls-Royce, industrial giant Honeywell and Microsoft, who are among those who will back Vertical's $398million fundraise by the end of the year through a $2.2billion listing on the New York stock-market. The firm aims to manufacture 10,000 aircraft by 2031, generating 30billion of revenue. Investment bank Morgan Stanley estimates the air taxi market will be worth $3.7trillion globally by 2050, when there could be 58,795 flights each year. Other pioneering firms are California-based Joby Aviation and German aerospace company Lilium. British entrepreneur Martin Warner is raising $25million to develop the prototype for his Y6S Plus electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft into a fully certified six-seater plane. Once in production, he hopes to launch shuttles on nine routes across Greater London, with three aircraft on each route, before branching out to Paris and the US. Mr Warner said: 'Flying cars will no longer be the preserve of sci-fi movies, they will be in the skies above us, using electric power to hover, take off and land vertically. And this will start to happen within the next three to five years.' Mr Fitzpatrick added: 'Aviation is on the verge of a new revolution, one set to transform the industry just as Whittle's jet engines did ninety years ago.' Heathrow's chief strategy officer Chris Annetts said: 'This emerging technology has the potential to reduce congestion and pollution on local roads, while providing passengers with a best-in-class experience on the cutting edge of modern technology.' Rolls-Royce is being urged to carry out nuclear testing in the UK after it emerged that the company was considering using a site in northern Italy. The engineering giant has shortlisted the SIET institute in Piacenza for testing work as part of its plan to build small nuclear reactors. Domestic options for the tests include a proposed site on Anglesey, north Wales. Plan: The engineering giant has shortlisted the SIET institute in Piacenza for testing work as part of its plan to build small nuclear reactors MPs and unions have spoken out since The Mail on Sunday revealed last week that some of the work could take place in Piacenza. Mike Clancy, general secretary of the Prospect trade union, said: 'To justify taking these jobs offshore there should be a high bar and proof that there is not sufficient capacity or time to do the work indigenously. 'You would hope that it is not just about cost. In the current climate any major UK corporate should be asking questions about what would look like offshoring.' The Conservative MP for Anglesey, Virginia Crosbie a nuclear advocate known as the 'Atomic Kitten' hopes to persuade the Government to fund a thermal hydraulic testing facility on the island. She said: 'We should absolutely see this work done here. It is clearly in our national interest.' A Rolls-Royce spokesman said: 'We have committed to source 80 per cent of this project by value in the UK and the priority for this business is to maximise UK content.' Rolls estimates the project could create 34,000 jobs by the mid-2030s. Advertisement A street artist whose 200ft-high murals shook up the art world was dubbed 'a great talent of his generation and one to watch' as his first British solo exhibition that is set to make nearly 1million opened in London today. Fin DAC, 54, from Cork in Ireland, paints murals across the world but only started street art when he was 40 years old after a failed relationship. The artist's real name is Finbarr Notte, with his pseudonym an acronym for Dragon Armoury Creative, the original name of his virtual portfolio. Art critic and curator Yasha Young said Fin DAC was 'a great talent of his generation and one to watch'. She told MailOnline: 'Fin is a modern-day portrait artist. One of the works in Fin DAC's London show is a smaller version of his 200ft mural of Frida Kahlo on the side of a building in western Mexico. He said Frida Kahlo was 'the pinnacle of what I try to get across in my work' In 2019 Fin DAC, 54, was commissioned to paint a 200ft mural of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo in Guadalajara, western Mexico, by the English National Ballet's Isaac Hernandez, who comes from the city He quit his job as an engineer and draftsman and pursued a life on the streets of the world, creating colourful murals in countries around the globe. The artist's pseudonym an acronym for Dragon Armoury Creative, the original name of his virtual portfolio As Fin DAC rose to fame in the art world he started creating larger and larger works, even though he suffered from vertigo. He created this mural called Lady Kinoko at Ukai restaurant on Portobello Road in 2017 Fin told MailOnline 'I did have a fear of heights but when you're concentrating on painting a wall, nothing else really matters. It was a case of "suck it up, princess".' Pictured: one of Fin DAC's works at his solo show in London The name of the show is Afterglow/Undertow and is the first solo exhibition Fin DAC has put on in six years. The last was in Venice Beach, California, in 2015 While Afterglow shows the more recognisable of his works, Undertow is a separate room in the gallery with inverted colours in his portraits, as pictured here 'The foundation of his work is Renaissance and Dutch portraiture but instead of simply painting a person, he designs a character around that person and paints the character as if she is real. 'He imbues his muses with certain characteristics that are often an exaggeration of the muses themselves. 'His muses are not nameless and faceless and are rarely just painted the once. 'He's worked with the same models for ten years or more but adds more as and when he finds a woman with an interesting story. 'From the outset he decided that his work should not be about social or political commentary but should only concern itself with the beautification of the urban landscape.' While some people have asked whether there is a difference between vandalism and street art, for prominent art critic Yasha Young, 'Walls are canvas and the cities of the world the studios'. Pictured: Fin DAC's first solo show in six years at Gallery Different in Fitzrovia Fin creates colourful artworks depicting women who are mainly Asian or Eurasian. The artist has previously said he wants to rewrite stereotypes of women and Asian people His works show women with a mask over their eyes. The artist told MailOnline while there is a meaning behind this, he didn't want to reveal it as it was 'personal' Fin DAC with one of his first muses and models, Meg, who inspired his first ever venture into street art and was the inspiration for the bronze cast (left). The original work on the side of a wall in Portsmouth, UK (right). The renowned artist decided to create a three-dimensional version for the exhibition so viewers could find his show a more interactive experience Two years ago Fin was commissioned to paint Frida Kahlo on a 200ft wall in Guadalajara, western Mexico, by Isaac Hernandez, a lead principal with the English National Ballet. Hernandez was born Guadalajara and wanted the artwork to help inspire young people in the area to be creative. Fin was the only artist with permission from the Frida Kahlo Foundation to change the Mexican painter's image by adding one of his stylised masks to his portrayal of her. The mural took 11 days to paint and is his largest one to date. His show in London displays a smaller version of his giant Frida Kahlo mural, his first ever sculptures and more than 75 paintings worth nearly 1million. While he maintained he was not on a par with the great Mexican painter, he said Frida Kahlo was 'the pinnacle of what I try to get across in my work'. Fin DAC added that each separate mask has a specific meaning to him. The blend of classical portraiture and bold colours means his work is attractive to collectors and art lovers The Irishman's first UK show opens today at Fitzrovia's Gallery Different, where there are more than 75 of his works for sale for almost 1million The most expensive piece is a whopping 36,000 while the cheapest is around 800. Fin DAC said the pandemic offered the 'perfect excuse' to take a break from travelling and sell some of his work instead Art critic Ms Young said: 'The foundation of his work is Renaissance and Dutch portraiture but instead of simply painting a person, he designs a character around that person and paints the character as if she is real' (Image: John Domine) Fin DAC has painted studio-sized versions of previous works for his London show, including one of this original mural in Melbourne, Australia (Image: Dean Sunshine) The Irishman, who was previously an engineer and draftsman, told MailOnline the reason to get into art was to 'take my mind off a bad breakup'. Since his rise to fame in the art world Fin has painted on a larger and larger scale. Yet although he has painted on walls 200ft high, the artist admitted he used to struggle with vertigo. He said: 'I did have a fear of heights but when you're concentrating on painting a wall, nothing else really matters. It was a case of "suck it up, princess".' Fin DAC often works with the same models for his paintings. He has painted some of his muses, who are mainly Asian or Eurasian women, for more than a decade The artist uses a mixture of bold colours and overlays to captivate his audience, who will part ways with tens of thousands of pounds to own one of his works. The most expensive single piece is on sale for a whopping 36,000 and the total value of his works on sale from today is 967,210 'Afterglow' takes its name from a quote by American composer and diarist Ned Rorem, 98. The Pulitzer Prize winner said: 'Divine fires do not blaze each day, but an artists functions in their afterglow hoping for their recurrence' (Left: David Muse). 'Undertow' is also drawn from a quote, this time from the late English literary critic and writer Cyril Connolly. Mr Connolly said: 'The true work of art is the one which the seventh wave of genius throws up the beach where the undertow of time cannot drag it back' (Centre: Yoshi Photography). Fin DAC's His exhibition Afterglow/Undertow opens today at Fitzrovia's Gallery Different and will run for a week from October 23 to 31 (Right: Urban Nation) One of the Irishman's murals in his native Cork city in the southwest of Ireland. Unlike street artist Banksy, Fin rarely uses stencils and instead does a quick sketch and then paints the entire piece free hand Fin DAC's mural on a two storey building in Miami. His trademark work can be seen all over the world from Los Angeles to Venice Street artist Fin DAC, whose real name is Finbarr Notte and is from Cork in Ireland, only started creating murals after a bad breakup 14 years ago Left, Artist Fin DAC is pictured at the Undertow section of his exhibition in Fitzrovia, London. Prominent art critic Yasha Young (right) said the Irishman was 'a great talent of his generation and one to watch' He said while there was a meaning behind the masks present in each of his works and behind the markings on each specific one, he wouldn't reveal it because it was 'personal'. His exhibition Afterglow/Undertow, which opens today, is the first solo show the maestro has done in six years and he is set to make enough money to fund his travels abroad for a while longer. The most expensive single piece is on sale for a whopping 36,000 and the total value of his works on sale from today is close to 1million at 967,210. 'You do have to sell your work and the pandemic seems to be the perfect excuse to do it,' he said. 'The thing about a street artist's life is my globetrotting is funded by myself. 'Every time I come back from a trip abroad I lock myself in my studio and I create ten wood board works [to sell]. 'I think I have an excelling style. 'I've never struggled to keep my head above water.' Fin DAC's His exhibition Afterglow/Undertow opens today at Fitzrovia's Gallery Different and will run for a week from October 23 to 31. A Minneapolis police officer has been charged with manslaughter in the high-speed crash that killed the uncle of the teen who filmed George Floyd's murder. Officer Brian Cummings, 37, will face manslaughter and vehicular homicide charges, Minneapolis prosecutors announced Friday. for the July crash that killed Leneal Frazier, 40, - the uncle of Darnella Frazier, the teenager who was awarded a Pulitzer Prize after she filmed police officer Derek Chauvin as he knelt on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes. Cummings was racing at nearly 80 mph with his siren and lights blaring as he chased an armed robber suspect before he smashed his cruiser into Frazier's Jeep, said Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman in announcing the charges on Friday. Scroll Down For Video: Cummings was driving nearly 80 mph with his siren and lights activated when he smashed his cruiser into Frazier's Jeep while chasing another suspect Leneal Frazier, 40, (pictured) was fatally injured in a high-speed police pursuit of a suspected carjacker involving Minneapolis Police Officer Brian Cummings According to Minneapolis police, a squad car was driving north on Lyndale at high speed in pursuit of a carjacking suspect when Leneal Frazier's SUV, which was driving westbound on 41st Avenue, entered the intersection of Lyndale and 41st The fiery crash ended a chase that lasted more than 20 blocks, including through residential neighborhoods where the posted speed limit is 25 mph. An accident reconstruction report said the fatal collision 'can be attributed to the Defendant for failure to operate his vehicle with due regard for the safety of other motorists.' As Cummings chased after the suspect, Frazier's Jeep entered an intersection on a green light, officials said. According to investigators, the driver of the stolen vehicle narrowly missed Fraziers Jeep before the squad car struck it on the drivers side. 'Police are supposed to protect and serve citizens, and to act in a manner consistent with their sworn oath to do so. Officer Cummings' actions deviated from his oath and his negligence caused the death of Leneal Frazier,' Freeman said in a statement. Cummings was released on his own recognizance without bail and has a hearing set for November 9. Ben Crump, the civil rights lawyer who won a $27 million settlement for the family of George Floyd, has also been hired by the Fraziers, who have yet to file a civil suit. 'The Frazier family and our legal team are grateful for the charges brought against Brian Cummings for the reckless killing of Leneal Frazier,' the attorneys said in a statement. 'We commend the Hennepin County Attorneys Office for having the courage to hold law enforcement accountable in this instance. No innocent civilian should ever lose their life because of unwarranted high-speed chases in residential neighborhoods.' Memorial for 40-year old Leneal Frazier, who died after he was struck by Minneapolis Police Officer Brian Cummings The charges against Cummings come ahead of a Nov. 2 vote in which Minneapolis voters decide whether of not to eliminate the police department Frazier was the uncle of Darnella Frazier, (pictured) the teenager who was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for filming police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyd The charges against Cummings come ahead of a Nov. 2 vote in which Minneapolis residents decide whether of not to eliminate the police department and replace it with a new Department of Public Safety, AP reported. 'Squad' member Ilhan Omar - a US Representative whose district includes Minneapolis - has backed the measure. But others have claimed it risks worsening Minneapolis's soaring crime rate. The city recorded its 72nd murder of the year this week, and is on course to break the record of 97 homicides recorded in 1995 that saw it nicknamed 'Murderapolis.' Following Frazier's death, Mayor Jacob Frey said the city would review its pursuit policy, and that review was still ongoing Friday. A police spokesman said this summer that the policy was properly followed in the chase but the manslaughter charges accuse Cummings of creating 'an unreasonable risk and consciously (taking) a chance of causing death or great bodily harm.' The criminal complaint cites an MPD policy that says officers should stop car chases 'if the pursuit poses an unreasonable risk to the officers, the public or passengers of the vehicle being pursued who may be unwilling participants.' Cummings' attorney, Tom Plunkett, said the cop was pursuing a suspect in a 'violent carjacking' and that the occupants had been 'on a crime spree, a practice that has unfortunately become too common in Minneapolis.' In July, Darnella Frazier shared her grief about her uncle's death in a Facebook post. 'Minneapolis police killed my uncle,' she wrote. 'Another black man lost his life in the hands of the police!' She added: 'Minneapolis police has cost my whole family a big loss...today has been a day full of heartbreak and sadness.' The niece's video of the Floyd murder in May 2020 was viewed worldwide and helped launch a global protest movement against racial injustice. Chauvin was convicted of murder and sentenced this year. A new whistleblower affidavit submitted by a former Facebook employee accuses the social media giant of prioritizing profits over their due diligence to combat hate speech, misinformation and other threats to the public. The new allegations, submitted anonymously under penalty of perjury, echoed the claims made by fellow whistleblower Frances Haugen, who delivered a scathing testimony before Congress earlier this month on Facebook's moral failings. In the most dramatic line of the affidavit, the former employee anguished over Facebook's inability to act quickly to help curb racial killings in Myanmar in 2017 as military officials used the site to spread hate speech. 'I, working for Facebook, had been a party to genocide,' the whistleblower wrote. The new allegations come after whistleblower Frances Haugen, pictured, testified before Congress earlier this month over Facebook's failings The anonymous whistleblower accused one of Facebook's top communication officials, Tucker Bounds, pictured, of brushing aside an employee's concern of misinformation Building on Haugen's statements, the anonymous whistleblower, who worked on Facebook's Integrity Team, also shared a story about a top company official brushing aside worries of election interference, the Washington Post reports. As the company was looking to quell political controversy following Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, Facebook communications official Tucker Bounds allegedly said, 'It will be a flash in the pan.' 'Some legislators will get pissy. And then in a few weeks they will move onto something else. Meanwhile we are printing money in the basement, and we are fine.' The whistleblower explained that Bounds' alleged viewpoint was common among the leadership in the company, and other former employees have said that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg were well aware of the problems. Bounds has denied the claim and both he and Facebook chastised the Washington Post's reporting of the affidavit. 'It sets a dangerous precedent to hang an entire story on a single source making a wide range of claims without any apparent corroboration,' Facebook spokeswoman Erin McPike said in a statement. Former employees said Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, left, and COO Sheryl Sandberg were aware of Facebook's failings but did little to fix the situation Zuckerberg, shown testifying before congress in 2019, has defended his company despite leaked documents and testimony from former employees detailing the company's wrongs This is the first time the company has faced such accusations since the internal memos released and testimony given by Haugen. Haugen and the new whistleblower also submitted the allegations to the Securities and Exchange Commission, which oversees all publicly traded companies. In the SEC affidavit, the anonymous ex-employee alleges that Facebook officials routinely undermined efforts within the company to fight misinformation and hate speech out of fear of angering then-President Donald Trump and his allies. The former employee said that on one occasion, Facebook's Public Policy team defended a 'white list' that exempted the alt-right media company Breitbart News and other Trump-aligned publishers from Facebook's ordinary rules against spreading fake news. When an employee questioned this policy, Joel Kaplan, Facebook's vice president of global policy, reportedly shot down any concerns. 'Do you want to start a fight with Steven Bannon,' Kaplan allegedly said. Kaplan, who had been previously criticized by former employees for allegedly seeking to protect conservative interests on Facebook, denies he ever showed bias. 'There has never been a whitelist that exempts publishers, including Breitbart, from Facebook's rules against misinformation.' The whistleblower also complained that Facebook had not been aggressive enough when it came to military officials in Myanmar using the platform to spread hate speech during the mass killings of the Rohingya ethnic group. Although Facebook had previously acknowledged its failure to act swiftly in the mass deaths of the Rohingya people, the company said it no longer makes such mistakes. 'Facebook's approach in Myanmar today is fundamentally different from what it was in 2017, and allegations that we have not invested in safety and security in the country are wrong,' McPike said in a statement. The whistleblower went on to accuse Facebook of failing to properly police the secret groups set up on the site. The former employee said the secret group enable 'terrifying and aberrant behaviors' and are poorly monitored. They go on to say that Facebook Groups have become havens for crime. These are claims echoed by Gretchen Peters, of the Alliance to Counter Crime Online, who has filed a series of complaints against Facebook for its alleged failings since 2017. Those failing include permitting terrorist content, drug sales, allowing hate speech and misinformation to flourish, all while inadequately warning investors about any potential risks. 'Zuckerberg and other Facebook executives repeatedly claimed high rates of success in restricting illicit and toxic content to lawmakers, regulators and investors when in fact they knew the firm could not remove this content and remain profitable,' Peters said in a new complaint filed on Friday. Haugen (pictured testifying in Congress on October 5), who claims Facebook puts 'profits before people,' earlier this month released tens of thousands of pages of internal research documents she secretly copied before leaving her job in the company's civic integrity unit Facebook Whistleblower Frances Haugen's testimony to Congress During a Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing on October 5, Whistleblower Frances Haugen called for transparency about how Facebook entices its users to keep scrolling on its apps, and the harmful effect it can have on users. 'As long as Facebook is operating in the shadows, hiding its research from public scrutiny, it is unaccountable,' said Haugen, a former product manager on Facebook's civic misinformation team. She left the nearly $1 trillion company with tens of thousands of confidential documents. 'The company's leadership knows how to make Facebook and Instagram safer, but won't make the necessary changes because they have put their astronomical profits before people. Congressional action is needed,' Haugen said. Haugen revealed she was the person who provided documents used in a Wall Street Journal and a Senate hearing on Instagram's harm to teenage girls. She compared the social media services to addictive substances like tobacco and opioids. Before the hearing, she appeared on CBS television program '60 Minutes,' revealing her identity as the whistleblower who provided the documents. 'There were conflicts of interest between what was good for the public and what was good for Facebook,' she said during the interview. 'And Facebook over and over again chose to optimize for its own interests like making more money.' Haugen, who previously worked at Google and Pinterest, said Facebook has lied to the public about the progress it made to clamp down on hate speech and misinformation on its platform. She added that Facebook was used to help organize the Capitol riot on January 6, after the company turned off safety systems following the U.S. presidential elections. While she believed no one at Facebook was 'malevolent,' she said the company had misaligned incentives. In response to Haugen's bombshell comments, a Facebook executive accused her of stealing company documents and claimed she is 'not an expert' on the company's content algorithms. Facebook Vice President of Content Policy Monika Bickert spoke out in an interview with Fox News on, slamming Haugen a day after she testified to Congress. Bickert said that Haugen 'mischaracterized' the internal studies regarding the harmful impacts of content on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, which she presented to to Congress. Advertisement The complaints come after Haugen's testimony before Congress in early October, where she claimed Facebook promoted divisiveness as a way to keep people on the site, with Haugen saying the documents showed the company had failed to protect young users. It also showed that the company knew Instagram harmed young girls' body image and even tried to brainstorm ways to appeal to toddlers by 'exploring playdates as a growth lever.' 'The company's leadership knows how to make Facebook and Instagram safer, but won't make the necessary changes because they have put their astronomical profits before people. Congressional action is needed,' Haugen said at a hearing. Haugen, who anonymously filed eight complaints about her former employer with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, told 60 Minutes earlier this month: 'Facebook, over and over again, has shown it chooses profit over safety.' She claimed that a 2018 change prioritizing divisive posts, which made Facebook users argue, was found to boost user engagement. That in turn helped bosses sell more online ads that have seen the social media giant's value pass $1 trillion. 'You are forcing us to take positions that we don't like, that we know are bad for society. We know if we don't take those positions, we won't win in the marketplace of social media,' Haugen said. She also blamed Facebook for spurring the January 6 Capitol riot. Meanwhile, the senator leading a probe of Facebook's Instagram and its impact on young people is asking Zuckerberg to testify before the panel that has heard far-reaching criticisms from a former employee of the company. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who heads the Senate Commerce subcommittee on consumer protection, called in a sharply worded letter Wednesday for the Facebook founder to testify on Instagram's effects on children. 'Parents across America are deeply disturbed by ongoing reports that Facebook knows that Instagram can cause destructive and lasting harms to many teens and children, especially to their mental health and wellbeing,' Blumenthal said in the letter addressed to Zuckerberg. 'Those parents, and the twenty million teens that use your app, have a right to know the truth about the safety of Instagram.' In the wake of Haugen's testimony early this month, Blumenthal told Zuckerberg, 'Facebook representatives, including yourself, have doubled down on evasive answers, keeping hidden several reports on teen health, offering noncommittal and vague plans for action at an unspecified time down the road, and even turning to personal attacks on Ms. Haugen.' Blumenthal did offer, however, that either Zuckerberg or the head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, could appear before his committee. 'It is urgent and necessary for you or Mr. Adam Mosseri to testify to set the record straight and provide members of Congress and parents with a plan on how you are going to protect our kids,' he told Zuckerberg. A spokesman for Facebook, based in Menlo Park, California, confirmed receipt of Blumenthal's letter but declined any comment. Haugen, who buttressed her statements with tens of thousands of pages of internal research documents she secretly copied before leaving her job in the company's civic integrity unit, accused Facebook of prioritizing profit over safety and being dishonest in its public fight against hate and misinformation. 'In the end, the buck stops with Mark,' Haugen said in her testimony. 'There is no one currently holding Mark accountable but himself.' Facebook needs to change its CEO, not its name: The public has lost trust in the network and the only way to regain it is for Zuckerberg to stand down, professor of communications says A former spokesperson for President Barack Obama's Treasury Department is calling for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to resign after more revelations have been made public about the company's failure to stop disinformation. Kara Alaimo, now serving as an associate professor in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University, claims that Zuckerberg 'has done little to try to fix' the problems with the social media behemoth. A new whistleblower affidavit submitted by a former Facebook employee accuses the social media giant of prioritizing profits over their due diligence to combat hate speech, misinformation and other threats to the public. The new allegations, submitted anonymously under penalty of perjury, echoed the claims made by fellow whistleblower Frances Haugen, who delivered a scathing testimony before Congress this month on Facebook's moral failings. Kara Alaimo, now serving as an associate professor in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University, says that the first step to fixing problems at Facebook would be for CEO Mark Zuckerberg to resign Zuckerberg, who founded Facebook, has a net worth is $122 billion, making him the 5th-richest person in the world In the most dramatic line of the affidavit, the former employee anguished over Facebook's inability to act quickly to help curb racial killings in Myanmar in 2017 as military officials used the site to spread hate speech. The op-ed comes as Facebook considers changing the company's name after all the bad publicity. The company is also hinting at plans for a so-called 'metaverse' - a virtual reality version of the internet where people can game, work and communicate. The tech giant's CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been a leading voice on the concept, which would blur the lines between the physical world and the digital one. It could allow someone to don a virtual reality headset to make them feel as if they're face-to-face with a friend, despite being thousands of miles apart and connected via the internet. Whistleblower Frances Haugen delivered a scathing testimony before Congress earlier this month on Facebook's moral failings. Alaimo says the company needs much more than a cosmetic change. 'The place to start is with Zuckerberg's resignation,' she wrote in the op-ed. Zuckerberg, Alaimo said, either can't fix Facebook's issues or won't. 'It's clear that he lacks the moral inclination or the capacity to solve these problems,' she wrote. 'Either way, he's got to go. The company should announce a new chief executive with all possible haste. It should be someone thoughtful and committed to transparency about how social media is harming our society -- who has the will and competence to put the platform on a very different course.' Simply put, Alaimo argues Zuckerberg's company, which has nearly three billion users, has lost the public trust. 'It's because the public has lost faith in Facebook. And rightly so. For all the family photos shared or funny videos consumed that the company has made possible, 'Facebook' is now also a name associated in recent years with misinformation, privacy violations, the spread of hate and autocracy.' Alaimo calls Facebook's reputation 'bankrupt' and says the name will do little to restore public trust. Haugen has said that Facebook holds culpability for the January 6 Capitol insurrection The company said it more or less 'stumbled' onto the riot, which resulted in the deaths of five people As the world begins to truly contend with just how dangerous social media platforms can be, Facebook's reckoning has been kicked into overdrive following former staffer Frances Haugen's shocking allegations that the company has long known about its platform's toxic effects on society -- and has done little to try to fix them. 'The only way for Facebook to restore that trust is to change its leadership and address the actual issues that have justifiably prompted so much concern.' This is the first time the company has faced such accusations since the internal memos released and testimony given by Haugen. Haugen and the new whistleblower also submitted the allegations to the Securities and Exchange Commission, which oversees all publicly traded companies. In the SEC affidavit, the anonymous ex-employee alleges that Facebook officials routinely undermined efforts within the company to fight misinformation and hate speech out of fear of angering then-President Donald Trump and his allies. The former employee said that on one occasion, Facebook's Public Policy team defended a 'white list' that exempted the alt-right media company Breitbart News and other Trump-aligned publishers from Facebook's ordinary rules against spreading fake news. Alaimo says 'he company should announce a new chief executive with all possible haste' Facebook is blamed by Haugen as knowing Instagram harmed young girls' body image and even tried to brainstorm ways to appeal to toddlers by 'exploring playdates as a growth lever.' Ultimately, Alaimo argues, 'changing a name won't change reality.' The complaints come after Haugen's testimony before Congress in early October, where she claimed Facebook promoted divisiveness as a way to keep people on the site, with Haugen saying the documents showed the company had failed to protect young users. It also showed that the company knew Instagram harmed young girls' body image and even tried to brainstorm ways to appeal to toddlers by 'exploring playdates as a growth lever.' 'The company's leadership knows how to make Facebook and Instagram safer, but won't make the necessary changes because they have put their astronomical profits before people. Congressional action is needed,' Haugen said at a hearing. Haugen, who anonymously filed eight complaints about her former employer with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, told 60 Minutes earlier this month: 'Facebook, over and over again, has shown it chooses profit over safety.' She claimed that a 2018 change prioritizing divisive posts, which made Facebook users argue, was found to boost user engagement. That in turn helped bosses sell more online ads that have seen the social media giant's value pass $1 trillion. 'You are forcing us to take positions that we don't like, that we know are bad for society. We know if we don't take those positions, we won't win in the marketplace of social media,' Haugen said. She also blamed Facebook for spurring the January 6 Capitol riot. 'We've been fueling this fire for a long time': Facebook employees raged as they scrambled to delete posts that incited violence on Jan 6 - but the firm didn't allow them to target some groups calling for violence Whistleblowers at social media giant Facebook are saying the company didn't do enough to stop the spread of misinformation in the days and weeks leading up to, as well as during, the Capitol riot on January 6. New internal documents provided by former Facebook employee-turned-whistleblower Frances Haugen provide a rare glimpse into how the company appears to have simply stumbled into the Jan. 6 riot. Reports say that in California, Facebook engineers were racing to tweak internal controls to slow the spread of misinformation and inciteful content. Emergency actions - some of which were rolled back after the 2020 election - included banning Trump, freezing comments in groups with a record for hate speech, filtering out the 'Stop the Steal' rallying cry and empowering content moderators to act more assertively by labeling the U.S. a 'Temporary High Risk Location' for political violence. At the same time, frustration inside Facebook erupted over what some saw as the company's halting and often reversed response to rising extremism in the U.S. Former Facebook employee Frances Haugen (pictured above) has provided new details on the company's response to the Capitol riot Five people died in the insurrection, which attempted to stop American electors from certifying the 2020 Presidential Election for Joe Biden Within Facebook, there were complaints that the company hadn't done enough to stop the spread of misinformation extremism that people believe led to the riots 'Havent we had enough time to figure out how to manage discourse without enabling violence?' one employee wrote on an internal message board at the height of the Jan. 6 turmoil. 'Weve been fueling this fire for a long time and we shouldnt be surprised its now out of control.' Its a question that still hangs over the company today, as Congress and regulators investigate Facebooks part in the Jan. 6 riots. It quickly became clear that even after years under the microscope for insufficiently policing its platform, the social network had missed how riot participants spent weeks vowing - on Facebook itself - to stop Congress from certifying Joe Bidens election victory. The documents also appear to bolster Haugens claim that Facebook put its growth and profits ahead of public safety, opening the clearest window yet into how Facebooks conflicting impulses - to safeguard its business and protect democracy - clashed in the days and weeks leading up to the attempted Jan. 6 coup. This story is based in part on disclosures Haugen made to the Securities and Exchange Commission and provided to Congress in redacted form by Haugens legal counsel. The redacted versions received by Congress were obtained by a consortium of news organizations, including The Associated Press. What Facebook called 'Break the Glass' emergency measures put in place on Jan. 6 were essentially a toolkit of options designed to stem the spread of dangerous or violent content that the social network had first used in the run-up to the bitter 2020 election. As many as 22 of those measures were rolled back at some point after the election, according to an internal spreadsheet analyzing the company's response. 'As soon as the election was over, they turned them back off or they changed the settings back to what they were before, to prioritize growth over safety,' Haugen said in an interview with '60 Minutes.' A Capitol police officer was one of the five people who died as a result of the riot New internal documents provided by former Facebook employee-turned-whistleblower Frances Haugen provide a rare glimpse into how the company, after years under the microscope for the policing of its platform, appears to have simply stumbled into the Jan. 6 riot Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has faced heavy criticism for how his platform controls information and data An internal Facebook report following Jan. 6, previously reported by BuzzFeed, faulted the company for having a 'piecemeal' approach to the rapid growth of 'Stop the Steal' pages, related misinformation sources, and violent and inciteful comments. Facebook says the situation is more nuanced and that it carefully calibrates its controls to react quickly to spikes in hateful and violent content, as it did on Jan 6. The company said its not responsible for the actions of the rioters and that having stricter controls in place prior to that day wouldnt have helped. Facebooks decisions to phase certain safety measures in or out took into account signals from the Facebook platform as well as information from law enforcement, said spokeswoman Dani Lever. 'When those signals changed, so did the measures.' Lever said some of the measures stayed in place well into February and others remain active today. Some employees were unhappy with Facebook's managing of problematic content even before the Jan. 6 riots. One employee who departed the company in 2020 left a long note charging that promising new tools, backed by strong research, were being constrained by Facebook for 'fears of public and policy stakeholder responses' (translation: concerns about negative reactions from Trump allies and investors). Videos of rioters entering the Capitol building often went viral themselves through the social media giant Facebook was founded in 2004, originally meant to be used as network of Harvard University students Research conducted by Facebook well before the 2020 campaign left little doubt that its algorithm could pose a serious danger of spreading misinformation and potentially radicalizing users 'Similarly (though even more concerning), Ive seen already built & functioning safeguards being rolled back for the same reasons,' wrote the employee, whose name is blacked out. Research conducted by Facebook well before the 2020 campaign left little doubt that its algorithm could pose a serious danger of spreading misinformation and potentially radicalizing users. One 2019 study, entitled 'Carols Journey to QAnon-A Test User Study of Misinfo & Polarization Risks Encountered through Recommendation Systems,' described results of an experiment conducted with a test account established to reflect the views of a prototypical 'strong conservative' - but not extremist - 41-year North Carolina woman. This test account, using the fake name Carol Smith, indicated a preference for mainstream news sources like Fox News, followed humor groups that mocked liberals, embraced Christianity and was a fan of Melania Trump. Within a single day, page recommendations for this account generated by Facebook itself had evolved to a 'quite troubling, polarizing state,' the study found. By day 2, the algorithm was recommending more extremist content, including a QAnon-linked group, which the fake user didnt join because she wasn't innately drawn to conspiracy theories. A week later the test subject's feed featured 'a barrage of extreme, conspiratorial and graphic content,' including posts reviving the false Obama birther lie and linking the Clintons to the murder of a former Arkansas state senator. Much of the content was pushed by dubious groups run from abroad or by administrators with a track record for violating Facebooks rules on bot activity. Those results led the researcher, whose name was redacted by the whistleblower, to recommend safety measures running from removing content with known conspiracy references and disabling 'top contributor' badges for misinformation commenters to lowering the threshold number of followers required before Facebook verifies a page administrators identity. Among the other Facebook employees who read the research the response was almost universally supportive. 'Hey! This is such a thorough and well-outlined (and disturbing) study,' one user wrote, their name blacked out by the whistleblower. 'Do you know of any concrete changes that came out of this?' Facebook said the study was an one of many examples of its commitment to continually studying and improving its platform. Another study turned over to congressional investigators, titled 'Understanding the Dangers of Harmful Topic Communities,' discussed how like-minded individuals embracing a borderline topic or identity can form 'echo chambers' for misinformation that normalizes harmful attitudes, spurs radicalization and can even provide a justification for violence. Examples of such harmful communities include QAnon and, hate groups promoting theories of a race war. 'The risk of offline violence or harm becomes more likely when like-minded individuals come together and support one another to act,' the study concludes. Charging documents filed by federal prosecutors against those alleged to have stormed the Capitol have examples of such like-minded people coming together. Prosecutors say a reputed leader in the Oath Keepers militia group used Facebook to discuss forming an 'alliance' and coordinating plans with another extremist group, the Proud Boys, ahead of the riot at the Capitol. 'We have decided to work together and shut this s-t down,' Kelly Meggs, described by authorities as the leader of the Florida chapter of the Oath Keepers, wrote on Facebook, according to court records. The ride-share company Lyft recorded more than 4,000 sexual assault cases between 2017 to 2019, its first safety report released on Thursday reveals. The Lyft report comes after fellow ride sharing company Uber released similar data in a 2019 report which revealed around 6,000 reported cases between 2017 to 2018. In total, Lyft reported 1,096 reports of sexual assault in 2017, 1,255 in 2018 and 1,807 in 2019. There were also 360 total reports of rape between the three years. The company, which received criticism for not addressing sexual assault, was initially seen as the safer ride-sharing option as compared to Uber. The ride-share company Lyft has recorded more than 4,000 sexual cases between 2017 to 2019 in their new safety report that was released on Thursday Fellow ride-share company Uber had released their own report two years earlier with 5,981 cases recorded between 2017 to 2018 'We recognize that sexual assault is chronically underreported, and it can sometimes be months or years before a survivor is ready to come forward and report what happened if they choose to do so at all,' the company wrote in a statement, according to the Washington Post. 'Knowing this, Lyft included any incident reported in 2017, 2018 and 2019, regardless of when the incident was reported to have occurred.' 'Lyft intentionally uses broad definitions to classify instances of sexual assault.' The report also states that the highest number of these assaults were determined to be in relation to nonconsensual touching of a sexual body part. Nonconsensual touching of a sexual body part was one of five categories included in the safety report. The others included were nonconsensual kissing of both sexual and nonsexual body parts as well as attempted and nonconsensual sexual penetration. Lyft had previously received criticism for their alleged lack of 'awareness' in the treatment of incidents such as sexual assault The Lyft report appears to be one of the first steps for the company in recognizing sexual assault and ensuring the safety for their riders. 'In putting the safety of its community members as its top priority, Lyft takes all reported incidents seriously and thoroughly investigates each one,' Jennifer Brandenburger, the company's head of policy development and research wrote in the report. 'Lyfts Safety Specialists are trained to approach each case with respect and care. Doing so helps protect drivers and riders and makes the Lyft community safer for all.' The company had previously begun enforcing safety measures in 2019 by adding in new features on the app. Some of these features include hiding contact information between the drivers and riders, using a check-in option for users during their trips as well as a partnership with security company ADT for emergency services. President and co-founder John Zimmer has commented on the company's new efforts and said 'Safety is fundamental to Lyft' 'Safety is fundamental to Lyft,' the company president and co-founder John Zimmer said. 'That means creating features and policies to give riders and drivers peace of mind, and being clear about what happens on our platform.' 'Our report is just that: a look at where our company has been and where we're heading, in order to help everyone have a safe ride from beginning to end.' The ride-sharing company also has said that they do not automatically report sexual assault cases to the police unless it is requested by the victim. They also are providing support services to victims such as counseling, crisis interventions and detailing how to properly contact law enforcement. Lyft is also providing background checks for the company's drivers to further ensure that their riders in safe hands. Besides sexual assault, Lyft has also documented 105 motor vehicle deaths and 10 physical assault related fatalities in its three-year report. Uber's previous 2019 report documented a total of 5,981 cases between 2017 to 2018. Despite the report, the company was still faced with a $59 million fine by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for not releasing further details on the sexual assault victim's private information in December of last year. The fine was reduced in July to $150,000 following an agreement after the pair had reached a preliminary agreement. As part of the agreement, Uber would pay $9million to support a state victims' fund and help create industry-wide safety and reporting standards. Alison Turkos, 33, was one of 14 plaintiffs in 2019 to report a Lyft assault after had been gang raped by her driver and two other men a couple years earlier Lyft had also faced a California lawsuit of their own in 2019 by 14 plaintiffs who claimed that the company did not take steps to prevent sexual assault or violence from its drivers. One suit involved Alison Turkos, 33, who claimed she was kidnapped and gang raped by her driver and two men in 2017 while on a trip from Brooklyn to a park in New Jersey. After notifying Lyft of the terrifying incident, she was still forced to pay the fee for the ride and was 'unpaired' her from the driver. She also reported to the incident to the NYPD who opened an investigation and contacted the FBI. It was said to be handled as a human trafficking case. Criminals could have their police records wiped after just six years under a secret plan that has caused fury inside the justice system. Under controversial proposals that risk miscarriages of justice, chief constables want to axe the current rule that keeps conviction details on file until offenders turn 100. Instead, those found guilty of offences such as shoplifting or drug possession would be removed from the huge Police National Computer (PNC) database after six years. The National Police Chiefs Council proposed the radical move, in a report obtained by this newspaper, in the wake of stricter data protection laws and human rights challenges to the 100-year rule More serious crimes, including assault or harassment, would be held for 30 years while murderers and rapists would be kept on the system until they reach 120. The National Police Chiefs Council proposed the radical move, in a report obtained by this newspaper, in the wake of stricter data protection laws and human rights challenges to the 100-year rule. The council said it recognised that it is unlawful to retain personal data unless it is necessary and proportionate. But the proposals have caused outrage among some of the most senior figures in the criminal justice system. Top judges have grave concerns, according to internal Ministry of Justice documents. The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett of Maldon head of the judiciary in England and Wales has written directly to the police chiefs to set out his opposition to the plans. And Director of Public Prosecutions Max Hill QC is firmly of the view that records should be kept for at least 100 years. Their fear is that early deletion could lead to dangerous criminals being let off with light sentences or even cleared by juries because courts would not know about their previous convictions. Career burglars or muggers could be spared jail, for instance, if judges wrongly thought they were first-time offenders. Those found guilty of offences such as shoplifting or drug possession would be removed from the huge Police National Computer (PNC) database after six years And jurors might give defendants the benefit of the doubt if prosecutors were unable to cite bad character evidence of their criminal past. Last night, leading criminal barrister Matthew Scott said it was unwise to dispose of records at a time when so many people are being prosecuted for historical allegations. I have a lot of sympathy with the idea that people should be able to put their criminal past behind them, and that old and spent convictions should generally not affect their lives, but thats a different issue from whether the records should be retained at all, he said. In a private consultation on the proposals, Chief Constable Lee Freeman described the millions of records stored on the PNC as the backbone of the criminal justice system. Set up in 1974, it holds comprehensive details accessible to all UK police forces, including data on arrests, summons, court outcomes, firearms licences, drivers licences and alerts for wanted suspects and missing persons. But the National Police Chiefs Council has reviewed the system in recent months to ensure it is fair and could be defended should a case go to judicial review and in particular with regard to the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Human Rights Act 1998. Last night an NPCC spokesman said: The review panel are assessing and reflecting on the feedback received. There will be further meetings with the review panel, police and criminal justice partners in the coming weeks. The best friend of missing four-year-old Cleo Smith has issued a heartbreaking plea calling for her return as a nationwide search reaches its eighth day. Little Cleo vanished near the Blowholes campsite north of Carnarvon, Western Australia, on October 16 with a new appeal overnight from her best friend Naya. 'I still miss her a lot now she's lost,' Naya told 7News. 'She needs to come home because she needs to be with her family.' Naya (pictured), the best friend of missing four-year-old Cleo Smith has issued an heartbreaking plea to find the little girl overnight Naya issued the heartbreaking message alongside a picture she drew of the pair asking if anyone recognises her to please bring her back home. She also included a note addressed to her missing best friend, begging for the four-year-old to 'please come back'. 'Dear Cleo, can you please come back for a little while and come to my nan's,' the note read. 'I miss you, I hope you are alright. Love, Naya.' The nationwide search for Cleo Smith (pictured) has now entered its eight day with land search crews scaled back Cleo Smith was last seen at the Blowholes campsite near Carnarvon in WA. Her suspected kidnapper could have taken her down a number of different trails which snake off from the main road It comes as a pilot who joined the search for the four-year-old claims she was likely gone from the area long before police arrived. Justin Borg, who took the desperate call from her parents and sent his Coral Coast Helicopter Services team out to search for the girl, said his team of 'world class' musterers closely scoured the surrounding area before police arrived. He said missing people are found quickly from the air and that little Cleo's pink jumpsuit would have made finding her simple. 'When we go and search for somebody, if they are in the area you find them really quick. Especially if you are talking abnormal colours,' he said. The chopper's initial searches, which lasted hours, began at a height of around 90 metres from the ground. Then they dropped to just 10 metres from the ground for a much closer examination. Mr Borg said by the time the service's helicopter went out a second time on a day-long search with authorities, they were already 'pretty sure' she wasn't in the area. The family has been left distraught since four-year-old Cleo (pictured) vanished from a campsite in Western Australia Cleo had been sleeping in a separate area of the tent, with her baby sister Isla just metres away A land search for missing Cleo was scaled back on Friday as police directed its efforts towards investigating the likelihood of an abduction. WA Police launched a fresh appeal for CCTV or dash cam footage recorded within a 1,000km radius of the Blowholes campsite. Detectives are particularly interested in surveillance vision recorded between 6pm on Friday October 15 and 6pm on Sunday October 17. Footage from nearby motels, service stations, fast food outlets and bakeries, truck stops and free camping areas, children's retail stores, pharmacies, and camping stores are also of particular interest. Detectives confirmed they believe Cleo was abducted from the tent she shared with her mum, stepdad and baby sister Isla between 1.30am and 6am last Saturday. A zipper on the tent that was found to open at a height Cleo could not reach, ruled out the possibility the four-year-old could have wandered off on her own. Her red and black sleeping bag was also missing from inside the tent. The missing four-year-old was last seen in the early hours of Saturday morning on October 16 Cleo's mother Ellie Smith and stepdad Jake Gliddon fronted the media as the agonising search for their daughters goes on Cleo's red and black sleeping bag was also missing from the tent (pictured) After scouring the campsite and surrounds for seven days - including extensive sea and air searches - police were confident that she was no longer in the area. 'Given the information now that we've gleaned from the scene, the fact that the search has gone on for this period of time and we haven't been able to locate her... it leads us to believe that she was taken from the tent,' Detective Superintendent Rob Wilde said. Nothing has been ruled out, including the possibility that Cleo may have been taken by someone known to her. Cleo's parents are keeping a lone gut-wrenching vigil at the campsite where the four-year-old was likely abducted six days ago. Police have blocked public access to the tourist attraction, which has been declared a crime scene, meaning only Cleo's parents and search workers are still left behind at the campsite. When speaking about the grief Cleo's parents are feeling, Mr Wilde said it 'doesn't get any worse'. 'We know that. We really feel for the parents,' he said. A pilot who was one of the first to join the search for missing preschooler Cleo Smith claims she was likely gone from the area long before police arrived - as police reveal some nearby campers have refused to cooperate. Cleo disappeared from her parents tent while staying at the Blowholes campsite near Carnarvon in Western Australia between 1.30am and 6.30am on Saturday, October 16. She was wearing a pink jumpsuit. Her parents and emergency services initially thought she had simply wandered off, but police now believe she was abducted. After the first day of the search, the helicopter pilot said he knew something more sinister could be at play. Justin Borg, who took the desperate call from her parents and sent his Coral Coast Helicopter Services team out to search for the girl, said his team of 'world class' musterers closely scoured the surrounding area before police arrived. He said missing people are found quickly from the air and that little Cleo's pink jumpsuit would have made finding her simple if she was around. 'When we go and search for somebody, if they are in the area you find them really quick. Especially if you are talking abnormal colours,' he said. On Friday, the campground search came to a disappointing end with investigators shifting away from the theory that she simply wandered off. The case is now a suspected abduction and police have not ruled out the little girl may have been taken interstate. Cleo Smith, four, was last seen at about 1.30am on Saturday at the Blowholes campsite on the coast at Macleod, north of Carnarvon, in Western Australia. Police now believe some of the campers who were at the site have failed to come forward and help investigations The chopper's initial searches, which lasted hours, began at a height of around 90 metres from the ground. Then they dropped to just 10 metres from the ground for a much closer examination. Mr Borg said by the time the service's helicopter went out a second time on a day-long search with authorities, they were already 'pretty sure' she wasn't in the area. The helicopter pilots who responded within minutes to desperate calls for help said their search probably eliminated the chances Cleo had wandered off. Pictured is Justin Borg of Coral Coast Helicopter Services Cleo Smith was last seen at the Blowholes campsite near Carnarvon in WA. Her suspected kidnapper could have taken her down a number of different trails which snake off from the main road Cleo (pictured with her baby sister) was barely one when her stepdad met her mum and 'took her on as his own' After seven days, investigators are no closer to figuring out what happened to little Cleo. Despite the offer of a $1million reward from the WA government, campers who were at the Blowholes camp site where tiny Cleo vanished a week ago have failed to identify themselves, Western Australian police believe. Police earlier said everyone staying in the area was a person of interest and needed to speak with police so they could be eliminated as suspects. Detectives have since confirmed they believe Cleo was abducted from the tent she shared with her mum, stepdad and baby sister Isla between 1.30am and 6am last Saturday. Friends of Cleo's family said the smart four-year-old (pictured) 'wouldn't just wander' away from the tent Search crews have decided to scale back the land investigation at the campsite The police officer at the head of the investigation into the four-year-old girl's heartbreaking likely abduction from her tent at the campsite 75 kilometres north of Carnarvon last Saturday morning was sure some campers had not been 'identified' yet. 'I don't want to get into specifics, but certainly we know, there were other people that could've camped on that coastal strip and there's different access points,' said Taskforce Rodia leader Detective-Superintendent Rod Wilde, The West Australian reported. He said the police were continuing investigations into who those unidentified campers might be. But he also added he didn't want to give 'false hope' of a fast outcome because of the 'complex' nature of the investigations. There are mounting concerns for little Cleo Smith's (pictured with her mum Ellie and partner Jake Gliddon) safety after she went missing at a remote campsite on Saturday morning A land search was suspended on Tuesday due to wild winds and an intense storm. It started again just hours later Some of the initial wild theories included that she had been swept out to sea with the tides, fallen down a 'drop hole' toilet in the ground or fell off a cliff Earlier it was revealed search efforts at the campsite where little Cleo was last seen were hampered from the very first moment detectives arrived. The Blowholes campsite had been torn upside down as Cleo's mum, stepdad and other guests searched for the missing four-year-old on Saturday morning. By the time police arrived 'about mid-morning', search parties had been out for hours, trampling all over potential clues to her disappearance. After scouring the campsite and surrounds for six days - including extensive sea and air searches - police were confident that she was no longer in the area. While they'll continue to check outhouses and shacks nearby for evidence, the land search was scaled back on Friday as the 100-strong taskforce directs efforts to casting a wider net. The adult-sized sleeping bag Cleo was sleeping in has also disappeared, police confirmed How this week's events have unfolded: FRIDAY Cleo and her family arrived at Blowholes campsite about 6.30pm on Friday night for a quick weekend trip. Cleo's mum Ellie used to visit regularly when she was a child and later confirmed her four-year-old was familiar with the area. Her stepdad Jake Gliddon got straight to work setting up their two-bedroom tent, two mattresses and baby Isla's cot, which was in a room with Cleo. The family ate dinner together and Cleo was in bed no later than 8pm, her mum later revealed. While nobody else physically saw Cleo at the campsite, Superintendent Rod Wilde, who is in charge of the taskforce, said police determined she was definitely there via CCTV footage from a nearby shack. It is not known if that camera caught any other movements during the timeframe Cleo disappeared. Body language experts have weighed in on the interview analysing the gestures, tone of voice and facial expressions of the couple SATURDAY The family were all asleep in the tent when Cleo stirred about 1.30am to ask her mum for a sip of water. Ms Smith quickly settled the four-year-old and, after her drink, she went straight back to sleep. She didn't wake again until about 6am, when a restless Isla woke up for her bottle. As soon as Ms Smith entered the section of the tent where Isla and Cleo were sleeping, she realised her eldest daughter was gone. The red and grey sleeping bag that Cleo had been sleeping in was also missing, while Isla was unmoved in her cot next to the mattress. She woke Mr Gliddon up, telling him 'Cleo's gone' and together they alerted nearby campers and the search began. First, they checked around the tent and Ms Smith then checked anywhere she used to play as a kid, hopeful that Cleo was hiding. In the back of her mind, she knew it was unlikely. Cleo never wandered and would not have left the tent of her own accord, the distraught mother later confirmed. Police didn't arrive on the scene until mid-morning. It's unclear exactly what time they were called, but by the time they arrived a full scale search was already underway. Some campers had sent personal drones up to the skies while others were searching on their motorbikes. Ms Smith and Mr Gliddon had taken their car out to look as well. SUNDAY Ms Smith revealed on Facebook that Cleo was missing in a distraught and lengthy post. Meanwhile, the search at the campsite continued as Inspector Jon Munday said cars leaving the campground were being searched for the child. 'We are trying to paint the picture of who was around here during the window of opportunity between the early hours of Saturday morning and 6am Saturday and what leads that could give us,' he said. A GoFundMe was set up to cover the costs of private helicopters which had cancelled bookings to help in the search for Cleo. Cleo's stepdad Jake Gliddon was frantic, according to a camper on the scene who assisted with the search MONDAY Homicide detectives were brought in to assist with the land search for Cleo on Monday as wild theories emerged online about what happened. Her biological father Daniel Staines spent nearly three hours in Mandurah Police Station on Monday, 1,000km south from where Cleo disappeared, after voluntarily coming in to give a statement. He was almost immediately ruled out of having any involvement in Cleo's disappearance. Some of the initial wild theories included that she had been swept out to sea with the tides, fallen down a 'drop hole' toilet in the ground or fell off a cliff. Several people claiming to be mediums came forward to claim Cleo had been abducted. One woman insisted a 'green rusty tin door' is crucial to finding the four-year-old after seeing it in a vision. 'May I please have a map ASAP,' the woman who claims to be a professional medium said on social media. 'Green rusty garage tin door needs looking into.' Meanwhile, police have received information from people 'from around the world' adding police are treating the little girl's disappearance as a 'search and rescue mission' Cleo's mother Ellie Smith revealed yesterday that Cleo had been sleeping in a separate area of the tent, with her baby sister Isla just metres away TUESDAY The search in and around Blowholes campsite was temporarily suspended due to wild weather in the area, causing further concerns about Cleo's safety if she had wandered off in the area. But by Tuesday afternoon, Cleo's mum and stepdad provided an update that offered the first indication that it was more likely than not that the four-year-old had been abducted. The zipper leading to Cleo's room in the tent was completely opened from the top, which she wouldn't have been able to reach. Body language expert David Stephens from Critical Insights said the couple appeared to be trying to keep it together during the interview. He said the gesture, tone of voice and facial expressions seen during the interview indicated truth-telling while mirroring the couple's sadness and distress. Ms Smith's voice faltered as she relayed the moment she unzipped the tent to discover her four-year-old was missing. 'Her gestures and illustrators, of which there are several, broadly match what she is saying, which is a good indication that she is being truthful,' he said. 'The pitch of her voice, her tone and facial expressions generally match what she is saying verbally, which indicates distress and sadness.' While Ms Smith fought back tears, Mr Gliddon sat quietly by her side. Mr Gliddon was frantic when he realised Cleo was missing, according to a camper on the scene who assisted with the search. He started dating Ms Smith two-and-a-half years ago, when Cleo was barely one. It's understood he has raised Cleo as his own ever since. A close friend of the couple said Mr Gliddon 'absolutely adores Cleo [and] took her on as his own not long after she was born'. 'He may be a stepfather but those kids mean the world to him... He's a great dad.' WEDNESDAY Detectives revealed up to 20 sex offenders live near the campsite where Cleo was last seen. Assistant WA Police Commissioner Darryl Gaunt said detectives have been making inquiries about their whereabouts but officers believe that none were involved. They also confirmed they are investigating nearby campers' claims they heard the sound of 'screeching' tyres in the early hours of the morning. THURSDAY Thursday was the most significant day in the search for Cleo thus far. After her mum issued yet another public plea, WA Premier Mark McGowan called a midday press conference in which it was revealed police believe Cleo was abducted. A $1million reward was offered for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of anybody involved in Cleo's disappearance. Following an extensive land, sea and air search, police admitted they 'imagined' that if Cleo was in the area she would have already been located. 'That leads us to believe she was taken,' deputy police commissioner Col Blanch said. Mr Blanch also let slip that they'd been searching the campsite 'for a body'. But throughout the rest of the conference, authorities maintained they hoped to find Cleo alive and vowed to work 'around the clock' to bring her home. The search at the campsite shifted away from looking for the little girl in 'high probability' areas to places that Cleo could have walked herself. Ms Smith, who is a local in the area and has frequented the Blowholes Campground many times said she looked for Cleo in places she would have hid as a child. Investigators also plan to revisit nearby shacks along the coastline. Criminal psychologist gives a profile of the monster who could have taken little Cleo Criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro, who has spent the past four decades analysing the minds of some of the worst criminals of our times: terrorists, mass murderers, sex offenders and torturers of children, said the real danger about these people is how easily they blend in. 'The problem with a person like this is it could be anyone,' he said. 'It's someone who can blend into a suburban lifestyle, he could be a father, he could be involved in community or sporting clubs. 'If you met the offender he may appear very normal. 'This is the danger about these people - their ordinariness. They can blend in very easily and generally they are well presented.' Dr Watson-Munro said the kidnapper is most likely to be a 'calculated' man and a textbook psychopath driven by a sickening desire for 'power and control'. Criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro (pictured) has spent the past four decades analysing the minds of some of the worst criminals of our times: terrorists, mass murderers, sex offenders and torturers of children 'We are talking about someone who is bad but not mad,' he said. 'To do something like that without any anxiety suggests they are psychopathic in their disposition because psychopaths have a very high threshold for anxiety. 'Things that would make a normal person's blood turn cold doesn't bother them.' Someone who could sneak into a tent and abduct a child in her sleeping bag as her parents lay next to her 'is not somebody who is prone to nervousness'. Police now believe an abduction took place because the zipper of the tent was found undone in the morning, even though Cleo is too short to reach it. It can be the case that child predators and sex offenders are dishevelled, affected by drugs and alcohol or have below average intelligence, but in this case Dr Watson-Munro says 'it's very unlikely'. 'In order to plan a crime like this you have to be at least average intelligence to get away with it. We are not looking at some bumbling imbecile,' he said. 'They are capable of forward planning both in terms of abducting the child and allowing themselves plenty of opportunity to get far away.' Advertisement FRIDAY The land, sea and air search for little Cleo was scaled back on Friday as investigators dedicated more of their time to the abduction theory. 'Given the information now that we've gleaned from the scene, the fact that the search has gone on for this period of time and we haven't been able to locate her... it leads us to believe that she was taken from the tent,' Detective Superintendent Rob Wilde said. Nothing has been ruled out, including the possibility that Cleo may have been taken by someone known to her. Cleo's parents are keeping a lone gut-wrenching vigil at the campsite where the four-year-old was likely abducted six days ago. Police have blocked public access to the tourist attraction, which has been declared a crime scene, meaning only Cleo's parents and search workers are still left behind at the campsite. When speaking about the grief Cleo's parents are feeling, Mr Wilde said it 'doesn't get any worse'. 'We know that. We really feel for the parents,' he said. Legal experts tell DailyMail.com that lawsuits naming Alec Baldwin are a virtual certainty, but that any potential criminal charges are more likely to center on whoever prepared the prop gun that he fired on set, accidentally killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. 'If Baldwin or another person was negligent, a civil suit is almost a no-brainer at this point - a very high likelihood,' said attorney Jamie White, who has experience in both criminal defense and civil prosecutions. 'But the criminal side is going to be very fact-sensitive. Only if someone was recklessly negligent would there be criminal consequences,' he added. 'It is not likely that it was Baldwin's job to prepare props.' Baldwin said Friday that his killing of a cinematographer with a prop gun on a movie set was a 'tragic accident' as authorities investigated the shooting, which also wounded the director. Alec Baldwin speaks on the phone in the parking lot outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office on Thursday. Legal experts tell DailyMail.com that following Halyna Hutchins' death, lawsuits naming Alec Baldwin are a virtual certainty 'She was 42 and had an incredibly promising future, so her potential earnings were likely to be significant,' one attorney said of Hutchins (above), who was killed on the set Hutchins, the cinematographer on the Western movie Rust, was killed and director Joel Souza was shot and injured on Thursday in the desert on the outskirts of Santa Fe. A spokesperson for Baldwin said a prop gun with blanks 'misfired'. A spokesman for the Santa Fe County sheriff said detectives were investigating what type of projectile was discharged and how. No immediate charges were filed. Key facts in the case have not yet been publicly confirmed, including who loaded the prop weapon, what kind of cartridges it was loaded with, and how and why a projectile was expelled. 'As the facts have thus far been presented, Baldwin will not be charged with an intentional act of violence,' said White. 'However, it is not unheard of to be charged with significant negligence. There are a lot more facts that need to be developed, but studios take extensive cautions in light of Brandon Lee's death in 1993,' he said, referring to the actor killed by a squib load on the set of The Crow. Los Angeles personal injury attorney Miguel Custodio said that as the known facts stand, 'liability certainly points to Rust Movie Productions and the prop manager.' A news cameraman records the entrance of the Santa Fe County Sheriff office in Santa Fe on Friday. Actor Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun on the set of a Western being filmed at the Bonanza Creek Film Ranch, killing the cinematographer, officials said A distraught Alec Baldwin lingers in the parking lot outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, after he was questioned about a shooting on the set of the film Rust on the outskirts of Santa Fe Custodio noted that any lawsuit is likely to name Baldwin, however, due to his role as a producer of the movie as well as an actor. 'As the actor, Alec Baldwin has little liability because you're given something and you're trusting the prop manager to have checked everything out,' he said. 'Baldwin the producer may bear more responsibility, depending on if he is just an investor or has a more active role in the making of the film, which I suspect he does.' 'Overall, this is horrible negligence and Ms. Hutchins' survivors should go after everyone they can,' added Custodio. 'It's likely they'll go after Baldwin the actor, Baldwin the producer, the film company and the prop manager.' Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani, president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, said that criminal charges are possible in the case, but that a murder charge is unlikely. 'A charge of murder is unlikely because it requires the intent to kill. There is no evidence that Baldwin indeed intended to kill,' said Rahmani. 'A manslaughter charge might be more likely, because it does not require intent to kill, but does require criminal negligence or gross negligence,' he added. 'In this case, there are reports that the prop gun was loaded with live rounds. If that is true, that is grossly negligent, and whoever loaded the gun is going to be responsible.' 'Baldwin, if he had no knowledge whatsoever that the gun was loaded with a live round instead of a blank, wouldn't have any criminal liability,' said Rahmani. Props expert Guillaume Delouche at Independent Studio Services holds a prop gun while explaining them in Sunland-Tujunga, Los Angeles on Friday. It's still unclear what kind of prop gun was involved in Thursday's fatal shooting Rahmani said that if a live round were loaded by mistake, its likely to be a case of simple negligence, which would not bring criminal liability. 'There is a rare circumstance where there can be criminal charges without any knowledge that the round was live,' he said. 'That's when there's deliberate indifference or willful ignorance. It's very hard to prove, which is why these types of prosecutions are rare.' 'It comes down to what was in the gun, who put it in, and what did he or she know when they put the round in there,' added Rahmani. 'If it was a blank, even blanks can be dangerous when discharged at close distances. That can be grossly negligent.' Custodio speculated that any civil suit brought by the family of Hutchins was likely to seek a large amount of damages. 'She was 42 and had an incredibly promising future, so her potential earnings were likely to be significant,' he said. 'It's also clear that somebody failed her in the most basic way to check whether a gun was safe and may be criminally negligent,' added Custodio. 'And remember, director Joel Souza also was injured, and many others on set also are traumatized and affected by this.' No criminal charges have been filed in the case, but police say an active investigation is underway. Baldwin has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation. Seattle police used a Baby Yoda Lego set to take down a shoplifting scheme allegedly orchestrated by a local thrift shop owner who trafficked in thousands of dollars worth of stolen Legos. Mark Brady, 67, owner of Rummage Around, was arrested last week for allegedly running a network of shoplifters, who would go out into neighboring stores in Seattle to steal items Brady could sell at his store. The Lego ring was busted after an undercover detective sold a 1,073-piece Lego set to Brady, only after telling the owner it was stolen, the Seattle Police Department said. Brady 'was most likely directing prolific shoplifters to steal property from retail stores for his own benefit of buying them at extremely low prices and reselling them to others,' Seattle police said in their report. The Seattle Police Department found thousands of dollars worth of stolen goods, including 171 Lego sets, at the Rummage Around thrift shop, in Seattle Police tracked down the stolen good's to Seattle's Pike Place Market, pictured Brady denies any wrong doing and was released from jail earlier this week as he awaits trial, The Washington Post reports. 'I do want to fight this,' he said, adding that he plans to set up a GoFundMe to pay for his legal expenses. Investigators began looking into Brady back in July, when employees of an Amazon brick-and-mortar store first contacted police about a wave of thefts plaguing the area. Police said a brazen robber would walk into the store and grab specific items, and then just walk out without even hiding their actions. One of the shoplifters included a 32-year-old man who stole more than $10,000 worth of merchandise, focusing heavily on Star Wars products. A breakthrough in the case came in early September when one of the Amazon employees spotted one their stolen products up for sale at Brady's Rummage Around, in Seattle's Pike Place Market. A security guard for the Amazon store followed up and told police 'they 100 per cent have our stuff,' noting that some of the items still had the Amazon tags on them. A police detective began looking into Brady and his store, and at one point spotted the prolific 32-year-old shoplifter selling a Lego set to Brady. Rummage Around owner Mark Brady denies the allegations that he orchestrated the shoplifting ring and bought stolen goods from his competitors Rummage around features a vast assortment of secondhand products, with Star Wars merch being among the most popular Detectives went undercover in the store to sell 'stolen' good to Brady, who accepted them and told the officers where to steal more, police said The investigation bore fruit when detectives sold a Baby Yoda lego set, pictured, to Brady Police said they then moved to dismantle Brady's alleged operation 'brick by brick,' using a Baby Yoda Lego set they dubbed, 'The Child.' One of the detectives used the $80 toy outfitted to look like it was stolen from a store to approach Brady and offer it to him, with the caveat that it was stolen. 'You want any of this?' the detective asked. 'Let's do this in the corner,' police said Brady replied. Brady allegedly complained about the security tags and locks ensnaring the product, but said he could cut it off. Police said he appeared understanding when the detective told him he 'boosted' it from the Amazon store. Brady then gave the detective instructions on what kind of Lego sets he liked and where he could steal them, police said, adding that he knew where the stores' cameras would be. Police followed up with another sale, with Brady allegedly telling the detective that he could do with 'more of the same.' Following the undercover sales, police finally arrested Brady and seized the stolen goods, including 171 Lego sets. The Amazon store at the center of the investigation found that at least 34 of the sets belonged to them. Brady told the Post that his life has been 'miserable' as he faces charges of first-degree trafficking in stolen property, a felony that carries multiple years in prison as a maximum punishment. 'I mean, come on, that scares me,' he said. Advertisement Hundreds of punters have been pictured letting their hair down and packing out Dublin's nightclubs for the first time in 600 days as Covid restrictions were finally eased. Dublin's dancers were out in force for the first time since the start of the pandemic as long queues could be seen stretching for hundreds of yards at venues across Harcourt Street in Ireland's capital city. Earlier this week, the Irish Government announced nightclubs could finally reopen for the first time since March 2020, much to the delight of young people and excitable nightclub owners who rushed to get venues ready for the big day. Despite some initial confusion over the new regulations venues were facing, Taoiseach Micheal Martin had earlier this week promised 'what traditionally happens in a nightclub will continue to happen in the nightclub'. Pictures quickly spread across social media on Friday showing hundreds of hopeful punters gathering in large crowds outside city hotspot Coppers, while others waited patiently to get into the packed Tramline nightclub. Other images showed a handful of out of practice revellers keeled over and sprawled across the streets of Dublin as their excitement appeared to get the better of them. A woman sits with her head between her knees and a man is held up by a friend as he keels over outside Copper Face Jack's nightclub, Dublin as Ireland's Covid restrictions eased for the first time in 600 days Three excited clubbers pose for pictures outside Tramline Nightclub, Dublin on Friday evening Queues began to form at some venues in Dublin early in the evening, as punters lined the streets in preparation for the biggest night out in nearly two years Regular clubber Alvin Pascal, from Beaumont, Dublin, explained the past two years had been a 'different experience'. He said: 'It's been two years so it's a bit of a different experience. I was a bit anxious coming out. But it's fun now, being in there.' He added that he had missed socialising with people. 'It's a bit different than when you're sitting at home or sitting in pubs,' Mr Pascal said. Asked if he planned to go out next weekend, he said: '100%. It's been two years, I'm obviously going to go out.' Dublin's dancers were out in force for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Pictured: Tramline Nightclub, Dublin An Garda officers keep a watchful eye over proceedings outside Copper Face Jack's nightclub, Dublin on Friday People pictured outside Copper Face Jack's nightclub in Dublin, after the easing of coronavirus restrictions in Ireland Queues began to form at some venues in Dublin early in the evening, as excited clubbers lined the streets in preparation for the biggest night out in nearly two years. There was a small police presence on Friday evening as An Garda officers kept a watchful eye on proceedings. Under new government guidelines, masks must be worn when not dancing, drinking or eating inside. All nightclub events will also be ticketed from next week. Lakshay Seth, who lives in Dublin, said he was 'really excited' to visit a nightclub. He said he went out nearly every second weekend before the pandemic. He said he missed dancing during the long closure of venues. 'Just dancing. I'm a big Abba fan, so just dancing,' he said. Pictures quickly spread across social media on Friday showing hundreds of hopeful punters gathering in large crowds outside city hotspot Coppers, while others waited patiently to get into the packed Tramline night club A trio of punters share a laugh in the queue for Copper Face jack's nightclub, Dublin on Friday evening Despite some initial confusion over the new regulations venues were facing, Taoiseach Micheal Martin had earlier this week promised 'what traditionally happens in a nightclub will continue to happen in the nightclub' He said he was not nervous and planned to follow the rules. 'I travel on public transport, so if I get Covid I might get it there or I might get it here. But if there's any guidelines we have to follow, we're up for it.' Many venue owners have insisted that despite the quick turnaround time, they are excited and ready to open. Culture Minister Catherine Martin told reporters on Thursday night that the hospitality industry needs to 'show leadership' and ensure that they follow the new rules. Rising case numbers and growing pressures on the health service has prompted warnings from health officials this week about a long winter ahead. Clubbers outside Tramline Nightclub in Dublin, after the easing of coronavirus restrictions meant that nightclubs in Ireland could open for the first time in close to 600 days Sam Moriarty (left) and Greta Luko smile for a picture outside Tramline Nightclub in Dublin on Friday evening Ian Redmond, who runs the Tramline nightclub, shared his excitement at Ireland's grand re-opening on Friday night. 'I'm so excited,' he said. 'To finally get open is just amazing,' he said as he stood outside the venue. 'We have done everything we can. We've got the ambulance service checking temperatures. Covid ID requests, passport ID. We've done everything.' He did express some concern that the new guidelines on tickets would make it hard to stage smaller events and attract customers. 'Tourists coming to Ireland won't be able to walk up to our door and come in,' he said. But overall, he said it was destined to be a good night. 'It is such great news that we're back and just so excited to be open.' A judge has allowed allegations that Craig McLachlan acted inappropriately on the set of Neighbours in the 1980s to be used by those defending the actor's defamation claim. The Gold Logie winner is suing Fairfax Media, the ABC and Christie Whelan Browne in the NSW Supreme Court. The case centres on claims the actor bullied and indecently assaulted Browne and two other female cast members during a 2014 production of The Rocky Horror Show. Craig McLachlan with partner Vanessa Scammell arrives to give video evidence from his barrister's office in Sydney as he sues Fairfax Media, the ABC and Christie Whelan Browne over defamation On Friday, the defendants were permitted to amend their defence to add claims related to his time on Neighbours in 1987 and 1989. McLachlan had objected to the additions, with his lawyer saying they related to alleged events that were 'far too distant' to the matters at hand. But Justice John Sackar said, on their face, the claims 'clearly' relate to McLachlan and his behaviour in a workplace. How much stock should be put in them, given the passage of time and other factors, 'will be a matter for the jury to weigh up' in the trial set down for May 2022, he said. 'Ultimately, what weight is to be applied is to be a matter both for the jury and myself,' the judge said. He awarded costs against McLachlan for the hearing. McLachlan was found not guilty in December 2020 of seven counts of indecent assault and six of common law assault related to four women who'd worked with McLachlan on the The Rocky Horror Show (pictured on stage) in 2014 McLachlan, who is seeking $6.5 million in damages, became a household name for his roles on Australian soap operas Neighbours and Home and Away, and more recently led the Ballarat-filmed TV series Doctor Blake Mysteries. He has repeatedly denied all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and worse. The defendants have pleaded the defences of truth and contextual truth. A trial was set down for February 2019 until Victoria Police charged McLachlan over the claims. Media outlets have successfully applied to amen their defence to add claims related to his time on Neighbours (pictured while on cast) in 1987 and 1989 He was found not guilty in December 2020 of seven counts of indecent assault and six of common law assault related to four women who'd worked with McLachlan on the The Rocky Horror Show in 2014. Melbourne magistrate Belinda Wallington had accepted the evidence of the four complainants, describing them as 'brave and honest witnesses'. But she did not find McLachlan's touching amounted to assault or indecent assault. Child refugees who crossed the Channel into Britain have gone missing from almost every authority responsible for caring for them, it was reported last night. Migrants as young as nine have disappeared from care 744 times this year, with at least 37 aged 13 or under. Some are feared to have been kidnapped by traffickers, forced into labour or are at risk of sexual abuse. A woman carrying a child after group of people thought to be migrants were brought into Dungeness, Kent. Local authorities have been overwhelmed with people crossing the Channel desperate for housing and care With the unanticipated resettlement of thousands of Afghan refugees coupled with record numbers of Channel crossings by small boats, local authorities are overwhelmed by the numbers of migrants desperate for housing and care. According to The Times, one child refugee was reported missing 159 times in 12 months. In a case this summer, a 15-year-old Vietnamese boy named Tuan disappeared from the hotel he was placed in by the Home Office and is thought to have been forced into slavery having been spotted with a stranger in London, the newspaper reported. An immigration officer takes a child thought to be a migrant brought into Kent. Migrants as young as nine have disappeared from care 744 times this year, with at least 37 aged 13 or under At least 5,000 child refugees were in care last year in the UK a figure that has doubled in just nine years. Freedom of Information requests found there have been almost 10,000 reports of missing children in the past decade. A government spokesman said it took any child going missing extremely seriously. A man who bought a child-like sex doll and kept thousands of photos of children being abused has been jailed for just three years. James Sharp, 32, became the first person in the country to be jailed for importing a sex doll resembling a child after he was sentenced at the District Court in Mount Gambier, South Australia, on Friday. He had been arrested at a remote property near Naracoorte, on the South Australia and Victoria border, in January 2020. James Sharp, 32, became the first person in the country to be jailed for importing a sex doll resembling a child after he was sentenced at the District Court in Mount Gambier, South Australia, on Friday The court heard Sharp had imported the child-like sex doll from China and that he kept children's clothing, underwear and school uniforms, ABC reported. Judge Gordon Barrett said police also discovered 9,021 images and 128 videos of child exploitation material. The material included images of young girls being restrained while they were abused, children engaging in sexual activities and close-ups of their genitalia. 'A large proportion of the material depicts female children being physically restrained with rope, collars, chains, blindfolds and duct tape while being sexually abused,' Judge Barrett said. 'Every film, every image, every disk depicts a child being abused.' A psychologist report claimed that Sharp had a 'paedophilic sexual orientation'. It warned that his chances of reoffending were at a 'moderate to high risk'. The court heard Sharp had imported the child-like sex doll from overseas and that he kept children's clothing, underwear and school uniforms (pictured, doll similar to the one that had been imported from China) 'Every one of the children depicted in the materials which you possessed was abused and your being in possession of them and taking access to them provides the market for the abuse of children,' Judge Barrett said. Sharp pleaded guilty to five charges, including importing the sex doll and accessing and possessing child pornography and child abuse material. He was handed a three year sentence but will be released on a recognizance order after 18 months. A New York dog walker was captured on camera assaulting an 11-year-old girl as well as hitting her 15-year-old friend in a Manhattan park on Wednesday afternoon. The man, who has not been named, and two other dog walkers were seen yelling at the children and their school chaperone at Stuyvesant Square between the intersection of East 16th Street and Perlman Place. The school children had been throwing dirt and poppers on the ground at the park before the three dog walkers began to intervene. The male suspect had then began violently attacking the 11-year-old girl and hit her 15-year-old male friend who tried to intervene. The NYPD is currently investigating the incident and searching for the alleged assailant. A New York dog walker was captured assaulting an 11-year-old at a Stuyvesant Square park on Wednesday afternoon The 11-year-old girl had approached the man after he yelled and swore at her and her classmates for throwing dirt and poppers on the ground The man is currently being investigated for hitting the 11-year-old girl and her 15-year-old male friend who attempted to intervene The two children were attacked by the male assailant at a park in Stuyvesant Square between the intersection of East 16th Street and Perlman Place The cellphone video had captured the beginning of the incident where the three dog walkers were screaming at the children who continued to throw dirt at them. It was not long before the male dog walker, sporting a beard and sunglasses, then approached a gate. 'All your kids are throwing f**king dirt and f**king poppers!' the man yelled at the chaperone. 'Weve already had to call 911 on them. Grip her the f**k up before I put my hands on her.' The male suspect was with two other dog walkers who also were seen yelling at the children The children continued to throw dirt at them while their chaperone tried to get them under control The chaperone then attempted to get the children out of the dispute and back to the school building before the situation escalated further. 'What school do they go to? Theyre psychos,' the other male dog walker had asked. The male suspect then added that the chaperone was an 'embarrassment' for his lack of control over the rowdy students. The 11-year-old girl then marched towards the suspect before he viciously began attacking her in front of her classmates. 'You fat little bi**h youre not going to amount to anything in life,' he had yelled at her before the attack. He then began punching her in the face, spraying her with water and even grabbing her by the hair in anger. The girl's 15-year-old male friend was also hit when he attempted to stop the fight. Other onlookers and dog walkers were in complete shock as they witnessed the horrifying incident. 'I didn't know what was going on, so me and another guy got in the middle of it and broke it up,' dog walker Peter Ghiorse told ABC. 'I think he heard the sirens, and he booked it.' Police are continuing to search for the male assailant who has still not been identified 'I hope they find this man,' a witness named Rachel said. 'This man grabbed her by the neck, her chest, and punched her in the head. Eleven-year-old black young girl. This is not normal. He's dangerous.' The female witness also said she hopes the male suspect is prosecuted and charged for his actions and even confronted him after the incident. The young girl was taken to Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital for her injuries but was found to be in stable condition. Her other friend who was attacked was treated for minor injuries at the scene. Police are continuing to search for the suspect who they have described as a light skinned male, between 25 to 35 years of age, with facial hair and shoulder length blonde hair. He was last seen wearing a grey long sleeve t-shirt, black pants and sneakers as well as sunglasses. Advertisement The heartbroken family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins who was shot dead by Alec Baldwin on a film set are demanding answers over the tragedy. The 42-year-old's parents Antoly and Olga are said to be 'beside themselves with grief' after learning of their daughter's death from her husband Matthew. She died shortly after being shot by Baldwin around 1.50pm Thursday at Bonanza Creek Ranch, near the city of Santa Fe in New Mexico, where they were filming the movie Rust. A friend from her hometown of Kiev in Ukraine told The Sun: 'The family is grieving but at the same time they are asking and they will want answers. If someone made a mistake then they will have to pay. 'They just don't understand how something dreadful like this could have happened when safety measures are supposed to be in place. 'They are also frantically trying to secure documents to get to the United States. Her mother does not have the correct paperwork.' Film studio bosses are also worried of a major lawsuit from the family. Last night, Matthew, a lawyer, was comforting their eight-year-old son Andros at home in California. Born in Ukraine and raised on a Soviet military base 'surrounded by reindeer and nuclear submarines', Halyna, had trained as a journalist and spent time in Europe working on British documentaries before making the move to Los Angeles, where she had established her career - and started a family. Halyna grew up on a Russian military base and her father is believed to be a former member of the Soviet navy. The heartbroken family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins (pictured) who was shot dead by Alec Baldwin on a film set are demanding answers over the tragedy Halyna's widower Matthew, a lawyer, was comforting their eight-year-old son Andros at home in California after the shocking tragedy Alec Baldwin is pictured sobbing after shooting and killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of his upcoming movie Rust in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Thursday Baldwin and Hutchins (circled) are pictured together on the set of Rust, in an image that she uploaded to Instagram two days ago saying the crew of the film were supporting a strike by the IATSE union Sister Sveltana who now lives in Indonesia said she was 'very proud' of Halyna and considered her a role model. Earlier, husband Matthew told DailyMail.com: 'I have spoken with Alec Baldwin and he is being very supportive.' Police have disclosed few details about the shooting, saying only that a 'projectile' was fired by a 'prop gun' and they are investigating. A spokesman for Baldwin last night issued a statement saying only blanks were used. Matthew told DailyMail.com he was reluctant to comment on specifics of the tragedy at this time, but was gathering his thoughts and preparing a statement. 'At this time, I still have not had an opportunity to prepare a statement, which I am planning to release,' he said. 'My intent is to, you know, put into words some of the things about her life and the situation which are I think most important. I plan to post that onto my Twitter as soon as I have an opportunity later today. 'There's obviously a lot to deal with whenever there's any death in the family,' he continued. 'We're moving around to address all the things we need to do on the ground. There's a lot of phone calls and messages. 'And we greatly appreciate all the sympathy,' he said. 'It feels like people are going to move mountains.' 'One thing we're trying to do is to set up a memorial with AFI, the American Film institute,' he said. 'And that is in process, and there will be more details in the statement.' In two tweets on Friday, Baldwin said: 'There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. 'I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. 'My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.' According to witnesses on-set, Baldwin was stunned after firing the fatal round and asked: 'Why was I handed a hot gun?' Just two days before the tragedy, a smiling Halyna had posted a picture of her on set alongside Baldwin and surrounded by cast and crew members. A photo taken in the aftermath showed a clearly distressed Baldwin bent double in anguish at the side of a parking lot, while in another picture he appeared distraught as he spoke on the phone. Remembered by friends as a 'kind' and 'loving soul', Halyna lived in Venice Beach, California , with her husband Matthew, a lawyer, and their son Andros, pictured in an old Facebook photo The 68 year-old actor was also snapped doubled-over in a parking lot, with his hands on his knees and his face seemingly crumpled with distress Sun streaming from above, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins smiles into the camera as she films herself riding off into the New Mexico desert on horseback. This was the last Instagram post shared by the married mother-of-one before she was accidentally killed by actor Alec Baldwin when he fired a prop gun while filming a scene for upcoming Western, Rust, yesterday 'Halyna loved him so much and enjoyed watching him grow into the handsome boy he is today,' one friend wrote in a moving Instagram tribute. 'I know she is looking after him and Matt in this horribly scary time.' Social media photos capture a playfulness and sense of adventure, with Halloween costume parties, road trips with friends and days out exploring all lit up by Halyna's smile. She was also highly regarded by her peers and had been tipped as a 'rising star' by other cinematographers. 'She was somebody who was absolutely dedicated to art and integrity,' director, colleague and friend Adam Mortimer told GMB this morning. 'I can tell already she was going to be a genius.' Baldwin, 62, was filming a scene for new film Rust when the gun went off, fatally wounding Hutchins and leaving writer-director Joel Souza, 48, injured. Hutchins was rushed to the University of New Mexico Hospital in an air ambulance but was pronounced dead a short time after. Souza was taken by ambulance to the Christus St Vincent Regional Medical Center. He has since been released although his exact condition is unclear. Meanwhile Baldwin was taken to a Santa Fe detectives' office to be questioned about the shooting. He was not arrested and was later released without charge - though investigations are ongoing. The Santa Fe Sheriff's Office said the gun was fired during the middle of a scene that was either being filmed or rehearsed. It is unclear exactly how the gun was fired - whether by accident or on purpose. Detectives said the gun was 'discharged' and gave no further details. Fatal accidents with prop guns are rare, but not unheard of. Brandon Lee, the 28-year-old son of martial arts star Bruce Lee, was shot and killed on the set of The Crow in 1993 after part of a dummy round got lodged in the barrel of the gun - and was then fired into Lee's stomach when a second dummy round went off. It is a tragedy that has shaken the film industry and led friends, colleagues and strangers to pay tribute to Hutchins, whose life was so shockingly cut short. Alec Baldwin is seen on the set of Rust with fake blood earlier Thursday, hours before he shot and killed the film's cinematographer. He shared this photo on Instagram with the caption 'Back to in person at the office. Blimeyit's exhausting.' Filming was halted following the fatal incident at the Bonanza Creek Ranch movie set in Santa Fe Halyna, 42, was shot dead in the incident on Thursday at the Bonanza Creek Ranch movie set in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where writer-director Joel Souza, 48, (pictured) was also injured Police tape cordons of a small church used as a set for the movie, after a fatal accidental shooting at a Bonanza Creek Ranch movie set near Santa Fe on Thursday Born in 1979, Halyna Hutchins was the daughter of military parents and grew up on a Soviet base 'in the Arctic circle'. Recalling what it was like, she said they were 'surrounded by reindeer and nuclear submarines'. In a sign of her broad interests, Halyna, who was fluent in Russian and English, attended the National University of Kyiv, Ukraine's most prestigious higher education institution, and graduated with a degree in International Journalism. She used this as a ticket to work abroad and spent time as an investigative journalist, working in print and documentaries. Richard Denton, producer behind Shakespeare Uncovered and many films in the former USSR, said today: 'Halyna was the most wonderful, vital, lively and positive person to work with. She was friendly and enormously helpful. 'She handled everything from translating interviews to making Leonid's horse move in the right direction. She was completely unpretentious and incredibly professional.' At some point Hutchins moved to the US, settling in California. She married husband Matthew, a lawyer who worked as an associate with US firm Kirkland & Ellis until 2017. His current role is not known. In 2012 the couple welcomed their much wanted son, Andros. 'I remember when Halyna and I would talk about how much she wanted to have a child so many years ago,' wrote her friend, Stephanie, 'and being at the hospital the day he was born and seeing her so filled with happiness.' The couple both posted loved-up family photos on Facebook, treasured memories of family hikes and fun-filled days out. Shortly after Andros's birth Hutchins, who had begun working on short films, enrolled on a two-year course at the American Film Institute Conservatory to hone her skills as a cinematographer. A cinematographer, also known as a director of photography, is in charge of the film and lighting crews on set. The AFI Conservatory is well regarded within Hollywood and provided a launchpad for the likes of directors Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan) and Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman). Hutchins would later speak of the important role this experience played in developing her career, saying it made her 'rethink' who she was as an artist. She added: 'One thing I learned is that cinematography is not something you do by yourself. 'It's a group [project]. You need to develop your own vision, but the key to a successful film is communication with your director and your team.' Alongside her early cinematography work, Hutchins worked as a fashion photographer in order to learn how to 'create the mood, the feeling' in an image. A string of smaller projects came along, largely in short films. In 2018 she was named as part of the inaugural class of the 21st Century Fox DP Lab, a networking cohort designed to expand opportunities for female cinematographers by connecting them with working professionals. The following year, she was hailed as one of the 'rising stars of cinematography' in respected industry publication American Cinematographer. 'Right now, I'm just really interested in finding fruitful collaborations,' she said in an interview with the publication. She added, 'I'm just hoping to find my Wong Kar-wai,' in a nod to the renowned Hong Kong director. Hutchins worked on two feature films. The firs, Darlin', a horror directed by Pollyanna McIntosh (The Walking Dead), premiered at the SXSW film festival 2019 and played internationally at the Edinburgh Film Festival and London FrightFest. The second, Blindfire, was a racially charged police drama written and directed by Mike Nell starring Brian Geraghty (The Hurt Locker, TNT's The Alienist) and Sharon Leal (Supergirl, Instinct), which was winner of Best Crime Drama at the Houston International Film Festival, 2020. Born in Ukraine and raised on a Soviet military base 'surrounded by reindeer and submarines', Halyna had recently wrapped on a project in Ireland and was tipped for a bright future in Hollywood when her life was so tragically cut short. Pictured, in 2018 Photos capture a sense of playfulness and adventure, with snaps of Halloween costume parties, road trips with friends and days out exploring all lit up by Halyna's smile Hutchins, pictured back centre as Harley Quinn, dressing up with friends at a costume party Director Adam Egypt Mortimer, who worked with Hutchins on the 2020 superhero mystery-thriller Archenemy, said on GMB today: 'She was somebody who was absolutely dedicated to art and integrity. 'She was Ukrainian and had this incredible European art sensibility so that the more things on our set that would become challenging or difficult the more she would want to figure out how to transcend the limitations and turn it into art. 'When I met her I knew after about five minutes of talking to her she would be an incredible partner to work with... I can tell already she was going to be a genius and she was so dedicated to do anything to make a movie seem immersive and truthful and that was her personality.' Actor Joe Manganiello, who starred in Archenemy, called her 'an incredible talent' and 'a great person' on his Instagram account, adding that he was lucky to have Hutchins as director of photography on the film. The entrance of Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico, on the outskirts of Santa Fe, where the movie is being filmed A security guard stands near the entrance to Bonanza Creek Ranch where Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin fatally shot a cinematographer and wounded a director when he discharged a prop gun on the movie set of the film 'Rust' in Santa Fe, New Mexico The ranch on Friday morning was abandoned after filming was halted. The Santa Fe Sheriff's Department continues to interview 'witnesses' Director Amy J. Berg, who also shared a Deadline article detailing the accidental shooting, penned: 'What an absolute nightmare. We lost a rising star, female cinematographer Halyna Hutchins'. Across Halyna's Instagram and website reels are numerous stills and clips from short films and features she's worked on, ranging in genre and aesthetics. She was recently in Ireland where she enjoyed runs in Dublin and sight-seeing while on breaks from filming what is believed to be an upcoming period drama. Her social media profiles also paint a clear image of a free-spirited, much-loved friend, many of whom have been paying tribute. As her friend Stephanie said: 'I don't even have words, I have known Halyna for so many years and to find out that she is dead is beyond words I can even express. She had such a kind-loving soul... 'I can't even believe I am saying 'had' it just doesn't make any sense... I just can't believe this is happening.Halyna was so full of life and way too young to die.' Hutchins' devastated friends were too distraught to talk, but Ariel Vida, a production designer who worked with the director of photography on 2020 film Archenemy confirmed her death to DailyMail.com, tearfully adding: 'I'm sorry, I can't talk about this right now.' No criminal charges have been filed, but police said that a criminal investigation into the incident is currently active to determine the circumstances of Hutchins' death. 'According to investigators, it appears that the scene being filmed involved the use of a prop firearm when it was discharged,' sheriff's spokesman Juan Rios said in a statement. 'Detectives are investigating how and what type of projectile was discharged.' 'The incident remains an active investigation. As more information becomes available, updates will be provided,' he added. Filming for Rust was set to continue through early November, according to a news release from the New Mexico Film Office, but production has now been halted on the film. Care workers would be in danger of committing an offence if they arranged for a man with mental health disabilities to visit a sex worker, Court of Appeal judges have ruled. Three appeal judges overturned a ruling by a High Court judge and upheld a Government challenge. Lord Burnett, the Lord Chief Justice, Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Baker outlined their decision in a written ruling published on Friday. Care workers could be committing an offence if they arranged for a man with mental health disabilities to visit a sex worker, three Court of Appeal judges have ruled Mr Justice Hayden, who is based in the Family Division of the High Court in London, had earlier this year considered the 27-year-old man's case at a hearing in the Court of Protection. This is where judges make rulings relating to people who lack the mental capacity to take decisions. The judge ruled that that care workers would not commit an offence, under the 2003 the Sexual Offences Act if they made 'practical arrangements' for the man to visit a sex worker in circumstances where he had the mental capacity to consent to sex, and decide to have contact with a sex worker, but not the mental capacity to make the arrangements himself. Lawyers representing justice ministers challenged the ruling. They argued that Mr Justice Hayden had misinterpreted legislation and said sanctioning the use of a sex worker was 'contrary to public policy'. Appeal judges concluded that legislation had been misinterpreted. Lord Burnett, the Lord Chief Justice, allowed the appeal. He, along with Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Baker outlined their decision in a written ruling published on Friday Lord Burnett said: 'I would allow the appeal on the basis that the arrangements envisaged for securing the services of a sex worker would place the care workers concerned in peril of committing an offence contrary to section 39 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.' He said section 39 of the Sexual Offences Act was concerned with 'sensitive moral and ethical issues in the field of penal policy'. He added: 'One of its purposes is to throw a general cloak of protection around a large number of vulnerable people in society with a view to reducing the risk of harm to them. Mr Justice Hayden, who is based in the Family Division of the High Court in London, had earlier this year considered the 27-year-old man's case at a hearing in the Court of Protection 'To the extent that the provision discriminates against people in (the man's) position by comparison with others in the care of the state (or more broadly) it represents the considered view of Parliament striking balances in these difficult areas.' Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Baker said they agreed. Lord Burnett said in view of the conclusion reached on Mr Justice Hayden's interpretation of legislation, it had been unnecessary for appeal judges to consider whether involvement by care workers in facilitating the man's use of a prostitute would be 'contrary to public policy'. Mr Justice Hayden had ruled that the man could not be named in media reports of the case. Andrew Neil could join the BBC once again after a meeting with Director-General Tim Davie in the wake of quitting as chairman and presenter of GB News. Davie met Neil in the aftermath of his dramatic GB News exit, when the pair enjoyed a 'constructive conversation'. Although no job offers were made, the talks suggested that Davie could clear a path for the presenter to return. Andrew Neil could end up joining the BBC once again after meeting with BBC's Director-General Tim Davie to help repair the relationship after Neil left 'under a cloud' last year According to The Times, the discussion proved to help build back a relationship after Neil left the BBC under a cloud last year by Davie's decision to axe The Andrew Neil Show. Neil said he could not repair the 'damage done'. In an attempt to shore up the BBC's impartiality credentials, the Director-General is said to be 'keen' to hire from all sides of the political spectrum. One insider said: 'He was the token right-winger at the BBC. 'There's always been an argument that Davie's error in allowing him to leave could only be rectified by his return.' Director-General Tim Davie is said to be 'keen' to hire from all sides of the political spectrum in an attempt to shore up the BBC's impartiality credentials The BBC's Director of News and Current Affairs, Fran Unsworth, quit in September amid a 'bias row' over the appointment of left-winger Jess Brammar as executive news editor. Whoever takes Unsworth's position will be crucial in the restoration of Neil and his Wednesday evening show. Andrew Neil hosted just eight shows on GB News before confirming he had left the channel in September, three months after its launch. Andrew Neil launched GB News in June with Neil saying it would not 'slavishly follow the existing news agenda' but quit with this fleeting Tweet in September The 72-year-old broadcaster initially told viewers he was taking a break from the channel, less than two weeks after going on air. GB News would not 'slavishly follow the existing news agenda', said Neil, and instead would cover 'the stories that matter to you and those that have been neglected'. He added that the channel would deliver 'a huge range of voices that reflect the views and values of our United Kingdom'. Australia will fast-track its Covid-19 vaccine booster program to as early as next week. Health minister Greg Hunt said the approval for the third dose of Pfizer will likely be granted by mid next week with the booster then made available 'immediately'. Aged-care residents and frontline healthcare workers who received their vaccine at the start of the year will be first in line to receive the extra jab. It comes as fears continue to grow over immunity to the virus begins to wane months after residents have received their second jab. Australia will fast-track its Covid-19 vaccine booster program to as early as next week Health minister Greg Hunt said the approval for the third dose of Pfizer will likely be granted by mid next week with the booster then made available 'immediately 'We've said the commencement date for aged-care in reach is the 8th of November, but indeed some facilities may be able to begin by the end of next week,' Mr Hunt said. 'And if we were to receive that approval by the end of next week, we will be in a position to start the general population on a booster as they come due.' All Australians aged over 12 are likely to be offered Covid-19 vaccine booster shots, and may be required to have them in order to retain a vaccine passport. Australians who have had two doses of Pfizer will get Pfizer for their booster. Those who had two doses of Moderna will get a third shot of Moderna. Those who had two doses of AstraZeneca can be given either Pfizer or Moderna for their booster. Residents who received their second dose of AstraZeneca after waiting eight weeks - instead of the recommended 12- have been told not to delay getting their booster. NSW chair of the Royal Australian College of GPs Dr Charlotte Hespe said they should get the third dose six months after their last one. 'If you did have your AstraZeneca at a timeframe of less than 12 weeks, please do try and make sure your booster is at six months rather than, perhaps, delaying it until 10 months; do not wait for your booster,' she said. Residents who received their second dose four to six weeks after their first one have a 55.1 per cent protection rate against symptomatic Covid-19. The percentage increased to 59.9 per cent for people who waited eight weeks, and 81.3 per cent for people who waited 12 weeks. Mr Hunt would not confirm whether or not Australians will need to prove they've had a third jab in order to travel internationally. 'I will follow medical advice on that and I won't speculate on passports. That is very much medical question with the science to flow over the coming months,' he said. It comes as Australia achieves the 'key milestone' of a 70 per cent double vaccination rate in over 16s. Professor Kelly said he would wait for further scientific advice before deciding the timeframe between second and third doses. 'All of the booster programs around the world have picked a time after the second dose of the vaccine, that has varied in some countries, so we will see what the advice is from ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation).' All Australians aged over 12 are likely to be offered Covid-19 vaccine booster shots, and may be required to have them in order to retain a vaccine passport Mr Hunt would not confirm whether or not Australians will need to prove they've had a third jab in order to travel internationally Professor Kelly said priority groups in phases 1a and 1b of the vaccine rollout would be 'first in line because they are now six or more months after the second dose.' He said Israel's booster shot program, which began in July, has shown that third doses are safe and effective in all age groups. On October 8 Australia's vaccine scientists recommended Covid vaccine booster shots for 500,000 severely immunocompromised Australians over 12. They are being given a third shot between two and six months after their second dose. The boosters are either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, even if their initial jabs were AstraZeneca. Some scientists forecast people will need a Covid vaccine once a year as the virus continues to mutate - but Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said he hoped three doses would give lifelong immunity. 'A third dose is likely to be last dose that you have to do [in your life],' he said earlier this month. ATAGI said it does not recommend subsequent doses beyond the third dose at this time. The south-east of Australia is set to be battered by wild weather with Victoria bracing for a thunderstorm asthma event and NSW and Queensland for a supercell storm. The Victorian Department of Health issued a moderate thunderstorm asthma risk for the Northern Country, North East and East Gippsland areas on Saturday. Thunderstorm asthma refers to the phenomenon when high levels of pollen combine with a thunderstorm and cause breathing difficulties in residents. Symptoms can include tightness in chest, wheezing and persistent coughing. The Victorian Department of Health issued a moderate thunderstorm asthma risk for the Northern Country, North East and East Gippsland areas on Saturday Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain are also expected to batter New South Wales and Queensland The last big thunderstorm asthma event to hit Victoria led to 10 deaths and more than 14,000 people presenting with symptoms in 2016. Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain are also expected to batter NSW and QLD. The damaging weather comes despite NSW experiencing nothing but clear blue skies and temperatures eight degrees above average at the start of the weekend. Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Hugh McDowell warned the day could quickly take a turn. 'It's going to look nice, it's going to look like a decent day to get out and enjoy the weather with your family and friends,' Mr McDowell said. A cold front hitting the southeast could create a line of storms in the afternoon, with likely severe storms predicted for an area stretching from Dubbo to Coffs Harbour. 'It's a large area where thunderstorms are possible but not all areas are going to see thunderstorms and they won't all be severe,' Mr McDowell said. The severe thunderstorms could carry with them heavy rain, large hail and damaging winds. Mr McDowell said people should keep an eye on the skies and BoM's social media accounts. 'If you see something brewing on the horizon have a look... there could be warnings, there could be a severe thunderstorm heading towards your location,' Mr McDowell said. The heavy rainfall in Queensland will come just days after the largest hailstones on record smashed the Sunshine state on Tuesday BoM said hail 16cm wide that fell at Yalboroo, north of Mackay in north Queensland, was a new Australian record The heavy rainfall in Queensland will come just days after the largest hailstones on record smashed the Sunshine state on Tuesday. BoM said hail 16cm wide that fell at Yalboroo, north of Mackay in north Queensland, was a new Australian record. 'The previous record was 14cm observed in south-east Queensland last year,' the BoM. 'The atmosphere was extremely unstable, which allowed hail to continue growing before gravity forced it to the ground.' The previous record hail fell during severe thunderstorms in southeast Queensland on October 31 last year. 'Hail that size has a terminal velocity of well over 100km an hour,' forecaster Shane Kennedy told the ABC. The roof of a Lowes store in Toormina, south of Coffs Harbour, collapsed under the weight of water, forcing the evacuation of 400 people from the shopping centre Severe storms also hit northern NSW including the Coffs Harbour and surrounding towns, including damaging hail and winds. The roof of a Lowes store in Toormina, south of Coffs Harbour, collapsed under the weight of water, forcing the evacuation of 400 people from the shopping centre. SES Coffs Harbour said it was responding to more than 200 callouts about damage to properties and cars across Coffs Harbour, Toormina and Sawtell. The heavy storm followed tornadoes seen on Monday near Pittsworth, west of Toowoomba, and in Bracewell, near Gladstone. U.S. regional airline SkyWest canceled over a thousand flights between Thursday and Friday due to an 'internal technical issue'. SkyWest -which is in partnership with airlines such as United, Delta, American and Alaska - had suffered a system outage that canceled 700 flights on Thursday and another 500 on Friday. The five-hour outage left passengers stranded at various airports, either from cancellations or delays, and grounded planes as well as flight crews. Passengers traveling with the regional airline have been advised to check the status of their flight in advance in case of a cancellation or delay. US regional airline SkyWest canceled over a thousand flights between Thursday and Friday due to a system outage The five hour Thursday outage had caused 700 flights to be canceled that day and another 500 on Friday 'While our servers were restored Thursday evening, we are still experiencing operational disruption as we work to get crew and aircraft into position, with approximately 500 flights cancelled Friday,' SkyWest said in a statement. 'We apologize to customers for the inconvenience and remain focused on efforts to return to normal operations as quickly as possible.' The airlines in partnership with SkyWest have continued to be forced to cancel and delay flights. The Utah-based carrier makes about 2,300 daily departures between the other airlines and travels to 236 destinations around the continent, according to their site. Passengers were left stranded at airports across the country due to the delays and cancellations American Airlines told USA Today that 170 flights were affected on Thursday and 50 thus far on Friday as they continued to work on rebooking passenger's flights and finding hotel accommodations for them. Alaska Airlines also told the network that 80 of their flights were cancelled and 53 more on Friday. In response to the delays and cancellations, Delta released a statement of their own to apologize to passengers. 'Our technical teams engaged with SkyWest IT to resolve the issue and minimize the impact on our customers,' the statement read. 'We are working with customers directly to accommodate them to their destination as soon as possible and apologize for the inconvenience.' Angry passengers took to Twitter in anger of the delays and cancellations It didn't take long for passengers to go on a Twitter tirade in anger over the situation. '7 hours waiting only to be cancelled after being told flight was available, one user wrote. 'Unbelievably terrible service.' 'Booked a flight for a last minute trip to New Jersey for my grandpa's funeral and saw this alert on the @united app,' another wrote. 'Please tell me this will be fixed by tomorrow morning. Are we going to have a #Southwest situation here?' 'Thanks @SkyWestAirlines for the cancelled flight today,' another wrote. 'Your server outage put your airline out of business today & cost me over $4,200 in lost income. 'Pretty stupid of u to have a single point of failure like that. I have 1 pissed off client, you have thousands #skywest.' According to their website, SkyWest makes about 2,300 daily departures to 236 North American destinations This is not the first U.S. airline incident that has recently occurred. Southwest Airlines had cancelled more than 2,000 flights over the Columbus Day weekend due to a combination of inclement weather, staff shortages and issues with air traffic control. The combination of delays and cancellations between October 8 and October 13 had cost the airline $75 million. Anti-vaxxers have gathered at a popular Melbourne dining strip to protest the state's Covid vaccination rules. Dozens of demonstrators lined Acland street's dining precinct in St Kilda for a sit-in picnic protest on Saturday, calling for an end to 'vaccination segregation'. Organisers encouraged protesters via Telegram to gather along the footpath, starting at the Barkly Street end side before indicating a march could proceed to Luna Park. 'This is a peaceful picnic to highlight the segregation in our state,' a post on the encrypted app said. Anti-vaxxers stage a 'picnic protest' on a popular dining strip in St Kilda, Melbourne on Saturday (pictured) Organisers encouraged protesters via Telegram to gather along the footpath, starting at the Barkly Street end side (pictured, demonstrators gather protesting vaccination mandates) The post also claimed the protest was for 'every day people who do not want to be outcast' for refusing the Covid-19 vaccination. An employee from a local gelato shop, who asked to remain anonymous, told Daily Mail Australia she was worried customers were avoiding the store because of the protesters. 'They're invading the space... I'm worried people who are vaccinated won't come in,' she said. Victoria police confirmed they were aware of planned protests and had a 'highly visible' police presence in the area (pictured, officers patrolling St Kilda on Saturday) One local cafe worker said the anti-vax demonstrators were 'passive' and 'kept to themselves' Protesters organised a sit in 'picnic protest' against rules banning unvaccinated people from entering venues and shops (pictured, demonstrators gather on Acland Street, St Kilda) 'We might be losing customers... there are all these police around.' She estimated there were roughly 50-100 protesters lined outside the footpath of the business who began gathering at about 1pm. 'It's very uncomfortable for us to have to experience this,' she added. Another worker at a local cafe, who asked not to be named, said the business was unbothered by the demonstration. 'It's pretty passive, it's not really affecting our business,' she said. 'Even though it's right out the front they're keeping to themselves.' Victoria police confirmed it was aware of planned protests in Melbourne on Saturday and had an increased police presence in the area. Protesters gather outside businesses as lockdown was lifted for fully-vaxxed Melburnians (pictured) A worker at a local gelato shop said she saw 50-100 protesters lined along the footpath outside her business on Saturday Telegram posts claimed the demonstration was for the 'every day people who do not want to be outcast' for refusing the Covid-19 vaccination 'There will be a highly visible police presence in the area to ensure the safety of the community and to ensure the Chief Health Officer directions are being adhered to,' it said. This comes as anti-vaxxers in Victoria revealed they have been successfully sneaking into pubs and restaurants without being asked for proof of vaccination. Boasting about their exploits on social media anti-vaxxers revealed how they have skipped QR check-ins and vaccine passport checks across the state. Public Order police were lined up by a side street as anti-vaxxers protested on Acland Street in St Kilda Hospitality venues, retail stores and beauty salons are only allowed to cater to double-jabbed residents since lockdown was eased on Thursday. Premier Dan Andrews took a bold stance promising that unvaccinated residents would not enjoy the same freedoms until 'well into 2022'. But anti-vaxxers unwilling to wait until next year to return to stores claim they have been able to slip past check-in systems with some visiting pubs and hair salons. Defiant shoppers also launched a social media campaign encouraging residents to post a photo of their exploits and shame businesses that refuse them entry. 'Be a part of #Danslockoutfail by highlighting how the Victorian government will once again fail to enforce its disgraceful mandates,' the campaign poster read. The poster encouraged people to visit a venue or shop without showing their vaccination status and to name and shame the businesses on social media who refused them entry. Stay-at-home orders were lifted for the double jabbed on Thursday as the state hit 70 per cent vaccination coverage after more than 260 days in lockdown. The U.S. military says it killed a senior al-Qaeda leader in an airstrike Friday in northwest Syria. Army Maj. John Rigsbee, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, said in a statement that Abdul Hamid al-Matar was killed by a drone strike. Rigsbee said the killing of al-Matar will disrupt al-Qaeda's 'ability to further plot and carry out global attacks threatening U.S. citizens, our partners, and innocent civilians.' The strike was conducted using a MQ-9 aircraft. Army Maj. John Rigsbee, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, said in a statement that Abdul Hamid al-Matar was killed by a drone strike. The strike was conducted using a MQ-9 aircraft (like the one pictured above) He said al-Qaeda 'uses Syria as a base for threats reaching into Syria, Iraq and beyond.' The drone strike came two days after a U.S. military outpost in southern Syria was hit by a coordinated attack that included drones and rockets. U.S. officials said no American troops stationed there were injured or killed. The audio recordings of 911 calls made by the crew of Alec Baldwin's film Rust have revealed desperate attempts to save their colleague, and allegations of negligence. Mamie Mitchell, the script supervisor of the film, made the call after Baldwin accidentally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, and director Joel Souza, 48. The group were filming the Western film in the desert outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Thursday when the tragedy happened. In her call, Mitchell, a veteran script supervisor with credits dating back to 1974, points the finger at the assistant director, accusing him of negligence. Mitchell calls 911 and tells the woman answering: 'We need an ambulance out at Bonanza Creek Ranch right now. We have had two people accidentally shot on a movie set accidentally.' While she is on the phone, Mitchell is instructing another person to 'clear the road' to allow the ambulance easy access to the site. An inconsolable Alec Baldwin is shown, left, on Thursday outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office after accidentally shooting and killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, right A devastated Baldwin is pictured bent over outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's office on Thursday after speaking to investigators The Rust set is cordoned off on Thursday with yellow tape following the fatal shooting An aerial view of the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, where the movie was being filmed A vehicle from the Office of the Medical Investigator enters the front gate leading to the Bonanza Creek Ranch on Friday, after Rust Director of Photography Halyna Hutchins was killed and director Joel Souza was injured on set Mitchell is then transferred to the Santa Fe fire and EMS, and, sounding panicked, urges a swift response. 'Bonanza Creek ranch. We have had two people accidentally shot on a movie set by a prop gun. 'We need help immediately. Bonanza Creek ranch. Come on.' The 911 operators then asks Mitchell for her details. Mitchell, who has worked on films including No Country For Old Men, Sicario and 3:10 to Yuma, can be heard saying: 'It sounds like somebody else is calling for ambulances. 'Everybody should be. We need some help. 'Our director and our camerawoman has been shot.' Baldwin and Hutchins (circled) are pictured together on the set of Rust, in an image that she uploaded to Instagram two days before the fatal shooting Baldwin is seen in costume, covered with fake blood, in an image posted to Instagram She then asks someone on set: 'Are they going to take him to the road?' The 911 operator asks: 'So, was it loaded with a real bullet or what?' Mitchell replies: 'I don't, I cannot tell you that. We have two injuries from a movie gunshot.' While the phone operator is inputting the details, Mitchell can be heard telling someone else: 'OK, this f****** AD that yelled at me at lunch asking about revisions, this motherf*****. Joel Souza, the director of Rust, is seen in November 2019. He was reportedly shot in the shoulder 'Did you see him lean over my desk and yell at me? He's supposed to check the guns. He's responsible for what happened.' According to a search warrant filed in a Santa Fe court, the gun was one of three that the film's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, had set on a cart outside the wooden structure where a scene was being acted. Assistant director Dave Halls grabbed the gun from the cart and brought it inside to Baldwin, unaware that it was loaded with live rounds, a detective wrote in the search warrant application. It is not known whether Mitchell was referring Halls in the audio. It was unclear how many rounds were fired. Gutierrez removed a shell casing from the gun after the shooting, and she turned the weapon over to police when they arrived, the court records say. On the call, the 911 operator tries to ask Mitchell how many people were injured and, confused, Mitchell replies: 'No, no, I'm a script supervisor.' The operator asks again, and Mitchell says: 'Two that I know of. I was sitting there rehearsing and it went off and I ran out. We all went out there, but doubled over the camerawoman and the director.' A search warrant released Friday said that armorer Hannah Gutierrez (left) laid out three prop guns on a cart outside the filming location, and assistant director Dave Halls (right) grabbed the gun from the cart and brought it inside to Baldwin. It is not known whether Mitchell was referring Halls in the audio She tells another person: 'They are clearing the road, can you go back - back in the town, back in the Western camp.' The operator asks if there is any serious bleeding, and Mitchell, flustered, hands the phone over to a man. 'Hello?' the man says. 'Hi, I have a protocol of questions I need to ask. If you could answer them as best you can,' the 911 operator says. 'Are they completely alert?' The man replies: 'Yes, they are alert.' The operator asks if the bleeding is controlled, and the man replies: 'Let's see if I'm allowed to get closer... No.' It is unclear if he is saying that the bleeding is not controlled, or that he is not able to get closer. Production of the film has stopped now in light of the tragedy. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department is investigating and 'collecting evidence', a spokesman said on Friday 'We've got one laying down,' he tells the operator, adding that they are near gate one and have a van ready to escort the ambulances quickly to the precise spot. A woman then calls back saying: 'Hi, I am calling back from Bonanza Creek Ranch. We actually need two ambulances not one.' The operator replies: 'OK, so we're doing a call now for somebody else and we'll get two up to you.' The woman, her voice showing the strain, replies: 'OK. And that's 10 to 15 minutes?' 'I don't know - we're getting them right now, to you now,' the operator replies. 'What? What?' the woman says, sounding panicked as she speaks to someone else. 'We have two ambulances heading your way.' 'What?' the woman says, then returns speaking to the operator: 'OK, thank you.' The operator replies: 'You're welcome, bye.' Mitchell later said she was standing next to Hutchins when she was shot. 'I ran out and called 911 and said 'Bring everybody, send everybody,' Mitchell told The Associated Press. 'This woman is gone at the beginning of her career. She was an extraordinary, rare, very rare woman.' Mitchell said she and other crew members were attending a private memorial service Friday night in Santa Fe. Baldwin described the killing as a 'tragic accident.' 'There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation,' Baldwin wrote on Twitter. 'My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.' No immediate charges were filed, and sheriff's spokesman Juan Rios said Baldwin was permitted to travel. 'He's a free man,' Rios said. A young boy has suffered head injuries after falling from a rope swing during a camping trip. The boy was at staying at a camp site on Stanley Pocket Road, Crossdale, about 90 minutes north of Brisbane on Saturday when the accident happened. He was rushed to hospital at 8.30am with head injuries after falling head-first onto hard ground from the swing an hour earlier. A child has been rushed to hospital with head injuries after falling head-first onto hard ground from a rope swing while camping The boy was airlifted by LifeFlight Rescue helicopter to the Queensland Children's Hospital in Brisbane The boy was using the rope swing, which is over ground rather than water, when he fell 2.5 metres and landed on on his head causing immediate fears for his wellbeing. Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics were called to the scene, arriving at 8.30am. They treated the child on site for head injuries but it was decided he urgently needed further care. The boy was airlifted by LifeFlight Rescue helicopter to the Queensland Children's Hospital in Brisbane. A QAS spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the boy was in a 'serious but stable condition'. Manhattan parents were outraged when they learned that city officials stuck five registered sex offenders, including two convicted pedophiles, into a homeless shelter last year about a block away from an elementary school. City officials placed registered sex offenders Thomas Libby, Lonzel McNeil, Lee Jackson, Francis Harrison and Curtis Thompson in the Radisson Hotel at 52 William St. in 2020 amid the pandemic. The shelter is a one-minute walk away from the $36,000-a-year Pine Street Elementary School, in Manhattan's Financial District, and both McNeil and Jackson have history of sex offense crimes involving minor. 'I am not opposed to helping those in need and providing shelters for the homeless in my community, but I am against placing violent pedophiles with a block of schools,' one local mother told the New York Post. The city's Department of Homeless Services said in a statement that the issue had been corrected and that 'at this time there are no [registered sex offenders] currently residing at this location.' Lonzel McNeil, right, and Lee Jackson are both registered sex offenders who were convicted of sexually assaulting minors in Brooklyn Registered sex offenders (L-R) Francis Harrison, Curtis Thompson and Thomas Libby all stayed in the Radisson Hotel until outrage game from local parents The hotel served as a temporary homeless shelter during the early months of Covid before being converted into a permanent shelter by late 2020 The hotel lies a black away from the Pine Street Elementary School, pictured Online records show that McNeil, 53, had been convicted of raping an 11-year-old girl in Brooklyn in 1993 and was paroled in 2000. Jackson, 42, is a Level 3 sexually violent offender, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl in Brooklyn in 2005. Jackson, who was paroled in 2016, was also convicted of manslaughter. Neither men are on parole, so they could bypass New York State laws prohibiting sex offenders from living 1,000 feet from a school or other facility caring for children while on parole or probation. The Radisson is not only located a block away from the Pine Street School, but it also stands 500 feet from two other schools and a daycare center. The two men, along with the other three sex offenders, were moved into the Radisson Hotel in late 2020 as the city set up an emergency homeless shelters there due to the pandemic. It was later turned into a permanent shelter, The New York Times reported. This was the second such case where the city's Department of Homeless Services place sex offenders near a school. The Department of Homeless Services had also placed sex offenders in the Belleclaire hotel last year, pictured, which lies near an elementary school playground In August 2020, the department used the Belleclaire hotel in the Upper West Side to house at least six sex offenders on parole despite the fact that it was just a block away from an elementary school playground. Since the sex offenders were on parole, the housing location would be illegal under New York State law. Don Parker, 52, a homeless man living in the Radisson, told the NY Post that while residents were thankful for the housing opportunity, he was upset to learn that he had been living with convicted pedophiles. 'If you got kids you should feel the same way. There are certain things you just don't do,' Parker said. Davis School District Superintendent Reid P. Newey is seen above A federal civil rights investigation released Thursday found widespread racial harassment of black and Asian American students at a Utah school district, including hundreds of documented uses of the N-word and other racial epithets over the last five years. The probe also found physical assaults, derogatory racial comments and harsher discipline for students of color at Davis School District in Farmington, the Department of Justices Civil Rights Division said in a statement. The district has agreed to take several steps as part of a settlement agreement, including a new department to handle complaints, more training and data collection. Black students throughout the district told investigators about similar experiences of white and non-black students calling them the N-word, referring to them as monkeys or apes and saying that their skin was dirty or looked like feces, according to the departments findings. A Davis School District bus sits at the Bus Farm in Farmington, Utah in a file photo. A federal civil rights investigation released Thursday found widespread racial harassment of black and Asian American students in the district Students also made monkey noises at their black peers, repeatedly referenced slavery and lynching and told black students to 'go pick cotton' and 'you are my slave,' according to the report. The investigation found black students were also disciplined more harshly than their white peers for similar behavior, and were denied the ability to form student groups while supporting similar requests by other students. Asian students were also routinely abused, the investigation found, with peers slinging slurs calling them 'yellow' and 'squinty' and telling them to 'go back to China.' The DOJ probe claimed district officials were 'deliberately indifferent' to the 'racially hostile climate.' Sometimes the offensive behavior even came from district staff, with staff members ridiculing students in front of their peers, the investigation found. District officials admitted to federal investigators that their discipline data from at least four years revealed that staff treated students of color differently than white students, but the district did nothing to correct these disparities, according to the department. Farmington High School is seen above. The DOJ probe claimed district officials were 'deliberately indifferent' to the 'racially hostile climate' 'Pervasive racial harassment and other forms of racial discrimination in public schools violate the Constitution's most basic promise of equal protection,' said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. 'We look forward to Davis demonstrating to its students and school community that it will no longer tolerate racial discrimination in its schools,' she added. The district acknowledged in a statement the investigation revealed incidents that 'were not handled appropriately' and pledged to resolve any previous complaints. 'The district is wholeheartedly committed to creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all students free from harassment and discrimination,' it said. 'We are hopeful that this agreement is the start of a new chapter in which black and Asian-American students will attend Davis schools without fear,' said Andrea Martinez, acting United States attorney for the District of Utah, which released the results of the investigation jointly with the Civil Rights Division. Black and Asian students are each roughly 1 percent of the approximately 73,000 students enrolled in the district north of Salt Lake City. Telstra CEO Andy Penn admits he's missing head office. 'I'm looking forward to getting back into the office; this spell I haven't been back in, I think, three or four months,' he told an online forum this week. But his employees may not be feeling the same, with the release of a report showing Australian workers want a mix of flexible home and office-based work, known as hybrid work. More than half the 1250 employees surveyed for the report said hybrid work is more important to them than a five per cent pay rise. A recent study revealed 'Hybrid work' is more important to Australian office workers than a pay rise (pictured, stock image) The study, commissioned by Telstra, also shows hybrid work could create 42,000 extra full time jobs over the next decade and add $18 billion to the Australian economy. It showed businesses that allow hybrid working are 22 per cent more likely to have higher productivity and, on average, have six per cent more income. 'The companies that are going to be successful in the future will offer people the most flexible way of working,' Mr Penn said. Telstra's 25,000 workers were some of the first to move to home-based work when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the company recently revealed it would continue to let workers choose to work from home. But Mr Penn cautioned that an ongoing hybrid model was not the same as being forced to work from home during the pandemic. Hybrid work could create 42,000 extra full time jobs over the next decade (pictured, Sydney officer workers enjoying lunch) The research, by Deloitte Access Economics, showed 23 per cent of women considered leaving the workforce during 2020, while 24 per cent said they were less likely to return to the office than their spouse. 'Hybrid working does have this significant possibility of increasing participation in the workforce for women,' Clare Harding from Deloitte said. But she said normalising hybrid work for men was also important and corporations allowing flexible work need to be careful their offices don't become male dominated environments. The Commonwealth Bank's group executive for human resources Sian Lewis told the online forum corporations still need to work out how to measure the productivity of people working from home. 'I'm not sure we're that great at measuring the productivity of knowledge workers ... all businesses and organisations are going to have to get better at measuring output,' she said. She also questioned whether the productivity improvements mentioned in the report are the result of real efficiency gains or because work and home life have recently merged in a way that's unsustainable. 'I think there's a whole new set of protocols that we have to think about to make sure that the productivity uplift is both real and sustainable.' The research was conducted by Deloitte Access Economics and the Australian National University using ABS data and a survey of 1250 workers. Telstra has recently cut a third of its employees but Mr Penn told the company's recent AGM further job cuts are off the table. On Saturday, police were seen at family home as taskforce cover 'all avenues' Four-year-old could be 'anywhere in Australia' as police receive hundreds of tips Youngster vanished from tent she was sharing with family in Western Australia Smith's disappearance is now being treated as a likely abduction by police Forensic investigators have turned their attention to four-year-old Cleo Smith's family home in a bid to cover 'all avenues' - as her mother shared another heartbreaking post on Instagram begging for Australians to help find her little girl. Cleo vanished from a tent at a camping site near Carnarvon on the northwest coast of Western Australia on October 16 with police believing the youngster was abducted - rather than wandering away by herself. Police were spotted at the family home on Saturday, stating they are exploring 'all possible avenues' as part of their ongoing investigation. They are exploring the idea what whoever took Cleo from the tent may have visited the home beforehand - meaning the abduction was pre-meditated, West Australian reported. A green spray used to detect fingerprints was spotted on the fence line but police haven't entered the house. At the same time Cleo's mother shared on her Instagram page: 'Please come home to me. Any information big or small. Find my little girl.' Four-year-old Cleo Smith vanished from a popular campsite on the northwest coast of Western Australia on October 16 Her shattered mother Ellie (pictured with her partner) has posted a number of times on Instagram, pleading for information about her little girl There are mounting fears for little Cleo Smith's (pictured with her mum Ellie and partner Jake Gliddon) safety after she went missing at a remote campsite There is a $1million reward for information leading to the youngster's return. But despite the incentive some campers who were at the Blowholes campsite where little Cleo vanished a week ago have failed to identify themselves. Police earlier said everyone staying in the area was a person of interest and needed to speak with officers so they could be eliminated as suspects. Acting police commissioner Col Blanch confirmed investigators are 'considering any possibility' and that they are 'hoping for answers from the community'. Despite a reward being issued for $1 million the whereabouts of Cleo Smith still remains unknown The adult-sized sleeping bag Cleo was sleeping in has also disappeared, police confirmed Cleo was reported missing by her frantic parents around 6am last Saturday when they woke to find her and her sleeping bag missing. She was sharing the tent with her mother, stepdad and baby sister Isla, who was still in her cot. She was last seen when she woke Ms Smith at about 1.30am to ask for a sip of water. When Ms Smith got up again at about 6am to feed Cleo's sister, she realised something was wrong. Detectives have confirmed known sex offenders were in the area at the time Cleo vanished but there are currently no suspects. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A timeline of Cleo's mysterious disappearance: From the family's arrival at the campsite to the fateful moment her mother realised she was gone A paramedic mother-of-two has tragically lost her battle with cervical cancer after two 'hard' years - as her close friends reveal they will keep her legacy alive through a charity to help save other women. Kara Dowling, 35, from Melbourne, found out she had cervical cancer in early 2019. Kara, along with her partner Mike and her family, were relentless in their search for life-saving treatment, as she underwent numerous chemotherapy and radiation treatments, surgery and immunotherapy. The mother-of-two fought for two years but treatment was unsuccessful and she found out in September there was nothing more doctors could do. She was moved to palliative care, where her health quickly declined, and she passed away on October 6. Friends will remember Kara as a loving partner to Mike and a devoted mother to her two sons Lachie, five, and Jimmy, three. Kara Dowling (left), 35, from Melbourne, fought for two years against cervical cancer, but was told in September that her cancer was no longer treatable, before passing away on October 6 Kara was described as a loving partner to Mike and a devoted mother-of-two to her two sons Lachie, aged 5, and Jimmy, aged 3 Rowie Webster, a triple Olympian in water polo, was a friend of Kara's for 23 years. Ms Webster told 7NEWS.com.au that Kara's battle with cancer was lengthy and difficult. 'There were times where we thought she had beaten cancer. We were celebrating and then unfortunately like most cancers they grow back,' she told the publication. As well as being a loving mother, Kara was a supportive friend and was devoted to her job as an Ambulance Victoria paramedic. Ms Webster said Kara, who she had known since Year 4 at school, was high-spirited, intelligent, and quick-witted and was always willing to assist others in need in her community. Kara was also devoted to being an Ambulance Victoria paramedic Kara enjoyed her last days with her two sons and partner before she died, and she was able to witness her beloved Melbourne Demons win the 2021 AFL premiership. Ms Webster, a fellow Melbourne Demons supporter, said it was a wish of Kara's to see the Demons take home the trophy, and it was a special moment for the pair when it happened. When Kara received the tragic news that her cancer was no longer treatable, her friends rallied around her to build a lasting legacy. Charity Colours 4 Kara was founded to support Kara and her family during her battle, just like she had supported so many before. Kara's friends rallied around her to create a lasting legacy and founded charity Colours 4 Kara, which raises awareness of cervical cancer and the need to get regular health checks (Pictured: Kara with a colleague) The charity was also created to raise awareness of cervical cancer and to urge people to get vaccinated and have regular screenings. 'Basically the mission for Colours 4 Kara was to increase awareness of cervical cancer and the importance of self-care,' Ms Webster explained. Kara's legacy of encouraging people to speak about their health and receive regular health checks is now embedded in the charity. Ms Webster said: 'The fight was over for her but in time, hopefully not many other women have to go through what her and her family went through.' Colours 4 Kara is now helping Kara's partner Mike raise their two son's Lachie and Jimmy. A portion of the proceeds are also donated to charities that help women like Kara, including the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation and Mummies Wish. Supermarkets using cardboard cutouts of fruit and vegetables to mask food shortages were ridiculed online by social media users today. Customers at stores including Tesco, Sainsbury's and Boots poked fun at the shops with photos of fake food in the place of empty shelves. Issues in supply chains have hit many retailers, from toy shops and petrol stations to food shops. One Twitter user wrote: 'Mmmm, delicious photos of asparagus,' while another commented on an enlarged picture of the vegetable piled up, 'I love that asparagus grows to this size in the UK. It's our climate, I'm sure.' Supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's and Boots have used cardboard cutouts of food as a way to supposedly hide empty shelves Boots at Croydon Whitgift Centre used empty triangular cardboard boxes to bolster their sandwich aisle Tesco used photos of asparagus, oranges, carrots and grapes printed on cardboard panels instead of offering its customers the real thing. Meanwhile, Boots at Croydon Whitgift Centre used empty triangular cardboard boxes to bolster their sandwich shelves. Shoppers saw cardboard asparagus in London, pictures of oranges and grapes in Milton Keynes, fake carrots in Fakenham, and 2D bottles of washing liquid bottles in Cambridge. Social media users poked fun at shops using photographs of produce to compensate for empty shelves Twitter user Cait McLaughlin joked 'Mmmm delicious photo of asparagus' as a picture of the vegetable was pasted on a cardboard cutout Sainsbury's also employed outline drawings of packaging to fill its empty shelves. Low wages and shortages of workers in part owing to Brexit and Covid has left Britain with a shortage of HGV drivers as well as fruit pickers on farms and food processing staff at factories. Although some experts hope in the long-term this will drive up wages for British workers, the short term consequence of the shortages included bare aisles at supermarkets. It wasn't just food but washing liquid bottles as well that got the two-dimensional treatment in some of Britain's supermarkets Empty shelves in a Sainsburys supermarket in London Colney, Hertfordshire. Millions of shoppers have been unable to buy essential foods in recent weeks Yet Food and Drink Federation chief Ian Wright said supply chain issues will continue to cause issues in Britain. He said: 'It's going to get worse, and it's not going to get better after getting worse any time soon.' Speaking to listeners at an event organised by the Institute for Government, he added: 'The result of the labour shortages is that the just-in-time system that has sustained supermarkets, convenience stores and restaurants so the food has arrived on a shelf or in the kitchen, just when you need it is no longer working. A survey of 1,000 consumers by The Grocer revealed that two thirds of shoppers were either worried or 'very worried' by potential shortages of food and drink ahead of the festive season Early shoppers pictured at Costco in Manchester. Britain has been plagued by a series of crises in recent weeks, with soaring gas prices and HGV shortages causing chaos A shopper is pictured pushing a trolley loaded with toilet roll and water bottles outside Costco in Manchester 'And I don't think it will work again, I think we will see we are now in for permanent shortages.' The farm-to-fork supply chain is missing around half a million of the four million people that usually work in the sector. Mr Wright said staff shortage did not mean the UK would run out of food but said higher-margin products would be prioritised by retailers. Issues in supply chains have hit many retailers, from toy shops and petrol stations to food shops. Pictured: Empty shelves at a supermarket in London 'That's a first-world problem. Nobody's going to be completely bereft if they can't get bottled water,' he said. 'But what is changing now is that the UK shopper and consumer could have previously have expected just about every product they want to be on a shelf or in the restaurant all the time. That's over, and I don't think it's coming back.' A Tesco spokesman told MailOnline: 'For the images that contain fresh food, we have these available for selected large stores to use when there is additional space. 'These have been in use for many months now and are not connected to the recent supply chain challenges. Overall availability remains strong.' A Sainsbury's spokeswoman said: 'Our colleagues and suppliers are working hard to make sure customers can find everything they need when they shop with us. 'Availability in some product categories may vary but alternatives are available and stores continue to receive deliveries daily.' Boots have been contacted for comment. Advertisement The deadly chain of events on set that led to Alec Baldwin being handed a gun with live ammunition and accidentally shooting and killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins have become clearer after it emerged last night the actor fired a live round, believing it to be a blank. The tragic accident came days after Baldwin's stunt double also fired off bullets on the production's set on Saturday after being told the gun was 'cold', a phrase used to signal to cast and crew the gun is not loaded with live or blank ammunition and is safe to fire for the scene. New details of safety issues on set emerged as the production's armorer was named by a search warrant released on Friday as 24-year-old Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the daughter of legendary Hollywood armorer and firearms consultant Thell Reed, and revealed she was leading firearms on a film set for only the second time. Baldwin accidentally killed Hutchins when he aimed and fired towards a camera operated by the cinematographer, striking her in the chest and director Joel Souza in the shoulder. After firing the shot, Baldwin was heard saying: 'In all my years, I've never been handed a hot gun.' Experts yesterday told DailyMail.com safety on set is usually extremely tight with live bullets never used in filming and it remains unclear why a firearm loaded with live ammunition was on the Rust set at all. A warrant released on Friday revealed the gun was laid out by Gutierrez-Reed and handed to Baldwin by assistant director Dave Halls, who told him it was 'cold'. After firing the gun, Baldwin's immediate reaction was to ask why he'd been handed a 'hot' gun - meaning one containing live bullets (pictured, Baldwin doubled over in the parking lot outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's offices) An inconsolable Alec Baldwin is shown, left, yesterday outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office after accidentally shooting and killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, right Baldwin was handed a gun with live ammunition Minutes before the accident, armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed laid out three prop guns on a cart outside the filming location, a search warrant released on Friday said. First assistant director Dave Halls picked up one of the firearms - a vintage-style Colt revolver, DailyMail.com has exclusively learned - unaware it was loaded with live bullets, a search warrant said. 'Cold gun!' shouted Halls before handing the gun to Baldwin, using the phrase to signal to cast and crew that the gun was safe to fire for the scene, the warrant said. Baldwin, filming a scene inside an Old West-style church, then fired a live round towards the camera, accidentally killing Hutchins as she filmed him, and injuring director Joel Souza, who stood behind her. A search warrant released Friday said that armorer Hannah Gutierrez (left) laid out three prop guns on a cart outside the filming location, and assistant director Dave Halls (right) grabbed the gun from the cart and brought it inside to Baldwin An image taken on the set of Rust shows cast and crew members receiving a safety briefing before filming stunts. The image was uploaded to Instagram a week ago The warrant said that a single bullet struck Hutchins in the chest, and then struck director Joel Souza in the shoulder as he was standing behind her, injuring him, suggesting the bullet traveled all the way through Hutchins' body. After firing the gun, Baldwin's immediate reaction was to ask why he'd been handed a 'hot' gun - meaning one containing live bullets. The gun that fired the fatal shot was a vintage-style Colt revolver, DailyMail.com has exclusively learned. Hutchins was airlifted to the hospital but was pronounced dead. Souza was taken to the hospital by ambulance but was released on Thursday evening. After the shooting, the armorer took possession of the gun and a spent casing, which were turned over to police, along with other prop guns and ammunition used on the set. Baldwin also changed out of the Western costume he was wearing, which was stained with blood, and turned it over to police. The warrant was obtained Friday so that investigators could document the scene at the ranch where the shooting took place. The difference between live rounds and blanks is the tip of the cartridge where the lethal bullet is contained is not there on a blank. Sometimes they are replaced with cotton or paper. Dummy bullets, unlike blanks, look like ordinary bullets but aren't meant to contain the metal bullet tip either The gun that fired the fatal shot was a vintage-style Colt revolver, (pictured) DailyMail.com has exclusively learned Rust was armorer Gutierrez-Reed's second ever film Rust was Gutierrez-Reed's second ever film as armorer after completing her first movie on The Old Way, starring Nicolas Cage. She revealed after filming ended she 'wasn't sure' if she was 'ready' when she took the job. 'I almost didn't take the job because I wasn't sure if I was ready, but doing it, it went really smoothly,' she said in the a podcast interview last month. Gutierrez-Reed, 24, is the daughter of legendary Hollywood armorer and firearms consultant Thell Reed, who trained her from a young age. Halls is a veteran assistant director with scores of credits on productions involving prop guns, including Fargo, The Matrix Reloaded, and the TV cop comedy Reno 911. In 2000, Halls was the second unit's first assistant director on The Crow: Salvation, the sequel to the film in which Bruce Lee's son Brandon Lee was killed in an on-set firearms mishap in 1993. Neither he nor Gutierrez-Reed immediately returned messages from DailyMail.com late on Friday. Neither has been charged or named as a criminal suspect in the case, though a police investigation is ongoing. Why was live ammunition on set at all? Live ammunition is never usually used on film sets and Baldwin's shooting and killing of a cinematographer a 'total mystery', a Hollywood armorer has said. Mike Tristan, 60, who has provided guns for movie sets for over 30 years, said the injuries sustained by Halyna Hutchins, 42, should not have been possible. Tristan, who has worked with Baldwin before, said any professional armorer would have checked the weapon, which he believes was a Western, before handing it to the 63-year-old. 'There should have been blanks in the gun, the on-set armorer's job is to check that before handing the weapon over,' Tristan told Dailymail.com. 'They then make sure that the actor stands on a mark and never points the gun at the crew or cast, you give them an aim to point at and the editing makes it seem like they were pointing at their co-actor. 'That's why everyone in the industry is very confused, how this happened is a total mystery at the moment.' Tristan worked with Baldwin in the 1998 movie Thick as Thieves and says he was a 'total professional'. 'He was great to work with and was very safe,' Tristan said, 'I was surprised to hear it was him, he was always on the mark and very professional, he's not stupid.' Production of the film has stopped now in light of the tragedy. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department is investigating and 'collecting evidence', a spokesman said on Friday The workers were angry that they weren't being put up in Sante Fe, the town nearest the ranch where they were shooting, and instead were being told to drive every night to Albuquerque after long shifts. Some said they were sleeping in their cars at the set to avoid it He added that rumours from the set indicated Hutchins sustained a gruesome wound from the shooting, raising the possibility that a real bullet was used. 'If that's true that would be unheard of, we never ever have real rounds on a set,' added Tristan. 'I've heard of people being hurt by blanks but I don't know how it could have caused that much damage. 'When I provide guns, we use blanks which are brass casings which are crimped and have powder inside them to make the flash, but the worst injury you can get from those is a powder burn, which is a little irritating at most.' Tristan, who has worked with Cristian Bale, Russel Crowe and Bruce Willis, said it was not Baldwin's job to check the gun. He added: 'Someone professional on set should have been handling that gun, this makes no sense.' Tristan said he hoped production had not avoided hiring a professional armorer in a bid to cut costs, which he has heard of happening on other sets. He added: 'It's not dangerous if the proper people are there.' In another dramatic episode on Saturday, Baldwin's stunt double accidentally fired two live rounds after being told the gun was 'cold', witnesses told the Los Angeles Times. 'There should have been an investigation into what happened,' the crew member said, adding there had been three accidental firing incidents on set. 'There were no safety meetings. There was no assurance that it wouldn't happen again. All they wanted to do was rush, rush, rush.' Union members walked off the set over safety concerns hours before the tragedy Unionized staff members on Wednesday walked off the set of Rust, set in 1880's Kansas, which stars Baldwin as the infamous outlaw Harland Rust, whose grandson is sentenced to hang for an accidental murder. They complained about long hours, shoddy conditions and another safety incident days earlier involving 'two misfires' of a prop weapon. Deadline cites an unnamed source who said a gun had gone off 'in a cabin' while someone was holding it, days prior to the shooting that killed Hutchins. 'A gun had two misfires in a closed cabin. They just fired loud pops a person was just holding it in their hands and it went off,' they said, apparently referring to unintentional discharges. Rust Production LLC did not respond to repeated requests for comment from DailyMail.com on Friday about the incident, but members of the union that represents many of the crew who were involved in the production said they had expressed fears about on-set safety. When they turned up to set to clear their things on Thursday, they found they'd been replaced by locals. It begs the question of who those local workers were, what their training was and to what extent did they check the weapon before it was handed to Baldwin. A yet-unnamed prop master who oversaw the gun used in the fatal shooting was a non-union worker who was 'just brought in' to replace the workers who left over safety concerns, a source involved in the movie told the New York Post. Baldwin and Hutchins (circled) are pictured together on the set of Rust, in an image that she uploaded to Instagram two days ago saying the crew of the film were supporting a strike by the IATSE union An aerial view of the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, where the movie was being filmed. Workers had been protesting over the fact production wouldn't pay for them to stay in hotels and motels in Sante Fe, instead forcing them to drive an hour to Albuquerque IATSE Local 44 - whose members were involved in the Rust production - said in a statement to its members that no union members were on the set on Thursday. One text message that was circulating on social media, shared repeatedly by union members, refers to a 'walk out' by staff the day before the tragedy. The text message claims that Halyna was one of the few people who decided to stay. She belonged to IATSE Local 600 and had been campaigning for better conditions for her team when she was killed. Regardless of what may have happened, members of the union IATSE say that multiple gun safety protocols were breached. 'We have a hard and fast rule that no live ammunition ever goes into a prop truck or set at any time. We just don't do it. 'If you see bullets on set they are complete dummy rounds and are in no way functional. This goes back to Brandon Lee. There's protocol. 'Many, many people had to fail at the protocols we set on place for this to happen,' Zachary Knight, a member of the IATSE Local 44 union, told DailyMail.com on Friday. Knight, a licensed pyrotechnic, said the difference in gun laws between New Mexico and California may have contributed to the accident. In California, both a trained armorer and a prop master is required on a film set and those are the standards the union adheres to as well. 'You will find the best and most well-trained individuals in Los Angeles. You can't guarantee that as you go across the country,' he told DailyMail.com on Friday. Union members vented on social media before the tragedy about the poor conditions on the set of the film. They talked about having to sleep in their cars at the set rather than make the drive back to Albuquerque because they were too exhausted In the days before the tragedy, IATSE had been threatening a large-scale strike that would have crippled Hollywood production. Among the complaints were overworking staff and poor rates. Baldwin recorded a video of himself encouraging the union members to strike if they felt they needed to, saying studio bosses 'don't give a f**k about you', that the union shared online. 'There's a direct correlation between maintaining a safe set and the hours that we work. At a certain time there's no such thing as a safe set if we're all exhausted,' Knight, a special effects artist, said. He added that a different union member prop master had been offered the job on Rust, but had turned it down because the pay was too low. That woman and Hutchins were friends. Whatever happened in the moments leading up to her death, Knight said it was caused by a 'cascade of failures' by multiple people. 'There should have never been live rounds on a movie set, that's number one. Number two is every single person on a movie set has a right to inspect a weapon before it's fired. And number three is, there is no reason to ever put a person in front of a weapon that's firing. 'Anytime you see a movie where the barrel is pointed down the camera lens, there should not be an operator behind it. It's obvious that the considerations of this resulted in that gun being pointed directly at two people. 'We would have additionally had a barrier between them. A large number of people failed to do our protocols... every accident is a cascade of events.' Annastacia Palaszczuk has issued a blunt warning to anti-vaxxers as Queensland prepares to finally open its borders in just over a week. Taking to Twitter on Saturday, the premier was direct in her messaging, posting a photo of a watch face that read 'eight days'. 'That's how long you have to get fully vaccinated in time for our borders to open,' she said. 'The higher the vaccination rate, the safer we will be. Make sure you're fully protected before Delta arrives. It's urgent.' By October 31, Queensland residents will have to have received one dose of a Covid vaccine to be completely protected by the state's December 17 plan to re-open their borders. Vaccination rates in the Sunshine State have been slower than the likes of NSW and the ACT - with only 60.01 per cent fully jabbed on Saturday, the second-lowest rate in the nation. Annastacia Palaszczuk has issued a blunt warning to anti-vaxxers as Queensland prepares to finally open its borders in just over a week Taking to social media, the Queensland premier said residents have until the end of October to be fully vaccinated The premier has resorted to setting up pop up clinics in recent weeks outside Bunnings' and state schools in a bid to speed up the process. By December 17, it is anticipated 80 per cent of Queensland's eligible population will be full vaccinated. On Saturday, the premier said border restrictions will 'hopefully never return' in her state once they fully reopen to the rest of Australia. This week Ms Palaszczuk revealed Queensland's long-awaited reopening plan, with the state expecting to welcome back fully vaccinated NSW, Victoria and ACT residents before Christmas. 'From November 19, our borders start opening up gradually. Eventually, on the weekend before Christmas, travel will be almost as it was before Covid,' she posted on social media. 'The date is no accident. It's about reuniting families and loved ones. The only conditions are that travellers are vaccinated and return negative tests before they arrive. 'When we reach 90 per cent - sometime early in the new year - the barricades on the borders come down, hopefully never to return.' The premier also acknowledged the border restrictions have been harsh but necessary. 'I know these measures have caused hardship and pain,' she said. 'But we now have the opportunity to get our population fully vaccinated if we are exposed to a similar outbreak.' Queensland recorded no new locally acquired coronavirus cases on Saturday, mirroring statistics from Friday. Not everyone in Queensland in pro-vaccination, as the state's records show they are behind other states in jab rates The premier has established pop up vaccination clinics at Bunnings to speed up jab rates in the Sunshine State By December 17, it is anticipated 80 per cent of Queensland's eligible population will be full vaccinated (pictured, a pop up clinic at Morayfield State High) The state was on high alert on Thursday after an unvaccinated man in his 30s who travelled from Melbourne to the Gold Coast tested positive. Chief Health Officer Dr Young said the man was placed on high-flow oxygen and is likely to be placed into intensive care. 'He is a very young, fit man who was not vaccinated and he is now extremely sick,' she said. 'The best thing we can all do to protect ourselves is to get vaccinated so we don't end up in that situation.' One of Britain's richest men claimed up to 6million in furlough money to support staff in his hospitality businesses. John Christodoulou told a London audience that he had not borrowed any money and had not had to sack anyone who worked for him due to the pandemic, according to The Times. Mr Christodoulou is one of Britain's richest men with a net worth of over 2billion in May according to The Sunday Times Rich List. The money was claimed for four shell companies which do not list Mr Christodoulou as a director but are under his control. Mr Christodoulou owns a 40m yacht berthed in Monaco where the Cypriot billionaire lives Blue Manchester, Blue Liverpool, YFSCR and Octagon Pier claimed between 1.3million and 2.9million in furlough cash between December 2020 and June 2021. HM Revenue and Customs have declined to release figures from before December but these four companies would have been able to claim up to 6.5million since the beginning of the furlough scheme in April 2020. Mr Christodoulou told an event at the National Union of Cypriots in June that: 'We borrowed no money from the government. 'Not just because I didn't feel it's the right thing to do [but] because it shows the wrong sign.' He also claimed that he did not have to sack anyone who worked for him due to the pandemic. The Cypriot recently hosted England's Euro 2020 stars Mason Mount, Luke Shaw and Declan Rice on his 40million yacht, Zeus. The Government's job retention scheme was wound up on September 31 and had supported over 11 million jobs which were affected by the Covid pandemic. Mr Christodoulou (left centre) is known to rub shoulders with stars including boxer Anthony Joshua Declan Rice recently posted a pictured onboard the Zeus, Christodoulou's yacht, with fellow England stars Luke Shaw and Mason Mount Mr Christodoulou is the chairman of the Yianis Group and has made his reported 2billion fortune in property after fleeing to the UK as a child fleeing the Turkish invasion of his native Cyprus. The Yianis Group is a property empire which includes hotels and offices across Europe but particularly in the UK. Tenants in a Hackney tower block which Yianis Group owns wrote to Mr Christodoulou in October to ask for rent reductions and protested outside five-star hotels which Yianis owns in Canary Wharf. MailOnline has contacted Yianis Group for comment. A Government scientific adviser said he is 'very fearful' there will be another 'lockdown Christmas'. Professor Peter Openshaw, a member of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag) and SAGE subgroup CO-CIN, said case numbers and death rates are currently 'unacceptable'. Britain's daily Covid hospitalisations yesterday breached 1,000 for the first time in six weeks. But SAGE scientists insisted it was 'highly unlikely' that the NHS would be overwhelmed by the virus this winter even without restrictions. Modelling by the group for England predicted that the combination of vaccine-acquired immunity and natural protection would be enough to keep hospital rates below levels seen during the second wave. It comes as trade union leaders warned No10 it risks another 'winter of chaos' if it does not immediately adopt its Covid Plan B. A joint statement from unions including the TUC, Usdaw, Unison, Unite, the GMB and Aslef representing 3million workers demanded the Government bring in policies including the return of home-working and face mask-wearing. The unions which represent workers in retail, transport, healthcare, in which working from home is challenging said there are already 'hundreds' of Covid outbreaks in workplaces. Boris Johnson yesterday resisted calls from health leaders for tighter restrictions despite the rising levels of infections. Health Secretary Sajid Javid said new cases could reach 100,000 a day but Downing Street insisted there was still spare capacity in the NHS and that Plan B would only be activated if it came under 'significant pressure'. Professor Peter Openshaw, a member of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag) and SAGE subgroup CO-CIN, said case numbers and death rates are currently 'unacceptable' Modelling by SAGE predicted that the combination of vaccine-acquired immunity and natural protection would be enough to keep hospital rates below levels seen in the second wave. Even in the most pessimistic scenarios, the group estimated that daily Covid hospital admissions would not rise above 1,500. More optimistic models had them peaking at below 1,000 in winter. The above charts are based on modelling by Warwick University and look at how quickly people go back to pre-pandemic social contacts. It was based on the booster doses given 'sustained' immunity Other SAGE modelling took into account 'repeated' waning from booster doses, and projected that hospital admissions could breach levels seen during the second wave in January under the worst-case projections Boris Johnson insists there is 'absolutely nothing to indicate' there will be another lockdown this winter Boris Johnson today insisted there is 'absolutely nothing to indicate' there will be another lockdown this winter. The Prime Minister said a national shutdown is not 'on the cards' as he was grilled about rising coronavirus case numbers. His comments came after Tory MPs and hospitality chiefs urged the PM to resist calls from health bosses to trigger the Government's Covid-19 'Plan B'. Conservative MPs fear going ahead with the fall back strategy of telling people to work from home and to wear face masks would put the nation on a 'slippery slope' towards another lockdown. They are adamant there should be no return to draconian curbs, claiming that the Government must not be 'bullied' by health leaders into imposing new rules. Meanwhile, hospitality bosses have warned against reimposing restrictions, telling the PM that many pubs, bars and restaurants would 'go to the wall'. The hospitality industry is concerned that even light touch restrictions could hit bookings and put 'Christmas at risk'. The Government has insisted the triggering of 'Plan B' is not imminent, with the focus currently on rolling out vaccine booster shots. But ministers struck an ominous tone this morning as they said the blueprint is 'there for a reason'. Advertisement Professor Openshaw, of Imperial College London, told BBC Breakfast: 'I'm very fearful that we're going to have another lockdown Christmas if we don't act soon. 'We know that with public health measures the time to act is immediately. There's no point in delaying. 'If you do delay then you need to take even more stringent actions later. The immediacy of response is absolutely vital if you're going to get things under control. 'We all really, really want a wonderful family Christmas where we can all get back together. 'If that's what we want, we need to get these measures in place now in order to get transmission rates right down so that we can actually get together and see one another over Christmas.' Professor Openshaw said it is 'unacceptable to be letting this run at the moment', adding: 'I think the hospitals in many parts of the country are barely coping actually. 'Talking to people on the front line, I think it's just not sustainable to keep going at this rate. 'I think it's just unacceptable to see the number of deaths that we've got at the moment. 'At one stage last week there were 180 deaths in a single day. That is just too many deaths. We seem to have got used to the idea that we're going to have many, many people dying of Covid and that I think is just not the case. 'We need to slow down transmission and really redouble efforts to get everyone vaccinated and all the boosters out, and then we can open up again.' Prof Openshaw was asked what he would say to people who have concerns about what they can do to stop the spread of the virus in the event of the Government not reintroducing measures. He told the programme: 'I think take matters into your own hands. Don't wait necessarily for Government policy. 'I'm very, very reluctant now to go into crowded spaces because I know that roughly one in 60 people in a crowded space are going to have the virus. 'If you can, cycle to work, don't go on public transport. 'I think do everything possible in your control to try to reduce transmission. Don't wait for the Government to change policy. 'The sooner we all act, the sooner we can get this transmission rate down, and the greater the prospect of having a Christmas with our families.' Health Secretary Sajid Javid said new cases could reach 100,000 a day but Downing Street insisted there was still spare capacity in the NHS and that Plan B would only be activated if it came under 'significant pressure' Only around 4.5million (green line) out of the 9.3million eligible people (blue line) in England have received the crucial third dose, prompting ministers to urge people to come forward for their inoculations SAGE insists NHS WILL cope and admissions are 'unlikely' to reach January peak even WITHOUT Plan B SAGE scientists have insisted it was 'highly unlikely' that the NHS would be overwhelmed by the virus this winter even without restrictions in advice that justifies No10's bold decision to reject immediately resorting to 'Plan B'. Modelling by SAGE for England predicted that the combination of vaccine-acquired immunity and natural protection would be enough to keep hospital rates below levels seen during the second wave. Even in the most gloomy central scenarios, the group estimated that daily Covid hospital admissions would not rise above 1,500 this winter. More optimistic models had them peaking at below 1,000, but suggested they could peak next spring. Daily numbers published by the Government include all four UK nations. The SAGE forecasts assumed that a modest 1.3million elderly and vulnerable people are given a Covid booster vaccine per week over the coming months, which is roughly in line with the current rate, and that 90 per cent of eligible over-50s, NHS workers and at-risk adults take up the offer. In documents submitted to ministers last week but only published today, SAGE said there was some evidence that the peak of the third wave, in terms of hospitalisations, 'has already happened'. But the panel of top scientists which include Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Chris Whitty warned against complacency, adding there was still a threat if people suddenly drop all precautions, vaccines suddenly wane in younger groups or a new variant becomes dominant. They told the Government to have contingencies in place so that face masks, working from home and vaccine passports can be quickly introduced if the epidemic suddenly deviates from the 'optimistic' modelling. The group said the measures could make a 'big difference' if enacted quickly. Advertisement And the joint statement from trade unions said: 'We all want to beat Covid once for all and to avoid further lockdowns. 'But without decisive action now, we risk sleepwalking into another winter of chaos. 'With hundreds of Covid outbreaks at workplaces being reported to health authorities each week, events feel ominously reminiscent of last winter. 'The government must act now to reduce the spread of Covid. Failure to do so will risk public health, frontline services and the economy.' Elsewhere, the World Health Organisation warned the vaccine alone will not be able to lift the world out of the pandemic. Spokesperson Margaret Harris told Times Radio: 'The problem is focusing on one thing, the vaccine isn't going to get us out of this. 'We really have to do other measures. 'We have got to be serious about not crowding. We have still got to be looking at wearing the masks, when you're indoors particularly.' Scientific advisers have told the Government it must ensure Plan B restrictions to tackle coronavirus can be 'rapidly' deployed if needed. Experts on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) said, in minutes of a meeting published on Friday, that a further huge spike in infections as seen in January was 'increasingly unlikely', as experts predicted a series of broader, flatter peaks as the virus continues to spread. However, in its meeting dated October 14, Sage warned measures from the Government's Plan B would have greatest effect if brought in in unison and earlier on rather than later. Scientists are in favour of a relatively light-touch approach, implemented earlier to make a difference, with Sage saying the 'reintroduction of working-from-home guidance is likely to have the greatest individual impact on transmission out of the proposed measures' in Plan B. Chancellor Rishi Sunak told The Times the country could not return to 'significant economic restrictions' and that the vaccine rollout meant this was not necessary, while Boris Johnson also said on Friday that another lockdown was not planned. UK Hospitality CEO Kate Nicholls warned that businesses will not survive another winter of lockdown restrictions. Asked on Times Radio if she thought businesses would survive if the Government goes ahead with Plan B, she said: 'No I don't, bluntly. We have already lost 12,000 businesses.' She said that when restrictions are in place 'consumers do stay at home, they don't go out and socialise'. More than 100 Afghans have arrived in the UK after being airlifted out of a neighbouring country by the RAF. Two evacuation flights arrived in the UK carrying Afghans and British nationals, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said. While repatriation flights and individual relocations have been taking place since the end of August, the two airlifts were the first military relocations since the end of the evacuation from Kabul, known as Operation Pitting. Two evacuation flights arrived in the UK carrying Afghans and British nationals, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said While repatriation flights and individual relocations have been taking place since the end of August, the two airlifts were the first military relocations since the end of the evacuation from Kabul, known as Operation Pitting Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: 'In August we worked tirelessly to airlift more than 15,000 vulnerable Afghans and British nationals from Kabul to the UK' Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: 'In August we worked tirelessly to airlift more than 15,000 vulnerable Afghans and British nationals from Kabul to the UK. 'As I made clear at the time, our commitment to the Afghan people did not end there. 'We are determined to do right by those who supported our Armed Forces for so many years and others who are at risk. 'These flights mark the beginning of what will be an enduring effort to relocate and support those who need our help.' The MoD said more than 102 people had left Afghanistan from the unnamed third country across two flights, which have both now landed in the UK. The department said those on board vulnerable Afghans who fall under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap) who are eligible for relocation to the UK, and British nationals will now receive support if needed. The MoD said more than 102 people had left Afghanistan from the unnamed third country across two flights, which have both now landed in the UK Members of the Royal Air Force welcome Afghan nationals who are being flown from a third country to the UK British soldiers interact with Afghan families on the plane while wearing face coverings on Saturday Military workers look down a plane carrying Afghans into Britain in handout photos from the MoD today Further flights are also due to arrive in the UK in the coming weeks with more eligible people on board. Britain and the US ended their military presence in August with the final troops flying out from Kabul's airport. They left behind hundreds of citizens and Afghan allies desperate to flee the country in the hands of the Taliban. The UK helped fly some 15,000 people to safety but stories emerged of interpreters who helped the armed forces over the last 20 years left stranded. It is not known precisely how many people who were promised sanctuary in the UK were left behind. Advertisement The site of a fabled Indonesian kingdom renowned for its golden treasures may finally have been discovered on Sumatra, known as the Island of Gold. For the past five years, fishermen exploring the crocodile-infested Musi River, near Palembang, have hauled a staggering treasure trove from the depths - including gemstones, gold ceremonial rings, coins and bronze monks' bells. One of the most incredible finds so far is a jewel-encrusted life-size statue of Buddha from the 8th century, which is worth millions of pounds. The artefacts date back to the Srivijaya civilisation - a powerful kingdom between the 7th and 13th centuries which mysteriously vanished a century later. Dr Sean Kingsley, a British maritime archaeologist, told MailOnline: 'Great explorers have hunted high and low for Srivijaya as far afield as Thailand and India, all with no luck. The site of a fabled Indonesian kingdom renowned for its golden treasures may finally have been discovered on Sumatra, known as the Island of Gold. For the past five years, fishermen exploring the Musi River, near Palembang, have hauled a staggering treasure trove from the depths - including this life-size 8th-century AD bronze Buddhist statue, studded with precious gems, and worth millions The artefacts were part of the civilisation of Srivijaya - a powerful kingdom between the 7th and 13th centuries which mysteriously vanished a century later. Left: a small gold and gem ring with claws, possibly worn by a sacred bird; right: a 21.5cm buffalo and rider ornament Dr Sean Kingsley, a British maritime archaeologist, said: 'Great explorers have hunted high and low for Srivijaya as far afield as Thailand and India, all with no luck.' Above: a twisted gold wire ring with semi-precious gem Sumatra was referred to in ancient times as the Island of Gold due to it being rich in gold deposits and natural resources, and was an early point of arrival for trade in Southeast Asia. Pictured: A handful of gold rings, beads and sandalwood gold coins of Srivijaya, fished up off the seabed in the River Musi, Palembang, 7th-10th centuries The sixth and seventh centuries saw a steady increase of Asian maritime trade, with a huge Chinese market opening up. A growing demand for Buddhist rituals, in particular, led to an increase in the export of Indonesian commodities to China. Above: A Srivijayan stamp seal on a precious gem 'Even at Palembang, the traditional location of the vanished kingdom, archaeologists failed to turn up enough pottery to boast even a small village. Srivijaya, the last mighty lost kingdom on earth, has jealously guarded its secrets.' He added: 'In the last five years, extraordinary stuff has been coming up. Coins of all periods, gold and Buddhist statues, gems, all the kinds of things that you might read about in Sinbad the Sailor and think it was made up. It's actually real.' Sumatra was referred to in ancient times as the Island of Gold due to it being rich in gold deposits and natural resources, and was an early point of arrival for trade in Southeast Asia. The sixth and seventh centuries saw a steady increase of Asian maritime trade, with a huge Chinese market opening up. A growing demand for Buddhist rituals, in particular, led to an increase in the export of Indonesian commodities to China. What was the lost civilisation of Srivijaya? The Srivijaya empire was a maritime kingdom that flourished between the 7th and the 13th centuries, in what we know today as Indonesia. It originated in Palembang on the island of Sumatra but went on to extend its influence and controlled the Strait of Malacca. As it expanded, it gave rise to a federation of kingdoms that served as vassals, sending tributes and taxes - controlled by the military. The empire was effectively divided into three zones: one area centred on the capital, the second on estuary cities, and a third on hinterlands for agricultural goods. Srivijaya's power was based on its control of international sea trade. It established trade relations not only with the states in the Malay Archipelago but also with China and India. The empire is believed to have controlled sea access from China - whose goods, such as silk and paper, were in high demand. Shipbuilding was vital for trade, fishing etc - and the empire's ships were very fast. Srivijaya also had a navy, which it needed to keep a monopoly on trade routes. The kingdom was also a religious centre in the region. It adhered to Mahayana Buddhism and soon became the stopping point for Chinese Buddhist pilgrims on their way to India. By the year 1000, it controlled most of Java, but it soon lost it to Chola, an Indian maritime and commercial kingdom that found Srivijaya to be an obstacle on the sea route between South and East Asia. In 1025, Chola seized Palembang, captured the king and carried off his treasures, and also attacked other parts of the kingdom. By the end of the 12th century Srivijaya had been reduced to a small kingdom, and its dominant role in Sumatra had been taken by Malayu (based in Jambi), a vassal of Java. Source: Britannica.com Advertisement Dr Kingsley said: 'Other than the stunning finds of gold and jewels, the riverbed turned up tons of Chinese coins and even greater loads of sunken ceramics. 'The pots and pans show what a rainbow people lived at Srivijaya. Goods were imported from India, Persia and masses of the finest table wares of the age from the great kilns of China. 'This is the sweet spot when the first blue and white porcelain dishes were made, what would become the best brand in the world.' He has revealed his research in the autumn issue of Wreckwatch magazine, which he also edits. The Srivijayan study forms part of the 180-page autumn publication which focuses on China and the Maritime Silk Road. He wrote: 'From the shallows have surfaced glittering gold and jewels befitting this richest of kingdoms - everything from tools of trade and weapons of war to relics of religion. 'From the lost temples and places of worship have appeared bronze and gold Buddhist figurines, bronze temple door-knockers bearing the demonic face of Kala, in Hindu legend the mythical head of Rahu who churned the oceans to make an elixir of immortality. 'Bronze monks' bells and gold ceremonial rings are studded with rubies and adorned with four-pronged golden vajra sceptres, the Hindu symbol for the thunderbolt, the deity's weapon of choice. 'Exquisite gold sword handles would have graced the sides of royal courtesans, while bronze mirrors and hundreds of gold rings, many stamped with enigmatic letters, figures and symbols, earrings and gold necklace beads resurrect the splendour of a merchant aristocracy going about its daily dealings, stamping shipping manifests, in the palace complex.' Srivijaya has been described by Dr Kingsley as a 'waterworld', with people living on the river. He believes that when the civilisation came to an end, in the 14th century, their 'wooden houses, palaces and temples all sank along with all their goods'. At its height, Srivijaya controlled the arteries of the Maritime Silk Road, a huge market in which local, Chinese and Arab goods were traded. He said: 'While the western Mediterranean world was entering the dark ages in the eighth century, one of the world's greatest kingdoms erupted on to the map of south-east Asia. 'For over 300 years, the rulers of Srivijaya mastered the trade routes between the Middle East and imperial China. 'Srivijaya became the international crossroads for the finest produce of the age. Its rulers accumulated legendary wealth.' The size of the population's kingdom remains unclear. Dr Kingsley told MailOnline: 'I've not seen any robust stats for the population of Srivijaya. They didn't do a census sadly. Dr Kingsley has revealed his research in the autumn issue of Wreckwatch magazine, which he also edits. The Srivijayan study forms part of the 180-page autumn publication which focuses on China and the Maritime Silk Road. Above: gem-studded jewellery Aside from the night dives carried out by the local fishing crews, there have been no official excavations, which leaves many questions unanswered. Left: a bronze Buddhist figurine; right: another ornament among the treasure haul Srivijaya's power was based on its control of international sea trade. It established trade relations not only with the states in the Malay Archipelago but also with China and India. (Above, part of the treasure haul) 'The travellers of the age say the kingdom was "very numerous". Chroniclers wrote that Srivijaya had so many islands, nobody knew where its limits ended. 'The fact that the capital alone had 20,000 soldiers, 1,000 monks and 800 money lenders gives you an idea that the population was impressive. 'Look at the size of the great pilgrimage centre of Borobudur, which was paid for out of the king of Srivijaya's golden vaults. 'In the 10th century, the population of eastern Java was 3-4 million people. And Java is smaller than Sumatra where Palembang, the capital of Srivijaya, has turned up. An aerial view - and above it, locator map - show where the local fishing crews discovered the vast array of valuable artefacts Fishermen prepare to free dive with a hookah breathing system, and iron chain for a weight belt, in the River Musi at Palembang in search of sunken treasure. Fishing for treasure at Palembang on the River Musi at night. The artefacts found so far are being sold to antique dealers before they can be properly examined by experts It is also not clear why the kingdom collapsed. Kingsley wonders if it suffered the same fate as Pompeii - the result of a volcanic catastrophe - 'or did the fast-silting, unruly river swallow the city whole?', he speculates. Aside from the night dives carried out by the local fishing crews, there have been no official excavations, which leaves many questions unanswered, the Guardian reported. The artefacts found so far are being sold to antique dealers before they can be properly examined by experts. 'They are lost to the world. Vast swathes, including a stunning life-size Buddhist statue adorned with precious gems, have been lost to the international antiquities market. 'Newly discovered, the story of the rise and fall of Srivijaya is dying anew without being told.' The research is covered in the autumn issue of Wreckwatch magazine. City firms have been wrapped up in an equality row after it was revealed diversity proposals will allow companies to include transgender women in their gender roll calls. Equality targets will require more than a thousand of Britain's biggest companies to close the gender pay gap. But the proposals define a woman the same way as LGBTQ campaign group Stonewall rather than the way gender is usually recognised under UK law. If they go ahead, companies can meet percentage targets by including transgender women as female in their self-reported data despite them not necessarily facing the same discrimination relating to their sex. Critics claim the move has been brought through by 'stealth' by industry regulator the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). However, a FCA spokesman said it published a press release announcing the move. New diversity targets will require more than a thousand of Britain's biggest companies to close the gender pay gap but define women as Pictured: Sheldon Mills, who helped draft the proposals and is also acts as chairman of trustees at LGBTQ campaign group Stonewall Barrister Akua Reindorf said companies could land in legal trouble if they follow the advice 'if they don't have an idea of who's a man, and who's a woman in their workforce'. And concerns have also been raised about the role of FCA executive director Sheldon Mills, a solicitor from Cardiff, who helped draft the policy. Mr Mills also acts as chairman of trustees at Stonewall and helped draft the diversity targets in the Listing Rules, which require companies to record the percentage of female staff in senior board positions based on their self-identification rather than legal sex. A consultation paper recommends 'at least one of the senior board positions is held by a woman (including individuals self-identifying as a woman)'. It recommends at least 40 per cent of board members are women. But critics say the data which companies would have to disclose on a 'comply or explain' basis would be skewed. Ms Reindorf told The Times: 'A trans woman who transitioned late, in her fifties for example, who benefited from being treated as a man and paid as a man throughout her career, could really skew the figures. 'It makes the data inherently unreliable. It is unsafe as a matter of principle. The idea behind the sex pay gap is to identify systemic sex-based discrimination and rectify it. 'That's the idea. It's to right the historical wrong of women being underpaid.' The FCA said it expects to bring in the new rules by the end of the year, subject to board approval. A spokesman said: 'The FCA's consultation on diversity and inclusion on company boards and executive committees opened in July and closed this week. It includes proposals aligned to those adopted elsewhere. Our proposals are positive for women. They are designed to encourage listed firms, through targets and increased disclosure in this area, to bring more women onto boards and tackle the lack of diversity in some of our major firms.' 'We have been open about around proposals, which do not conflict with government guidance on how to report on gender pay gaps.' 'The FCA will consider views received during the consultation and expects to introduce rules on the subject by the end of the year, subject to Board approval.' illions of travel-starved Aussies to finally get a summer holiday this Christmas Eager Australian travellers are being warned to book their next international destination wisely to avoid being slapped with extra hidden fees brought in during the Covid pandemic. From November 1 fully vaccinated citizens, permanent residents and their families will be able to leave Australia from NSW and fly to countries like Fiji, the UK and the US without worrying about quarantining for 14 days in a hotel upon their return. All other states and territories are preparing for international travel when they reach 80 per cent double-jab rates, except for Western Australia who is hoping to keep its borders closed into 2022. But before booking flights abroad travel experts are begging for Aussies to read the fine print depending on which region they're travelling to - so it doesn't come as a shock if additional charges are required. Covid PCR tests will be mandatory for returning travellers, with the current price $180 per person in the United Kingdom. In Fiji leading up to Christmas, it is mandatory to initially stay at an approved hotel for three days before then moving on to your destination of choice Holidaymakers in Fiji will also be required to provide a rapid Covid test result within 48 hours as well as confirmation of a negative Covid result before boarding a flight home - which costs $225 In nations such as Indonesia, some hotels will not accept guests if they don't have proof of travel insurance - and if you happen to contract Covid, you must isolate in a hotel at your own cost Travel insurance is also a must because if you happen to contract Covid when abroad in nations like Indonesia, travellers will be required to isolate in hotels at their own expense. Some hotels and resorts are also demanding proof of travel insurance on arrival before accepting holidaymakers at their venues. In Fiji leading up to Christmas, it is mandatory to initially stay at an approved hotel for three days before then moving on to your destination of choice. Holidaymakers will also be required to provide a rapid Covid test result within 48 hours as well as confirmation of a negative Covid result before boarding a flight home - which costs $225. And with limited staff at many Fijian resorts, some have recommended not heading to the island nation until at least next February as the 'guest experience may fall short of expectations'. Lisa Perkovic from Expedia said being thoroughly prepared before heading to the airport international terminal is key. 'Plan and research where you are going,' she told Nine News. 'You need to know what is required for the country you are going to.' Victoria and Tasmania are on track to reach the 80 per cent jab target in early November, with South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory due to reach the milestone in December. If flying from London (pictured) to Australia, Covid PCR tests will be mandatory when returning down under, with the current price $180 per person in the United Kingdom Travel experts have also predicted flights overseas to the likes of Bali (pictured) will drop in price from January through to March next year Hidden extra costs for travellers leaving Australian shores: In Indonesia, holidaymakers who return a positive result for Covid-19 will be required to isolate immediately in a hotel - at their own cost Other hotels are also demanding proof of travel insurance upon the arrival of guests Over in Fiji, guests must initially stay at an approved hotel for at least three days before moving on to their own destination They will also be required to provide a rapid Covid test result within 48 hours as well as confirmation of a negative Covid result before boarding a flight home to Australia - which costs $225 Covid PCR tests are mandatory for returning travellers to Australia - which currently cost $180 per person in the United Kingdom Advertisement WA Premier Mark McGowan has gone against the grain, stating international travel won't be on the table from Perth until 2022. He will also not budge on his hard border closure and revealed the state will remain closed to the rest of the country until 90 per cent of residents have been vaccinated. As it stands in the ACT overseas travel is also forbidden - except to New Zealand. It comes despite the nation's capital already achieving a double vaccination rate of beyond 80 per cent. Advertisement Jeff Bezos's $500million (423million) superyacht has been seen for the first time as building work continues on the vessel that will be the world's largest sailing boat. The 417ft (127 metre) yacht known as Y721 was rolled out in the Zwijndrecht shipyard in the west of the Netherlands earlier this week. It will be the biggest sailing yacht in the world when it is complete in 2022, overtaking the current largest ocean-going passenger ship Sea Cloud. The Amazon founder's secretive yacht will feature three 'enormous' masts and three decks. Jeff Bezos's $500million superyacht has been seen for the first time as building work continues on the vessel that will be the world's largest sailing boat Bezos's vessel is based on the company's Black Pearl ship, one of the largest and most ecological yachts in the world Jeff Bezos's (pictured) ownership of the yacht was confirmed in the book Amazon Unbound, which described the boat as 'one of the finest sailing yachts in existence' His ownership of it was confirmed in the book Amazon Unbound, which described the boat as 'one of the finest sailing yachts in existence'. The black hauled yacht was rolled out the shipyard on its way to Alblasserdam, where it will be given its final fittings. It is being built by custom yacht builder Oceanco and is thought to be based on the company's Black Pearl ship one of the largest and most ecological yachts in the world. The Black Pearl is the largest DynaRig sailing yacht in the world, with three 70 metre-tall carbon masts, and was built in 2018. The 417ft (127 metre) yacht known as Y721 was rolled out in the Zwijndrecht shipyard in the west of the Netherlands earlier this week It will be the biggest sailing yacht in the world when it is complete in 2022, overtaking the current largest ocean-going passenger ship Sea Cloud The Amazon founder's secretive yacht will feature three 'enormous' masts and several decks. It is being built by custom yacht builder Oceanco and is thought to be based on the company's Black Pearl ship Oceanco declined to comment on whether the new yacht was commissioned by Mr Bezos. A spokesperson said: 'Oceanco values the privacy and confidentiality of all our clients and prospective clients and therefore does not comment on our involvement or non-involvement in specific projects.' Bezos lost his place as the richest man in the world last month to space tech rival Elon Musk. He currently has a net worth of $197billion (143billion). He has also bought a a shadow yacht which is used to carry cars and helicopters while at sea that will be a custom version of the YS 7512 model from Damen Yachts. The prime suspect in the 1984 murder of PC Yvonne Fletcher was allegedly allowed to settle in the UK and buy a 400,000 house with cash because he was spying for Britain. Saleh Ibrahim Mabrouk returned to Britain in 2009, several years after Fletcher was shot dead by a sniper outside the Libyan Embassy in London, and was allowed to live in Reading despite being the main suspect in the murder investigation. He was arrested in 2015 in connection with Fletcher's murder but was told two years later the case would not go forward on national security grounds even though police said they had sufficient evidence to bring him to court. It has now emerged Mabrouk was allowed to return to Britain and may have escaped prosecution as he was considered a state asset because of his links to Muammar Gaddafi's regime in Libya. He was an 'agent of influence' understood to have been involved in talks that led to Gaddafi agreeing to eliminate Libya's weapons of mass destruction programme in December 2003, the Telegraph reported. Saleh Ibrahim Mabrouk, (pictured) the prime suspect in the 1984 murder of PC Yvonne Fletcher was allegedly allowed to settle in the UK and buy a 400,000 house with cash because he was spying for Britain Mabrouk was a senior member of the 'revolutionary committee' that ran the Libyan embassy at the time of Fletcher's murder in 1984. He was expelled from Britain in the aftermath but allowed back in 1999 after Tony Blair restored relations with Libya. In the years that followed he received multiple visas and in 2002 was given a 'comfort letter' which stopped border officials from questioning him each time he arrived. In 2009, Mabrouk purchased a 385,000 house in Reading, where he would live for the next 10 years after claiming asylum in the UK in 2011. Unidentified sources claimed he was able to get around the UK's strict money laundering laws to buy the Berkshire house because of his usefulness to the British state and that a 'deal' that allowed him to return was 'part of the reconciliation with Libya'. Another senior officer said there was 'no way' Mabrouk would have been allowed to bring cash into the UK and settle here 'without somebody in authority... helping you.' Police Constable Yvonne Fletcher was shot dead by a sniper outside the Libyan Embassy in London in 1984 Fletcher was shot by in the stomach by a sniper outside the St James's Square address in London in 1984. Mabrouk is the prime suspect in the murder but charges have never been brought against him The source said: 'My understanding of it is that Yvonne Fletcher's killer was on the Government's books. 'We started recruiting people in Libya, and at least one of the people they are going after is implicated in the murder of a police officer. 'I remember hearing at the time that Mabrouk was on our books and that was the problem with pursuing the criminal investigation. 'They will never admit this, but there is no way somebody like that can bring all that money into the country without bringing something to the table.' Criminal investigations into the murder were dropped in 2017, despite the Metropolitan Police telling the Home Officer they believed they had enough evidence to bring someone to court. Met Police said: 'Our investigation has identified enough material to identify those responsible for WPC Fletcher's murder if it could be presented to a court. 'However, the key material has not been made available for use in court in evidential form for reasons of national security.' But Mabrouk is this year set to face a civil suit being brought by retired police officer John Murray who held PC Fletcher in his arms as she died. A High Court hearing next month will likely delve into the details of Fletcher's death, evidence of Mabrouk's alleged involvement, and discuss the alleged designation of the case's prime suspect as a state asset. However, last year the Home Office secretly barred Mabrouk from returning to the UK, raising fears the prime suspect in the Yvonne Fletcher murder case will never face justice. Mabrouk was told that he was 'excluded' from Britain in January 2019, six weeks after Mr Murray started civil action against him. The letter said: 'Your presence here would not be conducive to the public good, due to your suspected involvement in war crimes and crimes against humanity in Libya.' Following the decision, Mr Murray, said the move to bar the Libyan from the UK meant 'the Home Office has got blood on its hands'. A Virginia school board superintendent who denied having 'any record' of a female student being raped by a 15-year-old 'boy in a skirt,' reported the assault to the school board the day of the attack, a newly disclosed email reveals. Loudoun Schools Superintendent Scott Ziegler had initially told parents during a June school board meeting he had no report of the sexual assault on the 15-year-old girl that took place at Stone Bridge High School on May 28. However, in an email dated the same day as the assault, Ziegler wrote to the school board: 'This afternoon a female student alleged that a male student sexually assaulted her in the restroom. The LCSO is investigating the matter.' In June, Ziegler told parents: 'We don't have any record of assaults occurring in our restrooms.' Loudoun Schools Superintendent Scott Ziegler denied having 'any record' of the sexual assault that took place at Stone Bridge High School on May 28 at a June school board meeting. A newly disclosed email revealed the superintendent informed the school board of the assault the day of the attack Ziegler apologized on October 15 (pictured at a press conference). 'I regret that my comments were misleading and I apologize for the distress they caused families,' he said A female student at Stone Bridge High School accused the boy - who was reportedly wearing a skirt - of sexually assaulting her in the restroom. He entered the restroom under the school's transgender bathroom policy. The same boy was also reportedly involved in another sexual assault on October 6 at Broad Run High School where a different girl claimed she was 'forced' into a classroom where 'he held her against her will and inappropriately touched her,' according to Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. The unnamed boy from Ashburn, Virginia, has been arrested and charged, according to Loudoun County Commonwealth prosecutor Buta Biberaj. The boy was charged with two counts of forcible sodomy for the May 28 attack and sexual battery for the October 6 attack, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office said on Oct. 13. The Sheriff's Office released the statement to clear up 'misinformation' regarding the case. In an email, dated May 28, Ziegler reported to the school board that 'a female student alleged that a male student sexually assaulted her in the restroom' The school board also released a statement claiming they were 'informed in a general fashion' and were not 'provided any specific information' The boy, who has not been identified because he is underage, is currently being held at Loudoun County Juvenile Detention Center. The school board also released a statement claiming they were 'informed in a general fashion' and were not 'provided any specific information.' On Oct. 15, Ziegler apologized for 'failing' to ensure the safety of students and prevent the alleged rape. Parents have been requesting the superintendent resign from his position, but he has yet to do so. He apologized for 'misleading' them on June 22 when he told a crowded meeting that there had been no sexual 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. Barts, 50, resigned on Friday in a press release that she posted on Facebook, saying it was the 'right decision for her family.' Ziegler, who is paid $295,000 a year, has not commented on Barts' resignation. Scott Smith (pictured) and his wife Jess are now suing Loudoun County after they demanded the resignation of Ziegler, who has not resigned. Smith was previously arrested and later convicted over the disturbance he caused at the June 22 school board meeting John Beatty, a Loudoun County school board member who is calling for a full investigation into the assault, said Ziegler's apology was 'incredibly concerning.' 'I think it's important that we get all the facts just so we can have justice for the students and for the employees and not make any rash decisions,' Beatty said on WMAL. 'But it is incredibly concerning to hear that and now everything else coming to light.' 'What happened is so awful and I feel so bad for the parents of both families that are victims to this, and it's incredibly important that we have a full investigation into everything that happened,' said Beatty, speaking on Laura Ingraham's Fox News show. 'We need to get to the bottom of who didn't communicate what, and find out where the communication breakdowns were so that this never happens again. He said his daughter was sexually assaulted in the restroom. The boy, who was allegedly wearing a skirt, entered the restroom under the school's transgender bathroom policy. The Smiths are suing Loudoun County under Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational intuitions 'Because parents need to worry about their kid getting an education, and not the safety of them in their schools.' Jess and Scott Smith, the parents of the 15-year-old victim, are now suing Loudoun County. Scott was filmed exploding with anger at the school board meeting on June 22, and was later convicted over the disturbance. He only revealed the alleged sex attack that had sparked his fury this week. The Smiths are suing under the provisions of Title IX of the United States' federal civil rights law which prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions. 'The sexual assault our daughter endured should never happen to any young girl, or any child, attending a public school,' the Smiths said in a press release about the suit that was obtained by Fox News. Their lawyer, Brian Stanley, said his firm intends to 'protect the interests of their daughter at every turn' and 'will pursue federal Title IX actions against the local government and all officials who are responsible for allowing this harm' to come to the girl. The lawsuit comes after the Smiths demanded Ziegler's resignation for what they say was a cover-up of the incident. They say they are not anti-gay, but do not approve of 'transgender kids' stuff.' Loudoun County is home to one of the United States' wokest school boards, and has shot to notoriety this year as parents clash with board members over topics including critical race theory and gender identity. Advertisement Spaniards have celebrated plummeting Covid infection rates by risking their lives running with bulls instead. The event today, in the small village of Tafalla in Navarra, Spain, comes after coronavirus restrictions were lifted. On Thursday the 14-day cumulative number of Covid cases per 100,000 was 43.2. In the bull run event, participants demonstrate bravado by attempting to dodge the bulls and get into the city centre. Enrique Maya, Mayor of Pamplona and the Pamplona City Council had previously announced that the Running of the Bulls, and the larger San Fermin festival would not be held in 2021 because of coronavirus fears. Running of the Bulls is part of the annual festival of San Fermin where six bulls are released into the cobbled streets of Pamplona, Spain. The festival of San Fermin honours the patron saint of Pamplona. Spaniards have celebrated plummeting Covid infection rates by risking their lives running with bulls instead in the village of Tafalla The event today comes after coronavirus restrictions were loosened in Spain and infection rates have plummeted A former spokesperson for President Barack Obama's Treasury Department is calling for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to resign after more revelations have been made public about the company's failure to stop disinformation. Kara Alaimo, now serving as an associate professor in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University, claims that Zuckerberg 'has done little to try to fix' the problems with the social media behemoth. A new whistleblower affidavit submitted by a former Facebook employee accuses the social media giant of prioritizing profits over their due diligence to combat hate speech, misinformation and other threats to the public. The new allegations, submitted anonymously under penalty of perjury, echoed the claims made by fellow whistleblower Frances Haugen, who delivered a scathing testimony before Congress this month on Facebook's moral failings. Kara Alaimo, now serving as an associate professor in the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University, says that the first step to fixing problems at Facebook would be for CEO Mark Zuckerberg to resign Zuckerberg, who founded Facebook, has a net worth is $122 billion, making him the 5th-richest person in the world In the most dramatic line of the affidavit, the former employee anguished over Facebook's inability to act quickly to help curb racial killings in Myanmar in 2017 as military officials used the site to spread hate speech. The op-ed comes as Facebook considers changing the company's name after all the bad publicity. The company is also hinting at plans for a so-called 'metaverse' - a virtual reality version of the internet where people can game, work and communicate. The tech giant's CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been a leading voice on the concept, which would blur the lines between the physical world and the digital one. It could allow someone to don a virtual reality headset to make them feel as if they're face-to-face with a friend, despite being thousands of miles apart and connected via the internet. Whistleblower Frances Haugen delivered a scathing testimony before Congress earlier this month on Facebook's moral failings. Alaimo says the company needs much more than a cosmetic change. 'The place to start is with Zuckerberg's resignation,' she wrote in the op-ed. Zuckerberg, Alaimo said, either can't fix Facebook's issues or won't. 'It's clear that he lacks the moral inclination or the capacity to solve these problems,' she wrote. 'Either way, he's got to go. The company should announce a new chief executive with all possible haste. It should be someone thoughtful and committed to transparency about how social media is harming our society -- who has the will and competence to put the platform on a very different course.' Simply put, Alaimo argues Zuckerberg's company, which has nearly three billion users, has lost the public trust. 'It's because the public has lost faith in Facebook. And rightly so. For all the family photos shared or funny videos consumed that the company has made possible, 'Facebook' is now also a name associated in recent years with misinformation, privacy violations, the spread of hate and autocracy.' Alaimo calls Facebook's reputation 'bankrupt' and says the name will do little to restore public trust. Haugen has said that Facebook holds culpability for the January 6 Capitol insurrection The company said it more or less 'stumbled' onto the riot, which resulted in the deaths of five people As the world begins to truly contend with just how dangerous social media platforms can be, Facebook's reckoning has been kicked into overdrive following former staffer Frances Haugen's shocking allegations that the company has long known about its platform's toxic effects on society -- and has done little to try to fix them. 'The only way for Facebook to restore that trust is to change its leadership and address the actual issues that have justifiably prompted so much concern.' This is the first time the company has faced such accusations since the internal memos released and testimony given by Haugen. Haugen and the new whistleblower also submitted the allegations to the Securities and Exchange Commission, which oversees all publicly traded companies. In the SEC affidavit, the anonymous ex-employee alleges that Facebook officials routinely undermined efforts within the company to fight misinformation and hate speech out of fear of angering then-President Donald Trump and his allies. The former employee said that on one occasion, Facebook's Public Policy team defended a 'white list' that exempted the alt-right media company Breitbart News and other Trump-aligned publishers from Facebook's ordinary rules against spreading fake news. Alaimo says 'he company should announce a new chief executive with all possible haste' Facebook is blamed by Haugen as knowing Instagram harmed young girls' body image and even tried to brainstorm ways to appeal to toddlers by 'exploring playdates as a growth lever.' Ultimately, Alaimo argues, 'changing a name won't change reality.' The complaints come after Haugen's testimony before Congress in early October, where she claimed Facebook promoted divisiveness as a way to keep people on the site, with Haugen saying the documents showed the company had failed to protect young users. It also showed that the company knew Instagram harmed young girls' body image and even tried to brainstorm ways to appeal to toddlers by 'exploring playdates as a growth lever.' 'The company's leadership knows how to make Facebook and Instagram safer, but won't make the necessary changes because they have put their astronomical profits before people. Congressional action is needed,' Haugen said at a hearing. Haugen, who anonymously filed eight complaints about her former employer with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, told 60 Minutes earlier this month: 'Facebook, over and over again, has shown it chooses profit over safety.' She claimed that a 2018 change prioritizing divisive posts, which made Facebook users argue, was found to boost user engagement. That in turn helped bosses sell more online ads that have seen the social media giant's value pass $1 trillion. 'You are forcing us to take positions that we don't like, that we know are bad for society. We know if we don't take those positions, we won't win in the marketplace of social media,' Haugen said. She also blamed Facebook for spurring the January 6 Capitol riot. 'We've been fueling this fire for a long time': Facebook employees raged as they scrambled to delete posts that incited violence on Jan 6 - but the firm didn't allow them to target some groups calling for violence Whistleblowers at social media giant Facebook are saying the company didn't do enough to stop the spread of misinformation in the days and weeks leading up to, as well as during, the Capitol riot on January 6. New internal documents provided by former Facebook employee-turned-whistleblower Frances Haugen provide a rare glimpse into how the company appears to have simply stumbled into the Jan. 6 riot. Reports say that in California, Facebook engineers were racing to tweak internal controls to slow the spread of misinformation and inciteful content. Emergency actions - some of which were rolled back after the 2020 election - included banning Trump, freezing comments in groups with a record for hate speech, filtering out the 'Stop the Steal' rallying cry and empowering content moderators to act more assertively by labeling the U.S. a 'Temporary High Risk Location' for political violence. At the same time, frustration inside Facebook erupted over what some saw as the company's halting and often reversed response to rising extremism in the U.S. Former Facebook employee Frances Haugen (pictured above) has provided new details on the company's response to the Capitol riot Five people died in the insurrection, which attempted to stop American electors from certifying the 2020 Presidential Election for Joe Biden Within Facebook, there were complaints that the company hadn't done enough to stop the spread of misinformation extremism that people believe led to the riots 'Havent we had enough time to figure out how to manage discourse without enabling violence?' one employee wrote on an internal message board at the height of the Jan. 6 turmoil. 'Weve been fueling this fire for a long time and we shouldnt be surprised its now out of control.' Its a question that still hangs over the company today, as Congress and regulators investigate Facebooks part in the Jan. 6 riots. It quickly became clear that even after years under the microscope for insufficiently policing its platform, the social network had missed how riot participants spent weeks vowing - on Facebook itself - to stop Congress from certifying Joe Bidens election victory. The documents also appear to bolster Haugens claim that Facebook put its growth and profits ahead of public safety, opening the clearest window yet into how Facebooks conflicting impulses - to safeguard its business and protect democracy - clashed in the days and weeks leading up to the attempted Jan. 6 coup. This story is based in part on disclosures Haugen made to the Securities and Exchange Commission and provided to Congress in redacted form by Haugens legal counsel. The redacted versions received by Congress were obtained by a consortium of news organizations, including The Associated Press. What Facebook called 'Break the Glass' emergency measures put in place on Jan. 6 were essentially a toolkit of options designed to stem the spread of dangerous or violent content that the social network had first used in the run-up to the bitter 2020 election. As many as 22 of those measures were rolled back at some point after the election, according to an internal spreadsheet analyzing the company's response. 'As soon as the election was over, they turned them back off or they changed the settings back to what they were before, to prioritize growth over safety,' Haugen said in an interview with '60 Minutes.' A Capitol police officer was one of the five people who died as a result of the riot New internal documents provided by former Facebook employee-turned-whistleblower Frances Haugen provide a rare glimpse into how the company, after years under the microscope for the policing of its platform, appears to have simply stumbled into the Jan. 6 riot Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has faced heavy criticism for how his platform controls information and data An internal Facebook report following Jan. 6, previously reported by BuzzFeed, faulted the company for having a 'piecemeal' approach to the rapid growth of 'Stop the Steal' pages, related misinformation sources, and violent and inciteful comments. Facebook says the situation is more nuanced and that it carefully calibrates its controls to react quickly to spikes in hateful and violent content, as it did on Jan 6. The company said its not responsible for the actions of the rioters and that having stricter controls in place prior to that day wouldnt have helped. Facebooks decisions to phase certain safety measures in or out took into account signals from the Facebook platform as well as information from law enforcement, said spokeswoman Dani Lever. 'When those signals changed, so did the measures.' Lever said some of the measures stayed in place well into February and others remain active today. Some employees were unhappy with Facebook's managing of problematic content even before the Jan. 6 riots. One employee who departed the company in 2020 left a long note charging that promising new tools, backed by strong research, were being constrained by Facebook for 'fears of public and policy stakeholder responses' (translation: concerns about negative reactions from Trump allies and investors). Videos of rioters entering the Capitol building often went viral themselves through the social media giant Facebook was founded in 2004, originally meant to be used as network of Harvard University students Research conducted by Facebook well before the 2020 campaign left little doubt that its algorithm could pose a serious danger of spreading misinformation and potentially radicalizing users 'Similarly (though even more concerning), Ive seen already built & functioning safeguards being rolled back for the same reasons,' wrote the employee, whose name is blacked out. Research conducted by Facebook well before the 2020 campaign left little doubt that its algorithm could pose a serious danger of spreading misinformation and potentially radicalizing users. One 2019 study, entitled 'Carols Journey to QAnon-A Test User Study of Misinfo & Polarization Risks Encountered through Recommendation Systems,' described results of an experiment conducted with a test account established to reflect the views of a prototypical 'strong conservative' - but not extremist - 41-year North Carolina woman. This test account, using the fake name Carol Smith, indicated a preference for mainstream news sources like Fox News, followed humor groups that mocked liberals, embraced Christianity and was a fan of Melania Trump. Within a single day, page recommendations for this account generated by Facebook itself had evolved to a 'quite troubling, polarizing state,' the study found. By day 2, the algorithm was recommending more extremist content, including a QAnon-linked group, which the fake user didnt join because she wasn't innately drawn to conspiracy theories. A week later the test subject's feed featured 'a barrage of extreme, conspiratorial and graphic content,' including posts reviving the false Obama birther lie and linking the Clintons to the murder of a former Arkansas state senator. Much of the content was pushed by dubious groups run from abroad or by administrators with a track record for violating Facebooks rules on bot activity. Those results led the researcher, whose name was redacted by the whistleblower, to recommend safety measures running from removing content with known conspiracy references and disabling 'top contributor' badges for misinformation commenters to lowering the threshold number of followers required before Facebook verifies a page administrators identity. Among the other Facebook employees who read the research the response was almost universally supportive. 'Hey! This is such a thorough and well-outlined (and disturbing) study,' one user wrote, their name blacked out by the whistleblower. 'Do you know of any concrete changes that came out of this?' Facebook said the study was an one of many examples of its commitment to continually studying and improving its platform. Another study turned over to congressional investigators, titled 'Understanding the Dangers of Harmful Topic Communities,' discussed how like-minded individuals embracing a borderline topic or identity can form 'echo chambers' for misinformation that normalizes harmful attitudes, spurs radicalization and can even provide a justification for violence. Examples of such harmful communities include QAnon and, hate groups promoting theories of a race war. 'The risk of offline violence or harm becomes more likely when like-minded individuals come together and support one another to act,' the study concludes. Charging documents filed by federal prosecutors against those alleged to have stormed the Capitol have examples of such like-minded people coming together. Prosecutors say a reputed leader in the Oath Keepers militia group used Facebook to discuss forming an 'alliance' and coordinating plans with another extremist group, the Proud Boys, ahead of the riot at the Capitol. 'We have decided to work together and shut this s-t down,' Kelly Meggs, described by authorities as the leader of the Florida chapter of the Oath Keepers, wrote on Facebook, according to court records. Chinese and Russian warships held their first-ever joint patrol in the western Pacific Ocean this weekend Advertisement Chinese and Russian warships held their first-ever joint patrol in the western part of the Pacific Ocean this weekend. Moscow and Beijing, which staged naval cooperation drills in the Sea of Japan earlier in October, have cultivated closer military and diplomatic ties in recent years at a time when their relations with the West have soured. The naval manoeuvres were watched closely by Japan, which said earlier this week that a group of ten vessels from China and Russia sailed through the Tsugaru Strait that separates Japan's main island of Honshu and its northern one of Hokkaido. Russia's defence ministry confirmed the two global superpowers had been working together in the Strait, which is regarded as international waters. Russian and Chinese warships teamed up for their first-ever join patrol in the Tsugaru Strait between Japan's main island of Honshu and its northern one of Hokkaido The partnership between China and Russia came after Vladimir Putin showed off Russia 's military strength to the world last week with a huge 'invasion' war games staged in the Black Sea near Ukraine Moscow and Beijing have cultivated closer military and diplomatic ties in recent years at a time when their relations with the West have soured It was a show of strength just days after China revealed it had tested hypersonic nuclear-capable missile this week, which experts said suggested the Chinese was much more advanced than it was previously thought Earlier this week Japanese authorities said a group of ten vessels from China and Russia sailed through the Tsugaru Strait, which is considered international waters Russia's defence ministry said: 'The group of ships passed through the Tsugaru Strait for the first time as part of the patrol'. It added: 'The tasks of the patrols were the demonstration of the Russian and Chinese state flags, maintaining of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and guardianship of the subjects of maritime economic activities of the two countries' The naval manoeuvres will not help ease the geopolitical strain between the West and its fellow superpowers of China and Russia 'The group of ships passed through the Tsugaru Strait for the first time as part of the patrol,' Russia's defence ministry said in a statement. It added: 'The tasks of the patrols were the demonstration of the Russian and Chinese state flags, maintaining of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and guardianship of the subjects of maritime economic activities of the two countries.' It comes as Vladimir Putin showed off Russia's military strength to the world last week with a huge 'invasion' war games staged in the Black Sea near Ukraine. More than 40 Russian vessels and 30-plus military planes and 20 helicopters took part in exercises in Crimea, with missile launches, practice bombings and landings by amphibious forces. A report from the Financial Times, which cited five unnamed intelligence sources, said the Chinese military launched the Long March rocket in August carrying a 'hypersonic glide vehicle' into low orbit. It circled the globe before descending towards its target, which it missed by about two dozen miles. The system would be able to overcome US anti-ballistic missile defence systems that are based in Alaska and set up to shoot down projectiles coming over the North Pole - the Chinese system would be able to strike the US from the south Pictured: China launches the Shenzhou-13 spacecraft on October 16, carried on the Long March-2F carrier rocket, to Chinese Tiangong space station Warships and warplanes of the new Aukus alliance travelling through the Bay of Bengal on Sunday led by the Royal Navy's new flagship carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, on the fleet's way back from a deployment in the South China Sea Weapons race: A comparison of the most advanced (columns from left) missiles, aircraft carriers, tanks and aircraft possessed by China, the US and Russia The Royal Navy's flagship 3billion carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth led warships from the Aukus alliance of the US, UK and Australia through the Bay of Bengal this week (File image) The display will likely only heighten tensions after it emerged that China tested a hypersonic nuclear-capable missile this week. The missile is able to strike almost anywhere in the world, which experts warned suggested Beijing's arsenal was more advanced than previously thought. Counterbalancing the threat posed by China and Russia is the Aukus alliance forged by the US, UK and Australia last month. Warships from those countries sailed through the Bay of Bengal this week on the fleet's way back from a deployment in the South China Sea, led by the Royal Navy's flagship 3billion carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. An employee who shot dead a disgruntled worker after he gunned down two of his colleagues at a Nebraska grain elevator company was hailed as a hero and likely prevented more deaths, police officials said. The brave worker, who was not identified, retrieved a weapon and shot Max Hoskinson, 61, after the just-fired gunman went on his murderous spree at Agrex Elevator in Superior, Nebraska, on Thursday. A third person was shot but survived. Patrol Sgt. Jeff Roby said during Friday's news conference that authorities do not anticipate filing any charges against the hero marksman who shot Hoskinson. 'In fact, it's likely that the employee's actions may have prevented much further loss of life in this tragedy,' Roby said. Roby said he could not comment on whether Hoskinson targeted the victims, who were all Agrex employees. He said several other Agrex employees were on site when the shooting occurred. Authorities said Hoskinson had been fired earlier Thursday and returned around 2pm with a gun and began wildly shooting in an office area. The unnamed employee grabbed a shotgun from an office and shot Hoskinson, killing him, police said. The victims were identified as Sandra Nelson, 60, of Formoso, Kansas, and 53-year-old Darin Koepke, of Hadar, Nebraska. The unidentified third person shot by Hoskinson was treated at a hospital and released. Victim Darin Koepke, 53, of Hadar, Nebraska, (pictured) was transported to Brian Health West Campus, where he was later pronounced dead. Sandra Nelson, 60, of Formoso, Kansas, was also killed in the shooting Nebraska State Patrolman Jeff Roby claimed that the unnamed employee who shot gunman Max Hoskinson, 61, prevented more deaths. Authorities do not anticipate filing any charges against the employee Nelson was found dead at the scene and Koepke was flown to Brian Health West Campus in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he later died, according to 1011 Now. The third victim was treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital in Superior. Hoskinson, of Superior, was pronounced dead at a hospital in Superior. The shooting happened in Superior, Nebraska, near the Kansas border. It's roughly 200 miles southeast of Omaha Hoskinson was killed by a worker who returned fire after shooting three colleagues at the Agrex Elevator (above) in Superior, Nebraska on Thursday A state police official says there is no active or ongoing threat to the community Candance Butler, a resident of grew up in Superior, wrote on Facebook that 'the people Agrex were our family for 22 years' Residents in the close-knit rural community, located about 200 miles southeast of Omaha, expressed shock at the violent workplace shooting. 'In a small town we are all family and the people of Agrex were our family for 22 years,' wrote Candace Butler, a certified nurses aide who grew up in Superior, on Facebook. 'I pray for you all and your families. I'm just so heartbroken and shocked,' she added. Local newspaper reporter Marty Pohlman said Superior, a town of about 1,800 people right along the border with Kansas, is not a place where youd expect something like this to happen. 'Quiet, rural, agricultural. Everyone knows pretty much everyone else,' Pohlman said. 'It just shows that workplace violence can happen anywhere.' Pohlman works for the Superior Express, a weekly newspaper that covers the town and Nuckolls County. He said the county prides itself in never having a murder trial. 'You go to work in the morning, you fully expect to leave in the afternoon and go home with your family. Then something like this happens. It puts everything in context,' Pohlman said. Agrex released a statement stating they will not comment while the investigation is underway. The said their 'thoughts and prayers' were with their 'coworkers and their families.' Former MI6 spy Christopher Steele has claimed Russian spies left two wedding rings in his wife's washbag as a chilling 'calling card' after his 'dirty dossier' alleged the Kremlin had compromising material on Donald Trump. The spook said Russia is still at war with the UK and revealed his involvement in the dossier against the ex-US President cost his wife her Foreign Office career. Steele, 57, claimed Russian leaders view themselves at war with the UK and slammed politicians for failing to recognise the threat in a televised interview. Steele also alleged he was targeted by Russian spies who left him a 'warning' of two wedding rings by placing them inside his wife's washbag while the pair were holidaying in the Caribbean. He said he interpreted the odd gift as the message: 'We know where you are. We can get to you. Don't think you'll be able to hide from us.' Former MI6 spy Christopher Steele has said Russia is at war with the UK and revealed his involvement in the 'dodgy dossier' against ex-US President Donald Trump cost his wife her Foreign Office career Steele also alleged he was targeted by Russian spies who left him a 'calling card' of two wedding rings (pictured) by placing them inside his wife's washbag while the pair were holidaying in the Caribbean He described evidence of Russian hostilities towards the UK, including alleged interference in the Brexit campaign and Scottish Referendum as well as corrupt money being brought onshore, but provided only scant detail. The former spy also claimed his involvement the dossier, published by Buzzfeed in 2017, cost his wife Katherine her Foreign Officer career by forcing her into early retirement. Steele penned the 35-page document, which alleged that the Kremlin colluded with Trump's presidential campaign, in 2016 after his private intelligence company Orbis Business Intelligence was hired by a law firm representing the Democrats. Among other things, the 'golden shower' dossier claimed that the Russian security services could blackmail the President-Elect with allegations that he paid prostitutes to urinate on a bed once slept in by Barack and Michelle Obama. Steele's 2016 'dirty dossier' on newly elected President Donald Trump in 2017 alleged he was in Vladimir Putin's pocket and claimed he threw an orgy with prostitutes on a Moscow trip Steele, once MI6's leading expert on the Kremlin, said he had uncovered evidence of Russian hostilities towards the UK in an interview with Sky News. He said evidence included 'everything from corrupt leadership money being brought onshore and invested in strategic industries and the like, which is something of concern, to potential attempts to fund parts of the Brexit campaign and interference in that, [the] Scottish referendum, some evidence of interference in that as well.' He declined to provide details of the alleged evidence but said there was 'clearly some of the same playbook' such as exploiting loopholes. 'Money being moved through deniable channels and coming out the other end, technically legal,' he said. He also claimed Russian officials believe they can threaten the EU and force it to 'collapse', without providing details. Steele claimed his involvement the dossier, published by Buzzfeed in 2017, cost his wife Katherine (pictured together) her Foreign Officer career by forcing her into early retirement And Steele claimed his involvement the dossier, published by Buzzfeed in 2017, cost his wife Katherine her Foreign Officer career by forcing her into early retirement. He said the fallout when it was revealed he was behind the dossier 'didn't play out at all well' for his wife, then a crown servant at the Foreign Office. 'She decided at a certain point that, yes, she would have to take early retirement, which is what she did.' He added they both feel 'pretty angry and disappointed' over the furore. A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development spokesperson told Sky: 'The UK government has been clear that it had no involvement in the production of the dossier. 'We do not comment on individual staffing matters.' A heavily-tattooed Missouri man, who's entire face and neck is adorned in ink, is facing a possible life sentence after his most recent felony arrest for attempting to rape a woman while she slept in bed with her boyfriend. Michael Campbell, 46, described by The Smoking Gun as the 'world's scariest perp,' is currently being held in Greene County jail in Springfield on $100,000 bond. Campbell, who has a pentagram tattooed in the middle of his forehead and past convictions for assault, burglary, grand theft, sexual assault and escape from custody, is scheduled to appear in Circuit Court on Monday. Investigators say the registered sex offender tried to rape a woman while she was in bed with her boyfriend, who was asleep. Police reported the woman described her assailant as 'an unknown white male with face tattoos.' Pictured: the most recent mugshot of Michael Campbell, described by The Smoking Gun as the 'world's scariest perp' The 46-year-old Missouri man is currently being held in Greene County jail in Springfield on $100,000 bond, seen here in a 2008 arrest photo A tenant told police that they saw the woman's boyfriend 'chasing a male with lots of tattoos all over his face and neck out the south door of the facility' as Campbell fled the residence on a blue bicycle, according to the police report. Cops eventually found Campbell on a gold-colored bike that 'appeared to have been freshly painted' with 'blue and purple paint under the gold paint,' the police report states. Campbell tried to explain away the attempted rape, telling authorities that he told the woman 'no' after 'she made sexual advances towards him' due to the fact that he 'had a curfew and needed to leave.' Campbell could face a life sentence if he's convicted of the attempted rape charge because of a criminal history that goes back nearly 26 years, when he was found guilty in 1995 of attempted sexual assault in Colorado. Pictured: the felony complaint against Campbell, who allegedly attempted to rape a woman while she slept in bed next to her boyfriend The majority of his ink was done after 2003, when an booking photo for theft (pictured) showed him with far less tattoos, although he did have three small ones on his face and neck Pictured: Campbell's dramatic jailhouse transformation: in 2003 on the left and in 2008 on the right Last year, he served six months in jail after being convicted for assault, violating an order of protection and property damage in Greene County. Aside from the notable pentagram in the middle of his forehead, Campbell's tattoos include a polka-dot bow tie on his neck and a pitbull on his upper chest. According to his mugshots, the majority of his ink was done after at least 2003, when a booking photo for theft showed him with far less tattoos, although he still did have three small ones on his face and neck when he entered prison that year for a five-year stretch. DailyMail.com first reported on Campbell's dramatic jailhouse transformation back in 2008, when a new photo was released to the public showing his face and neck completely covered in tattoos. The inauguration of an Iranian governor was interrupted by a man walking on stage and slapping him in the face - allegedly because he was furious his wife had to get her Covid jab delivered by a male doctor. Abedin Khorram was appointed as Governor of East Azerbaijan Province in northwestern Iran was slapped by 'a member of the armed forces' during the ceremony, according to the regime-linked Fars news agency. Mr Khorram is a former IRGC provincial commander and has reportedly been kidnapped in the past by Syrian rebel forces. After taking the podium for his inaugural address, the man strode onstage and powerfully slapped Khorram in the face. The connection the man made was picked up by the podium's microphone and echoed around the hall The connection that the man made echoed through the room after it was picked up by the podium's microphone. The motive for the attack is unclear with one report saying the man was unhappy that his wife's Covid-19 vaccine had been administered by a male healthcare professional. Security immediately swarmed the stage and dragged the assailant off through a side door, knocking down a curtain as they did. Khorram later returned to the stage and made several quips about his reported time in Syria. Khorram said: 'I do not know him of course but you should know that, although I did not want to say it, when I was in Syria I would get whipped by the enemy 10 times a day and would be beaten up. 'They would hold a loaded gun to my head. I consider him on a par with those enemies but forgive him.' Though he denied knowing the man, the state-run IRNA news agency described the attacker as a member of the Guard's Ashoura Corps, which Khorram had overseen. Security swarmed the stage after the man slapped Khorram and led him off and through a side door The man had casually strolled onto the stage in a rare security breach in the Islamic Republic IRNA described the attack as coming due to 'personal reasons,' without elaborating. Another man on stage shouted' death to the hypocrites', a common chant used against exiled opposition groups and others who oppose the ruling regime. Others cried out that Khorram was a 'pro-supreme leader governor' after being recently nominated by Iran's hard-line parliament to serve as the provincial governor. Khorram now serves under the government of President Ebrahim Raisi, a protege of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khorram had been among 48 Iranians held hostage in 2013 in Syria, later released for some 2,130 rebels, according to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based think tank that long has been critical of Iran. Khorram later compared the man to Syrian rebels who had captured him back in 2013 Iran had referred to those held as Shiite religious pilgrims. A State Department spokesperson at the time called it 'just another example of how Iran continues to provide guidance, expertise, personnel (and) technical capabilities to the Syrian regime.' The incident also comes amid anger in Iran over its precarious economic situation despite its support abroad for regional militias and others, including Syrian President Bashar Assad. Iran's economy has been hammered since then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers in 2018. Advertisement Director Joel Souza, who was hospitalized after Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun loaded with live ammunition killing female cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, has spoken out. Souza told Deadline: 'I am gutted by the loss of my friend and colleague, Halyna. She was kind, vibrant, incredibly talented, fought for every inch and always pushed me to be better.' He continued: 'My thoughts are with her family at this most difficult time.' 'I am humbled and grateful by the outpouring of affection we have received from our filmmaking community, the people of Santa Fe, and the hundreds of strangers who have reached out.. It will surely aid in my recovery.' The Rust director was standing behind Hutchins when Baldwin shot the prop gun. Souza was shot in the shoulder and transported to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical center in an ambulance. He was treated for his injuries and released from the hospital on Friday. Souza was directing the Western film that he wrote based off a story he co-wrote with Baldwin. Before filming stopped due to the tragic incident on Thursday, about half of the movie had been filmed. Police are working to determine if footage of the fatal shooting was recorded. Hutchins' husband shared a touching tribute to his wife on Twitter on Friday. Matthew Hutchins tweeted a photo of his wife and their 9-year-old son Andros on Friday captioned: 'Halyna inspired us all with her passion and vision, and her legacy is too meaningful to encapsulate in words. 'Our loss is enormous, and we ask that the media please respect my family's privacy as we process our grief. We thank everyone for sharing images and stories of her life.' His Facebook profile picture is a photo of the couple who had been married for 16 years. His bio now reads: 'We miss you, Halyna.' A private memorial was held in Santa Fe last night with Matthew, Andros, and Baldwin in attendance, according to ShowBiz411. It was reported that grief counselors were present at the service. The grieving husband told DailyMail.com on Friday morning that he had spoken with the actor. 'I have spoken with Alec Baldwin and he is being very supportive,' he said. Rust director Joel Souza said that he was 'gutted by the loss' of his friend and colleague Halyna Hutchins who was shot and killed Thursday afternoon on set when Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun loaded with live ammunition Souza was standing behind Hutchins (pictured) when Baldwin fired the fatal shot. He was hit in the shoulder and sent to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical center where he underwent treatment for his injury before being sent home Friday Halyna Hutchins' husband Matthew shared a touching tribute to his wife with a picture of her with their 9-year-old son Andros Alec Baldwin is seen on the set of Rust with fake blood earlier Thursday, hours before he shot and killed the film's cinematographer. He shared this photo on Instagram with the caption 'Back to in person at the office. Blimeyits exhausting.' Filming was halted following the fatal incident at the Bonanza Creek Ranch movie set in Santa Fe Baldwin first addressed the tragedy on Twitter Friday: 'There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and' 'I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.' He then tweeted a Variety article titled Alec Baldwin Was Told Prop Gun Was Safe Before Fatal Shooting, Affidavit Says. He was pictured doubled over in grief on Thursday after speaking to the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department. A public memorial will be held in Albuquerque Saturday from 6 - 7:30 pm. A GoFundMe page has been created by the International Cinematographers Guild Local 600 to raise funds to support her family. The American Film Institute has established a memorial scholarship to support aspiring female cinematographers in her honor. Remembered by friends as a 'kind' and 'loving soul', Halyna lived in Venice Beach, California, with Matthew and Andros- who she affectionally called her 'little man.' 'Halyna loved him so much and enjoyed watching him grow into the handsome boy he is today,' one friend wrote in a moving Instagram tribute. 'I know she is looking after him and Matt in this horribly scary time.' He tweeted: 'Halyna inspired us all with her passion and vision, and her legacy is too meaningful to encapsulate in words' Matthew attended a private memorial service for this wife with his son and Alec Baldwin, with whom he has been in contact with following his wife's tragic death Social media photos capture a playfulness and sense of adventure, with Halloween costume parties, road trips with friends and days out exploring all lit up by Halyna's smile. She was also highly regarded by her peers and had been tipped as a 'rising star' by other cinematographers. 'She was somebody who was absolutely dedicated to art and integrity,' director, colleague and friend Adam Mortimer told GMB this morning. 'I can tell already she was going to be a genius.' Will Stewart, Daily Mail's Moscow correspondent, told how Halyna had worked for him in the mid-2000s. 'This is devastating and incomprehensible news about the death of Halyna Hutchins. She worked for my news agency from Kyiv for several years in the mid-2000s after graduating from a local university in International Journalism. 'Halyna was involved in many stories for British newspapers and magazines, but she showed a special talent for documentaries, perhaps her first taste of film in which she went on to be so successful in America. 'At this time while she was with us, in 2006, she was Associate Producer on a documentary for Discovery Channel on Ukrainian icon Leonid Stadnyk called World's Tallest Man, made by British company Wild Pictures. 'She was instrumental in Mr Stadnyk feeling at ease taking part in the documentary which focused on the problems of being exceptionally tall. 'The film, made by leading British director Richard Denton, with former BBC Head of Documentaries Paul Hamann as executive producer, would not have happened without her. 'Mr Stadnyk, a shy man, trusted Halyna after refusing many other film offers, and thanked her afterwards. Pictures ahead of the film shows him towering over Halyna at his home in the village of Podoliantsy. She later went to the US with her husband Matt and accomplished great things through her huge talent and creativity but also her relentless determination to study and learn. 'She once told my Russian colleagues that she felt she was a perpetual student in America, but her efforts paid off and she achieved the success she thoroughly deserved. 'It is tragic that she died in such a cruel and inexplicable way while doing the job she so loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with Matt and their son, and Halyna's family in Ukraine.' Richard Denton, producer behind Shakespeare Uncovered and many films in the former USSR, said today: 'Halyna was the most wonderful, vital, lively and positive person to work with. 'She was friendly and enormously helpful. She handled everything from translating interviews to making Leonid's horse move in the right direction. She was completely unpretentious and incredibly professional. Her death was 'senseless and stupid.' The 24-year-old head armorer in charge of guns on the film had previously admitted she wasn't sure she was ready for the job in an interview before filming started. Scroll down for video Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the 24-year-old head armorer in charge of guns on Alec Baldwin film where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was tragically shot and killed on Thursday had admitted she 'wasn't sure she was ready' for the job in an interview before filming started Hannah Gutierrez-Reed (left) also admitted in the podcast interview she found loading blanks into a gun 'the scariest' thing because she did not know how to do it and had sought help from her father, legendary gunsmith Thell Reed, (right) to get over the fear A search warrant released Friday said first assistant director Dave Halls (left) grabbed the gun from the cart and brought it inside to Baldwin, unaware that it was loaded with live rounds. Baldwin then aimed towards the camera and pulled the trigger, accidentally killing Hutchins (right) as she filmed him 'I almost didn't take the job because I wasn't sure if I was ready, but doing it, it went really smoothly,' Hannah Gutierrez-Reed said in a podcast interview last month after leading the firearms department for The Old Way, starring Nicolas Cage - her first time as head armorer. She also admitted in the podcast interview she found loading blanks into a gun 'the scariest' thing because she did not know how to do it and had sought help from her father, legendary gunsmith Thell Reed, to get over the fear. It comes as the film crew revealed they walked off set hours before the fatal accident over safety fears after firearms were accidentally discharged three times - including once by Baldwin's stunt double who had been told the gun was not loaded, and twice in a closed cabin. A search warrant released Friday said that Gutierrez-Reed laid out three prop guns on a cart outside the filming location, and first assistant director Dave Halls grabbed the gun from the cart and brought it inside to Baldwin, unaware that it was loaded with live rounds. 'Cold gun!' shouted Halls before handing the gun to Baldwin, using the phrase to signal to cast and crew that the gun was safe to fire for the scene, the warrant said. Seconds later, filming a scene inside an Old West-style church, Baldwin apparently aimed towards the camera and pulled the trigger, accidentally killing Hutchins as she filmed him, and injuring director Joel Souza, who stood behind her. An inconsolable Alec Baldwin is shown outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office after accidentally shooting and killing the cinematographer on Thursday An aerial view of the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, where the movie was being filmed. Workers had been protesting over the fact production wouldn't pay for them to stay in hotels and motels in Santa Fe, instead forcing them to drive an hour to Albuquerque Why WAS a gun on Alec Baldwin movie set loaded with live ammo? Mystery over events that led to actor killing cinematographer The deadly chain of events on set that led to Alec Baldwin being handed a gun with live ammunition and accidentally shooting and killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins have become clearer after it emerged last night the actor fired a live round, believing it to be a blank. Experts yesterday told DailyMail.com safety on set is usually extremely tight with live bullets never used in filming and it remains unclear why a firearm loaded with live ammunition was on the Rust set at all. Baldwin was handed a gun loaded with live ammunition First assistant director Dave Halls picked up one of the firearms - a vintage-style Colt revolver laid out by armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed - unaware it was loaded with live bullets. 'Cold gun!' shouted Halls before handing the gun to Baldwin, using the phrase to signal to cast and crew that the gun was safe to fire for the scene, a search warrant released on Friday said. Baldwin, filming a scene inside an Old West-style church, then fired a live round towards the camera, accidentally killing Hutchins as she filmed him. Hutchins was airlifted to the hospital but was pronounced dead. Souza was taken to the hospital by ambulance but was released on Thursday evening. Why was live ammunition used on set in the first place? Live ammunition is never usually used on film sets and Baldwin's shooting and killing of a cinematographer a 'total mystery', a Hollywood armorer has said. Mike Tristan, 60, who has provided guns for movie sets for over 30 years, said the injuries sustained by Hutchins should not have been possible. Tristan, who has worked with Baldwin before, said any professional armorer would have checked the weapon, which he believes was a Western, before handing it to the 63-year-old. 'There should have been blanks in the gun, the on-set armorer's job is to check that before handing the weapon over,' Tristan told Dailymail.com. 'They then make sure that the actor stands on a mark and never points the gun at the crew or cast, you give them an aim to point at and the editing makes it seem like they were pointing at their co-actor. 'That's why everyone in the industry is very confused, how this happened is a total mystery at the moment.' Union members had walked off set hours earlier over safety concerns Unionized members walked off set on Wednesday, hours before the tragedy, complaining of safety concerns. They complained about long hours, shoddy conditions and another safety incident days earlier involving 'two misfires' of a prop weapon. Deadline cites an unnamed source who said a gun had gone off 'in a cabin' while someone was holding it, days prior to the shooting that killed Hutchins. 'A gun had two misfires in a closed cabin. They just fired loud pops a person was just holding it in their hands and it went off,' they said, apparently referring to unintentional discharges. Baldwin's stunt double also accidentally fired two rounds after being told the firearm was 'cold'. When they turned up to set to clear their things on Thursday, they found they'd been replaced by locals. It begs the question of who those local workers were, what their training was and to what extent did they check the weapon before it was handed to Baldwin. Advertisement Neither Halls nor Gutierrez-Reed immediately returned messages from DailyMail.com late on Friday. Neither has been charged or named as a criminal suspect in the case, though a police investigation is ongoing. The movie, set in 1880's Kansas, stars Baldwin as the infamous outlaw Harland Rust, whose grandson is sentenced to hang for an accidental murder. In the interview with the Voices of the West last month, Gutierrez-Reed revealed her father only started teaching her about guns at age 16 and that most of her training had happened in the last couple of years. She described filming The Old Way earlier in the year as the start of a 'long' career. According to her LinkedIn page, she most recently worked as a videographer at Synth Fire, a California-based news and media company, and as a documentary filmmaker for the City of Flagstaff in Arizona. She worked as an armorer for Yellowstone film ranch between March and June 2021, but according to the page stopped working there three months before filming for Rust started in October. Gutierrez-Reed had only recently left Northern Arizona university, where she studied creative media and film between 2017 and 2020. Meanwhile Halls is a veteran assistant director with scores of credits on productions involving prop guns, including Fargo, The Matrix Reloaded, and the TV cop comedy Reno 911. In 2000, Halls was the second unit's first assistant director on The Crow: Salvation, the sequel to the film in which Bruce Lee's son Brandon Lee was killed in an on-set firearms mishap in 1993. The warrant said that a single bullet struck Hutchins in the chest, and then struck director Joel Souza in the shoulder as he was standing behind her, injuring him, suggesting the bullet traveled all the way through Hutchins' body. The gun that fired the fatal shot was a vintage-style Colt revolver, DailyMail.com has exclusively learned. After the shooting, the armorer took possession of the gun and a spent casing, which were turned over to police, along with other prop guns and ammunition used on the set. Baldwin also changed out of the Western costume he was wearing, which was stained with blood, and turned it over to police. The warrant does not reveal the model or caliber of the prop gun that fired the fatal bullet, but the film is set in the Old West of the 1880s and DailyMail.com has learned it was a Colt. The warrant was obtained Friday so that investigators could document the scene at the ranch where the shooting took place. Unionized workers had walked off the set hours before the fatal shooting, after they complained about long hours, shoddy conditions and another safety incident days earlier involving 'two misfires' of a prop weapon. A yet-unnamed prop master who oversaw the gun used in the fatal shooting was a non-union worker who was 'just brought in' to replace the workers who left over safety concerns, a source involved in the movie told the New York Post. It's unclear whether Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer, had recently joined the production, or was one of the crew members who stayed behind after the walk-off. However, a link in her Instagram bio points to an article about Rust from May, suggesting she had been attached to the production for some time. Unionized employees had been complaining about the fact they had to stay overnight in Albuquerque - an hour's drive from the set - and not Sante Fe because production wouldn't pay for their hotels, according to sources cited by The Los Angeles Times and multiple social media posts by film and TV insiders. When they turned up to set to clear their things on Thursday, they found they'd been replaced by locals. It begs the question of who those local workers were, what their training was and to what extent did they check the weapon before it was handed to Baldwin. Deadline also cites an unnamed source who said a gun had gone off 'in a cabin' while someone was holding it, days prior to the shooting that killed Hutchins. 'A gun had two misfires in a closed cabin. They just fired loud pops a person was just holding it in their hands and it went off,' they said, apparently referring to unintentional discharges. Rust Production LLC did not respond to repeated requests for comment from DailyMail.com on Friday about the incident, but members of the union that represents many of the crew who were involved in the production said they had expressed fears about on-set safety. It is the same union that had been threatened to galvanize an industry-wide strike in protest over poor working conditions including low pay and laxed safety. IATSE Local 44 - whose members were involved in the Rust production - said in a statement to its members that no union members were on the set on Thursday. One text message that was circulating on social media, shared repeatedly by union members, refers to a 'walk out' by staff the day before the tragedy. The text message claims that Halyna was one of the few people who decided to stay. She belonged to IATSE Local 600 and had been campaigning for better conditions for her team when she was killed. One person who was involved with the production posted on social media that crew had been sleeping in their cars at the movie set because they were too tired to drive the one-hour back to Albuquerque after grueling days. The movie does not have a large budget like other productions, and one experienced prop master who was offered the job turned it down because it wasn't paying enough for her to take the job. Production of the film has stopped now in light of the tragedy. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department is investigating and 'collecting evidence', a spokesman said on Friday Union members vented on social media before the tragedy about the poor conditions on the set of the film. They talked about having to sleep in their cars at the set rather than make the drive back to Albuquerque because they were too exhausted DailyMail.com spoke with the crew member who ranted on social media about the deplorable work conditions that led union members to walk out hours before the fatal accident. 'I am literally on the show in New Mexico with him and the producers on that movie are treating the local crew like f**king dog sh*t,' he wrote in one post earlier this week. 'At the moment I'm fighting to get my crew, on this movie, hotel rooms when we go long or are too tired to drive the hour back from location to Albuquerque,' he wrote in another. 'They either say no or offer a garbage roadside motel.' Reached by DailyMail.com and shown the posts in question, the member, who lives in Albuquerque, NM, didn't deny he wrote them. But he wouldn't answer follow-up questions, saying he didn't want to interfere with the police investigation. 'I can't speak to anything until I know that the police have the strongest possible case against the people who are ultimately responsible for this,' he told DailyMail.com. Zak Knight, a pyrotechnic and special effects engineer who is a member of Local 44, told DailyMail.com on Friday that he'd heard from others involved in the production that there was a walk-out. 'It's very possible that the union members said 'we're out', and they brought in people to fill the positions on the fly. There's a lot of grey area.' He added that different gun laws between New Mexico and California may have also contributed to the accident. In California, both a trained armorer and a prop master is required on a film set and those are the standards the union adheres to as well. 'You will find the best and most well-trained individuals in Los Angeles. You can't guarantee that as you go across the country,' he told DailyMail.com on Friday. In the days before the tragedy, IATSE had been threatening a large-scale strike that would have crippled Hollywood production. Among the complaints were overworking staff and poor rates. Baldwin recorded a video of himself encouraging the union members to strike if they felt they needed to, saying studio bosses 'don't give a f**k about you', that the union shared online. 'There's a direct correlation between maintaining a safe set and the hours that we work. At a certain time there's no such thing as a safe set if we're all exhausted,' Knight, a special effects artist, said. Whatever happened in the moments leading up to her death, Knight said it was caused by a 'cascade of failures' by multiple people. 'We have a hard and fast rule that no live ammunition ever goes into a prop truck or set at any time. We just don't do it. 'If you see bullets on set they are complete dummy rounds and are in no way functional. This goes back to Brandon Lee. There's protocol. 'There should have never been live rounds on a movie set, that's number one. Number two is every single person on a movie set has a right to inspect a weapon before it's fired. And number three is, there is no reason to ever put a person in front of a weapon that's firing. 'Anytime you see a movie where the barrel is pointed down the camera lens, there should not be an operator behind it. It's obvious that the considerations of this resulted in that gun being pointed directly at two people. 'We would have additionally had a barrier between them. 'A large number of people failed to do our protocols... every accident is a cascade of events,' he said. A vehicle from the Office of the Medical Investigator enters the front gate leading to the Bonanza Creek Ranch on Friday, after Rust Director of Photography Halyna Hutchins was killed and director Joel Souza was injured on set One Santa Fe prop master told DailyMail.com that had the gun been checked properly before it was handed to Baldwin, the tragedy wouldn't have occurred. 'If they'd done their job checking the weapon this wouldn't have happened. You show the assistant director the weapon, you show the actor the weapon, you show everybody it's a safe weapon. There's a big chain of command that missed an opportunity to save a life.' Rust Productions LLC has opened an internal investigation into what happened but will not comment on the specifics. A Santa Fe County Sheriff Department spokesman said on Friday afternoon: 'The investigation remains active and open. Witnesses continue to be interviewed and evidence collected.' In addition to the criminal probe, New Mexico's Occupational Health and Safety Bureau is investigating Hutchins' death, and could impose civil penalties even if no charges are brought in the case. 'Our state OSHA program is investigating this,' Rebecca Roose, deputy cabinet secretary of the New Mexico Environment Department,' told Deadline. 'The state takes all workplace safety issues very seriously and will work diligently through our investigation of this tragic fatality.' The workers were angry that they weren't being put up in Sante Fe, the town nearest the ranch where they were shooting, and instead were being told to drive every night to Albuquerque after long shifts. Some said they were sleeping in their cars at the set to avoid it Baldwin and Hutchins (circled) are pictured together on the set of Rust, in an image that she uploaded to Instagram two days ago saying the crew of the film were supporting a strike by the IATSE union The Baldwin family's nanny was pictured packing up their SUV outside the family's NYC home on Friday but there was no sign of the actor's wife Hilaria Baldwin's wife Hilaria posted this screenshot of them FaceTiming on Thursday before the tragedy Last month, actor Jensen Ackles told a conference in Denver how he'd been able to 'choose' his own gun from the female armorer in a haphazard training session. It was not clear whether he was referring to Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer named in the search warrant. 'They had me pick my gun. They were like, 'Alright, what gun would you like?' I was like, 'I don't know', and the armorer was like, 'Do you have gun experience?' I was like, 'A little', she was like, 'This is how you load it...check it's safe. Do you want it hip drawn or cross drawn?' I was like 'cross drawn, that sounds fun'.' 'So she's like, 'I'll just put some blanks in there and just fire a couple of rounds towards the hill.' 'I walk out and she's like, 'Just make sure you pull the hammer all the way back and aim at your target'. 'I was like alright I got it,' he said. It's unclear where Baldwin is now. There was no sign of his wife, Hilaria, outside their New York City apartment on Friday but a nanny was pictured loading up their SUV. The production employed '73 New Mexican crew, 22 New Mexico principal actors, and 230 New Mexico background talent' according to a press release issued earlier this month. According to the prop masters' union email, the 'Props, Set Decoration, Special Effects and Construction Departments were staffed by New Mexico crew members' - none of whom belonged to the union. In the days before the tragedy, IATSE had been threatening a large-scale strike that would have crippled Hollywood production. Among the complaints were overworking staff and poor rates. Baldwin recorded a video of himself encouraging the union members to strike if they felt they needed to, saying studio bosses 'don't give a f**k about you', that the union shared online. The tragedy is reminiscent of the 1993 accident on the set of The Crow, when Bruce Lee's son Brandon was shot and killed by a fellow actor. The film crew in that accident thought the gun was loaded with dummy bullets and blanks, but an autopsy revealed Lee had a .44 caliber bullet lodged in his spine. Investigators in that shooting also probed the theory that a dummy cartridge got stuck in the barrel before the second was fired - a known hazard in shooting which can cause serious injuries or death when the second round is fired. Actor Jensen Ackles told last month how he'd received haphazard gun training on the film set. He talked about being able to choose his own gun, and how the unnamed female armorer loaded it with blanks then shot it at a hill before asking him how he'd like to draw the weapon and then letting him shoot. A photo he posted from the set is shown, right An image taken on the set of Rust shows cast and crew members receiving a safety briefing before filming stunts. The image was uploaded to Instagram a week ago Will Baldwin face charges? Legal experts tell DailyMail.com massive civil suit is a virtual certainty, but say any criminal prosecution would likely focus on whoever prepared the prop gun By Keith Griffith for DailyMail.com Legal experts tell DailyMail.com lawsuits naming Alec Baldwin are a virtual certainty, but that any potential criminal charges are more likely to center on whoever loaded the gun Legal experts tell DailyMail.com that following Halyna Hutchins' death, lawsuits naming Alec Baldwin are a virtual certainty, but that any potential criminal charges are more likely to center on whoever loaded the gun. Baldwin said Friday that his killing of a cinematographer with a prop gun on a movie set was a 'tragic accident' as authorities investigated the shooting, which also wounded the director. Hutchins, the cinematographer on the Western movie Rust, was killed and director Joel Souza was shot and injured on Thursday in the desert on the outskirts of Santa Fe. A spokesperson for Baldwin said a prop gun with blanks 'misfired'. A spokesman for the Santa Fe County sheriff said detectives were investigating what type of projectile was discharged and how. No immediate charges were filed. Key facts in the case have not yet been publicly confirmed, including how and why a projectile was expelled. 'If Baldwin or another person was negligent, a civil suit is almost a no-brainer at this point -- a very high likelihood,' attorney Jamie White, who has experience in both criminal defense and civil prosecutions, told DailyMail.com. 'It is not likely that it was Baldwin's job to prepare props. There are other parties associated with putting those things in motion,' he added. 'As the facts have thus far been presented, Baldwin will not be charged with an intentional act of violence,' said White. A distraught Alec Baldwin lingers in the parking lot outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, after he was questioned about a shooting on the set of the film Rust on the outskirts of Santa Fe A news cameraman records the entrance of the Santa Fe County Sheriff office in Santa Fe on Friday. Actor Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun on the set of a Western being filmed at the Bonanza Creek Film Ranch, killing the cinematographer, officials said 'However, it is not unheard of to be charged with significant negligence. There are a lot more facts that need to be developed, but studios take extensive cautions in light of Brandon Lee's death in 1993,' he said, referring to the actor killed by a squib load on the set of The Crow. Los Angeles personal injury attorney Miguel Custodio said that as the facts that are known stand, 'liability certainly points to Rust Movie Productions and the prop manager.' Custodio noted that any lawsuit is likely to name Baldwin, however, due to his role as a producer of the movie as well as an actor. 'As the actor, Alec Baldwin has little liability because you're given something and you're trusting the prop manager to have checked everything out,' he said. 'Baldwin the producer may bear more responsibility, depending on if he is just an investor or has a more active role in the making of the film, which I suspect he does.' 'Overall, this is horrible negligence and Ms. Hutchins' survivors should go after everyone they can,' added Custodio. 'It's likely they'll go after Baldwin the actor, Baldwin the producer, the film company and the prop manager.' Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani, president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, said that criminal charges are possible in the case, but that a murder charge is unlikely. 'A charge of murder is unlikely because it requires the intent to kill. There is no evidence that Baldwin indeed intended to kill,' said Rahmani. 'A manslaughter charge might be more likely, because it does not require intent to kill, but does require criminal negligence or gross negligence,' he added. 'In this case, there are reports that the prop gun was loaded with live rounds. If that is true, that is grossly negligent, and whoever loaded the gun is going to be responsible. 'Baldwin, if he had no knowledge whatsoever that the gun was loaded with a live round instead of a blank, wouldn't have any criminal liability,' said Rahmani. Props expert Guillaume Delouche at Independent Studio Services holds a prop gun while explaining them in Sunland-Tujunga, Los Angeles on Friday. It's still unclear what kind of prop gun was involved in Thursday's fatal shooting Rahmani said that if a live round were loaded by mistake, its likely to be a case of simple negligence, which would not bring criminal liability. 'There is a rare circumstance where there can be criminal charges without any knowledge that the round was live,' he said. 'That's when there's deliberate indifference or willful ignorance. It's very hard to prove, which is why these types of prosecutions are rare.' 'It comes down to what was in the gun, who put it in, and what did he or she know when they put the round in there,' added Rahmani. 'If it was a blank, even blanks can be dangerous when discharged at close distances. That can be grossly negligent.' Custodio speculated that any civil suit brought by the family of Hutchins was likely to seek a large amount of damages. 'She was 42 and had an incredibly promising future, so her potential earnings were likely to be significant,' he said. 'It's also clear that somebody failed her in the most basic way to check whether a gun was safe and may be criminally negligent,' added Custodio. 'And remember, director Joel Souza also was injured, and many others on set also are traumatized and affected by this.' No criminal charges have been filed in the case, but police say an active investigation is underway. Baldwin has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation. Number of people dying with the virus fell 8.8 per cent to 135 today, down from the 148 recorded last week The single figure increase comes after seven days of infections increasing by at least 10 per cent Department of Health bosses posted 44,985 new infections today, up 3.6 per cent on last Saturday's 43,423 Advertisement Britain's Covid case crisis appears to be slowing, official data today showed as fears grow around the impending winter wave. Department of Health bosses posted 44,985 new coronavirus infections, up 3.6 per cent on last week's total of 43,423. The single figure increase comes after seven days of infections spiking by at least 10 per cent, suggesting the recent uptick in cases may be beginning to slow. And the number of people dying with the virus fell to 135 today. It was down 8.8 per cent on last Saturday's toll of 148. The figures come after a Government scientific adviser said he is 'very fearful' there will be another 'lockdown Christmas'. Professor Peter Openshaw, a member of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag) and SAGE subgroup CO-CIN, said case numbers and death rates are currently 'unacceptable'. But SAGE scientists insisted it was 'highly unlikely' that the NHS would be overwhelmed by the virus this winter even without restrictions. Modelling by the group for England predicted that the combination of vaccine-acquired immunity and natural protection would be enough to keep hospital rates below levels seen during the second wave. Boris Johnson yesterday resisted calls from health leaders for tighter restrictions despite the rising levels of infections. Health Secretary Sajid Javid said new cases could reach 100,000 a day but Downing Street insisted there was still spare capacity in the NHS and that Plan B would only be activated if it came under 'significant pressure'. Meanwhile, it was revealed Brits may need three Covid vaccinations to go on holiday next summer but under-50s are unlikely to receive a booster until 'well after Christmas'. Modelling by SAGE predicted that the combination of vaccine-acquired immunity and natural protection would be enough to keep hospital rates below levels seen in the second wave. Even in the most pessimistic scenarios, the group estimated that daily Covid hospital admissions would not rise above 1,500. More optimistic models had them peaking at below 1,000 in winter. The above charts are based on modelling by Warwick University and look at how quickly people go back to pre-pandemic social contacts. It was based on the booster doses given 'sustained' immunity Other SAGE modelling took into account 'repeated' waning from booster doses, and projected that hospital admissions could breach levels seen during the second wave in January under the worst-case projections Boris Johnson insists there is 'absolutely nothing to indicate' there will be another lockdown this winter Boris Johnson today insisted there is 'absolutely nothing to indicate' there will be another lockdown this winter. The Prime Minister said a national shutdown is not 'on the cards' as he was grilled about rising coronavirus case numbers. His comments came after Tory MPs and hospitality chiefs urged the PM to resist calls from health bosses to trigger the Government's Covid-19 'Plan B'. Conservative MPs fear going ahead with the fall back strategy of telling people to work from home and to wear face masks would put the nation on a 'slippery slope' towards another lockdown. They are adamant there should be no return to draconian curbs, claiming that the Government must not be 'bullied' by health leaders into imposing new rules. Meanwhile, hospitality bosses have warned against reimposing restrictions, telling the PM that many pubs, bars and restaurants would 'go to the wall'. The hospitality industry is concerned that even light touch restrictions could hit bookings and put 'Christmas at risk'. The Government has insisted the triggering of 'Plan B' is not imminent, with the focus currently on rolling out vaccine booster shots. But ministers struck an ominous tone this morning as they said the blueprint is 'there for a reason'. Advertisement It comes as: Rishi Sunak said booster Covid vaccines will prevent another lockdown as he defied health experts who warned the NHS could be overwhelmed this winter; Top scientists urged the Government to rollout Johnson & Johnson's vaccine as soon as possible because it may prove a game-changer in No10's efforts to persuade hesitant adults to get jabbed; Investigations showed one of Britain's richest men claimed up to 6million in furlough money despite saying he had 'borrowed nothing from the Government during Covid pandemic'. The Government said a further 135 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid as of today, bringing the UK total to 139,361. Separate figures published by the Office for National Statistics show there have now been 164,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid was mentioned on the death certificate. It comes as it was revealed Britons may need three Covid vaccinations to go on holiday next summer. Care minister Gillian Keegan, 53, said the current vaccine passport system will have to evolve, which could mean having three jabs to be able to jet off. But an anonymous source on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) said boosters for people under the age of 50 would most probably be given 'well after Christmas'. The JCVI member said the committee would probably not extend the booster roll-out to other groups of people until more tangible progress was made with people eligible for the third vaccine at the moment. Professor Openshaw, of Imperial College London, told BBC Breakfast: 'I'm very fearful that we're going to have another lockdown Christmas if we don't act soon. 'We know that with public health measures the time to act is immediately. There's no point in delaying. 'If you do delay then you need to take even more stringent actions later. The immediacy of response is absolutely vital if you're going to get things under control. 'We all really, really want a wonderful family Christmas where we can all get back together. 'If that's what we want, we need to get these measures in place now in order to get transmission rates right down so that we can actually get together and see one another over Christmas.' Professor Openshaw said it is 'unacceptable to be letting this run at the moment', adding: 'I think the hospitals in many parts of the country are barely coping actually. 'Talking to people on the front line, I think it's just not sustainable to keep going at this rate. 'I think it's just unacceptable to see the number of deaths that we've got at the moment. 'At one stage last week there were 180 deaths in a single day. That is just too many deaths. We seem to have got used to the idea that we're going to have many, many people dying of Covid and that I think is just not the case. 'We need to slow down transmission and really redouble efforts to get everyone vaccinated and all the boosters out, and then we can open up again.' Professor Openshaw was asked what he would say to people who have concerns about what they can do to stop the spread of the virus in the event of the Government not reintroducing measures. He told the programme: 'I think take matters into your own hands. Don't wait necessarily for Government policy. Only around 4.5million (green line) out of the 9.3million eligible people (blue line) in England have received the crucial third dose, prompting ministers to urge people to come forward for their inoculations SAGE insists NHS WILL cope and admissions are 'unlikely' to reach January peak even WITHOUT Plan B SAGE scientists have insisted it was 'highly unlikely' that the NHS would be overwhelmed by the virus this winter even without restrictions in advice that justifies No10's bold decision to reject immediately resorting to 'Plan B'. Modelling by SAGE for England predicted that the combination of vaccine-acquired immunity and natural protection would be enough to keep hospital rates below levels seen during the second wave. Even in the most gloomy central scenarios, the group estimated that daily Covid hospital admissions would not rise above 1,500 this winter. More optimistic models had them peaking at below 1,000, but suggested they could peak next spring. Daily numbers published by the Government include all four UK nations. The SAGE forecasts assumed that a modest 1.3million elderly and vulnerable people are given a Covid booster vaccine per week over the coming months, which is roughly in line with the current rate, and that 90 per cent of eligible over-50s, NHS workers and at-risk adults take up the offer. In documents submitted to ministers last week but only published today, SAGE said there was some evidence that the peak of the third wave, in terms of hospitalisations, 'has already happened'. But the panel of top scientists which include Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor Chris Whitty warned against complacency, adding there was still a threat if people suddenly drop all precautions, vaccines suddenly wane in younger groups or a new variant becomes dominant. They told the Government to have contingencies in place so that face masks, working from home and vaccine passports can be quickly introduced if the epidemic suddenly deviates from the 'optimistic' modelling. The group said the measures could make a 'big difference' if enacted quickly. Advertisement 'I'm very, very reluctant now to go into crowded spaces because I know that roughly one in 60 people in a crowded space are going to have the virus. If you can, cycle to work, don't go on public transport. 'I think do everything possible in your control to try to reduce transmission. Don't wait for the Government to change policy. 'The sooner we all act, the sooner we can get this transmission rate down, and the greater the prospect of having a Christmas with our families.' Elsewhere, the World Health Organisation warned the vaccine alone will not be able to lift the world out of the pandemic. Spokesperson Margaret Harris told Times Radio: 'The problem is focusing on one thing, the vaccine isn't going to get us out of this. 'We really have to do other measures. 'We have got to be serious about not crowding. We have still got to be looking at wearing the masks, when you're indoors particularly.' Scientific advisers have told the Government it must ensure Plan B restrictions to tackle coronavirus can be 'rapidly' deployed if needed. Experts on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) said, in minutes of a meeting published on Friday, that a further huge spike in infections as seen in January was 'increasingly unlikely', as experts predicted a series of broader, flatter peaks as the virus continues to spread. However, in its meeting dated October 14, Sage warned measures from the Government's Plan B would have greatest effect if brought in in unison and earlier on rather than later. Scientists are in favour of a relatively light-touch approach, implemented earlier to make a difference, with Sage saying the 'reintroduction of working-from-home guidance is likely to have the greatest individual impact on transmission out of the proposed measures' in Plan B. Chancellor Rishi Sunak told The Times the country could not return to 'significant economic restrictions' and that the vaccine rollout meant this was not necessary, while Boris Johnson also said on Friday that another lockdown was not planned. UK Hospitality CEO Kate Nicholls warned that businesses will not survive another winter of lockdown restrictions. Asked on Times Radio if she thought businesses would survive if the Government goes ahead with Plan B, she said: 'No I don't, bluntly. We have already lost 12,000 businesses.' She said that when restrictions are in place 'consumers do stay at home, they don't go out and socialise'. The real Wolf of Wall Street is no longer a lone wolf. Jordan Belfort, 59, the disgraced former stockbroker whose fall rags-to-riches-to-jail tale became the screen hit Wolf of Wall Street reportedly married his model girlfriend during a private wedding in Las Vegas. The twice-married ex-con exchanged vows with Argentinian model Christina Invernizzi in front of family and friends in a small ceremony in Sin City in February, sources told Page Six Saturday. The newlyweds, who had been dating for two years, reportedly moved from Los Angeles to Miami, where they were recently seen at the Les Couleurs Charity event in Le Rouge in the Wynwood neighborhood, a source told Page Six. 'Jordan surprised the audience by introducing his new wife Cristina,' the source told the publication. Disgraced Wall Street broker Jordan Belfort, 59, reportedly married his model girlfriend Christina Invernizzi, believed to be in her 30s, in Las Vegas in February. The attended a charity event together earlier this month that supported children in Mexico and Haiti The couple had been dating for two years before the reported nuptials The former Wall Street stockbroker Jordan Belfort, 59, married his model girlfriend Christina Invernizzi, believed to be in her 30s Invernizzi purchased a 'painting from a young artist' for an undisclosed amount at the October 20 event, she announced on social media. Belfort, who spoke at the event, told the crowd that his wife told him about the charity. 'She's really responsible for this, for bringing me. When I heard about this cause, obviously I wanted to get involved immediately, it's amazing. Invernizzi, who is an Argentinian model, posed in front of a Christmas tree in a satin blue-green dress The model frequently posted photos from the couple's lavish vacations 'At the end of the day, what lifts people up in any unprivileged country, society, community, is education. That's the beginning of everything,' the Wolf of Wall Street said. The charity event supported a CREATE program - a four-year comprehensive art, crafts, music, and dance initiative in Haiti and Mexico for mostly orphaned and underprivileged children. Invernizzi shared videos on her Instagram page, some showing photos of the children, including one little girl who told the event organizer she wanted to a be a chef and was gifted a cookbook by the organization. Belfort was also spotted in Miami a month before announcing the move. He was spotted dining with rapper Drake. The pair were dining separately at Carbone - the most talked about Italian restaurant in the 'last decade,' according to the restaurant's website - in late September where they celebrated Drake's new album Certified Lover Boy. Belfort was famously portrayed by DiCaprio in the 2013 movie the Wolf of Wall Street. Belfort pleaded guilty in 1999 to money laundering and was sentenced to four years in prison and a personal $110million fine. He only served 22 months They joked they were the 'werewolves of Miami,' which Belfort captioned the photo on Instagram. The 'wolves' - as Drake coined them - dined separately on calamari, bronzini, ribeye steak, lobster ravioli, and other pasta dishes, before mutual friends introduced them, according to Page Six. The pair allegedly stayed at the restaurant for hours chatting. DiCaprio won the Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes in 2014 for his portrayal of Belfort in the Wolf of Wall Street Like the movie portrayed, Belfort started to enjoy drugs and extravagant parties after his divorce with Denise Lombardo in 1991 Belfort became known as the Wolf of Wall Street - a self-coined term - after he released his memoir of the same name in September 2007, three years after he was released from prison. The multimillionaire and former Wall Street stockbroker, who made his millions defrauding investors of up to $200million, pleaded guilty to securities fraud and money laundering in 1999 and was sentenced to four years in prison in 2003. He only served 22 months at the Taft Correctional Institution in California and was personally fined $110million. His company Stratton Oakmont participated in 'pump-and-dump schemes' to artificially inflate the price of penny stocks. The company was shut down in 1996 after the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) consistently pursued them legally. Belfort was married to Nadine Caridi (pictured) after divorcing Denise Lombardo when his affair with Caridi came public. They had two children, their daughter Chandler, 28, and son Carter, 25. The pair divorced in 2005 His story become popular in 2013 after the movie by the same name, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was released. DiCaprio won the Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes for the movie in 2014, among a few other awards. Belfort now works as a motivational speaker. The multimillionaire has been married three times now, before he married Denise Lombardo and Nadine Caridi. He shares two children with the latter. They have a daughter Chandler, 28, and a son Carter, 25. Caridi, now Macaluso, divorced Belfort in 2005. His first marriage to Denise Lombardo was destroyed when his affair with Caridi became public. He faced financial troubles following their divorce and filed for bankruptcy. He also started to enjoy a life of drugs and extravagant parties following their divorce, the Sun reported. The Ohio-born girl met Belfort in high school and they quickly became high school sweethearts. They married in 1985 and divorced in 1991, according to the Sun. The far-Right French firebrand tipped to become his country's new President has described the English as 'our greatest enemies for a thousand years' and attacked the D-Day landings. Eric Zemmour, who has convictions for spreading racial hatred, launched his outspoken attack during a speech in Normandy. Turning his fire on the Allied landings of June 6 1944 that ultimately freed his country from the Nazis, the 63-year-old said: 'D-Day was an enterprise of liberation but also of occupation and colonisation by the Americans.' Zemmour also used Friday's rally in Rouen, the capital of Normandy, to reference the English as France's 'greatest enemies for a thousand years'. Earlier in the week he appeared to mock the Queen by posting a 28-year-old picture of her looking down the barrel of a gun. Zemmour placed a love heart by the image, after himself being attacked for pointing a high powered sniper's rifle at journalists during a security exhibition in Paris. Despite such stunts, Zemmour is currently riding high in opinion polls that could see him win the presidency in April 2022. He is a TV pundit and author with no political experience, but a head-to-head with President Emmanuel Macron is extremely likely. Eric Zemmour, pictured, who has previous convictions for spreading racial hatred has described the English as France's 'greatest enemies for 1,000 years' Zemmour, is planning on running for French President and is set to replace Marine Le Pen as the choice of far right voters This would mean that Zemmour has won over voters of the far-Right National Rally, which is currently run by Marine Le Pen. Zemmour is expected to officially declare his candidacy in the coming weeks, and there are even claims that he will form his own political party. This is exactly what President Macron, also an independent candidate, did before sweeping to power in May 2017. Zemmour has been likened to a Gallic Donald Trump, but is more extreme than the former American President. The Frenchmen despises immigrants, Left wingers, woke culture and even feminists, whom he blames for weakening France. He has written a bestselling book called The French Suicide, which states that traditional France is being swamped by alien invaders. The far-right politician has been described as a more extreme Gallic version of Donald Trump. He caused controversy this week after he pointed a gun at journalists at a defence industry show in Paris The Art Institute of Chicago fired more than 150 volunteers and suspended its decades-old docent program in the famed museum's effort to replace the mainly white guides with equity and diversity in hiring. Even worse, the mostly elderly docents, who are well-versed on the the exhibits at nearly 150-year-old museum on Lake Michigan, were terminated by email on Sept 3 because it wanted to 'rebuild our program from the ground up.' The museum - featured prominently in the 1986 hit film Ferris Beuller's Day Off - was told by equity consultants that the programs are outdated and are comprised of wealthy, white women. 'Sometimes equity requires taking bold steps and actions,' said Equity Project executive producer Monica Williams. 'You really have to dismantle and disrupt the systems that have been designed to hold some up and others out.' The Art Institute of Chicago bills itself as the 'Downtown Chicago's #1 Museum' Equity Project executive producer Monica Williams defended the museum's decision The Equity Project, founded in response to Donald Trump winning 2016 Presidential Election, is not associated with the Art Institute of Chicago but has advised clients such as the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver. 'Today, the Equity Project brings transformative work to organizations across the globe,' the company's bio claims. 'Their expertise lies in creating spaces filled with grace for people to show up as they are, and developing actionable strategies to help organizations advance their equity efforts.' Just last year, 186 workers - about 30 percent of museum staff - demanded 'transparency' and 'racial equity' amid layoffs. Art Institute Chairman Robert Levy wrote an op-ed defending the decision and said that the plan to do so had been in the works for 12 years. 'Critical self-reflection and participatory, recuperative action is required if we are to remain relevant to the changing audiences seeking connection to art,' he wrote. Art Institute of Chicago Executive Director of Learning and Public Engagement Veronica Stein sent out an email on September 3 to the museum's docents telling them the program as they knew it was ending. The museum told USA Today that the pause is part of a 'multi-year transition' to a 'hybrid model that incorporates paid and volunteer educators.' The Chicago Tribune slammed the move in an op-ed and suggested that they instead hire more diverse docents. Art Institute Chairman Robert Levy (pictured) wrote an op-ed defending the decision and said that the plan to do so had been in the works for 12 years Barbara Kruger's 'Untitled (Questions), 1990/2021' lit up Chicago's historic riverfront projected onto the museum earlier in October The display was part of a series devoted to Kruger, the renowned New Jersey-born artist 'Why not invest some time in recruiting new, diverse docents? Why not grow the corps in such a way that it's refreshed? Why not help docents who need help with expenses or child care? Why not have a hybrid model, at least until the current docents exit?' the board wrote. The president of what's known as the institute's 'Docent Council' said that the move was a complete shock. 'We had no idea,' said Gigi Vaffis, who has been a docent for almost two decades. 'We were very surprised. I was honestly a little gobsmacked.' In the weeks since, Vaffis said there have still been no indications of what the new plan from the Art Institute of Chicago will look like. The docents responded with a letter of protest that pointed out that the position requires twice a week training for 18 months, five years of research and writing and ongoing further training. Conservative media has shown outrage. Chicago columnist John Kass called the plan proof that 'Idiocracy' has come to America, a reference to a Mike Judge film from 2006. 'What the Art Institute did to its docent volunteersnot all wealthy and whitewas shameful indeed. They love art. They study art,' he wrote. 'And those of us who've been fortunate to visit the masterpieces there and listen to the docents don't think about docent demographics. Only racists think about skin. We think of their knowledge and passion and ability to communicate. Many museums have considered what changes they should make in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020. The Equity Project's Williams says that the Art Institute's changes will open up spots for people who can't afford to work weekdays or do unpaid work. If docent programs become paid positions, it will help museums move away from 'a particular demographic of mostly white and wealthy.' One of two bronze lions at the entrance to The Art Institute in Chicago. The Grand Staircase is one of the many striking elements of the Art Institute 'Docent programs have perpetuated whiteness in these spaces,' Williams said. 'It's part of the problem.' Vaffis believes that while there is a diversity deficiency among the volunteers, the museum should take a different tact. 'We would like to build on what we currently have so that we don't lose the depth and breadth of experience and knowledge but that we add to it,' Vaffis said. Her solution would be a return of the docents but a move to a hybrid model where some paid educators supplement the volunteer corps. She also said that the docents themselves could recruit from more diverse communities and co-facilitate tours with community members outside the museum. Williams said she respects the Art Institute of Chicago's decision. 'The stories that are told are based on a docents' experience or expertise, which oftentimes comes from a white space and are not reflective of everyone's experience,' she said. 'So we need to really critically think about how stories get told and who tells them. Furious holidaymakers and lorry drivers were bedding down for a night at the Channel Tunnel's Kent terminal tonight - after the railway suffered an huge electrical fault. Hundreds of motorists earlier clogged the M20 near Folkestone in Kent for several hours, unable to board trains for France. Apologising the delays, Eurotunnel confirmed it had been caused by a 'technical fault with the overhead power supply'. It is believed this also caused a train to break down inside the tunnel which has now to be evacuated. But with services only creeping back into action, dozens of angry holidaymakers were left to wait in their cars near Folkestone overnight. People stuck in the traffic jams at the British entry point slammed the 'chaotic' and 'disorganised' way the incident has been handled by the operator. One traveller hit out at the 'appalling' service, writing on twitter: '10 hours since arriving, still waiting to board.' Hundreds of furious holidaymakers and lorry drivers were stuck in mile-long queues for the Channel Tunnel tonight after the railway suffered an huge electrical fault People stuck in the traffic jams at the British entry point have slammed the 'chaotic' and 'disorganised' way the incident has been handled by the operator Hundreds of motorists have clogged the M20 near Folkestone for around six hours today, unable to board trains to France It comes as families headed for railway tunnel in Kent to start their October half term getaways on the continent It comes as families headed for railway tunnel in Kent to start their October half term getaways on the continent. The aerial photos show a huge backlog of cars, vans and lorries at J11 on the coastbound side of the motorway. Angry motorists have complained of sitting in queues for hours without moving and having to resort to social media to find out why there were delays. Giles Mason, who was heading off on a holiday with his family tweeted: 'Complete chaos at @LeShuttle at the moment - 4-5 hour delays, vending machines empty, huge queues for food. The aerial photos show a huge backlog of cars, vans and lorries at J11 on the coastbound side of the motorway Eurotunnel has confirmed that the delay has been caused by a 'technical fault with the overhead power supply' 'All were told is tunnel maintenance. Great start to half-term holidays. #eurotunnel.' David Simpson tweeted Eurotunnel saying: 'Booked for 10.20 am, arrived 12.45 due to delays reaching the terminal, its now 18.00 and no-one can tell us when we can leave. Chaos here, where are the personnel?' Wendy Hurrell added: 'The 8 hours we've just spent in Folkestone has been...fun @LeShuttle. Just another 4 hours to drive now, through 4 countries, in the dark Grimacing face On the plus side, my child has learned to yo-yo...' Nathaniel Tapley commented: 'Currently nine hours into an hour and a half drive. Pictures of Folkestone tonight show hundreds of freight lorries and cars lined up waiting to board trains, some of which have been delayed since midday Angry motorists have complained of sitting in queues for hours without moving and having to resort to social media to find out why there were delays 'Children showing remarkable resilience for having been in the same #eurotunnel queue since half eight this morning.' Eurotunnel has said it will conduct an investigation into the 'technical incident'. Drivers are advised to approach with caution and follow the diversion route in place - heading west bound on the M20, turning at J10 and returning. The National School Boards Association issued an apology on Friday after a letter it sent to the Biden administration that likened some parents of school children who have protested their child's curriculum to domestic terrorists The news comes after Attorney General applauded the letter, while calling for the FBI to investigate such parents. 'As you all know, there has been extensive media and other attention recently around our letter to President Biden regarding threats and acts of violence against school board members,' the NSBA wrote in a memo. 'We wanted to write to you directly to address this matter.' 'On behalf of NSBA, we regret and apologize for the letter,' the NSBA said, noting that 'there was no justification for some of the language included in the letter.' Someone close to Attorney General Merrick Garland told Fox News that Garland and Department of Justice officials that they are pleased with the updated letter, which is now on course with the statement he made this week in front of House Judiciary. Attorney General Merrick Garland, pictured, was said to be pleased by the letter sent to by the school board Pictured: a copy of the letter sent by the National School Boards Association where it apologizes for 'language' that compared parents of school children to domestic terrorists In the letter, the NSBA had claimed that clashes between the school board and parents could amount to domestic terrorism. Garland instructed the FBI to follow up with a task force to address any threats against school officials in a memorandum. The memo also included a concept for a centralized method in which such threats can be reported, according to Fox News. The source close to Garland added the attorney general is solely focused on preventing violence, not calling parents domestic terrorists. Garland denied claims on Thursday that the Department of Justice would label parents as domestic terrorists, saying that the office will defend the parent's First Amendment rights 'to complain as vociferously as they wish.' 'Justice Department supports and defends the First Amendment right of parents to complain as vociferously as they wish about the education of their children, about the curriculum taught in the schools.' 'That is not what the memorandum is about at all, nor does it use the words 'domestic terrorism or 'PATRIOT Act,' Garland continued. Meanwhile, on Saturday Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo) called on Garland to step down following the release of the new NSBA memo. Garland, pictured, instructed the FBI to follow up with a task force to address any threats against school officials in a memorandum The NSBA sent the letter to President Joe Biden (pictured) on Friday 'Merrick Garland mobilized the FBI to intimidate parents without legal basis and, we now know, premised on misinformation he didnt bother to verify,' Hawley tweeted in response to the board's memo. 'It was a dangerous abuse of authority that has badly compromised the Justice Depts integrity and Garland's.' Since the memo was issued, several state school boards, educational groups as well as members of the US Commission on Civil Rights have voiced their criticism of the administration. Four of the eight members of the Commission on Civil Rights had requested 'specific examples' of 'harassment, intimidation and threats of violence' in a letter sent to Garland, examples which he provided as evidence for the necessity of federal intervention regarding parents protesting at schools. 'Will the AG reverse?' Representative Chip Roy (R-Texas) tweeted on Friday in response to the NSBA's new letter. The battle between concerned parents and the National School Boards Association comes the same day as news broke of a Virginia school board superintendent who denied having 'any record' of a female student being raped by a 15-year-old 'boy in a skirt,' who reported the assault to the school board the day of the attack in a newly disclosed email. Loudoun Schools Superintendent Scott Ziegler had initially told parents during a June school board meeting he had no report of the sexual assault on the 15-year-old girl that took place at Stone Bridge High School on May 28. Loudoun Schools Superintendent Scott Ziegler, pictured, denied having 'any record' of the sexual assault that took place on May 28 at a June school board meeting Ziegler apologized on October 15 (pictured at a press conference). 'I regret that my comments were misleading and I apologize for the distress they caused families,' he said In an email, dated May 28, Ziegler reported to the school board that 'a female student alleged that a male student sexually assaulted her in the restroom' However, in an email dated the same day as the assault, Ziegler wrote to the school board: 'This afternoon a female student alleged that a male student sexually assaulted her in the restroom. The LCSO is investigating the matter.' In June, Ziegler told parents: 'We don't have any record of assaults occurring in our restrooms.' A female student at Stone Bridge High School accused the boy - who was reportedly wearing a skirt - of sexually assaulting her in the restroom. He entered the restroom under the school's transgender bathroom policy. The same boy was also reportedly involved in another sexual assault on October 6 at Broad Run High School where a different girl claimed she was 'forced' into a classroom where 'he held her against her will and inappropriately touched her,' according to Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. The unnamed boy from Ashburn, Virginia, has been arrested and charged, according to Loudoun County Commonwealth prosecutor Buta Biberaj. The boy was charged with two counts of forcible sodomy for the May 28 attack and sexual battery for the October 6 attack, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office said on Oct. 13. The Sheriff's Office released the statement to clear up 'misinformation' regarding the case. Flying taxis are set to shuttle passengers from Heathrow to cities in the South of England for the price of an Uber cab in just four years time, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Passengers arriving at Heathrow could take an electric air taxi to Londons Canary Wharf in just 13 minutes for about 50 per passenger. A Uber journey costs 46. An air taxi from Heathrow to Cambridge would take 28 minutes and cost 58, compared with 102 for a 90-minute taxi or 52 for a two-hour train journey. HIGH HOPES: Vertical Aerospaces battery-powered electric VA-X4 aircraft could revolutionise the transport network The ambitious project is being masterminded by Bristol firm Vertical Aerospace in partnership with the Virgin Atlantic airline and Heathrow. Vertical Aerospace boss Stephen Fitzpatrick, who previously founded energy supplier Ovo, said he plans to revolutionise Britains transport network. The company estimates that air taxis produce lower carbon emissions per mile than petrol cars or electric vehicles. In what Mr Fitzpatrick described as a major milestone for electric flights, Vertical Aerospace has agreed a partnership with Heathrow to help launch the first air taxi flights by 2025. Heathrow is exploring how Verticals electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft could fit into its airlines flight schedules and help ease congestion on surrounding roads. Verticals four-seater VA-X4 aircraft will shuttle passengers to cities including Oxford, Bristol and Southampton. The air taxis will be operated by Virgin Atlantic, which has ordered up to 150 of the battery-powered planes and is in talks to launch a Virgin-branded network of electric aircraft from Heathrow, Manchester and Gatwick. Other airlines are expected to follow as they look to cut carbon emissions. As well as airport shuttles, Vertical plans to launch regional air routes opening up new connections across the UK, including Belfast to Glasgow, Liverpool to Hull and Aberdeen to Edinburgh. Its planes can travel more than 100 miles before recharging their lithium-ion batteries and have top speeds of 200mph, making flights about three times quicker than car journeys and five times faster than the train. The air taxis will take off and land at vertiports which could be based at airports, rural airfields, motorway service stations or on the rooftops of train stations and office buildings. Pictured, air travelers queue at border control at Heathrow Airport Company documents show the expected fare for a 50-minute trip from Liverpool to Hull is 112 and a 41-minute flight from Cardiff to Plymouth would cost 89. The electric planes will produce about 5kg of carbon per passenger on a 90-mile flight, compared with 11kg for an electric vehicle and 38kg for petrol cars. The air taxis will take off and land at vertiports which could be based at airports, rural airfields, motorway service stations or on the rooftops of train stations and office buildings. Inner-city sites could be used for short-distance air taxi services, hailed by using an app. Mr Fitzpatrick said: This new generation aircraft bridges the gap between communities separated by inconvenient public transport or impassable terrain. Because, unlike helicopters, they are safe, clean and quiet, they will deliver huge benefits for densely populated cities too more convenience and less congestion. A grieving mother has released a heartbreaking picture of her son in the agonising final hours as he was dying in hospital after being stabbed. Devastated Zoey McGill, 34, sat with her 18-year-old son Jack Woodley before medics tried a second operation to save the young man's life. Jack, who grew up in Newton Aycliffe, Durham, was seriously injured with knife wounds during an altercation as he left a fun fair at Houghton Feast, Sunderland, last Saturday evening as he walked his girlfriend to get her bus. Grieving mother Zoey McGill released this heartbreaking picture of her son Jack Woodley, 18, as he lay dying in hospital after being stabbed while leaving a fun fair in Sunderland He was found with a stab wound near the Britannia Inn, in Newbottle Street, Houghton-le-Spring but died the following day. Zoey, who works as a supervisor at pharmaceutical company GSK in Barnard Castle, said: 'It is awful. I am no longer living. 'I left myself at that bedside, and I'll have this for the rest of my life. 'I will never be able to find comfort in the pain that he went through.' Jack, who has two brothers, Jayden 13, and Jenson, 6, had left the family home to live in the Felling area of Gateshead. Jack had been offered a job at Amazon in Gateshead and wanted to live in a house with his girlfriend, but was told by social services he would have to wait until one was available But he told his mother he had to vacate after being burgled and attacked in his own home around a week before he died. Jack had been offered a job at Amazon in Gateshead and wanted to live in a house with his girlfriend, but was told by social services he would have to wait until one was available. Until then, he was told he would have to stay in the YMCA hostel in Sunderland. The night before he was injured, on October 15, he was with his family at their holiday home in Whitley Bay. The following day he told his mother he would have his first night in the hostel after spending the evening with his girlfriend at Houghton Feast. Jack was found with stab wounds outside the Britannia Inn in Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, last Saturday, and died of his injuries the following day Zoey added: 'They went to the fun fair and I have videos of him there. 'They are heart-breaking. I have rang him at half eight and he was happy. 'He said it was class. 'He asked for 5 for the last ride. We have got a video of him on the ride just having fun.' But on Saturday night, Zoey received the heart-stopping news that Jack has been seriously hurt and was in hospital. She said: 'His girlfriend called and said 'you need to go to the RVI, me and Jack have been took to hospital'. 'As soon as she said that we shot up and got there. 'They took me straight to intensive care and I didn't even recognise him. 'It did not look like Jack. 'He was heavily sedated and they were pumping nine litres of blood through him at a time, in and out of him. 'We had a little bit of hope. The surgeon said 'we are giving him the best of everything'. Pictured with her husband Chris, Zoey described the tragic final hours of Jack's life: 'I will never be able to find comfort in the pain that he went through.' 'He had an operation and they had another chance to save him. 'They said: "We have to tell you, Jack is seriously ill. We are not going to lie. We want you to say your goodbyes to him. We must tell you how it is. He probably is going to die on the table." 'He got wheeled away and we had to wait. 'They tried so hard. I cannot thank them enough for what they did for him. 'They were amazing but he passed on the table. 'The surgeons all came in. The main surgeon broke down. He said: "We are so sorry that we could not save your son." Seven teenagers have been accused of the murder of Jack and will face trial next year. The youths are aged between 14 and 17 and are accused of killing the teenager on Saturday, October 17, near The Britannia Inn in Newbottle Street, Houghton, Sunderland. Sex offenders signed up to dating websites while locked up in a secure hospital for mentally ill prisoners, a shocking investigation has found. An undercover reporter from ITV's Exposure programme discovered a paedophile patient was able to sign up to a sexually explicit dating website, and it appeared he used a photo of himself on the hospital grounds as his profile picture. A double rapist, who met one of his victims online, accessed dating sites during walks in the grounds of Kneesworth House Hospital in Cambridgeshire. The rapist admitted visiting the websites on a phone, yet was allowed to keep the device. A double rapist, who met one of his victims online, accessed dating sites during walks in the grounds of Kneesworth House Hospital in Cambridgeshire. A stock image is used above [File photo] The Care Quality Commission (CQC), which regulates secure hospitals, has launched an investigation into Kneesworth, part of the Priory Group which was bought for 1 billion by a Dutch private equity firm earlier this year. The Priory charges taxpayers 185,000 a year to look after each of the mentally ill criminals housed at the former Edwardian stately home, which was rated 'good' by the CQC last year. Undercover journalist Carlo Lavarini began work as a mental health support worker at Kneesworth earlier this year after just a fortnight of training and with no previous experience. The programme reveals staff incompetence and female staff being leered at by sex offenders and other patients. One staff member was caught on camera saying: 'They don't encourage people to wash, nothing. What the f*** are we offering these guys? It's actually a joke.' Astonishingly, a child sex offender at the hospital gave 149 to a member of staff to buy a smart TV from a local supermarket which he was later suspected of using to search the web. Police found it had been used to look for 'concerning images of children' but no charges were brought because there was no proof images had been accessed. The ward manager told the undercover reporter that the same patient had also ordered and destroyed 14 mobile phones in nine months, adding: 'There's something dodgy he is doing with his phones.' Another child sex offender used the ward's secure computer to download software which could enable his PlayStation in his bedroom to be used to surf the internet. A staff member told the reporter: 'I did his room search and I saw all of his plans to make a chatroom for kids, everything. Why are they not doing anything?' A security co-ordinator at the hospital added: 'I don't think the staff have got any bloody inkling about how dangerous this bloke is.' A Priory representative said: 'Kneesworth Hospital is rated ''Good'' by the CQC and takes the safety of the public, and welfare of patients and staff, extremely seriously. 'We have carried out a comprehensive investigation and are working closely with the police, Ministry of Justice, NHS, and CQC who are fully aware of these matters. 'Though the wards do not have access to wi-fi, we've appointed independent experts to review our IT security policies and procedures. Priory provides high standards of care, with nearly 90% of its facilities rated 'Good' or better by UK regulators.' Secure Hospital Uncovered, ITV, tomorrow, 10.45pm Camelots profits have soared from 29 million in 2010 to 78 million in 2020 The most high-profile figure to move between the two bodies is Andy Duncan Both organisations have attracted share of controversy for impact on British life Dozens of former BBC executives have hit the jackpot by landing jobs with National Lottery operator Camelot, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Our analysis has found that at least 24 employees went on to take up positions with Camelot after leaving the Corporation. And a further five Camelot employees have travelled through the revolving door in the opposite direction and taken jobs at the BBC. Both organisations have attracted their share of controversy for their impact on British life and for 23 years following its 1994 launch, the BBC carried the National Lottery draws live. The most high-profile figure to move between the two bodies is Andy Duncan. Formerly the BBCs head of marketing, he became Camelots chief executive in 2014. Our analysis has found that at least 24 employees went on to take up positions with Camelot after leaving the Corporation. And a further five Camelot employees have travelled through the revolving door in the opposite direction and taken jobs at the BBC (file photo) He left the company in 2017 and last month it was revealed that he had been awarded a 1.8 million bonus under a long-term incentive scheme. Other senior current Camelot executives who previously worked at the BBC include Rachel King, the group human resources director, and Campbell Cowie, Camelots head of regulatory affairs. Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said: These executives must think they have hit the jackpot by picking up big salaries at these monolithic institutions. Camelot has come under increasing scrutiny from MPs as it battles to renew its contract to run the Lotto, which expires in 2023. Politicians are especially concerned about the proportion of its revenues which it gives to good causes. The companys profits have soared from 29 million in 2010 to 78 million in 2020, thanks in part to more emphasis on scratchcards and instant-win games online. An average of 10p in every pound spent on scratchcards goes to charities, compared with 30p in the pound from draw-based game. Senior current Camelot executives who previously worked at the BBC include Rachel King, the group human resources director, and Campbell Cowie, Camelots head of regulatory affairs MPs also fear the move towards app-based games risks worsening problem gambling. Sir Iain Duncan Smith, vice-chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on gambling-related harm, has called for a proper and full review on what Camelots purpose is. MPs have also called for the lottery to be run from the North of England as part of Boris Johnsons levelling-up agenda. The BBC is also under pressure over allegations of Left-wing bias in its news output, while the future of the licence fee is in question after the current Royal Charter ends in 2027. A Camelot spokesman said last night: The BBC is a significant UK employer, as is Camelot we currently employ over 900 people and the BBC employs tens of thousands. We dont believe that having such a small number of people who have worked for both organisations many in junior and short-term roles at some point over the last 27 years is unusual at all. A BBC spokesman declined to comment last night. The identity of the British soldier who allegedly stabbed a Kenyan mother to death before dumping her body in a hotel septic tank after a night of partying in 2012 is widely known in the army, it has been claimed. The naked body of Agnes Wanjiru, 21, who left behind a five-month-old daughter, was found at the Lions Court Inn hotel in Nanyuki nearly a decade ago by a maintenance worker who noticed a foul smell. The sex worker's family has since been pushing for answers and claims British and Kenyan authorities have staged a cover-up to maintain diplomatic relations over the nearby Nanyuki army base, where the UK sends six infantry battalions a year for eight-week exercises. But following an investigation by The Sunday Times, soldiers who took part in the drunken and debauched night of group sex with local prostitutes said they were shown Agnes' body that evening by her alleged killer, named by the paper as Soldier X. Another soldier from the Duke of Lancaster regiment, identified as Soldier Y, said: 'He took me to the tank and lifted it up, and I looked in and I just remember seeing her in there. My heart sank. My mind just went blank. The only thing I could say to him was: 'I'll never forgive you for this.'' The resurfaced allegations have prompted a new murder probe by the British Royal Military Police, while a Labour MP has called on the Government to investigate any possible cover-up. A defence source added: 'The Defence Secretary has been impatient with the pace of this, and has directed full cooperation. He has worked with the Military police and Kenyans to ensure their investigation is not impeded.' Agnes Wanjiru (pictured), 21, was found with stab wounds after she was last seen partying with British soldiers Agnes' body lay in the tank for two months before it was discovered, by which time the British troops had long since departed Kenya. Members of the regiment allege the name of her killer was an open secret, with five different soldiers identifying the same person to the Sunday Times. But the British Army has never held an inquiry and none of those present on the night have been questioned by superiors. An inquest was held in Kenya in 2019 in which a judge ruled the mother was 'murdered by British soldiers' but no subsequent action was taken by the army. Soldier Y has also accused the army of a cover-up, saying he told 'the proper people' about the alleged killing. He said: 'Everyone. All the lads, all the senior command that were there. I went to higher up, hierarchy, people that should have dealt with it. I got called a liar. They basically just said, 'Shut up and get out.'' Soldier Y says he is prepared to go to the British police and go on the record and is even willing to go to jail himself to ensure justice is served. He recalls Soldier X bursting into the bar where the other soldiers were partying and appeared visibly distressed, saying: 'Help me, help me.... I've killed her'. He then escorted a group of them to the septic tank behind one of the hotel's lodges where he opened the lid and showed the young mother's body. The naked body of Agnes, was found in a septic tank at the Lions Court Inn hotel in Nanyuki two months after her disappearance Soldier Y says he returned to the bar and told others about what he'd seen before the evening was cut short by RMP who turned up and scolded the soldiers for sneaking out of their base. He claims that when he returned to camp, he told senior officers about what had happened at the hotel while Soldier X remained silent. But no action was taken and neither he nor others present at the hotel were ever questioned by the army, he says. Another in the regiment, Soldier Z, said Soldier X told colleagues he had killed Agnes by accident during sex after choking her. The belief that it was an accident may have led to other soldiers keeping quiet about the incident because of the 'code of silence' in the army. It later transpired that Agnes had been stabbed to death, and she also suffered blunt force injury to her chest and her lungs had collapsed. Soldier Z said: 'We thought she choked during sex, that it was an accident. That's completely different from stabbing someone to death and putting them in a septic tank.' Soldier Y says he does not recall the sex game story and says he does not know what happened, other than: 'He definitely did it. A thousand per cent, it was him.' Six days after Agnes' disappearance, the regiment returned to the UK and rumours started to spread about the killing. The regiment was then deployed to Afghanistan, with the killer's identity then common knowledge. Kenya's police inquiry was opened in 2012 after the discovery of the body. Nanyuki's local economy is hugely dependent on the British troops who carry out civil engineering projects and spend money in local businesses They identified nine soldiers who had booked in the hotel that they wanted to question and asked the British Royal Military Police to interview them and take DNA samples. This nine did not include soldiers X and Y, the Sunday Times claims, Detectives are said to have asked the RMP to put 13 questions to the soldiers, including whether any of them had sex with Ms Wanjiru on the night she disappeared. The Ministry of Defence said they never received any such request and DNA samples were never provided, causing the inquiry to stall. Some claim the relationship between Kenya and Britain has led to the breakdown in the investigation. Nanyuki has an army base where, under an agreement with Kenya, the UK can send six infantry battalions a year for eight-week exercises. As part of the agreement, Kenyan Defence Forces take part in the exercises with their British counterparts. The two countries also recently agreed a 10milllion a year deal allowing 3,000 British troops to continue to train in Nanyuki. The local economy is hugely dependent on the British troops who carry out civil engineering projects and spend money in local businesses. Labour's shadow defence secretary John Healey said: 'The details of this young Kenyan woman's death are dreadful, yet there's still no action from defence ministers on reports of grave failings by the British military exposed in this case. Nanyuki is heavily dependent on the income from British soldiers based at the Nyati Barracks and sex work is very common 'There's been no MoD-led investigation of the soldiers involved and no inquiry into why the MoD failed to respond when Kenyan detectives asked for help. 'Nine years on, justice must now be done for Agnes and her family. 'The Defence Secretary must take this more seriously. He should pledge the fullest co-operation to Kenyan detectives and launch an inquiry into any possible cover-up from commanding officers, military police or the MoD. 'When our forces serve overseas they stand up for British values and these allegations, if proven, would profoundly betray those values. 'This is another case that raises serious questions about the way crimes are reported, investigated and prosecuted in the military. 'The failure of military justice undermines our relationships with allies and the bonds between those who serve with dedication in our armed forces.' Soldiers recalled the night in question as a debauched evening of 'non-stop' sex with prostitutes for very little money, with a mass brawl taking place the night before between troops, and soldiers were made to get tested for HIV on their return to the UK. One former infantryman said: 'It was all night, ferrying women back and forth to the rooms, which were like these huts. You could do whatever you wanted.' Agnes' sister Rose Wanyua Wanjiku, 48, previously said: 'Her case has been completely overlooked. From the first day we reported the case at the police station the police did nothing until her body was accidentally removed from a septic tank.' She added that when detectives visited her earlier this year, they said they had the names of the nine witnesses and would carry out the interviews even if they had to travel to the UK. Nanyuki has an army base where, under an agreement with Kenya, the UK can send six infantry battalions a year for eight-week exercises. Pictured: soldiers on exercise in Nanyuki Confidential documents seen by The Sunday Times show four witnesses told the original Kenyan police investigation in 2012 that Agnes left the bar with a British soldier and went to his room. Nanyuki is heavily dependent on the income from British soldiers based at the Nyati Barracks and sex work is very common. Girls can earn a week's salary, around 30, for sleeping with a soldier, but others charge much less. At the time, Agnes was trying to support her baby while living with her sister in a single room in the Majengo ghetto. A soldier says he remembers around 60 fellow military people dancing with around 40 local sex workers on the night of her disappearance. A friend waited for Agnes until 3am but eventually went home after she didn't return. A night guard at the hotel said he had escorted Agnes and a soldier to his room and saw them enter, but they seemed to be getting on well and he was not concerned for her safety. But a night porter added he heard a 'fierce fight' in the hotel room used by the soldier and Agnes, and believed there was more than one soldier in the room at the time. Hotel logs identified nine soldiers who had checked in that day, paying 13-20 each, and they all checked out the next day. Two of the rooms were adjacent to the septic tank where the mother-of-one was found. But forensics were hampered by the delay to the discovery of her body and the room she had been in had been repeatedly cleaned. An MoD spokesman told MailOnline: 'In 2012, Special Investigation Branch carried out initial enquiries in Kenya, including providing information about British personnel to the Kenyan Police. No further requests were received at that time. 'Following the conclusion of a Kenyan inquest in 2019, we are aware that the Kenyan authorities are looking into this incident. The jurisdiction for this investigation rests with the Kenyan Police, and we are currently in discussions with the Kenyan authorities to determine what support is needed. 'Due to this being subject to an ongoing investigation it would be inappropriate to comment further.' Former President Trump and his loyal associates set up 'war rooms' in a downtown DC hotel where they planned out their efforts to overturn the 2020 election in the days before January 6. Trump and company set up a command center made up of multiple rooms and suites at DC's Willard hotel where they mapped out strategies to try and reinstate Trump for a second term despite losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, the Washington Post reported. The operation was described as 'intense' and those involved worked around the clock in the days leading up to the insurrection and even on January 6 when Congress convened for the counting of electoral votes, the Post reported. The operation was described as 'intense' and those involves worked around the clock in the days leading up to the insurrection (pictured) and even on January 6 'You are the real power,' Trump told state lawmakers in a bid to overturn the election. 'You're the ones that are going to make the decision' The team was led by Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and included Trump's former chief White House strategist Steve Bannon as an adviser and former NYPD police commissioner Bernard Kerik, who attended as an investigator. Also involved in the strategizing was scholar John Eastman, who in an Oval Office meeting on January 4 with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, pressured the VP to try to use his powers to delay or potentially block the certification of the election on January 6 to help Trump's efforts. The special House committee is currently investigating the January 6th MAGA riot on the Capitol. They have subpoenaed Steve Bannon, who has been held in criminal contempt for failing to appear before the committee last week, as well as organizers of the Stop the Steal rally, former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark, former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, communications director Dan Scavino and Pentagon chief of staff Kashyap Patel. Also involved was scholar John Eastman, who pressured the VP to try to use his powers to delay or potentially block the certification of the election The team was led by Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani (pictured) The committee has requested documents and communications related to the legal advise and analysis given by Eastman, including a two-page, six-point plan that mapped out how Pence could overturn the election for Trump. The loyal associate's strategy included publicizing supposed evidence of fraud, pushing state legislatures to challenge Biden's victory and calling on the Trump supporters to pressure Republican lawmakers in key states, the Post reported. From the command center, Trump allies went to work, calling lawmakers in swing states including Pennsylvania, Georgia and Arizona, to encourage them to convene special sessions to investigate fraud and to reassign electoral college votes from Biden to Trump, the Post reported. On January 2 alone Trump, Giuliani and Eastman spoke to 300 state legislators in a conference call that provided them with so-called evidence of fraud and called on them to take action to 'decertify' their election results, the Washington Examiner reported. 'You are the real power,' Trump told the state lawmakers. 'You're the ones that are going to make the decision.' This call appeared to persuade some and on January 5 dozens of lawmakers from Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin wrote to Pence, asking that he delay certification of Biden's victory for 10 days to allow 'our respective bodies to meet, investigate, and as a body vote on certification or decertification of the election.' These efforts were confirmed by several of the Trump loyalist present at those meetings. In May Eastman told talk show host Peter Boyles that he was in the supposed 'war room' the day of the riots. 'We had a war room at the at the Willard ...kind of coordinating all of the communications,' he said. Eastman says he has not yet been contacted by the select committee and when asked by the Post about his involvement in the team, he did not elaborate, citing client attorney confidentiality. 'To the extent I was there, those were attorney discussions. You don't get any comment from me on those,' he said. Senior campaign aide and former White House special assistant Boris Epshteyn told the Post that even now he believes Pence was within his right to delay election certifications. 'I firmly believed then, as I believe now, that the vice president as president of the Senate had the constitutional power to send the issue back to the states for 10 days to investigate the widespread fraud and report back well in advance of Inauguration Day, January 20th,' Epshteyn said. 'Our efforts were focused on conveying that message.' Earlier this week Trump sued the House select committee after it subpoenaed a number of his top former advisors and demanded White House documents from the National Archives. Trump is asking a federal court in Washington, D.C. to enjoin the National Archivist from handing over troves of information about the inner workings of the White House as part of its probe into the Jan. 6th riot. Trump's suit, filed Monday in US District Court, names as defendants both the committee itself and its chairman, Rep. Bennie Thompson, as well as archivist David Ferriero. The filing claims the committee 'has decided to harass President Trump and senior members of his administration (among others) by sending an illegal, unfounded, and over-broad records request to the Archivist of the United States.' The Buckeye State became the cockeyed state after botching the design of the iconic Wright Brothers plane while rolling out its new license plates. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine was left red-faced as the birthplace of aviation unveiled the new Sunshine In Ohio license plate on October 21, the fourth new plate in the last 20 years. DeWine wanted the plate to reflect the 'heart and soul' of the Buckeye State as well as the 'beauty' of the seal Ohio, all the diverse cities and the aviation heritage. However, the plate created by the DMV flipped the orientation on the famed 1903 Wright Flyer, an easy mistake to make by agency's beauracrats. The botched license plate design swapped the location of the elevators, putting them on the tail end of the plane, located on the right side by the shape of Ohio, instead of in the front. And it's a push prop design the propeller is supposed to be behind Orville Wright's feet as he faces the elevators. The corrected plate shows the elevators in front, as the a prone Orville flies toward the left side of the plate, who was the first in the world to take flight in 1903 from Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The state of Ohio debuted a new license plate - a first since 2013 and the fourth debuted in the last 20 years - to honor the 'heart and soul' of Ohio. The design features the 'harvest country' with a field of wheat front and center and a city skyline to honor its 'world-class' cities on the left (pictured: the wrong version) After it debuted on October 21, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles issued a corrected version of the plate. The Wright Brothers' plane, which is pulling the state slogan 'birthplace in aviation' was backward. The elevators - the small part on the front of the plane - were originally shown on the back of the plane like many modern models. However, the Wright Brothers had them fastened in the front (pictured: the corrected version) The Wright Brother's plane developed rapidly over three years The brothers' built, designed, and learned to fly in their hometown of Dayton, Ohio, located about an hour away from the state capital of Columbus Luckily, the state checked their seatbelts before takeoff and noticed the design flaw the same day as the reveal. 'We are aware that the plane on the new Ohio license plate unveiled this morning was oriented in the wrong direction,' the Ohio BMV wrote on Twitter. 'We regret this mistake and have fixed the image.' The corrected design now shows the plane in its original position, with the elevators - the small part - in the front. Governor Mike DeWine debuted the new plate at a press conference on October 21 Wilbur (left) and Orville Wright (right) learned to fly and build their plane in their hometown of Dayton, Ohio, located roughly an hour from the state capital of Columbus In 1903, they traveled to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina to test their plane. On December 17, they made four successful flights, with the longest being 59 seconds Wilbur was flying the glider. Both Ohio and North Carolina's license plate pay honor to the brothers. North Carolina's features 'First in Flight' on their plate DeWine also said the new plate, which hasn't been updated since 2013, was to represent where Ohioans 'actually live,' which includes the 'world-class' big cities - Ohio is one of the top states with the most big cities, with Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati - and the 'harvest country.' 'Ohio is absolutely a beautiful, beautiful state,' he said at a press conference earlier this week. 'We wanted the plate, as much as possible, to represent that. Up until 1998, Ohio's slogan was the 'heart of it all' until it officially change to honor the Wright Brothers' incredible history in the state. Since then, all Ohio plates have featured the slogan (pictured: the 1991 and 1998 plates) 'We also wanted the plate to represent the diversity in Ohio, in a sense of the geography of Ohio and where people actually live.' The Wright Brothers, who were from Dayton, Ohio and now has Wright State University named in their honor, took off from Kitty Hawk, North Carolina in 1903. They traveled from Dayton to Kitty Hawk to test their design and on December 17, 1903, the Wright flew four times - the long being a 59-second flight and aviation was born. They would go on to make longer flights back home in Dayton and even traveled all the way to Europe. The North Carolina license plate proudly states 'First in Flight.' Ohio changed their slogan from 'the heart of it all' to the 'birthplace of aviation' in 1998 and has featured the design on all its plates since. Ohio is the eleventh biggest state in the country with 11.6million residents. It is known for its dense history in aviation and for having the 'best amusement park' in the country, Cedar Point, located in Sandusky, Ohio, roughly an hour away from Toledo. State residents will be able to purchase the new plate in December. 'Our goal with the plate was to reflect the heart and soul of the Buckeye State and honor our past while also looking to the future.' The design features the 'harvest country' with a field of wheat front and center and a city skyline to honor its 'world-class' cities on the left. A 65-year-old man was arrested and charged with murder on Friday after turning himself in for fatally shooting a man sitting in a car outside of his driveway, the sheriff's office said. Terry Turner shot and killed Adil Dghoughi, 31, on October 11 as he sat in his Audi sedan, which was parked outside of Turner's home in Martindale. According to the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, Turner allegedly thought Dghoughi was being 'suspicious' before he walked up and shot him at point-blank range in the head. He turned himself in just before 10am on Friday - 11 days after the murder - and spent less than two hours in jail before being bailed out at 11.50am. It was unclear how much the bond was posted as. A probable cause affidavit revealed that officers arrived at Turner's house around 3:42 a.m. and found Dghoughi, a Muslim-Moroccan who had been in the US for more than a decade, with a gunshot wound to the head and his car parked at the end of the driveway. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead from his injuries. Terry Turner (right), 65, shot point-blank and killed Adil Dghoughi (left), 31, who was sitting in his parked car outside of Turner's home. He turned himself in to Caldwell County Sheriff's Office around 10am Saturday - 11 days after the murder - and was bailed out before noon Dghoughi's girlfriend of one and a half years Sarah Todd said of Turner's release: 'Its crazy... How in the hell is he out on bail? He is a threat to the entire community' The court documents said that Turner had gotten up to use the bathroom and saw the car with the headlights off as he crossed the living room and foyer of his home, according to The Daily Beast. He explained that he then ran to his bedroom, got his handgun and ran back outside, which is when Dghoughi's headlights flicked on. Turner told cops that Dghoughi put his car in reverse and tried to speed away but Turner chased after him. He said he used his gun to tap on the driver's window twice before firing through the glass. He went back in his house, called 911 and said to the dispatcher: 'I just killed a guy.' The affidavit said that as the dispatcher was gathering information, Turner added: 'He pointed a gun at me and I shot,' according to The Daily Beast. The 65-year-old also said that Dghoughi had tried 'racing away but I ran after him'. However, the court documents said that no guns were found inside of Dghoughi's car and Turner had not been arrested until nearly two weeks after the murder despite cops saying he was 'cooperative'. The victim's family, including his girlfriend Sarah Todd, were enraged by the delayed arrest and said it highlighted the historic problem in Texas of white people shooting people of color and claiming self-defense, according to The Daily Best. 'Its crazy that they are going to let this guy out on bail and he chased someone down and murdered them in the street. How in the hell is he out on bail? He is a threat to the entire community,' Todd said. Before parking outside of Turner's home, Dghoughi had reportedly left his girlfriend's house around 3:07am - about 45 minutes before his death. Turner said he thought Dghoughi was 'suspicious' when he saw him with his headlights off around 4am on October 11 and used his gun to tap on the driver's-side window twice before shooting. The gunshot went through Dghoughi's hand, head and passenger-side window, killing him She told the news outlet that she didn't think anything of it because the couple often enjoyed late-night drives listening to Moroccan music. 'It was kind of a relaxing thing for him,' she said. The two have been dating for the past year and a half. Todd believed Dghoughi got lost on his drive back home and, in efforts to find cell service in a small city of only 1,000, stopped in front of Turner's home. The grieving girlfriend said it wasn't unusual for the town to have terrible reception and said she believes Turner 'executed' her boyfriend. Brahim Mellouli, Dghoughi's friend of more than 15 years who knew him in Morocco and in the US, told The Daily Beast: 'He would never look for trouble. He was a calm dude, very respectful. We just want justice for him.' Mellouli set up a GoFundMe for his late friend and raised $43,254 'to cover funeral expenses and transporting his body from the USA to Morocco where he would lay to rest,' a description of the fundraiser read. As of October 16 the family increased their financial goal to $60,000 and posted an update saying they were now looking to 'hire a private investigator and a lawyer to ensure justice is served for Adil and his family'. The post also noted that local authorities had not answered the Dghoughi family's questions. Todd told The Daily Beast that investigators told her Turner shot in self-defense because he feared her lover was there to rob him. 'The first words, pretty much, out of their mouths was that it was self-defense,' she said, adding that it was unlike Dghoughi to be confrontational. Todd also cited that she was worried about how Texas' Stand Your Ground Law will affect Turner's arrest and subsequent sentencing, saying that she believes it could possibly protect the homeowner from consequences. The law, which was put into effect in 2005, says that a person can use deadly force when they reasonably believe it to be necessary against another presumed deadly force. The state also upholds the law when someone is acting to protect their property, such as to prevent arson or robbery. Todd told The Daily Beast that she's afraid Dghoughi's case will tell white people that 'they can shoot whoever they want just for stepping on their property'. 'That is not okay,' she added. Todd said she's worried Texas' Stand Your Ground Law will protect Turner from justice. The law says that a person can use deadly force when they reasonably believe it to be necessary against another presumed deadly force, or when someone is protecting their property However, the news outlet reported that the incident report had been heavily redacted and any conversation between Turner and Dghoughi before the shooting was blacked out. However, the report did reveal that the Audi Dghoughi was driving belonged to his girlfriend, a hand gun was used in the killing and the motive for shooting it was 'unknown'. Doctors treating Dghoughi told Todd that a bullet went through his hand, his head and exited through the passenger window, according to The Daily Beast. Todd said that tells her 'my poor baby was so afraid' and had his hands up. Dghoughi's autopsy report was not immediately available and the Travis County Medical Examiner's Office said that as of Wednesday, it was still working with other jurisdictions, including the sheriff's department. The 31-year-old came to America in 2003 to 'pursue the American dream,' a tribute for Dghoughi said on Facebook. He went to Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island where he earned his Master's degree in financial analysis before moving to Texas nearly three years ago. Todd told The Daily Beast that Dghoughi was working as an Uber driver while applying for jobs in the finance industry. A vigil is being held for Dghoughi on Saturday at 6pm at the Texas State Capital Building in Austin. 'We ask you to please attend, learn about Adil's life from his family and friends, and call for justice,' the Facebook invitation read. It added: 'Adil's life meant something and the person who killed him should be arrested and charged with murder.' louds of smoke and ash billowed up into the sky and covered streets and cars in towns over 20 miles away Advertisement New volcanic activity in Mount Etna today caused havoc for holidaymakers as airlines were forced to cancel half-term flights and delay several more. Europe's most active volcano violently spewed clouds of ash and smoke high into the sky this morning - covering cars and streets in villages over 20 miles away. The activity is the most violent to come from Etna this year after a string of eruptions began in February. And the plume of ash has also caused late cancellations of a number of flights from British and other European airports. Some passengers with British Airways were left furious when their flight from London Heathrow to Athens was cancelled with less than an hour's notice. Italy's biggest volcano today spewed clouds of ash and smoke high into the sky covering streets in cars miles away The volcanic activity on Etna earlier today is the most violent to come from the volcano this year after it started a string of eruptions in February Europe's most active volcano violently spewed clouds of ash and smoke high into the sky - covering cars and streets in villages over 20 miles away Some passengers with British Airways were left furious when their flight from London Heathrow to Athens was cancelled with less than an hour's notice It is believed the airline had to cancel two flights, while flights with Aegean Airlines suffered minor delays. One person tweeted British Airways saying: 'Athens flight postponed due to volcanic ash (fair enough) but response from Heathrow staff is totally inept. Lack of organisation.' Because of Etna's position on the east coast of the southern island of Sicily, most flights across Italy only faced minor disruption. Graphs from the French meteorological service shows of the ash cloud is expected to travel straight over Greece where it will cause the most disruption. The latest activity from Etna comes as the volcano on La Palma in the Canary Islands continues to wreak havoc for locals. The lava flows are still going strong over a month after eruptions began, gobbling up more buildings and forming newly-born land where it has reached the sea. Locals are also feeling the toll of the nonstop roar from the volcano and the constant series of low-level earthquakes under their island. The ash cloud from Mount Etna is expected to drift over Greece, causing disruption to flights departing and arriving in Athens Pictured: A huge plume of smoke and ash rises into the sky from Mount Etna back in February with the moon being obscured by the cloud. There were no reports of injuries or fatalities due to the eruption but a nearby airport was forced to close temporarily Etna erupted several times earlier this year, starting in February, but the ongoing activity was reported to be especially violent. Situated between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, it generates nearly constant eruptions of varying degrees. Each year it produces more than tens of million tons of lava and over 7 million tons of carbon dioxide, water and sulfur dioxide. The latest activity from Etna comes as the volcano on La Palma in the Canary Islands continues to wreak havoc for locals The lava flows on La Palma are still going strong over a month after eruptions began, gobbling up more buildings and forming newly-born land where it has reached the sea Locals are also feeling the toll of the nonstop roar from the volcano and the constant series of low-level earthquakes under their island Its most severe recent eruption occurred in March of 2017, when nearly a dozen people were injured. But eruptions have been recorded as far back as 1500 BC, with a devastating eruption in 1169 causing an earthquake that killed an estimated 15,000 people. In 1992, lava streaming down its slope threatened Zafferana, a town of 7,000, in what's thought to be the most voluminous flank eruption in 300 years. Soldiers used controlled explosions to divert the lava flow. An Arizona ex-Marine who turned hero again when he thwarted an armed robbery attempt by snatching the gun from the 14-year-old assailant said he was lucky to survive because the teen's firearm jammed. James Kilcer, 32, has been making the rounds since his act of heroism was caught on video and broadcast on local and national news stations. Kilcer was on his way to work at the Yuma County Sherriff's Department when he stopped at the convenience store in a Chevron gas station. The ex-Marine saw someone walk in the door with a gun in his hand and acted immediately. In surveillance video released by the Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Kilcer lunges at the suspect - who has at least two other people with him - pouncing on his pistol, slapping it away from himself and the cashier and toward the coolers lining the back of the store 'S--t needed to be done,' Kilcer said. 'I kind of saw what was coming my way and just, you know, I wasn't gonna sit around and cry about it. And I just waited until he took that one extra step and - boom! - f---ing hit him and just instinct kicked in.' He claims his life was only saved because the suspect, who turned out to be a 14-year-old boy, was unable to fire the loaded gun after Kilcer discovered it was jammed. The former soldier grabbed the gun away from the teen and tried to fire the weapon four times but it never went off. He eventually put pressure on the slide of the .22 pistol, firing off a round, seeing it was loaded the entire time. 'I felt the round hit my hand and I'm like, Oh s--t. So I locked the slide back and I look in my palm and it was a .22 in my palm,' Kilcer said. Kilcer then punched the suspect. He believed he may have broken the 14-year-old's nose. He was then able to get control and hold him down until police arrived as the other two suspects got away. Off-camera, Kilcer said that he was then involved in a struggle for control of the gun in the back of the store. They both tried to get their hands on the trigger before Kilcer eventually won out. 'It was really surreal,' Kilcer said. 'Like, I counted in my head. As all this was happening at frickin' lightspeed I was counting trigger pulls, and I realized I was pulling a trigger, making attempts to pull the trigger, but everything was just jammed up.' James Kilcer (pictured right), 32, was stopping in a Chevron gas station convenience store on his way to work as an Arizona sheriff's deputy in Yuma County when a would-be robber suddenly enters Kilcer said he immediately noticed the robber, who was backed by two others, and the gun in his hand Kilcer then lunges at the attempted robber, pouncing on his pistol, slapping it away from himself and the cashier and toward the coolers lining the back of the store Kilcer then punches the suspect. He believes he may have broken the 14-year-old's nose Kilcer was able to hold the wannabe assailant down until further help arrived from police ZERO FEAR: When this Yuma, AZ veteran saw some criminals pop in guns high -- he didn't wait for things to potentially go south. The Marine Corp taught me not to [mess] around, he later said. 'The few, the proud' for a reason. More on the story on @ABC15 at 10. pic.twitter.com/fGjKthcXvO Zach Crenshaw (@ZachCrenshaw) October 21, 2021 He then immediately asked the boy his age, only to discover that he was a teenager. 'It was kind of disheartening to find out he was only 14,' Kilcer said. 'It was his lucky day.' He claimed he 'held the gun to [the 14-year-old's] temple' like a hostage, in case either of the other two suspects came after him, not realizing they'd fled the scene. The suspect faces armed robbery and aggravated assault charges, according to the county sheriff's office. On Friday, they announced that they had arrested a second teen suspect in connection with the attempted armed robbery. Police are still on the lookout for the third suspect. While it was a split-second decision that could have had a much different result, Kilcer said he'd do it all over again. 'Oh yeah, in a heartbeat,' Kilcer said. 'You have to do it.' The former Marine has since become something of a media sensation, appearing on various local and national news programs. A moment from an interview with Dana Perino on Fox News went viral when he finished off the chat with a non-sequitur claim that billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein didn't kill himself. Kilcer, 32, is a married father and sheriff's deputy in Yuma, Arizona Kilcer has since had fun with the story, meme-ing himself into a superhero for Facebook When Perino suggested that everyone should purchase Kilcer his drink of choice, he immediately responded 'I'll take a beer, please. Kilcer describes himself as a POG, or 'Person other than Grunt,' a term used to describe anyone who wasn't involved in any type of combat. Which means he doesn't think of himself as some sort of 'freakin' Ricky Recon' hero. 'I'm a goddamn air winger, so, it's like I'm not Steven Seagal here,' Kilcer told one outlet. 'I might be fat, but that's about it.' While not a hero, Kilcer has said he grew up in a small town in rural New York that had a lot of people around who didn't 'f--k around.' 'I am constantly in a mindset of, If I have to I will.' Kilcer said. 'I take my personal safety and the safety of others seriously at all times.' He joked to a local interviewer that he was almost surprised at how quickly he was able to apprehend the suspect. 'I hit him and the gun before my keys hit the ground. That's how fast I moved - and I'm a little chubby guy. So I mean, I don't move that fast anymore. I've put on a couple pounds since the Marine Corps,' he said. When asked what advice he would give his would-be attacker, Kilcer had a simple message. 'That boy needs some Jesus,' replied Kilcer. 'He's going down the wrong path real quick.' He hopes everyone would go to the extent he did. 'But at the same time, I'd like to think that everyone takes their personal safety and the safety of others,' he said. 'People need to f---ing take control of the damn country and frickin' defend themselves and others.' With all the slowness, juddering and hesitation of an ancient bus trying to start on a frosty morning, the Government is at last moving to do something about the failure of the Covid booster programme. We have to be pleased that it is trying, but it should certainly try a great deal harder. Much depends on it. As long as we can keep vaccination protection high, the danger of a renewed virus crisis overwhelming our hospitals is much diminished, and so is the danger of yet another grim lockdown closing down the country in the winter months. Perhaps Ministers are just too preoccupied with their green agenda, driven by the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow, now just a week away. No doubt we must do all we can in the great task of saving the planet, but this does not mean that governments can forget the normal day-to-day tasks of keeping people healthy, safe and prosperous. At the beginning, Britain's vaccination programme was a superb example of all that is best about this Government. The research was world-beating, fast and brilliant. Health Secretary Sajid Javid pictured during a press conference inside the Downing Street Briefing Room in central London on October 20 The launch was bold and beautifully organised, and the near-universal take-up by vulnerable citizens stopped Covid in its tracks. Just as crucially, the Government had secured its supplies so that there was always enough to meet demand. We showed the EU and the world how such a project could be pursued. Dame Kate Bingham, her able lieutenant Emily Lawson (now happily back at work on the booster programme) and Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi together gave a textbook example of what government can do when it really tries. They took the view that problems could always be solved if you really wanted to solve them, rather than the traditional Civil Service view that problems are an excuse for failure. Since this team broke up, Whitehall seems to have sunk back into its default position of Not Very Good, combined with Not Very Fast. This just will not do. Now is not the time to slacken off. It is hard to overstate just how much this success achieved. We owe our return to normal, or at least nearly normal, almost entirely to the taming effect that vaccination has had on the virus. So as the effect of the spring and summer vaccinations fades, as it is bound to do, we must act. Yet the figures are dire. Just 1.3 million of the 2.3 million over-80s who qualify for a booster have so far received one. A nurse administers a dose of a Pfizer booster vaccine to a member of the public at a vaccination centre in Derby on September 20 The authorities accept that 2.4 million eligible people have not yet been invited for a booster jab. The plan to vaccinate schoolchildren is also severely bogged down despite growing evidence, which we report today, that this could make a major contribution to keeping Covid under control. Whose fault is this? When the Government blames the people for the failings of its policies, you can always be sure that it is the Government that is in the wrong. Yet Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, said last week there is 'plenty of capacity' and other officials cited alleged public complacency as a key factor in the slow take-up. Really? We will see how complacent people are when it becomes easier to make vaccination appointments, a move now promised by the Government. There is a lot here for the new Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, to take charge of. He has surely had time to accustom himself to his new responsibilities. Let him now show his paces. Damaging winds, hail, isolated tornados, and floods are threating to impact more than 50 million people from California to New York over the weekend and early into next week. The back-to-back bomb cyclones are forecasted to create atmospheric rivers. Atmospheric rivers are long narrow regions of moisture in the atmosphere 'like rivers in the sky' that release rain or snow to the earth, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A storm is considered a bomb cyclone when its minimum air pressure drops 24 millibars or more within 24 hours; this next storm could decrease by 50 millibars potentially becoming a 'double bomb.' The strongest atmospheric river is expected to leave several inches of rain and possibly feet of snow along the West coast from Saturday night through Tuesday. The Pacific Northwest and Central California were just hit by another atmospheric river Thursday and Friday. While the heavy rainfall will help combat the intense drought in the region and should end the fire season, it is not anticipated to end the droughts or wildfires. The heavy rainfall in the areas recently ravaged by wildfires could lead to flooding and mudslides with evacuation warnings having already been issued in some places. Strong winds are also a likely threat along the West coast as forecasters claim they may reach 60 mph. The atmospheric river along the West coast is predicted to become a Level 5 out of 5 in the San Francisco Bay area and a Level 3 or 4 in the Pacific Northwest and the rest of California. As the storm surges across the country, the low pressures could be recorded at some of the lowest levels the Pacific Northwest has experienced since the 1950s. Another storm system has been building up in the Gulf of Mexico with abnormally high temperatures and moisture levels and is expected to strengthen as it moves into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions early next week. The Intermountain region through to the Northeast is also expected to experience a storm surge Saturday through early next week. Parts of California, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan have been deemed high risk areas for heavy rainfall. Sections of Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska have been issued Level 2 storm warnings with large hail, strong winds, and isolated tornados being the biggest threats beginning Saturday. Active weather is expected to impact much of the Nation this weekend and into next week. Heavy rain and mountain snow is forecast across northern California and the Northwest, with wet weather also shifting into the Midwest by Sunday before spreading into the Northeast. pic.twitter.com/ixBRory7y9 NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) October 22, 2021 The likely hood of severe thunderstorms will increase on Sunday as the storm moves towards the East coast. The storm system is expected to reach the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions on Monday. A level 2 warning has also been issued to Atlanta, Knoxville, Charlotte, and Raleigh for Monday while severe storms are a possibility in some Northeast cities including New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Newark, and Virginia Beach. The US has experienced a barrage of extreme weather this year as the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly visible. The US intelligence community is sending a unanimous warning about the growing risk that climate change is posing to national security and global stability, a chilling report revealed on Thursday. All 18 US intelligence agencies signed off on the 27-page report, released in a declassified version by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence after President Joe Biden ordered the government to undergo a climate assessment in January. It comes just over a week before Biden jets off to Glasgow for the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference. Thursday's report is the first-ever assessment of its kind and looks into how growing carbon emissions could shift geopolitical power and exacerbate existing conflicts as well as allow new ones to emerge. The report was issued barely more than a week before the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (pictured: Biden addresses the UN General Assembly in September) In May, Biden issued an executive order requiring development of a comprehensive government-wide climate-risk strategy within 120 days, as well as an annual assessment of climate-related fiscal risks as part of the US budget. 'Intensifying physical effects will exacerbate geopolitical flashpoints, particularly after 2030, and key countries and regions will face increasing risks of instability and need for humanitarian assistance,' it read. But even before any significant climate disaster, blame shifting and arguments over how goals outlined in the Paris Climate Accord should be carried out and who should do it will be a source of heightened tensions. 'The cooperative breakthrough of the Paris Agreement may be short lived as countries struggle to reduce their emissions and blame others for not doing enough,' it states. Countries would then turn against one another to compete for thinning resources and dominance over new technologies. The physical effects of climate change would also lead to more mass migration as vast swaths of the world become uninhabitable. Climate refugees have already been highlighted as a growing point of concern by a number of global entities, including the United Nations. Advertisement Ministers are ripping up the booking system for Covid booster jabs with millions set to receive their vaccines a month early amid growing fears the faltering programme risks triggering a winter spike and another dreaded lockdown. Health Secretary Sajid Javid has ordered NHS chiefs to allow over-50s to book their third jab a month earlier than at present in a bid to turbocharge the sluggish rollout of boosters to combat Covid. It comes as Javid is also planning to enforce laws to make Covid vaccines mandatory for all NHS workers, making them a 'condition of employment' as soon as possible. He believes it will help protect vulnerable patients from contracting the virus in hospitals but there are fears it could spark a backlash among vaccine hesitant staff or civil rights groups. People are eligible for the booster six months after their second jab. But as it stands, patients cannot even start the booking process until that date, and then must wait an average of 18 days to get their appointment. The delay is believed to be a key reason why only around 4.5 million out of the 9.3 million eligible people in England have so far received the third dose. The new plan, which Government sources say will be put into effect as soon as possible, will allow people to book in advance so they can get it as soon as the first day they are eligible. Downing Street advisers have also examined whether the six-month period should be shortened, but concluded the period is still the sweet spot which maximises the boost to immunity levels. Health Secretary Sajid Javid has ordered NHS chiefs to allow over-50s to book their third jab a month earlier than at present in a bid to turbocharge the sluggish rollout of boosters to combat Covid Margaret Keenan, the first person to receive the coronavirus vaccine in December last year, receives her booster jab at University Hospital Coventry in Warwickshire on September 24 The development comes amid signs of growing tensions in Whitehall over the slow take-up of boosters and jabs for 12- to 15-year-olds which has coincided with a sharp rise in infections and hospitalisations. One source claimed Boris Johnson had taken his eye off the ball because No 10s energies had been consumed by preparations for the forthcoming COP26 climate conference in Glasgow. An analysis by The Mail on Sunday found if the current rate of vaccinations for those aged 12 to 15 is not accelerated, then barely one-third of the age group will have received a jab by the start of December. The slow progress has led to calls for Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi to write directly to pupils to urge them to have the vaccine. But the move is opposed by other Cabinet Ministers who believe it is wrong to bypass parents. In other developments: A total of 44,985 new coronavirus infections were recorded yesterday, a rise of 15.2 per cent on last weeks figure, with deaths up by 12 per cent week-on-week to 135 and hospital admissions up 19 per cent; Officials discussed the introduction of lockdown lite if cases continue to rise, which would involve more working from home and mask wearing, but stop short of another shutdown of the economy; Former Health Minister David Mellor compares anti-vaxxers to someone running along a street stabbing passers-by at random in an article in todays Mail on Sunday; Government sources admitted it had been a mistake to replace Mr Zahawi as Vaccines Minister with low-profile Maggie Throup; The boss of Pimlico Plumbers likened the impact on children of parents working from home to idling on the dole, saying: Youve got to break the cycle otherwise its like when parents are on benefits and capable of going to work, and the kids say, Ill do that too; Union bosses were accused of scaremongering after warning No 10 it risks another winter of chaos unless it imposes its Covid Plan B, which would see more draconian measures imposed to combat the virus. 'Get a booster jab to save Christmas', says NHS's most senior doctor The most senior doctor in the NHS has called on Britons to take up the offer of booster jabs to 'help save Christmas'. NHS England's national medical director Professor Stephen Powis said getting a booster will 'protect the freedom and Christmas that we have all earned'. The repeated calls for people to get jabbed comes as Mr Johnson resists pleas from health leaders for tighter restrictions despite the rising number of cases. Prof Powis, who said this week that the NHS feels 'exceptionally busy', has written in the Sunday Telegraph that it will 'no doubt be a tough winter'. He wrote: 'To maximise the impact of the vaccination programme we must all continue to act responsibly. 'The more of us that come forward for our booster jab, and the more we keep our resolve in helping to limit the spread of infection, then the greater chance we all have of staying well.' Prof Powis said this time last year there were more than 6,800 people in hospital with Covid, and this weekend the figure is 6,405, but in 2020 the nation was still six weeks away from the world's first vaccination. 'So, when your time comes, take up the offer, book your booster and protect the freedom and Christmas that we have all earned and deserve to enjoy,' he said. Advertisement MPs say they have been bombarded with complaints from constituents about the glacial pace of the booster jab rollout. The booster jabs are intended to deal with waning immunity among groups which first received the vaccines at the start of the year but the number administered each day has been a fraction of the rate during the initial programme. The jabs will not be rolled out to the under-50s until a greater proportion of the older age group have been jabbed, which at the current rate is expected to be in early 2022. Mr Johnson responded to the criticism this weekend by asking Emily Lawson, the head of the No 10 Delivery Unit, to return to her old job running Englands vaccine programme. The effort has also been stymied by Mr Zahawis move to Education Secretary, Sir Simon Stevens departure as head of the NHS and Matt Hancocks resignation as Health Secretary over his breach of social distancing rules with an aide. Mr Javid has warned the number of new cases could peak at 100,000 a day this winter, prompting fears of another lockdown although Mr Johnson insisted that was not on the cards at all. Chancellor Rishi Sunak also said that the country could not return to significant economic restrictions. Professor Peter Openshaw, a Government scientific adviser, said yesterday that he was very fearful there will be another lockdown Christmas. However, modelling by experts on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies indicated it was highly unlikely the NHS would be overwhelmed by the virus, as a combination of vaccine-acquired and natural immunity means fewer people would need hospital treatment than in the early weeks of the pandemic last year. It comes as Javid pushes for the remainder of NHS staff to get double jabbed, with 106,351 still not vaccinated, about 7 per cent of the total workforce. Education Minister will send teenagers 'please get the vaccine' letter as four out of five 12-15 year olds remain unjabbed - despite experts claiming the cohort holds the power to stop the virus spreading By Anna Mikhailova and Stephen Adams for the Mail on Sunday Ministers are considering writing to every 12 to 15-year-old in the country to urge them to get their Covid vaccine. The letter would be signed by Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi in a bid to improve the slow jab rollout in schools. So far only 19.8 per cent of that age group has been jabbed. However, the move has sparked a row within Government over whether writing to children directly would be appropriate. The letter would be signed by Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi in a bid to improve the slow jab rollout in schools Whitehall officials have raised concerns that the move would risk undermining parental consent. Since the rollout was extended to all 12- to 15-year-olds more than a month ago, MPs have warned that parents must be given a final say in whether their child should be vaccinated. Schools normally send forms to parents seeking permission for pupils to receive a jab. Government starts preparations for Plan B Covid restrictions The government is preparing to roll back on Covid freedoms according to a leaked Whitehall document, with a return to face masks and Covid passports to stop a winter virus surge. An urgent document detailing the Plan B measures was distributed on Friday from the UK Health Security Agency to town hall leaders. The Official Sensitive email, seen by The Sun, asked if there was backing for an 'immediate enforcement of the new rules. An official wrote: 'I have been asked to canvas opinion on the level of support for immediate roll out of the Winter Plan - Plan B.' It lists a number of measures including vaccine passports in clubs and indoor and outdoor spaces. There would also be legal requirements for face masks and a return to working from home. Advertisement However, children also have a say and in some cases can override their parents, although the Government has insisted this would only apply very rarely. It comes as analysis for The Mail on Sunday shows only a third of 12- to 15-year-olds will be jabbed by December if the rollout continues at the current pace. Just 564,518 out of 2.8 million 12- to 15-year-olds in England had been vaccinated by last Friday compared with nearly two thirds of 16- to 18-year-olds. The jab rollout has averaged just 12,100 of such children a day in the past month. Failing to significantly speed up kids jabs could leave the majority of children in that age group unprotected by Christmas because the vaccine takes 14 days to take full effect. Last week, the Prime Minister held a meeting with Mr Zahawi, Health Secretary Sajid Javid and Chief of Staff Dan Rosenfield about how to speed up the rollout. NHS bosses are also scrambling to use half term to vaccinate as many children as possible, with Englands top GP, Dr Nikki Kanani medical director of primary care for NHS England making a plea to parents to book their children in by revealing her 13-year-old has received the jab. Some 2.5 million NHS letters covering almost the entire age cohort of 12- to 15-year-olds in England are being sent out from tomorrow to parents and guardians in a blitz aimed at increasing uptake. It comes after the NHSs national booking service for Covid jabs opened up for 12- to 15-year-olds. Dr Kanani, who is also deputy lead for the Covid vaccination programme, said: Millions of parents will be receiving letters from tomorrow inviting their children to get a Covid vaccine through the National Booking Service. This provides an additional way for 12- to 15-year-olds to get their vaccine following the rollout in schools that has seen more than a half million vaccinated. She added: The decision to get vaccinated has always been a private choice between a child and their parent or guardian my 13-year-old son received his vaccine at school on the same day I had my booster dose in a local pharmacy. I would urge families to look at the information together and then book in to give children and their loved ones crucial protection ahead of winter. Parents whose children have had the jab will also receive the letter, as it is part of a mass mailing. The NHS says to ignore it. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Secretary of State for Education, Nadhim Zahawi visit the Westbury-on-Trym Church of England Academy in Bristol The sluggish nature of the campaign contrasts sharply with the situation in Scotland. When the decision to vaccinate 12- to 15-year-olds was made on September 20, rates were similar in both countries with 5.7 per cent of that age group jabbed in England, and 5.4 per cent in Scotland. These youngsters had already been vaccinated because they are clinically vulnerable, or live with someone who is, meaning they fall into a higher priority group. But in the month since then, Scotland has stormed ahead, having jabbed more than 50 per cent of its 12- to 15-year-olds a vaccination rate of 3,640 children a day. Over the same period, England has only managed to shift the dial to just under 20 per cent. The contrasting campaigns may have contributed to the divergence in Covid case rates in under-15s since early September, when they stood at about 400 a week per 100,000 in both England and Scotland. In England, they have since shot up to more than 800 per 100,000, while in Scotland they have dropped to below 200. Experts are worried that higher Covid case rates are starting to spill over into older age groups as children bring the virus home to parents and grandparents. They believe that vaccinating secondary-school pupils is key to controlling the virus this winter, as Covid rates are currently at their highest in teenagers. A recent modelling study calculated that jabbing all 12- to 15-year-olds could prevent tens of thousands of hospital admissions, mainly of older people, saving thousands of lives. If most of this age group remains unvaccinated, however, these benefits will not materialise. 'Very quiet, comforting, non-political figure': Vaccines Minister Maggie Throup keeps a very low profile as fans sing her praises as someone widely liked with a reputation for 'getting on with the job' By Brendan Carlin for the Mail on Sunday An ally of Ms Throup said she had been a grandma figure in the Whips Office, and was deployed to comfort unhappy MPs skills which will be useful if complaints about the slow booster rollout continue to come in Tory MPs have vented their frustration at Boris Johnsons decision to replace high-profile former Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi with little-known MP Maggie Throup. They said it was a mystery as to why the Prime Minister had picked the former Whip for the key role. One senior Tory MP said: This is causing major concerns. Lets face it Nadhim had a touch of showbusiness about him. You just cant say that about Maggie. However, other MPs privately blame Chief Whip Mark Spencer for promoting Ms Throup from the Tory Whips Office. A former Minister told The Mail on Sunday: I dont think Boris would have had a clue who she was. The idea of promoting her must have come from the Chief Whip. Other MPs have sprung to Ms Throups defence, saying she was widely liked and had a reputation for getting on with the job. That diligence led one colleague to dub her Super Throuper. Her science background is also expected to help her in the new job Ms Throup, 64, read biology at university, before working as a biomedical scientist at Calderdale Health Authority and then at a pharmaceutical company. An ally of Ms Throup said she had been a grandma figure in the Whips Office, and was deployed to comfort unhappy MPs skills which will be useful if complaints about the slow booster rollout continue to come in. However, colleagues admitted that the Erewash MP had kept a low profile since entering the Commons in 2015. Other MPs have sprung to Ms Throups defence, saying she was widely liked and had a reputation for getting on with the job How much longer can we tolerate anti-vaxxers clogging up the NHS? By David Mellor for the Mail on Sunday Sadly, the pernicious anti-vaxxer movement is helping sustain Covid-19. Its filling up hospital beds as the latest months figures show that two-thirds of the under-50s admitted with the virus are unvaccinated. The knock-on effect is that the NHS is constrained from treating others desperately ill with conditions such as cancer. As important as booster jabs are, the priority is still to reach the millions of supposedly adult citizens who have refused the vaccine. Undaunted by such stories, anti-vaxxers continue to defy medical advice and common sense It is believed that half of professional footballers havent even had a first jab. Refusing the jab is not merely irrational, its taking a chance with your life. A gamble where lives are being lost. There have been tragic examples such as a 58-year-old Cambridge-educated lawyer who said he hoped he had got the virus because hed prefer to have the antibodies in his blood than take the jab. Id rather take my chances with my immune system, he added. He did just that and died. Undaunted by such stories, anti-vaxxers continue to defy medical advice and common sense. This leads again to the question that wont go away: how much longer can we tolerate seeing the NHS clogged up with people who get Covid really badly because they wont be vaccinated? Is this just a matter for individual choice? Or are the consequences for society too serious to overlook particularly with the threat of a return of social restrictions for us all, and perhaps even another lockdown. I acknowledge, having been a Minister for 11 years, that the options are not easy. Its tempting to suggest that anti-vaxxers should be denied treatment, or treated only at their own expense. This has been seriously suggested in Australia. But I doubt it would work there and certainly wont work in the UK. The choice is stark: a vaccine passport system or disruption, misery and irreparable damage to millions of lives and to the economy But a vaccine passport might. Why shouldnt we ban those who refuse the vaccine from visiting places of entertainment or as Italy has done from going to work? I believe it is no exaggeration to say that what anti-vaxxers are doing could be likened to someone running along a street stabbing passers-by at random. Unpalatable as many will find it, I am convinced that we must act, otherwise theres a terrible danger well be saddled with unmanageable Covid outbreaks for as far ahead as we can see. The choice is stark: a vaccine passport system or disruption, misery and irreparable damage to millions of lives and to the economy. Those whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad. Ask any anti-vaxxer. A group of them were filmed on Tuesday, howling expletives at Michael Gove, as he walked through Westminster. Why? For the high crime and misdemeanour of supporting the vaccination of people against Covid-19. This was undoubtedly a public order offence, yet the police did nothing about the altercation (typical). It didnt seem to matter that it happened just a few days after the killing of his colleague Sir David Amess. Gove was left to take his chances without knowing whether they were merely going to shout at him or, so inflamed by the madness on the internet, that one or more of these people would physically assault him. Take a look at the kind of rubbish promoted online. Covid has been designed as a means of controlling the population, we are told. It was caused by the World Health Organisation acting in consort with Big Pharma and Bill Gates. Its a side effect of 5G mobile telephone upgrades. Oh, and by the way, those blue disposable masks have been impregnated with asbestos. The anti-vaxxer world is full of crazed voices. Piers Corbyn, for example, seems determined to present himself as more of a loony tune than brother Jeremy. Heres the gospel according to Piers: Bill Gates wants vaccinations to control you, and to control womens fertility to reduce the world population. Thats his game, and hes going to get loads of money of it. You will pay with your money and your life. We say No. Meanwhile, he distributes leaflets comparing the UKs covid vaccine rollout to Auschwitz. His Indian equivalent, Swami Chakrapani, claims you dont need a vaccine because applying cow dung to your body will do the trick. Maybe coronavirus would be better. Faced with such nonsense, you might reasonably think the best thing to do is laugh and pass by on the other side. I dont agree. This is stuff is pernicious. It is helping to sustain Covid-19, to prolong suffering and death. Its filling up hospital beds, thereby constraining the health service from treating patients desperately ill with other conditions like cancer treatment put on hold during the pandemic with often devastating effects. Let me concentrate the mind with a few statistics. As many as four out of ten of those hospitalised with Covid-19 are not fully vaccinated. Pensioners are three times more likely to be admitted to hospital with covid if they are anti-vaxxers. Initial results suggest that booster jabs are 95 per cent effective. Thats why Im having mine on Wednesday. But as Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, the distinguished head of the Oxford vaccine group which created the AstraZeneca jab, points out, however important the boosters will prove, the immediate priority are the millions of supposedly adult citizens who have simply refused to take a life-saving injection. Too many of whom now occupy beds in intensive care. In some areas of the country, the take up of the important second vaccine is as low as 50 per cent. It is thought that half of professional footballers havent even had a first jab. Refusing the vaccine is not merely irrational, its taking a chance with your life. A gamble where lives are lost. Leslie Lawrenson, a 58 year old Cambridge-educated lawyer, blogged: I hope Ive got it because Id rather have the antibodies in my blood than take the jabthe potential dangers from taking these experimental jabs werent worth the risk. Id rather take my chances with my immune system. Well he did, and he lost. A few days later, his 11 year old son found him dead. Matthew Keenan was a wholly confirmed vaccine sceptic, when he fell desperately ill last July. He said if he could turn back time, he would. But he couldnt. And this fit football coach and proud dad died needlessly last July aged only 34. What a sad waste. Throughout history tens of millions have died of diseases that wouldnt kill them today because of vaccinations. In a quiet graveyard in Dorset, two infants are buried. My aunt and uncle, who died of diphtheria in the 1920s, when it was the biggest killer of kids. Diphtheria was known as the silent strangler because of the awful manner of their death. Today, most youngsters have never even heard of diphtheria, let alone died from it, because vaccinations finished it off. Theres a word for some peoples rejection of a life-saving jab, and that word is decadence. I look back six decades to Geoff Hall, a hero of my childhood. This Birmingham City and England fullback was enjoying a hugely successful career. Then polio killed him. Wouldnt he have loved the opportunity to be vaccinated? One sadly didnt emerge until a few years too late for him. Thankfully, children today know nothing of polio, either. As to the anti-vaxxers, we cannot merely switch them off, much as I would like to do so. A few months ago I was on a tube train when it was invaded by a loud, who started ripping down covid posters, and, having dragged a ghetto blaster into the carriage, began playing anti-vax songs and dancing around. What did London Underground do? Nothing. So, again, the question that wont go away: how much longer can we tolerate seeing the NHS bunged up with people who get covid really badly because they wont be vaccinated? Is this just a matter for individual choice? Or are the consequences for society too serious to overlook? Ask the people not getting proper care for cancer. Ask the people whose lives have been thrown into chaos by the wider effects of the continuing Covid meltdown. The court system has ground to a halt. All manner of cases some say 60,000 are held up, a lot of them really serious like murders and rapes. What will be the consequence for justice when finally they are heard, if ever they are, and memories have dimmed? All those half-empty public offices. The banks that wont talk to you because everyones at home. The schools turned upside down by perpetual closures. Today we find ourselves looking at the return of restrictions, perhaps even the abyss of another lockdown. I acknowledge, having been a minister for 11 years, that the options are not easy. Anti vaccination protesters march through Newcastle warning of the supposed dangers of COVID-19 vaccinations Its tempting to suggest that anti-vaxxers should be denied treatment, or treated only at their own expense. Its been seriously suggested in Australia. But I doubt it would work there and certainly wont work here. But a vaccine passport might. Why shouldnt we ban those who refuse the vaccine from places of entertainment or as Italy has done from going to work? Forcing the anti-vaxxers to stay at home, it can be argued, is necessary for public protection. If they wish to exercise their individual choice, then let them do so. But in a way that does not damage you or me or the wider public interest. What the anti-vaxxers are doing is, in its way, as harmful to society as if they ran along a street stabbing passers-by at random. Unpalatable as many will find it, I believe we have to act or theres a terrible danger well be saddled with unmanageable covid outbreaks for as far ahead as we can see. All that disruption. All that misery. All the damage caused to business and the economy. Im not up for that. Q&A: So why HAS our world-beating jab programme hit the buffers? By Jo Macfarlane for the Mail on Sunday Whats going wrong with the booster programme? Its too slow. The UK led the world in approving and delivering the first Covid jabs, but only half of the eight million currently eligible have had a booster since the programme began on September 16. Thirty million over-50s and those with underlying health problems will become eligible for a top-up dose six months after their second jab. But at the current pace of 200,000 booster jabs a day compared with 400,000 during the peak of the first drive it will take until March to finish the job. NHS England admitted it had sent out only 5.5 million invitations, and promised to despatch a further two million last week Are those in charge to blame? Theres been a change at the top. The departure of those credited with the first rollouts success Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi and Kate Bingham, who led the Vaccines Taskforce means its now in the hands of Maggie Throup, described as having all the verve of cotton wool. NHS England admitted it had sent out only 5.5 million invitations, and promised to despatch a further two million last week. Its telling that the Government has brought back Emily Lawson, who ran the initial jab drive. Is the public becoming complacent about Covid risks? Only partly. Many are unaware that protection wanes over time, which may account for the lacklustre booster uptake. When the first vaccines were rolled out, they were seen as a way out of lockdown and vital for saving lives. But some experts believe the advantages of a booster have been less clearly explained. Pharmacists in Manchester told the BBC they had capacity for 600 or 700 jabs a day but only 100 takers. However, surveys show that 82 per cent of us would take an extra shot if offered. And many of those eligible have not yet been invited to book a jab. Are the public confused about how to get the jab? When the booster programme was announced, people were told to wait to be invited by the NHS. Ministers last week backtracked, telling eligible people they could book a jab online or via 119, even without an invitation. But there was more confusion when the NHS booking website was not initially updated, and continued to say only those with an invitation could book a jab. From today, eligible people will be able to book their booster weeks before it is due. Why cant GPs give out the jabs? In the first rollout, GPs delivered 75 per cent of all innoculations. This time, many practices have opted out, complaining of patient backlogs and having to administer the flu vaccine. Doctors were also asked to continue routine care, which they werent first time. Cant it be given with the flu jab? Yes. Studies show its safe and theyre licensed to be given together. But there are practical constraints, including patients having to be monitored for 15 minutes after the jab, which GPs dont have the capacity to deal with. Whats happened to my local vaccine centre? Many church halls or pop-up vaccine clinics have been closed in favour of pharmacies and larger out-of-town venues. Doctors say ease of access may be affecting uptake. And there are fewer volunteers helping. However, figures show the number of vaccine centres overall has risen from 1,543 in February to 2,205. Is online booking working? Yes, but there have been glitches. Some eligible people with invitations have been wrongly informed by the NHS booking website that they cant yet book a jab. This is understood to have been put right, but call 119 if you are having difficulty. The Government has pledged 100 million doses to Third World countries, but says this will not affect our booster programme Is there a shortage of booster vaccines? No. The Government ordered 60 million booster doses, and about 20 million are stockpiled. Orders are also in for new vaccines from Valneva and Novavax, which will become available once approved. The Government has pledged 100 million doses to Third World countries, but says this will not affect our booster programme. Is there a postcode lottery? Unfortunately, yes. Because some GPs have opted out, some areas have fewer vaccine clinics. There is no data yet on which regions are performing best, but the Midlands has delivered over 800,000 jabs 40 per cent more than in the South West and East of England. Vaccine hesitancy will also affect uptake. In Leicester, Luton and parts of London with large South Asian and black populations, only 50 to 60 per cent are fully vaccinated. Advertisement This is the desolate swampland scene in Florida where fugitive Brian Laundries bones were discovered, Dailymail.com can reveal. Circles of orange FBI marker paint on leaves reveal the likely spot his skeletal remains and backpack were found by law enforcement, around 50 yards from a trail Laundrie liked to hike. On the other side of the trail, some 20 yards into the undergrowth, an orange and a lime green flag marker were still evident. These are possibly where Laundries bag and a possibly crucial notebook were discovered. Dailymail.com ventured into the intimidating swamp as it opened up to the public following a near six-week FBI-led search for Laundrie, the only person of interest in the murder of his van-life fiance Gabby Petito, 22. The death scene which had been under flood water for weeks is just 700 yards from the entrance to the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, four miles from the Laundrie home in North Port. This is the desolate swampland scene dotted with orange FBI marker paint in Florida where fugitive Brian Laundries bones were discovered, Dailymail.com can reveal Circles of orange FBI marker paint on leaves reveal the likely spot his skeletal remains and backpack were found by law enforcement, around 50 yards from a trail Laundrie liked to hike The scene is just 700 yards from the entrance to the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park and still has the orange and lime green marker flags placed by the FBI Some 20 yards into the undergrowth, an orange marker was still evident. This is possibly where Laundries bag and a possibly crucial notebook were discovered A lime green flag was also discovered at the scene, where Laundrie's remains and belongings were possibly found Dailymail.com ventured into the swamp as it opened up to the public following a near six-week FBI-led search for Laundrie Laundrie left his silver Ford Mustang convertible at the park entrance parking lot after leaving his parents house in an emotional state on September 13. He would have walked over a cream-colored bridge linking the park to the 25,000-acre Carlton Reserve. We followed his route from Myakkahatchee into the snake and gator-ridden reserve. He would have turned right along a dusty track after the bridge, then left on to the Live Long trail. Dense vegetation borders both sides of the trail for the first few hundred yards. Laundrie, 23, would have followed it until coming close to a clearing, which contains large pools of water. Just before the clearing, it appears Laundrie would have turned left and headed to a patch of ground where there is a break in the canopy of trees. That is where we found the crime scene paint sprayed in circles and is close to the location of the huge white law enforcement tent that could be seen from the air by news helicopters. Laundries bones were discovered on Wednesday when his parents Christopher, 62, and Roberta, 55, suddenly decided they wanted to venture into the reserve to look for their son themselves. They left their home before 7am and were met at the Myakkhatchee park by two law enforcement officers who accompanied them inside. They had told police that missing Brian liked to hike a particular trail, that was now probably flood free. Steve Bertolino, their lawyer, described what happened, saying: As they went further in, Chris ventured off the trail into the woods. He was zigzagging in different areas, law enforcement was doing the same thing. And Roberta Laundrie was walking down the trail. At some point, Chris locates what's called a dry bag. The dry bag is a white bag, laying in the woods, say 20 feet or so off the trail. Bertolino continued: Law enforcement looked at the contents of the bag. At that time, law enforcement officers showed him a picture on the phone of a backpack that law enforcement had located also nearby and also some distance off the trail. At that point, the Laundries were notified there was also remains near the backpack, and they were asked to leave the preserve. The notebook could be salvageable a source told CNN. They added: It had clearly been wet and they are going to use any potential means to dry that out before opening it. They will be very careful with it. An autopsy by the medical examiner in Sarasota has failed to determine how Laundrie died and his bones were yesterday/FRI sent to an anthropologist for further examination, Bertolino told Dailymail.com. The death scene is just four miles from the Laundrie home in North Port, Florida The reserve was described as looking like Jurassic Park by one search and rescue expert There appeared to be no evidence in the park for weeks leading up to the remains being discovered on Wednesday and confirmed as belonging to Laundrie the next day The sudden discovery inside the reserve described as like Jurassic Park by one search and rescue expert came after a massive hunt for Laundrie began there on September 17. More than 50 law enforcement officers, many in tactical gear and wielding rifles, had combed the treacherous swamp in huge all-terrain vehicles while drones using infra-red technology covered areas they could not tackle due to flood water. But for weeks is appeared there was absolutely no evidence of him being there. It is not known how long Laundrie was in the reserve before he died. He fled there on September 13, two days after police arrived at the home he shared with his parents to speak with him over Gabbys disappearance. His parents refused to let police talk to their son and North Port Police have told Dailymail.com that officers did not actually see Laundrie that night. He had arrived back alone in North Port on September 1 from a road trip to Utah and Wyoming with Gabby in her white 2012 Ford Transit van. Tragic Gabbys body was found on September 19 in lonely spot in the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming. She had been strangled. Confirmation that Laundrie was dead was issued by the FBI on Thursday. Minutes before the news broke, two North Port police officers arrived at the Laundrie home to tell his parents. His father opened the door after the solemn officers knocked twice and Dailymail.com photos show his stunned face as he confronted the reality of his sons death. The Laundrie family have remained in their home since the discovery of their sons bones. Christopher has popped out of the house occasionally to pick up delivered food and flowers consoling them for their loss. It is not known if the floral presentations that have arrived are from friends or just well-wishers. One card read: My deepest condolences on your loss of Brian. I hope this will bring you peace and the trust comes out on what happened to both Gabby and Brian. My heart goes out to you. The sender called themselves Savana bioty Another card read: Dont forget people care! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The senders gave their names as Dirreck (correct) and Alicia. At one point in the manhunt Brian's father Chris Laundrie, 62, joined the FBI in their search but came back fruitless More than 50 officers, many in tactical gear and wielding rifles, had combed the treacherous swamp in all-terrain vehicles As officers searched the ground drones using infra-red technology covered areas they could not tackle due to flood water It is not known how long Laundrie was in the reserve before he died. He fled there on September 13, two days after police arrived at the home he shared with his parents to speak with him over Gabbys disappearance Gabbys heartbroken family have only recently been able to collect their murdered daughters remains. Mom Nichole Schmidt, stepdad Jim Schmidt, dad Joe Petito and stepmom Tara made the devastating trip to a funeral home in Jackson, Wyoming, last week. It was only a few days after Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blue announced Gabby had been manually strangled before being dumped close to a remote campsite in Grand Teton National Park. The remote site where the bloggers body was discovered has become a shrine to Petito, complete with a stone cross dotted with flowers. Dr. Blue refused to provide additional details about the autopsy's findings including: if her body was buried, whether any drugs were found in her system and whether she was killed in the same spot her body was found. The three to four weeks her body was believed to be in the wilderness, however, put her death around the August 27-30 period investigators believe Petito and Laundrie had traveled to the area. Only this week, Gabbys mom had said she wanted coward Laundrie to spend the rest of his life in a cell. Nichole, who reported Gabby missing on September 11 after losing contact with her, said she thought her daughter would be safe with Laundrie on their trip. But her view changed to that of branding him a cold-blooded killer who was being protected by his parents, who refused to talk to her. 'Silence speaks volumes, she told 60 Minutes Australia. Of the parents, she said: I believe they know most of the information. I would love to just face to face ask, Why are you doing this? Just tell me the truth. 'He's a coward. I don't want to say hes insane because he went home, hes hiding, he used her credit card. That's not somebody whos gone crazy. 'He knows what he is doing, he knew what he was doing. I just want to get him in a cell for the rest of his life.' Her husband Jim added: 'We want vengeance. And justice.' Her mother added: I hope she didn't suffer and that she wasn't in any pain. That she was in a place she wanted to be, looking at the beautiful mountains. This was evil. She was taken at somebody else's hand. It's not fair. Whats going wrong with the booster programme? Its too slow. The UK led the world in approving and delivering the first Covid jabs, but only half of the eight million currently eligible have had a booster since the programme began on September 16. Thirty million over-50s and those with underlying health problems will become eligible for a top-up dose six months after their second jab. But at the current pace of 200,000 booster jabs a day compared with 400,000 during the peak of the first drive it will take until March to finish the job. NHS England admitted it had sent out only 5.5 million invitations, and promised to despatch a further two million last week Are those in charge to blame? Theres been a change at the top. The departure of those credited with the first rollouts success Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi and Kate Bingham, who led the Vaccines Taskforce means its now in the hands of Maggie Throup, described as having all the verve of cotton wool. NHS England admitted it had sent out only 5.5 million invitations, and promised to despatch a further two million last week. Its telling that the Government has brought back Emily Lawson, who ran the initial jab drive. Is the public becoming complacent about Covid risks? Only partly. Many are unaware that protection wanes over time, which may account for the lacklustre booster uptake. When the first vaccines were rolled out, they were seen as a way out of lockdown and vital for saving lives. But some experts believe the advantages of a booster have been less clearly explained. Pharmacists in Manchester told the BBC they had capacity for 600 or 700 jabs a day but only 100 takers. However, surveys show that 82 per cent of us would take an extra shot if offered. And many of those eligible have not yet been invited to book a jab. Are the public confused about how to get the jab? When the booster programme was announced, people were told to wait to be invited by the NHS. Ministers last week backtracked, telling eligible people they could book a jab online or via 119, even without an invitation. But there was more confusion when the NHS booking website was not initially updated, and continued to say only those with an invitation could book a jab. From today, eligible people will be able to book their booster weeks before it is due. Why cant GPs give out the jabs? In the first rollout, GPs delivered 75 per cent of all innoculations. This time, many practices have opted out, complaining of patient backlogs and having to administer the flu vaccine. Doctors were also asked to continue routine care, which they werent first time. Cant it be given with the flu jab? Yes. Studies show its safe and theyre licensed to be given together. But there are practical constraints, including patients having to be monitored for 15 minutes after the jab, which GPs dont have the capacity to deal with. Whats happened to my local vaccine centre? Many church halls or pop-up vaccine clinics have been closed in favour of pharmacies and larger out-of-town venues. Doctors say ease of access may be affecting uptake. And there are fewer volunteers helping. However, figures show the number of vaccine centres overall has risen from 1,543 in February to 2,205. Is online booking working? Yes, but there have been glitches. Some eligible people with invitations have been wrongly informed by the NHS booking website that they cant yet book a jab. This is understood to have been put right, but call 119 if you are having difficulty. The Government has pledged 100 million doses to Third World countries, but says this will not affect our booster programme Is there a shortage of booster vaccines? No. The Government ordered 60 million booster doses, and about 20 million are stockpiled. Orders are also in for new vaccines from Valneva and Novavax, which will become available once approved. The Government has pledged 100 million doses to Third World countries, but says this will not affect our booster programme. Is there a postcode lottery? Unfortunately, yes. Because some GPs have opted out, some areas have fewer vaccine clinics. There is no data yet on which regions are performing best, but the Midlands has delivered over 800,000 jabs 40 per cent more than in the South West and East of England. Vaccine hesitancy will also affect uptake. In Leicester, Luton and parts of London with large South Asian and black populations, only 50 to 60 per cent are fully vaccinated. A New York couple paid $1,600 to get portraits of cult leader Charles Manson tattooed on their legs, using some of his ashes mixed into the ink. Patrick Boos told TMZ his wife, Deanne, of Niagara Falls, wanted to be the first woman with a tattoo featuring the cult leader's ashes, and he did not want her to go it alone, so he got one, too. Patrick's is on his thigh, and Deanne's is on her lower leg. They got their tattoos from artist Ryan Gillikin, otherwise known as Ryan Almighty, who said Manson's ashes were mixed in with red and black ink to create the eerie artwork. He wrote on Instagram last week that he 'spent an amazing evening with the infamous Patrick Boos and his wonderful family last night. 'They got matching Manson tattoos both based on my blood portraits of the old man, with something very special mixed in for good measure and the ultimate memento mori and tribute to Charlie.' Patrick is now reportedly thinking of getting another tattoo using Charles Manson's ashes, potentially featuring one of his followers, Leslie Van Houten, who was convicted of murdering several people in 1969. Patrick and Deanne Boos received matching tattoos of cult leader Charles Manson on their legs, using some of Manson's ashes mixed into the red and black ink Patrick has previously gotten a 'Helter Skelter' and an X tattooed on his head in another tribute to Manson. The X was meant to match the one the serial killer carved into his head as he stood trial for murder, and 'Helter Skelter' was a Beatles song that Manson misinterpreted as a call to incite a race war The matching tattoos come just 10 months after Boos, then 45, got a Helter Skelter tattoo on his head, complete with an X in the middle of his forehead to match the one the serial killer carved into his own head as he stood trial for murder. 'Helter Skelter' was a 1969 Beatles' song on the White Album, written by Paul McCartney, using a fairground ride as a metaphor for chaos. But Manson, the leader of the notorious Manson Family cult, thought it was a subliminal call to incite a race war. And after he instructed members of his cult to carry out a brutal string of murders, including Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, as well as pregnant actress Sharon Tate, they wrote 'Death to Pigs,' 'Rise,' and 'Helter Skelter' in blood at the scene. In an interview with Vice after getting the Helter Skelter tattoo, Boos said he considered the tattoo 'a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,' calling it 'a piece of history.' 'I think people are fascinated by how the typical serial killer's mind works, or why they did it,' Boos said, noting: 'We really don't know if Charles Manson did anything other than being a cult leader - he may have sent others to kill, but he claims he had nothing to do with it.' He added: 'It's weird that Charles is a part of me now. Kind of creepy, I guess. 'And I don't think it will affect me in any way.' But, he said at the time, it did affect Deanne, who was upset by the backlash from the face tattoo. 'She just didn't like all the mean stuff people were saying, because she cares about me,' he said. 'Art is supposed to make people feel - especially if it has anything to do with murder or serial killing. Patrick, right, said his wife, Deanne, left, wanted to be the first woman with a tattoo featuring the cult leader's ashes, and he did not want her to go it alone They got their tattoos from artist Ryan Gillikin, also known as Ryan Almighty, who managed to snag some of Manson's ashes from the friend of one of his grandson's 'I decided to go all out and add the Helter Skelter because of all the chaos going on today, which is still going on, with this virus and all the potential bulls*** and Black Lives Matter. 'Charlie was a prophet, if you listen to some of his interviews,' Boos said. He added that the Helter Skelter tattoo 'has nothing to do with race for me. 'I get along with everyone, pretty much,' Boos said. 'If I don't like someone, it's not by the color of their skin, it' their character and actions.' 'I don't want to be like him at all,' Boos said of Manson. 'I'd rater be home with my family than be around people. 'I'm just trying to get by in this world, and I like weird and bizarre things.' Manson was the leader of the Manson Family cult, which killed several people in 1969 After Manson's death in prison in 2017, there was a lengthy battle about what to do with his remains - which his grandson, Jason Freeman, eventually won Following Manson's death in prison in 2017, there was a lengthy legal battle about what to do with his remains - which his grandson, Jason Freeman, eventually won. He said he would cremate Manson and spread the ashes. But a friend of Freeman's, Tony Miller, managed to co-opt some of the ashes and give them to Gillikin. He told Vice: 'Long story short, Miller grabbed a handful of cremains at the spreading of the ashes. 'Miller and Freeman then had a falling out over Miller selling funeral pamphlets without giving Jason his cut.' Since then, Gillikin has used the ashes in some of his own art, in masks, and tattoos for the Boos, as well as for Manson's former pen pal - Jason Michael Jones. A rare nerve disorder that affects the feet, hands and limbs has been added to the list of possible side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine by UK regulators. Guillain-Barre syndrome, which sees the immune system go haywire and start to attack nerve cells, was added by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Most people who suffer from the autoimmune disorder make a full recovery, but one in five can be left with long-term problems such as difficulty walking and one in 20 die. The European Medicines Agency said last month that 833 cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome had been reported worldwide out of 592million doses dished out. The benefits of the vaccine still far outweigh the risks, regulators have stressed. A rare nerve disorder that affects the feet, hands and limbs has been added to the list of possible side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine by UK regulators The EMA previously said they considered it 'at least a reasonable possibility' that Guillain-Barre is a side effect of the Oxford-made jab. The regulator has already listed the condition to the single-shot dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which uses the same technology as the AZ jab. Up to September, there were 393 UK cases after vaccination with the jab but the watchdog is not certain the condition is occurring more often than it normally would. It is not clear how many of these led to long-term complications, but three Britons have died. The European Medicines Agency said last month 833 cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome had been reported worldwide out of 592million doses dished out of AstraZeneca The above graph shows the number of Guillaine-Barre cases detected after a Covid vaccine was administered in the UK up to September The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) added there have been 44 suspected cases following administration of the Pfizer jab, and one death. There have also been three cases after inoculation with the Moderna jab. Professor Ian Douglas, a pharmacoepidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said the benefits of the vaccine still vastly outweighed the risks. What is Guillain-Barre syndrome? Guillain-Barre syndrome is a very rare condition that can be sparked by viral infections. It is thought to be triggered when the immune system misfires and starts attacking the body's own nerve cells. Symptoms of the condition include numbness, pins and needles, muscle weakness and problems with balance and co-ordination. The NHS says they tend to start in the hands and feet before spreading up the arms and legs. They should get worse over the first few days, they said, before starting to improve. Most people who suffer Guillain-Barre syndrome make a full recovery, but around one in five are left with longer term problems and one in 20 die. Treatments include painkillers and blood transfusions to help bring the condition under control. Source: NHS Advertisement 'Taken together, I don't believe this news alters the risk benefit profile of the vaccine,' he said. 'But it does serve as a helpful prompt for anyone who experiences early signs of Guillain-Barre syndrome shortly after receiving a Covid vaccine to seek medical help. 'These include numbness, weakness and pins and needles in the hands and feet, often becoming worse over a few days.' A very rare blood clot on the brain was listed as a side effect of the AstraZeneca vaccine earlier this year. The UK's vaccine advisers have recommended under-40s receive an alternative jab to this jab, because of concerns over the condition which appeared to be more common in younger people. Pfizer's vaccine has been linked to very rare cases of inflammation of the heart, or myocarditis. The condition appears to be most common in young boys. The US Food and Drug Administration also warned in July of an 'increased risk' of developing Guillain-Barre syndrome with Johnson & Johnson's dose. The AstraZeneca jab suffered a blow in May after regulators found a very rare blood clot in the brain could be sparked by the vaccine. Britain's vaccine advisory committee the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) has recommended that under-40s are offered an alternative to the jab. But a study found the risk of suffering a blood clot is 'much higher' after catching Covid compared to people who got the AstraZeneca jab. The latest Oxford University study suggests the risk from clots is higher from the virus itself than the British-made vaccine. In the biggest study of its kind, researchers looked at the medical records of 29million people in England who had either tested positive or had a vaccine by April. Among those who caught Covid, 12,614 per 10million suffered blood clots in a vein who would not have otherwise developed the condition. Whereas the risk among those given the AstraZeneca vaccine was significantly lower at 66 per 10million. For Pfizer's vaccine which uses a different technology to AstraZeneca's jab the researchers did not spot any links between the jab and a clotting complication. Google's powerful stranglehold over online advertising has been revealed in new court documents. Legal papers in the US claim the internet giant takes a huge cut of up to 42 per cent of the advertising spending it arranges. That is up to four times more than the cut its rivals take, the papers allege. The figures were contained in a newly unsealed legal filing at a New York federal court. One Google employee compared the companys dominance to a major bank such as Goldman Sachs or Citibank owning the entire New York Stock Exchange. Legal papers in the US claim the internet giant takes a huge cut of up to 42 per cent of the advertising spending it arranges. That is up to four times more than the cut its rivals take, the papers allege (file photo) Google is being sued in the US by the attorney generals of 16 states and a string of businesses for allegedly using underhand tactics to dominate the advertising market. The internet giant generates billions of dollars by using its advertising exchange to allow businesses to buy advertising space on its search results and other websites. The group suing Google claims the company takes a cut of between 22 per cent and 42 per cent of these deals. And they say Google tries to lock in companies, rather than let them use cheaper rivals. It alleges Google engineers online advertising auctions to win 80 per cent of the business on offer. Kent Walker (pictured above), Googles senior vice president, said in a blog post that the tech giants services help people, create more choice, and support thousands of jobs The group behind the legal action said one Google employee had conceded that an exchange shouldnt be an immensely profitable business and that Google employees had explained the company charged high prices because we can... smaller publishers dont have alternative revenue sources. Google has disputed the allegations. Kent Walker, Googles senior vice president, said in a blog post that the tech giants services help people, create more choice, and support thousands of jobs. In Britain, the markets watchdog has said Google controls 90 per cent of the 7.3 billion market for adverts. The Competition and Markets Authority has said Googles unassailable position inflates advertising prices, with costs passed on to consumers. The BBCs veteran Royal Correspondent Nicholas Witchell faced a backlash last night after questioning whether Buckingham Palace undermined public trust by failing to reveal the Queen had been admitted to hospital. In forthright comments, Mr Witchell said that journalists and the public had not been given the complete picture. He added: The problem, it seems to me, is that rumour and misinformation always thrive in the absence of proper, accurate and trustworthy information. But his remarks provoked criticism online. Forthright: Royal Correspondent Nicholas Witchell (pictured above) faced a backlash after questioning whether Buckingham Palace undermined public trust by failing to reveal the Queen had been admitted to hospital Nicholas Witchell is honestly so infuriating, one Royal watcher wrote on Twitter. The Queen is 95 and like most her age, shell be in and out of hospital for various tests because thats what happens at that age no matter how fit you are. She doesnt need to disclose her every move, let her have some dignity. Another Twitter user wrote: Hes a pompous a***, full of his own self importance. Bring back Jennie Bond. She was classy. A third asked: Since when has the Queen been answerable to Nicholas Witchell? The Queen is 95 and like most her age, shell be in and out of hospital for various tests because thats what happens at that age no matter how fit you are', one Twitter user wrote (file photo) A BBC stalwart, Mr Witchell, 68, famously provoked royal displeasure in 2005 when, during a press conference in the Swiss ski resort of Klosters, he asked Prince Charles about his forthcoming marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles. Under his breath, Charles was heard to mutter to Princes William and Harry: I cant bear that man. I mean, hes so awful, he really is. One Twitter user this weekend joked: I dont agree with Prince Charles on many subjects apart from Nicholas Witchell. I bet theyll be setting a room aside in the Tower before theyve minted a coronation coin. Homeowners who boost their property's energy efficiency before putting it on the market are banking as much as 16 per cent extra on average compared to those who don't, new research reveals. The potential financial benefits of boosting the rating on a property's Energy Performance Certificate from a D, E or F to a C has been revealed in the Rightmove study. It found these could add up to more than 55,000. The study analysed more than 200,000 homes listed on the property website that had sold twice, with an improved EPC rating the second time, to understand the impact of energy efficiency improvements on the final sold price of a home. Cardiff leads the way with the biggest proportion of its homes improved from a D rating or below Those who had upgraded their rating from an F to a C, are adding an average of 16 per cent to the price achieved for their home. Moving from an E to a C is banking sellers an extra 8 per cent on average, and moving from a D to a C is resulting in an average of 4 per cent extra. Based on the current national average asking price of 344,445, it could mean an additional 55,111 for someone moving from an F to a C rating. At the same time, it could translate into an extra 27,556 for someone moving from an E to a C rating, or an extra 13,778 for someone moving from a D to a C rating. It follows the publication of the Government's Heat and Buildings Strategy, designed to set out how to lower the carbon emissions of homes and commercial buildings. Rightmove's data suggests buyers are willing to pay a premium to secure a green home. In the last five years, more than one in five British homes - at 22 per cent - have upgraded from a D rating or below, to a C rating or above. The South East topped the regional list at 26 per cent, followed by Wales at 24 per cent and the East of England at 23 per cent. At a local level, Cardiff leads the way with the biggest proportion of its homes improved from a D rating or below, to a C rating or above in the last five years, with more than a third at 35 per cent. Coventry at 34 per cent came second, and Barry in Wales at 33 per cent came third. HOW TO IMPROVE AN EPC RATING There are several ways that you can boost the rating on your property's Energy Performance Certificate. Some are cheaper options than others such as replacing light bulbs with LED versions. They also include more expensive options, such as installing an air source heat pump. These look like an air conditioning unit on the outside of a building, and work a bit like a fridge in reverse, using electricity to extract energy from the outside air to provide heating and hot water for homes. They can be expensive to install, costing around 10,000, but families will be encouraged to install the low carbon systems from April with grants of 5,000 being provided. Here are five ways to improve the rating on your property's Energy Performance Certificate: 1. Upgrade your lighting to LED light bulbs 2. Insulate the walls and roof 3. Invest in double or triple glazed windows 4. Install an air source heat pump 5. Install a smart meter Advertisement Areas that have seen the biggest proportion of homes improve to a C rating Location Region Proportion of homes improved to a C or above rating from a D or below Cardiff Wales 35% Coventry West Midlands 34% Barry Wales 33% Woking South East 32% Poole South West 31% Wythenshawe North West 31% Chester North West 31% Swindon South West 31% Guildford South East 31% Thornaby On Tess North East 30% Source: Rightmove Tim Bannister, of Rightmove said: 'Ahead of Cop26, many people will be more conscious of their personal impact on the planet, and will be looking for ways to be greener, including in their home. 'Although some of the bigger improvements to make homes more energy efficient can be costly, in its latest strategy, the Government has outlined ways it wants to support green choices. 'Our study suggests the longer-term value upgrading the rating of your home's Energy Performance Certificate can have when it comes to the time to sell. 'While this naturally needs to be balanced with the investment needed to improve it, we expect that the energy efficiency of a home will increasingly be a priority for buyers in the next few years, and these initial numbers suggest people are willing to pay an extra premium for a home better designed for the future.' Energy efficiency improvements: An air source heat pump looks like an air conditioning unit on the outside of a building How improving EPC rating impacts the sold price of a home Original EPC rating New EPC rating Average sold price premium (%) Sold price premium based on current national average asking price () F C 16% 55,111 E C 8% 27,556 D C 4% 13,778 Source: Rightmove However, the Government's Heat and Buildings Strategy is not good news for all types of property sellers. This week estate agents warned that those living in in older, rural and even listed properties risk being unable to sell if strict green finance targets are introduced. This is down to Boris Johnson's plans for turning Britain green by 2050 that would see mortgage lenders having targets for the energy performance of properties in their portfolio. A body that represents estate agents across Britain claimed that the property market could be distorted as a result of the measures and called for Britain's historic housing stock to be taken into account. Timothy Douglas, of Propertymark, said: 'Incentivising green improvements to properties via lending creates risks of trapping homeowners with older properties, those who live in rural areas, listed buildings or conservation areas, making their homes difficult to sell and therefore reducing the value.' Propertymark said that those living in older properties could be left with homes that they could not sell if buyers were unable to secure finance on them due to their lower energy efficiencies. The effect would be likely to be felt more by less wealthy owners, as deep-pocketed buyers would be more able to overlook mortgage restrictions and high-end older homes would continue to be desirable. Mr Douglas said: 'The use of targets could distort the market and sway lenders towards preferential, newer homes in order to improve the rating of their portfolio. 'Stopping a large portion of housing stock from being able to enter the market could cause havoc for home buying and selling as well as the wider economy.' Heather Rae Young and Tarek El Moussa kicked off their long-awaited wedding weekend on Friday with a rehearsal at the Paradise Springs winery in picturesque Santa Barbara. The Selling Sunset beauty, 34, and the Flip Or Flop star, 40, were seen beaming at each other and packing on PDA surrounded by their loved ones, just one day ahead of saying 'I do.' As the pair decided to televise their nuptials in a December Discovery+ special called Tarek and Heather The Big I Do, camera crews were seen filming while they gathered amongst friends and family. Ready to wed! The Selling Sunset beauty, 34, and the Flip Or Flop star, 40 kicked off their long-awaited wedding weekend on Friday with a rehearsal at the Paradise Springs winery in picturesque Santa Barbara Name change: Heather was seen with a Mrs. El Moussa denim jacket for a festive kick as she celebrated her last day as an engaged woman The couple had not divulged when they were set to tie the knot but Heather finally let the cat out of the bag on Instagram Friday. The pair were seen arriving in a party bus before heading inside. For the day Heather opted for a red skirt set, and paired the look with nude Valentino heels. Adding a festive kick she flashed an embroidered jean jacket that read 'Mrs. El Moussa' and a clutch with her soon-to-be initials 'HEM.' She smiled from ear to ear throughout the afternoon while mingling with their close circle and the two even seemed to prepare for their first dance tomorrow as he twirled her around. Safe arrival: The pair were seen arriving in a party bus before heading inside Taste test: Tarek was pictured pouring up several glasses of wine for them to taste Cheers: Heather seemed to lead a toast as she held up a glass of red wine Tasting: El Moussa was seen making a face as he sipped on some red wine Tarek on the other hand cut a cool figure in jeans and a black tee with a leather jacket and was pictured pouring up several glasses of wine for them to taste including red, white and sparkling. In customary fashion they made a toast and addressed the crowd, thanking their loved ones for attending. Though they had originally planned to get married in Mexico, they decided to opt for the stunning coastal town of Santa Barbara instead. The wedding is set to be a black tie affair but the location for the nuptials has not been revealed. Loving gaze: Holding a glass of champagne in one hand Heather held on to her soon-to-be husband with the other Crowd pleaser: Spirits seemed to run high throughout the day PDA: The pair affectionately grabbed hands as they prepared to become Mr. and Mrs. in just one day The couple spoke to ET about making the decision to film their star-studded wedding and even divulged details about the guest list and color scheme. 'Blacks, golds, whites, champagnes ... that's the aesthetic of the wedding,' Young shared adding that some pink touches could be expected. 'When we decided to do a wedding special, it wasn't an easy decision, because a wedding is so beautiful and intimate and private. So we actually went back and forth for months deciding,' Heather said. She continued to say 'it was a no, it was a hard no,' for a very long time before they started to think more about their lives as public figures and how they wanted to convey their love to the world. Loved up: 'People think our love is cheesy or maybe it's not real. We really are so in love,' she told ET Getting some practice in! The two were keen to practice sealing their marriage with a kiss on Saturday Getting the shot: Cameras were seen documenting every moment with the pair previously sharing they were on the fence about filming Selective: They had previously said that absolutely none of their exes would be invited which includes El Moussa's ex and former co-star Christina Haack 'And I think too that just showing the world our love and you know, it's funny, I hear a lot, especially from my page, I don't know if he gets it, but people think our love is cheesy or maybe it's not real. We really are so in love.' 'We want people to see the journey of our love and our wedding and bring people into our lives but it was a big decision, because our lives are out there so much.' With regards to the size and scale of the wedding they had said that they had to narrow down the guest list because they wanted it to feel 'very intimate.' Heather revealed that they didn't even give anyone plus ones and that as everyone invited was a 'best friend', seating charts were a point of stress. El Moussa joked that he wanted to 'put my friends together that don't like each other and make them sit together, make it a real fun wedding.' Chatting it up: The HGTV personality flashed a smile while toasting a buddy Stirring the pot: El Moussa joked that he wanted to 'put my friends together that don't like each other and make them sit together, make it a real fun wedding' Father of the bride? Young appeared with her father, who had given Tarek his blessing alongside her mom during a secret trip to see them before he popped the question Fueling up: The attendees were seen nibbling on an arrange of passed hors devours Bottoms up: She flashed her massive engagement ring while she and Tarek poured back champagne while speeches were made They had previously said that absolutely none of their exes would be invited which includes El Moussa's ex and former co-star Christina Haack and that all of Heather's Selling Sunset castmates would be in attendance, minus Christine Quinn. She had teased however that on the upcoming season of the hit Netflix show, viewers would get a more in-depth look at her relationship with El Moussa. And with regards to the planning process the luxury realtor said she couldn't relax as she wanted it to be 'special' for everyone. 'I'm a perfectionist and I have high standards for things and I want everything to be perfect for not just me and Tarek, but everyone in our wedding and our moms and our sisters and the kids and, I want everyone to feel special, not just me.' Bling: El Moussa popped the question to Young in July 2020 on their one-year anniversary, which they celebrated in Catalina Island Countdown to forever: The marriage will mark Heather's first and Tarek's second Type-A: 'I want everything to be perfect for not just me and Tarek, but everyone in our wedding and our moms and our sisters and the kids and, I want everyone to feel special, not just me' Heather revealed In the spotlight: The public couple also thought that filming their highly anticipated viewers would give a more indepth look at their love which she has said has been questioned by fans On camera: As the pair decided to televise their nuptials in a December Discovery+ special called Tarek and Heather The Big I Do, camera crews were seen filming The marriage will mark Heather's first and Tarek's second, as El Moussa was previously married to Christina Haack from 2009 to 2018 and they share two children: daughter Taylor, 11, and son Brayden, six. The tumultuous pair split up in 2016 following a number of bumps in the road during their seven-year marriage which included his stage 2 thyroid/testicular cancer, her fertility issues, and an ominous 2016 'suicidal' incident involving police prompting 11 deputies and a helicopter to show up. Over the summer El Moussa blew up at Haack on the set of their show Flip Or Flop, where he in a fit of rage called her 'crazy' and a 'washed up loser' while calling Young 'hotter and richer,' per TMZ. She had moved on to find love with Ant Anstead and recently got engaged to her boyfriend of four months Joshua Hall on September 20. Proving they had put the past behind them, El Moussa and Young congratulated her: 'We just want nothing but happiness for [Christina and Josh] and nothing but happiness for the kids.' Ryan Gosling is best known for his critically-acclaimed dramatic performances, but he will play a much lighter part in the upcoming Barbie movie. Sources told Deadline that the actor, 40, is in final negotiations to play Ken in the upcoming Barbie film from Warner Bros. He will play the part opposite Margot Robbie's Barbie and under the direction of Academy Award nominee Greta Gerwig. A change of pace: Ryan Gosling is best known for his dramatic performances, but he will play a much lighter part in the upcoming Barbie movie (pictured 2018) Gerwig wrote the script for the film with her longtime partner Noah Baumbach. Insiders told the publication that Gosling had to turn down the role because of his busy schedule but was ultimately able to sign on because pre-production was delayed. The film should begin shooting at the start of 2022. A plastic star: Gosling will play Ken in the upcoming Barbie movie Quite the duo: Margot Robbie will play Barbie opposite Ryan Gosling's Ken (pictured 2017) Gosling has a number of other films on the way besides Barbie. He will play a starring role in Wolfman, in which a man is afflicted by a curse after a werewolf bites him, and he will play the character of Paul Cole in The Actor The film will center around an actor who is beaten and left for dead in 1950s Ohio. Anomalisa director Duke Johnson will direct the film. Plot unknown: Though the film is definitely on the way, the details of the plot are still unknown Lots of different roles: Gosling has a number of other films on the way besides Barbie including parts in Wolfman and The Actor (pictured 2016) The La La Land actor has also been busy raising his two children with partner Eva Mendes. While the two don't talk about each other much in the press, they have made a few statements. Gosling said that 'nothing else' was out there for him except for Mendes. The two started dating while filming The Place Beyond the Pines and have two daughters together: 7-year-old Esmeralda and 5-year-old Amada. The Block couple Kerrie Charter and Spence Thomson have gone completely off-grid and away from civilisation to build their 'forever home'. Kerrie and Spence, who competed on the 2018 season of The Block, are building their property on 120 acres of remote land in rural Victoria. The location and design of the home means the reality TV couple will not incur any electricity, water or gas bills in their new lifestyle. Away from civilisation: Former The Block couple go off-grid in and build their 'forever home' in rural Victoria with no electricity, water or gas bills 'This is our own slice of heaven,' Ms Charter told A Current Affair reporter Martin King during a tour of the property, which her partner described as the 'next big thing'. Mr Thomson works as a carpenter by trade and told King that he's been building for 30 years. 'We've built before, we've built quite a lot before. I've been building for 30 something years, but we've never built off-grid,' he said. 'This is our own slice of heaven': The reality TV couple, who competed on the 2018 season of The Block, are building their 'forever home' on 120 acres of remote land in rural Victoria 'We've never been on this size land. We've never collected our own rainwater and harvested power from the sun. It's quite exciting.' The property features solar panels on the rooftops and three-phase solar inverters, held in a battery room, to power the home. It's estimated the couple are saving up to $10,000 a year on utility bills. Savings: The property features solar panels and three-phase solar inverters for power and collects rainwater for water supply. It's estimated the couple are saving up to $10,000 a year on utility bills Kerrie and Spence's new home is located in the rural town of Mia Mia, 120 kilometres north of Melbourne in central Victoria, which they moved to from their previous home in the Barossa Valley earlier this year. The reality TV couple explained their main motivation to go off-grid and build their 'freedom home' came down to economic and environmental reasons. 'We will never get utility bills again, and we're doing our bit for the environment,' Kerrie said. The pair also revealed they they have a 'greener vision' for their home as they plan to plant 5000 trees across the surrounding property. Hayden Christensen is set to reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker in the upcoming Star Wars-based series Ahsoka, which will star Rosario Dawson. The news about the 40-year-old performer's addition to the lineup of the forthcoming project was initially broken by The Hollywood Reporter, who noted that Disney offered no comment regarding the casting. The highly-awaited series was initially announced to have been in the development stage last year, and production on the show is set to officially begin in 2022. Back in the saddle: Hayden Christensen is set to reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker in the upcoming Star Wars-based series Ahsoka; he is seen in 2018 It is not known how Christensen's character will be portrayed in the project, which is set to take place five years after Skywalker's chronological death in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. The performer will also reprise his role in the upcoming show Obi-Wan Kenobi, in which his former costar, Ewan McGregor, will star. The actor made his debut as the Jedi Knight in 2002's Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and its 2005 sequel, Revenge of the Sith. Skywalker was previously portrayed by Jake Lloyd in The Phantom Menace and Sebastian Shaw in Return of the Jedi. In the shadows: It is not known how Christensen's character will be portrayed in the project, which is set to take place five years after Skywalker's chronological death in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi; he is seen in 2005's Revenge of the Sith Reunited: The performer will also reprise his role in the upcoming show Obi-Wan Kenobi, in which his former costar, Ewan McGregor, will star Several insiders who spoke to the media outlet surmised that the figure, also known as Darth Vader, may be shown as a Force Ghost in Ahsoka. Further plot details about the series, which will be executive produced by Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, who will serve as its writer, are currently being withheld from the public. Dawson, who previously portrayed Tano in the wildly popular Disney+ series The Mandalorian, will also star in the project. Disney previously announced that a spinoff show based on the fan favorite character was being worked on last year. Major part: Rosario Dawson, who previously portrayed Tano in the wildly popular Disney+ series The Mandalorian, will star in the project It was also made known to the public that the media giant was planning on creating several other shows set in The Mandalorian's timeline, including The Book of Boba Fett. Another project, entitled Rangers of the New Republic, was previously in the development stage before work on the series came to a halt earlier this year. Dawson, 42, spoke to StarWars.com about taking on the role of Tano and noted that she was happy to offer a new take on the character, who had previously only been seen in animated programs. 'I know that it's such a different feeling and space to bring this character that people have loved for so many years into live-action. I really, really, really wanted it to be something that people could enjoy and get into as another Ahsoka story,' she said. Enjoying it: Dawson previously stated that she signed on to portray Tano as she wanted to work on 'something that people could enjoy'; she is seen earlier this month The Kids actress went on to state that she watched much of the older material that featured Tano and expressed that she attempted to implement several of the character's mannerisms into her performance. 'It was really fun to find moments to throw homages to the different aspects to Ahsoka that I've always loved,' she said. Dawson went on to speak about the character's personal qualities and remarked that she was excited to portray a figure such as Tano. 'I think she represents something...about will and determination and audacity and tenacity. She really has pushed herself and evolved in a way that I think her heroine story is one that is not easy to find in other spaces,' she said. Frances Fisher paid her respects to the slain cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on Friday after her costar Alec Baldwin accidentally shot her on the set of their film Rust. Fisher, 69, shared a photo of herself embracing Hutchins on set and wrote that she 'loved watching' the Director of Photography work behind the camera. Fisher was joined by stars including Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Viola Davis and others paying tribute to Hutchins in the wake of her tragic death. Remembering a rising star: Frances Fisher, who stars with Alec Baldwin in the film Rust, paid tribute to slain cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on Friday after Baldwin accidentally shot and killed her on set on Thursday Fisher's photo appeared to show her in costume for the Western film, which is set in the 1880s. The actress smiled while wrapping her arms around Halyna, who was dressed in casual contemporary clothing 'Rest in Paradise Dear Halyna I loved watching you work,' Fisher began. 'Your intense focus and your vibrant command of the room. 'I asked you to stand next to me in our #IAsolidarity #RUST cast&crew photo because I wanted to make sure you were front and center, seeing as there are so few non-male directors of photography,' Fisher continued, referencing a show of support for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees union (IATSE), which has been in the process of negotiating for a new contract with major film studios. Fisher added that her classic Western film Unforgiven, which starred and was directed by her then-partner Clint Eastwood, was on her mind after the tragic accident. Paying tribute: 'Rest in Paradise Dear Halyna I loved watching you work. Your intense focus and your vibrant command of the room,' she wrote; seen in 2019 in Beverly Hills 'There is a line from #Unforgiven that maybe someday I will have the courage to put here,' she wrote. 'It pretty much sums it all up.' 'In the meantime, my prayers are with your family and with all who love and miss you.' Fisher concluded by tagging Hutchins' Instagram account, which featured posts from the set of Rust, included a self-shot video of Hutchins riding a horse during some downtime. 'See the beauty of her vision,' Fisher instructed her followers. Tragedy: Hutchins was shot and killed on Thursday during rehearsals for Rust when Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun on set; seen October 7 in East Hampton, New York Reaction: He has since shared a statement on social media in which he wrote that his 'heart is broken' over Hutchins' death Hutchins was shot and killed on Thursday during rehearsals for Rust when Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun on set. The gun has been described as having a 'live' round, though that doesn't necessarily indicate that it was loaded with a bullet, as other forms of debris in the gun could have been fired out of it. The cinematographer was struck by the shot, as was the film's director. Hutchins was airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque and was later pronounced dead, while Souza was rushed to a nearby hospital. Fisher shared Friday on Twitter that 'Director Joel Souza told me hes out of hospital.' According to on-set witnesses on set, Baldwin was stunned after firing the fatal round and asked: 'Why was I handed a hot gun?' According to witnesses on set, Baldwin was shocked after firing the live round and asked, 'Why was I handed a hot gun?' He has since shared a statement on social media in which he wrote that his 'heart is broken' over Hutchins' death. Hard at work: Dune star Timothee Chalamet shared a post from Women in Film, Los Angeles, which paid tribute to its member Hutchins and showed her at work behind the camera, and his costar Zendaya posted the same image to her Instagram Stories Never again: Viola Davis reposted an image of Hutchins on a film set that was originally shared by actor Colman Domingo. 'May our industry work even harder to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again on any set. Period,' he wrote Fisher was joined by several other actors and filmmakers who paid tribute to Hutchins' work in Hollywood. Dune star Timothee Chalamet shared a post from Women in Film, Los Angeles, which paid tribute to its member Hutchins and showed her at work behind the camera, and his costar Zendaya posted the same image to her Instagram Stories. Viola Davis reposted an image of Hutchins on a film set that was originally shared by If Beale Street Could Talk actor Colman Domingo and included his caption. 'May our industry work even harder to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again on any set. Period,' he wrote. 'Halyna Hutchins passing shall not be in vain. Tragic for our whole industry.' Condolences: 'This is so heart breaking,' wrote Riley Keough. 'My love to her husband, children and family. We must do better with fire arm safety on our sets' Filmmaker to filmmaker: A Wrinkle In Time director Ava DuVernay simply posted a photo of Hutchins on set behind a camera Protectors: Shameless star Emmy Rossum wrote: 'There are absolutely no words to describe the despair and sorrow we collectively feel at the loss of DP and mother @halynahutchins. We must band together to protect our crews. There are so many questions as to how this could have happened' Actress Riley Keough posted a photo of Hutchins in a leather jacket and a tan knit hat. 'This is so heart breaking,' she wrote. 'My love to her husband, children and family. We must do better with fire arm safety on our sets.' A Wrinkle In Time director Ava DuVernay simply posted a photo of Hutchins on set behind a camera. Shameless star Emmy Rossum wrote: 'There are absolutely no words to describe the despair and sorrow we collectively feel at the loss of DP and mother @halynahutchins. We must band together to protect our crews. There are so many questions as to how this could have happened.' On Twitter, Elijah Wood wrote: 'Absolutely horrifying and devastating news about cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. My heart goes. out to her family.' Filmmaker and actor Alex Winter shared his 'deepest condolences to the family and friends of Halyna Hutchins.' He added: Crew should never be unsafe on set and when they are there is always a clearly definable reason why,' adding the hashtag '#IASolidarity.' Horrific: On Twitter, Elijah Wood wrote: 'Absolutely horrifying and devastating news about cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. My heart goes. out to her family.' Solidarity: Filmmaker and actor Alex Winter shared his 'deepest condolences to the family and friends of Halyna Hutchins' and supported the union IATSE Pointing fingers: Comedian and actor Paul Scheer tweeted that he was 'gutted' and called Hutchins' death a 'crime' Comedian and actor Paul Scheer tweeted that he was 'gutted.' 'This is beyond a tragedy and there are so many rules in place to make sure this can't happen. I can't even fathom how this is possible. So many people had to be negligent. This is a crime.' He added: 'Halyna was a tremendous talent. I'm sick to my stomach.' Guardians Of The Galaxy director James Gunn wrote that his 'greatest fear is that someone will be fatally hurt on one of my sets.' 'I pray this will never happen. My heart goes out to all of those affected by the tragedy today on Rust, especially Halyna Hutchins & her family.' Director Mike Flanagan wrote that his 'heart breaks for the family and friends of Halyna Hutchins this is just horrifying and devastating news.' Personal: Guardians Of The Galaxy director James Gunn wrote that his 'greatest fear is that someone will be fatally hurt on one of my sets.' Devastating: Director Mike Flanagan wrote that his 'heart breaks for the family and friends of Halyna Hutchins this is just horrifying and devastating news' Baldwin's family members also expressed their sadness at Halyna's death while expressing support for him. 'My love and support go to Halnya [sic] Hutchins' family and friends,' Baldwin's daughter Ireland Baldwin wrote. 'Sending healing thoughts to Joel Souza. And wishing I could hug my dad extra tight today.' Baldwin's niece Hailey Bieber wrote that she was 'sending all my love to the family of Halyna Hutchins,' adding, 'This is a truly unimaginable and devastating tragedy.' She continued: 'My thoughts are also with Joel Souza as he recovers. I am absolutely heartbroken for everyone involved.' Bieber's father and Alec Baldwin's brother Stephen Baldwin didn't single out any names but asked for prayers. 'Asking for your prayers tonight friends not much can be said other than please pray for all involved in the wake of this tragic accident than you,' he wrote, adding, '#Psalm91' in his caption. Reaching out: Baldwin's family members also expressed their sadness at Halyna's death while expressing support for him, including his daughter Ireland Thoughts and prayers: Baldwin's niece Hailey Bieber wrote that she was 'sending all my love to the family of Halyna Hutchins,' adding, 'This is a truly unimaginable and devastating tragedy.' ABC executives have banned the use of 'live' weapons on the set of the police procedural series The Rookie. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project's showrunner, Alexei Hawley, mandated that the cast and crew would no longer utilize functional arms of any kind while working on the Nathan Fillion-led program. The executive also wrote a memo to the staff of the series that addressed the need for increased firearm safety on set following Thursday's tragic and fatal accident that occurred during the production of Rust. Changes: ABC executives have banned the use of 'live' weapons on the set of the police procedural series The Rookie Hawley's message began by expressing that The Rookie's executives sympathized with the victims of the Rust incident. 'The tragic events in New Mexico yesterday have shaken us all, and our hearts go out to the friends and family of Halyna Hutchins and Joel Souza,' it read. The message also pointed out that, effective immediately, every firearm that will be used during the production of the series would not take traditional ammunition or blanks of any sort. 'As of today, it is now policy on The Rookie that all gunfire on set will be Air Soft guns with CG muzzle flashes added in post. There will be no more "live" weapons on the show. The safety our cast and crew is too important. Any risk is too much risk.' From the higher-ups: The project's showrunner, Alexei Hawley, mandated that the cast and crew would no longer utilize functional arms of any kind while working on the Nathan Fillion-led program (scene from The Rookie pictured) Recent events: The memo comes following Thursday's tragic and fatal accident that involved Alec Baldwin and occurred during the production of Rust; he is seen in 2019 Hawley's memo concluded by noting that if crew members 'ever feel unsafe or witness anything that concerns you, please don't hesitate to report it.' The crew of The Rookie has previously utilized CGI imagery to mimic muzzle flashes, although 'live' weapons have occasionally been used during outdoor filming. The message comes after a tragic and fatal accident occurred on the set of the western project Rust, which stars Alec Baldwin, who also serves as one of its executive producers. Alec, 63, accidentally killed Rust's director of photography Halyna Hutchins, 42, and wounded director Joel Souza, 48, with a prop gun Thursday on the set of the film in New Mexico. In the past: The crew of The Rookie has previously utilized CGI imagery to mimic muzzle flashes, although 'live' weapons have occasionally been used during outdoor filming Baldwin later cooperated with investigators after the shooting, although further interviews and evidence collecting are ongoing. No charges have been filed against any parties involved with the incident as of yet. The New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau is currently looking into Thursday's events and released a statement regarding the matter. Working on it: Baldwin later cooperated with investigators after the shooting, although further interviews and evidence collecting are ongoing; he is pictured in 2019 The organization pointed out that 'no additional information will be released at this time, pending completion of the investigation.' Baldwin later shared his own statement about the incident to his Twitter account, where he noted that he was broken up about what happened on Rust's set. 'There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours,' he wrote. Letting everyone know: Baldwin later shared his own statement about the incident to his Twitter account where he noted that he was filled with 'shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident' The actor also pointed out that he was 'fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred.' Baldwin concluded his message by remarking that he had spoken to Hutchins' loved ones and felt sympathy for their loss. 'I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna,' he wrote. Gwyneth Paltrow might be on board to reprise her role as Pepper Potts now that Harry Styles has joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. On Friday, the 49-year-old actress made an appearance on a special edition of Drew's News and was asked about the One Direction star's casting as Eros, the brother of Josh Brolin's supervillain Thanos. 'This makes me want to dip my toe back into the Marvel Universe,' Gwyneth told Drew Barrymore, 46, and co-host Ross Mathews, 42. Tempted: Gwyneth Paltrow might be on board to reprise her role as Pepper Potts now that Harry Styles has joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Seen in 2019 Coming back? 'This makes me want to dip my toe back into the Marvel Universe,' Gwyneth said of Harry's casting. Seen in March 2021 'Maybe Pepper Potts can intersect with the Harry Styles of it all,' Paltrow continued. After a year of rumors, Styles' casting was confirmed when he made a surprise post-credits appearance in the upcoming MCU movie Eternals. Also known as Starfox in the comic, Eros was named after the god of love and sex in ancient Greek mythology. Drew explained that the superhero's powers include the ability to 'stimulate the pleasure centers of anyone within 25 feet' to which Ross joked, 'This is what they call typecasting.' On Friday: The 49-year-old actress made an appearance on a special edition of Drew's News and was asked about the One Direction star's casting as Eros, the brother of Josh Brolin's supervillain Thanos Typecast: Also known as Starfox in the comic, Eros was named after the god of love and sex in ancient Greek mythology 'How does one in the Marvel Universe interpret a god of love and sex?' Drew asked. 'How does that work in the Marvel world?' 'You just cast Harry Styles,' Gwyneth replied. 'You just put him without a shirt on and there you go.' Paltrow last played the Stark Industries CEO and wife of Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) in 2019's Avengers: Endgame and she has left the door open for a potential return to the MCU. In March 2021, she told People, 'I think if it was a small part that I could do in like a day or two, I would of course be open to that.' Sex symbol: When Drew asked how Marvel would interpret a god of love and sex, Paltrow said, 'You just cast Harry Styles. You just put him without a shirt on and there you go.' Harry seen in March 2021 Meanwhile, the Academy Award winner has primarily shifted her focus from acting to her lifestyle company Goop. She appeared on Drew's News to promote her new Netflix reality series Sex, Love and Goop, in which Paltrow and a team of sex and intimacy experts help couples enhance their relationships through more pleasurable sex. During her segment, Gwyneth also shared her views on public displays of affection. Ross said, 'Weve seen a lot of Hollywood couples snoogling in public lately.' He went on to specifically reference the passionate public displays put on by Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian and Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly before asking, 'GP do you keep it PG?' Gwyneth indicated that she was not really a fan of PDA. 'I think I tend to keep it PG in public. I dont know maybe I should loosen up a little bit and make out in public. Maybe not.' Voicing her opinion: During her segment, Gwyneth also shared her views on public displays of affection Not for me: Gwyneth indicated that she was not really a fan of PDA 'Were you ever that type?' Barrymore asked. 'Because I used to totally PDA, like when youre dating Fabrizio Moretti of The Strokes, I was just constantly making out with him. I couldnt handle it. I couldnt get enough. Were you ever PDA?' 'I also did PDA with Fabrizio,' Gwyneth joked to laughter from the audience. 'Heres my feeling about it. I think there is an age gap or age limit,' Drew said. 'You get to a certain age and heres me at a dinner table with people PDA-ing,' she continued as she turned to the side and made a disgusted face. 'This is your face when you see PDA?' Paltrow asked. Drew said, 'Yes, now Im old and jaded and I want to be like, "Pack it up. Move it to the bedroom sister. I am trying to eat."' New show: She appeared on Drew's News to promote her new Netflix reality series Sex, Love and Goop, in which Paltrow and a team of sex and intimacy experts help couples enhance their relationships through more pleasurable sex The Shakespeare in Love star weighed in on a survey that reported that 45% of Americans over 50 believe that sex gets better with age. She said, 'I think older sex should be awesome. Like why do we have to pack it all up and go home when we have all of this hopefully healthy life left to live, just with more wrinkles?' Paltrow, who famously introduced the world to the phrase 'conscious uncoupling' when she split from ex-husband Chris Martin in 2014, voiced her opinion on being friends with a partner's exes. When Mathews asked if she was friends with her husband Brad Falchuk's exes, she said, 'I feel like, I dont know but you know me Im all into this conscious uncoupling thing and trying to keep good feeling and good sentiment between people. Sounding off: Paltrow, who famously introduced the world to the phrase 'conscious uncoupling' when she split from ex-husband Chris Martin in 2014, voiced her opinion on being friends with a partner's exes. Seen in 2014 'We dont have to come to a situation thinking, "Oh its an ex so therefore I feel threatened or Im going to be predisposed to think negatively." Its like, what if we just said, "Hey, The more the merrier," and not create negative feeling and try to create more positive feeling where we can. So thats what I try to do.' Ross said, 'It sounds super simple. It would be beautiful but I understand sometimes it can be uncomfy and sticky and weird.' 'I think that comes out of insecurity,' Drew added. 'I do. I have no insecurity with Will [Kopelman] and his wife Allie. In fact, I wish I could be best friends with her but I got some good advice not to be too present in their relationship we found just the right sweet spot. I believe in this.' Gwyneth said, 'Thats beautiful Drew. I think its amazing that you do that.' Ross said, 'I think so too I think its beautiful. I do watch a lot of 90 Day Fiance and I will say that you guys are the minority.' He then went on to ask, 'Do you even know what 90 Day Fiance is, Gwyneth? 'Of course,' Gwyneth said to Ross's delight. 'Brad and I over quarantine watched one whole season.' James Corden is on track to become the UK's best paid television personality after reportedly signing a 15million, two-year deal with US TV chiefs. The Londoner, 43, could surpass Ant and Dec as the highest earning TV star, with his potential 7.5million annual income topping the duo's 6.6million for their stints on ITV. The presenter's deal with television network CBS expires next year, after six years of being the acclaimed host of The Late Late Show. Raise: James Corden is on track to become the UK's best paid television personality after reportedly signing a 15million, two-year deal with US TV chiefs (pictured in 2019) However, according to reports in The Sun, industry sources are keen to keep the A-lister on board as the face of the talk show. An LA TV insider said: 'CBS has no plan B, James is their guy and who they see staying with them. 'He is one of the faces of the network, he fronts a massively successful show and drives lots of traffic to them online. The figures that are being discussed are around 15million for two years.' Impressive: The Londoner, 43, could surpass Ant and Dec as the highest earning TV star, with his potential 7.5million annual income topping the duo's 6.6million for their stints on ITV MailOnline contacted representatives for James and CBS for comment. James' successful spell on the renowned show has seen him bag three awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special. Yet it is not just this that makes him appealing to the television industry, as the star's online segments such as Carpool Karaoke and Crosswalk Musical rake in further revenue. Presenting Friends: The Reunion in May was also another milestone moment in his highly successful career. Staying? Industry sources are keen to keep the A-lister on board as the face of the talk show (pictured above with Daniel Craig and Rami Malik earlier this month) Special: Presenting Friends: The Reunion in May was another milestone moment in his highly successful career Carpool Karaoke has become a global phenomenon, with James taking a whole range of famous faces for a sing-along car ride. Adele, Sir Elton John, Ed Sheeran and Will Smith are just a few of the showbiz stars who were willing to go for a spin - and sing - with the multi-talented star. James' last deal with US chiefs amounted to a little over 5m annually, which was a rise from his debut appearance which earned him 3million a year back when he started in 2015. Back in February it was reported James had more than doubled his wealth to a whopping 50m after moving to Hollywood. Online segment: Carpool Karaoke has become a global phenomenon, with James taking a whole range of famous faces for a sing-along car ride (pictured Elton John) The comedian relocated from the UK to Los Angeles six-years-ago to anchor The Late Late Show, which he started fronting in March 2015. Since the move, the Gavin & Stacey star has become one of the partners at film production company Fulwell 73 and seen his assets swell. James was previously estimated as being worth around 22m, however in the latest accounts from his company the business' assets are declared as 140m. As one of five partners listed on Companies House where the paperwork is filed, James' share should be around 28million. The star also has earnings from his film and TV roles, with him thought to earn $7m for The Late Late Show, as well as millions of dollars tied up in his properties. A source told The Sun at the time: 'James took a huge gamble when he moved to LA in 2015 to anchor The Late Late Show. It could have spectacularly backfired, but it has paid off big time. 'James has invested wisely in Fulwell. It has a lot of overheads and his share isn't cash in the bank but there is no doubt it has been a good investment.' A first look clip from the upcoming supernatural horror flick Antlers was shared to Searchlight Pictures' official YouTube account on Friday. In the video, a boy named Lucas Weaver, portrayed by Jeremy T. Thomas, is confronted by a bully, played by Cody Davis, who then meets a gruesome end at the hands of a horned creature. The upcoming movie features Guillermo del Toro as one of its executive producers and it is currently set to be made available to the public later this month. New footage: A first look clip from the upcoming supernatural horror flick Antlers was shared to Searchlight Pictures' official YouTube account on Friday The clip begins with Weaver making his way through a wooded area while heading to school before he encounters Clint, who chastises him about his classes. Thomas' character then tries to walk away from the bully, who follows him further into the wooded area. The pair then stop when they hear the growling of a hungry creature, and Weaver runs away while the beast pounces on and tears Clint apart. The clip ends with the young boy stopping at a partially deconstructed fence and looking back to witness the carnage. Conflict: The clip begins with Weaver making his way through a wooded area while heading to school before he encounters Clint, who chastises him about his classes Gruesome: The clip ends with the young boy stopping at a partially deconstructed fence and looking back to witness the creature tear Clint apart Development on Antlers was initially reported on in 2018, when it was made known that del Toro had signed on as one of the movie's executive producers. The movie follows an Oregon schoolteacher and sheriff who become concerned about a boy keeping a supernatural secret hidden at his house. The Scott Cooper-directed feature is also based on Nick Cantosa's short story The Quiet Boy, and he served as one of its screenwriters. Keri Russell's involvement with the project was first reported on in 2018, and she later signed on to star in the movie. Starting off strong: Development on Antlers was initially reported on in 2018, when it was made known that del Toro had signed on as one of the movie's executive producers; he is pictured earlier this month Jesse Plemons was later confirmed to be a part of the flick's cast in August of that year. Also set to appear in the forthcoming feature are performers such as Rory Cochrane, Amy Madigan and Scott Haze. Principal photography on the film, which was predominantly shot in Vancouver, Canada, initially began in the fall of 2018 and concluded that same November. Antlers was initially supposed to be released last April, although its debut was delayed as a result of the onset of the global pandemic. Tough break: Antlers was initially supposed to be released last April, although its debut was delayed as a result of the onset of the global pandemic; its star, Keri Russell, is seen in 2019 It was then given a new date of February 19th, 2021, and it was subsequently pushed back for a second time. The forthcoming flick is now scheduled to make its wide debut on October 29th. Antlers has received generally positive reviews from critics and currently has an 80% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Many reviewers pointed to the combination of genuine scares and character-driven moments as one of the feature's strong points. Paris Hilton and her fiance Carter Reum were captured walking hand-in-hand as they departed Washington, DC on Friday afternoon. Over the past week, the 40-year-old heiress met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for better protections for youths in congregate care facilities, which are highly structured settings such as group homes for children. But despite being hard at work on policy change, Hilton still managed to keep up her glam exterior. On the go: Paris Hilton and her fiance Carter Reum were captured walking hand-in-hand as they departed Washington, DC on Friday afternoon The couple navigated the terminals at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, followed by a security team. Decked out in a black minidress and black stockings, the former Simple Life star's ensemble was an equal mix of style and class. The number had an added touch of subtle style by having a multi-colored trim along the neck and side pockets. Advocate: Over the past week, the 40-year-old heiress met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for better protections for youths in congregate care facilities, which are highly structured settings such as group homes for children For her travel day, Hilton also donned a pair of matching heels, and accessorized with dark sunglasses and one of her many high-end purses. She rounded out the entire look by her long dyed blonde tresses pulled back into a ponytail. With COVID-19 still presenting a danger, the New York City native made sure to have a protective face mask handy, so she could wear it at a moment's notice. Reum also made sure to wear his face mask when they walked through a busy turnstile en route to their plane' departing gate. While his soon-to-be bride looked classy on the fashion front, the entrepreneur and venture capitalist opted for casual-comfort in navy blue sweatpants with a tan-patterned hoodie over a blue t-shirt and black sneakers. Packing the PDA: The couple, who have been engaged since February, were handsy as they made their way to their plane's gate Mission accomplished: Upon leaving the U.S. Capital, Hilton took to Instagram to thank 'everyone who helped spread awareness for our mission this week' to ensure that 'no child in this country will ever have to suffer from institutional abuse that way myself and hundreds of other survivors have endured' Upon leaving the U.S. Capitol, Hilton took to Instagram to thank 'everyone who helped spread awareness for our mission this week.' 'Our work is just beginning. While we've made progress in 7 states, federal protections are essential and urgent to protect all children from abuse in congregate care facilities,' she wrote in the caption of a video that showcased her visit to DC on Fox News. 'Together, we can ensure no child in this country will ever have to suffer from institutional abuse that way myself and hundreds of other survivors have endured. @FoxAndFriends @BreakingCodeSilenceOfficial #BreakingCodeSilence' This past February Hilton testified before the Utah State Legislature that she was emotionally and physically abused during her 11-month stay at Provo Canyon School when she was 17. Lobbying for change: The Simple Life alum lobbied for more protections for youth in congregate care facilities on Capitol Hill and during an interview with Fox News Making the rounds: Hilton's busy trip to the U.S. Capital included a guest spot on Fox News Her horrid experience: This past February Hilton testified before the Utah State Legislature that she was emotionally and physically abused during her 11-month stay at Provo Canyon School when she was 17 As for her pending nuptials: Hilton recently revealed she's planning to wear 'lots of dresses, probably 10' when she marries Reum in November. An insider told the Daily Mail that the bride, will say 'I do' wearing Valentino. With all the chatter and rumors about her fashion choices for her wedding day spreading, Hilton decided to have a little fun and ask her 16.4 million Instagram fans and followers to share their guesses. 'So many rumors... while I love Valentino- I am not wearing it on my [wedding] day,' she wrote in an Instagram post, before adding a hint, 'I will be wearing an American designer. Any guesses?' The couple got engaged this past February, with Reum proposing with a massive emerald-cut diamond ring from Jean Dousset. Page Six is reporting that the pair will tie-the-knot on November 11 at Hilton's late grandfather's estate in Bel-Air, in Los Angeles. Soon-to-be bride: The DJ and entrepreneur also took the time to talk about her pending wedding on Instagram Advertisement Hollywood's leading ladies gathered in West Hollywood on Thursday night for InStyle and Dr. Barbara Sturm's Bad*** Women Dinner. Jaime King, 42, and Zoey Deutch, 26 were among the notable attendees at the star-studded event that took place at Petit Ermitage. The Out of Death actress looked svelte in a black leather co-ord of a cropped tank top and wide leg trousers, while the Los Angeles native buttoned up in a houndstooth mini skirt and double-breasted suit jacket by Dior. Night out: Hollywood's leading women gathered in West Hollywood Thursday night for InStyle and Dr. Barbara Sturm's Bad*** Women Dinner King rounded out her look with a pair of black open-toe heels that showed of a red pedicure. She donned smokey eyeshadow and her brunette crop was styled in a fashionable undone look with an undefined part. Deutch secured her hair in a high ponytail with a black ribbon. She wore black knee-high boots and flaunted a yellow manicure. The Vampire Academy actress wowed in a peach palette of makeup, complete with eyeshadow and blush. Photo op: The women were seen striking a pose with Dr. Sturm and also 34-year-old Australian actress Bella Heathcote The women were seen striking a pose with Dr. Sturm and also 34-year-old Australian actress Bella Heathcote. The skincare guru looked angelic and youthful in all white, opting for a pantsuit with a cropped jacket that had deep neckline. She layered a gold necklace with a long string of pearls. The beauty maven slicked her short blonde bob back for the soiree. Heathcote donned a light-colored look as well. The model chose a cream number, complete with a long coat that tied at the waist and matching slacks. The matching pieces featured a monochrome leopard pattern. Two-piece: The Out of Death actress looked svelte in a black leather co-ord of a cropped tank top and wide leg trousers Timeless: The skincare guru looked angelic and youthful in all white, opting for a pantsuit with a cropped jacket that had deep neckline. Style note: Connie wore a navy blue blouse with pleated blue trousers and a deep blue manicure, going for a statement-making monochromatic ensemble while Charly opted for red Also in attendance for the women-empowering evening were Connie Britton and Charly Sturm. Connie wore a navy blue blouse with pleated blue trousers and a deep blue manicure, going for a statement-making monochromatic ensemble. Her golden hair was carefully blown into luxurious loose curls which hung below her shoulders as she enjoyed the night with her peers. Charly rocked a sleek, form-fitting, full-length red dress that she matched with strappy red heels. Guest list: Tommy Dorfman made an appearance at the top notch function in brown knee high boots with a heel, as she put her brunette bangs on display Tommy Dorfman made an appearance at the top notch Los Angeles function. The 13 Reasons Why actress modeled brown knee high boots with a heel, putting her brunette bangs on display as she pulled the rest of her hair back. For her getup she chose a soft yellow and pink striped shirt and skirt combination, an autumn-appropriate look. Rita Wilson was spotted at the cozy get-together too. The stylish wife of Tom Hanks enjoyed her night in a long, multicolor skirt that she paired with suede green boots. Up top she wore a black shirt and sweater combo. Hollywood vet: Rita Wilson was spotted at the cozy get-together too. The stylish wife of Tom Hanks enjoyed her night in a long, multicolor skirt that she paired with suede green boots Invitee: Lovecraft Country star Jurnee Smollett turned up the heat, wearing a smoldering black leather outfit Lovecraft Country star Jurnee Smollett turned up the heat, wearing a smoldering black leather outfit. Underneath a large, cropped jacket she rocked a fitted, sheer, black top, which exposed a black bra. The jacket had a corresponding skirt with a deep thigh split. She elevated the getup with a confident red lip and her hair was sleek in a straight bob with a center part. She posed with Connie Britton. Showing support: Alexandra Daddario also dropped by in support of the high profile event The extensive list of partygoers didn't end there. Alexandra Daddario also dropped by in support of the high profile event. The White Lotus leading lady fit right in wearing a belted and patterned mini dress in a bright orange hue. She matched pointed-toe heels to it as she put on a leggy display. The 35-year-old New York City native's chocolatey hair was parted in the middle and pinned behind her ears at the sides. She accented her look with a red manicure and small hoop earrings. In attendance: Also captured at the uplifting celebration of strong women were Madeline Brewer, Alexandra Shipp, and Monica Lewinsky Also captured at the uplifting celebration of strong women were Madeline Brewer, Alexandra Shipp, and Monica Lewinsky. The Orange is the New Black star from New Jersey turned heads in a long, white dress that she styled with a thick black belt. Her glossy, blonde hair was ultra sleek with two face-framing pieces left out and the rest arranged in an ornate bun at the lower top of her head. Alexandra Shipp held her own in a long-sleeve nude top with cutouts and baggy, silver metallic pants. The actress wore her hair in waist-length braids. Socialite: Anti-bullying activist Monica Lewinsky dropped by the A-list dinner and smiled for photos, as her season of American Crime Story is in full swing Anti-bullying activist Monica Lewinsky dropped by the A-list dinner and smiled for photos. As her season of American Crime Story is in full swing, she was seen wearing leopard-print pointed-toe mules and black slacks. The Vanity Fair contributor donned an asymmetrical, navy and red, off-the-shoulder polka-dot blouse for the occasion. Lewinsky carried a black clutch that was outlined with silver-toned studs. Women of the hour: Laura Brown, editor-in-chief of the fashion magazine put on the private gathering with the skin expert Laura Brown, editor-in-chief of the fashion magazine put on the private gathering with the skin expert. Brown was seen in a cleavage-baring, long, short-sleeve red dress with a blue floral pattern. The head of the mag looked great with her blonde hair in loose curls and a bright red lipstick. She wore chunky open-toe black heels and a thin gold necklace with a drop pendant. Alicia Silverstone and Christina Hendricks were seen attending the opening reception for Christian Siriano's People Are People exhibition at The SCAD Museum Of Art in Savannah, Georgia on Friday evening. The actresses, 45 and 46, respectively, appeared to be enjoying their time at the fashion-forward event, and they were also spotted posing for a few shots with the 35-year-old designer himself. The Project Runway winner later shared several videos from the event to his Instagram account, and the performers were included in his clips. Showing up: Alicia Silverstone and Christina Hendricks were seen attending the opening reception for Christian Siriano's People Are People exhibition at The SCAD Museum Of Art in Savannah, Georgia on Friday evening Silverstone, Siriano and Hendricks all wore dark outfits to the reception, with the former opting for a sleeveless navy blue top that showed off a slight portion of her toned arms. The Clueless actress also sported a pair of partially tapered pants to the glammed-up event. The performer added a little bit of shine to her clothing ensemble with a single necklace and a set of earrings. Her voluminous blonde locks fell onto her shoulders and contrasted beautifully with the darker shades of her clothing. Keeping it consistent: Silverstone, Siriano and Hendricks all wore dark outfits to the reception, with the former opting for a sleeveless navy blue top that showed off a slight portion of her toned arms Glamorous: Hendricks sported a flowing black dress that contrasted perfectly with her bright red hair at the event Hendricks sported a flowing black dress with a lengthy bottom portion at the fashionable function. The Mad Men actress accessorized with a gorgeous pair of gold earrings while posing with the designer and the performer. Her normally free-flowing red locks were partially tied back, although a significant portion made its way onto the right side of her head. Siriano sported a textured shirt, skinny jeans and a pair of shining leather boots at the event. Shining bright: The Mad Men actress accessorized with a gorgeous pair of gold earrings while posing with the designer and the performer Lovely locks: Her normally free-flowing red locks were partially tied back, although a significant portion made its way onto the right side of her head Also present at the event was Danielle Brooks, who sported a lovely patterned and multicolored dress. Her gorgeous locks were tied up and styled beautifully around each other while contrasting with the brighter tones of her outfit. The Orange is the New Black cast member, 32, also sported a set of hoop earrings that added a bit of metallic sheen to her outfit. Siriano later shared a clip of the three actresses posing together while standing in front of several of his ensembles. Welcome addition: Also present at the event was Danielle Brooks, who sported a lovely patterned and multicolored dress All together now: Siriano later shared a clip of the three actresses posing together while standing in front of several of his ensembles The designer specifically referred to the performers as 'my queens' in a text graphic that was added to one of his shots. Siriano also shared a video that only featured Hendricks, and made a point of calling her 'stunning' in another snap that was shared to his Story. The fashion industry personality also expressed his thanks to the performers in another shot, where he simply wrote 'love you' in his text graphic. They've become masters of the casual chic ensemble since giving up acting to focus on fashion. And Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, 35, proved they still had it on Friday when they jazzed up a short smoke break in New York City with their elegant overcoats. Mary-Kate was unmissable in a striking scarlet coat, while her sister Ashley looked effortlessly classy in a classic tan coat. Taking it easy: Mary-Kate Olsen and her twin sister Ashley were spotted stepping out in New York City on Friday for a quick smoke break Mary-Kate contrasted her bright covering with black slacks and a low-key set of blue trainers with white and green trim. Ashley appeared to be somewhat more dressed up. Her coat featured thick brown leatherlined pockets, and she wore a white shirt that was partially unbuttoned under it. She darkened the ensemble with black pants and matching loafers. Contrast: Mary-Kate looked vibrant in a scarlet coat with casual blue trainers, while Ashley looked elegant in a brown overcoat with black loafers The twins both looked cool in sunglasses, with Mary-Kate opting for a chunky black plastic pair while Ashley looked sleek in aviators. They had been masked up to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus while inside the building, but they both removed their masks to puff on their cigarettes during the brief stop outside. The former child stars have tended to keep a low profile in recent years, but Ashley was spotted out last month with her longtime boyfriend Louis Eisner, whom she's believed to have begun dating back in 2017. The fashion star had all eyes on her in a minimalist black dress that reached to the ground, and she draped a large black overcoat over her shoulders. The lovebirds were attending the 20th-anniversary celebration for the Young Eisner Scholars in Beverly Hills. Rare appearance: The former child stars have tended to keep a low profile in recent years, but Ashley was spotted out last month with her longtime boyfriend Louis Eisner, whom she's believed to have begun dating back in 2017; seen September 23 in Beverly Hills The fashion star had all eyes on her in a minimalist black dress that reached to the ground, and she draped a large black overcoat over her shoulders. They attended the 20th-anniversary celebration for the Young Eisner Scholars, founded by Louis' father Eric Eisner Louis' father Eric Eisner founded the non-profit, which serves underprivileged students in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and rural North Carolina. The organization provides resources and opportunities to students in low-income areas that would normally only be available to children in wealthier areas. Earlier in September, Mary-Kate was seen during a trip to Rome as she placed third in the Longines Global Champions Tour, an equestrian competition. Mary-Kate was married to the French banker Olivier Sarkozy until their dramatic divorce last year. The former Full House actress filed her divorce petition in the New York Supreme Court in May 2020 after she was effectively kicked out of their apartment by her ex. The two were living in a rental in Manhattan's Gramercy Park neighborhood, but Sarkozy had let their $29,000-per-month lease expire, forcing her to vacate in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. The couple began dating in 2012, before getting married in 2015. Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted back on set with her co-stars after shocking fans by kissing actor Jon Tenney during filming earlier this week in New York. The actress, 56, left Sex And The City fans opened mouthed when she locked lips with Jons' character, after they last saw her happily married to Mr. Big. Following the plot twist, SJP returned the set of the series, which is called And Just Like That..., at Chelsea Market with Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon on Friday. In character: Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted back on set with her co-stars after shocking fans by kissing actor Jon Tenney during filming earlier this week in New York Sarah donned a stunning blue and yellow toned layered gown featuring a solid top half with a patterned skirt. The star wore a navy jacket on top, adding a pearl necklace with a silver quilted handbag. Sarah styled her hair in loose waves, adding pink blush and pink lipstick on her pout to round out her look. Sarah grinned as she walked alongside Cynthia, 55, and Kristin, 56, while filming the scene in the Big Apple. What's happening: Earlier this week, fans of SJP's character Carrie were shocked to see her kiss John Tenney during filming - and not her on-screen husband Mr. Big (played by Chris Noth; pictured with John Tenney Stars: The actress, 56, left Sex And The City fans opened mouthed when she locked lips with Jons' character, after they last saw her happily married to Mr. Big A vision: Sarah donned a stunning blue and yellow toned layered gown featuring a solid top half with a patterned skirt They appeared to be filming a lunch scene in the market. Cynthia donned burnt orange trousers with a black knitted sweater, adding brown heels. Kristin looked stunning in a pink cardigan with a geometric patterned skirt, adding a pearl accented crossbody bag. In the moment: They appeared to be filming a lunch scene in the market Filming: Cynthia donned burnt orange trousers with a black knitted sweater, adding brown heels Chatting: Cynthia appeared animated during the scene And Just Like That... will be a 10 episode series reboot of Sex And The City without Kim Cattrall, who chose to pass on the project. The series is set to debut in December 2021 on HBO Max. Earlier this week, fans of SJP's character Carrie were shocked to see her kiss John Tenney during filming - and not her on-screen husband Mr. Big (played by Chris Noth. Rumors had swirled for months that there were marital woes between Carrie and Mr. Big. Heading out: Sarah seen leaving her trailer on the set One day after her uncle Alec Baldwin accidentally shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on set of his Western film Rust, Hailey Bieber took to Instagram to comment on the tragedy. In a post shared with her 38.8 million followers, the 24-year-old supermodel said she is 'absolutely heartbroken' over Hutchins' untimely death. 'Sending all my love to the family of Halyna Hutchins. This is a truly unimaginable and devastating tragedy,' she started the note. Solemn statement: One day after her uncle Alec Baldwin accidentally shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on set of his Western film Rust, Hailey Bieber took to Instagram to comment on the tragedy 'My thoughts are also with Joel Souza as he recovers. I am absolutely heartbroken for everyone involved,' she said in white letters against a black background. Bieber joined a growing list of celebrities who have offered condolences in the midst of the unthinkable accident. On Thursday night her father, Stephen Baldwin, requested prayers via Instagram. 'Asking for your prayers tonight friends not much can be said other than please pray for all involved in the wake of this tragic accident thank you,' wrote Stephen, 55, a devout Christian. In his caption he cited Psalm 91 which reads in part: 'I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.' Reaching out to followers: Taking to Instagram where she has 38.8 million followers, the 24-year-old supermodel went to Stories to share the message United family: On Thursday Hailey's father, Stephen Baldwin, requested prayers via Instagram Alec's eldest daughter and cousin to Bieber, Ireland Baldwin, 25, wrote on her Insta Stories on Friday: 'My love and support go to Halnya Hutchins' family and friends [sic]. Sending healing thoughts to Joel Souza. And wishing I could hug my dad extra tight today.' Alec allegedly repeatedly asked 'why was I handed a hot gun?' after Thursday's horrifying incident. Hutchins died shortly after being shot by Baldwin around 1:50pm at Bonanza Creek Ranch, near the city of Santa Fe in New Mexico. Joel Souza, the film's director, was also hurt and spent several hours in hospital, but was released later the same evening. Speaking out: Hailey's cousin Ireland Baldwin, 25, posted a message on her Insta Stories this Friday Aftermath: Alec allegedly repeatedly asked 'why was I handed a hot gun?' after Thursday's horrifying incident Heart-wrenching: Hutchins died shortly after being shot by Baldwin around 1:50pm at Bonanza Creek Ranch, near the city of Santa Fe in New Mexico ALEC BALDWIN MOVIE TRAGEDY A spokesman for the movie's production company has insisted that only blanks were used, but the sheriff's department has yet to confirm that. It's unclear if this was the first and only shot Baldwin fired, or if others had been fired safely. The tragedy is reminiscent of the 1993 accident on the set of The Crow, when Bruce Lee's son Brandon was shot and killed by a fellow actor. The film crew in that accident thought the gun was loaded with dummy bullets and blanks, but an autopsy revealed Lee had a .44 caliber bullet lodged in his spine. Investigators in that shooting also probed the theory that a dummy cartridge got stuck in the barrel before the second was fired - a known hazard in shooting which can cause serious injuries or death when the second round is fired. He's a famous actor known around the world for his zany performances as Borat, Bruno and Ali G. But Sacha Baron Cohen blended in with the crowd on Saturday when he was spotted relaxing at a Sydney beach and going for a swim. The 50-year-old British star walked down to the shoreline without his wife and Aussie actress Isla Fisher, who was pictured walking on crutches outside St Vincent's hospital on Thursday, with Sacha by her side. Beach day for Borat: Sacha Baron Cohen was spotted going for a swim at a beach in Sydney and walked along the shore Sacha sported a denim long sleeve shirt, cream coloured pants, a Manly Surf black hat and a face mask. He held his valuables, black board shorts, towel and sunscreen in his arm as he stopped to change into his swimmers. The comedian stepped out shirtless wearing his black board shorts and goggles as he walked towards the water for a quick dip. Going for a dip: The comedian stepped out shirtless wearing his black board shorts and goggles as he walked towards the water for a swim After going for a quick swim, Sacha re-emerged from the depths to turn and smile for the camera. The Borat star kept his goggles on as he walked back across the shoreline to where his valuables and towel were before drying off. On Thursday, Sacha was seen racing to his wife Isla Fisher, 45, to bring her her crutches as she limped out of St Vincent's hospital. Incognito: Sacha re-emerged from the depths to turn and smile for the camera before walking back across the shoreline Swim was very nice!: The Borat star returned to the spot where he left his valuables and towel and dried off The beloved Aussie actress was attending a doctor's appointment after suffering a mystery injury. It seems her injury became painful as her husband arrived to aid her with crutches. A short time later, the Wedding Crashers star left the building in wearing a black brace on her foot. Her knight! On Thursday, Sacha was seen racing to his wife Isla Fisher to bring her her crutches as she limped out of St Vincent's hospital following a mystery injury Isla limped along while using the crutches Sacha had helpfully brought her. It comes as the couple recently arrived back in Sydney following their leisurely trip to Isla's home city of Perth. Last month, the couple announced that they were going to 'permanently relocate' to Perth after they initially moved from Los Angeles to Sydney. Lori Loughlin showcased her return to acting in a recently-released teaser for the upcoming television special, When Hope Calls Christmas. In the clip, the 57-year-old actress was seen reprising her role as Abigail Stanton alongside Carter Ryan in preparation for the premiere of the GAC Family show's second season. This marks the first time that the troubled actress has appeared in a major production ever since she and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, were indicted for their participation in a college admissions bribery scandal in 2019. Back at it: Lori Loughlin showcased her return to acting in a recently-released teaser for the upcoming When Calls the Heart spinoff, When Hope Calls The clip begins with Stanton and her son, Cody, approaching a Christmas tree that had been set up in the center of their town. The pair begin a conversation, and the figure's son remarks that he and his sister were much better off with their mother's assistance and guidance. Stanton then gives a motherly smile and tells Cody that 'nothing has made me happier than being your mom,' after which they embrace. When Hope Calls, which initially made its debut in 2019, is a spinoff of the Hallmark series When Calls the Heart - which Lori starred in from 2014 until her involuntary departure in 2019. Starting out strong: The clip begins with Stanton and her son, Cody, approaching a Christmas tree that had been set up in the center of their town Sticking with it: When Hope Calls initially made its debut in 2019, while the original series premiered on the Hallmark network in 2014 When Calls the Heart is based on the first book in Janette Oke's Canadian West series of novels, with the initial installment being published in 1983. When Hope Calls is centered around a pair of orphaned sisters who reunite as adults and start an orphanage in a small town in the western part of Canada. The series stars Morgan Kohan, Jocelyn Hudon and Wendy Crewson, among others, in starring roles. The first season of When Hope Calls initially made its debut in 2019, and the Full House actress is set to feature in its second season's premiere, which will arrive on December 18th. Loughlin was previously removed from the cast of When Calls the Heart due to her involvement in a college admissions scandal, collectively referred to as Operation Varsity Blues. Ousted: Loughlin was previously removed from the cast of When Calls the Heart as a result of her involvement in a college admissions scandal, collectively referred to as Operation Varsity Blues; she is seen with her husband, who was also indicted, in 2012 In 2019, the actress and Giannuli were implicated among numerous other individuals for making a donation to an organization in an effort to have her daughters, including Olivia Jade, to gain acceptance into the University of Southern California. Other figures who were involved in the scandal include actress Felicity Huffman and businesswoman Jane Buckingham. The performer and her husband, 58, were later indicted for their roles in the scandal, and she went on to serve two months in prison, and she was released just after last Christmas. Her spouse received five months for his actions, and he completed the latter part of his sentence under home confinement. In hot water: In 2019, the actress and Giannuli were implicated among numerous other individuals for making a donation to an organization in an effort to have her daughters, including Olivia Jade, to gain acceptance into the University of Southern California; they are seen that August Earlier this week, it was reported that Loughlin and Giannuli had requested permission to take a week-long trip to Mexico. According to TMZ, the pair were looking to attend the wedding of a close friend, which is being held in the vacation destination of San Jose del Cabo. The couple also pointed out that they had each been compliant with the terms of their release and that they had completed their respective periods of community service. On Thursday morning, the media outlet reported that the pair had been granted permission to leave the country for the event. She is best known simply as The Body. But it seems supermodel Elle Macpherson didn't always tend to her face, as she revealed to Vouge in a video about her beauty secrets this month. The 57-year-old now uses a skincare and beauty regime with a slew of lavish products more than $2200. Flawless! Elle Macpherson admitted she didn't have a skincare routine until she was 50. She told Vogues: 'When I was younger, I didn't even have a skincare routine. I would go to work and the wonderful make-up artist would prep your skin for you and I didn't have to worry' She admitted to viewers: 'When I was younger, I didn't even have a skincare routine. I would go to work and the wonderful make-up artist would prep your skin for you and I didn't have to worry. 'I was 18 years old or 19 years old, even until I was 50, pretty much, I didn't have a skincare program. 'People used to laugh at me and say you need to take more care, and I probably should've listened but today, I do take care,' she said. The Australian beauty incorporates wellness into her routine, taking a sip of Ion Biome Gut Support Supplement (AUD$105), as well as her own brand Welle Co The Skin Elixir (AUD$85) and capsules ($60). Health and beauty: The 57-year-old now uses a skincare and beauty regime with a slew of lavish products more than $2200, including products from brands such as Dr. Barbara Sturm, Westman Atelier and her supplement brand Welle Co She spritzes her ageless visage with Ion Biome Skin Support Face and Body Mist (AUD$90), and uses a Gua Sha tool and a dry brush for her face and body for lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage is a rhythmical massage treatment performed to stimulate the circulation of lymph fluid around the body. It is purported to rapidly speed up the removal of wastes and toxins from the lymphatic system. Routine: 'I was 18 years old or 19 years old, even until I was 50, pretty much, I didn't have a skincare program. People used to laugh at me and say you need to take more care, and I probably should've listened but today, I do take care' she said The 90s icon, who is a mother of two sons, uses Dr. Barbara Sturm's Super Anti-Aging Serum ($AUD428), Sun Drops Serum ($AUD212), and Super Anti-Aging Face Cream ($AUD428). She then uses clean beauty brand Beautycounter's Dew skin tinted moisturizer (AUD$60), as well as Westman Atelier's foundation stick ($AUD97), highlight stick ($AUD68), and contour stick ($AUD68). For eyes, Elle used Beautycounter's Think Big All-in-One mascara (AUD$36) , followed with Chanel Eyeliner ($AUD47). Circulation: She said she uses a Gua Sha tool and a dry brush for her face and body for lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage is a rhythmical massage treatment performed to stimulate the circulation of lymph fluid around the body Big ticket products: The 90s icon also uses Dr. Barbara Sturm's Super Anti-Aging Serum ($AUD428), Sun Drops Serum ($AUD212), and Super Anti-Aging Face Cream ($AUD428) The stunner uses Jolie Waterproof Lip Liner (AUD$18) with Victoria Beckham's Bitten Lip Tint (AUD$78, and Dr. PawPaw Tinted Multipurpose Soothing Balm (AUD$6). She completes her makeup with Mac Studio Powder Foundation (AUD$55), and adds Doterra frankincense essential oil (AUD$119) for fragrance. For her trademark sandy blonde locks, Elle spritzedsSam McKnight's Cool Girl barely there hair texture mist (AUD$50) through her tresses. Lara Worthington (nee Bingle) has settled back into life in New York. On Friday, the 34-year-old headed out to lunch with a friend in the city's trendy West Village. The model looked chic in an oversized black blazer, worn over a white t-shirt. Lunch date: Lara Worthington (nee Bingle, pictured) has settled back into life in New York. On Friday, the 34-year-old headed out to lunch with a friend in the city's trendy West Village She added a pair of dark jeans to the look, and kept things modern with a pair of neon green sneakers. Lara appeared to have on minimal makeup and wore her blonde bob down around her face. The beauty looked to be having a great time as she enjoyed a glass of wine at San Ambroeus restaurant. Fun: The beauty looked to be having a great time as she enjoyed a glass of wine at San Ambroeus restaurant She beamed throughout her meal before strolling off with her female friend, who also had a smile on her face. The Worthington clan recently returned to the US after a long stint in Australia. Before heading to New York, Lara, her husband Sam and their brood were in Los Angeles. Cool: The model looked chic in an oversized black blazer, worn over a white t-shirt. She added a pair of dark jeans to the look, and kept things modern with a pair of neon green sneakers The cover girl shared a rare picture of herself cuddled up to her hubby during a dinner with friends. It's unclear when exactly Lara and Sam returned to US. The family first moved back to Australia in January, after spending the better part of a decade living in New York and Los Angeles. Julia Roberts has arrived in Sydney ahead of filming her new romantic comedy movie with George Clooney in Queensland. The 53-year-old touched down in the Harbour City on a private jet on Saturday. She carefully stepped off the aircraft with her face mask on, as she carried plastic bag with a bottle of water, a backpack and a light cardigan. Welcome to Australia! Julia Roberts cut a casual figure as she arrived in Sydney Airport on private jet on Saturday, ahead of filming new movie with George Clooney in Queensland The Academy award-winning actress cut a casual figure in a black short sleeve top with matching trousers and sandals. She made her way across the tarmac and was directed by staffers into an awaiting van, which took her and her team to the main airport. After being processed into the country, she was seen leaving the airport from a private side exit, while wearing a yellow and black polka dot hat over her bespectacled visage and braided tresses. The Pretty Woman star and her team made their way to another waiting car, which was ready to whisk her away to her quarantine location for the next two weeks. Easy does it! The 53-year-old carefully stepped off the aircraft with her face mask on following her long haul flight Down Under Essentials: The Academy award-winning actress cut a casual figure in a black short sleeve top with matching trousers and sandals. She also carried plastic bag with a bottle of water, a backpack and a light cardigan Ready to go: Julia made her way across the tarmac and was directed by staffers into an awaiting van which took her and her team to the main airport Time to quarantine: After being processed into the country, she was seen leaving the airport from a private side exit wearing a yellow and black polka dot hat over her braided tresses. She made her way to another waiting car that whisked her away to her quarantine location Julia's arrival in Down Under comes after her co-star George landed in Sydney with his wife Amal, 43, and their children - four-year-old twins Ella and Alexander - on Friday night. The Hollywood stars are in Australia to film romantic comedy, Ticket to Paradise. The shoot is scheduled for two months from mid-November, with locations on The Gold Coast and Brisbane. Careful: Julia walked carefully down the steps off the plane and onto the tarmac Looking on: The Pretty Woman star was assisted by two flight attendants Heavy load: The Oscar winner had her hands full with a number of objects including a blanket Hollywood royalty! Julia's arrival in Down Under comes after her co-star George landed in Sydney with his wife Amal, 43, and their children - four-year-old twins Ella and Alexander - on Friday night. The Hollywood stars are in Australia to film romantic comedy, Ticket to Paradise The project received a $6.4million grant from the federal government's Location Incentive Program. George and Julia will play a divorced couple who travel to Bali in a desperate bid to stop their daughter, played by Kaitlyn Dever, from getting married. The movie will be filmed entirely in Queensland, with the picturesque Whitsundays doubling for Bali. Rising star: The duo play a divorced couple who travel to Bali to try and stop their daughter - played by Booksmart star Kaitlyn Dever - from getting married. Pictured is Kaitlyn Dever Welcome to paradise! The movie will be filmed entirely in Queensland, with the Whitsundays doubling for Bali. Other filming locations include the Gold Coast and Brisbane, and production is expected to generate $47million for the Australian economy and create more than 270 jobs Other filming locations include the Gold Coast and Brisbane, and the production is expected to generate $47million for the Australian economy and create more than 270 jobs. The feature has a release date of October 21, 2022, according to Deadline. Julia and George are longtime friends and this will be their fourth time appearing on the silver screen together, with earlier film projects including Ocean's Eleven and Money Monster. Justin Hemmes has shared a sweet tribute to his girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel on her 26th birthday. Posting a rare image of the pair together to his Instagram Stories on Saturday, the billionaire pub baron, 49, marked the occasion with a sweet caption. 'Happy birthday beautiful girl,' he wrote alongside a photo of the couple arm in arm and beaming for the camera. Aww: Justin Hemmes has shared a sweet tribute to his girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel on her 26th birthday. Posting a rare image of the pair together to his Instagram Stories on Saturday, the billionaire pub baron wrote: 'Happy birthday beautiful girl'. Both pictured Model Madeline was all smiles in the image as she posed in a flirty floral frock with puffed sleeves. Justin meanwhile looked casually chic in a crisp white outfit consisting of a matching shirt and jeans. In August, Madeline had herself paid tribute to her boyfriend as he celebrated his 49th birthday. Love: In August, Madeline had herself paid tribute to her boyfriend as he celebrated his 49th birthday 'Happy birthday' the beauty captioned a sweet set of black and white images shared to Instagram. One photo showed the couple embracing on a cliffside with an ocean view in the background while a second photo depicted the pair linking hands as they enjoyed a drink alongside a beach. The couple have remained quite private through the duration of their relationship. Sweet: 'Happy birthday' the 25-year-old beauty captioned the sweet set of black and white images. One photo showed the couple embracing on a cliffside While it's not known exactly how long Justin and Madeline have been dating, she hinted their relationship has carried on longer than many people expect. Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald in October, Madeline said they'd actually met two years before reports emerged of their relationship early last year. 'We have known each other for two years and met when I was modelling in Singapore,' she said at the time. It was also reported that Madeline was living in a penthouse apartment owned by Justin in the Sydney beachside suburb of Coogee. Judy Greer has revealed that she and Jennifer Garner were always destined to become best friends. The actresses, who starred together in the 2004 romantic comedy 13 Going On 30 (called Suddenly 30 in Australia) formed a fast friendship on set, but Judy thinks the pairing was simply destiny. 'That movie had a little magic dust sprinkled on it. We really lucked out,' the 46-year-old told Stellar Magazine. Pals: Judy Greer has revealed that she and Jennifer Garner were always destined to become best friends. Pictured together in 2018 'We loved that movie, and it did bring us together, but I like to think that we were meant to be friends and would have found each other somehow'. In January, Valentine's Day actress Jennifer, 49, shared a tribute to her good pal of 17 years on Instagram. She showed her companion from behind on her Instagram Story and wrote: 'Today I got to take a walk with one of my most favorite people ever.' Destined: The actresses, who starred together in the 2004 romantic comedy 13 Going On 30 (called Suddenly 30 in Australia) formed a fast friendship on set, but Judy thinks the pairing was simply destiny. Pictured in 13 Going On 30 'That movie had a little magic dust sprinkled on it. We really lucked out,' the 46-year-old told Stellar Magazine. 'We loved that movie, and it did bring us together, but I like to think that we were meant to be friends and would have found each other somehow'. Pictured in 2004 On another image, Garner wrote: 'Hint: She stops and talks to every dog she sees.' Back in 2018, Greer teared up while talking about Garner during an appearance on the Canadian show The Social. 'I just really love her so much, and she is such a special person. There's not a lot of people in the world that deserve everything that they've gotten, and all the success, and she is one of them,' she gushed. Aww: In January, Valentine's Day actress Jennifer, 49, shared a tribute to her good pal of 17 years on Instagram. She showed her companion from behind on her Instagram Story and wrote: 'Today I got to take a walk with one of my most favorite people ever' The actress added: 'She's also, like, a really amazing mom and a really great friend.' Elsewhere in the interview, Judy reveals she much like her nerdy character Fern in the 1999 comedy Jawbreaker. 'In order to get attention, to get friends, to be invited places, you had to be something,' she said. 'So I decided that if I wasn't going to be hot or popular, I was going to be funny. My first three years of high school I was Fern. I could definitely relate'. Amanda Holden sent pulses racing as she treated her Instagram followers to a steamy beachside snap during a sun-soaked family holiday on Friday. The TV personality, 50, certainly turned up the heat as she strolled along the seashore in a skimpy red bikini. Wearing her gorgeous blonde tresses in damp waves, the Britain's Got Talent judge wowed onlookers as she flashed her toned pins. Woah! Amanda Holden sent pulses racing as she treated her Instagram followers to a steamy beachside snap during a sun-soaked family holiday on Friday Sizzling: She wrote a simple caption beneath her smouldering shot 'And red... [sunshine emoji],' she wrote in her caption, alluding to the eye-popping colour of her two-piece. Earlier on, the actress put on a stunning display as she played with her sandy tresses while sipping a delicious cocktail. 'Holden's Happy Hour,' she wrote alongside the Instagram Stories snap, which saw her cut a very trendy white top featuring blue-and-black tie-dye prints. It comes after she sizzled in her previous Instagram snap on Wednesday, in which the blonde bombshell could be seen enjoying an idyllic beach stroll wearing a skimpy bright orange bikini. Incredible: Wearing her gorgeous blonde tresses in damp waves, the Britain's Got Talent judge wowed onlookers as she flashed her toned pins Beaming: Earlier on, the actress put on a stunning display as she played with her sandy tresses while sipping from a delicious cocktail In her latest posts, Amanda flaunted her washboard abs and toned physique as struck a sultry pose in front of green leaves. The beauty then flashed a dazzling smile as she looked back at the camera on the beach, while her blonde locks were styled into tousled beach waves. She simply captioned her image with the words: 'and blue', in continuation from her previous caption with read: 'Bikini available In orange' Meanwhile, in her orange bikini snap from the day before, Amanda did not specify where she had jetted off to, but hinted she was enjoying time away with her family, adding the hashtags: 'family time' and 'sunshine'. Stunner: It comes after she sizzled in her previous Instagram snap on Wednesday, in which the blonde bombshell could be seen enjoying an idyllic beach stroll wearing a skimpy bright orange bikini Amanda wore her glossy hair swept up into a bun and kept the sunshine at bay behind chic sunglasses. The star was sporting an immaculate black manicure and wore a gold bracelet on her right wrist. Amanda shared a second photo of her getaway on her Instagram Stories. The mother-of-two's feet could be seen intertwined with one of her daughters as they relaxed in a hammock. Chilling: Amanda shared a second photo of her getaway on her Instagram Stories. Her feet could be seen intertwined with one of her daughters as they relaxed in a hammock Amanda recently landed a role on Neighbours playing the aunt of Jason Donovan's daughter, Jemma, 21. Channel 5 released the first look images from set this month after the pair filmed in Waterloo, London, together ahead of the episodes airing in the spring. On the show, Jemma's character Harlow will jet to the UK in the hope of figuring out a mystery about her late mother, Prue, who was played by Denise Van Outen. Between filming scenes, Amanda and Jemma posed for a snap together as they held up the Ramsay St street sign, where the soap is set. Amanda also revealed that many passers-by thought the pair were related in real life. New role: Amanda recently landed a role on Neighbours playing the aunt of Jason Donovan's daughter, Jemma, 21 She said: 'My first day on set was such a fun and surreal experience. If I'd told my 12/13 year-old self I would one-day appear in Neighbours I'd have never believed it! 'So many people were beeping in their cars and passersby assumed that Jemma was my real daughter because we look quite similar! I can't wait to continue the journey of my character Harriet.' She previously said in a statement: 'Like most people in the UK who were around in the late Eighties and early Nineties, I grew up watching Neighbours every single day. 'I was glued to our TV for the wedding of Kylie [Minogue] and Jason [Donovan], while cursing Mrs Mangel [Vivean Gray] and praying that Mike and Jane [Guy Pearce and Jane Harris] would eventually get together! Not to mention all the other greats over the years. 'To now have the opportunity to be a part of such an iconic Australian show is simply fabulous. I can't wait to work with Jemma in London. This feels like a joyous occasion for everyone.' Scene: Amanda told how many passersby thought she and Jemma were actually related as they filmed in the capital KC Osborne may not have found love on Married At First Sight, but it appears she has caught the eye of a fellow reality star. The Pussycat Dolls dancer, 32, who starred on season seven of MAFS, was all smiles as she enjoyed a date night with Too Hot To Handle star Kori Sampson, 25, in Knightsbridge, London, on Friday. Appearing riveted by the conversation, KC laughed heartily as she enjoyed a glass of red wine with the English reality star. Date night: KC Osborne (pictured) may not have found love on Married At First Sight, but it appears she has caught the eye of a fellow reality star The pair had an al fresco meal, enjoying an animated chat and only having eyes for one another. As the evening progressed, KC could be seen covering her face as she giggled in a flirty fashion. The pair then left the establishment before getting into car and leaving the area together. Dinner: The Pussycat Dolls dancer, 32, who starred on season seven of MAFS, was all smiles as she enjoyed a date night with Too Hot To Handle star Kori Sampson, 25, (pictured) Nice night for it: They were spotted out together in Knightsbridge, London, on Friday Fun: Appearing riveted by the conversation, KC laughed heartily as she enjoyed a glass of red wine with the English reality star Funny: As the evening progressed, KC could be seen covering her face as she giggled in a flirty fashion KC looked stunning in a fitted checked mini dress and a pair of knee-high, black suede boots. She carried a black, furry jacket over her arm in case she got cold, and had a crossbody bag strapped across her midriff. Model Kori meanwhile looked casually chic in a Moncler brand jacket worn over a hoodie. Keen: The pair had an al fresco meal, enjoying an animated chat and only having eyes for one another So happy! KC pointed up at the sky as the pair laughed and talked together Staying safe: A bottle of what appeared to be hand sanitiser sat on the table KC rose to fame on Married At First Sight, where she was paired with Drew Bauer, 32. However the pair split, and she then embarked on a romance with her MAFS co-star, Michael Goonan, 31. The couple dated for five months, but announced their split earlier in July last year, before KC moved out of their Melbourne home. Bag it: KC left the restaurant holding a paper gift bag Looking good: KC looked stunning in a fitted checked mini dress and a pair of knee-high, black suede boots Details: She carried a black, furry jacket over her arm in case she got cold, and had a crossbody bag strapped across her midriff Model Kori meanwhile looked casually chic in a Moncler brand jacket worn over a hoodie KC will next star on Ex on the Beach, alongside her ex, Michael. The brunette recently flew to England after filming the reality dating show in Colombia last month. But she was forced to defend her international travel during the Covid pandemic after being trolled by locked-down Australians. 'I'm sitting here in London, but before I get abused for being able to leave the country, and you guys tell me I'm privileged, I'm super grateful to be here, but it is for work,' she said on Instagram. Fit: Model and fitness guru Kori made his name appearing on season one of Too Hot to Handle Work: He now works as a personal trainer, as well as launching an ebook, My Lean Lifestyle Fame game: KC rose to fame on season seven of Married At First Sight, where she was paired with Drew Bauer (left) KC is understood to be staying in London for a while before returning to Melbourne. A source told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday she was 'very happy' with how things turned out on Ex on the Beach and wanted to make the most of being granted a work visa. Model and fitness guru Kori meanwhile made his name appearing on season one of Too Hot to Handle, and now works as a personal trainer, as well as launching an ebook called My Lean Lifestyle. Tilly Ramsay appeared to be in high spirits in a Friday Instagram post shared by her Strictly Come Dancing partner Nikita Kuzmin. Gordon Ramsay's daughter, 19, couldn't wipe the smile from her face as she shared a warm embrace with the choreographer, 23, during the show's rehearsals at Hertfordshire's Elstree Studios. It wasn't long before the Hells Kitchen star himself threw his support behind his offspring while re-posted the smiling snap. Adorable: Tilly Ramsay appeared to be in high spirits in a Friday Instagram post shared by her Strictly Come Dancing partner Nikita Kuzmin Tilly recently hit out at LBC's Steve Allen, 67, for calling her a 'chubby little thing' during his radio show earlier this week. Donning a long-sleeved black top and casual grey joggers, she wore her gorgeous blonde locks in a tousled ponytail and completed her outfit with fluffy tan slippers. Meanwhile, Nikita looked equally as happy in a green sweater and oversized tracksuit bottoms - while placing a loving hand around his pal's shoulder. 'Excited for the show day! Favourite day of the week @tillyramsay @bbcstrictly,' he wrote in his caption. 'Can't wait,' the budding chef commented, followed by two red heart emojis. Happy: 'Excited for the show day! Favourite day of the week @tillyramsay @bbcstrictly,' Nikita wrote in his caption Doting dad: It wasn't long before Tilly's dad Gordon Ramsay threw his support behind his offspring while re-posted the smiling snap Tagging his location as Los Angeles, Gordon wrote on his own Instagram profile: 'Wishing these 2 all the very best for tonights dance, another extraordinary week of training, focused hard working and very professional.' The CBBC presenter took to Instagram on Wednesday to respond to radio presenter Steve fat-shaming her on his radio show. In the post, Tilly revealed she was 'learning to accept' herself but had still been left 'hurt' by the shocking remarks. Cruel: It comes after she hit out at LBC's Steve Allen, 67, for calling her a 'chubby little thing' during his radio show earlier this week Alongside the statement she shared a soundbite from Steve's show, in which he read out a comment from a listener alerting him to the fact Tilly was taking part in Celebrity MasterChef Australia. Steve - who is on air between 4am and 7am - then remarked: 'Is she? Well, she can't blimming well dance! 'I'm bored of her already. She's a chubby little thing isn't she. Have you noticed? Probably her dad's cooking I should imagine.' Cruel: On his show, Steve had said: 'I'm bored of her already. She's a chubby little thing isn't she? Have you noticed? Probably her dad's cooking I should imagine' (pictured in 2019) Shocking: Tilly said she was deeply hurt that Steve had felt the need to comment on her weight after watching her on Strictly In response to the remarks, Tilly penned: 'I try not to read and listen to comments and negativity however recently being called out on a national radio station by a 67-year-old man is a step too far. 'Steve please feel free voice your opinions however I draw the line at commenting on my appearance. It's such a shame that someone is trying to make such a positive experience negative.' Tilly continued:'This isn't the first and definitely wont' be the last comment made about my appearance and I accept that and I'm learning to accept myself. 'But please remember that words can hurt. And at the end of the day I am only 19 and I'm so grateful for all the amazing opportunities I have been able to take part in. 'And I understand that being in the public eye obviously comes with it's own repercussions and I've been aware of this from a young age. 'However, I won't tolerate people that think it's okay to publicly comment and scrutinise anyone's weight and appearance. Love Tilly xx' She captioned the post '#bekind'. Shock: The CBBC presenter had taken to Instagram to respond to LBC radio presenter Steve fat-shaming her on his radio show Grateful: And Tilly was deeply touched when Love Island's Dr Alex George wrote an email to LBC telling the station he was 'absolutely horrified by the remarks' Fury: Dr Alex wrote: 'I am absolutely horrified by these remarks. It is widely recognised just how damaging such comments about someone's weight are and the effect they can have' MailOnline has contacted LBC for comment. And Tilly was deeply touched when Love Island's Dr Alex George wrote an email to LBC telling the station he was 'absolutely horrified by the remarks'. The CBBC star reshared his letter on Instagram alongside the words: '@DrAlexGeorge thank you so much'. It read: 'Dear LBC Radio, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you in my capacity as Youth Mental Health Ambassador regarding the comments made by your presenter Steve Allen, on LBC Radio this morning. 'Steve Allen made the following comments about Tilly Ramsay live on air, "She's a chubby little thing isn't she? Have you noticed? Probably her dad's cooking I should imagine." 'I am absolutely horrified by these remarks. It is widely recognised just how damaging such comments about someone's weight are and the effect they can have on an individual's mental health. 'We must not only think of the effect on Tilly here, which I can imagine could be significant, but also the potential impact to listeners of the show. 'I am sure LBC, and Global as a whole, do not condone such comments. We are currently seeing a rise in the prevalence of eating disorders, with up to 3.4million people in the UK currently being affected. We must not underestimate the impact such remarks can have, feeding into the perpetual cycle of weight stigma that still exists here in the UK. 'To reiterate, the discussion highlighted above about a young person's weight live on air is not acceptable. I look forward to hearing your response to these comments and how we can work towards such a situation never arising again. 'Yours sincerely, Dr Alex George.' Meanwhile, Strictly stars flooded the post with support for Tilly with Janette Manrara writing: 'How fast we forget what hurtful comments can do for someones mental health. You are a POWERFUL young lady! Wear your crown w/ your head held high'. Two of a kind: Tilly is partnered with Nikita Kuzmin on this year's Strictly Giovanni Pernice penned: 'Some people are very nasty !! Dont listen to this crap .. we love You girl ! #bekind'. GBBO star and Strictly contestant John Whaite penned: 'Hes a piece of old sandpaper love, worn and used and has nothing to offer the world. And his vicious scratching has only left you polished and more fabulous. Love you.' Her sister Holly meanwhile wrote: 'Very well said x #bekind', while their sister Megan echoed: 'Love you Tills'. Elizabeth Hurley's son Damian reached out to Tilly to write: 'what a total w**ker. bloody uncalled for. cant wait for you to have the last laugh and keep winning. sending you love'. Support: Strictly stars flooded the post with support for Tilly Chef, social media influencer and TV presenter Tilly has over 9.5 million followers on TikTok, where she regularly posts funny videos of herself and dad Gordon. She presented Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch on CBBC, which saw her cooking and having adventures along with her family, for which she received three Childrens BAFTA nominations. In 2017 she published her first cookery book, inspired by the show, titled: Matilda & The Ramsay Bunch: Tilly's Kitchen Takeover. Tilly and her Dad also hosted a regular cooking item on This Morning, Big Chef Little Chef. Meanwhile, Steve has hosted the early morning breakfast show on LBC since 2000. This isn't the first time the presenter has come under fire for making controversial comments. Back in 2018, Steve was rapped by Ofcom after he mocked a blind journalist who became the first person in the UK to use a miniature guide horse. Jamie Lee Curtis has revealed that she had an important influence on how her new horror movie, Halloween Kills, plays out. The actress, 62, who reprises her role as Laurie Strode in the slasher franchise, made sure her character ditched her hospital gown. 'I was involved in trying to figure out a way to get me out of a f***ing hospital gown because the way it was written, Laurie was in a hospital gown the whole movie,' she told Sydney Confidential on Saturday. Scream queen: Jamie Lee Curtis (pictured) has revealed that she had an important influence on how her new horror movie, Halloween Kills, plays out 'I said to (director) David Green, I've been there, done that, I am not going to run around a hospital with my bare arse hanging out'. Jamie added that her character is a 'wounded warrior' and she didn't want her to seem like a 'wimp'. 'I said, if you put Arnold Schwarzenegger in a hospital gown, he looks like a wimp. If you put Vin Diesel in a hospital gown, he's going to look like a wimp. If you put Angela Bassett in a hospital gown, she's going to look wimpy. 'I was involved in trying to figure out a way to get me out of a f***ing hospital gown because the way it was written, Laurie was in a hospital gown the whole movie,' she told Sydney Confidential on Saturday. Pictured in Halloween Kills with Judy Greer 'I said to (director) David Green, I've been there, done that, I am not going to run around a hospital with my bare arse hanging out,' Jamie explained. 'And I said, Laurie Strode cannot be wimpy this whole movie. That was my biggest contribution to the movie - the fact that I get back in my clothes' 'And I said, Laurie Strode cannot be wimpy this whole movie. That was my biggest contribution to the movie - the fact that I get back in my clothes.' Curtis first portrayed Laurie Strode in the initial Halloween movie, which was released in 1978 and served as her film debut. The feature was centered around her character's interaction with killer Michael Myers, who brutally terrorizes her and her friends on the holiday of the same name. Starting off strong: Curtis made her film debut as Laurie Strode in the original Halloween feature, which was released in 1978 (pictured) Doing it again: The actress took a break from the franchise before she portrayed Strode in 1998's Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (pictured) The John Carpenter-directed film received generally positive reviews upon its initial release and has come to be regarded as one of the most influential horror films ever made. Curtis reprised her role as Strode in the film's direct sequel, which made its debut in 1981. She provided various voices for the 1982 flick Halloween III: Season of the Witch, which deviated from the story that was established by the first two movies. The actress took a break from the franchise before she portrayed Strode in 1998's Halloween H20: 20 Years Later and its sequel Halloween: Resurrection, in which her character was killed off. Sticking with it: Curtis portrayed Strode in several other entries in the long-running slasher flick series Scout Taylor-Compton took up the role in the 2007 remake of the original Halloween film and its 2009 sequel, both of which were directed by Rob Zombie. Curtis eventually returned to playing Strode in 2018's Halloween, which ignored the events of all of the sequels in the film series. The feature received mainly positive reviews, with many critics describing the project as a return to form. Halloween Kills was made available to the public on Friday, and the performer's work was praised by reviewers. Another person claiming to be one of DMX' children has surfaced to join the legal struggles over the late rapper's estate. DMX, whose real name was Earl Simmons, died in April at the age of 50 of a heart attack brought on by cocaine and was reported in life to have 15 children. The latest person to claim to be one of DMX' children is a Georgia woman named Raven Barmer-Simmons according to Page Six. New developments: Another person claiming to be one of DMX' children has surfaced to join the legal struggles over the late rapper's estate Raven, who recently got in touch with some of DMX' other grown children, is now the 15th person alleged to be one of his progeny. All of them will need to get paternity tested amid the ongoing legal scuffle over the estate which is said to be about $1 million. As of this Friday three of his sons - Xavier, Tacoma and Sean Simmons - have been declared temporary administrators of the DMX estate. DMX shared Xavier, Tacoma and Sean with his ex-wife Tashera Simmons whom he remained married to from 1999 to 2014. Mourning: DMX' ex-wife Tashera Simmons (front left) and fiancee Desiree Lindstrom (front right) are seen leading a group of his children at his memorial in New York in April At the time of his death he had a fiancee named Desiree Lindstrom, who was also the mother of his youngest child, his five-year-old son Exodus. After his death she tried unsuccessfully to be declared to have been his 'common-law wife' and to get administrator status of the estate. DMX died without a will with an estate that is thought to be in debt - after facing years of legal problems involving money. He spent the majority of 2018 and the beginning of 2019 serving 10 months of a yearlong prison sentence after pleading guilty to tax evasion in 2017. The way he was: DMX was married to Tashera from 1999 to 2014; they are pictured with their children at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York in 2003 Upon his release in 2019 he was to begin paying $2.3 million in restitution to the government, according to a TMZ report. Some of the legal issues he has been involved with over the past couple of decades also include financial disputes involving his children. Maryland woman Monique Wayne bore him a child in 2004 and won child support as well as a successful paternity suit. His babies: Three of his sons, Xavier, Tacoma and Sean Simmons, whom he is pictured with when they were children, are now the temporary administrators of the DMX estate She was awarded $1.5 million in damages in 2008 after he claimed she 'raped' him while he was unconscious. In 2013 DMX attempted unsuccessfully to file for bankruptcy to reorganize among other concerns his child support debt, which at that point surpassed $1.2 million. By 2015 he had landed in even hotter water and was sentenced to six months in prison for delinquency on $400,000 of child support. Family matters: Shortly before his youngest son Exodus was born DMX claimed in an interview that he had fathered children with a total of nine women; pictured onstage in 2019 Shortly before Exodus was born DMX claimed in an interview that he had fathered children with a total of nine women. While appearing on The Breakfast Club he said he selected the mothers of his children 'just like a dog. I sniff the a**. I wag my tail.' An image Kourtney Kardashian posted to social media on Friday is now being scrutinized as a possible major hint about her future wedding to Travis Barker. The 42-year-old reality star had shared a close up image of handcuffs on the bed which at first glance looked to be a cheeky nod to her sex life however it's the writing on the cuffs that's sparked chatter. Reddit quickly lit up after eagle-eyed fans noticed that engraved on the cuffs was the date: October 2, 2022 which looked like a possible save the date. Dropping hints: Eagle-eyed fans are convinced they know Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker's wedding date after engraving on a picture of handcuffs sparked chatter on reddit; pictured July 10 A closer look at the handcuffs which were fashioned by the French brand Enfants Riches Deprimes shows writing that reads: 'October 2' with the timestamp '18h30' military time for 6:30PM. On the bottom of the cuffs shows additional text that reads: 'printemps ete' which translates to Spring/Summer. One reddit user wrote: 'Notice the engraving on the handcuffs. Like yes, we get it, you have sex but it has an October 2, 2022 date - could this mean they're tying the knot in France?' 'And what's with the spring-summer? Baby news?,' it was added. Details: A closer look at the handcuffs which were fashioned by the brand Enfants Riches Deprimes shows writing that reads: 'October 2' with the timestamp '18h30' military time for 6:30PM, prompting fans to assert that the two may be tying the knot More details: Barker had posted a similar pair of handcuffs with spikes two days before they got engaged, and that image showed additional French text on the bottom which read: '12 rue,' the first part of a street address, and the word 'de l'ecole' which means 'school' Til death do us part: As part of an early Halloween celebration the pair showed off their Sid and Nancy couple's costume which utilized the handcuffs Another pointed out that the 6:30PM time stamp may be a testament to when they got engaged. Additionally Barker had posted a similar pair of handcuffs with spikes two days before they got engaged. That image showed additional French text on the bottom which read: '12 rue,' the first part of a street address, and the word 'de l'ecole' which means 'school.' Kourtney got engaged to the Blink-182 drummer, 45, on Sunday October 17, and it's been reported that the duo are dead set on having a baby together 'without any doubt.' Future Mrs: Barker got down on one knee with a diamond estimated to be $1 million on October 17, and it was reported that they 'certainly want to bring their own child into the picture' Name change? As the engagement gifts keep on rolling in one sweet treat read 'congrats Mrs. Barker' sparking questions about whether she will change her name or tack on 'Barker' at the end once they tie the knot Punk rock wedding? Just one of many lavish engagement gifts, Travis showed off a bouquet of black roses She said 'yes' to forever with Barker as he got down on one knee during an elaborate proposal, and asked for her hand with a 15 carat diamond from Lorraine Schwartz estimated at about $1 million. The Kardashian jeweler had said that Travis had 'a really big part' in designing the ring and was 'really hands-on' throughout the whole process. On Friday a source told Us Weekly that the couple 'will have a baby together without any doubt, it's just a matter of when and how.' 'Ideally, Kourtney would like a natural birth. She's confident it won't be a problem because she's always been lucky to conceive naturally and has taken great care of herself physically. Twinning: The duo were both seen in matching all black looks as she continues to edge up her style to match the rockstar's Date night: On Friday evening the pair attended the Haunted Hayride in Los Angeles, as they continue to get into the Halloween spirit Safety blanket: At the event Kourtney was seen hanging onto Barker's hand after she got a good scare from one of the Halloween themed amusements Flashing lights: From Kourtney's vantage point she showed off their view from the ride at the Griffith Park held Halloween event Family outing: In attendance were Kourtney's kids Mason, 11, Penelope, nine, and Reign, six who were seen getting around the park in the haunted hayride ' Certainly though, she and Travis want to bring their own child into the picture, and if she can't conceive, they'll look at other alternatives,' it was added. But while the loved up duo are making serious plans for their future together, Kourtney's ex Scott Disick has been 'going crazy' over it, with many fearing he will 'go off the deep end,' to a 'dark' place. An Us Weekly source said that he 'feels very distant and feels like an outcast more than ever,' in the Kardashian family, and has 'refused to be in the same room with him [Barker] at times.' And reportedly he thought the couple would 'eventually' break up, but as that is far from the case Scott is 'being forced to deal with it, which is uncomfortable,' according to People. Danny Boy Hatchard has revealed that he attempted suicide aged 19 after he struggled socially while studying at drama school. The former EastEnders star, 30, said in a series of candid Twitter posts on Friday that he 'didn't want to be alive anymore.' Ex-EastEnders actor Danny-Boy Hatchard has opened up about attempting suicide as a 19-year-old student because he struggled socially and 'didn't want to be alive anymore'. Brave: Danny Boy Hatchard has revealed that he attempted suicide aged 19 after he struggled socially while studying Taking to Twitter, Danny, who played Lee Carter in EastEnders, revealed: 'The beginning of my first year at Arts was very difficult. 'I remember Googling the easiest and most painless ways I could take my life. I felt so socially out of my depth that I didnt want to be alive anymore. 'One Friday night in particular I ran a hot bath as per the instructions on google with a blade in hand ready to make a huge mistake, before realising that passing my pain onto my family wasnt the answer. It never is' Danny made the shocking announcement in a bid to defend his former drama school boss Chris Hocking, who was recently fired after investigations found the Arts Ed dance classes were 'overly sexualised'. Struggles: The former EastEnders star, 30, said in a series of candid Twitter posts on Friday that he 'didn't want to be alive anymore' Danny told of how he then asked Chris for help, who went on to pay for a counselor for him. The Ridley Road star explained: 'He told me I was going to be alright and offered to pay for me to see a counselor who went onto completely change my life.' Chris has since stepped down from his role the London drama school after it launched an investigation into 'serious historic claims of misconduct'. 'I remember Googling the easiest and most painless ways I could take my life. I felt so socially out of my depth that I didnt want to be alive anymore,' Danny wrote on Twitter The report, which is being compiled by Rebecca Tuck QC, has found that there was 'an overly sexualised environment within a number of music and dance classes' at the school. A statement from the school's chair of trustees said: 'Terms such as 'sexy dance', 'wear what you dare' and 'naked bond' were notorious and clearly distressed some students. 'They were wholly inappropriate,' they added. Statement: Danny made the shocking announcement in a bid to defend his former drama school boss Chris Hocking, who was recently fired 'She [Rebecca Tuck] found that some staff members exercised poor judgement in their relationships with HE [higher education] students,' the statement concluded. Back in 2017, Danny revealed it was hard to 'switch off' during his character Lee Carter's emotional suicide storyline on EastEnders. Danny-Boy revealed he had been working with emotional support charity Samaritans to handle the subject 'delicately' and explained: 'It was nerve wracking but I felt more honoured than anything. 'It is such an issue at the minute, especially with the stigma that surrounds it.' He added: 'As an actor its lovely to stick your teeth into, and to do things to help people. 'Its lovely it was a slow burner not done in a week, its been two and a half years, I think thats important.' For confidential help and support please call Samaritans on 116 123 EastEnders spoilers reveal Phil Mitchell is set to plan to leave Albert Square with son Raymond after fearing the repercussions of Vincent Hubbard's murder. Vincent's widow Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) recently learned the devastating truth that her husband was killed after getting on the wrong side of gangster Aidan Maguire, and is adamant that Phil (Steve McFadden) was involved. And with Kim having vowed to make Phil pay, preview images from the BBC soap show the moment the mechanic announces to a stunned Denise (Diane Parish) that he wants to do a runner with their son. Bombshell: EastEnders spoilers reveal Phil Mitchell is set to plan to leave Albert Square with son Raymond after fearing the repercussions of Vincent Hubbard's murder The news will no doubt leave Denise floored as Phil is determined to keep Raymond safe after Kim went to the police with Howie, the man who had taken Vincent's identity. Recent scenes saw Kim and Denise have a dramatic conversation about what exactly happened to Vincent, with Kim desperately wanting to uncover the truth. And in her search for somebody to blame amid her lack of knowledge about Aidan, pinned the blame on Phil. She told her sister: 'I dont just think Phil knows what happened to Vincent. I think he killed him and, if he did, I will make him pay.' Shock: Vincent's widow Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) recently learned the devastating truth that her husband was killed after getting on the wrong side of gangster Aidan Maguire, and is adamant that Phil (Steve McFadden) was involved Following the recent showstopping scenes, actress Tameka Empson who plays Kim opened up on her character's state of mind and determination to uncover the truth about Vincent's disappearance. On whether it had occurred to Kim previously that Vincent was dead, she said: 'No I dont think it occurred to her that he could be dead, she just thought okay he is not around. 'Before she found out the truth, she questioned herself, was she not enough, did he not truly love her, what did she do wrong? There is no reason for her to think that he could be dead, so when she finds this out it totally rocks her world, there is no coming back, no someday in the future. 'All her dreams are gone, she is very much a romantic person but she puts on a front. However deep down inside she wanted to have the family, the perfect life. There is also a little bit of a friendly rivalry with her sister. She waited to have children, shes got the man, to think she has lost it all. Chat: Following the recent showstopping scenes, actress Tameka Empson who plays Kim opened up on her character's state of mind and determination to uncover the truth about Vincent's disappearance 'She cant give up and she has to keep going to make ends meet until he comes back and now when she finds out he is not coming back she has to figure out how to rebuild her life. She is now in a new world and a new reality and she is thinking what the hell am I going to do?' Discussing why Kim feels she and Howie need to go to the police, she continued: 'Kim hasnt seen anything, Howie is the only person who knows what happened and is neutral about it. 'For Kim somebody has to be held accountable for her husbands death and Kim is so determined to get that. She didnt do a police appeal when he was missing, he was dodgy sometimes, but she just always thought that he would come back. 'Now that its official that hes dead, and Howie is the last person to see him alive, that means something to her. The fact that Howie is going around as Vincent for her means that something needs to be investigated, she needs to find out everything.' The dramatic scenes between Kim, Phil and Denise air Monday 25thOctober at 8.05pm on BBC One. Tayah Victoria reached out to her Instagram followers on Friday in a bid to recover her sense of taste and smell after testing positive for the coronavirus. The Married At First Sight UK contestant, 25, admitted she is 'struggling' with the side effects, which she called 'the most frustrating thing'. Taking to her stories, she penned: 'So I'm still struggling with covid and I haven't had my taste or smell for a couple of days and it's the most frustrating thing. Help! Tayah Victoria reached out to her Instagram followers on Friday in a bid to recover her sense of taste and smell after testing positive for the coronavirus 'Any remedies to help me get it back!?' she added. After one fan recommended she ate a raw onion, the Hertfordshire-born star quipped, 'Sorry Adam I'll stink tonight.' Tayah recently moved into a Yorkshire home with her 'husband' Adam Aveling, 26, and cemented their loved-up status by getting a cockapoo together. Angry: The Married At First Sight contestant, 25, admitted she is 'struggling' with the side effects, which she called 'the most frustrating thing' Worried: Taking to her stories, she penned: 'So I'm still struggling with covid and I haven't had my taste or smell for a couple of days and it's the most frustrating thing' Hilarious: After one fan recommended she ate a raw onion, the Hertfordshire-born star quipped, 'Sorry Adam I'll stink tonight' The pair were the series' golden couple and during the series, Tayah left her husband's jaw on the floor when she told another couple in the experiment that they were already talking about having children together. The pair got 'married' at the start of the series and then had to renew their vows at the end. While the marriages on the show were not legally binding, the pair have their hearts set on tying the knot for real in the future. Speaking on the show, Adam said of their new relationship: 'I am enjoying time to myself. I've been single for so long, I've lived on my own for so long, you do start to enjoy your own company and just enjoy doing things you want to do.' He added: 'Throughout the experiment a lot of people have been telling us to slow down. I get where they are coming from. 'It's very weird to go from years and years of not really giving two thoughts of a relationship to jump straight in the deep end. It's crazy that I'm doing this after such a short period of time really.' Emmy Rossum filmed an emotional scene in Los Angeles this week that involved her smashing a guitar. The 35-year-old Shameless star is playing the 1980s billboard icon Angelyne in an upcoming miniseries created by Lars And The Real Girl screenwriter Nancy Oliver. She had an anguished expression on her face during her new scene as she raised the guitar over her head to swing back down. What a moment: Emmy Rossum filmed an emotional scene in Los Angeles this week that involved her smashing a guitar Her big scene starts when Angelyne is led up the sidewalk from behind by a man who is possibly meant to be the character's beau Jordan Michaels. Jordan was the man who initially discovered Angelyne by adding her to his band Baby Blue in the late 1970s. The man in the scene has his hands over Angelyne's eyes until he suddenly removes them to show her a surprise somewhere up above. Angelyne looks up in shock as the man behind her smiles giddily, evidently under the impression she will be delighted by what he had done. Hard at work: She had an anguished expression on her face during her new scene as she raised the guitar over her head to swing back down But instead Angelyne flies into a rage, resulting in the fiery moment where Emmy was filmed smashing up the guitar. Emmy is a producer on the program along with her husband Sam Esmail, who is best known for creating the series Mr. Robot. Angelyne, who was born Ronia Goldberg in communist Poland before immigrating to America, had her real identity dug up by the Hollywood Reporter. That 2017 Hollywood Reporter article by Gary Baum forms the basis of the upcoming miniseries which will air on Peacock. Who's who: The 35-year-old Shameless star is playing the 1980s billboard icon Angelyne in an upcoming miniseries created by Lars And The Real Girl screenwriter Nancy Oliver Angelyne herself denounced the series to DailyMail.com last year as 'completely untrue' and 'fictionalized to the hilt.' She remarked: 'I don't think they want me to see it, and beyond that I don't want to see it,' but said she had given the makers notes on how she was 'visually' shown. 'But nobody's going to look like me,' she declared. 'There's only one Marilyn, there's only one Elvis, there's only one Michael Jackson, and there's only one Angelyne. People can try to emulate but really there's only one.' Emmy's latest sighting comes after her Shameless co-star Emma Kenney hit the headlines for her blistering comments on their working relationship. Family business: Emmy is a producer on the program along with her husband Sam Esmail, who is best known for creating the series Mr. Robot The show starred Emmy as Fiona Gallagher, the eldest sister in a large southside Chicago who winds up having to raise her siblings. Emma played Fiona's younger sister Debbie with whom she had an increasingly contentious onscreen relationship as the show went on. On the Call Her Daddy podcast Emma shared that 'the set became more of a positive place, Im not gonna lie' after Emmy left the show at the end of season nine. As seen on the show in 2011: Emmy's latest sighting comes after her Shameless co-star Emma Kenney hit the headlines for her blistering comments on their working relationship While Emmy was still on the program 'Id go to set some days and Id be very anxious about having a scene with her because if she had a bad day, she made it a bad day for everybody,' Emma alleged. Emma said that 'in good and bad ways' they had a 'sister relationship' in which Emmy was at times a 'good influence' and at other times provided 'not the best advice.' A representative for Emmy did not respond to a request for comment. On My Mind: The joy of being done moving TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) Libyas chief diplomat says the transitional government is working to hold long-awaited elections later this year, but security and political and economic stability are necessary for a peaceful transition to a new government. Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush spoke with The Associated Press late Friday in the capital, Tripoli, a day after the Libyan government hosted a high-level conference aimed at resolving the countrys thorniest issues ahead of elections in December. To reach a peaceful transition, attention must be paid to the security and military affairs and to push the wheel of the economy in Libya, she said. Libya still faces a number of obstacles before its people can go to the polls, including unresolved issues over the country's elections laws, occasional infighting among armed groups, and the deep rift that remains between the country's east and west, separated for nearly 7 years by civil war. Hopefuls for the presidential election, slated for Dec. 24, are set to declare their candidacies in the coming days and there are signs that some figures who rose to prominence during the war could take part. Mangoush said she hopes Libyans would accept the results of the vote which, if held, would be the countrys first election since 2014. Parliamentary elections have been rescheduled by lawmakers for early next year. Mangoush said the conference Thursday attended by Western, regional and United Nations representatives was a push to implement the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign forces from the oil-rich country before holding the presidential and parliamentary votes. The conference has a great and very deep symbolism for all Libyans, she said, adding it was the biggest indication that Libya is recovering. Libya has been engulfed in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. He was captured and killed by an armed group two months later. The oil-rich country was for years split between rival governments, one based in the capital, Tripoli, and the other in the eastern part of the country. Each side was backed by different foreign powers and militias. After months of U.N.-backed negotiations, an interim government was appointed in February to lead the country to elections. As the countdown to the vote begins, differences are re-emerging between Libyan rivals putting the entire reconciliation process at risk. In September, Libyas powerful, east-based commander Khalifa Hifter announced he was suspending his role as leader of a self-styled Libyan army for the next three months the clearest indication yet that he may be contemplating a run for president in December elections. Should he run, he would be one of the frontrunners but his candidacy would likely stir controversy in western Libya and Tripoli, the stronghold of his opponents, many of them armed groups with varying alliances. Thousands of mercenaries, foreign fighters and other foreign forces are still in Libya a year after a cease-fire deal included an agreement that they would depart within three months, which hasn't happened. A 10-member joint military commission with five representatives from each side of the conflict in Libya reached an initial agreement earlier this month on the withdrawal of foreign fighters and mercenaries. The U.N. has also started to deploy monitors to observe the cease-fire. The U.N. special envoy for Libya, Jan Kubis, warned last month that failure to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on Dec. 24 could renew division and conflict and thwart efforts to unite the oil-rich country. Mangoush said Libya is marching toward a peaceful path and safe path, but she warned that achieving a peaceful transition requires security, political and economic stability. She said the transitional government of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah backs holding a fair and comprehensive vote at the end of the year, although there is diligent and very serious work to be done towards the elections. We are all waiting for it to take place on time, God willing, and that Libyans accept its results, she said. The police arrested 10 people for the attack on the party office and 11 persons for the attack on TD spokesperson Kommalapati Pattabhi Rams house in Vijayawada. (PTI file photo) VIJAYAWADA: A total of 21 persons were arrested for allegedly attacking the Telugu Desam (TD) central office and a TD leaders house in Vijayawada. The police issued a notice to the TD office, asking it to submit CCTV footage of the attack to expedite the investigation in the case. The police arrested 10 people for the attack on the party office and 11 persons for the attack on TD spokesperson Kommalapati Pattabhi Rams house in Vijayawada. Earlier, TD leaders alleged that no action was taken by the police in the attack cases but the latter said the TD did not submit CCTV footage of the party office attack. Guntur Urban SP K. Arif Hafeez stated that four special teams had been formed to nab the culprits in the attack on the TD central office situated in Atmakur on the Vijayawada-Chennai national highway 16. The police officials said a notice was issued to the TD office under Section 91 of the Criminal Procedure Code seeking CCTV footage of the attack and they were waiting for the same. The police said they would not spare anyone in the attack case and would nab all culprits with the help of CCTV footage. The police said 10 persons - Pagunani Chaitanya, Pallapu Maheshbabu, Peruri Ajay, Seshagiri Pavankumar and Adapala Ganapati all belonged to Guntur, Sk. Abdulla, Komtipalli Durga Rao, Joga Ramana and Lank Abhinaidu, all belonging to Vijayawada and Goka Durgaprasad of Tadepalli - were arrested. Meanwhile, Vijayawada police Commissioner B. Srinivasulu stated that 11 persons involved in the attack on the house of Pattabhi Ram were arrested. The police, acting on the complaint of Pattabhi Rams wife Chandana, registered a case under sections 148, 427, 452 and 506 and began investigation. The police arrested Bachu Madhavi Krishna, Indupalli Subhashini, Tungam Jhansi Rani, Bethala Sunitha, Yellati Karthik, Golla Prabhukumar, Vinukonda Avinash, Gudavalli Bharathi, Dandu Nagamani, Vankayalapati Rajkumar and Bachalakuri Ashok Kumar. The Vijayawada police said the arrests were made on the basis of footage collected from CCTV cameras situated around the house of Pattabhi Ram. They said that a notice was issued to Pattabhi Ram to hand over footage of cameras situated in his house and soon rest of the culprits would be nabbed. District Collectors to release an amount of Rs.25,000/- to each Village Officer as advance for making immediate arrangements for relief camps (DC Photo) Thiruvananthapuram: In the backdrop of widespread rainfall predicted by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in Kerala, the state government has allowed the District Collectors to release Rs 25,000 to each village officer as advance for making necessary arrangements. "District Collectors to release an amount of Rs.25,000/- to each Village Officer as advance for making immediate arrangements for relief camps, providing refreshment to emergency workers, removing fallen trees or such other emergencies," read the order released by the state government. As per the order released by the government, the IMD has predicted that fairly widespread rainfall is expected over Kerala from Thursday to Saturday. Due to heavy rainfall, several roads in Tirupati had submerged in water and the driver of the car did not realise the depth of the stagnant water drove into it. (ANI) Tirupati: In a tragic incident, a newlywed woman died after the car in which she was travelling submerged in stagnant rainwater in Tirupati on Friday. According to police, seven family members from Raichur, Karnataka including the new bride were travelling to Lord Venkateshwara Temple in Tirupati when the mishap occurred under a bridge near West Church. Due to heavy rainfall, several roads in Tirupati had submerged in water and the driver of the car did not realise the depth of the stagnant water drove into it. SV University police managed to rescue six members including a child but the newlywen woman, Sandhya died on spot. The rescued toddler has been shifted to a government hospital for treatment. The Tirupati Police has registered a case and launched an inquiry. Director of Public Health Dr G. Srinisvas Rao said of the three crore doses that the state will hit midnight on Friday, 76 per cent of targeted beneficiaries have received their first dose while 30 per cent of all those who receive the first dose, also got their second dose. (DC file photo) Hyderabad: A day after the country crossed a major milestone of administering 100 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses, Telangana state on Friday celebrated its own little achievement of reaching the three-crore mark. Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar who led the celebrations by cutting a cake at the office of the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, lauded the health officials for the achievement but warned against any laxity on part of the people in preventing further spread of the disease. Covid is not over yet, Somesh Kumar said, and called on everyone to get their two doses of the vaccine. Those who have been vaccinated are better protected and face less risk than the unvaccinated, he said. Somesh Kumar said while a third wave of Covid-19 is in the realm of speculation, the state government was fully geared up to meet such a situation if it arises. Director of Public Health Dr G. Srinisvas Rao said of the three crore doses that the state will hit midnight on Friday, 76 per cent of targeted beneficiaries have received their first dose while 30 per cent of all those who receive the first dose, also got their second dose. All efforts will be made to achieve 100 per cent coverage in the next few weeks. We are also fully geared up for vaccinating those in the 12 to 18 years, and paediatric age groups, he said. In sharp divergence, China has resolved none of its maritime border disputes, with the exception of the Gulf of Tonkin dispute with Vietnam that was partially resolved after protracted negotiations spanning three rounds. Representational Image. (AFP) On October 14, 2021, China and Bhutan entered into a memorandum of understanding crystallising a three-step roadmap for intensifying parleys to resolve their outstanding border disputes. The MoU encapsulates the understanding reached between the two countries at the 10th meeting of the expert group held in Kunming in the April of 2021. The signing of this MoU comes 48 months after a 73-day Sino-Indian military confrontation at the Doklam trijunction. China endeavored to extend a road in an area that Bhutan asserted belonged to it. Bhutan and China share an over 400-kilometre long border. Beijing lays claim to around 765 square kilometres of Bhutanese territory dispersed across the northwest and central regions of the Himalayan kingdom. Incidentally, Bhutan is the only neighbour of China with which it does not have a formal diplomatic relationship. Direct bilateral talks to resolve the contested boundary question commenced in 1984. Over the past three-and-a-half decades, 24 rounds of boundary negotiations and 10 rounds of confabulations at the level of an expert group have been held between the two countries. In the year 1997, China proposed that it would forgo the claims it had laid to expanses of territory in central Bhutan. In exchange it demanded that the terrain on its western flank that included the contested trijunction of Doklam be handed over to it. Bhutan rebuffed the offer then in deference to Indian sensitivities over the possibility of Chinese transgressions that have the potential of lopping off the narrow Siliguri Corridor that connects the rest of India with the northeast. This is one of Indias two chicken neck dilemmas. The other one being in Akhnoor just north of Jammu christened chicken neck by India and baptised as the Akhnoor dagger by Pakistan. Historically, Sino-Bhutanese border disagreements involved territory in the western and central parts of the latter only. Beijing argued that 495 square kilometres in the Jakurlung and Pasamlung valleys, respectively, situated in north-central Bhutan and another 269 square kilometres in western Bhutan belonged to it. However, in the June of 2020, China also staked claim to the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, covering an area of 650 square kilometres. The sanctuary is situated in Bhutans eastern district of Trashigang. The claim has its genesis in the purported Indian proposal to construct a road link between Guwahati and Tawang that would ostensibly traverse the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary. The planned motorway would curtail travel time between Guwahati in Assam and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh by five hours allowing India to mobilise overland its troops for deployment on the Line of Actual Control in sectors bestriding Tawang. The Sino-Bhutanese border dispute is intricate given that it is enmeshed in the geopolitics of South Asia and intractably linked to the Sino-Indian border dispute, given the special relationship between Bhutan and India. Bhutan will be in a delicate situation in its border negotiations qua China. A non-coastal realm, it is reliant on India for its approach to the sea. This special relationship amongst Bhutan and India is constructed upon the base laid by the Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship signed in 1949. It was subsequently substituted by the India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty in 2007. Article Two of the 2007 covenant states that both nations acquiesce to cooperate closely with each other on issues relating to their national interests. They are further proscribed from permitting their territorial spaces to be used for activities harmful to the national security and interest of the other. This would require Bhutan, in its border negotiations with China, not to negotiate in a manner that hands over any strategic advantage to China to the detriment of Indias national security imperatives. Both the 1947 and the 2007 pacts are preceded by a historical legacy of covenants between British India and the Kingdom of Bhutan, namely, the Treaty of Sinchula in 1865 and the Treaty of Punakha in 1910. What India would need to be very hawk-eyed in the Sino-Bhutanese negotiations about is how the play develops in the region around and abounding Chinas Chumbi Valley that lies north of the Doklam plateau. Both the Chumbi valley and the Siliguri Corridor in West Bengal that is situated to the south of Doklam, are key tactical chokepoints. They constitute both a criticality and vulnerability for both the nations. It is towards this end that the Tibetan-populated Chumbi Valley has often been delineated as the most tactically significant piece of real estate in the Himalaya region. It provides Beijing with the maneuverability to cut off the 24-kilometre wide Siliguri Corridor between Nepal and Bangladesh, that connects the rest of India with its northeast. If negotiations between China and Bhutan fructify it would mean that, to the exclusive exclusion of India, China would have resolved all its other land boundary disputes. Of its 23 ongoing territorial disputes from 1949, China offered substantial markdowns in as many as 17 of them. It has frequently settled for half the land it initially claimed. A classical example is the Sino-Tajik border dispute that was settled by an agreement between the two countries in January 2011. The agreement that resolved a 130-year-old territorial dispute required Tajikistan to cede around 1,000 square kilometres of land in the Pamir Mountains to China. It mandates that China will receive only 3.5 per cent of the 28,000 square kilometres of land it had asked for by declaring them as historical Chinese lands. Under its boundary settlements with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, China settled for just 22 and 32 per cent, respectively, of the land it had initially claimed. This goes to demonstrate that the Chinese really do not care much about territory. In sharp divergence, China has resolved none of its maritime border disputes, with the exception of the Gulf of Tonkin dispute with Vietnam that was partially resolved after protracted negotiations spanning three rounds, i.e., in 1974, 1978-1979, and 1992-2000, spread well over 60 years. This situation then begs the obvious question: Why have the Sino-Indian border talks not made progress despite myriad rounds of talks between the special representatives of both sides and why are the border talks currently stalemated? Is it a lack of flexibility and cussedness on both sides or does China consider it a convenient lever to keep India off-balance? In either case, India should revisit its China strategy with a fresh pair of eyes. Actor Jacqueline Fernandez is being called to testify as a witness by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an over Rs 200 crore money laundering case, her spokesperson said on Saturday. The statement comes two days after the actor deposed before the federal agency after skipping its summons at least thrice earlier. Fernandez's spokesperson said she will completely cooperate with the agency in the investigations. "Jacqueline Fernandez is being called to testify as a witness by the ED. She has duly recorded her statements and in the future will also be completely co-operating with the agency in the investigations. "Jacqueline also categorically denies alleged slanderous statements made about relationship with the involved couple," the spokesperson said in a statement. On Wednesday, the actor's statement was recorded under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with a money laundering case filed against alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekar and his actor wife Leena Maria Paul. Fernandez, 36, previously appeared before the federal agency in this case in August and had recorded her statement. Actor and dancer Nora Fatehi, 29, had recorded her statement with the ED last week in this case. Fatehi's representative had said that she is the victim in the case and being a witness, she is cooperating and helping officers in the investigation. Chandrashekhar and Paul were recently arrested by the ED while being lodged in a local jail after they were taken into custody by the Delhi Police on charges of cheating some people, including some high-profile individuals like former Fortis Healthcare promoter Shivinder Mohan Singh's wife Aditi Singh. In August, the ED had raided some of Chandrashekhar's premises and seized a sea-facing bungalow in Chennai, Rs 82.5 lakh cash and over a dozen luxury cars. It had claimed in a statement that Chandrashekhar is a "known conman" and is being probed by the Delhi Police in a case of alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating and extortion to the tune of about Rs 200 crore. Check out DH's latest videos On a ranch in northern New Mexico, Alec Baldwin was filming a new movie Thursday when his character, an outlaw, needed a gun. An assistant director grabbed one of three prop guns that the films armorer had set up outside on a gray cart, handed it to Baldwin and, according to an affidavit signed by Detective Joel Cano of the Santa Fe County sheriffs office, yelled cold gun! which was supposed to indicate that the gun did not have any live rounds in it. When Baldwin fired the gun, law enforcement officials said, it struck and killed the films cinematographer and wounded its director. Read more: Alec Baldwin fatally shoots crew member with prop gun on movie set The assistant director did not know live rounds were in the prop gun when he gave it to Baldwin, according to the affidavit, which was made as part of a search warrant application. The affidavit did not specify what kind of ammunition the gun had been loaded with. The results were deadly: Halyna Hutchins, 42, the films director of photography, was struck in the chest and flown to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque, where she died, officials said. Joel Souza, 48, the films director, was shot in the shoulder area and wounded; he was taken to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe and later released. There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours, Baldwin, 63, said in a statement Friday on Twitter. The plot of the film Baldwin was shooting, Rust, hinges on an accidental killing and its aftermath. Suddenly the movie set on Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe County became the scene of a real killing and a real investigation. Juan Rios, a spokesperson for the sheriffs office, said Friday afternoon that the investigation remains active and ongoing and that detectives entered the movie set today and continue to interview potential witnesses. With the search warrant, detectives were seeking additional evidence that could help shed light on the events leading up to the fatal shooting: footage or video captured during the filming, computer and cellphones left on set, as well as other firearms and ammunition. Check out the latest DH videos: North Korea on Saturday accused the Biden administration of raising military tensions with China through its reckless backing of Taiwan, and said that the growing US military presence in the region constitutes a potential threat to the North. In comments carried by state media, North Korea Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong Ho criticised the United States for sending warships through the Taiwan Strait and providing Taiwan, a self-ruled island that China claims as part of its territory, with upgraded weapons systems and military training. The United States' indiscreet meddling in issues regarding Taiwan, which the North sees as entirely a Chinese internal affair, threatens to touch off a delicate situation on the Korean Peninsula. Pak's statement came a day after President Joe Biden told a CNN townhall event that the United States was committed to coming to Taiwan's defence if it comes under attack from China. While that seemed to blur Washington's long-held stance of maintaining strategic ambiguity on whether it would intervene if China were to attack Taiwan, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Biden had no intent to convey a change in policy. China and Taiwan split amid civil war in 1949, and although it maintains formal diplomatic relations only with Beijing, the US remains committed by law to ensure Taiwan can defend itself from outside threats. North Korea has increasingly criticized the broader US security role in the Indo-Pacific amid an intensifying competition with China, Pyongyang's major ally and economic lifeline. Last month, the North threatened unspecified countermeasures following the Biden administration's decision to provide nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. It is a well-known fact that the US troops and its military bases in (South Korea) are in use to put pressure on China and that the huge forces of the US and its satellite states, which are being concentrated near Taiwan, can be committed to a military operation targeting the DPRK at any time, Pak said, using an abbreviation of the North's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. He said the increasing military presence of US-led hostile forces in the region was based on a lame assertion that North Korea and China would cause trouble in Taiwan and the Korean Peninsula. This reality proves that the US is in its bid to stifle our country and China, both socialist countries, in order to hold on to its supremacy, Pak said. Nuclear negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have stalled for more than two years over the issue of relaxing crippling US-led sanctions against North Korea in return for steps by the North to wind down its nuclear weapons program. Pyongyang sees the possession of nuclear weapons as the ultimate guarantor of the survival of the Kim dynasty that has run the country with an iron fist since the 1940s. Ending a monthslong lull in September, North Korea has been ramping up its missile tests while making conditional peace offers to Seoul, reviving a pattern of pressuring South Korea to try to get what it wants from the United States. Sung Kim, Biden's special envoy for North Korea, arrived in South Korea on Saturday for talks with allies on reviving negotiations with the North. Kim told reporters he expected productive discussions with South Korean officials during their meeting on Sunday, before leaving the airport without taking further questions. The Biden administration's pullout from Afghanistan underscored a broader shift in US focus away from counterterrorism and so-called rogue states like North Korea and Iran. That is putting the focus on confronting a near-peer adversary in China, and part of that apparent strategy appear to be offering the North a resumption of talks without preconditions. But the North has so far rejected the idea of open-ended talks, saying that Washington must abandon its hostile policy, a term North Korea mainly refers to sanctions and US-South Korea joint military exercises. Check out DH's latest videos A former Facebook worker reportedly told US authorities Friday the platform has put profits before stopping problematic content, weeks after another whistleblower helped stoke the firm's latest crisis with similar claims. The unnamed new whistleblower filed a complaint with US financial regulator Securities and Exchange Commission that could add to the company's woes, said a Washington Post report. Facebook has faced a storm of criticism over the past month after former employee Frances Haugen leaked internal studies showing the company knew of potential harm stoked by its sites, prompting US lawmakers' to renew a push for regulation. Read more: Facebook's oversight board to meet with whistleblower Frances Haugen In the SEC complaint, the new whistleblower recounts alleged statements from 2017, when the company was deciding how to handle the controversy related to Russia's interference in the 2016 US presidential election. "It will be a flash in the pan. Some legislators will get pissy. And then in a few weeks they will move onto something else. Meanwhile we are printing money in the basement, and we are fine," Tucker Bounds, a member of Facebook's communications team, was quoted in the complaint as saying, The Washington Post reported. The second whistleblower signed the complaint on October 13, a week after Haugen's scathing testimony before a Senate panel, according to the report. Haugen told lawmakers that Facebook put profits over safety, which led her to leak reams of internal company studies that underpinned a damning Wall Street Journal series. The Washington Post reported the new whistleblowers SEC filing claims the social media giant's managers routinely undermined efforts to combat misinformation and other problematic content for fear of angering then US president Donald Trump or for turning off the users who are key to profits. Erin McPike, a Facebook spokeswoman, said the article was "beneath the Washington Post, which during the last five years would only report stories after deep reporting with corroborating sources." Facebook has faced previous firestorms of controversy, but that has not translated into substantial new US legislation to regulate social media. Bangladeshs security agencies on Saturday arrested a man in his 30s, who is believed to be the second key suspect behind the recent slew of violence against Hindus and mob attacks on temples in Bangladesh during the Durga Puja festivities, police officials said. Shaikat Mandal, one of the masterminds behind the October 17 mayhem in the Pirganj sub-district of northwestern Rangpur, and his accomplice was arrested from Gazipur, on the outskirts of Dhaka on Saturday, Elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officials said. Mandal had gone live on Facebook, which incited people and triggered a wave of violence, a RAB official said. Also Read | ISKCON members protest against attack on Hindus in Bangladesh At least 70 houses and shops of the Hindus were torched in attacks at Pirganj following Mandals Facebook post on October 17. His arrest comes a day after police had nabbed Iqbal Hossain, 35, the key suspect from the Cox Bazar area, and the man who had allegedly placed the Quran at a Durga Puja venue in Cumilla. Hossain is currently placed under a seven-day police remand as other security and intelligence agencies would join to interrogate him. Also Read | At least six dead after armed gang attack in Rohingya refugee camp So far, police have arrested nearly 600 people from various parts of the country for inciting violence against the Hindus during the Durga Puja festivities. In a related development, Mohammad Fayez, who was charged under Bangladeshs Digital Security Act (DSA) for inciting people via social media was sent to jail on Friday evening, the Daily Star newspaper reported. Meanwhile, members of minority religious communities staged a mass-hunger and sit-in demonstration at central Dhakas Shabagh area and other parts of the country under the banner of the Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council. Several thousand people have joined the mass-hunger and sit-in protests in Dhakas Shabagh, Andarkilla of the south-eastern port city of Chattogram and other parts of the country, Councils joint secretary Monindra Kumar Nath told the media. Also read: Bangladesh vows stern action against killers of Rohingya leader Nath said a large number of social and cultural groups and followers of the Islamic faith have also joined the rallies to express their solidarity with the members of the minority communities. The attacks on the Hindus in Bangladesh have been widely condemned by the United Nations. Mia Seppo, the UN's resident coordinator in Bangladesh, said in a Twitter post on Monday that the attacks on Hindus are against the values of the Bangladesh constitution and need to stop. Also Read | Bangladesh violence cause for concern On Tuesday, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina instructed her home minister to initiate immediate action against those who incited violence using religion as she asked the people not to trust anything on social media without fact-checking. The Foreign Ministry in a statement underlined that the Government of Bangladesh "unequivocally condemned those incidents and took serious note of the reactions from within and outside the Hindu community." Hindus constitute around 10 per cent of Muslim-majority Bangladesh's 169 million population. Watch the latest DH Videos here: Lev Parnas, a former associate of Donald Trump's ex-lawyer Rudy Giuliani, was found guilty by a US federal court on Friday of violating campaign financing laws in the 2018 election. Parnas, a US citizen born in Soviet Ukraine, was arrested at a Washington airport in October 2019, as Trump and associates such as Giuliani were facing scrutiny over attempts to pressure authorities in Kiev to deliver compromising information about Joe Biden. Also Read | Hackers lay claim to Donald Trumps 'TRUTH Social' before its launch That investigation eventually led to Trump's first impeachment proceedings, which ended with him being acquitted by the Republican-controlled Senate. On Friday, a federal jury in a Manhattan court found that Parnas and his associate Andrey Kukushkin "conspired to manipulate the United States political system for their own financial gain," according to a statement from prosecutors. "In order to gain influence with American politicians and candidates, they illegally funnelled foreign money into the 2018 midterm elections with an eye toward making huge profits in the cannabis business." Parnas, who pleaded not guilty, was accused of concealing the real origin of contributions he made to several candidates in US local and federal elections in 2018, including a $325,000 donation to America First Action, a political organization supporting Trump. Prosecutors also charged that some of the contributions to Republican campaigns in the state of Nevada made by Parnas were actually from a Russian businessman, in violation of a ban on accepting election financing from foreign nationals. Parnas and Kukushkin remained free Friday awaiting sentencing. Pakistan on Saturday rejected reports about an agreement with the United States on the use of its airspace for intelligence operations in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The Foreign Office (FO) issued a statement in response to media queries regarding the news report alluding to formalisation of an agreement between the two countries to conduct military and intelligence operations against Afghanistan. The FO statement read: No such understanding was in place. However, it added: "Pakistan and the US have long-standing cooperation on regional security and counter-terrorism and the two sides remain engaged in regular consultations." Also Read | 10 militants, 2 soldiers killed in Pakistan raids CNN News had reported quoting three sources familiar with the details of a classified briefing with members of the US Congress that took place on Friday that the US was nearing an agreement with Pakistan for use of its airspace to conduct operations in Afghanistan. The Pakistan Opposition parties had also demanded the government to give an explanation on the reports that Pakistan had allowed the US military to use its airspace. Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan in an interview had categorically said that Pakistan would "absolutely not" allow any bases and use of its territory for any sort of action inside Afghanistan. Also Read | Afghan midwives vow to help mothers and babies under Taliban rule "Absolutely not. There is no way we are going to allow any bases, any sort of action from Pakistani territory into Afghanistan. Absolutely not," Khan had told 'Axios on HBO' in an interview in June. The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan on August 15, two weeks before the US' complete troop withdrawal on August 31 after a costly two-decade war. Watch the latest DH Videos here: Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia, one of the world's biggest polluters, will detail its plans to address climate change at an environment event on Saturday. The Saudi Green Initiative, first announced in March, comes ahead of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, or COP26, in Glasgow from Oct. 31 - Nov. 12, that hopes to agree on deeper emissions cuts to tackle global warming. Riyadh, a signatory to the Paris climate pact, has yet to announce nationally determined contributions (NDCs) - goals for individual states under global efforts to prevent average global temperatures from rising beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The United States and the EU want Saudi Arabia to join a global initiative on slashing emissions of methane by 30 per cent from 2020 levels by 2030. US climate envoy John Kerry will attend a wider Middle East green summit Riyadh is hosting on Monday. Saudi Arabia has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by more than 4 per cent of global contributions through initiatives including generating 50 per cent of its energy needs from renewables by 2030 and planting billions of trees in the desert state. It has yet to set a net-zero goal. Fellow Gulf OPEC producer the United Arab Emirates earlier this month announced a plan for net-zero emissions by 2050. Despite the renewables push and moves to improve energy efficiency, Saudi Arabia has been criticised for acting too slowly, with Climate Action Tracker giving it the lowest possible ranking of "critically insufficient". The kingdom's economy remains heavily reliant on oil income as economic diversification lags ambitions set out by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi officials have argued the world will continue to need Saudi crude for decades to come. And experts say it is too early to tell what the impact of Saudi's nascent solar and wind projects will be. Its first renewable energy plant opened in April and its first wind farm began generating power in August. Megaprojects, such as futuristic city NEOM, also incorporate green energy plans including a $5 billion hydrogen plant, and Saudi state-linked entities are pivoting to green fundraising. Some investors have expressed concerns over the kingdom's carbon footprint. Others say Saudi Arabia emits the least carbon per barrel of oil and that de facto ruler Prince Mohammed is serious about economic diversification. "Obviously the carbon footprint is an issue. However, we would highlight that realistically carbon is going to be slow to phase out, and oil is here for some time yet," Tim Ash at BlueBay Asset Management said in emailed comments. Check out DH's latest videos: The US Supreme Court agreed on Friday to hear legal challenges on November 1 to a Texas ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, but declined to block the controversial law for now. Democratic President Joe Biden's administration and abortion providers have filed multiple suits against the restrictive Texas law, which went into force on September 1. Senate Bill 8 (SB8) bans abortions after a heartbeat can be detected in the womb, which is normally around six weeks of pregnancy, and makes no exceptions for rape or incest. Read more: Texas targets Roe vs Wade, urges US Supreme Court to maintain abortion ban The Justice Department had asked the Supreme Court to block the law, but the panel declined to do so for now and instead agreed to hold an unusually expedited hearing of the case. The conservative-leaning Supreme Court gave the Justice Department, Texas and other parties until October 27 to file their briefs and scheduled oral arguments for November 1. It will be the first abortion case argued before the nation's highest court since the nomination of three justices by former Republican president Donald Trump gave conservatives a 6-3 majority on the panel. Abortion providers and the Justice Department have argued that the Texas law is unconstitutional and violates the landmark 1973 Supreme Court ruling in Roe v. Wade, which enshrined the legal right to an abortion. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, one of the three liberals on the court, filed a dissent saying it should have moved to immediately block a law that is in "open disregard of the constitutional rights of women seeking abortion care in Texas." "Every day the Court fails to grant relief is devastating, both for individual women and for our constitutional system as a whole," Sotomayor said. The Supreme Court last month cited procedural issues when it decided by a 5-4 vote against intervening to block the Texas law in a case brought by abortion providers. After that challenge failed, the Justice Department stepped in. At the November 1 hearing, the Supreme Court is to decide whether the Justice Department can sue Texas in federal courts and block state officials from enforcing the Texas law. It will not address the underlying constitutionality of the law itself. Marc Hearron, senior counsel for the Center for Reproductive Rights, expressed disappointment that the Supreme Court had allowed the Texas law to remain in effect. But Hearron said he was "grateful that the court is taking this seriously and treating it expeditiously." Brigitte Amiri, deputy director of the Reproductive Freedom Project at the American Civil Liberties Union, said there will be "grave consequences" if the Texas law is allowed to stand. "We know that other states have their eye on following Texas's cruel law: Arkansas, Florida, Ohio," Amiri said. The "Texas Heartbeat Act" allows members of the public to sue doctors who perform abortions, or anyone who helps facilitate them, once a heartbeat is detected in the womb. They can be rewarded with $10,000 for initiating cases that lead to prosecution, prompting criticism that the law encourages people to act as vigilantes. The Texas law is part of a broader conservative drive to outlaw abortions across the United States that has prompted a public backlash. Laws restricting abortion have been passed in other Republican-led states but were struck down by the courts because they violated Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed the right to an abortion until the fetus is viable outside the womb, which is typically around 22 to 24 weeks. The Supreme Court is already scheduled to hear a challenge on December 1 to a Mississippi law that bans nearly all abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy. Pro-choice advocates have called on Congress to enshrine the right to an abortion in federal law to protect it from any possible reversal by the Supreme Court. A bill to that effect was adopted recently in the Democratic majority House of Representatives, but has no chance of passing the Senate, where Republicans have enough votes to block it. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on Saturday said that Chinas ambitions and aspirations to global power presented an "omnipresent danger" to stability in South Asia. China is making "huge" inroads in South Asia and in the Indian Ocean region to strengthen its position as an emerging global power he said, while delivering the first Ravi Kant Singh Memorial Lecture here. Of late, we are witnessing a geo-strategic competition and huge investment by China in the region to create a favourable posture to provide sufficient security to its interests, he said. Bangladesh and Myanmar have been the largest recipients of Chinese military aid in the recent past, along with significant investments in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives to gain strategic foothold (in the region), he said. He added that Chinas foray into Myanmar and Bangladesh are not in Indias national interest as these are attempts to engulf India. There exists an omnipresent danger of regional strategic instability, Rawat said, adding that it has the potential of threatening Indias territorial integrity and strategic importance. The General also said Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism as well as by non-state actors against India is a stumbling block to the peace process between the two countries. He described the partnership between Pakistan and China on a range of issues, from China providing military hardware to Pakistan and supporting it in international fora, as an anti-India nexus. Later addressing a press conference, the chief of defence staff said border issues with China has to be viewed in its totality, and not as issues pertaining to the Ladakh sector or North-Eastern states. In 2020, there was a little bit of problem (between India and China). Issues are being resolved with talks at different levels, from military to political level, he said. Rawat also said such issues have copped up in the past too between the two neighbours, but have been resolved. There are suspicions between the two countries, and hence, it takes time to resolve the issues. The people must have faith and confidence in the system and the armed forces, he added. He said as a measure to counter Chinas influence in the region, India has to step up its engagement in neighbouring countries. He said, Chinese have a habit of using money power to gain popularity in a country (they are trying to influence). But as our prime minister has given a clarion call, we believe in security and growth for all. We have to tell our neighbours that we are here as permanent friends and engage with them on equal terms and we consider all neighbours as equal partners in development, he added. Rawat also emphasised on the need to exploit cultural linkages with the neighbouring countries to strengthen ties. On the countrys defence preparedness, Rawat said, We are standing strong. He said there are adequate defence and arms systems at Indias disposal, and the government has allowed the armed forces to procure needed armaments by invoking emergency powers. No questions are being asked (by the government) as long as our security mechanism improves, he added. Commenting on the recent violence against security forces as well as civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, Rawat said, Our western adversary (Pakistan) is indulging in a proxy war with us. They will do anything to disturb peace in Jammu and Kashmir. He also said the killings in Jammu & Kashmir were an attempt by the neighbouring country to spread fear among the people. We should not fear them or fall prey to such traps, he said, adding that any possible exodus of people from J&K should be stopped. To counter Pakistans designs, the chief of defence staff said the intelligence network is being strengthened. Rawat added that the freedom of movement that people in Jammu & Kashmir were starting to enjoy in recent times may be disrupted due to the current situation and urged for people's cooperation in tackling the situation. Check out the latest videos from DH: Trinamool Congress workers staged a protest on Saturday and moved the director general of police in Tripura seeking action against miscreants who allegedly attacked MP Sushmita Dev and several others during the party's "Trinamool for Tripura" campaign on Friday. In a letter to DGP V S Yadav, TMC's Tripura unit said a group of miscreants attacked Dev and her associates at Amtali Bazar in Tripura West district during the party's outreach programme. TMC launched the 10-day-long "Tripura for Trinamool" programme on Friday to highlight alleged failures of BJP-led government in the state ahead of Assembly elections slated in early 2023. It said miscreants not only physically assaulted Dev and her associates but also snatched her three mobile phones. The letter said the Tripura administration failed to protect democratic movements and voices of the Opposition parties. TMC workers also staged a protest in front of police headquarters in Agartala on Saturday. Dev on Thursday alleged that BJP became worried over people's growing support to TMC and so the saffron party was using its workers to attack TMC workers and create an atmosphere of terror. "Trinamool is not scared of such terror tactics and will fight with all might and make sure that Tripura is freed from the dictatorial style of governmence by the BJP. We will do everything to achieve our leader Mamta Banerjee's target to form government in Tripura," Dev said on Thursday. Trinamool set its eyes on Tripura and stepped up its activities accordingly after its victory in Bengal for the third consecutive term in May. Check out DH's latest videos Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on Saturday stressed that the country needs to ensure that the consequences of instability in its neighbourhood are addressed. He also said there is a possibility of threat to Jammu and Kashmir as well as to the North-eastern region due to the situation in Afghanistan which the Taliban has taken over a few months ago but the threat can be negated by working on internal monitoring. Indias national security landscape is stressed on account of security scenario emerging from subcontinental threats... We need to address consequences of instability and volatility in our immediate and extended neighbourhood and it remains our immediate priority, Gen Rawat said. Delivering the first Ravi Kant Singh Memorial Lecture here, he said a close watch should be kept on the situation in Myanmar as well as the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, with the danger of the latter being exploited by fundamentalist elements. He also said Indias relations with Bhutan and Nepal have always been robust and any issues with these countries have been addressed in a positive manner. Gen Rawat said internal security challenges of the NE region have serious international dimensions as extremist outfits have connectivity, including hideouts across the border, and their members frequently use porous borders to escape security forces. Also read: Danger to stability in South Asia due to China's ambitions, Sino-Pak nexus 'anti-Indian': Gen Rawat He, however, added that in recent years there has been a reduction of violence in the NE region and lauded the combined efforts of security agencies and civil society for achieving it. Gen Rawat said it was crucial that the land link of the region with the rest of the country is maintained through the Siliguri corridor. This vulnerable corridor will always remain a cause of concern and any attempt to block it by any element must be nipped in the bud, he added. "India has to be on alert of the possible impact of the situation in Afghanistan in Jammu and Kashmir. We have to seal our borders. Internal monitoring is essential, he told a press conference. To a question if the change in regime in Afghanistan could pose danger to Assam and the Northeast, Rawat said a likely threat could be there. We have to defend ourselves. We need to educate our people on the need to be conscious of their own security, he said. the North-eastern region, especially Assam, is advantageously positioned to project India's soft power to the world, the chief of defence staff said. "North East region including Assam is a land of potential. In fact, it has the potential to be the pivot for projection of soft power of India in the regional countries, Gen Rawat said. He stressed the need for developing multi-model connectivity through development of means of transportations to access ASEAN and other markets. He also highlighted the potential of developing the manufacturing and services sector in the NE region, which can help it cater to the international market. Check out latest videos from DH: By Archana Chaudhary and Akshat Rathi India is seeking payment for the losses caused by climate disasters, its environment ministry said while laying out the countrys positions on critical issues that will be negotiated at the United Nations COP26 climate summit in the coming weeks. Our ask is this: there should be a compensation for expenses incurred, and it should be borne by developed nations, Rameshwar Prasad Gupta, the ministrys senior-most civil servant, said on Friday. He added that India stands with other low-income and developing countries on the matter. Leaders and diplomats from across the globe are set to gather in Glasgow, Scotland, for the annual COP summit, which is seen as a make-or-break meeting to stave off the worsening effects of climate change. Compensation for climate disasters is expected to be a major sticking point at the talks, and the subject is something that India has already raised with US climate envoy John Kerry, according to Gupta. Rich countries have added the majority of greenhouse gases causing the planet to warm above pre-industrial levels. The 2015 Paris climate agreement included language to address loss and damage, but it left questions about liability and redress unanswered. Discussions began as early as 2013 at a previous summit in Warsaw, but the technical details of how such money transfers occur still hasnt been thrashed out. The broad idea is that, based on historical contributions to global greenhouse gases, countries will provide compensation for the damages that pollution will one day cause. Countries that suffer climate impacts can then lay claim to money for repairs after a climate-fueled hurricane or flood. But not all disasters are caused by climate change, and scientists have only recently begun the hard work of being able to calculate how much a warmer planet contributed to an extreme weather event. India is the worlds third-largest emitter on an annual basis today and among the top ten historical emitters, which means it too will have to contribute money into the pot. Even if Indias pay-in for damages were roughly 4 per cent, the country would stand to get a larger pay-out for the losses it will incur, Gupta said. If they want India to be a part, we may be willing, he added. Net zero The country is the only economy among the worlds 10 largest not to have set a goal to zero out its emissions. Even its neighbour China has one for 2060, slightly later than the 2050 target that the US, the UK and the EU are aiming for. Earlier this year, India considered setting a net-zero goal, but it has since backed out. Not all nations need to announce a net-zero target before Glasgow, according to environment minister Bhupender Yadav. Climate finance hasnt come in, said Gupta. For more ambitious climate goals, let there be more finance first. This issue is set to be another talking point at the summit. Developed countries were supposed to provide $100 billion in climate finance to developing countries annually, starting in 2020. The money would be used for projects that reduce emissions and help countries adapt to warming. The latest figure stands at about $90 billion, and the hopes for the full commitment are dimming as the Glasgow conference approaches. As with past COP meetings, Indias delegation also plans to bring up the point of fairness. The countrys annual per capita emissions stand at about two tons of carbon dioxide, compared to more than 16 tons for the US and less than half of the global per capita average. The recent energy crunch marked by soaring natural gas prices has also given India ammunition to continue using coal, the only fossil fuel which it has in abundance. Thats going to be a problem for the UK, the host country, with COP26 President Alok Sharma having said that the Glasgow talks could consign coal to history. India Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed that he will join the COP26 summit along with 120 other heads of state. The conference runs from Oct. 31-Nov. 12. Check out latest DH videos here Accusing opposition parties of being against Lord Ram, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that such "Ram-drohis" not only harmed the faith but also disturbed the social fabric, impeded development, and threw the state in the "fire of riots" during their rule. Those who are not the well-wisher of Lord Ram can never be your well-wisher, Adityanath said while addressing the members of the Vishwakarma community at a meeting organised by the BJP Backward Classes Front in the run-up to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election. Maintaining distance from Ram-drohis (who are anti-Ram), who shield terrorists, embrace rioters, tear the social fabric would be better for your present and also for the bright future of your coming generations, he said. Also Read | Samajwadi Party govt opened fire at Lord Ram devotees and felicitated terrorists: Yogi The firebrand BJP leader, who has often been accused by the opposition of making statements with communal overtones, alleged that under the previous governments, there were riots before Hindu festivals. "The masses were unable to celebrate and would live in fear in the shadow of curfew. And these people (opposition leaders) would shamelessly don skull caps and insult the people of the state," Adityanath said, asserting that all this has stopped under his government. He alleged that Congress, SP, and BSP were trying to harm Ram Setu, while the BJP protected it. Had it not been for the sons of Lord Vishwakarma, Nal, and Neel, it would not have been possible to build the Ram Setu, which Hindus believe was built for Lord Rama to reach then Lanka to rescue his wife Sita, as depicted in the epic Ramayana. He was referring to the Sethusamudram shipping canal project controversy where the previous UPA government had contended before the Supreme Court that the Rama Setu bridge is not an "essential" and "integral" part of the Hindu religion. The chief minister said that when the Congress-led UPA government was formed in 2004, there was a competition between the SP and BSP to extend support to it. "The SP had given support even without being asked and their intention was to hurt the Hindu faith by placing a gun on the shoulders of the Congress," he alleged. "These people not only harmed the faith but also disturbed social fabric, harmed development and threw the state in the fire of riots," the BJP leader alleged. He said the government is moving ahead with the plan to secure the present as well as the future. Some people created problems in Kashmir and Article 370, the mother of terrorism, was scrapped under the leadership of PM Modi. "Some others created hurdles in the path of construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya and opened fire on Ram bhakts, today the BJP governments have started its construction and it is going on in full flow, he said. Criticising the previous governments, especially the one led by the Samajwadi Party, Adityanath alleged that their leaders were only concerned about the welfare of their families. One family was involved in looting the state from 2012 to 2017. That government was a 'Kalyugi avatar' of the Mahabharata and riots took place in every district and Hindus were harassed, he said. Referring to the development works under the BJP rule, the chief minister said that they are proving to be successful due to the vision of Prime Minister Modi and the blessings of Lord Vishwakarma, and cited the Kanpur metro project which he said will start by November. "All this is being achieved through the blessings of the original architect Lord Vishwakarma, he said. "Even today, Lord Vishwakarma is worshiped as the god of craftsmen in the whole country, and in UP, Vishwakarma is worshiped through Shram Samman. Work has been done to take forward the traditional craftsmen, he said. The meeting was part of 'Social Representative Conferences' organised by the party to reach out to voters of various communities. Check out the latest videos from DH: Senior Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury on Saturday alleged that the BJP government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to "confuse" the people of the country with its campaign on Covid-19 vaccination figures. The leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha claimed that Modi's campaign on administration of 100 crore vaccine doses was projected in a way that made it look like 100 crore people have been inoculated. "On completion of 100 crore vaccine doses, 100 places were lit up. And the prime minister is trying to send across the message that 100 crore people have been fully vaccinated. This is not the fact," he said in a video posted on Facebook. Also Read | Just 21% population jabbed, stop celebrating: Siddaramaiah Chowdhury, who is also the West Bengal Congress chief, noted that India's population stands at 139 crore, of which 106 crore are adults. He further pointed out that the government has said that 29 crore people have received double doses, which is just 21 per cent of the entire population. "Only this 21 per cent is in the safe zone. Also, booster doses are not being given in the country as yet," the Congress MP from Berhampore stated. India had started immunisation programmes way back in 1975 and country is called the "vaccine hub of the world", he maintained. "The central government is trying to project its vaccination campaign in a way like it was the first-of-its-kind initiative undertaken in the country," the Congress MP claimed. Chowdhury also took a dig at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her claim that the state is giving free vaccines to its people, "quite like what the Centre has also said,"and sought to know where money came from. The revenue is being generated by imposing taxes on petrol, diesel and LPG, he added. India achieved a milestone in its inoculation programme against Covid-19 as the cumulative vaccine doses administered surpassed the 100-crore mark on Thursday, resulting in celebratory events in parts of the country. The PM hailed the landmark reached in little over nine months time since the countrywide vaccination drive was launched on January 16 as a triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore. Check out DH's latest videos: The Supreme Court has said that a candidate, selected in Civil Services examinations, cannot claim allocation of cadre of his choice as a matter of right. A selected candidate has a right to be considered for appointment to the IAS but he or she has no such right to be allocated to a cadre of his choice or to his home state, a bench of Justices Hemant Gupta and V Ramasubramaian said. Allotment of cadre is an incidence of service. The applicant as a candidate for the All-India Service with eyes wide open has opted to serve anywhere in the country. Once an applicant gets selected to service, the scramble for the home cadre starts," the bench pointed out. The top court noted that procedure for allocation of cadre is mechanical and admits no exception save for certain rules. The state has no discretion on allocation of a cadre at its whims and fancies, it added. The court allowed an appeal by the Union government against the Kerala High Court in 2017, which directed the Centre to change cadre of IAS officer A Shainamol from Himachal Pradesh to Kerala. It said the High Court had exceeded its jurisdiction to order allocation of Kerala cadre to the officer without examining the policy decision of the Union government. The HC's view that there was no consultation with Kerala before allocating the cadre was not acceptable, the court said, adding it is a fallacy that consultation has to be held with state to whom the officer is to be allocated, not with the state with whom officers claim allocation. Check out DH's latest videos Amid a sudden spike in targeted civilian killings, Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar on Saturday. He is scheduled to hold a security review meeting apart from visiting some trouble-torn districts in the Valley. Shah, who arrived this morning on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, was received at the Srinagar airport by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha where other senior officials of the Jammu and Kashmir administration were also present, officials said. He is accompanied by the Union Home Secretary A K Bhalla and heads of most of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the intelligence agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau, they said. During his three-day visit, the home minister is scheduled to chair a high-level security review meeting and also flag off the inaugural Srinagar-Sharjah flight. He is scheduled to chair a meeting of the Unified Headquarters in the Valley on Saturday where a strategy is likely to be drafted to tackle sudden spurt in civilian killings and finish militancy in the region, a top official said. The security review of Jammu, especially Pir Panjal region where an anti-insurgency operation is going on near the boundary of Poonch-Rajouri districts for over a week, will also be discussed, he said. This is the home ministers first visit to J&K after the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories on August 5, 2019. Shahs last visit to J&K had come more than a month before the abrogation of Article 370 on June 26, 2019. He is also scheduled to lay the foundation stones of two new government medical colleges (GMCs) for Udhampur and Handwara and address a mega public rally in Jammu city during his stay in the UT. Shah is scheduled to visit Jammu on Sunday before returning to the Valley the same evening. He will fly back to New Delhi on the evening of October 25 from Srinagar. Pertinently, several Union ministers that included Nitin Gadkari, Narendra Singh Tomar, G Kishan Reddy, and John Barla travelled to the UT as part of the public outreach programme of the Centre. Watch the latest DH Videos here: Less than a year after making waves with a better-than-expected performance in Bihar assembly polls, the opposition Grand Alliance finds itself on the brink of collapse. The five-party opposition coalition had won just 10 seats short of majority, a major comeback since the Lok Sabha polls of 2019 when the NDA had made a clean sweep, winning all but one of 40 seats in Bihar. However, on Friday AICC in-charge of the state, Bhakt Charan Das, stated the Congress will contest "all 40 seats" in the state, stunning Lalu Prasads RJD which stands accused by the junior partner of having betrayed the coalition 'dharma'. State RJD president Jagadanand Singh reacted with disbelief. "When the general elections are due in 2024, what is the point in talking about Lok Sabha polls now," he asked. Das was also asked whether he was expressing a personal sentiment or echoing the views of the party "high command", since Prasad is known to share excellent personal equations with the Gandhi family. "I do not wish to be drawn into a controversy by being too explicit. But please understand that an AICC in-charge cannot say anything that is at variance with the official party line," Das told PTI. Also Read | RJD's Muslim-Yadav equation under challenge in Bihar The flashpoint was reached over what seems to be a trifle. By-polls are due next week in two assembly segments Tarapur and Kusheshwar Asthan. The RJD announced its candidates for both seats without taking into confidence the Congress. After a few days of stunned silence, the Congress hit back, announcing its own candidates for the two seats. It was widely speculated that the fissures had much to do with the Congress roping in Kanhaiya Kumar and his perceived "rivalry" with Tejashwi Yadav to whom he loses out in terms of caste base but beats when it comes to oratorical skills. Kanhaiya, who is currently in the state to campaign for the two seats, however, brushed off the suggestion with the remark "there is no comparison. His (Tejashwi's) father and mother have been chief ministers. I am starting from scratch". Earlier, addressing party workers at the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) headquarters, he had praised Rahul Gandhi for giving a platform to people like him, Hardik Patel and Jignesh Mevani, unlike "many others who are insecure about the legacy they have inherited from their fathers". The comment was wildly cheered at and construed as an oblique reference to Tejashwi. Origins of the narrative around the perceived rivalry between the two young leaders lay in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls when Kanhaiya made his Lok Sabha debut from his home town Begusarai against Union minister Giriraj Singh. Despite a spirited campaign, Kanhaiya, who was contesting on a CPI ticket, got hamstrung by the presence of RJD candidate Tanveer Hassan, and lost by a margin of more than four lakh votes. However, former BPCC president Anil Sharma asserted "Kanhaiya is not an issue" when it comes to the chequered relationship shared by Congress and the RJD. Also Read | Congress in dilemma as regional parties train guns "It has been Lalu Prasad's strategy to ensure that the Congress is not able to regain its support base among upper castes, Dalits and Muslims. A strong Congress would be seen as a secular alternative to the RJD. No wonder over the years he has ensured that our upper caste candidates do not get a chance to fight from seats where we have considerable chances of winning. He either wrests these for the RJD or gets these into the kitty of some other alliance partner," Sharma asserted. Bhakt Charan Das echoed similar views when he said "the RJD mocks us for having won less than 20 seats despite contesting 70. Why does it not admit that it forced us to do away with many seats and failed to get its own votes transferred to candidates of Congress at some places". Sharma, who had headed the state unit during the Lok Sabha polls of 2009 and assembly elections a year later, further rubbished the RJD's demand for "gratitude for having helped the Congress form the government at the Centre in 2004. "They have forgotten that the Rabri Devi government was dismissed in 1999 by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee regime. It was revoked only because the Congress stalled the move with the might it had in the Rajya Sabha," he underlined. In 2000 assembly polls, the RJD failed to get a majority but the Congress helped it form a government, he noted. "Still, it humiliated us in 2009 and 2010, forcing us to go solo. We did not do well. But the RJD suffered huge setbacks on both occasions," recalled Sharma. He also expressed bewilderment over the CPI, CPI(M) and CPI(ML), all junior partners in the Grand Alliance, throwing their lot behind the RJD in the by-elections. "One of the many strategies adopted by Lalu Prasad to build his political edifice has been weaning away leaders and cadres of the Left parties," he stated. Meanwhile, the ruling NDA is watching the kerfuffle in the Grand Alliance camp with bemusement, confident of making little work of the bypolls where it has to contend with a fractured opposition. Voting will take place for both the seats on October 30. Following targeted civilian killings and the ongoing visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, security has been further enhanced and searches intensified across Kashmir, with a battery of drones scanning Srinagar city. Officials said snipers and sharpshooters have been deployed at strategic places in Srinagar with hi-tech Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or camera-fitted drones maintaining aerial surveillance. The decision to use the UAVs for aerial surveillance has been taken in the wake of recent attacks on minority community members and non-local labourers, CRPF DIG (operations) Mathew A John, said. Frisking of commuters and pedestrians continued unabated on Saturday while motorboats of the CRPF scanned the Dal Lake and the Jhelum River that flows through the interiors of the city. CCTV surveillance has also been updated, they added. Also Read | Shah reviews security situation, counter-terrorism measures in Kashmir In Srinagar, joint parties of police and security forces have erected more checkpoints and installed mobile bulletproof bunkers to carry out frisking of commuters and pedestrians. The recent spate of targeted killings of civilians has forced the authorities to strengthen security to cover and fortify a 20-km radius around Raj Bhavan on Gupkar road where the Home Minister will be camping for three days. Vehicular movement has been closed for three days from the citys Badyari Chowk to Nishat, which is part of the boulevard overlooking the Dal Lake to enable smooth movement by Shah and his entourage and to secure the venues of his official meetings. Reports said security forces deployed around key installations such as the civil secretariat and the airport have also been increased. Militants may try to target vital installations during the Home Ministers visit to get publicity. We have intensified the measures to secure these installations, a police officer said. Reports said that wearing bulletproof vests and helmets and carrying assault rifles, army, CRPF and J&K police personnel carried out random frisking and identification checks at several places in other districts of the Valley as well. Pertinently, 11 civilians, including non-local labourers and minority community members were killed in separate attacks by the militants in Kashmir in the last two weeks. J&K Police have detained and questioned hundreds of people as part of their probe into the civilian killings. In counter-insurgency operations by the police and security forces, 13 militants were killed this month. Punjab's Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has said a probe would be carried out to ascertain whether Aroosa Alam, a Pakistani journalist who has been visiting former chief minister Amarinder Singh for several years, has links with the ISI. Singh hit back at the Congress leader, saying Randhawa is now resorting to personal attacks. The deputy chief minister said it "would be probed" whether Alam has any links with Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), adding that he has asked the director general of police (DGP) to look into it. Read more: Navjot Singh Sidhu calls Amarinder Singh 'architect' of Centre's farm laws Singh said Alam had been coming to India for 16 years with due clearances from the Centre. "As far as who sponsored Aroosa's visa, of course I did, for 16 years," he said. "You were a minister in my cabinet@Sukhjinder_INC. Never heard you complain about Aroosa Alam. "And she'd been coming for 16 years with due GoI clearances. Or are you alleging that both NDA and @INC India led UPA govts in this period connived with Pak ISI?" the former chief minister's media adviser quoted him as saying on Twitter on Friday. Randhawa, who also holds the home portfolio in Punjab, claimed that Singh has been friends with Alam for years, she stayed in India for many years and her visa was extended by the Centre from time to time. He told reporters in Jalandhar on Thursday that it was only after the recent developments in the Punjab Congress, which saw Singh's exit as the chief minister, that Alam went back to Pakistan. Randhawa said when Singh was the chief minister, he kept saying that being a border state, Punjab always faced a threat with several seizures of drones and ammunition coming in from across the border. "Aroosa was in India for four-and-a-half years and her visa was also extended from time to time. Why did Delhi not cancel her visa? Why did she leave India when we went against Amarinder Singh?" he asked, referring to developments in the Punjab Congress last month. "I think all this needs to be probed and Captain Amarinder too will have to give answers to these questions," the Congress leader added. Hitting back at Randhawa, Singh said, "So now you're resorting to personal attacks @Sukhjinder_INC. One month after taking over this is all you have to show to the people. What happened to your tall promises on Bargari & drugs cases? Punjab is still waiting for your promised action." He said instead of focussing on maintaining law and order, the deputy chief minister has put the DGP on a "baseless investigation". "What I'm worried about @Sukhjinder_INC is that instead of focusing on maintaining law and order at a time when terror threat is high and festivals are around the corner, you've put @DGP Punjab Police on a baseless investigation at the cost of Punjab's safety," he said. Randhawa stepped up his attack on Singh in a series of tweets on Friday. "By the way sir @capt amarinder why are you so perturbed over probe on Aroosa and ISI links? Who sponsored her visa and everything concerning her will be thoroughly probed. I do hope everyone concerned will co-operate with police in probe," he tweeted. Replying back, Singh's media adviser quoted him as saying, "Perturbed? Have you ever seen me perturbed on any issue in all these years @Sukhjinder_INC? In fact, you seem to be perturbed and confused, if your flip flops are any indication. Why don't you make up your mind on this so-called probe against Aroosa Alam?" "As far who sponsored Aroosa's visa, of course I did, for 16 years. And FYI, @Sukhjinder_INC, requests for such visas are sent by Indian HC to @MEA India, which gets them cleared by RAW & IB before approving. And that's what happened in this case every time," he said. "What's more@Sukhjinder_INC, a detailed inquiry was conducted in 2007, when I was no longer CM, by NSA on order of then UPA PM before granting visa to Aroosa Alam. You still want to waste Punjab's resources on this? I'll help you with whatever you need," Singh said. Randhawa wrote on Twitter: "I am a true nationalist and you better know @capt amarinder from which point our differences erupted. Whereas, you don't worry about law and order situation as we have not outsourced the Punjab govt to 'anyone'. Now, police is protecting people, not cheekus and seetafal." He also took on Singh over the issue of sacrilege cases. "It was you who failed to take the probe in Maur blast, Bargari sacrilege and drugs cases to logical conclusions. Rest assured, all these cases will be taken to logical conclusion in coming days," the deputy chief minister said. "Almighty is always great as you@ capt amarinder have suffered because you failed to fulfil the commitment towards Guru Sahib even after taking oath of holy 'Gutka Sahib'. Punjab is and will remain in safe hands under@INCPunjab government," he added. Singh said "as far as Bargari inquiry, I dare you @Sukhjinder_INC to swear on Guru Granth Sahib ji & deny that both investigating officers Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh (now an AAP leader) & Ranbir Singh Khatra were appointed on your recommendations. Do your job instead of making wild charges against me". Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday visited the family of Jammu and Kashmir Police officer Parvaiz Ahmad who was killed by terrorists in June this year in Nowgam area of the city. Shah, who arrived here on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, drove straight to Nowgam from the airport. "The home minister visited the house of martyr of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Inspector Parvaiz, who was killed by terrorists," a home ministry official said. Officials said Shah offered his condolences to the family of the police officer. Also Read | Amit Shah arrives in Srinagar on 3-day visit, security issues on agenda He also gave documents of appointment to a government job to the police officer's widow, Fatima Akhtar, on compassionate grounds. In a tweet later, Shah said, "Today visited the family of martyr Parvaiz Ahmad Dar and paid tributes to him. I and the nation are proud of his bravery. Jammu and Kashmir Police is making all efforts to realise the vision of PM Modi for a new JK." Ahmad was shot dead by terrorists near his house in Nowgam when he was returning home after offering evening prayers on June 22. The home minister was accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister Jitendra Singh and Director General of Police Dilbag Singh. This is Shah's first visit to Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019. Check out latest DH videos here BJP was left red-faced after one of its senior leaders questioned claims of the Uttar Pradesh government regarding women's safety in the state, advising them not to go to the police stations after dark. BJP national vice-president Baby Rani Maurya, who gave this bizarre advice to women, also asked them not to go to cops unaccompanied. ''Although there are women constables and inspectors at the police stations, I will not advise women to go there after 5 pm,'' Maurya, who was a former governor of Uttarakhand, said while speaking at a function in Varanasi on Friday evening. ''If it becomes necessary for you (women) to go to the police stations then take your brother, husband or father along with you,'' she added. Maurya, however, hastened to add that the Centre and the state government had taken a number of steps for the safety of the women and that the situation had changed in the past few years. While the senior BJP leaders refrained from commenting on Maurya's remarks, Opposition parties were quick to pounce and said that her comments reflected the reality of the state. ''Women are not safe in UP. We have been saying for quite long that crimes against women have soared in the state and that women are not safe even in the police stations. Maurya's remarks have proved our allegations,'' said a senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader on Saturday. Check out DH's latest videos The Centre on Saturday asked states and Union Territories to share their plans on boosting the second-dose coverage as less than one-third of the 100-crore vaccinated beneficiaries have got the second shot so far, a blemish that could cripple the countrys ongoing fight against the pandemic. The directive came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the countrys top vaccine makers to strategise on furthering research to tackle any future pandemics. Also Read | Covid situation in Bengal deteriorates as 974 new cases, 12 fresh fatalities recorded The interaction with Modi was attended by Cyrus Poonawalla and Adar Poonawalla from Serum Institute of India, Krishna Ella and Suchitra Ella from Bharat Biotech International, Pankaj Patel and Shervil Patel from Zydus Cadila, Mahima Datla and Narender Mantela from Biological E. Ltd, Sanjay Singh and Satish Ramanlal Mehta from Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, Satish Reddy and Deepak Sapra from Dr Reddys Lab and Rajesh Jain and Harshit Jain from Panacea Biotec. SPECIAL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE ONLY ON DH Hailing the role of domestic vaccine manufacturers after India crossed the milestone of 100 crore vaccinations, Modi said the country needs to institutionalise the best practices learnt during the last one and a half years. This is an opportunity to modify our practices in tune with the global standards. Vaccine manufacturers should continuously work together to be ready to face future challenges, Modi said. Also Read | Singapore removes India, 5 other South Asian nations from travel restriction list Adar Poonawalla, Chief Executive Officer of Pune-based Serum Institute of India, said they discussed how to take the industry forward to prepare for future pandemics and to continue enhancing the capacity among other things. All over the world now, countries are going to invest in vaccine production and India needs to stay ahead. We discussed how to do that together with industry and government, Poonawallah said. In the meeting, domestic vaccine manufacturers applauded the regulatory reforms, simplified procedures, timely approvals and forthcoming and supportive nature of the government throughout this endeavour. Centre reviews progress In a review meeting on Saturday, the Union Health Ministry took stock of the progress of Covid-19 vaccination in states and UTs. The ministry asked them to generate a district-wise list of beneficiaries for the administration of the second dose and advised them to draw a plan involving district magistrates for reaching out to beneficiaries. Read | Life expectancy in India dropped by two years due to Covid-19: Study According to the data released by the Health Ministry, so far 71.24 cr first doses covering 76% of the eligible population and 30.06 cr second doses covering 32.0% of the eligible population have been administered. In a meeting with Health Secretaries and Mission Directors of National Health Mission (NHM) of states and UTs, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan flagged the sizable number of eligible beneficiaries who have not received their second dose. Also Read | US's work with India on vaccine manufacturing saving people's lives, says DFC chief States/UTs were also urged to improve the momentum of vaccination and accelerate the coverage as the country moves to vaccinate all the eligible population by end of the year. They were also advised to identify and prioritise districts having low coverage for focused action and explore requirements for mobilisation efforts, addressing local challenges, need for additional vaccination centres and improving access in rural areas. They were also requested to share their strategies to enhance the second-dose coverage. 'Shop online, avoid travel' With Diwali around the corner, the Union government on Saturday issued an advisory, urging people to shop online and avoid unnecessary travel to keep infection rates under control. It advised against mass gatherings in containment zones and districts with over 5% positivity rate. Check out DH's latest videos The Andhra Pradesh Police on Saturday arrested 10 persons accused of vandalism inside the TDP central office. The attacks by YSRCP supporters following a TDP leader's disparaging comments on Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy have elevated the political heat in the state. While TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu sat on a 36-hour fast in the damaged office condemning the attacks and demanding President's rule in the state, the ruling YSRCP too staged counter protests. Also Read | Impose President's rule and save AP, Chandrababu Naidu appeals to Centre Naidu is scheduled to meet President Ram Nath Kovind in New Delhi on Monday, to complain about the failure of law and order and breakdown of the constitutional machinery under CM Reddy's regime. Naidu has also sought the appointment of home minister Amit Shah. Ending his fast on Friday night, the former CM said that they would constitute a commission to inquire and penalise all those persons acting unjustly now. He also cautioned the police and other officials not to book false cases. Naidu has been accusing the state DGP Gautam Sawang of acting at the behest of the ruling side and that he has failed in protecting the TDP office and leaders from the YSRCP attacks. Naidu also demanded a CBI probe into these incidents. Also Read | Andhra Pradesh bandh: TDP leaders taken into preventive custody TDP leaders had alleged that the state police were not acting on their complaints despite providing proof of the involvement of the YSRCP leaders in the Tuesday attacks. On Saturday, Guntur Urban police stated that they have arrested 10 persons and are in search of other accused. We have issued notices to the TDP office for the CCTV footage but they are yet to provide us with evidence which would help us in identifying all those involved, police officials said. Also Read | Attacks on offices prompt TDP to call for bandh in AP on October 20 Meanwhile, the AP high court has allowed bail to K Pattabhi Ram. The police had on Wednesday night arrested the TDP leader whose disparaging comments on CM Reddy were said to have provoked the ruling party men to go on a rampage inside the TDP's Mangalagiri head office, injuring a few TDP activists. Pattabhi's house in Vijayawada was also vandalised the same day by miscreants. Vijayawada police said they have till now arrested 11 persons in this case. The TDP has been accusing YSRCP leaders and legislators of being involved in the ganja-drug trade. Watch the latest DH Videos here: A cargo ship collided with a fishing boat off Tamil Nadu coast and in the impact, two fishermen, part of a crew of 17, were 'thrown out' and the Coast Guard rescued them on Saturday. The collision was due to 'negligence' and it caused injuries to 17 fishermen besides 'damage' to the boat, South Asian Fishermen Fraternity, general secretary Father Churchill claimed, demanding compensation for the fishermen. The Kanyakumari district-based SAFF chief urged the government to take steps to get appropriate compensation on par with international standards for the fishermen as well as damages for the boat. "The Panama-flagged cargo ship Navious Venus bound for Mumbai from Singapore did not stop after ramming into the fishing boat. It was due to sheer negligence," he told PTI and urged authorities to seize the ship and arrest its captain. "Such incidents continue to happen as there is no strict action. If a vehicle driver causes an accident on road he is arrested. Why this is not followed in the case of a ship? Why this indifference" he asked. The Coast Guard, in a press release, said it received information about a mid-sea collision between a merchant's vessel 'Navious Venus' and fishing boat 'Shijumon.' Two crew members of the fishing boat were 'thrown overboard' due to the impact of the collision, it said. All the fishermen were rescued and provided medical assistance and early on Saturday, two of them, who were injured in the collision, were taken to Thiruvananthapuram government medical college by a medical team from CG Station Vizhinjam-Thiruvananthapuram. Both the CG and SAFF said that the fishing boat was escorted by local fishing boats and it reached the Colachel fishing harbour in Tamil Nadu with the remaining crew of 15. "We are in the process of getting an FIR filed with the marine police," the SAFF chief said. "As they were tossed up due to the impact of the collision, the 15-other fishermen also suffered injuries." In a representation to the Directorate General of Shipping seeking legal action, the SAFF said on October 22, as many as 17 fishermen set out for deep-sea fishing in the mechanised boat 'Shijumon' from Colachel government fishing harbour. The fishing boat belonged to a fisherman, Rajamani from Kotilpaadu of Kanyakumari district. While the fishing boat was around nineteen nautical miles from Colachel, the cargo ship collided with it and caused damage, resulting in injuries to fishermen two of whom were thrown out. Immediately, the master of the boat informed the Coast Guard about the collision and requested assistance and CG personnel reached the spot immediately. The two 'thrown out' and injured fishermen were K Chinnathurai and P Arulraj, aged 50 and 60 respectively, and they were taken to Thiruvananthapuram government medical college hospital for treatment. "We kindly request your good office to take necessary and immediate legal action against the ship Navious Venus which collided with fishermen boat Shijumon and caused injury to the fishermen and heavy damage to the mechanised boat," the representation said. A copy of the representation was also sent to fisheries, police and other authorities in Cochin, Chennai and Kanyakumari urging action. Of the 17 fishermen, 15 were from Tamil Nadu and two others from West Bengal. On February 15, 2012, two marines aboard an Italian-flagged oil tanker 'Enrica Lexie' allegedly shot dead two Indian fishermen, hailing from Kerala and on a fishing boat, "mistaking" them for pirates. Following remittance of Rs 10 crore compensation by Italy, the Supreme Court had in June this year directed the closure of criminal proceedings in India against two Italian marines, in connection with the killing of two fishermen off the Kerala coast. Watch the latest DH Videos here: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has decided to convene all-party meetings at the district level to solve the Podu land issues and protect the forest cover in the state. The meetings to be attended by MPs, MLAs, zilla and mandal parishad public representatives should arrive at a unanimous view on providing forest rights to those already involved in Podu cultivation. But after the cutoff, not even an inch of forestland should be encroached, the CM said. The increasing incidents in Telangana of tribals clashing with forest department officials affirming their rights over forest lands has prompted CM Rao to sit and discuss an acceptable way out. These clashes have sometimes turned violent like in Mahabubabad district in July this year when a forest officer was assaulted by a few tribal women. In June 2019, a woman forest officer was injured in one such attack with the alleged backing of a ruling party leader in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district. Podu or shifting cultivation as practiced by various tribal groups in forest areas has for long been an economical survival versus environmental sustenance issue. About 87 per cent of Podu encroachments are recorded in 12 north Telangana districts like Bhadradri-Kothagudem, Asifabad, Adilabad, Jayashankar Bhoopalpally, Khammam, Nirmal, Warangal, Kamareddy, Nizamabad and Nalgonda. Though the Rao government had earlier promised to extend due rights to the forest dwellers under the forest rights act, the assurances, analysts say, have mostly remained a lip service. Rao has on Saturday convened a meeting of the district collectors, forest department officials for solving the Podu lands problem. The CM instructed officials to accept claims from November 8 to December 8, from the tribals doing Podu cultivation. Preparatory meetings should be held, and village committees formed as per the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. One nodal officer appointed for two to three villages, RDO at the Sub Division level and collector at the district level should monitor the process. Tribals using forest area should be provided with an alternative government land nearby for podu cultivation. If there is no such land available, they should be given land on the outer periphery of the forest, Rao instructed officials. The CM wants forest land boundaries fixed with protection trenches and plants like the Nickernut plants grown on the boundary line. Forest department funds and MG-NREGA funds could be utilized for this purpose. Tribes like Gond, Koya, and Kolam have always preserved the forests; it is the outsiders who destroy them and if need be, preventive detention acts should be invoked against such people, the CM said. The Chief Minister instructed officials to stop government incentives like Rythu Bandhu, Rythu Bhima, free power to farmers indulging in Ganja cultivation. Pattas of those cultivating ganja in forest lands should be canceled. Such people should be sent to jail, directed Rao. Check out DH's latest videos India is a "vaccine powerhouse" and America's work with the country in vaccine manufacturing is saving people's lives, the head of the US International Development Finance Corporation, David Marchick, has said ahead of his India visit. The United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is Americas development bank, which invests in developing countries around the world. Leading a high-powered delegation, DFC Chief Operating Officer (COO) Marchick would travel to India from October 24 to 26. India is the most important and largest partner for DFC investment amounting to more than $2.3 billion, which is almost eight per cent of its overall exposure, Marchick said ahead of his India visit beginning Sunday. Also Read | PM Modi to meet 7 Indian Covid vaccine manufacturers on October 23 We have a very ambitious pipeline. We are very, very excited to work with India to drive economic development and strengthen the partnership between the United States and India, Marchick told PTI in a recent interview. The DFC COO is currently visiting South Africa, from where he is scheduled to travel to India. Normally the DFCs work lifts up people's lives. Our work with India on vaccine manufacturing is saving people's lives, he said in response to a question. During his India trip, Marchick is scheduled to travel to Hyderabad where he will visit the offices of the Indian vaccine manufacturer Biological E and participate in a signing ceremony to open a new facility with substantial capacity for vaccine manufacturing. India is a vaccine powerhouse. It has very innovative and productive companies in the space. They're producing huge numbers of vaccines, he said. At the same time, he noted that the world needs additional capacity. India is an absolutely critical part of the solution for the pandemic, given that it is a vaccine powerhouse, Marchick said, underlining that India reaching the milestone of one billion doses is extraordinary. India scripted history on Thursday with the cumulative Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country surpassing the 100-crore milestone. Prior to the start of the pandemic, total vaccine manufacturing capacity around the world was around five billion. That's for all vaccines, including for polio and yellow fever. We need somewhere in the range of 11 billion doses of manufacturing capacity around the world for Covid alone. So, India can play a huge role in filling that gap. And the DFC, the Biden administration, is using its tools to help expand vaccine manufacturing in India and around the world to help get shots in arms, Marchick said. This work is in advancement of the historic commitment set out by President Joe Biden and his counterparts in the 'Quad' Australia, India, Japan and the US. On September 24, Biden hosted the first-ever in-person summit of Quad leaders at the White House. At President Biden's invitation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterparts Scott Morrison from Australia and Yoshihide Suga from Japan had attended the Quad summit. After the conclusion of the summit, the Quad leaders in a joint statement had said that in addition to doses financed through COVAX, the four-nation bloc has pledged to donate more than 1.2 billion doses globally of safe and effective Covid-19 vaccines and has so far delivered nearly 79 million safe, effective, and quality-assured vaccine doses to countries in the Indo-Pacific as part of those commitments. Observing that American healthcare experts are in regular touch with the Indian authorities and companies to provide technical assistance, the COO said the DFC provided financing of about $50 million for a new facility to be built for Biological E and a new factory, which will substantially expand its capacity to allow it to manufacture in excess of a billion doses. In addition to helping India expand its vaccine manufacturing capacity, DFC has been a major investor in Indias other sectors as well, he said. We're a huge investor in India. We have $2.3 billion of investments already. We have a significant pipeline of over $1 billion. So, we would be one of the larger investors in India. Our goal is to catalyse private sector financial activity, he said. DFC, he said, is particularly focused on four sectors: climate, health, equity and gender opportunities and then technology. These are obviously four critical areas for the development of India's economy, Marchick observed. On climate, obviously the president (Biden) has said that climate is an existential threat. India is a linchpin in having the world address the climate crisis, Marchick said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seized with the issue and India "has the most ambitious renewable energy strategy of any country in the world" and we want to help and be a solution provider for that. On gender equity, DFCs main goal is to provide financing for small and medium sized enterprises that are run by women, are owned by women. We have partnered with a number of financial institutions in India to provide them with liquidity and capital, which they can then lend to small and medium sized enterprises in India, the COO said. In technology, obviously India is a powerhouse and we provide financing for various technology missions, Marchick said. However, the main reason for the trip is vaccine and vaccine manufacturing. Check out latest DH videos here Amid intense speculation of a leadership change in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition government, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday left the state on a "private visit", soon after Delhi deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia claimed that the BJP was likely to drop him from the top seat. State BJP leaders have dismissed reports about dropping Sawant from the Chief Minister's chair, saying such changes cannot be made with assembly polls scheduled to be held a few months later. Earlier on Saturday, Aam Aadmi Party leader Sisodia while addressing a press conference in Delhi had claimed that the BJP had resolved to drop Sawant from the CM's position on grounds of poor administration and inefficient handling of the Covid crisis. Also Read | BJP set to replace Goa CM ahead of assembly polls, claims AAP We have learnt from very reliable sources that BJP is going to change its CM in Goa. Just two months before the assembly election, the party will replace Pramod Sawant and appoint a new Chief Minister. They have done this in Uttarakhand and in Karnataka. The BJP has now realised, just two months before the polls, that the people of Goa are very unhappy with Sawant," Sisodia told reporters in the national capital. "He and his government have done no work there. They have realised that they cannot contest the election under his leadership. This must be the first time in the history of the country that the ruling party realises two months before an election that their party has done no work and is now set to change the CM. The BJP is admitting it, Sisodia told reporters in Delhi. AAP, which is keen on making a political splash in Goa in the 2022 polls, has been taking on the BJP-led coalition government in the coastal state. Interestingly, Sawant, along with state BJP president Sadanand Shet Tanavade and party organising secretary Satish Dhond had been summoned to Delhi at short notice on Friday. The state BJP leaders had met BJP national president JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national general secretary BL Santosh and the party's Goa desk in-charge and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, with Sawant claiming that election-related issues were discussed at the joint meeting. However, soon after Sisodia's announcement in Delhi, Sawant took off once again from Goa on Saturday afternoon. Speaking to reporters at Goa's Dabolim international airport, the Chief Minister said that he was "not going to Delhi", but was travelling outstation on a personal visit. While sources said that Sawant was heading for Gujarat, the Chief Minister's office in a message said, "Hon CM is travelling out of the state for a personal program and will not be available in the state for Public Meetings till Monday 25 Oct 2021". "I do not know. These are rumours. CM is running the state government well. I feel no party will carry out such changes with just two months (to polls)," former state BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar said. Union Minister of State for Tourism and North Goa MP Shripad Naik has also denied that Sawant was likely to be dropped as Chief Minister. Check out DH's latest videos Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai must be considered a towering intellect compared to many ministers and chief ministers belonging to his party who are not just lacking in education but make a brazen show of it each time they open their mouths. Bommai, after all, grew up in the intellectual milieu of his father S R Bommai, Ramakrishna Hegde, J H Patel and others of the Janata Parivar, broadly aligned with the Left of Centre ideology and apparently the radical humanism of M N Roy. Trained as an engineer and exposed to this intellectual upbringing, Bommai should be able to analyse social phenomena with a humanist and progressive approach and give them rational explanations. How such a mind can accept the illogic and unreason of his current ideological home, Hindutva, a toxic religiosity used for political purposes,is an unresolved puzzle. But such ideological compromises produce some bizarre formulations, as Bommai has demonstrated. Recently, while defending the vigilante forces of Dakshina Kannada district, Bommai came up with a strange explanation that moral policing occurs when moral values in society diminish. What he said, in effect, was that the goon squads of Mangaluru and Dakshina Kannada threatening and assaulting the local youth are, in his view, the guardians of our morality, and that their victims were lacking in morality and deserved to be censured, threatened or beaten up. That formulation reflects a rather disturbing mindset. To put the Chief Ministers statement in context, it must be noted that in recent days, Dakshina Kannada district has seen several cases of young people belonging to different faiths, travelling together or socialising, being confronted, threatened or attacked by right-wing activists as one newspaper reported on October 14. To that, Bommai said that these incidents were to be seen through the prism of action and reaction. He argued that moral values are needed in society and that it is improper for young people to act in a way that affects social values. The action in this case was boys and girls of different faiths travelling together or socialising, which is certainly not an offence under any law. And the reaction was threats and attacks by right-wing activists. That clearly is an offence, and the vigilantes should have been booked under any of the sections of IPC ranging from Sections 319 to 324 or 504, 506 and 509. Instead, they are being extolled by the Chief Minister as Dharma Rakshaks, like the Gau Rakshaks in Uttar Pradesh who go around lynching Muslims. Firstly, since when did the government or a political party or its goons become the custodians of our morals? When we vote a party to power, we certainly do not grant them the power to legislate on who our daughters should marry or who our children should fraternise with, do we? Such encroachments into our personal and social lives can only be seen in totalitarian systems. As far as I know, we are not yet in a totalitarian system and those we have elected to govern us have to do so in a constitutional democracy wherein We, the people have solemnly resolved to secure to ourselves Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity as the foundational principles on which the accountability of all governance rests. This lofty ideal Fraternity, assuring the dignity of the individual and (unity and integrity of the nation) was inserted at the insistence of Babasaheb Ambedkar precisely to prevent the division and polarisation of our society on religious and caste lines. Its a sad turn that those who have taken the oath of office to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India are working to wreck it. Secondly, how has the government determined that our moral values have diminished or are diminishing? From what standards have they fallen and who sets those standards? Thirdly, has the government outsourced the task of upholding our moral values to a bunch of vigilantes? And what exactly are they upholding -- Manu Smriti and unquestioned patriarchy that subjugates women? The vigilantes must have been put behind bars. Instead, a BJP MLA goes to the police station and receives them on their release, just as Jayant Sinha, a former Union minister went and garlanded eight persons convicted of lynching a Muslim man to death when they were released on bail in Hazaribagh in July 2018. Are our elected representatives being directed by some authority other than their oath to uphold the Constitution to go and express solidarity with self-appointed custodians of our moral values? Apparently, members of the Sangh Parivar believe that they are the chosen ones to protect our Dharma. And the RSS Sarsanghachalak Mohan Bhagwat seems to think this is the moment for them to fulfill their mission. The very confused man goes about one day exhorting Muslims to integrate into the larger Hindu community as their DNA is the same and on another day rages against Muslims whose population, according to him, is outgrowing Hindu population, or exhorting Hindu girls not to defy their patriarchal diktat in marrying outside their religion. Not only are these men now above the law but they are shaping the law of the land the Love Jihad laws in many BJP states, for instance. As if to assure the Sarsanghachalak, the Chief Minister has reiterated that a law against religious conversion in Karnataka is being contemplated and will be framed soon. He is, no doubt, looking to the example set by his counterpart in UP, Yogi Adityanath. Here Bommai will do well to remember that voters in Karnataka did not take warmly to the election campaigns of Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath and that probably was one of the factors for BS Yediyurappas failure to win a majority in 2018. Note also, Chief Minister, that this is a land ruled by both the Wadiyars and Tipu Sultan; shaped by the philosophy of both Basavanna and Shishunala Sharifa. Let not Nagpur, Lucknow or the Gujarat model guide our policymaking here in Karnataka. They have nothing to offer except a toxic brand of religious polarisation. Let us be true to our own history, culture and genius. Let the Constitution be our guide. (The writer is a former Cabinet Secretariat official) By Kathryn Buchanan, Gillian Sandstrom, Lara Aknin and Shaaba Lotun for The Conversation Picture this: its April 2020, youre between Zoom meetings, and scrolling through your social media newsfeed. Headlines like Death toll continues to rise, Covid-19 may cause long-term health implications and Health-care systems overwhelmed flash across your screen. Your mood takes a dive, but you cant stop scrolling. If this scenario rings true for you, youre not alone. Research shows people have a tendency to seek out information during uncertain times its a natural coping mechanism. But is persistent information-seeking on social media, sometimes called doomscrolling, helpful during a pandemic, or any time? Research on the effects of bad news on mood more generally suggest exposure to negative Covid news is likely to be detrimental to our emotional wellbeing. And indeed, early evidence on the effects of Covid news consumption on mental distress reflected this. For instance, one study conducted in March 2020 involving more than 6,000 Americans found that the more time participants spent consuming Covid news in a day, the unhappier they felt. These findings are striking but leave a few key questions unanswered. Does doomscrolling make people unhappy, or are unhappy people just more likely to doomscroll? How much time spent doomscrolling is a problem? And what would happen if, instead of doomscrolling, we were kindness scrolling reading about humanitys positive responses to a global crisis? To find out, we conducted a study where we showed hundreds of people real-world content on either Twitter or YouTube for two to four minutes. The Twitter feeds and YouTube videos featured either general news about Covid, or news about kindness during Covid. We then measured these participants moods using a questionnaire, and compared their moods with participants who did not engage with any content at all. People who were shown general Covid-related news experienced lower moods than people who were shown nothing at all. Meanwhile, people who were shown Covid news stories involving acts of kindness didnt experience the same decline in mood, but also didnt gain the boost in mood wed predicted. These findings suggest that spending as little as two to four minutes consuming negative news about Covid-19 can have a detrimental impact on our mood. Although we didnt see an improvement in mood among participants who were shown positive news stories involving acts of kindness, this may be because the stories were still related to Covid. In other research, positive news stories have been associated with improvements in mood. Making your social media a more positive place Our research was published earlier this month. Ironically, news coverage of our findings, with headlines such as Just five minutes spent on social media is enough to make you miserable, study finds, could be part of a persons doomscrolling content. But we didnt find that all social media use makes people miserable. Rather, we found that consuming negative content about Covid via Twitter or YouTube in the midst of a pandemic does. So what can we do to look after ourselves, and make our time on social media more pleasurable? One option is to delete our social media accounts altogether. Figures show almost half of Facebook users in the UK and the US considered leaving the platform in 2020. But how realistic is it to distance ourselves from platforms that connect nearly half of the worlds population, particularly when these platforms offer social interactions at a time when face-to-face interactions can be risky, or impossible? Given that avoidance might not be practical, here are some other ways to make your experience on social media more positive. Be mindful of what you consume on social media. If you log on to connect with other people, focus on the personal news and photos shared instead of the latest headlines. Seek out content that makes you happy to balance out your newsfeed. This may be images of cute kittens, beautiful landscapes, drool-worthy food videos or something else. You could even follow a social media account dedicated to sharing only happy and positive news. Use social media to promote positivity and kindness. Sharing good things that are happening in your life can improve your mood, and your positive mood can spread to others. You may also like to compliment others on social media. While this might sound awkward, people will appreciate it more than you think. Importantly, were not suggesting that you avoid all news and negative content. We need to know whats happening in the world. However, we should also be mindful of our mental health. As the pandemic continues to alter our lives and newsfeeds, our findings highlight the importance of being aware of the emotional toll negative news takes on us. But there are steps we can take to mitigate this toll and make our social media a happier place. Check out latest DH videos here Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah took potshots at the ruling BJP for its celebration of one billion jabs. "The devil is in the details," the Congress leader said in a series of tweets. "Only 29 crore people out of 139 crore are fully vaccinated, which means only about 21% are fully vaccinated. What are BJP leaders celebrating for? For vaccinating just 21% of the population," he asked. "Only 29 crore people have got two-doses & 42 crore have got one dose, leaving 62 crore without any single dose of vaccine. With just 29 crore (21%) people fully vaccinated, India's position is still in danger. Are BJP leaders celebrating India's vulnerability? India still needs about 106 crore doses to fully vaccinate the target by 31st December. This means 1.51 crore doses have to be administered everyday. Is India prepared to handle this load & ensure all Indians are fully vaccinated by this year end?" Siddaramaiah said. According to Siddaramaiah, 56% of the population in the US is fully vaccinated, 70% in China and 71% in Canada. "But India's fully vaccinated coverage is just 21%. Mr Modi, let us raise the bar before celebrating," Siddaramaiah said, urging the PM to "put on hold the celebrations" and think of a booster dose. BJP national general secretary C T Ravi tweeted, targeting Congress leaders thus: "Didn't see any CONgress leader congratulating the nation for the 100 crore vaccination drive. Guess they are more loyal to Sonia Mata than Bharata Mata!" Former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy said that if JD(S) was a B-team of BJP then they would have been in power and ruling the state for five years. Speaking to media persons here on Saturday, Kumaraswamy said his party has not softened its stand against any party and it was Leader of Opposition in Assembly Siddaramaiah whose stand in 2006 resulted in JD(S) joining hands with BJP. If we were B-team of BJP, then why would we (JDS) join hands with Congress in 2019 to form the government. We would have gone with BJP and stayed in power for five years, he said and added that as Siddaramaiah has no other issue on which he could target JD(S), the Congress leader is making this baseless statement. Also Read | RSS turns favourite poll-time bugbear for Siddaramaiah, HD Kumaraswamy He claimed that Siddaramaiah is targeting only him in the party as he realises he without Kumaraswamy JD(S) will be weak and he need not worry about the party anymore. Victory in Sindagi The JD(S) leader claimed confidence in winning the Sindagi by-polls. The development works taken up during JD(S) Supremo H D Deve Gowda and his term will ensure the partys victory. People still remember the irrigation projects and crop loan waiver that JD(S) government had implemented, he said. Kumaraswamy said that after former MLA C M Udasi, whose demise necessitated the by-polls in Hangal, shifted from JD(S) to BJP, his party had got weakened in Hangal Constituency. However, with the early announcement of candidate JD(S) stands a better chance to win the seat. Watch the latest DH Videos here: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said that the Congress party has stooped to such a low level that it is unable to appreciate Indias achievement. Speaking to media persons after garlanding the statue of warrior queen Kittur Channamma on the occasion of her birth anniversary at Channamma Circle in Hubballi on Saturday, he said that 100 crore vaccine dose is not the achievement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, neither has Modi claimed so. It is the achievement of the country, its medical fraternity, scientists and the people who got the vaccination. It is unfortunate that Congress can not appreciate even these covid warriors, he said. Also Read | Coal supply prioritised temporarily to power sector to replenish dwindling stock: CIL Countering Leader of Opposition in Assembly Siddaramaiah, Joshi said the former chief minister is quoting wrong statistics. In less than 10 months, India has been able to provide 100 crore doses of vaccination. No other country in the world has been able to achieve such huge numbers. More than 31% of the people have received a second dose of vaccine. Even the most advanced countries like the USA, Japan and others have not been able to achieve this. Of the total 700 crore vaccines that have been provided worldwide, India alone has provided more than 100 crores he claimed. I can understand and sympathise with former AICC president Rahul Gandhi of unable to understand data and information. At least other Congress leaders should not behave like Rahul Gandhi, he said and reminded the Congress leaders of how polio and other vaccines reached India decades after the world vaccinated its people. No shortage of coal Also Read | Coal, railway, power ministers discuss coal supply situation at power plants Joshi, who also holds Coal & Mines portfolio, claimed that there is no shortage of coal in India at present. India faced a shortage of coal for four or five days. However, at present, the government has ensured that nearly 2.1 million tonnes of coal are supplied to thermal power stations across India. In the next four-five days the stockpile at these power stations will improve, he said. Defends Kateel The Union minister defended State BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateels statement on drug addict Rahul Gandhi and said Kateel has not made any personnel statement but stated a news report. Personally, I will not support personal attacks on leaders. However, Congress has been making such personal attacks against Modi for long. Even Siddaramaiah has called names and used singular words against the PM, he said. Watch the latest DH Videos here: Shannon Wilkinson recently successfully auditioned for a career defining role in Derry playwright, Brian Fosters When the Creggan Heights Spinster Met the Buncrana Stud as it is set to take to the big stage. The 24-year-old, who was born and raised in Creggan, says her success is down to the support of her loving family. I grew up with my two big sisters, my big brother and my mammy and daddy. We are a very close family, a very supportive family. Theyve always supported me in what I wanted to do. For example, when I was younger my big sister, Claire, would put on shows with me like Stars in their Eyes or variety concerts and we would dance over them and God love her, she was a good few years older than me, so for her, she's probably thinking Im just doing this for my wee sister. But to me, it was like, you are my hero. You're teaching me how to dance and how to have fun. From a really young age, because of my family, I always had a creative edge and the creative side was always there for me. My mammy is the reason I then started acting. Shes an actor herself, she never went full time or professionally, because she had us four. But, when she was going to rehearsals when I was young, I was about eight years old, and I asked if I could go with her, I really wanted to go and see what she did. Shannon wih Orla Graham and Sarah Reid in Two Fingers Up in 2019. Photo: Niall McAleer She was like great, okay, so we went to her rehearsals and it just completely blew my mind. I was in awe of my mammy up there on stage and being someone else and a telling story. For me, it was like when you watch TV or see a film when you're a child. You're like, that's magic. Seeing my mammy on stage was like seeing the magic being revealed. From there, Shannon jumped straight into drama classes and she fell in love. She was surrounded by amazing talent from people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Shannon also pursued her talents at school. She said: Going to those classes from such a young age, Carmel McCafferty, Murie McCallion and Kevin McCallion, they taught me a lot of what I know today because they're the kind of memories that you take with you. I never really liked school either, I was the class clown, it was a defensive thing because I wasnt book smart, but I loved drama. I had the most phenomenal dance and drama teachers, Audrey Beagly and Greta McTague. They really, really believed in me. Shannon went on to study Performing Arts at the Tech (North West Regional College) in Derry. It was there she built her confidence, learned all the different skills and roles within the industry and described it as 'the best two years of her life.' After this, she was signed to NOVA artists and was one of the first actors on the books. She said: I started getting really nervous because now there was nobody to hold my hand. There was nobody to teach me anything. There was just a big world and auditions and I went to them and that's what happened. I had to choose what path I wanted to take. Growing up, I was always drawn to theatre. I was Robin Hood in my P7 show, I was so happy and buzzing with that and it spiralled from there. So, when I left Tech, I really wanted to go down the route of educational theatre. I noticed that that's where I felt like I was making more of a difference. So, don't get me wrong, I absolutely love being on stage and I love doing all these different stories but whenever I'm doing a show, about a topic like mental health or domestic abuse or sexual consent, whatever it is, I feel like I am not only enjoying being on stage and being someone else, but I'm also helping people out there. Shannon took part and toured Ireland in shows such as Wasted, a show about sexual consent, Happily Ever After, written to raise awareness for domestic abuse and Two fingers up about sex education and female liberation as many schools across the North still do not have a practical sex education curriculum. Shannon in Wasted by Kat Woods (2018). Some of the tours were also performed in bars, youth clubs and schools all over the North to raise awareness. Shannon said: It was such a good experience just being able to talk to different people. People would come up to me after and say, 'you have no idea how much that has helped me and I feel like I can speak up and you don't realise the impact it has on people. It was emotionally draining, because they were heavy topics, but it was so worth it.' Not long after her last play, the pandemic hit. Like many actors, Shannon was out of work and it was the longest period of time she had gone without working or performing. Shannon spoke candidly of her mental health struggle through the pandemic. She said: My mental health was really, really bad. I've always had depression but I had always managed it and could live and be happy. But when Covid hit, my depression was back and it was worse than it ever had been before and then I got diagnosed with anxiety. I'd never experienced anxiety before, panic attacks or anything. Being in lockdown, being away and isolated from your family, from your friends, from so many people. It had a really bad effect on me. I just got to a point where I didn't even want to act anymore. That's the bad thing for me, because growing up and from such a young age, it's the only thing that I knew that I was good at and the only thing I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It was the lowest moment for me, I just didnt think I would ever go back to the person I was before, I felt worthless and like I had nothing to offer. Shannon made some life changes and moved back in with her parents. With the love and support of her close family and friends, Shannon started to get better. I started opening up to people. I started being honest with my emotions and how I felt. I went for counselling at CALMS. They are such a great organisation. They've done so much for me. Breathwork and meditation, finding my spiritual journey. It got me to where I am today. I want people to know that you can come out the other side. When I stopped giving people the power to determine my self-worth and achievements, the ball started rolling. There is help out there and I want people to know that. As shows started production post-pandemic, an audition for Derry Girls came up and Shannon auditioned. A proud Derry girl herself, she felt confident and was hoping this would be her comeback role. Unfortunately, Shannon did not get the part and it knocked her confidence back. It was then that a friend of Shannons sent her the post about Brian Foster hosting auditions for The Creggan Heights Spinster Met The Buncrana Stud. Shannon jumped at the chance to audition, I have never worked with Brian Foster before and I really, really wanted to because so many people that I have worked with, have worked with him. Brian Foster, writer of When the Creggan Heights Spinster Met the Buncrana Stud. I've seen so many of his shows and they're absolutely phenomenal, she continued, Maire: A Woman of Derry, its the most heart-breaking show but the funniest too. You're laughing one minute and then you're crying. Not a lot of writers can do that. So, for me, I've always wanted to work with Brian. I hadn't done a theatre show in quite a few years because of Covid. The last time I was in front of an audience would have been 2019, which for me, that's been my longest gap ever of not being on stage but theatre is my home. Shannon went to the audition, a show set in the streets she grew up in, and found out only hours later that she had landed the role. I started getting emotional, really upset, because I always thought that being good enough was hearing it from someone else. This journey in life, you're the only one who can work hard for what you want. You're the only one that can pave the way for what you want to be. I just felt so proud of myself. I told my mammy and she said to me that this play is going to be absolutely hilarious. She had seen it before and she said every time the audience stopped laughing, it was time to start laughing at the next joke. Its full of references from Derry and I am so proud to work on this as a proud Derry woman myself. Its an honour to work with the cast that I am and I had to take a moment to tell them that. Im working with Gerry Doherty, Martin Bradley, Pat Lynch, Kathy Deehan and they are all the actors I looked up to growing up. Going through school, Tech, drama clubs, youth groups, organisations and all that there, it was brilliant but to share a stage with all these amazing actors, its going to be brilliant. I am really excited and I am really looking forward to it, I hope Derry is too. It was played by a phenomenal actress before, Rachel Melaugh, and I just really hope that I can do the part justice. Im playing a 28-year-old in the sixties. I want all the women of Derry to be reliving their youth through me and to be looking going, mind we used to wear those skirts and have our hair like that. I want the audience to see that and to give that to them. When the Creggan Heights Spinster Met tThe Buncrana Stud will hit the Forum stage next March. 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. Ministers Byrne and Hackett to attend second Plenary Session of the Conference on the Future of Euro News Tomorrow, the Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, T.D., and the Minister of State with responsibility for Land Use and Biodiversity, Senator Pippa Hackett, will virtually attend the second plenary session of the Conference on the Future of Europe in Strasbourg. The Plenary Sessions of the Conference on the Future of Europe brings together representatives from the 27 EU Member States, national parliaments, the European Parliament, the European Commission and other EU representative bodies and social partners along with ordinary citizens. Discussion within the Plenary is guided by suggestions and ideas from ordinary citizens, including those submitted through the EUs multilingual digital platform designed especially for the Conference. Speaking on the eve of the Conference Minister Byrne said: The Plenary of the Conference has a key role to play in giving ordinary European citizens a platform to express their opinions on the future direction of our Union. This weekends Plenary is debating and discussing topics and suggestions put forward by citizens from all across the EU on matters that are important to them. This is our second substantive meeting and represents an important milestone as all Plenary delegates finally come together to discuss the challenges facing the EU and how we can overcome them. Over the last number of months, I have engaged and listened to a wide range of voices within Ireland and, indeed, across Europe on issues such as climate, education, health and digital transformation. The EU is as relevant to the residents of Slane and of Sligo as it is to the residents of Strasbourg. I encourage everyone to engage with the website, or to organise and attend a Conference event in your local community. It is these ideas and suggestions that will guide our work in future plenary sessions. Minister Hackett said: I welcome this opportunity to engage with our European partners on some of the key issues and challenges that affect us all as we face the future. It is vital, given how committed and proud a member of the European community Ireland is, that we contribute fully to the discussion about how the EU develops over the coming years. Consultation will be key however. Ensuring that all voices are heard in the discussions is the best way to ensure an inclusive Europe, representative of all so I hope everyone with an interest will share their views and contribute towards the continued development of our shared European home. The Conferences Digital Platform can be accessed at www.futureu.europa.eu. ENDS | Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey has welcomed new research, which could pave the way for a boost in marine tourism on the east coast. The study was carried out by NUI Galway as part of the European Unions Moses Project. Researchers used the Wild Atlantic Way as a model to examine how sustainable tourism in coastal areas could benefit the local economy. The Midlands-North-West MEP said areas like the Cooley Peninsula could lead the way in sustainable tourism on the east coast of Ireland. The success of the Wild Atlantic Way can be replicated on the east coast, particularly when it comes to sustainable tourism", he said. "Areas like Carlingford and the wider Cooley Peninsula have the potential to draw in more tourists outside the traditional holiday season through the development of niche attractions and sustainable visitor experiences. "However, we must ensure that the correct infrastructure is in place and that there is no adverse impact to the environment. "The research also stresses that close collaboration with local communities is key. "Its crucial that all stakeholders come together to strengthen sustainable tourism in the area which would lead to further job creation and a provide a boost to the Louth economy. "This could also feed into plans for a tourism trail from Carlingford Lough to Cobh called The Irish Sea Way. "The Programme for Government commits to a consultation process with communities along the eastern and southern coastline as part of the project while plans for greenways are already progressing. "International visitors want greener options when it comes to tourism and there is nowhere as green as Ireland to offer them that choice. Peter Mark has honoured three of its stylists in Louth for their valued contribution and long-standing service to the company. The Peter Mark Long Service Awards recognises employees from salons across the country who have worked at Peter Mark for 10 years or more. The three Louth hairstylists honoured were from the Peter Mark The Marshes Dundalk Salon. In total, 209 Peter Mark colleagues across the country received a Long Service Award this year. Of the 209 honoured, the average length of service was 18 years and collectively they have almost 4,000 years of experience in the hairdressing industry ranging from stylists to support staff. Commenting on the Long Service Awards, Peter ORourke, CEO of Peter Mark said: It is fitting that we take time out to celebrate the amazing talent across our business who bring such creativity and passion to our brand each day. "I am proud to honour three colleagues in Louth for their longstanding service and commitment. "People are the core of our business and thats why we place huge emphasis on nurturing the talent that comes through our doors. "Our goal is to provide a lifelong career in the industry, and we offer continuous professional development which is delivered through our world class training programme. Peter Mark is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Founded by brothers Peter and Mark Keaveney in 1961 on Grafton Street, Dublin, the hairdressing duo created the style, trends, and techniques of the swinging Sixties in Dublin and have since gone on to shape the industry in Ireland. From the fledgling business on Grafton Street, Peter Mark has now become one of Irelands most recognisable brands with 67 salons on the island of Ireland. 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 CLOVIS A transplanted New Yorker seeking to grow marijuana in Curry County and an Albuquerque-based financial consultant know they are not alone in seeing great business potential for legalized recreational cannabis in eastern New Mexico. The pair are sponsoring a business-to-business conference scheduled for Tuesday in Clovis to help prospective eastern New Mexico cannabis entrepreneurs, accountants, lawyers and government officials learn from experts and specialists about business, financial, licensing and legal aspects of the new industry as it advances toward its scheduled launch in April. Speakers and workshop leaders are expected to include accountants, bankers, and lawyers, as well as current producers and retailers, according to a news release announcing the conference. No cannabis products will be sold at the conference, the news release stated. The one-day Curry County Cannabis Conference, including panel discussions, group workshops and speakers, will begin at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Clovis Civic Center. Details on cost, registration and the agenda are available at http://www.newmexicograss.com. Conference sponsor Brian Rogers, whose executive communications training business is based in New York City, is making his home in Clovis while he licenses and establishes an indoor marijuana growing facility near Texico under the business name Llano Sativa, he said. Rogers co-sponsor is Elevar Business Advisors, based in Albuquerque, whose owner Erin Gandara says she has learned much in recent months about the unique accounting and financing aspects of the recreational marijuana business. She also has experience working with medical marijuana business clients, she said. In eastern New Mexico, Gandara estimated annual revenues of $20 million to $30 million from legalized cannabis businesses. Rogers was far more optimistic, projecting the cannabis business in eastern New Mexico could bring in up to $200 million a year in revenue. Statewide, Rogers said, he expects the cannabis business to generate up to $1 billion a year. The New Mexico Legislature estimated legalized cannabis to bring in $325 million a year by its fourth year. Most of the cannabis revenue in eastern New Mexico, Rogers said, is likely to come from growing marijuana for retailers. Profit margins for growers, he said, are likely to be equal to those for retailers, at least while supply of marijuana products is expected to lag behind the demands of retailers. That margin is likely to be greater than profit margins for growers of other crops, Rogers and Gandara agreed. Clovis, Rogers noted, is located at convenient distances from both Las Cruces and Albuquerque to serve the legal marijuana markets centered on both cities, which will be the states largest. In addition, he said, Curry and Roosevelt counties have an abundance of inexpensive land and good weather conditions for growing marijuana. For retailers, he said, there is also a lot of profit potential in serving Texas populations, given Clovis is about a 90-minute drive from both Lubbock and Amarillo. Including the towns and cities between Clovis and the large Texas cities, Rogers said, the total population is about 550,000. Between 10% and 20% are likely to be cannabis users, he said. Conservatively, he said, thats about 55,000 people who potentially could travel to eastern New Mexico for recreational marijuana supplies. Medical marijuana users average about $100 per month in purchases, Rogers said, and assuming that recreational users would spend the same amount, the Texas market could bring in about $5.5 million a month, or about $66 million a year. That would mean 450 to 500 pounds of product would have to be available at any given time, he said. Supply is not likely to keep up with demand at first, he said, which will increase profit margins for growers. Rogers also said there is likely to a market for Air BnB-type establishments that will allow cannabis to be consumed on the premises. The retail market in Curry and Roosevelt counties is not likely to be as lucrative, Rogers said, given the total population of around 45,000. Gandara said accounting and banking for cannabis-based businesses is unique and complex. Since cannabis sales and purchases still violate federal law, she said, national banks are unwilling to take marijuana business accounts. At the conference, she said, participants will learn about the unique financial aspects of the cannabis business from representatives of companies that specialize in cannabis accounting and organizations like the National Association of Cannabis Accountants and Tax Professionals. A new centre bridging the post-hospitalisation gap for stroke survivors is set to open in the city, the first of its kind in Cork. Cork Stroke Support Group, which was first established in 2010 by three nurses working at St Finbarrs Hospital stroke rehab unit, has secured a new premises which will allow the voluntary-led group to extend its supports. Chairperson Dan Cronin said that the number of stroke survivors attending St Finbarrs activity centre pre-pandemic made it very apparent that the activity centre wouldnt suffice and so a new premises for Cork Stroke Support Centre was sought after. The new centre is set to be officially opened by Lord Mayor Cllr Colm Kelleher on World Stroke Day at Riverview Business Park on Bessborough Road on Friday, October 29. Mr Cronin said that it has been a journey to secure the correct premises that met all of the centres needs as numerous premises around the city werent fit for purpose. The centre is the first of its kind in Cork and will offer support to stroke survivors and their families as they transition from hospital to home and will offer a wide range of assistance including counselling, physio and peer support. The biggest issue faced with any stroke survivor is being understood in so far as we wouldnt necessarily know what a stroke survivor is going through, the fact that they cant use their left side or right side so peer support from another stroke survivor is really important because theres an understanding there and a commonality there and so peer support is probably one of the most important things offered. Information is also really important and thats what we offer, exercises for both the stroke survivors and their families. The centre will have many medical professionals working on a voluntary basis to deliver services, including nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. Were all volunteers giving our time to try and make supports better, he said. Mr Cronin said they have been blown away by the support since securing a premise, including donations from businesses and people offering their time to tile bathrooms and paint walls which he said has been absolutely fantastic. Its great to see the community coming together to help with what I say is the best-kept secret in the country because a lot of people dont know we even exist. I think it's very poignant that its opening on World Stroke Day because its been a long journey for us over the last 18 or 19 months to get where were going and to be able to extend the services that we offer will be absolutely amazing, he said. Sandra Ellen Dunn Locke of Elkmont, Alabama, passed away at Cape Canaveral Hospital on October 31, 2021. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Sandra is survived by her husband, Anthony Locke and their daughter, Ashley Norman; her son, Andrew Tybergh Security stands at the entrance to a film set where police say actor Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun, killing a cinematographer, is seen outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. The Bonanza Creek Ranch film set has permanent structures for background used in Westerns, including "Rust," the film Baldwin was working on when the prop gun discharged. Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen's disclosures suggest its problems with extremism are particularly dire in some areas. Documents Haugen provided to the The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and other outlets suggest Facebook is aware it fostered severe misinformation and violence in India. The social network apparently didn't have nearly enough resources to deal with the spread of harmful material in the populous country, and didn't respond with enough action when tensions flared. A case study from early 2021 indicated that much of the harmful content from groups like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Bajrang Dal wasn't flagged on Facebook or WhatsApp due to the lack of technical know-how needed to spot content written in Bengali and Hindi. At the same time, Facebook reportedly declined to mark the RSS for removal due to "political sensitivities," and Bajrang Dal (linked to Prime Minister Modi's party) hadn't been touched despite an internal Facebook call to take down its material. The company had a white list for politicians exempt from fact-checking. Facebook was struggling to fight hate speech as recently as five months ago, according to the internal data. And like an earlier test in the US, the research showed just how quickly Facebook's recommendation engine suggested toxic content. A dummy account following Facebook's recommendations for three weeks was subjected to a "near constant barrage" of divisive nationalism, misinformation and violence. As with earlier scoops, Facebook said the documents didn't tell the whole story. Spokesman Andy Stone argued the data was incomplete and didn't account for third-party fact checkers used heavily outside the US. He added that Facebook had invested heavily in hate speech detection technology in languages like Bengali and Hindi, and that the company was continuing to improve that tech. The company followed this by posting a lengthier defense of its practices. It argued that it had an "industry-leading process" for reviewing and prioritizing countries with a high risk of violence every six months. It noted that teams considered long-term issues and history alongside current events and dependence on its apps. The company added it was engaging with local communities, improving technology and continuously "refining" policies. The response didn't directly address some of the concerns, however. India is Facebook's largest individual market, with 340 million people using its services, but 87 percent of Facebook's misinformation budget is focused on the US. Even with third-party fact checkers at work, that suggests India isn't getting a proportionate amount of attention. Facebook also didn't follow up on worries it was tip-toeing around certain people and groups beyond a previous statement that it enforced its policies without consideration for position or association. In other words, it's not clear Facebook's problems with misinformation and violence will improve in the near future. Update 10/25: This story was modified after publishing to give more background on the origin and nature of the internal Facebook documents. Click for the latest, full-access Enid News & Eagle headlines | Text Alerts | app downloads Christy is news editor at the Enid News & Eagle. Visit his column blog at www.tinyurl.com/Column-Blog. Have a question about this story? Do you see something we missed? Do you have a story idea for David? Send an email to davidc@enidnews.com. 2021 - 2021 The services for infant Ellie Faith Nance will be held at noon Saturday, November 20, 2021, in the Central Assembly of God Church. Burial will follow in the Kremlin Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Brown-Cummings Funeral Home. Ellie Faith Nance was born November 17, SoftBank is in talks to sell the Paris-based robotics business behind its Pepper android to Germany's United Robotics Group, according to sources. At e4ms Screenage 2021, Ritu Mehrotra, Regional Manager South Asia, Booking.com delivered a special address on the topic - Unlocking your App Marketing Automation - Driving Mobile App Promotion in a COVID-19. Commencing the session, Mehrotra introduced the South Asian market and highlighted how the region is growing. She shared, Out of 7.7 billion people in the world, over 60% of them actually live in South Asia, which is by the way also the fastest growing in the world. The interesting thing is that India, a part of it, is also one of the fastest growing economies. Also, it's an extremely diverse nation, there are 23 languages, 415 dialects, 19,500 mother tongues and over a million dishes in the country. And when people say that they have one India strategy to acquire users at scale, to build demand or have a product market fit, it actually confuses me a lot. However, there's one thing in common: we all love our beloved phones. Last year, 70% of all internet visits were on mobile, and this number continues to grow. And why is this growing? Large and growing middle class, skipping desktop and moving straight to mobile. Mind you, this is the nation where a lot of people actually have never experienced a desktop or a laptop. This is the generation that moves straight to their mobile phones. So in a lot of ways, this is their first camera, first TV, first music store, and most importantly, this is how they connect with the world. She further explained how mobile phones have changed user behaviour completely while pointing that average time spent on social media is over five and a half years a day. Every day 80 billion messages are shared on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and all other social media combined. Post COVID, the digital transformation went on a turbo state, because it was not just the want, it also became the need of the hour. Therefore, the need got even more pronounced. The average time spent on social media is over five and a half hours today, and mobile has changed user behavior completely. People do not want to wait for answers, they do not want to stand in queues. People are expecting instant gratification. Talking about Booking.coms business and growth, she shared, Same day reservations have gone up dramatically in the last couple of years for Booking.com. So it brings us to three things - One is that hand mobile as a platform is gaining so much traction. Number two is messenger or messages, is the way to communicate. And third thing is that artificial intelligence or machine learning will personalize the content that we're sharing on the platform. Citing an example of a Chinese messaging app, WeChat, Mehrotra explained how China is ahead of other countries in the world. Let's turn to what happened in China. Let's look at this messaging platform - WeChat, which very quickly morphed into a super app. And this is empowering people to live their lives on the phone only. Every day, 1000s of customers are interacting with millions of businesses, and even government services, so if you want to apply for a permit, get a visa, everything is done through this channel. So, if anything, China is predictive of what's going to happen to the rest of the world and why I'm saying this is because they embark on the mobile revolution much faster than any other country in the world, including some of the Western countries like Europe or North America. So as a business, it's important for us to understand - Are we mobile ready? Are we innovating fast enough? Are there businesses ready to target these mobile users? Are we communicating with the users on the medium that they're most comfortable in? Elaborating on contextual and personalised messaging & content helping in increasing sales and traction, she shared, Another key trend that we see also is that we spend five and a half hours on our phone today. But how are we going online? Google isn't the entry point anymore. You're going through feeds, which are highly personalized, contextual and keep bringing us back. And just to make matters worse, none of these search engines will be the entry points and just to let you know, If I look at the last year sales for Alibaba, which is one of the largest retail chains in China, 60% of the sales came from contextualized content. So data shows that before we go to bed every night, on an average people spend 15 minutes, checking their feeds and social media. If anyone told you a few years back that you will be spending five hours on a six inch screen you would laugh. But this goes on to show that if theres something easy, useful, frictionless, it can change user behavior in no time. We spend hours on this without actually searching anything. So when you're looking at your feeds on Facebook or other content, you are not searching anything. Basically what happens is whatever notifications come in because they're highly contextualized, you keep browsing more and more. Explaining how Booking.com has acquired more users in the last two years to become the most downloaded app, she said, At Booking.com, two years back, we started to spend a lot of time and invested a lot of energy and resources into the growth of our app. We made big gains in booking and user engagement both on iOS and Android. And I want to dig into our growth trends to show you how this momentum is opening up new partner opportunities and user growth. So from a high-level perspective or investment and future of our app follows, it's a two-pronged strategy, how do we drive more app installs and how does the app have more engagement? And in the last two years, we've been able to do both. So let's focus more on the user acquisition side first. Number one, app store optimization, I think that is one of the most important things in activating advertising campaigns and app stores around the web. So our app is increasingly reaching new customers, new users as we continue to add flights tours, and we are trying to do connected trips, because the more choices you give on the platform, the more users keep coming back. And we also launched another PR campaign that was all about downloading the app. And I want to say that in the last two years, the very focused efforts that we made, globally in Q2 this year, Booking.com was the number one downloaded app, according to a third-party research. And during the same quarter, we were one of the most downloaded apps in the US and our app downloads increased dramatically over the last couple of years, and we ensured that we create direct marketing. So apart from working on the conversion, funnel etc, we wanted to create content that brings low intent users to engage our entire funnel, and also our entire funnel is touched by machine learning. So this is how user acquisition is working for us. Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India) Saturday, October 23, 2021 Author: Helaine Mario Publisher: Oceanview Publishers ISBN: 978-1-60809-450-9 Imagine for one moment a missing Vincent Van Gogh painting that some unsavory Russian characters would crave to get their hands on? Nothing would stop them from murdering anyone in their path to snatch the artwork? Such is Helaine Mario's recent thriller, Shadow Music. The prologue sets the tone of her narrative as she foreshadows events, persons, and consequences far beyond the episode depicted. Two frightened young girls, Donata Kardos, her friend Tereza Janos, and her tiny child, Gemma Roza, are fleeing Hungary in 1985. Donata's cousin Pavel agrees to transport them in his truck across the border to Austria. Hours earlier, Donata watches Tereza pack a bag with clothing, banknotes, photographs, and her father Anton's treasures that he had left behind the night the soldiers came for him. Among the belongings is a Guarnieri Violin, encased in a heavy woolen jacket and a painted canvas. As the drama unfolds, the painting is featured at the heart of the tale. When Pavel arrives, he picks up Tereza's large duffel bag and chucks it into his truck. The only ones to escape are Donata, Tereza's baby, and Anton's belongings. Unfortunately, Tereza is shot and slain by a Russian soldier. The ensuing string of events introduces us to Maggie O'Shea, a gifted classical pianist. She is performing at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. After her performance, Maggie wanders through the museum admiring the wonderful art and meetsYuri Belankov, ex-violinist from St. Petersburg, Russia. Belankov introduces Maggie to his friend, Nikolai Kirov, who owns a high-end art gallery in Manhattan. Belankov informs Maggie that he is preparing a tour of the U.S.A by the New Russian Symphony Orchestra, whose conductor, Valentin Zharkov, has made quite a name for himself. He would like Maggie to solo with the orchestra. Belankov and Kirov agree that Maggie is a means to an end, and for both of them, each will get what they want. Somehow these two Russians and Zharkov are interconnected to a missing Van Gogh painting that will play itself out over the several succeeding chapters. We learn that Maggie's husband Johnny was embroiled in an unfortunate boating accident and is presumed to have drowned somewhere off the Mediterranean coast. His body was never recovered. Maggie is briefed by Detective Simon Sugarman that Johnny, a prize-winning journalist, was working on an article concerning a Van Gogh painting that vanished after the Cold War. Sugarman informs Maggie that he has his eye on three Russians working together who want the lost painting. He further points out to Maggie that Johnny had called him two years prior. At the time, he mentioned that a Roman Catholic nun with the given name of Donata Kardos had reached out to him with a story about a lost painting from Budapest. The nun was a friend of a well-known Hungarian violinist, Anton Janos, and his daughter. One day Janos was taken away by soldiers and was never seen again. He had left behind his violin, letters, and music, and a priceless piece of art-all concealed beneath a false floor next door to Donata's apartment. Donata recounts how she fled from Hungary with Janos' granddaughter and vanished until she turned up on Johnny's doorstep. Another character introduced into the plot is Colonel Michael Beckett and his three-legged Golden Retriever, Shiloh, rescued from a bombed village in Afghanistan. Beckett and Maggie are both deeply attracted to each other, and the chemistry had been immediate, tumultuous, and adversarial. Their relationship becomes somewhat complicated when Maggie learns that her husband Johnny may still be alive. She sets off to find him. The plot thickens when Beckett hears about the strangulation of Irina Davidov by a piano wire. Irina was his best buddy, Yev's only child. The homicide had been witnessed by her son Yevgeny. As it turns out, Irina was Kirov's accountant, and she knew too much about his dealings in looted art. The biggest reason for nestling this novel in your lap is that it is loaded with several characters with their own tension filled narratives. Trust me when I say this is not a one-idea book. At times it felt like a giant puzzle with characters that are dealing with all kinds of struggles. You will love the challenge in trying to figure it all out. An added feature is Mario's engrossing writing that is propelled by a fluid narrative interwoven with a disturbing undertone which can prove quite a balancing act. She is also able to keep all the elements of the narrative in suspension until the last chapters when she neatly ties all of the loose ends together. Follow Here For Norm's Interview With Helaine Mario In five years as a food writer in San Antonio, Id never been to Freds Fish Fry. Or Sea Island Shrimp House, for that matter. So when we cooked up the idea of a head-to-head showdown between these two San Antonio seafood institutions, I came to it with the eyes of a child. Now my eyes have seen some things, man. Ive seen things you people wouldnt believe. Ive seen 99-cent chicken burgers snatched up by the armloads at Freds. Ive seen a sailor mascot as creepy as a ventriloquist dummy at the foot of a Sea Island sign. Ive seen panhandlers inside and outside Freds, splitting their time between asking for food and money. And so. much. fried. fish. Ive also seen glimmers of why theyve been around so long, Freds since 1963 and Sea Island since 1965. Theyre both locally owned, both have multiple locations and both have their formulas down so you get a similar experience from one store to the next. Freds and Sea Island are not alike. Not in quality, not in variety, not in pricing. But theyve been feeding San Antonians on Lenten Fish Fridays and every other day for more than 100 years combined. And they make a strong first entry in our new occasional series of showdowns between beloved San Antonio restaurants. Well compare them for food, atmosphere and the intangibles that make each place unique. Today, may the best fish win. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonios Freds Fish Fry dispelling drug-front rumors with tasty fish Mike Sutter /Staff Freds Fish Fry On my first visit to Freds, there was only one employee and I was the only customer, feeding into that local legend that Freds must be some kind of a drug front because it never seems busy. But it got busy after a minute way busy. This is fast food, so speed, convenience and price are all part of the draw. So, it seems, is the chaos. The food: Freds Fish Fry lives up to the third word in its name with a vengeance, its menu a golden brown menagerie of fried fish, fried shrimp, fried oysters, fried chicken and fries. Aside from onion rings and corn on the cob, thats it. You just mix and match the pieces between the red-white-and-blue carryout boxes, throw in some white bread and youre done. The most common thing to get is the prosaically named Regular Fish Order for around $7, with three fillets, greasy fries, white bread and packets of ketchup and tartar sauce. The staff calls it hot fish. The fish is a rectangle that will flash you back to your grade-school cafeteria days, each piece exactly the same, with breading that sticks to the fish like it was welded in place. Theres no real flavor beyond the milquetoast breading, but thats maybe OK, because at this level, any fish flavor tends to be bad fish flavor. I figure they throw in the white bread to demonstrate how something can be even less interesting. The Seafood Platter #1 suggests some variety, with two fish, two shrimp and two oysters. But the shrimp tasted like little round fish with tails, and the oysters tasted like something had wandered in and fallen into the fryers. Freds also fries chicken, mostly in mushy strips that look like they came from a mold, but also wings, except I never got a shot at those. The first location was out, and the second location was out with extreme prejudice, along with half the menu. Order fish! came the helpful klaxon call from the kitchen. The South Zarzamora location did have bone-in fried chicken, and it was uplifting and good, but two other locations didnt even carry it. Mike Sutter /Staff The atmosphere: Freds is most recognizable for the boxy, beat-up little brick buildings in the middle of deserted patches of asphalt. They are boxes that offer just takeout and drive-thru, mostly. The three Freds I visited had nowhere to sit down and eat. They used to, but all the tables, benches and chairs were shoved to the side like theyd been washed there by a flash flood, cordoned off with crime scene tape. I also got to witness things getting loud, honky and angry at a drive-thru on the South Side when nobody answered the speaker. The intangibles: The 99-cent chicken burger is a metaphor for the Freds experience. Its not bad for a flat chicken patty fried hard and crunchy with mayo and pickle on a smashed picnic bun. And people added three, four, even nine to their orders, sometimes as an afterthought. The beauty of Freds is that you can feed a lot of people on the cheap. And while its not 5-stars all the way, it doesnt pretend to be, and at least you know what youre getting. Where to find them: 425 S. Zarzamora St., 108 W. Vestal Place and about a dozen more locations scattered around the West and South Sides. Theres no web page or social media presence, so Google Maps is the best way to scout. Mike Sutter /Staff Sea Island Shrimp House You know those beachfront shanties with great seafood and rustic charm. Well, Sea Islands not exactly that, even if the buildings try to copy the look. But its a clean, consistent place to get decent seafood with lots of handmade touches in an unpretentious setting with lots of parking. The food: The menu has see-sawed back and forth to fit the staffing and supply limits of the pandemic, but theres a variety of grilled, broiled, boiled and sauteed seafood to go along with the fried favorites. For the sake of this showdown, Ill focus on the fryers. The two-piece Fried Fish Fillets #14 is a good place to start, because Sea Island starts with flaky whitefish, breads it by hand and serves it with big, crunchy hushpuppies and two sides. And the sides include things like coleslaw, corn on the cob, Southern green beans and red potatoes. A little color on the plate goes a long way, and at lunch, that plates a value-conscious $9.99. The fish also anchors a nice Seafood Platter, with fried shrimp, fried oysters, stuffed shrimp, hushpuppies and two sides. The oysters tasted off, but the shrimp was fat and fresh, and the stuffed shrimp revealed a tangy filling like a broiled stuffed crab shell. Fried catfish adds another dimension to Sea Islands fryer game, with a country-style cornmeal crust. On ExpressNews.com: Review: San Antonios best sushi restaurant is Shiro Japanese Bistro on the River Walk The atmosphere: At first, I compared Sea Island to a nicer version of Long John Silvers. Thats not right. Its closer to Red Lobster without the table service. Or lobster. But the dining rooms are big and clean, the staff makes an effort, and theres always more mango peach iced tea up front when you want it. Intangibles: Its hard to compare Sea Island point-by-point with Freds, because Sea Island has so much more. I tried and liked a modest ceviche with whitefish and avocado, a fish sandwich that took two hands and all the napkins and a grilled chicken sandwich with fries for less than $10. Theres also beer on draft and by the bottle, and a refreshing strawberry lemonade. Where to find them: The originals at 322 W. Rector St., with five more in San Antonio and one in New Braunfels. Find them at shrimphouse.com. Mike Sutter /Staff The winner: Sea Island Shrimp House This amounts to a David and Goliath story where Fred is David and this time David loses big. Never had a chance, really. Id love to be the guy whos charmed by greasy institutional food for cheap for the sake of San Antonio street cred, but Im not. Freds has its place, but give me better customer service, fresher food and a clean place to sit, and Ill be happy to pay the difference. So will you. msutter@express-news.net | Twitter: @fedmanwalking | Instagram: @fedmanwalking LAURINBURG, N.C. (AP) Authorities in North Carolina are searching for an inmate they said escaped from a work detail in a dump truck. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety said Richard Alexander Mundy, 53, was working in an off-prison assignment in Laurinburg just before noon Thursday when he stole the dump truck, news outlets reported. U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz says Gov. Greg Abbotts border security initiative, which calls for state authorities to arrest migrants on trespassing charges, is a tremendous concern and has slowed the process of returning migrants to their home countries. I really would prefer to see border security left to the border security experts, Ortiz said in an interview with Texas Monthly. I want other agencies help; I certainly need it at this time, but coordination has to happen. I understand wanting to ensure that there are consequences for peoples actions. But quite often the same person that was taken into custody for 30 days for trespassing could have already been repatriated back to their home country. Ortizs comments Thursday come several months into the governors border initiative, known as Operation Lone Star, which has seen thousands of Department of Public Safety troopers and Texas National Guard soldiers deployed to the border region amid a surge in migrant apprehensions there. While border security and the enforcement of immigration law is typically left to the federal government, Abbott has argued that President Joe Bidens policies have forced Texas to take unprecedented measures to help handle the escalation of migrant encounters. Ortiz told Texas Monthly that one of the key Donald Trump-era policies rescinded by Biden, which forced asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico until their court hearings in the U.S., was one of the safest ways to manage the border environment. Since authorities began arresting migrants on state trespassing charges, the governors operation has run into a series of problems, with defense attorneys and advocacy groups accusing the state of trampling on the constitutional rights of hundreds of migrants, some of whom have sat in jail for weeks without being formally charged or appointed an attorney. Local officials also said they were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of cases early in the operation, though Abbott has since sent grant funding to multiple counties that incurred border security-related costs. Ortiz, asked to describe the effect that Abbotts initiative has had on combating the smuggling of migrants and drugs, said the Border Patrols partnerships with Texas law enforcement agencies have made a huge difference. He quickly noted, however, that federal authorities were the ones that cleared some 16,000 migrants, most of them Haitian, from a makeshift refugee camp under the Del Rio International Bridge last month. (It) was only Border Patrol agents that were putting them on buses, Ortiz told Texas Monthly. Border Patrol agents were treating them for their medical conditions. We had help from some other agencies, but at the end of the day, thats my responsibility; thats our responsibility. Ortiz also questioned whether migrants arrested under the governors operation are given the opportunity to seek asylum. DPS has not said whether migrants are ever referred to federal authorities the ones responsible for processing asylum claims if migrants request asylum upon being arrested on state charges. I have to ensure that if migrants have a legitimate asylum claim that theyre able to put forth that claim, or if they have a credible fear claim with respect to some sort of trafficking abuse that theres a pathway for them, Ortiz said. I dont know that all of that is being considered when a migrant is apprehended by another agency. This month, Val Verde County Attorney David Martinez, the local misdemeanor prosecutor, said he had rejected or dropped trespassing charges against more than 40 percent of the migrants arrested in his county. Martinez said he decided not to proceed with many of those cases in which migrants appeared to have a credible asylum claim and had not tried to skirt law enforcement. Martinez, a Democrat, said his approach is based on testimony from DPS Director Steve McCraw during a committee hearing in August, when McCraw said officers on the border are told to target criminals instead of those seeking asylum. That left the impression in my mind that if the facts in a case show that Ive got somebody from a country that is being oppressed by their government, and that individual happens to walk across private property in search of law enforcement, well, Col. McCraw basically told me, thats not the guy we want, Martinez said. jasper.scherer@chron.com A woman accused of hitting and killing a bicyclist in a drunken driving case and a man linked to multiple sexual assaults are among those indicted this week in Bexar County. Samantha Leigh Castillo, 24, was indicted on a count of intoxication manslaughter. She is accused of hitting Beatrice Gonzalez, 44, on April 7 after losing control of her vehicle on a curve and jumping the curb in front of Central Catholic High School. Gonzalez was pronounced dead at the scene. Gonzalez had been riding her bicycle around 8:30 p.m. on St. Marys Street with a group of cyclists. Shed gotten ahead of the group so had stopped to wait for them to catch up. Thats when she was struck, according to police. On ExpressNews.com: Woman charged in death of San Antonio cyclist faces $20 million lawsuit - and so does 'unknown' bar Intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000, according to the District Attorneys Office. Castillo remains out of jail after posting bond on $50,000 bail. She also is facing a $20 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by Gonzalezs children. Also indicted this week was Michael Anthony Garcia, 55. He and Castillo were among 259 felony indictments handed down by Bexar County grand juries. Garcia was indicted on three counts of aggravated sexual assault, as well as one count of sexual assault. The charges are tied to four sexual assault cases, two from 2007, one from 2010 and another from 2014. In all four cases, Garcia threatened to injure the women, court records state. In the 2010 and 2014 cases, Garcia is accused of using a knife to threaten them, according to the indictments. In July, Garcia was indicted on two counts of aggravated sexual assault and one of sexual assault in three other cases. Those cases are from 2006, 2011 and 2016. Hes accused of threatening the women in those cases also. Court records indicate he used a knife in the 2016 case and a gun in the 2011 sexual assault. On ExpressNews.com: Murder, sexual assault, leaving the scene of the crime among grand jury indictments in San Antonio Aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000, according to the district attorneys office. He remains in the Bexar County jail. His bail totals $1.75 million. In a separate case, Jose Damian Canales, 41, has been indicted on a murder charge in the death of Steven Lawrence Byars, 42. On July 16, San Antonio police were alerted to a shooting in the 800 block of South Walters. They arrived to find Byars with a gunshot wound to his stomach. Byars told police he had been shot during an argument about money. He was taken to a hospital where he later died, police said. Canales remains in the Bexar County jail with bail set at $200,000. Murder is a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000. A grand jury also indicted Juan Antonio Coronado Jr., 44, who has been charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child. His three-count indictment alleges that from Jan. 22, 2009, through Jan. 20, 2019, he sexually abused children younger than 14. According to an affidavit supporting his arrest, Coronado said he had demons and could only remember fragments of what had transpired. He remains in jail with bail set at $100,000. Continuous sexual abuse of a child is a first-degree felony punishable by 25 to 99 years or up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. jbeltran@express-news.net Carlos Alvarez has now lived in San Antonio longer than he ever did in his native Mexico. He jokes that if he was ever Mex-Tex, hes now definitely more Tex-Mex. His successful beer company, The Gambrinus Co., has not only made him wealthy but a well-known beer magnate. It also has made him a major philanthropist. His generosity has especially benefited local universities. He and his wife, Manu, most recently gave the University of Texas at San Antonio $20 million, the largest-ever gift from a living donor. Alvarez has made $1 million gifts to the Alamo Colleges, St. Marys University and the University of the Incarnate Word, and $2.5 million to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, which named its studio theater for him. At 71, he says hes not ready to retire. He may not be done giving either. This week, Alvarez was pitching the 2021 Rose Window Gala, which will honor him and his wife at an event Tuesday on the grounds of Mission San Jose. Under the stars, it makes for a breathtaking scene. The couple has contributed $100,000 to the event. Proceeds will fund the restoration, preservation and maintenance of the four missions on the citys South Side. Alvarez fell in love with them when he began visiting the city in 1968 for HemisFair, long before the 18th-century structures became part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As part of his pitch, Alvarez says Las Misiones, an Archdiocese of San Antonio nonprofit, raises funds for their upkeep. They get no federal funding though they sit on federal park land. The missions also remain active Roman Catholic parishes. The wear and tear is real. I have a great love for the missions, he said. Money needs to be raised for their preservation and maintenance. The unusual collection of missions strung together in close proximity still impresses him. I just wish there would be a greater and more assertive way for us to benefit from them, he said. He wishes every concierge would mention the missions to visitors as their first stop, and that there was a more user-friendly way of getting to them. Like others, he got lost on his first visit, noting the lack of clear signs to find the way. That might have improved with the rivers Mission Reach. Even though he landed in Austin first, peddling cases of Corona to bars and restaurants, Alvarez chose San Antonio as home, as have other Mexican transplants before him. San Antonio is the U.S. metropolitan area closest to Mexico City, a grounded connection that stretches back to New Spain and Mexico. Its why San Antonio is seen as the most Mexican of U.S. cities and the Mexican American cultural capital of the U.S. Its the city Alvarez chose to make his entrepreneurial mark. Hes widely credited with creating the explosive U.S. market for Corona and now for his stewardship of an iconic Texas brand, Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, maker of Shiner beers. The family business includes son-in-law John Brozovich, Gambrinus chief operating officer. But Alvarezs father planted the familys beer roots, distributing beer in Acapulco, even before the height of its tourism fever when a future U.S. president and his fashionable bride and U.S. movie stars and astronauts made it a popular destination. Alvarez worked for his father before taking a job with Modelo. In Austin, he persuaded Modelo to put the beverage in its now well-known clear long necks with the painted label. It all started in Texas, he said. I found gold. But Alvarez also credits his mother, who spoke English and saw it as important for her son to learn the language. She sent him to Michigan as an exchange student for five months. He was 15. His host family enrolled him in a school, where he took a bit of this and a bit of that. He was put in a Spanish class not as a student but to speak the language to other students. My English was a treasure, he said. I got the (Modelo) job because of my English, not because I was experienced in exporting beer. Alvarez says hes staying on the job and vows to keep his business private, growing and relevant. When he enjoys a beverage, his trained palate responds. He considers the time, place and meal before him. He likes beers of all styles, from stouts to Indian pale ales. In wine, an occasion might call for a prosecco followed by a pinot noir. But when he needs a refreshing drink that quenches a thirst, he still proves to be a salesman. He reaches for Shiner Bock, he says. Before the call ends, he makes sure to reinforce whats important: the need to safeguard the extraordinary missions and keep the plaster from falling onto its pews. eayala@express-news.net It is no surprise the need for behavioral health services is at an all-time high in San Antonio and Bexar County. Our community is one of the nations largest poor and economically segregated big cities, and the resources needed to better support behavioral health services in our growing community have traditionally taken a back seat. COVID-19 has taught us this should be otherwise. Behavioral health (also referred to as mental health) problems are persistent and widespread in Bexar Countys communities of color and among individuals in poverty; even prior to the pandemic, both child and adult behavioral health services were operating at 120 percent of their capacity at the Center for Health Care Services, or CHCS, the local mental health authority and a certified community behavioral health clinic. The onslaught of COVID-19-related anxieties children out of school, loss of employment, inability to pay for food, shelter and clothing added more stress to our community and our behavioral health system of care. These actions produced a 172 percent increase in crisis events systemwide and added 25 new consumers per day to CHCS caseloads. As we continue to be at the forefront of combating the pandemic and its effects, this increased workload has overwhelmed our clinical and direct care staff, worsening an already critical staffing shortage. Equally alarming is that the COVID-19 impacts plaguing our community have not been equally distributed. As expected, our neighbors living in the southeast and southwest quadrants of San Antonio and Bexar County were disproportionately challenged by both minimal access to resources and the highest uptick in requests for behavioral health appointments (a 55 percent increase among Southwest Side residents and a 79 percent increase among Southeast Side residents). These disparities underscore why Bexar County and San Antonios overall situation will not improve without more behavioral health resources, awareness and, most of all, investment. On ExpressNews.com: Commentary: Support mental health by removing stigma Yet not all hope is lost. CHCS and its partners are working hard to raise awareness about mental health in our community. The citys Ready to Work program targets economically disadvantaged adults for meaningful employment opportunities. Bexar County is engaged in groundbreaking work with multidisciplinary crisis response teams and enhancements to the crisis response system of care. With more federal aid coming to San Antonio to combat the effects of COVID-19, now is San Antonios moment to correctly address these social and behavioral health disparities. It is a moment that likely will not come again. COVID relief funding already has helped us shore up some of our gaps, and federal funding has given us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make strides toward improvement, but it still will not be enough to address the behavioral health crisis in our community. San Antonio and Bexar County must develop sustainable funding sources to avoid the inevitable funding cliff when the federal monies dry up. Our community can no longer delay the time, energy and resources needed to move our city toward a system of behavioral health care that adequately meets the needs of our entire community. Our elected officials in Washington, D.C., have acted swiftly and decisively; our local leaders must do the same. Jelynne LeBlanc Jamison is president and CEO of the Center for Health Care Services. Trade Air will run a charter flight from Ljubljana to the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar tomorrow, carrying holidaymakers ahead of the autumn break. The flight, which is scheduled to depart at 07.00 local time on Sunday, will operate via Luxor in Egypt with the carriers 180-seat Airbus A320 aircraft on behalf of Slovenian tour operators. In addition to Zanzibar, charters to Crete, Rhodes, Antalya, Hurghada, Madeira, Tenerife and Dubai are all planned in the coming days, tour operator Kompas said. Demand for Zanzibar among Slovenian travellers has been strong in recent months as it was one of the few destinations to have been open for tourists throughout the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Trade Air will run a charter flight from Ljubljana to the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar tomorrow, carrying holidaymakers ahead of the autumn break. The flight, which is scheduled to depart at 07.00 local time on Sunday, will operate via Luxor in Egypt with the carriers 180-seat Airbus A320 aircraft on behalf of Slovenian tour operators. In addition to Zanzibar, charters to Crete, Rhodes, Antalya, Hurghada, Madeira, Tenerife and Dubai are all planned in the coming days, tour operator Kompas said. Demand for Zanzibar among Slovenian travellers has been strong in recent months as it was one of the few destinations to have been open for tourists throughout the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The African market represents a small share of Ljubljana Airports passenger traffic with 14.401 travellers flying between the Slovenian capital and the continent via other points in the pre-pandemic 2019. There are no scheduled flights between Africa and Slovenia. In 2019, Cairo had the largest number of indirect passengers to and from Ljubljana. According to OAG, a total of 2.663 travellers flew between the two cities on a single itinerary. It was followed by destinations in South Africa, as well as leisure points in the Indian Ocean such as Mauritius, Seychelles and Zanzibar. Turkish Airlines benefited the most from Ljubljanas lack of flights to Africa. With an expansive network to the continent, the Turkish carrier accounted for a whopping 60% of all passengers travelling between the two. It was followed by Air France. Ljubljana Airport's busiest unserved destinations in Africa in 2019 Through its history, Ljubljana Airport used to be linked to Africa by both JAT Yugoslav Airlines and Adria Airways. After purchasing four used DC-6Bs in 1961, Adria initiated flights to Tunis, Conakry and Leopoldville, today known as Kinshasa. The Slovenian carrier also used to operate services to the Seychelles in the late 1980s, which ran via Athens and Djibouti. In 1990, an Adria A320 flew nonstop from the Seychelles to Athens setting a new record for the longest flight ever made by the aircraft type at that time. Ljubljana Airport is hopeful the upcoming holidays will boost traffic. We are looking forward to a busy end to October, which will mark a turning point as the number of passengers served in 2021 will exceed the total number of travellers handled for the whole of 2020, Ljubljana Airport said. MIDDLETOWN Shortly after Andrew Mercado was released from Whiting Forensic Hospital in Middletown in 2019, he found himself in the midst of a pandemic with a story he felt had to be told. Mercado used his spare time during lockdown to finish writing a book of poems, turning it into his first published work. Poetry from Behind Mental Walls, written under the pen name Chris Smith, which came out in late August. It has since brought Mercado a sense of self-fulfillment, he said. During COVID-19, there was a lot of dead time, Mercado said. I said lets put pen to paper and see what we can do. Mercado was born and raised in Warrenton, Va. He briefly attended the Air Force Academy before earning a master of science degree in engineering physics from the University of Virginia. After a brief period working at a lab in Cleveland, Ohio, he enrolled at the University of Connecticut to earn his PhD. It was in the final stretch of his PhD program when Mercado said things took a downturn. I had my mental illness kick in and I couldnt finish, he said. He admitted himself to Whiting Forensic Hospital in May 2013 after being overcome by auditory hallucinations. Mercado, who is also diabetic and legally blind, remained at the hospital for almost six years. He said he spent that time learning how to cope with his illness and writing poetry. I did everything I could to make myself better, Mercado said. Many of the poems give rarely seen insight into his time at Whiting, as many were written during his time there. The book is about my life, and Whiting is a big part of it, he said. The subjects of his poems range from stories about hospital staff and fellow patients to memories of his childhood in Virginia. He said he feels that writing and publishing a book is another step in the right direction for his mental health. Its cathartic, Mercado said. There are three main things Mercado hopes readers take away from his book. The first is to eliminate the stigma of mental illness by showing the public that people with these diagnoses are similar to everyone else and not monsters. The second is to inspire other people with or without mental illness to tell their story, too. The third is for professionals in the mental health field to learn from the story told through his perspective. I wanted to tell about the plight of mental health from a patients perspective, Mercado said. He said that this is a rarity in the mental health field, since most publications on the subject are written by people who study or work in the field, rather than those with the issues themselves. He said this doesnt allow for a complete picture. Sometimes the other side of the story has to be told, Mercado said. Mercado, now living in Danbury, spends his time working at CVS and writing future books. I stick to my routines and I feel comfortable, he said. He already has two publications planned for the near future. The first is another poetry book that will serve as a sequel to his first work. The second he described as a guide for patients with mental illness who are entering a hospital for the first time. Poetry from Behind Mental Walls is available to purchase at amazon.com. Safety standards developed by film studios and labor unions are the primary protection for actors and film crews when a scene calls for using prop guns. The industry-wide guidance is clear: Blanks can kill. Treat all firearms as if they are loaded. Shootings nevertheless have killed and injured people while cameras rolled, including the cinematographer who died and the director who was wounded this week when no one realized a prop gun fired by actor Alec Baldwin during the filming of Rust carried live rounds that are far more dangerous than blanks. Despite some industry reforms following previous tragedies, the federal workplace safety agency in the U.S. is silent on the issue of on-set gun safety. And some of the preferred states for film and TV productions take a largely hands-off approach. Georgia and Louisiana, where the film industry has expanded rapidly, regulate pyrotechnics on movie sets but have no specific rules around gun use. We dont have anything to do with firearms. We only regulate the special effects explosion-type stuff, said Capt. Nick Manale, a state police spokesperson in Louisiana, where the film industry was credited with creating more than 9.600 jobs last year and generating nearly $800 million for local businesses. Im not sure who does that, or if anybody does. New Mexico, where court records show an assistant director handed Baldwin a loaded weapon and told him it was cold, or safe to use, during the Thursday filming of Rust, has no specific safety laws for the film industry. Much of the legislative debate over the industry, as in other states, has focused on tax credits and incentives to lure the lucrative entertainment business, not what happens on sets. That approach has worked well for New Mexico. In addition to attracting some large film productions, the state is home to major production hubs for Netflix and NBCUniversal. It had a record $623 million in direct spending on productions between July 2020 through June of this year. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat and an ardent film industry supporter, touted the industry's pandemic precautions over the summer, saying it had put safety first and cleared the way for work to resume. Workplace safety is paramount in every industry in New Mexico, including film and television, the governors spokeswoman, Nora Meyers Sackett, said Friday. State and federal workplace safety regulations apply to the industry just as they do to all other workplaces, and the state Occupational Health and Safety Bureau is investigating, Sackett said of the tragedy that unfolded on a movie ranch near Santa Fe. This is an ongoing investigation, and were awaiting additional facts in order to understand how something so terrible and heartbreaking could have happened. A search warrant made public Friday said an assistant director on the set handed Baldwin a loaded weapon and indicated it was safe to use, unaware it was loaded with live rounds. The shot killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was struck in the chest, and wounded director Joel Souza, who was standing behind Hutchins. New Mexico workplace safety officials confirmed they would be looking at whether the crew followed industry standards. The agency does not routinely conduct safety inspections of sets and studios unless they receive complaints. Instead of regulating firearm use on film and TV sets, some states leave it to the industry to follow its own guidelines. Those recommendations, issued by the Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee, call for limited use of live ammunition and detailed requirements for the handling and use of firearms of all types. Safety meetings are to be held, actors are to keep their fingers off the triggers until theyre ready to shoot, and guns should never be unattended, the guidelines state. Without specific state or federal regulations, it's primarily up to the people working in productions to ensure guns are used safely. Brook Yeaton, vice president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees union that represents workers in Louisiana and parts of Mississippi and Alabama, said his approach is to act like all weapons are real and to never allow live rounds on a set. They shouldnt be in the truck. They shouldnt be in the same car," said Yeaton, a prop master for more than 30 years. "You really have to make sure your inventory is totally separate from the real world and everything you bring on set is safe. In one of the world's premier film centers, New York City, productions are required to adhere to a code of conduct that spells out rules for parking, notifying neighbors and other details, including specifying that the sound of gunshots should not ring outdoors between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. For use of a weapon or prop firearm, the city also requires authorization from the police department and an officer to be on set. The website of the Texas Film Commission states that productions using prop weapons which can be replicas or real guns that fire blanks rather than live ammunition must have safety policies, expert weapon handlers and proof of insurance. The Texas governor's office, which oversees the commission, did not return calls from The Associated Press asking about how those rules are enforced. California, still the capital of the film industry, requires an entertainment firearms permit, though it's not clear how permit requirements are enforced. Hutchins' fatal shooting near Santa Fe followed previous gun-related deaths and injuries on movie sets. Actor Brandon Lee died in March 1993 after he was shot in the abdomen while filming a scene of The Crow. Lee was killed by a makeshift bullet that remained in a gun from a previous scene. The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration fined the production $84,000 for violations after the actor's death, but the fine was later reduced to $55,000. In 2005, OSHA fined Greystone Television and Films $650 after a crewmember was shot in the thigh, elbow and hand. It turned out that balloon-breaking birdshot rounds were in the same box as the blanks that were supposed to be used in rifles. New Mexico state lawmaker Antonio Moe Maestas, an Albuquerque lawyer and champion of his states film incentives, questioned whether any safety legislation could have prevented the fatal shooting on the set of Rust. How can you disincentivize an involuntary act?" he asked. Maestas said production companies might think about using post-production effects to mimic the sights and sounds they now rely on prop guns to create. Thats the only way to really ensure this never happens again, he said. ___ Mulvihill reported from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Montoya Bryan from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Landrum from Los Angeles. Also contributing to this article were Associated Press writers Jeff Amy in Atlanta; Melinda Deslatte in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Anthony McCartney in Los Angeles; and Amy Taxin in Orange County, California. HELENA, Mont. - A complaint has been filed against a man from Libby who made almost 5,000 unlawful and malicious spoofed robocalls. The Department of Justice (DOJ) says in a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana, the government alleged that 52-year-old Scott Rhodes made 4,958 illegal robocalls with falsified caller ID information, with the intent to cause harm. Individuals across the United States were the targets of the robocall campaigns, and many complained to law enforcement regarding unwanted and harassing calls. An investigation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) found Rhodes unlawful spoofed robocalls included highly inflammatory messages indicative of his intent to cause harm, the DOJ reported. In one example, hundreds of Rhodes spoofed robocalls targeted residents of Brooklyn, Iowa, following a local womans murder. The calls reportedly included a message that the woman had been murdered by a biological hybrid of white and savage Aztec ancestors and that if she could be brought back to life for just one moment, she would ask the listener to kill them all. Residents of Charlottesville, Virginia, were the target of over 2,000 of the calls during the investigation and prosecution of James Alex Fields Jr., who was responsible for killing one woman and injuring dozens during the Unite the Right" rally in August 2017. The spoofed robocalls included a message that Charlottesvilles Jew Mayor and his pet Negro Police Chief were responsible for the death of the unhealthy, morbidly obese victim. The message also stated, Were no longer going to tolerate a Jewish lying press, and Jew corruption of an American legal system., the DOJ said in a release. The complaint looks to recover a $9.9 million penalty imposed by the FCC for the nearly 5,000 unlawful and malicious spoofed robocalls, and to obtain an injunction that would prevent Rhodes from committing any further violations of the Truth in Caller ID Act. Farming groups in Scotland have reacted with anger at the announcement of a new free trade deal with New Zealand as it will offer 'virtually nothing' in return to Scottish farmers. The UK government earlier this week announced a new free trade agreement with New Zealand, which follows the Australian deal signed in June. The post-Brexit deals are set to grant the countries - both major agricultural exporting nations - unfettered access to the UK. As with the Australian agreement, there will be a cap on tariff-free imports from New Zealand for 15 years. NFU Scotland has reacted with 'anger and dismay' at the new trade deal, as it would see the UK open up to "huge volumes of imported food, a significant proportion of which may not have been produced on farming systems permitted here". It said that 'threatened the viability' of Scottish farmers and crofters at a time when consumers demanded local, sustainably produced food. NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy said: Our fears that the process adopted by the UK government in agreeing the Australia deal would set a dangerous precedent going forward have just been realised. "Having now put in place a similar deal to grant unfettered access to New Zealand, another major food exporting nation, the cumulative impact of all such deals on farmers and crofters will be substantial. This latest deal offers virtually nothing to Scottish farmers and crofters in return but risks undermining our valuable lamb, dairy and horticultural sectors by granting access to large volumes of imported goods that could be produced in farming systems not currently permitted here." It comes as a new 'strengthened' Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC) was launched this week after MPs criticised the government for delays in establishing it. The TAC, which was first launched last year, is now set to have a formal role to play in informing MPs and the public on the impact post-Brexit trade deals would have on the farming industry. Its members have expertise across the agricultural, food production, veterinary, animal welfare, environment and international trade policy sectors. But farming groups are still calling on parliamentarians to be given more ways to examine trade deals, and any future agreements with the likes of the US, Canada and Mexico. The government has also been told to carry out a detailed impact assessment on what the deals would mean for the agriculture and food sectors. Mr Kennedy said this while farmers in Scotland were 'ambitious' to grasp opportunities post-Brexit, he said it would require more investment and collaboration from government. The reality is that as the government drives a new open trading environment, it is increasingly imposing rules on us that make the industry less competitive," he added. "The current failure to meaningfully address the critical shortage of labour across the whole food supply chain is a good case in point. Hong Kong, China--(Newsfile Corp. - October 22, 2021) - IPFS Harbor has initiated the new brand updating to Storange Cloud. It is reported that the brand upgrade includes three main sectors: Corporate imagination Hardware & software strength Corporate strategy Storange Cloud launched IPFS storage product --'harbor lease'. Besides that, it will also release the new business part, which aims to storage architecture establishment. Storange Cloud In addition to the globalization of business layout, Storange Cloud has also made significant progress in software & hardware; excellent hardware configuration and the stable network to ensure the operation safely and storage security. At present, their storage power distribution has been among the top in the world. Storange Cloud has actively participated in the distributed storage ecosystem establishment since 2019. They have gone through the first and second mainnet test and space race, and won a rank of 23 in the world. At the same time, it maintains long-term close collaboration with the official Protocol Labs, has frequently contributed code, and repaired vulnerabilities to Filecoin Lotus. IPFS decentralized storage industry and the data cloud storage industry have grown into a giant market; it will replace the traditional data storage production. Storange Cloud will catch the point and follow the generation's needs to provide more convenient storage services. Wendy Wan, CEO of Storange Cloud, said: "Thanks to all our members' effort so we have achieved such an excellent result and after the brand upgrade, Storange Cloud will look at the world, and the main business will cover Russia, Turkey, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, South Korea etc. We will continue explore IPFS decentralized storage industry and data cloud storage production will be launched soon." Contact: Charlie Choi +86 18202879346 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/100566 Dreamr Labs Raises $2 Million in Initial Funding to Build out its Platform, with Participation from Delchain, the World's Leading Digital Asset Financial Institution Nassau, Bahamas--(Newsfile Corp. - October 23, 2021) - Dreamr (Ticker: DMR) announced that it has completed its funding requirements prior to the listing of the DMR token on Bittrex Global Exchange. The additional capital allows the company to complete its platform delivery plans at or ahead of schedule. Dreamr Labs has retained leading digital asset firm, Delchain, to provide advisory services prior to and after the funding process. Dreamr Logo To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8203/100442_bef8743a14426849_001full.jpg Dreamr CEO, Chris Adams commented; "Thanks to the help of our partners at Delchain we were successful in reaching our pre listing capital goal. Since crossing the milestone of the DMR token listing on Bittrex Global, we have been able to deploy capital to accelerate the completion of the Dreamr Platform. Having the right partners on our project has made all the difference and resulted in a successful tier one exchange listing that has provided the company a strong foundation to build upon" Dreamr is the community driven platform created for users to pursue their personal and entrepreneurial dreams. The platform helps people to build a supportive tribe around their declared dream, features a messenger with end-to-end encryption, and has decentralized financial tools in its roadmap to help users overcome the inevitable monetary obstacles that get in their way. Users can earn DMR tokens by using the dreamr app to declare their dream and connect with others on the platform pursuing their own ambitions goals. The DMR token has utility in the form of platform governance, which gives token holders the ability to vote on the future of the platform. Download the Dreamr app and start declaring your dreams today. Connect with @charlie on dreamr to get your dream in front of the Dream Machine Tour team for consideration. ABOUT DREAMR Dreamr (Ticker: DMR Bittrex Global) is an ecosystem of social networking and financial tools designed specifically to make practical the pursuit of our biggest dreams. The dreamr platform is a positive and powerful space for users to declare their dream and build a supportive community of new, like-minded connections. With web3 integration, the community-based network is thoughtfully designed into an easy-to-use mobile app experience. Founded in July 2015 and operated in stealth until 2019, the dreamr app officially launched on iOS & Android in September 2020. Its team of technologists, entrepreneurs, and creatives have come together around a mission to make the pursuit of our biggest dreams and aspirations more practical for everyone - already raising nearly $2 million to build upon the vision of a digital ecosystem comprised of mobile networking & decentralized financial tools. As a brand, Dreamr is known for infusing a community-first, philanthropic spirit into everything it does. The Dreamr team achieves this by gamifying the process of social networking through its primary networking feature, Dream Connect. With the removal of vanity metrics, the thoughtful approach focuses on allowing anyone's dream the ability to gain traction across the network. Financial tools in development to help users monetize their dream-network include the new DMR token, Dreamr Crowdfunding, P2P Service Marketplace, and P2P payments. MEDIA CONTACT Company: Dreamr Email: press@dreamr.app To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/100442 HRH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman announces multi-country, multi-stakeholder coalition - Sustainable Tourism Global Center will support millions of stakeholders, including SMEs, travelers, governments, academia, NGOs and the private sector on the transition to net zero RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Saudi Arabian Government has launched the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC), a multi-country, multi-stakeholder coalition that will accelerate the tourism sector's transition to net zero emissions, as well as drive action to protect nature and support communities. Launched today by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the Sustainable Tourism Global Center will support travelers, governments, and the private sector, to ensure that tourism enables growth and creates jobs, while playing its part to achieve the climate goals laid out in the Paris Agreement, including contributing to keeping the world to under 1.5-degrees Celsius warming. With the global travel and tourism sector responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Saudi Arabia has prioritized urgent action to support this important sector in its transition to net zero. The Global Center will be the platform to bring all the knowledge and expertise; it aims to be the "north star" for the tourism sector as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and transitions toward a sustainable future. Globally, tourism supports more than 330 million livelihoods - and pre-pandemic, it was responsible for creating one in four new jobs globally. Details of this coalition and the services it will provide will be formally announced during COP26. HE Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia said: "The tourism sector contributes to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions - and this is expected to grow if we don't act now. Tourism is also a highly fragmented sector. 80% of businesses in tourism are small and medium sized enterprises who rely on guidance and support from sector leadership. The sector must be part of the solution. "Saudi Arabia, following the vision and leadership of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, is answering this vital call by working with partners - that prioritize tourism, SMEs and climate - to create a multi-country, multi-stakeholder coalition, that will lead, accelerate, and track the tourism industry's transition to net zero emissions. "By working together and delivering a strong joint platform, the tourism sector will have the support it needs. The STGC will facilitate growth while making tourism better for the climate, nature, and communities." HE Gloria Guevara, Chief Special Advisor to the Minister of Tourism said: "For years and years, multiple players across the tourism sector have been working on different initiatives to accelerate the race to zero - but we have been working in silos. The impact of the global pandemic on the tourism sector highlighted the vital importance of multi-country, multi-stakeholder collaboration. And now, Saudi Arabia is stepping up to bring stakeholders together to make tourism part of the solution to climate change." Infographic - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1668358/Sustainable_Tourism_Infographic.jpg 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. Friends and family members Living in the United States The reduction of new coronavirus cases All of the above and more Vote View Results MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) -- Pastor John Breland is the senior pastor of South Coast Church in Mobile. He has led several groups from his church on mission trips to Haiti. I interviewed him Friday night for FOX10 News to get his thoughts on the current situation there. Pastor Breland was there last year just before the president of the country was assassinated. The country has always had unrest but has spiraled down even more. Regarding the missionaries being held for ransom there, Breland says they probably felt very safe going there, even though the country has been declared "off limits" for Americans to travel by the State Department. That's because they've worked with groups on the ground there for a long time. The missionary group just happened to be in a gang "hot spot" near an orphanage when they were taken, Breland said. Pastor Breland and church members have been traveling to Haiti for eight years. Prior to this, they have felt very comfortable, staying away from Port-au-Prince, the capital city. Now that the remains of Brian Laundrie have been positively identified by authorities, there are still lingering questions as to why, how and even when he disappeared in the days after his fiancee, Gabby Petito, was reported missing. His parents, Chris and Roberta Laundrie, may be vital to unraveling the mysteries. But their recollections of key moments during these critical days -- according to their family attorney -- have been inconsistent or conflicted with law enforcement authorities' version of events. The Laundrie family "has conducted themselves in a very odd way that's generated a lot of suspicion right from the beginning," former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe told CNN. The undisputed facts are that Brian Laundrie, 23, and Petito, 22, had been road-tripping in a white van from New York through the US West over the summer, regularly posting photos and stories to their social media pages with the hashtag #vanlife. Those posts abruptly stopped in late August, and police say Laundrie returned September 1 in the couple's van without his fiancee to the North Port, Florida, home where he lived with Petito and his parents. Petito's family reported her missing September 11, and her body was found September 19 in Wyoming's Bridger-Teton National Forest. A coroner ruled she died by strangulation. Inside that nine-day period in September, Laundrie left his family home, and differing accounts have emerged from the Laundrie family attorney and the police about what occurred in a narrow period within that time frame -- from September 13 to 17. Here's what each says happened during those four days: When in mid-September did Brian Laundrie leave home? Laundrie and his family did not immediately speak with police when given the opportunity. On September 11 -- after Petito's family reported her missing -- Laundrie invoked his Fifth Amendment right when police went to the Laundrie home, North Port Police Chief Todd Garrison told CNN. Invoking the Fifth Amendment means a person cannot be forced to make statements they feel might be negative or used against them. Investigators were never in the same room as Laundrie after Petito was reported missing, North Port police have said. Then on September 14, Laundrie said he was going to the nearby Carlton Reserve, the parents told police on September 17, adding they hadn't seen him since. The reserve is a 25,000-acre nature park near the family's home, a swampy, forested area known to contain snakes and alligators. But Laundrie's parents -- "after further communication with the FBI and confirmation of (the family's car) being at the Laundrie residence on Wednesday September 15" -- believed Brian left home on September 13, their family attorney, Steven Bertolino, said October 6. Laundrie's father, Chris, went to look for Brian on the night of September 13 after his son didn't return from the park, Bertolino told CNN. The next day, September 14, Chris and Roberta Laundrie returned to the area outside the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park to look for him and found the family's Ford Mustang with an abandoned vehicle notice placed on it, Bertolino said at the time. North Port police confirmed the citation had been placed on the car. The parents returned the next day, September 15, to retrieve the vehicle. "Let the record be clear, the Laundries reported Brian did not come home the night he went out for the hike," Bertolino told CNN Wednesday. "I actually reported that to the FBI, personally." After more than a month of searching the reserve, authorities found Laundrie's remains Wednesday along with personal items, including a backpack and notebook. Where did police think Brian Laundrie was then? North Port police had no information Laundrie was missing on September 13 and believed he was at the house, spokesperson Josh Taylor told CNN in a statement Thursday, noting the department was "an assisting agency" in the investigation until the night of September 14. "We were certainly pressing hard to get information from the family through traditional means," Taylor's statement read. "We were working with the best intelligence on what we thought at the time, working with a family who refused to cooperate in the investigation." Garrison, the North Port police chief, tried to reach out to Bertolino on Twitter on September 15, Taylor noted Thursday. "Mr. Steven Bertolino, esq. the @NorthPortPolice needs your help in finding Gabby Petito. Please call us to arrange a conversation with Brian Laundrie. Two people left on a trip and one person returned!" the chief's tweet read. The department never got a response from Bertolino, Taylor said. Garrison held a news conference on September 16. During the briefing, a reporter asked Garrison if he knew where Laundrie was "right now." "Yes," Garrison responded. On September 17, the FBI called Bertolino to say it had gotten a tip that Laundrie was in Tampa, the attorney said Wednesday. Investigators wanted to know if he was at home. North Port is about 84 miles south of Tampa. Bertolino asked where the tip came from and accused North Port police of knowing Laundrie's location, he said. "I immediately called my clients, and said, 'Hey? Was Brian picked up? Do you know where he is? Because I don't know where he is. How did they know where he is, if we don't?'" Bertolino said. Police thought Laundrie was at the home until September 17, when Laundrie's parents finally agreed to speak with police, Taylor said Thursday. North Port police were notified that same day of Laundrie "being potentially missing," his statement said. "NPPD, working with the FBI from the onset, did everything within the law, with the information we had, to surveil and collect information," he wrote. Laundrie's parents role in search is under scrutiny After reporting Petito missing, her family and police publicly pleaded with the Laundrie family to cooperate with authorities. But Bertolino had advised his clients not to speak with anyone, the lawyer said Wednesday. "Everybody has the right to remain silent," he told CNN. "That's what I told my clients, and that's what they did." Still, experts have found it curious that Chris and Roberta Laundrie participated in the investigation and discovery of their son's remains. During a search with police Wednesday at the nature reserve, Laundrie's father was first to spot an item belonging to his son, Taylor said Thursday. Because he couldn't find law enforcement when he found the bag and didn't want to leave it, he picked it up and gave it to investigators, Bertolino said. "The idea of family members participating in a search and then being the ones actually finding the evidence, and then picking up the evidence and taking it to law enforcement is really quite unusual," said former senior FBI profiler Mary Ellen O'Toole. A news camera crew and reporter were within view at the time and said Chris Laundrie finding the bag was "caught on camera," Bertolino told CNN on Wednesday. The Laundries' participation in the investigation of their son's will be critical, retired FBI profiler Jim Clemente told CNN on Thursday. "The parents are key to determining how he died," he said, "and whether or not this was by his own hand or accidental." The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -- Innovation Zone, as proposed by the Nevada governor, won't be coming to the state just yet. 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. In many ways, defeating cancer is like assembling an exceedingly tricky jigsaw puzzle. We may have some ideas about the big picture, the contours, but we're left with a jumble of interior pieces to match up, little by little. Fortunately, Dr. Phil Greenberg likes puzzles. "I like the idea of asking a question and finding an answer," he said, his trace Brooklyn accent exuding enthusiasm. Greenberg and his colleagues focus on one major portion of this puzzle: the function of disease-fighting immune cells called T cells. During his four decades of immunotherapy research at Fred Hutch, he has become a world expert in discovering how T cells can be manipulated to treat a range of cancers with milder side effects than traditional therapies. In 1976, Greenberg joined the faculty of the then-young Fred Hutch, which attracted him because of its rare combination of expertise in both cancers and the immune system. Back then, a small but diverse and talented group led by Dr. E. Donnall Thomas was in the early days of developing bone marrow transplantation as a cure for patients with blood cancers. Their work has since provided critical clues about the immune system's potential to eliminate cancer. We all begin life as a single cell. A cell that must repeatedly grow and divide to create all of the cells that make up our body. As these cells divide, they must reshape themselves into the many different types required to build a human, such as a heart cell or a brain cell. This process, called cellular differentiation, is how we go from a single cell to a complex organism with distinct organs and tissues. Cellular differentiation is not only crucial for embryonic development, but it is required throughout our lives to maintain the tissues that make up our bodies: As old cells die off, new cells need to replace them. Disruptions to the complex chemical signaling pathways that regulate cellular differentiation can lead to abnormal development, blood disorders, and cancer. The desire to understand how and why cells differentiate and what can go awry in disease is the driving force behind Dr. Manu Settys research. Even as a young student, Setty recalled having two primary academic interests: biology and computer programing. I have always been driven by a curiosity of how things work, he said. As Setty looked toward college, he was confronted with a decision: biology or programing. He noted that at the time, studying biology was expected to lead to a career in medicine. Less passionate about becoming a physician, Setty ultimately decided to pursue computer science at the National Institute of Technology in Surathkal, India. After receiving his bachelors, he spent a couple of years working as a programmer but eventually discovered it wasnt as fulfilling as he hoped. A desire to combine his long-held passion for biology with his programming skills led him to New York City, where he pursued a masters degree in computational biology at Columbia University. Computational biology sits at the intersection of computer science and biology, allowing researchers to use computational tools to answer biological questions. Im a strong believer in using technology as a driver for discovery. My work has been about embracing new types of data because it can give us new types of information, expanding the questions we can ask biologically, Setty said. SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- General Catalyst and Jefferson Health today announced the formation of a first-of-its-kind innovation partnership -- making the venture capital firm a leading innovation partner for Jefferson Healths digital transformation initiatives. As part of this partnership, Jefferson will tap the newly formed Health Assurance Network-- a group of tech innovation companies dedicated to delivering the best offering in their respective spaces, and collectively committed to helping healthcare systems transform themselves. The partnership will help Jefferson accomplish its strategic priorities: seeking to modernize Jeffersons technology platform; diversify revenue streams; and prepare it to lead as more care becomes digital and value-based. The partnership announced today involves a coordinated effort by General Catalyst and its network of health assurance companies, including Commure and Tendo, and may expand to include others. This partnership is essential for accelerating the promise of health assurance which aims to evolve the current sick care system into a more proactive, preventative and cost-effective approach, said Stephen K. Klasko, MD, MBA, president of Thomas Jefferson University and CEO of Jefferson Health. There is real power in healthcare leaders collaborating with technology innovators. Our partnership with General Catalyst and its companies enables us all to work towards outcomes none of us could achieve on our own: better patient experiences, reduced costs, and expanded access to quality care while solving for the proliferation of siloed, disconnected technology solutions. The deal represents a unique reimagining of the role of a venture capital firm -- going beyond the traditional focus of just funding companies to thinking about how to build, focus and federate them. General Catalyst Managing Partner Hemant Taneja said: This is both an amazing opportunity and a great responsibility for our health assurance network companies -- including Commure, Tendo, Transcarent and Olive. The Jefferson leadership is embracing innovation as a core strategy for how they deliver health assurance to their communities. This work will become a model for how we have impact at national scale. The partnership approach solves for a big challenge for leading healthcare systems like Jefferson: the proliferation of siloed, disconnected technology solutions. Each healthcare system, with its own regional footprint and unique needs, has created its own technology flows and systems. There is no one universal standard or delivery platform. In addition, there are hundreds of technology solutions who are vying for a piece of the hospital systems growing technology budget, resulting in further fragmentation. The new deal will provide Jefferson an opportunity to minimize technical complexity and reduce fragmentation, but without sacrificing access to sophisticated, state-of-the-art technology. Jefferson and General Catalyst have long been on the forefront of healthcare innovation. Klasko and Taneja co-authored Unhealthcare: A Health Assurance Manifesto in 2020, before the global pandemic laid bare the inadequacies and inequities of the current system. In the book, they argue for a shift away from a system of sick care to a more proactive, resilient and equitable Health Assurance system designed to help people stay well. About General Catalyst General Catalyst is a venture capital firm that invests in powerful, positive change that endures for our entrepreneurs, our investors, our people, and society. We support founders with a long-term view who challenge the status quo, partnering with them from seed to growth stage and beyond to build companies that withstand the test of time. With offices in San Francisco, Palo Alto, New York City, London, and Boston, the firm has helped support the growth of businesses such as: Airbnb, Deliveroo, Guild, Gusto, Hubspot, Illumio, Lemonade, Livongo, Oscar, Samsara, Snap, Stripe, and Warby Parker. General Catalyst works closely with the companies building the network of health assurance including Commure, Tendo, Transcarent and Olive. For more: www.generalcatalyst.com . About Jefferson Health Jefferson Health, home of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, is reimagining healthcare in the greater Philadelphia region and southern New Jersey. Jeffersons dedicated team of doctors, nurses, health professionals and staff provides a range of primary to highly-specialized care through 18 hospitals (ten are Magnet-designated by the ANCC for nursing excellence), more than 50 outpatient and urgent care locations, the NCI-designated Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Moss Rehabilitation Hospitals and Magee Rehabilitation and the JeffConnect telemedicine program. For 2021-2022, Jefferson is ranked among the nations best hospitals in seven specialities by U.S. News & World Report. Jefferson Healths mission is to improve the lives of patients in the communities it is privileged to serve through safe, effective, equitable, compassionate care. Media Contacts: Katy Dormer, General Catalyst kdormer@generalcatalyst.com John Brand, Jefferson John.brand@jefferson.edu Ontario, Oct. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 2nd Chance Investment Group, a company based in Ontario, CA, is happy to announce that they have expanded their operations to Los Angeles. They are now ready to help people in Los Angeles and surrounding areas who want to sell their property as quickly as possible and for cash. It is important to note that theres no need to wait for a bank approval because they are paying in cash. Ray Foster, CEO of 2nd Chance Investment Group, says, We buy houses California homeowners want to sell quickly for whatever reason. We have just expanded our operations to include Los Angeles so that owners of houses in Los Angeles and neighboring areas may now have an opportunity to sell their house quickly and as-is. There is no longer any need to go through the hassle of selling your home through the traditional way of selling it through a real estate company. And because we buy a house as-is, there would be no need to worry about cleaning and/or repairs. There are a number of difficult circumstances where homeowners would want to sell their property. These include the fact that: the homeowner is about to lose the house to the bank and wants to avoid foreclosure; the homeowner has a bad rental with lousy tenants; there is a tax lien against the house; the house is vacant and the homeowner is tired of paying high property taxes; the homeowner has received a bad inheritance and doesnt wish to keep it; there are code violations against the property; the homeowner wants to sell without waiting for several months for the house to sell; the homeowner is getting divorced and wants to sell fast. Selling a house to 2nd Chance Investment Group only requires three simple and easy steps. First, the homeowner can fill out an online form on their website or call them on the phone to provide the details about the property. They will schedule a face to face meeting with the homeowner within 24 hours of receiving the information. Second, they will provide a fair offer for the home and if the owner accepts the proposal, they will start the buying process. There will be no long waiting time because there is no need to wait for a bank approval. After the deal has been closed and all the paperwork have been done, they will pay the seller in cash. Those who are interested in learning more about the company can visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/homebuyerca/. Previous clients have mostly positive things to say about 2nd Chance Investment Group. For instance, Candy L. gave them a five star rating and said, I have to say that Ray went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable to make sure that we knew everything we were getting into and very specific about everything. He made sure we understood everything. I will recommend him to everybody I know as I already have recommended him and his company to people that I know. What a great experience Ray is a blessing to do business with. In another recent review, Jilly B. also gave them five stars and said, I highly recommend Ray Foster and the team at 2nd Chance Investment Group. They were efficient, professional, & knowledgeable through out the whole process. Furthermore, they were accommodating and made a stressful situation very endurable. They are the opposite of the high-pressure, greedy others that I came across in the sale of my home. The contract was simple and straightforward. Ray and his group were always available directly and immediately for any questions/concerns. I am happy and satisfied to have done business with this group. I think if you do too, then you will not be disappointed. Founded in 2015, 2nd Chance Investment Group is made up of several motivated investors who are focused on helping people who need to sell their houses quickly. They pride themselves in offering excellent customer service and in making the buying process simple and fast. They are based in the Inland Empire of Southern California and they purchase properties in Riverside and throughout California. https://youtu.be/k2griIJav7s Those who are looking for a sell my house fast Los Angeles company can check out the 2nd Chance Investment Group website, or contact them on the phone or through email. They are open 24 hours a day from Monday to Saturday, and from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sundays. ### For more information about 2nd Chance Investment Group, contact the company here: 2nd Chance Investment Group Ray Foster (866) 593 7012 info@homebuyerca.com 2nd Chance Investment Group LLC. 4295 E Jurupa St Unit 209 Ontario, CA 91761 AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maven Associates is a mid-market management consulting firm. They deploy project teams staffed with alumni from Bain, BCG and McKinsey on projects ranging from strategy and growth to profit improvement. The pandemic transformed how people live, connect, and work, and the consulting industry was not immune to the changes. As some parts of the world transition to a post-COVID normal, consultants are at a crossroads. Major firms are sold out. The mid-market consulting space is face-to-face with opportunity - if firms can adapt. "Right now, major firms are out of capacity and are starting to use contract consultants. Contract consultants have been a core part of our business model since the beginning," said Mark Hess, Founder of Maven Associates. "Watching how consultants will function, grow, and tweak their services in the coming year will be interesting. Lucky for us, Maven Associates has long been set up with a remote workforce. We operate effectively and efficiently in this climate; we've been at it for years." Mark founded Maven Associates in 2009 after his roles as Principal at Stagen and VP of Strategy and Business Development at GES. His goal was to provide world-class consulting to the mid-market by leveraging Bain, BCG, and McKinsey alumni. Together with his dynamic team of specialists, Mark gives clients access to top-tier talent and proven methodologies at a fraction of the cost. "At Maven, we've always done things differently," said Mark. "We challenge the status quo and have always embraced new and innovative ways of driving client results." "Consultants are known to be on and off planes and in and out of offices. That's the conventional way of doing business. This new paradigm will be tough for some, but Maven is excited about it." Over the past decade, Mark has achieved exceptional outcomes on the projects he's led. For one ~$300M metal manufacturer, his growth acceleration strategy is expected to maximize their exit valuation multiples. In addition, he helped a ~$40M publisher improve profitability and roadmap new growth opportunities, and he built a growth strategy for a ~$100M SaaS business. Mark's successes go beyond growth and value creation and organizational design. Data-driven in his approach, he conducts competitor analysis and due diligence, especially for organizations pre- and post-private equity acquisitions. "That's another space to watch as the world moves forward," said Mark. "I'll be keeping an eye on whether private equity sees a significant pullback next year." In the face of uncertainty, businesses will come up against new challenges. If they don't innovate to meet market changes and shifting consumer sentiments, they may not survive. Although Mark and the Maven Associates team are optimistic, they understand that the next growth chapter is a daunting one for many companies. "Helping organizations thrive in unchartered territory is what we do best," said Mark, who has first-hand experience working through business growing pains. "We've got to look at change as an opportunity. Backed by both consulting and executive industry expertise, we give companies the support and strategic guidance they need to find real-world solutions to their problems." Maven Associates offers an independent perspective based that aligns decision-makers and moves organizations to action. Creative problem-solvers and fast learners, Maven is home to talent dedicated to client outcomes. With expertise in growth strategy, profit improvement, due diligence, M&A support, and annual planning, plus wide industry networks, Maven challenges clients to rethink their business and unlock opportunities - even when that future is unwritten. "Like me, my business is values-led. We aim to bring genuine value to the mid-market, and we do that by thinking like owners." Find out more about by visiting maven-associates.com. Contact: Michael Curtis Media Media@MichaelCurtisPartners.com 512.761.6341 Related Images Image 1 This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment DELAWARE CITY, Del., Oct. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Weownomy Platform has announced today the launch of Liquidity and staking rewards program. The 200 million WEOWNS stake program will be divided into three categories: - Remittance & Crypto trading where there are no transactions fees, participants get an extra amount when sending or receiving money; social media users are incentivized to post, share and interact with content on the Weownomy Platform in order to earn WEOWNS, which can be used as an exchange currency or cashed out into other cryptocurrencies or fiat currencies at any time. Weownomy's latest project, MyWEOWNS Debt Free Personal Economic Security Program , introduces a sustainable personal economic system that aims to enable people to thrive financially without being burdened by debt. In preparation for the launch of WeownomyChat, an instant messaging app in November 2021, the board approved to reward those who share its vision for the long-term success of a new alternative social media platform and its currency of kindness, WEOWNS. "This reward program is one way we can help share our vision of long-term success with those who are ready to be part of the WEOWNOMY revolution," said Ssemakula Peter Luyima. The World's First WEOWNS Economy Program The World's First WEOWNS Economy Program will be launched on 29 to 31, October 2021. The program provides 200 million WEOWNS to registered participants, allowing them to have a position in WEOWNS by holding the token. There are three ways of participation: 1) An individual or company can open an account with WeownomyPay and make their first WEOWNS transaction 2) A company can register with WEOWNS' click-to-earn WeownomyChat Ads as platform currency converted into other crypto or fiat currencies 3) Investors can stake Ether in WEOWNS' staking reward program period (October 29-31). WEOWNS has three key features: 1) It's backed by continual transaction 2) As people use WEOWNS, it becomes worth more because of the underlying principles of supply and demand, meaning you can earn an extra amount above your initial purchase price. 3) New opportunities for growth with increasing participants. For every WEOWNS coin created through the network, another will be destroyed through use or transaction. This makes it possible to have an infinite supply while still having value because demand will always be higher than supply, making this the most stable cryptocurrency ever made. The WEOWNS project is creating a new, and possibly revolutionary, way to distribute the wealth generated by staking. The entire reward pool is fixed, and 50 million WEOWNS will be distributed on a stake weighted basis to remaining qualifying participants at the end of each six-month period, according to a published schedule. WEOWNS provides an alternative to traditional staking platforms that give no guarantee that the total amount of rewards for participating will ever exceed initial investments. WEOWNS Reward Distribution Details The 200 million WEOWNS in the reward pool will be distributed over the course of four six-month periods for a total of two years on the dates below: PERIOD WEOWNS STAKING REWARDS PROGRAM DISTRIBTION DATES AMOUNT OF STAKE REWARD WEOWNS DISTRIBUTED Period 1 October 29, 2021 50,000,000 Period 2 April 29, 2022 50,000,000 Period 3 October 29, 2022 50,000,000 Period 4 April 29, 2023 50,000,000 WEOWNS: A Crypto Asset backed by Continual Transactions and Participants As it continues to be used, WEOWNs are destroyed in the process of transactions and by staking rewards. This means that for every WEOWN created through the network, another one will be destroyed at the same time. The entire staking reward pool is fixed and will be distributed on a stake-weighted basis only to remaining qualifying participants at the end of each six-month period. In the world of cryptocurrency, there are many different ways to earn a reward. Staking WEOWNS means locking them up in order to receive more of the coins. The reward one receives depends on how many coins are locked away by other people who are also staking their coins. To qualify for rewards from staking WEOWNS, they must be deposited into an eligible wallet that supports staking and not withdrawn during the period of time when they were active on the network. Weownomy offers an opportunity for WEOWNS holders to earn more through their stake by calculating how much they stand to receive based on different time periods. The longer the period, the higher your reward will be but you need to make sure that you have enough WEOWNS in your wallet for this type of long-term investment strategy. The only requirement for a qualifying wallet is that it must have over 1 WEOWNS in it on its own or combined with other wallets that also qualify. WEOWNS Liquidity Providers Rewards WEOWNS is a yield-bearing asset that allows holders to passively generate income through the process of staking their tokens. WEOWNS will generate revenue from two sources: 1% trading fee generated by the UniSwap decentralized exchange where it is listed; 5000 WEOWNS (represented in USD or any currency) is what is provided monthly to liquidity providers on UniSwap. The idea behind WEOWNS is simple: if one does stake tokens, they stand to receive stake rewards in the form of ETH and/or WEOWNS tokens for doing so. For example, if one does stake 100 WEOWNS tokens using (ETH/WEOWNS liquidity pool) for six months, in return he/she gets rewarded 5,000 WEOWNS tokens (depending on the current price). Go to ETH/WEOWNS liquidity pool and click on +Add Liquidity in the top right The Program begins on Oct. 25, 2021 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. WEOWNS and the Staking Reward Program WEOWNS is a Proof of Stake (PoS) token that provides holders with passive income on the Ethereum network. This means that users can lock up their WEOWNS tokens in order to receive rewards for staking them. WEOWNS Token global investors can provide liquidity to ETH/WEOWNS liquidity pool in equal proportion on Uniswap (V3) as follows: 1) 100% ETH/WEOWNS liquidity pool staking rewards go to investor for a minimum of 30 days 2) Whitelist your address 3) An investor can Open WeownomyPay Account to exchange WEOWNS into xZAR tokens. WEOWNS to Integrate xZAR Stablecoin for Transactions WEOWNS will officially use xZAR South African stablecoin pegged 1:1 with South African Rand (ZAR) for transactions. The use for xZAR will start initially with the 30,000 co-owners who will exchange WEOWNS into xZAR tokens.WEOWNS Users will be able to convert it back into Rands (ZAR) via AltCoinTrader.co.za, South Africa. About WEOWNS WEOWNS https://weowns.global is a new currency that was created to address the shortcomings of Bitcoin. WEOWNS is designed to be used as an incentive for people who want to do good in their communities, not just mine bitcoins. WEOWNS incentivizes entrepreneurs and users to act with kindness towards one another by building trust through commitments made. This means that any user or entrepreneur who follows the precept should generally be expected to be more successful than otherwise, because they will have earned more WEOWNS. About Weownomy Weownomy Platform Corporation, Incorporated in the State of Delaware https://www.weownomy.global is launching a subscription-based, open and participatory platform. A new redefined social network that facilitates people's participation in the democratic process of defining their own rules for their future, generating an ownership structure where every person has rights to share in the proceeds generated by this new economy and hence true economic equality. Media Ssemakula Peter Luyima ceo@weownomy.global President and CEO Weownomy Platform Corporation Related Images Image 1: Weownomy Weownomy Platform This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. Attachment New Albany, United States, Oct. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dexioprotocol (DEXI) aims to revolutionize blockchain-based gaming by launching a user-friendly NFT platform and developing their own blockchain network and exchange, complete with a secure, sophisticated digital wallet and a state-of-the-art AR application. DEXIGAS (DXG) is the utility token within its gaming ecosystem and was released on October 20. Dexioprotocol is also announcing a cutting-edge NFT Marketplace launching on October 29. The cryptocurrency gaming company is currently developing three games. The beta version of the Dexi Hunter App, its flagship augmented reality crypto bounty hunting game, will be available to whitelisted testers by the end of November. Legends of the Dexiverse (a voxel art single player game) and Dexi Hero (an online card game) will also be available later this year. Their intention is to create many more, fully intending to become an industry-standard in Augmented Reality (AR) app development. The new network, the Smart Dexio Netowork (SDN) is already being put through the paces, with DEXI and DXG scheduled to be migrated to mainnet before the end of the year. Visit the Dexioprotocol website here: https://dexioprotocol.com/ Get Questions answered in the Dexioprotocol Community Telegram Chatroom here: https://linktr.ee/dexioprotocol For the latest of public announcements from the company, follow Dexioprotocol on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dexioprotocol The Vision of Dexioprotocol with its two tokens DEXI and DXG DEXIGAS (DXG) was created to be the utility token within the Dexioprotocol gaming ecosystem on its Smart Dexio Network (SDN). Including this token will lend the exibility that an in-game currency allows as the network and gaming ecosystem expands. Every time a digital asset is collected or an in-game transaction is made, a portion of DXG is burned. See a quick introduction about Dexioprotocol on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsNDMLoXgUY&t=1s Dexioprotocol owners and developers Greg and Don had this to say about some of the technical aspects of the two tokens: There have been a lot of questions regarding the relationship between DEXI and DEXIGAS and how those two tokens will play an ongoing role in the future of Dexioprotocol. The first and most obvious question is, Why do we have 2 tokens? What is the point? To properly answer that question, we must first lay out some of the aspects of our long-term plan. We are in the process of building our own network, the Smart Dexio Network (SDN). Having our own network is critical to our strategy to become a major player in the crypto space. By having our own network; we will be able to pair other tokens with DEXI , minimize gas fees, increase the speed of transactions, manage governance, and implement the changes we will undoubtedly need to make as we continually adapt to the rapidly changing environment that is crypto. We are already working on a comprehensive set of cross-chain features and streamlining some of the better aspects of the networks that are already in existence like VeChain, Ethereum, Binance and others. Like any network, the SDN will have the ability to pair other tokens with DEXI, stake DEXI in order to become a validator and to mine DEXIGAS, and participate in governance by holding DEXI. In other words, DEXI will be a vital component of the network. We have had many conversations internally and with industry partners, community, and team members, that have helped us in continuing to explore how we want all of this to work to its greatest potential. Because of that, there has been some confusion about the role of DEXI in this new epoch of Dexioprotocol. Let us assure you: DEXI will be the native token of the Smart Dexio Network and plays an essential role. DEXIGAS will be our in-game currency. We have launched now on the Binance Smart Chain Network (BSC) before we migrate to the SDN so that we can figure out exactly what works and what does not work for us before we make the migration. When we migrate to the SDN we will be able to move from DEXI (V1) and DEXIGAS (V1) to DEXI (V2) and DEXIGAS (V2). This migration is going to give us the opportunity to take advantage of developments within the crypto space, especially as they relate to networks and cross-chain functions, as well as implement any features or remove any that we decide work better for our long-term goals. The Migration of Dexioprotocol to its Own Network For now, DEXI and DEXIGAS will remain on BSC as BEP20 tokens. The decision to launch on BSC before migration to the Smart Dexio Network was strategic, so that evaluations may be made concerning which technology is more or less efficient before migration is made. This migration will allow the opportunity to take advantage of developments within the crypto space, especially as they relate to networks and cross-chain functions, as well as implement or remove any features to support the long-term goals of Dexioprotocol. Dexioprotocol and the Future According to recent data, fewer than 100 million people worldwide are currently investing in cryptocurrencies. That represents less than 3% of the global population. Dexioprotocol plans to dramatically change that by engaging vastly more people in activities that encourage them to learn about cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and the networks they are built on. The opportunities in this next epoch are limitless and will facilitate exciting new innovations in business, education, recreation, art, and music. What is the vision Dexioprotocol? The vision is a world in which blockchain technology is mainstream and infinitely more people are connected by it. Authored by: Robert Stone @shake_the_web on Twitter Website: https://Dexioprotocol.com PALMA, Spain, Oct. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Otium Technologies is proud to announce its launch, which will bring blockchain to the travel and tourism industry. The company's mission is to revolutionize the traditional travel and tourism industry. In a bid to revolutionize the travel and tourism industry after the monumental impact caused by COVID-19, the team at Otium Technologies is pleased to announce the introduction of its project and service offerings to the leisure industry. Otium Technologies uses blockchain technology to proffer solutions to the wide range of challenges and problems bedevilling the industry. The impact of the pandemic caused businesses to shut down, companies laid off their employees, revenue sources were affected, and a lot of damages. But Otium Technologies has the magic finger to rejig any business that was affected by the pandemic and subsequent lockdown imposed by different levels of governments. What Is Otium Technologies Spanish company that develops Blockchain-based solutions for the leisure and tourism sector. Strengths: Pioneers in the vacation leisure industry Senior team of industry experts Well connected with major tourism companies Problems It Solves Inspired by the concept of Socios.com, we will provide large companies in the sector with a tool to capitalize through their own token while interacting and building customer loyalty in a new way, while the user will have the possibility to feel part of their favorite brand, using their loyalty tokens in a practical and simple way, either by voting, investing or using them on the brand's products. A tool that brings benefits to both outlets and users. It shortens waiting times, optimizes processes, allows people to use crypto to pay and we add special features to make it go viral (such as sharing the address of their table and receiving paid beers from their colleagues!). Defi is here to stay and we want to be the bank of the future for the tourist, with Staking products redeemable for paid vacations and many other option: It is a deflationary token that helps its value to increase Just by tokenizing them in their wallet, their Otiums grow with each sale and for monthly tokenizers, an extra % of Otium will be distributed during the first year. People will be able to use them to pay in the F&B app and get discounts. As a holder people will be able to access the pre-sales of tokens of hotel chains and large tourism companies. The company'sconsulting company will receive Otiums as a form of payment to encourage the purchase of Otiums. Faces Behind Otium Technologies parades a team of credible and knowledgeable experts who are well-versed in travel and tourism, blockchain technology, and digital marketing. The team is led by Yan Garayalde , who happens to be the CEO & Founder of the project. He is ably assisted by Rafael Camps , who serves as the COO and CoFounder of the project. Also on the team is Marco Taboas , who serves as a partner and Fernando Pareja , who is the Legal Adviser, offering useful legal guidance to comply with laid down rules and regulations. The team also includes Luca Longo and Benjamin Robles Pomar , who serves as the project designer and developer respectively. About Otium Technologies Otium Technologies brings blockchain to the travel and tourism industry. The project uses the best available technology, apps, and DApps to revolutionize the leisure Industry. Having experienced the COVID-19 crisis which wreaked havoc on the global economy, particularly the travel and tourism industry, Otium is committed to collaborate faithfully, adapt technological innovations, and leave no stone unturned to ensure that the industry jerks back to life. Otium is also committed to prepare the industry for new challenges and trends to come in the future. To achieve this mission, Otium parades a team of highly intellectual personalities and experts in their various fields of endeavors for the tasks ahead. The team at Otium Technologies is ever-ready to collaborate with users, tourist destinations, and companies to advance the frontiers of the industry. The company's focus is to research and develop different solutions using powerful tools like blockchain technology. Social Media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/otium_tech Telegram: https://t.me/otiumtechES PeopleTube: https://peopletube.com/channel/UCTTVsdfDBclFNuWDFAIIxug Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otium.technologies/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/otium-technologies Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/OtiumTechnologies/ Media Contact: Company: Otium Technologies E-mail: info@otiumtechnologies.com Website: https://otiumtechnologies.com/ Whitepaper: https://otiumtechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/OTIUM-WHITEPAPER_ENG.pdf SOURCE: Otium Technologies New York City, NY , Oct. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Not all treasure is silver and goldThe Pirates Of Solana (POS) is a 3D high-quality collection of 7777 multi-character pirate NFTsunique digital collectibles cursed to eternally roam and plunder the seven metaver-seas of Solana, in hunt of the legendary Sol-piece starting from the 25th October 2021. Not only are each of the pirates unique but they also offer some special opportunities for their holders. Your pirate NFT is your ticket to sail the Solana Seas, to form/join crews and to compete with others via duels for lucrative rewards. As the POS community grows so will their vision, as of now to see what they have in store have a look at their roadmap! The soul of the Pirates Every soul possesses a desire for adventure, danger, and exploration. This universal human emotion has been captured and magnified by mainly one particular group of individuals in the past: pirates. POS aims to bring the thrill of being a pirate i.e. experiencing freedom, adventure, and raucous living for those that seek it in the form of a game, and with the help of the blockchain we can incentivise this. The team at POS have a vision of becoming one of the most successful P2E games with their unique economic model and concept. While shedding more light on the project, the Pirates Of Solana leadership explained that each pirate will be a container which can be upgraded via various competitions, tournaments and through the unique duelling system. Holders will also be rewarded with a portion of royalties which will distributed to them via two different methods: Treasure Hunts open for all pirates Quarterly Tournaments both free (with SOL & NFT upgrade rewards) as well as those with an entry fee distributed amongst winners. The leadership expressed its determination to keep the project going smoothly and well-funded. It said that 4% of royalties on the 7,777 Pirates to be minted will be returned to the community through these methods. A further 2% of the royalties will be devoted to funding the project, a necessity to keep it afloat. Unique Characters Pirates Of Solana are the first NFT collection to host several different characters in their collection, each with shared as well as unique traits that are character specific these will play a big role in the upcoming duelling system! Pirate Duels and Crew Battles Pirates of Solana will offer a turn-based fighting game scheduled to debut in Q2 2022. Each time you start a new fight, you will roll randomized stats for your pirate based on predetermined ranges associated with each of your NFTs unique items and attributes. These will be in the following categories: Attack Power (AP) Accuracy Defense Health Points (HP) Special Bonus There will also be crew fights, where you will be able to team up with other pirates provided you have a pirate ship and at least 1 captain and two scallywags amongst your team. You will be able to fight 1v1, 3v3, 4v4 or 5v5 and climb the ranks alone or with your team! Membership for everyone Once you purchase the token, you are automatically qualified to enter the Seven Seas of Solana as a Pirate. Your membership qualifies you for tons of benefits that include high-calibre NFT project mint passes, presale spots on future PiratesOfSolana collections and a host of other incentives. The start of the journey The idea for the project was reportedly born between July and August 2021. After several brainstorming sessions, the founders decided to assemble a team of talented and experienced developers and artists and game designers to handle the project and bring it to reality. The team eventually decided to take the project to the internet, and by extension, a larger target audience by hosting a pre-sale limited to 500 tokens. While 5,000 tokens were reserved for pre-sale, the remaining NFTs are to be minted by the public through the Pirates Of Solana website. Once all 7,777 Pirates are set free to eternally roam the seas, they will be available to obtain on the major NFT marketplaces. Minted on Solana According to the Pirates Of Solana leadership, they have decided to mint their collection on the Solana blockchain, one of the fastest blockchains in the world and the fastest-growing ecosystem in the cryptocurrency community. Currently, it is the foundation for over 600 projects including NFTs, DeFi, Web3, and a host of others. The primary reason for this being its compatibility with the dueling system to be released in early Q2 2022. The projects leadership also cited Solanas popularity in the cryptocurrency community, its low fees and its bullish nature as the fundamental reasons for why it chose the blockchain for the project. Members of the public and interested investors are advised to visit Pirates of Solana official website to keep a tab on the projects development and the roadmap from the ideation stage to the future. Pirates with a Social cause A true pirate gives back as stated by the Pirates Of Solana core leadership. In And for that reason, they have decided to donate a whopping $50,000 of minting proceeds to Reef-World Foundation which aims "To inspire and empower people to act in conserving and sustainably developing coastal resources, particularly coral reefs and related ecosystems." This charity was chosen by the community for the amazing work theyve been doing to support basic marine ecology since 1999. Social links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/PiratesOfSolana Discord: https://discord.gg/PiratesOfSolana Media contact: Company: PiratesOfSolana Contact Name: CaptainJo E-mail: info@PiratesOfSolana.io Website: https://PiratesOfSolana.io There is no offer to sell, no solicitation of an offer to buy, and no recommendation of any security or any other product or service in this article. Moreover, nothing contained in this PR should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security, or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. It is your responsibility to determine whether any investment, investment strategy, security, or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your investment objectives, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance. Consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax advisor regarding your specific business, legal, or tax situation. NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the American Depositary Shares (ADSs) of Waterdrop Inc. (NYSE: WDH) pursuant and/or traceable to the Companys initial public offering conducted in May 2021 (the IPO), of the important November 15, 2021 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Waterdrop ADSs pursuant and/or traceable to the IPO you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Waterdrop class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2158.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than November 15, 2021. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, the IPOs registration statement featured false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Waterdrop had achieved a substantial portion of its historical revenue growth through illicit means that ran afoul of Chinese rules and regulations governing the insurance industry; (2) Waterdrop had been ordered by the Chinese government to shut down its mutual aid platform because of its failure to comply with Chinese law; (3) Waterdrop was under investigation by regulatory authorities for continued violations of Chinese law; (4) as a result of the foregoing, there existed a material undisclosed risk and substantial likelihood that Waterdrop would face severe adverse actions by regulatory authorities following the IPO; (5) Waterdrops operating losses had increased more than four-fold in the first quarter of 2021 as a result of the cessation of its mutual aid business and rapidly growing customer acquisition costs; and (6) as a result of the foregoing, the IPO registration statements representations regarding Waterdrops historical financial and operational metrics and purported market opportunities did not accurately reflect the actual business, operations, and financial results and trajectory of the Company in the lead up to the IPO, were materially false and misleading, and lacked a factual basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Waterdrop class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2158.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 lrosen@rosenlegal.com pkim@rosenlegal.com cases@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com Waukesha, WI (53187) Today Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low around 30F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low around 30F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Goshen, IN (46526) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low around 30F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low around 30F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Governor Northam Announces Virginias Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.8 Percent in September Unemployment rate has dropped every single month for 16 straight months RICHMONDGovernor Ralph Northam announced today that Virginias unemployment rate fell to 3.8 percent in September, 2.8 percentage points below the rate from one year ago. Virginia unemployment continues to stay below the national rate of 4.8 percent. In September, the private sector recorded an over-the-year gain of 69,300 jobs and the public sector gained 3,700 jobs, totaling 73,000 new jobs. September marks the sixteenth consecutive month Virginias unemployment rate has dropped, said Governor Northam. People are working, businesses are hiring, and thats all good news. This consistent progress shows the strength of Virginias economy, and we need to keep this momentum going. Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 2,700 jobs over-the-month. The number of unemployed residents decreased by 8,606 to 159,786. The number of employed residents rose by 4,747 to 4,084,410. In September 2021, Virginia saw over-the-year job gains of 1.8 percent. Even with an unemployment rate well below the national average, our administration remains committed to helping those Virginians who are still searching for work, said Secretary of Labor Megan Healy. We will continue to work with our workforce development partners to ensure that all Virginians have access to the resources and skills they will need to find a high-quality career in this new job market. Since this time last year, employment in Virginia has increased by more than 70,000 jobs and the unemployment rate has dropped by 2.8 percentage points, said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. These numbers are just a few of the latest encouraging signs for the Commonwealths economy in a post-pandemic world, and we are optimistic that job growth will continue in the months ahead. Compared to a year ago, on a seasonally adjusted basis, nine of eleven major industry divisions experienced employment gains. The largest over-the-year job gain occurred in professional and business services, up 23,800 jobs or 3.1 percent. The next largest over-the-year job gain occurred in leisure and hospitality, up 19,300 jobs or 5.9 percent. Trade, transportation, and utilities experienced the third largest over-the-year job gain of 10,500 jobs or 1.6 percent. For more details, visit the Virginia Employment Commissions website. # # # Grand Haven, MI (49417) Today Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low near 35F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low near 35F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Albemarle Corporation, a leader in the global specialty chemicals industry, announced its intent for strategic investments in China in support of the expansion of its lithium conversion capacity. The company recently signed investment agreements with the Yangtze River International Chemical Industrial Park in the Zhangjiagang Free Trade Zone (Jiangsu province), and the Pengshan Economic Development Park in the Pengshan District (Sichuan province). With these agreements, Albemarle will move forward with its design, engineering and permitting plans to build a conversion plant at each site, each of which has planned production capacity initially targeting 50,000 metric tons lithium hydroxide per annum. Subject to additional studies and approvals, it is expected these plants would start construction during 2022 and complete construction by the end of 2024. White Oak Trees Need Your Help: Individual Citizen Scientists And Groups Sought To Help with Forest Regeneration Project For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, The Commercial Appeal. Peter Roff is a former UPI and U.S. News & World Report columnist who is now affiliated with several Washington-D.C.-based public policy organizations. Copyright 2021 Peter Roff distributed by Cagle Cartoons newspaper syndicate. Green River Police Department reports for Oct. 12 At 8:53 a.m., officers responded to a report of accidental damage at Rocky Mountain Car Wash. Officers met with the manager at the car wash who reported a spray bar had struck a vehicle, then the vehicle had left the area, and there was damage to the spray bar. Officers contacted the driver of the vehicle and completed a report of the incident. At 8:58 a.m., officers responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Wind River Drive and Hitching Post Drive. It was reported the first vehicle was stopped at the intersection facing west and the second vehicle was traveling south on Hitching Post Drive approaching the intersection. As the first vehicle initiated a left-hand turn onto Hitching Post Drive the front passenger side of the vehicle collided with the rear drivers side of the second vehicle. Officers completed a report of the incident. At 10:27 a.m., officers responded to a report of fraud at Easy Circle. Officers met with an individual who reported being contacted by a representative from a virus protection program who advised they had a virus on their computer and they needed access to remove it. During the process the representative asked for banking information to provide a refund, in which more money than stated was deposited. The representative then requested a refund by gift cards. The individual denied the request and contacted their financial institution. No monetary losses were reported. Officers completed a report of the incident. At 1:03 p.m., officers responded to a report of an attempted scam on Cumorah Way. Officers met with an individual who reported they had been selling an item and were contacted by an individual who requested to purchase the item. They made arrangements to pay through Venmo. The individual received suspicious emails from a suspected fraudulent Venmo email. The individual terminated the sale and reported the incident. No monetary losses were reported. Officers completed a report of the incident. At 5:22 p.m., officers responded to a report of an attempted scam on Centennial Drive. Officers met with an individual who reported they received a notification on their computer stating it was from Microsoft and to call a number. The individual contacted the representative who advised them their cards had been hacked and they needed to go through the process of getting the money returned. The representative then told the individual they needed to purchase gift cards. No monetary losses were reported. Officers completed a report of the incident. At 6:35 p.m., officers responded to a report of a single-vehicle collision. It was reported a vehicle was traveling south on the Uinta Drive overpass when the vehicle lost control and struck the concrete barrier. Officers issued the driver, Mario Martinez, 70, of Green River, a citation for alleged speed too fast for conditions, and completed a report of the incident. Oct. 13 At 10:17 a.m., officers responded to a report of a disturbance at Castle Rock Medical Center. The reporting party advised that there was a man yelling at another man in the parking lot. The suspect left the scene prior to officers arrival. Officers met with the victim who advised they werent sure who the other party was, but they had an idea of who it could have been. Officers met with the possible suspect who denied being in the area at the time of the disturbance. Officers completed a report of the incident. At 1:35 p.m., officers responded to a report of a juvenile tobacco offense at Green River High School. Two juveniles, 15 and 17, of Green River, were issued citations for alleged use or possession of tobacco by minor. Officers completed a report of the incident. Oct. 14 At 12:01 p.m., officers responded to a report of found property on West Teton Boulevard. Officers collected a knife for safekeeping and completed a report of the incident. At 12:19 p.m., officers responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision. It was reported a vehicle was towing an enclosed trailer and was backing the vehicle southbound on North 4th East Street and struck a second vehicle, which was parked on the east side of the street, with the trailer. Officers issued the driver of the first vehicle, Michael Eckley, 48, of Rock Springs, a citation for alleged inattentive driving with a crash and completed a report of the incident. At 3:36 p.m., officers responded to the GRPD lobby to collect medications and empty the medication drop off box. Officers collected the medications, booked them in for destruction, and completed a report of the incident. At 10:49 p.m., officers responded to a report of a barking dog on Riverview Drive. Officers made contact with the owner, advised of the complaint, issued a verbal warning, and completed a report of the incident. Oct. 15 At 8:48 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Monroe Avenue and Andrews Street and issued the driver Chelsey Gale, 37, of Green River, a citation for alleged speeding school zone. At 10:44 a.m., officers responded to an anonymous tip to the GRPD of an individual using illegal drugs. Officers met with the suspected individual and located drug paraphernalia and suspected liquid marijuana. Officers subsequently confiscated the contraband and issued citations to Brittany Stevens, 21, of Green River, for alleged possession of controlled substance - liquid 3/10 gram or less and paraphernalia (possession with intent to use). At 11:08 a.m., officers along with K9 Buddy responded to a Therapy K9 request at Monroe Elementary School. K9 Buddy provided needed assistance and officers completed a report of the incident. At 1:34 p.m., officers responded to a report of a dog at large at New Mexico Street and Colorado Drive. Officers impounded the dog and later made contact with the owner. Officers issued a citation to Michael Anderson, 55, of Green River, for alleged animal at large. At 3:26 p.m., officers responded to a report of vandalism at Green Island Gym. Officers met with the owner who reported damage to the back door of the building. Officers completed a report of the incident. Oct. 16 At 2:27 a.m., officers responded to a report of threats or harassment. Officers met with an individual who reported a verbal altercation with an individual. Officers completed a report of the incident. The GRPD did not release the address officers responded to. At 4:29 p.m., officers responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision at Smiths. It was reported the first vehicle was traveling east in the parking area and left the lane of travel to cross through open parking spaces. The second vehicle was parked, facing east in a parking space, unoccupied. As the first vehicle passed the second vehicle, the front passenger side mirror of the vehicle struck the drivers side mirror of the second vehicle. Officers completed a report of the incident. At 6:03 p.m., officers responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision at Smiths. It was reported a vehicle was traveling north in the parking area and turned left into a parking space adjacent to a second vehicle, which was parked facing west in a parking spot. As the first vehicle pulled into the parking spot the front passenger side of the vehicle struck the drivers side of the second vehicle. Officers issued a citation to the driver of the first vehicle, a juvenile, 16, of Green River, for alleged inattentive driving with a crash. Officers completed a report of the incident. At 6:31 p.m., officers responded to a report of domestic violence. Officers met with an individual who reported a verbal dispute with another individual. The parties had previously separated and officers made contact with the other involved individual and completed a report of the incident. The GRPD did not release the address officers responded to. Oct. 17 At 12:57 a.m., officers responded to a report of a single-vehicle collision at Maverik. It was reported the vehicle was pulling into a parking space and the vehicle lurched forward and went up over the curb and struck a metal container. Officers completed a report of the incident. At 3:20 p.m., officers responded to a report of a hit and run on East 3rd North Street. Officers met with an individual who reported finding damage to their vehicle and completed a report of the incident. At 8:26 p.m., officers responded to a report of vandalism on North 1st East Street. Officers met with an individual who reported finding damage to their vehicle. Officers completed a report of the incident. Oct. 18 At 12:40 a.m., officers responded to a report of domestic violence. Officers arrived on scene and could hear a commotion inside the residence and made contact with the involved parties. Officers subsequently placed Christopher Larson, 30, of Green River, under arrest for alleged domestic assault - first offense. Officers transported Larson to the Sweetwater County Detention Center and completed a report of the incident. The GRPD did not release the address officers responded to. At 8:58 a.m., officers responded to a report of vandalism at Expedition Island. Officers met with a city employee who reported graffiti on several metal signs and one of the monuments. Officers completed a report of the incident. At 11:53 a.m., officers responded to a report of an individual with an active warrant. Officers met with the individual, confirmed the warrant, and placed Carrie Hood, 39, of Green River, under arrest for alleged unlawful possession - plant form less than 3 ounces - first offense per the active warrant. Officers transported Hood to the Sweetwater County Detention Center and completed a report of the incident. The GRPD did not release the address officers responded to. At 12:39 p.m., officers responded to a report of an emergency school safety drill at Lincoln Middle School. The drill was completed successfully. At 3:05 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was speeding on Bridger Drive and Citadel Street and issued the driver, a juvenile, 17, of Green River, a citation for alleged seat belt: driver violation. At 7:11 p.m., officers responded to a report of a disturbance on Uinta Drive. It was reported an individual hit one of the gaming machines and kicked a chair, then left the establishment. Officers met with the manager of the establishment who requested to have the individual trespassed from the property. Officers attempted to contact the individual and completed a report of the incident. At 7:37 p.m., officers responded to a report of a domestic battery that had occurred earlier in the day. Officers met with an individual who reported a physical altercation. Officers attempted to locate the suspected individual and completed a report of the incident, which is still under investigation. The GRPD did not release the address officers responded to. Sweetwater County will receive funds to provide a new bomb squad trailer and help with emergency management. During Tuesdays meeting, the county commissioners approved grant agreement documents that will provide funds for new bomb squad equipment for the Sweetwater County Sheriffs Office. Sweetwater County was awarded $62,199 in federal homeland security grant funding from the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security. The purpose of this funding is to improve the sheriffs office bomb squads capability to prevent a threatened or actual act of terrorism, Sweetwater County Grants Manager Krisena Marchal said. The project consists of purchasing a transport trailer containment vessel that will be used to safely remove suspected improvised explosive devices and suspicious packages from a scene to a remote location for investigation and destruction. Marchal explained that the Sweetwater bomb squad is one of the busiest bomb squads in Wyoming and serves a large portion of the state, typically handling more than 30 incidents a year. Sheriff John Grossnickle said this grant will provide a replacement trailer for the one they have been using that had to be required because of age, and that the trailer is a vital piece of equipment for the bomb squad. Another grant commissioners approved was the 2021 Emergency Management Performance Grant. Sweetwater County was awarded $60,000 in federal emergency management performance grant funding from the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security. This is an annual grant designed to help offset homeland security expenses and assist local governments in preparing for all hazards. This grant requires a 50% cash match from the county, which has already been budgeted. The commissioners also approved a request for a letter of support for a grant application for the Sweetwater Events Complex. The SEC is looking to upgrade the lights and add an industrial fan in the indoor arena to improve comfort and safety for events. Kyra Seppie, an office assistant at SEC, also pointed out that the events complex is a designated emergency shelter facility, so updating the indoor arena could help with emergency uses as well, including vaccination clinics. In order to update the indoor arena, SEC is applying for funds through the T-Mobile Hometown Grant. No match money will be required for the grant. The maximum amount the grant can provide is $50,000, and the SECs planned upgrades come to $49,744, Seppie said. Other business from Tuesdays county commission meeting: Commissioners heard and approved several planning and zoning requests, including a request from Wes & Jennifer Woodward to change the zoning for their residence north of Rock Springs from mixed residential to retail business in order to start a nursery business called Simply Sunshine that will provide cut flowers, trees, seed germination and more. Two county residents expressed concerns over the Sweetwater Trap Club in Rock Springs recently being closed many days when it was expected to be open and no notice was given of the closures. Chairman Randy Wendling said the commissioners would look into concerns expressed by residents and see what could be done. Commissioners approved Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County budget amendments. These amendments adjust for extra expenses and funds due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sweetwater County Sheriffs Office deputies, along with officers from the Rock Springs Police Department, learned of an inmate who had escaped custody from a private inmate transport vehicle while passing through Rock Springs Tuesday night. The fugitive was identified as John L. Ortega, 29, originally of Rock Springs. Ortega was in transport from a detention facility in California for court proceedings on other charges he faces in Cheyenne when, during a rest stop in the 3000 block of College Drive in Rock Springs, he somehow managed to slip his restraints, escape the private transport v... Edward "Ed" Jesus Petty Sr., 69, passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He fought a courageous battle with cancer. He was a life-long resident of Rock Springs, Wyoming. He was born April 19, 1952 in Rock Springs, Wyoming; the son of Keith Edward Petty and Aurora Marie Gil Mr. Petty attended schools in Rock Springs and was a 1971 graduate of the Rock Springs High School. He married the love of his life Rosemarie Ann Martinez December 3, 1971 in Coalville, Utah. Mr. Petty served in the United States Army... A display made by Courtney Swanson and her family represents their living children and the babies they have lost to miscarriage. Courtney's husband Tim built the frame. They put the two living children's foot prints, names and birthdates as well as three hearts to represent the three miscarriages. The hearts are different sizes to represent the different sizes of babies they were in gestation. The tiny colored hearts in each one are the birthstone month colors of their due dates. Their due dates are at the top with their passing dates underneath. "It was important for us to have something tangible to remember them by that we could make together as a family," Swanson said. October is a month of awareness for multiple causes, but one that is often overlooked is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. The tragedy of losing a baby affects one in four women and impacts families across the country, but remains an often undiscussed topic. Courtney Swanson is one Green River resident wanting to change that fact in order to bring more understanding, as well as hope and healing to those who've been impacted by it. President Ronald Reagan first declared October to be a month of awareness for pregnancy and infant loss awareness on Oct. 15, 1988. Oct. 15 is specific... 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. GREENWICH The number of students continues to decline in Greenwich, according to the latest enrollment report, raising questions about future school funding and building use. A total of 8,636 students were enrolled in the Greenwich Public Schools as of Oct. 1, a decrease of 182 students from the previous school year, according to data presented by Deputy Superintendent of Schools Ann Carabillo at Thursday nights school board meeting. That continues a downward trend that has seen enrollment decrease by a total of 467 students over the last five years, she said. The forecast for our enrollment in (2022-23) is expected to decline, Carabillo told the board. There will be K-8 declines in classes offset by the increases that will now occur at Greenwich High School. Over the next 10 years, it appears there will be a gradual decline in enrollment because of declining births, which is consistent with national trends. No proposals were made at the meeting, but board members said they wanted to learn more about the numbers and what they might mean for the district. School board member Karen Kowalski said she wanted to compare Greenwichs enrollment data with other school districts in Connecticut. If the trend for next year is that we will go down another 100 students ... we need to be prepared to, in fact, make some tough decisions, Kowalski said. Weve got room and, in fact, some of our classrooms, I think, at Parkway have 13 kids apiece. To me, that sends a message that we need to think long and hard about what were going to do with the number of schools that we have and the upkeep it takes to keep all of those schools if in fact we dont have enough children to fill all the space in the schools. Plan for what ifs In 2007, the district, under then-Superintendent Betty Sternberg, considered closing Parkway School as part of a space utilization and racial balance evaluation. But parents pushed back, and ultimately, the plan did not proceed. If the numbers keep dropping down, there may be some difficult decisions that have to be made, school board member Gaetane Francis said, urging the board and the administration to study the data and every class size in the district. The board should put together a plan that addresses the what ifs, should the trend continue, school board member Joe Kelly said. He compared it to a business plan and said, Lets get ahead of it. This is a major strategic issue, board member Peter Sherr said. When you have a flat budget at essentially $160 million and you lose almost 500 kids, that means the average amount were spending per kid goes up substantially. I would think everyone would want to hang onto that money, and I would not encourage anyone to run around and say, OK, lets go cut a budget , he said. But at the same time, if the school system cant explain whats going on, the Board of Education is not going to have any credibility with people who are asking these questions. Sherr encouraged the school board to get way ahead of the issue because he said the Board of Estimate and Taxation and the Representative Town Meeting are likely to ask about enrollment and school funding. Declining enrollment is a trend across the state, said board Chair Peter Bernstein. But he also noted that the number of students with needs, including special education students, is growing within the Greenwich school district beyond the rate of students that are leaving. Our special ed population is already up more than 1 percent from last year and that number is going to continue to climb, Bernstein said, because the district is improving its special education identification process. What the declining enrollment means for the districts schools is unknown. The possibility of closing one of the 11 elementary schools in town has not been discussed since the Parkway proposal was abandoned. But if enrollment continues to drop, that might change. Influx of new families? The drop in student enrollment came after Greenwich recorded a surge in home sales as families left New York during the COVID-19 pandemic to come to Fairfield County. But those moves did not result in an influx of more students. Greenwich has not seen a really big impact yet, Carabillo said. There have been some small increases at Old Greenwich School and Parkway with their kindergarten enrollments, but nothing yet of real significance. In-town migration from the recent surge in home sales could change the projected student population in the future, she said. Proposed multifamily developments could also have an impact, Carabillo said. The impact of COVID-19 on birth rates is also unknown. Also, about 25 percent of the children who live in Greenwich attend private schools in the state, Carabillo said. In 2020, that number was 3,135 kids from town, 90 percent of whom were enrolled in one of eight private schools in town, she said. This number has been stable, but we continue to monitor them to see if the trend changes, Carabillo said. But the drop in students this year doesnt seem all that drastic, Board Secretary Karen Hirsh said. She and Kowalski asked Carabillo to present information to the board about where the students who have left the district have gone. Carabillo said she would try to have the data by the end of November. I think its important for us to find ways to reach out and figure out why families arent returning, Hirsh said. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com Oppo has long been rumored to be working on its first foldable smartphone, and it was always due to arrive at some point this year. And while it didn't launch in the first half of 2021 as some rumors claimed, it's apparently still on track to become official before the end of the year. In fact, according to the newest rumor out of China, we should expect the foldable to be announced in November. It will allegedly have an 8" foldable internal display with 120 Hz refresh rate and LTPO technology, which probably means it will be made by Samsung. The phone will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, which is a strange move considering the timing - the successor to the 888 should be unveiled in December, with one or two phones for the Chinese market running it already being made official by the end of this year. Image of an older Oppo foldable prototype Anyway, the leakster behind today's rumor is also implying that Oppo's foldable won't be cheap, which isn't very surprising. We should further add that so far there's been no mention of whether this device will be made available globally. It's safe to assume it will be offered in the Chinese market, but we'll have to wait and see if it stays relegated to that market like Xiaomi's Mix 4, or if it will get a wider release. Previous rumors talked about the Oppo foldable having a 50 MP main rear camera with Sony's IMX766 sensor and a 32 MP selfie snapper, as well as a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. Source (in Chinese) | Via At Xiaomi's big mid-September global launch event, among many other devices, the company announced the Mi Smart Band 6 NFC for the European market. The non-NFC version of the Band 6 has been out since March, but this time we got the promise of on-wrist payment support, powered by a partnership with Mastercard. Today the Mi Smart Band 6 NFC is finally available in Europe - not continent-wide, mind you, but in just one country: Italy. You can purchase one from Xiaomi's Italian online store or Amazon Italy for its recommended price of 54.99. If you want to buy it for the payments support, then make sure you scroll down the listing page until you arrive at the list of supported banks. There are quite a few, but if yours isn't on the list, then payments won't work, at least for now. This version of the Band 6 also has a microphone and Alexa support - you can talk to the assistant, but it won't talk back. It will, however display whatever it is you need on the screen. We assume the fact that the NFC-capable Band 6 is only available in one European market so far has to do with getting the banks to support the payment system, which is likely to be a tedious, country-by-country process. As such, expect the band's rollout across the continent to be slow going forward. Via An alternative title: This column wouldnt have existed without the University of Guam TRiO Programs. Its a bit long but not untrue. As UOG kicks off its 70th anniversary celebration this week, Im reminded that if it werent for Mr. Yoichi K. Rengiil or TRiO programs, there would be thousands who couldnt boast of being a Triton alum, myself included. Yoichi for many years was the director of the TRiO Programs at UOG until he retired in 2019. Born and raised in Palau, Yoichi graduated from John F. Kennedy here on Guam. I remember because once in passing he mentioned the fights in school back in his day and I couldnt imagine him ever getting into a fight, although, remarkably, Yoichi also appears like the kind of person who has never and could never lose a fight. Also a UOG alumnus, he was the head of the TRiO Programs for decades, working with longtime program heads, Lovey Mongami, Chrislynn Takawo and Rowie Andrade, all of whom just turned 28 years old this year. Its the magic of TRiO to successfully run a program thats put dozens of Micronesian kids like me through college, all without aging. Without Upward Bound, one of the three programs under the TRiO umbrella, I wouldnt have known what to do to apply to a college, let alone graduate. The program serves first-generation and low-income high school students, and I was both. I applied for UB because, honestly, Id heard you could get a stipend and I was a capitalist-in-training, happily motivated by money. My only other motivation was that my best friend was also going to apply, and as a teenager I pretty much did whatever my friends did. It was then that I encountered Yoichi, the director of TRiO. He is an intimidating figure (See third paragraph). During summer sessions at the UOG campus when we were lounging around the student center, hed make an occasional appearance, walking purposefully, hands in pockets. His presence alone made us sit up a little straighter. As a student in TRiO he expected us to follow through with our commitments to the program, including attending after school and summer sessions, and weekend workshops. He expected our parents to commit to the program too. Yoichi made it clear that the program works only if these expectations are met and Yoichi is never wrong. When I enrolled at UOG, overwhelmed by the new environment and new expectations of being a college student, I sought refuge with TRiO, choosing Upward Bound as my work-study assignment. Yoichi would walk into the main office and often inject into the conversation, Im never wrong. Whether the conversation was about a student issue or a scheduling conflict or World Series banter, Yoichi had the answer. He knew what to say to the student, how to resolve the scheduling conflict and hed been rooting for the winning team the whole time. And then he would add, Im never wrong. Its now been (redacted) years since I graduated from UOG and I cant enumerate all of the ways that enrolling in TRiO Programs has benefited my life. When I made the commitments that Yoichi expected of us then-high school students, I didnt know how much the program would work for me. I suppose its OK that I didnt know because Yoichi knew. And Yoichi is never wrong. Community First Guam Federal Credit Union donated 150 cases of water to the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services Oct. 6 at the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 booster shots are now available on Guam for those who meet the eligibility criteria, the Joint Information Center announced Saturday. Booster shots for all three COVID-19 vaccines in the United States are now available, and eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster, the Joint Information Center stated in a news release. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions recommendations allow for a mix-and-match dosing for booster shots. Only single booster doses are authorized, the release stated. For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following are eligible for a booster six months or more after their initial series: Anyone age 65 years and older. Anyone age 18 years and older with underlying medical conditions. Anyone 18 years and older with an elevated risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission due to their occupation. For those who received the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, boosters are recommended for those ages 18 and older and vaccinated two or more months ago, the release stated. Village clinics There are several free COVID-19 booster vaccination village clinics scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for those ages for 65 and older. All three vaccines available. For appointments, register at tinyurl.com/covidstopswithme or call your village mayor. Oct. 25-26: Dededo Senior Center Oct. 27: Asan Maina Mayors Office Nov. 1: Yigo Gym New cases The Department of Public Health and Social Services reported 36 new cases of COVID-19 out of 534 tests analyzed Oct. 22. Additional results are pending analysis and submission and will be reported Monday. Guam has had a total of 17,508 officially reported COVID-19 cases, including 227 deaths and 2,195 cases in active isolation. The CAR Score is 16.8. as of Oct. 22. Hospitalizations There were 54 people hospitalized for the virus. Of these, 33 were unvaccinated, 19 were vaccinated, and two were ineligible. Of the COVID patients in island hospitals: Residents turned in expired or unused medication anonymously at different locations on the island Saturday. The Drug Enforcement Agencys National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is meant to protect residents health, reduce crime and prevent damage to the environment. The goal is to remove drugs left in homes that could be misused, abused, lead to accidental poisoning or sold illegally. Kenneth Bowman, resident DEA agent for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, said that prescription drugs being sold or taken illegally isnt currently a major issue on the island. The drug take back is a way to prevent that from happening. Bowman said the drugs are properly disposed of by incineration. The national initiative takes place twice a year, in April and October. Environment Another goal of the program is to prevent environmental damage caused by medication being flushed down drains or thrown away outside. Typically, we encourage the community to take advantage of the take back program, said Nic Lee, public information officer for the Guam Environmental Protection Agency. He said if people choose to flush medication down the toilet, it does have a chance to contaminate water and have a negative impact on aquatic life. Ultimately, these chemicals could find their way into our drinking water supply so its very crucial that chemicals you find from pharmaceuticals are disposed of properly, said Lee. According to Lee, studies have shown a negative impact on lakes, streams and other bodies of water that have been contaminated by medication being flushed. Its not just the environment that Guam EPA is concerned about. Part of our mission is protecting human health as well. And the last thing you want is for these things to end up in the wrong hands so proper disposal is highly encouraged, Lee said. He added that Guam EPA doesnt recommend burning it on your own. Support Stephanie Drilon, Sanctuary Inc. crisis and corporate communications officer, said the organization supports the national program and that Sanctuary does its part by making sure prescription medication at its shelters is only for the resident youths it is prescribed for. As clients exit the program, all medication is turned over to parents or guardians and the organization doesnt prescribe or keep a stock of prescription medication. A peaceful protest against the military buildup, organized by Prutehi Litekyan: Save Ritidian and other local groups, is held at the ITC intersection in this Feb. 6, 2021, photo. Haiti - Migration : 500 foreign children deported to Haiti At least 500 children born to Haitian parents outside Haiti, holders of foreign nationality, are among the thousands deported to Haiti over the past month, according to a report released last Wednesday by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The document lists 10,831 migrants who have returned to Haiti since September 19 to date, who have been deported mainly from the United States, as well as other countries in the region. Among them, there are 1,789 minors, including 500 born in the countries where their parents have resided in recent years, the vast majority in Chile and Brazil, countries which grant nationality to those born in their territory. Among the deportees, there were 404 Chileans, 84 Brazilians, 6 Venezuelans, 2 Ecuadorians, 1 Panamanian, 1 Honduran, 1 Dominican and 1 Nicaraguan, according to the IOM. Among the deportees were also unaccompanied children, whose family reunification is uncertain in some cases, even due to the refusal of their own parents to take them back, according to the international organization. Of the total deportees during this month, 6,586 are men (60.8%), 2,456 are women (22.7%) and 1,789 are minors (16.5%). 73% of the migrants, a total of 7,915, were deported from the United States, in addition to the other 406 intercepted at sea and returned by the Coast Guard. 11% (1,194) were deported from Cuba, 10% (1,031) from the Bahamas, 2% (248) from Mexico and less than 1% from the Turks and Caicos (37). The deportees from Cuba are people who left Haiti in early September, fleeing areas devastated by the August 14 earthquake. IOM figures do not include people deported by land from the Dominican Republic, from which hundreds of undocumented Haitians are deported each month who enter the country irregularly. HL/ S/ Haitilibre Haiti - Tourism : Minister Cassandra Francois on tour in the North As part of a 2-day tour in the North, the Minister of Tourism Cassandra Francois paid a visit to Ouanaminthe where there is a reception kiosk of the Ministry, intended for visitors from the Dominican Republic. It is expected that this kiosk will be renovated and put back into operation very soon. Minister Francois took the opportunity of her tour to take advantage of the partnership with the State University of Haiti by studying the possibilities of introducing certain programs in hospitality at the University of Limonade and also of considering other partnerships that would facilitate the opening of a Hotel School in the North in the future. She also held an important working meeting with the employees and executives of the North Departmental Directorate of the Ministry of Tourism, in view of the need to revitalize it and to inquire about the difficulties that the employees of this Directorate face in order to provide them with the necessary resources necessary to enable them to promote tourism in the department. The strengthening of the tourist information and reception kiosk at the airport and the environmental problem of the City of Cap-Haitien slowing the growth of tourism in this city was also discussed. The Minister took advantage of her tour to meet the executive staff of the North Destination Management Organization (OGDNH) which is complementary to the Regional Office in its mission of tourism development in the North, and to discuss the consolidation of this collaboration for a joint promotion of the Destination. Other visits and meetings are also planned with partners and actors of the tourism sector in order not only to promote the existing and guarantee the achievements, but also to prove the commitment and determination of the Ministry to work together with them given the immensity of the diverse wealth of the North, which remains a major tourist destination in Haiti. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Security : At least 49 Dominican truckers kidnapped this year in Haiti At least 49 Dominican truckers have been kidnapped this year in Haiti, said Thursday, Ivan Garcia, the president of the Dominican Federation of Traders. "When we go to pay the ransom, we go to the border and they send a person and we go with the money in cash and they have the kidnapped person nearby and by video call, everyone is watching the transaction," explained Ivan Garcia. He explained that this situation has worsened since 2019, when the political and social crisis worsened in Haiti, which at the same time translates into a reduction in trade activity between the two nations, due to the insecurity, which represents a drop of up to $1.5 billion. "Now we have to leave the goods on this side of the border and wait for the Haitian truckers to come and pick them up because we cannot continue to expose our truckers to be kidnapped, that their lives are in danger and that in the end we have to pay the ransom." HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... New blocking of the country from Monday Several union groups announce to the Haitian population in a press note that from this Monday, October 25, 2021, several streets across the country will be blocked to protest against insecurity and the galloping rise of insecurity. Important meeting of the PM on the security situation Prime Minister Ariel Henry chaired an important meeting on the country's security situation on Friday. The DG ai of the PNH, No. 1 of BINUH, the UNDP resident representative, as well as several ambassadors and heads of mission accredited to the country took part. Notre-Dame d'Haiti University stopped The Faculty of Social and Political Economics of the University of Notre-Dame d'Haiti (EPSU-UNDH) announces a total halt of its activities to protest against the kidnapping of Professor Patrice Derenoncourt and demand his release. In a note, Thursday, October 21, EPSU-UNDH invites the community to join it in order to express its solidarity with Professor Derenoncort kidnapped on October 16, 2021. https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-35067-icihaiti-security-the-rectorate-of-the-ueh-condemns-the-kidnapping-of-patrice-derenoncourt.html SPNH 17 welcomes the resignation of Leon Charles The PNH union (SPNH 17) welcomes the resignation of Leon Charles as well as the installation of Frantz Elbe as interim director general of the Haitian National Police. The coordinator of this structure, Jean Elder Lundi calls on the new DG to do everything possible to satisfy the demands of the police. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-35055-haiti-security-new-dg-of-png-installed-after-the-resignation-of-leon-charles.html Food security : 4 million project FAO, the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development and the Delegation of the European Union in Haiti launch a EUR 4 million project to improve food and nutrition security and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable populations in the North East of Haiti. This project supports grassroots community organizations in the production, processing and market access of food products; access to village credit; and social cohesion through dialogue platforms for community development. HL/ HaitiLibre By William Schwartz | Published on 2021/10/22 Last time on "My Name" Ji-woo and Pil-do had both been rather clumsily captured by Kang-jae. This would seem to be bad news for the cops, as Kang-jae is a mentally unhinged drug lord with good reason to just want to kill Ji-woo outright. Lucky for them, Kang-jae instead decides to just shove them into a convoluted death trap and leave. The crunching machine looks intimidating enough, and makes for a stylish setpiece. Advertisement Yet the question is begged. Are any of the characters in this show competent? Ji-woo, at least, has the excuse of a difficult task. She has to work both sides after all. But as for Moo-jin himself, the very fact that he was outsmarted by Kang-jae at all calls his entire reputation into question. What good is having an established gang if one disgruntled employee with bad people skills can just summon his own gang out of the ether? Even the climax, with Kang-jae being led into a trap, isn't exactly reassuring. Moo-jin actually allows himself to be goaded into a fist fight with Kang-jae, which seems like a bad idea since Kang-jae's only actual established skill is being good at fist fights, while Moo-jin has been working a leadership role for years at this point. I am, of course, overthinking all of this. The point of the climax is to have a dramatic battle at a construction site, not get into the finer points of organized criminal business management. A little worldbuilding goes a long way when making a serial television show as opposed to a movie. Very little of the plotting in "My Name" is actually important. Most of it is pretty redundant. We spend an inordinate amount of time watching characters watch other characters trying to guess what they're going to do. This is especially obvious with Ji-woo, who's so fully an observer in everything that happens her participating in the climax at all comes off as a plot twist, despite Ji-woo being the main character. "My Name" does make for pretty easy watching if you're looking for something to put on a screen while doing another task. The plot is so straightforward and even predictable it's easy to fill in the blanks if you're missing a scene or two, and the big setpieces are distinct enough to draw attention as necessary. In this way, "My Name" has continued to maintain third place in the international Netflix leaderboard. Review by William Schwartz ___________ "My Name" is directed by Kim Jin-min-I, written by Kim Ba-da, and features Han So-hee, Park Hee-soon, Kim Sang-ho, Ahn Bo-hyun, Lee Hak-joo, Chang Ryul. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2021/10/15, Fri on Netflix. By Panos Kotzathanasis | Published on 2021/10/22 In contrast to the events of Gwangju and Jeju, the Busan-Masan Democratic Protests (also known as Bu-Ma) have not enjoyed similar exposure, particularly in cinema, where the events are completely ignored. Lee Dong-yun attempts to remedy this fact by presenting the particular piece of history as thoroughly as possible, in his feature debut. Advertisement The events are as follows: 3 May 1979 - A national convention of New Democratic Party occurred, the moderate party representative Yi Cheol-seung defected, Kim Young-sam was elected. 11 August 1979 - A sit-in held by YH Trading Company workers held at the New Democratic Party Headquarters violently suppressed by riot police resulting in the death of one female worker. Kim Young-sam arrested. 4 October 1979 - The ruling Republicans expelled Kim Young-sam from the National Assembly. 16 October 1979 - Bu-Ma Democratic Protests occurred. 17 October 1979 - Chungmu police substation, the Korea Broadcasting System, and the Busan tax office were destroyed. Police vehicles were burned and damaged. 18 October 1979 - The government proclaimed martial law in Busan at 12:00 am. The military arrested 1,058 people, 66 of whom went on to face trial. 20 October 1979 - Governments invoke the Garrison Act at Masan. 26 October 1979 - President Park Chung-hee was assassinated Despite the somewhat abstract introduction, which features narration of the people that are to be presented fully later under images of the city at night, the documentary actually follows the events quite closely, through the testimonies of then college students, seamstresses, mold technicians, combat police, workers, bus drivers, advertising planners, and photojournalists that participated in the events. In that fashion, a female worker from the YH Trading Company begins narrating the story of what happened, with the ending of their strike, that saw more than 1000 police officers facing 187 female workers, resulting in the death of one, being particularly shocking and indicative of the regime's tactics. The baton is then passed to the rest of the men that participated in the protests, who, along with video and sound footage from the rather violent events, paint a very thorough picture of what exactly happened. Particularly of note is the presence of a member of the riot police in the film, who also presents the other side of the events, in a part of the documentary that works exceptionally well in terms of objectivity. As the documentary switches towards the torture many of the interviewees suffered in the hands of the police, the film becomes even more shocking, particularly because all of them carry the wounds, both in psychological but occasionally even in physical terms. The fact that a number of female protesters denied being interviewed due to shame for the sexual nature of the torture they underwent adds even more to this aspect. Furthermore, the tactics of the political leadership are also highlighted through a number of its members, with the statements about the deaths in Cambodia being also shocking in their raw pragmatism. Lastly, the documentary closes with the effort of a number of participants and organizations for the Bu-Ma Democratic Protests to be acknowledged through a Memorial Day and for the victims to receive proper compensation for a series of events, which, on occasion, ruined their lives completely. Lee Dong-yun, apart from a director, is also a reporter, and this capacity of his is particularly evident in both his research and the overall presentation of the events, which is ideally straightforward in the way it unfolds, highlighting all aspects of the particular piece of history rather thoroughly and in no-nonsense fashion. Hwang Da-jung's editing is also excellent in the way the various parts of the documentary (interviews, footage, and narration) are placed within the narrative, while the moments where the image focuses on various parts of the city nowadays, may seem somewhat strange in the beginning, but actually provide a very welcome relief from the focus on the events. Perhaps a smaller duration would benefit viewership, but, despite the 97 minutes, it is difficult to say that "Names of Revolution" overextends its welcome, in a rather impressive effort. Review by Panos Kotzathanasis ___________ "Names of Revolution" is directed by Lee Dong-yun. No release date in Korea yet. Born in 1962, Jung Yoon-soo attended the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, obtaining a degree in Spanish. After graduation, he worked for Cheil Communication, Korea's premier advertising agency. Later, after spending time in New York studying film and media, Jung returned to Korea and began working in the film industry by writing the treatment for "Out to the World" and working as the assistant director for its production. Later, he wrote the screenplay and was assistant director for "Hair Dresser" and wrote the original script for the sci-fi animation film "Wonderful Days". He is also an avid musician, who can be seen playing bass in "Yesterday"'s Malacca Bar scene. Source Published on 2021/10/23 | Source New posters added for the Korean movie "Take Care of My Cat" (2001) Advertisement Directed by Jeong Jae-eun With Bae Doona, Lee Yo-won, Ok Ji-young, Lee Eun-joo-III, Lee Eun-sil, Oh Tae-kyung,... Original release date: 2001/10/13 Synopsis Set in Incheon, the nearest port from Seoul and a city of migrants, this is a story of five girls who have just turned twenty and who have been best friends since high school. With their graduation, each of them begin to go their own separate ways and render secrets they dont wish to share even with their longtime friends. Hye-joo who dreams of being a successful career woman, is trying to break away from her inferior situation which includes family and friends. Her best friend Ji-yeong is disappointed with Hye-joos drastic change and become closer to Tae-hee, who has always been the most caring of the girls. She is a dreamer, wishing to lie on a floating boat and watch the stars in the sky. One day she packs a bag to search for a way to find her own world, and asks Ji-yeong to come along. Release date in Korea : 2021/10/13 Thank you for reading! 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. Mary Lou Montgomery, retired as editor of the Hannibal (Mo.) Courier-Post in 2014. She researches and writes narrative-style stories about the people who served as building blocks for this regions foundation. Books available on Amazon.com by this author include but are not limited to: "The Notorious Madam Shaw," "Pioneers in Medicine from Northeast Missouri," and "The Historic Murphy House, Hannibal, Mo., Circa 1870." She can be reached at Montgomery.editor@yahoo.com Her collective works can be found at www.maryloumontgomery.com (The Center Square) A new study shows a federal appropriations bill, if passed, could cut more than $100,000 from the budget of charter schools in Indiana and other states. House Resolution 4502 proposes to remove all federal funding from charter schools that contract with a for-profit entity to operate, oversee or manage the activities of the school. The bill targets for-profit charter schools - those that education management organizations (EMOs) manage although it likely could affect nonprofit charter schools that contract with accounting firms, for-profit meal providers, janitorial companies, and other service providers, says a report from education researchers who have been studying how charter schools in America are funded. While charter schools already receive significantly less funding than TPS take in, this bill proposes to increase that funding gap even further, they write. The report, Charter School Funding: Dispelling Myths about EMOs, Expenditure Patterns, & Nonpublic Dollars looked at the potential impact of the bill. It focused on charter schools in 18 cities, including Indianapolis. In Indianapolis, the report found, education management organizations operated schools with less than half the funds traditional public schools have to spend. As of last year, there were 65 charter schools operating in Indianapolis, most of them authorized by the mayors office. Statewide in Indiana, more than 40,000 students attend charter schools. If HR 4502 becomes law, charter schools could lose on average $1,131 per student in funding, the report found which would amount to more than $100,000 in annual funding for a small charter school with 100 students. Public schools in America are primarily funded by state and local governments, with the state government in Indiana funding schools through tuition payments. This funds teacher salaries, curriculum purchases and central administration salaries. Local property tax dollars fund school buildings for traditional public schools, but not charter schools, though Indiana provides separate funding for charter schools for capital improvements. But public schools, including most charters, also get federal funds, for special education, for the school lunch program and for teachers for professional development under Title I, Title II and Title IV. Unlike in most other states, Indiana allows several different organizations to authorize new charter schools. In Indianapolis, the mayors office is the authorizer for more than 40 charter schools. They include KIPP schools, classical schools and schools for adults operated by Goodwill Industries. Some are run by non-for-profit organizations and others are under for-profit companies. The report was published by the School Choice Demonstration Project, part of the Department of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Submit Veterans Day 2021. Weve come a considerable way in the last five decades. It is n Page Content The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) announced today that federal funds will be used to help offset an increase in after-school plus programming (A+) fees for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year. A+ fees will begin to transition to a new monthly rate effective Nov. 1, 2021; however, families will not be impacted during this stage in the transition. Monthly fees for A+ programming will be increasing from $120 to $200 to address COVID-19 related budget impacts, rising operational costs and staffing challenges. The new monthly fee will take full effect in the 2022-23 school year. "This change will help to increase and sustain staffing for our A+ programs, which will in turn help to ensure that after-school support and services can be provided to any student or family who needs it, Interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. The additional funds can also be used to further after-school enrichment learning opportunities, which will support both academics and social-emotional learning. The HIDOE A+ program currently services about 15,600 public school students and is financially sustained only through student fees and subsidies from the Hawaii State Department of Human Services (DHS). The Department relies on and works closely with private providers to run the A+ program for families. Of the nearly 200 A+ program sites at HIDOE schools, there are currently 44 operated by the HIDOE and 149 private provider-run sites. The Departments change in program fees will definitely help to increase our capacity to help get students off the waitlist and into A+, said Dana Vela, CEO of Kamaaina Kids, one of the Departments largest A+ program providers. It will allow us to offer more competitive pay rates, which would help to attract and retain qualified staff to better serve the keiki. "We appreciate that the Department recognizes the cost and importance of providing quality afterschool programs for our keiki to keep them safe and thriving, said Greg Waibel, CEO of YMCA of Honolulu, another one of the largest A+ program providers. During this pandemic, the role of childcare has been elevated and its importance is critical to our economic recovery as well as the social emotional learning of our keiki. DHS offers subsidies to cover the A+ program fees for income-eligible employed families. There will be no impact to families currently receiving DHS A+ program fee subsidies. Interested families may reach out to the A+ provider at their childs school for more information. (The Center Square) A group of veterans who created a high-end bourbon has decided to invest $200 million in a Kentucky community where they first received their call to duty. The makers of Horse Soldier Bourbon gathered with state and local officials in Somerset this week to break ground on a development that will include a distillery, an activity center, an amphitheater, a wedding chapel, retail space, a luxury lodge and 20 cabins. The project in the southeastern Kentucky town will be considered a complementary destination to nearby Lake Cumberland, a popular recreational area in the state. Horse Soldier Bourbon was founded by members of a U.S. Special Forces detachment, soldiers who were among the first to enter Afghanistan. On Sept. 11, 2001, the soldiers were training nearby along the Cumberland River when the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon took place. We are proud to welcome these Horse Soldiers home to Southern Kentucky to continue their pursuit of the American dream, as they grow this veteran-owned and operated company, U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Somerset, said. The group behind the company consists of just average guys, President and CEO John Koko said. They established Horse Soldier in 2014 to make an ultra-premium product. It was just our turn to do something, the CEO added. And we are proud to be doing it in a place where our story so naturally fits. While bourbon is considered Kentuckys native spirit, distilleries have traditionally been established in the central part of the state. However, as interest in the whiskey has grown, both nationally and internationally, its led to the development of distilleries and microdistilleries statewide. There are about 70 distilleries and similar facilities in the state that employ more than 5,000 people. According to the governors release, more than 30 industry-related expansion or new projects with investments topping $550 million have been announced since January of 2020. Last month, the Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority approved the project for up to $29.9 million in tax incentives. Currently, Horse Soldier distills its bourbon at a facility in Columbus, Ohio, but will transfer that work to Somerset when construction is completed on the facility. A message to company officials about its plans for the Columbus facility was not returned. We are excited that your next chapter includes making Horse Soldier Bourbon in Somerset and investing in the commonwealth your story reinforces our belief that Kentucky is truly destined for greatness, Beshear said. The Supreme Court is allowing the Texas law that bans most abortions to remain in place, but has agreed to hear arguments in the case in early November. 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. Last year the annual meeting was held virtually, so the Food Bank was glad to see members of their over 80 partner agencies come together. The meeting gives them a chance to learn about grants opportunities and more about what they can expect in the coming year with food distributions. During this past year and a half, the food bank and their partner agencies have relied on each other and together have taken care of those who were in need during this pandemic. Traffic at city-run airports remained sluggish this year, and will likely take a few more years to return to pre-pandemic levels, Houston Airport System Director Mario Diaz said Friday. All told, about 44 million passengers are expected to travel through George Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports by the end of this year an 80 percent jump from last year, but only three-quarters of the traffic that moved through two airports saw in 2019, before COVID-19 brought most travel to a halt, Diaz said during an update on the state of city-run airports. Nearly all countries still have some travel restrictions in place because of COVID, and Diaz said he expects it will take until 2023 for all of them to lift and passenger counts to return to pre-pandemic levels at the two airports. Business travel might take even longer to return if it ever does as communication applications like Zoom make it unnecessary and companies seek ways to trim costs. In the meantime, Diaz said the airports will add another 24 gates in the coming years, with 17 slated for George Bush International and the rest going to the Hobby Airport. The airports will also continue to undergo a hodgepodge of cosmetic and facility upgrades that Diaz pegged as part of a broader reimagining of the consumer experience at the two travel hubs. The goal: to nurture a special sense of belonging among the millions who travel through the airports each year. On HoustonChronicle.com: United Airlines flies first commercial jet on sustainable fuel from IAH We want our passengers to feel and never forget their time at the airports, Diaz said. To that end, Diaz touted lighting improvements, new places for children to play, a new interfaith prayer chapel at Hobby airport, and service animal relief areas that include fake grass and fire hydrants. At Bush, Diaz said, the airport system is all-but finished with a $1.23 billion redevelopment of terminals D and E that began in 2019. The facilitys Skyway, which is now a quarter-century old, is also slated for upgrades. Those are the latest in a series of substantial changes at city-run airports. Last year, the worlds first commercial space station builder, Axiom Space, announced it will create Axiom Station, a 14-acre campus near Ellington Airport that will serve as a training ground for private-sector astronauts. City leaders hoped Axiom could serve as an anchor tenant at the spaceport and attract smaller companies that will further-bolster the Space Citys reputation for space travel. Earlier this year, Charlotte, N.C.-based Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies Corp., announced it will move into the facility. Three more companies have since agreed to move into the space, Diaz said Friday. The spaceport has previously been considered as the site for a Blue Origin rocket engine manufacturing facility and the U.S. Space Command headquarters, though neither project came to fruition. robert.downen@chron.com LEWISTON, Maine (AP) Three teenagers accused of starting a fatal apartment building fire have been charged with felony murder, officials said. Two 13-year-olds and a 14-year-old were charged last month with arson, but those charges have been upgraded to felony murder, the attorney general's office said Friday. GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) The former finance director of the Nebraska State Fair was sentenced Friday to 30 days in jail and 15 years' probation for stealing more than $150,000 from the fair. Patrick Kopke, 30, received the sentence Friday and was ordered to pay restitution of more than $158,000 to the State Fair, television station KSNB reported. He was also ordered to undergo counseling for a gambling addiction. BANGKOK (AP) Myanmar's military-installed government on Friday sharply challenged a pronouncement by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations barring its leader from from attending the regional bloc's summit next week. Myanmar said the declaration, issued by ASEANs current chair, Brunei, violated the charter of the group, to which it belongs. A statement issued Friday night by Myanmars Foreign Ministry detailed why it believed ASEAN had violated its own rules by taking such action. The 10-member bloc acted after Myanmar refused to allow its special envoy to meet with ousted leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. She has been detained since Myanmars military seized power from her elected government in February. ASEAN since April has sought to play a mediating role in Myanmars crisis, as the ruling military's efforts to quash opposition have only triggered increasingly violent and destabilizing resistance. The row comes ahead of the Oct. 26 start to ASEANs annual summit, which includes high-profile talks with world leaders such as U.S. President Joe Biden, as well as the leaders of China and Russia. The monthslong crisis in Myanmar, the still-raging coronavirus pandemic and security and economic issues are high on the agenda of the meeting, which will be carried out by video. Western nations such as the United States have sharply criticized military rule in Myanmar since the takeover and the deadly crackdown on military opponents, which is estimated to have killed about 1,100 civilians. Some U.N. experts suggest Myanmar is on the verge of civil war, which could destabilize the region. ASEAN itself, whose members usually refrain from criticizing each other, is also roiled by the crisis in Myanmar. Such a dispute within ASEAN is virtually unprecedented. Among the bedrock principles breached by the exclusion of Myanmars leader is an edict prohibiting ASEAN member states from interfering in each others domestic affairs. The regional bloc also decides by consensus, meaning just one member state can shoot down any proposal. In dealing with Myanmar this year, the groups chair has used its privilege to act without a formal consensus. Fridays statement from Myanmars Foreign Ministry said only a summit of the group could consider whether to bar the attendance of a member nations leader. It declared that Myanmar will endeavor to find a peaceful solution based on ASEAN Spirit and ASEAN Way through consultation and negotiation." But it did not say if another representative from Myanmar would be attending in place of Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who heads the government and ruling military council. Brunei in its capacity as ASEAN chair said the bloc has decided to invite a non-political representative, instead of Myanmars military leader. ASEAN leaders at a special meeting in April issued a statement expressing a five-point consensus on Myanmars crisis. It called for the immediate cessation of violence, a dialogue among all concerned parties, mediation by an ASEAN special envoy, provision of humanitarian aid through ASEAN channels, and a visit to Myanmar by the special envoy to meet all concerned parties. Myanmar is widely seen as having done very little to abide by the consensus, though it claims to have helped facilitate humanitarian assistance. Along with Myanmar, the other ASEAN nations are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. ___ Associated Press writer Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, contributed to this report. Texas leaders have long had a handy riposte for the suboptimal consequences of their own actions: Thank God for Mississippi. Meaning, in other words, that things could be worse. Thats still true, in a sense. Things can always get worse. But, embarrassingly, the old saw has lost some of its impact. More and more, Texas is held up as a cautionary tale, if not an outright laughingstock. Dont Texas Virginia, said Vice-President Kamala Harris at a Thursday campaign event for Terry McAuliffe, the Democrat seeking to reclaim the governorship of Virginia. Polls suggest he faces a close race against Republican Glenn Youngkin, a conservative businessman backed by Donald Trump, in an election next month in a state thats been trending blue. Harris could have been referring to a number of things that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the Legislature have done in 2021. Or failed to do, like fix the electric grid. But she made it clear that she had in mind, specifically, Senate Bill 8, the de facto abortion ban bundled with a bizarre bounty-hunting enforcement scheme that Abbott signed, with a grin on his face, back in May. We dont even have to imagine, she continued. We have empirical evidence right before us, guys, of a governor in the state of Texas who is telling women what and who they can be based on some arbitrary decision that includes empowering bounty hunters to intimidate, to instill fear in women. This is the power of a governor. Read More: Dont Texas Virginia': Texas politics spill into tight Virginia governor race with push from Harris vice-president has a point. The bill took effect Sept. 1, after the Supreme Court, citing the complex and novel procedural questions it raises, declined to intervene. Its remained in effect since then, except for a brief window after U.S. District Judge John Pitman, who was tapped by President Barack Obama, blocked its enforcement, in a 103-page order deeming the law offensive as well as unconstitutionala block that was quickly overturned by the conservative Fifth Circuit. For the better part of two months, in other words, SB8 has eliminated most legal abortions in Texas, causing tremendous distress to health care providers and patients alike. The situation is an urgent one, according to advocates: Many women are no longer able to access the care they need. Others have only been able to do so by traveling hundreds of miles, to neighboring states. And the longer the law remains in effect, the odds increase that it will lead to closures among the states remaining abortion clinics which, of course, provide services other than abortion, in a state where health care access is already scattershot. Some advocates were encouraged, then, on Friday, when the Supreme Court announced that it will take up a challenge to SB8 early next month. At issue is whether the federal government can block the state laws enforcement as the Biden administration would like. The high court also decided to let the law remain in effect until then, which is potentially ominous. The sheer audacity of this law may be its undoing. In addition to being a draconian, near-total abortion ban it bars the procedure as early as six weeks into pregnancy it delegates responsibility for enforcing that ban to anyone in the country with an ax to grind, by creating a private cause of action. Thats a bizarre mechanism, and one that would set a dangerous precedent. In a conference call Friday afternoon, attorneys who are fighting SB8 pointed out that similarly structured laws could pop up all all over the country, if this law stands and they wouldnt only come from the pro-life movement, or the right. The issues in our case are broader than abortion, said Marc Hearron of the Center for Reproductive Rights. In fact, every individual right is at stake. He noted that a gun-rights group, for example, has filed an amicus brief in this context. The whole panoply of constitutional rights is on the table, agreed Brigitte Amiri, deputy director for the ACLUs Reproductive Rights Project. Pick whatever constitutional right youre concerned about you should be. Thats because SB8 was designed to evade judicial scrutiny, Amiri explained. Its really just thumbing its nose at the Constitution and the court system and the rule of law, she said. One would expect Supreme Court justices, regardless of their philosophical leanings, to notice something like that. But this is a court with a 6-3 conservative majority, including three appointees of former President Donald Trump who have let the state law stand for now. Consider Justice Neil Gorsuch, the first of Trumps appointees. Hes a conservative, no doubt. But hes also a respected jurist with a lifestyle that suggests a certain degree of moderation in his temperament, if not his political outlook. He was educated at Columbia, Harvard and Oxford, and when Trump came calling, he and his wife were living in Boulder, Colo., where they attended a progressive Episcopal church. And now, Gorsuch has been confronted with the statutory equivalent of three rabid racoons stuffed into an undersized burlap sack. Will he relish the opportunity to make common cause with the architects of this farce? Will Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Trumps second Supreme Court appointee? There are aspects to this law that have given even the most ardent pro-life enthusiasts pause, and with good reason. And, of course, the Texas law isnt the only anti-abortion measure before the court this term. In December, it will hear arguments on a case involving a 2018 Mississippi law, banning most abortions in that state after 15 weeks an extreme law in its own right, although it looks almost mild compared to the one enacted by Texas. So thats where we are, at this point: Thank God for Texas, a Mississippian might say, as the vice president points to us, rather than the Magnolia State, as an example of how bad things can get. erica.grieder@chron.com A man wounded by gunshot was found dead in Houston early Saturday, according to Houston Police. Police responded at 2 a.m. to the 1800 block of Bonover, where they found the dead man and multiple casings at the scene, according to Lt. R. Willkens. On HoustonChronicle.com: Driver dies after slamming into light pole in Third Ward A homeowner whose neighbor told them theyd heard gunshots was going inside his house when he saw the body and called police, Willkens said, adding police believe the shooting occurred around 30 minutes earlier. There was also a nearby townhome police searched, finding an open door, blood and casings, according to Willkens. Its possibly an Air B&B, Willkens said. On HoustonChronicle.com: Houston teens accused in luring death of robbed man Police said they believe the locations are linked but are trying to determine how. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. A man in his 40s was shot dead after he was disturbing people in a southeast Houston park, according to Houston Police. Police responded around 9 p.m. Friday to 8201 North Bayou. The man had been disturbing people in a park who were minding their own business, punching one individual before going up to another group and punching another person when he was shot, according to Lt. R. Willkens. A man was fatally shot in Midtown Friday night, according to Houston Police. Authorities were called around 9:30 p.m. Friday to the 2200 block of Milam, where a man had been shot and killed, according to Lt. R. Willkens. He was evidently parking his car because the body was just not far at all from where he had parked his vehicle, Willkens said. Another man, who was wearing all black, shot the man before taking off, a witness told officials, according to Willkens. RELATED: Houston teens accused in luring death of robbed man This is a developing story. Check back for updates. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality spent nearly $1 million outfitting mobile air monitoring vans and then stationed them in Austin. State officials say thats where the staff is to service and deploy them. But when a refinery leaks or catches fire, it takes hours for the van to arrive here. The time that elapses is crucial for emergency officials to decide what precautions to put in place, advocates said. Hearing that criticism, the agency has now re-worked three small SUVs to fit new, $75,000 air monitoring machines. These will be downgraded regional monitoring vehicles to fill the gap. One will go to Corpus Christi, another to Beaumont and a third to Houston. On HoustonChronicle.com: Researchers counted the days Houston had worse than 'good' air quality Thats exactly why we did these regional survey assets, is to be able to fill that niche, said Cory Chism, who oversees air monitoring for the agency. Its a force multiplier for what were doing. The decision comes as the agency is also pushing for a new Houston office, saying the current one east of downtown has leaky windows, mold and rodents. Some 200 employees work there, according to the agencys recent self-assessment. Its parking lot, too, is neither big nor secure enough, according to the report. Staff reported trespassing, theft and vandalism and a lack of 24-hour security. They argue it wouldnt be safe to house the valuable vans there if they wanted to. Equipment in the SUV can be removed. But elevators that staff use to move equipment often break, the report said. There have also been recurring electrical problems and lacking custodial services since they moved in in the mid-1990s. The Elias Ramirez building has so many issues that moving is one of the 17 priorities TCEQ is asking legislators to address. The agency is up for review by the Sunset Advisory Commission that makes recommendations to lawmakers. A spokesperson for the Texas Facilities Commission, which acts as the building landlord, said it hadnt received a request from the agency to move. Its the only state-owned building in the region, according to a commission map. Tenants dont pay rent. The commission has a significant backlog of deferred maintenance and must prioritize what it can address, spokesperson Francoise Luca said. The commission is currently working with TCEQ to study how the space could better be occupied. Some $285,000 also went already toward a building assessment, and $1.24 million is being spent on improvements, Luca said. The commission is replacing a water storage tank for firefighting and installing new heating and air conditioning units. We try to support our tenants in anything that they need to perform their mission for the citizens of Texas, Luca said. Luca noted workers put out traps for rats and caught none. They tested air quality and found it fine. If TCEQ wanted to fund its own work, Luca said, it could. emily.foxhall@chron.com Four teens have been charged with capital murder in the shooting death of a man lured to an abandoned apartment near Hobby Airport by a woman he met on Facebook and who was then robbed, according to authorities. Police believe Josue Climaco, 18, Andres Lopez, 17, and two other teens a 16-year-old boy and girl who face the same charges in juvenile court killed Raul Yamamoto, whom investigators revealed in court records had been chatting with a woman on Facebook prior to his death. Climaco and Lopez were arrested Thursday afternoon. Courtesy The suspects may be linked to at least one prior incident where a victim was also lured to a location and then robbed, according to court records. Officers found the 38-year-old construction contractor dead around 10 p.m. Sept. 21 in the apartment in the 8800 block of Glencrest Street, just north of the airport. A man who worked with Yamamoto expressed worry to police that his communications with a woman on Facebook may have played a role in his death, police said. The co-worker showed investigators a photo of the woman and it appeared to be an 18-year-old with ties to one of the male suspects, according to a search warrant affidavit used to search a phone in the homicide case. She has not been charged in Yamamotos death. Investigators, in the affidavit, outlined Lopezs connection to a 16-year-old girl through Chavez High School, where he previously attended and she was still a student. The girl is friends with the woman who may have had contact with Yamamoto prior to his death, court records show. Police encountered Lopez and the girl around 3 a.m., about five hours after the deadly robbery following a report of someone firing a gun into the air at an apartment complex in the 10900 block of Telephone Road. Officers found a 9mm cartridge casing nearby, but no gun was found. Based on surveillance footage, police believe the two teens were at the Glencrest Street apartment complex when Yamamoto was shot and that they were wearing the same clothes there as what they wore during the Telephone Road encounter. The vehicle that Yamamoto was driving the night of his death was also taken to the Telephone Road apartments at some point and towed from there, records show. The 18-year-old woman was involved in a similar, but separate January 2021 plot to lure a man to a location and then rob him, according to police. In that case, a man said a female contacted him on Facebook to say her friend had been assaulted and needed help. He picked up the girl and one of her friends. They directed him to a location where three armed men robbed him of more than $1,000 in cash and his vehicle at gunpoint, police said. She faces a criminal charge in that incident. She was out on a personal bond of $30,000 at the time of Yamamotos death. Earlier this month, prosecutors requested her GPS monitor records through Harris County Pretrial Services. The state has reason to believe that the defendant may have information and knowledge regarding a homicide investigation due to her being present at the apartment complex where the homicide took place, court records show. Court records list Lopezs residence as the same Glencrest Street apartment complex where Yamamoto was shot. nicole.hensley@chron.com As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. 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. Russia is also in the process of creating its own "internet." By Christina Maas Like neighboring China, the Russian government does not welcome criticism and dissent. Beijing crushes dissent and criticism online through a censorship system called the Great Firewall of China. According to a report in The New York Times, the Kremlin has a similar system, which is arguably more sophisticated. Russia has been developing its new internet censorship system since 2019, according to documents obtained by the Times. Apparently, the system was used to slow down Twitter earlier this year, until the social media platform caved to the Russian government content removal demands. Russia and censorship have a long history. The country used radio jammers to prevent foreign broadcasts and restricted international lines. The government also closely controls national television. However, the government has struggled to censor the internet. In 2012, it passed a law that required ISPs to block the thousands of blocked websites. But the law was difficult to enforce, considering there are thousands of ISPs in the country. So the government hatched another plan and passed a law dubbed the sovereign internet law that was passed in 2019. The law forced ISPs to install technical means of countering threats. Technicians from the government went and installed some sort of black box on their servers. The black box is an internet traffic filtering system that gives the government the ability to block certain websites and even slow down the speed of specific websites. Russias system filters traffic before it can even reach users. The deep packet inspection technology it uses gives the Kremlin a censorship sledgehammer, in comparison to Chinas system that is more of a sledgehammer. An official involved in the program said that the technology affects 100% of mobile internet and 73% broadband, and has been installed in more than 500 locations. The government plans to install it in more locations. The system threatens online free speech, in a country where independent journalists heavily depend on the internet. This is something the world can copycat, said Laura Cunningham, the former head of State Department programs on internet freedom. Russias censorship model can quickly and easily be replicated by other authoritarian governments. I was born in the era of a super-free internet, and now Im seeing it collapsing, said Ksenia Ermoshina, a researcher from Russia now working at the French National Centre for Scientific Research. The Times reached out to telecom regulator Roskomnadzor for comment. The regulator did not acknowledge the filtering system. Instead, it talked about how western social media has ignored its internet laws, which specifically prohibit content on topics that split the state and those that incite people. Russian legislation in the field of media and information does not allow censorship, the regulator said. It added that the law clearly defines the types of content that are harmful and pose a threat to Russians. Source: https://reclaimthenet.org/russia-is-using-new-tactics-to-censor-the-internet/ Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership Discusses Priorities for Forest Center WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The executive committee of the Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership on Thursday encouraged collaborators working on ideas for a forest center not to reinvent the wheel. A pair of students in Williams College's Environmental Planning and Design program gave a presentation to the board about a survey they plan to assess priorities for the center, "an ambitious, somewhat nebulous concept right now but ... part of the enabling legislation establishing the partnership," according to the partnership's Chair Hank Art. That legislation empowered a collaboration of 19 towns and cities in Berkshire and Franklin Counties to increase natural resource-based economic development and promote sustainable forestry practices in the region. Sabrine Brismeur and Abby Matheny of Williams are working with the partnership to develop early concepts of what a permanent home for the MTWP might include and where it might be located. To that end, the pair developed a survey that they will send to the MTWP board, representatives of local nonprofits, forest landowners in the region, community leaders and other stakeholders to gauge what they want to see the center provide. Several board members on Thursday's video conference advised the students to include in their research a review of any similar facilities to see what works and what doesn't. "Are there best practices for how visitors centers are developed, how they present their information?" said Mark Buccowich, the partnership's liaison from the U.S. Forest Service. "Take advantage of work that's already been done. Do we know what the public likes and what they would respond to? "The National Parks do visitors centers all day long. I think the parks service would be a great reference for you. Maybe just call up the Acadia visitors center and see if there is someone there you could talk to." Buccowich also suggested the pair reach out to an official at the commonwealth's Department of Conservation and Recreation who deals with its visitor centers. Other people on the call pointed to similar facilities in the Catskills and Adirondacks in New York and, closer to home, the Mass Audubon Society's Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox. Several participants noted that the forest center would not just be for visitors. It also would serve residents of the Mohawk Trail region. "We have to think about how we might have exhibits and brochures about best practices, about all the knowledge a farmer has about our region," said Whit Sanford of Shelburne Falls. "It's a different perspective, but it's a valid one. And it's the perspective that will keep us rural." The Brismeur and Matheny designed a survey that asks respondents to think about the relative importance of seven basic elements that could be included in the forest center that combine resources for "visitors" and "locals": an informational and booking center for regional tourism and economic development; repository for technical assistance and a consulting center on sustainable practices; a demo forest and woodworking center to showcase sustainable forestry techniques; a public education center and field trip/summer camp destination to focus on the region's landscape and history, including that of indigenous peoples; a forestry research center focusing on innovative forest management; a forest preserve with hiking trails and tours; and a year-round shop and monthly marketplace showcasing regional producers and services. Your support is needed now more than ever Help support your local news Local news sources need your help. Stay in the know on Coronavirus, local updates, and more. The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD), working in collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Maldives Journalist Association (MJA), today launched an in-depth report into the situation in the Maldives facing the media and journalists, Maldives: Overview of the Environment for Media. This report is part of a wider engagement by the three organisations to try to lever the current political will in the country, which seems to be more open to positive change, to bring laws, policies and practices affecting the media more fully into line with human rights standards. The Maldives has fluctuated up and down quite a lot in terms of its rules and practices on freedom of expression and media freedom, said Toby Mendel. We are hopeful that some positive changes can be achieved at this time, and this report points the way forward in that regard. The report starts by providing an overview of international standards on freedom of expression, alongside an analysis of Maldivian constitutional guarantees. Subsequent sections of the report focus on regulation of the media, content restrictions and transparency. Some of the key issues highlighted the report include: The lack of independent of media regulatory bodies, as well as in the judiciary. Prevailing impunity for murders of and attacks on journalists. The need for significant structural changes in the rules on media regulation, including to abolish the 1978 Newspapers and Magazines Act, to explicitly recognise community broadcasting and to completely revise the system for blocking websites . To review and introduce wide-ranging amendments to the legal restrictions on what content may be disseminated through the media and generally. To introduce comprehensive privacy/data protection law. To put in place measures to implement properly the otherwise strong Right to Information Act. The report is available in English a: https://www.law-democracy.org/live/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Maldives-Report.Final_.pdf For further information, please contact: Toby Mendel, Executive Director Centre for Law and Democracy Email: toby@law-democracy.org +1 902 431 3688 www.law-democracy.org Twitter: @law_democracy 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 major operation, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized 3-kg drugs worth crores in Bengaluru. The contraband was hidden in three lehengas and was to be sent to Australia. Officials of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), based on a tip-off seized the drugs and said that they have arrested one person in connection with the case. NDTV Material seized is a banned substance A team led by NCB Zonal Director (Bangalore) Amit Ghawate intercepted a parcel containing 3 kg of white-colored crystalline substance on October 21, according to a report in NDTV online. The drugs were hidden in three lehengas. As per the report, the material seized is believed to be a banned substance, pseudoephedrine which was retrieved after opening each fold of the fall line of the three lehengas. The parcel was booked from Narasapuram in Andhra Pradesh and was bound for Australia. The officials tracked the shipment and identified the consignor to Chennai. Unsplash The details were shared with the NCB team in Chennai which investigated for two days and identified the real address of the parcel sender and caught him on Friday. It was found that fake addresses and documents were used to send the parcel. Seizure of 2,988 kg of heroin Earlier, a special court on Monday granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) 10-day remand of three persons initially arrested in a case related to the seizure of 2,988 kg of heroin at Gujarats Mundra Port last month. The court of special judge P C Joshi remanded the accused, M Sudhakaran and Durga Vaishali - who allegedly ran Vijayawada-registered M/S Aashi Trading Company that had imported a consignment of talc stones (which turned out to be a drug) - and Rajkumar P, to 10-day NIA custody as sought by the central agency. Adani Ports Drugs case at Mundra Port The accused, also booked under anti-terror act UAPA, were arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) before the case was transferred earlier this month to the NIA. The case relates to the seizure of heroin, disguised as a consignment of semi-processed talc stones originating from Afghanistan, which had arrived at the Mundra Port from the Bandar Abbas Port in Iran. Representational Image The three accused were booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, and the matter was being heard by a special NDPS court at Bhuj in Kutch district. For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News. It was business as usual for 26-year-old nursing staff member Christina at New Delhis Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital on Thursday morning when India touched the milestone of 100 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses. But she seems to have played a major role in hitting the landmark and has become a social media icon in a matter of hours. Why and how? Here's how. Posted on Covid-related duties for the last one year, including working in the Covid ICU, Christina, who hails from Manipur, has administered more than 15,000 doses so far. PTI Christina became a social media rage on Thursday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with her at Ram Manohar Lohia hospital where he visited on Saturday to salute health workers as India administered over one billion Covid shots. "Challenging task" Speaking to News18 about her interaction with the PM, Christina said, It was a little funny because it seems that the Prime Minister was interviewing me, asking a lot of questions on vaccination and what people have said so far. It has been a long journey for me and a satisfying one. I am proud to have administered 15,000 doses as of today. In the initial days, people were hesitant but gradually as everyone came forward, the hesitancy declined and confidence in vaccination improved. People also started cooperating, she said, after PM Modi left RML. Loksatta I told the PM how challenging the task was and that we often meet people who come to the hospital but are still scared to take the jab, so we have to counsel them. But we knew that we were playing an unforgettable role in the service of the nation and despite all of these challenges, we were constantly self-motivated, she said. About the 26-year-old nurse Christina said that when she told Modi that she was from Manipur, the PM asked her a couple of questions about her hometown and also about her education. The 26-year-old is the only one from her family to have taken to medicine despite the challenges. Christina hails from Senapati district in Manipur where she completed her higher secondary education and then went on to pursue BSc in Nursing from AIIMS Patna. Twitter/ Narendra Modi She then completed her MSc from AIIMS Delhi before being posted at RML Hospital in the midst of the pandemic. The PM was accompanied to the hospital by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. PM hailed vaccination milestone Earlier on Thursday, the Prime Minister hailed the vaccination milestone as a triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. India scripts history. We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. #VaccineCentury Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 21, 2021 India scripts history. We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat," he tweeted. For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News. A Central Empowered Committee (CEC), constituted by the Supreme Court has asked the Assam government to remove all illegal constructions along the nine elephant corridors of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNP). The SC panel in a letter to the state Chief Secretary on October 6, said an action taken report should be submitted to the panel within four weeks. AFP The directive was sent after the CEC received a report last month, from Hemen Hazarika, scientist and head of the Guwahati-based integrated regional office of the minister of environment, forest and climate change, which detailed the illegal constructions on the wildlife corridors. "Inspection was done and at field level after traversing the entire 8 (eight) stretch of animal corridors, where it was found that there has been illegal construction all along. Hence, there has been 'contempt of hon'ble Supreme Court order dated l2.04.2019on I. A. No. 42944/20)9 on WP(C) 202/1995' which had other than banning all types of mining, had also 'not permitted any new construction including on private lands which form part of the 9 identified animal corridors'," the report by Laetitia J. Syiemiong, Deputy Inspector-General of Forest (Central) had said. AP The official said that the Supreme Court earlier barred new construction on private lands that form part of the nine identified animal corridors of Kaziranga, which is home to more than 2,400 one-horned Indian rhinos. The apex court in its 2019 order had ordered that "no new construction shall be permitted on private lands which form part of the nine identified animal corridors". All kinds of mining disallowed SC had also disallowed all kinds of mining activities along the Kaziranga National Park and catchment area of rivers originating in Karbi Anglong Hills in Assam. "Apart from illegal constructions, the greatest eye-sore and also a threat to the animals of KNP & TR is the presence of trucks, etc. In the recent past it has been observed that trucks, tankers and other vehicles are stopping to park in road sides from Jakhalabandha to Bokakhat and creating unnecessary hindrance to wild animal movement from the national park to Karbi Anglong Hill side. Because of this, the number of hotels and dhabas are increasing day by day and during checking, it found that these dhabas are chopping firewood from the trees of Karbi-Anglong Hill side illegally," the letter said. BCCL/ Representational Image It also said that there were more than 500 trucks and vehicles, during the inspection, that were utilising water from streams and rivers and rivulets originating from Karbi-Anglong Hill ranges for bathing by drivers and handymen and washing of vehicles, polluting the water flowing into the Kaziranga national park. "Oil and grease from automobiles garages, waste water from vehicle washing stations, sewage water coming from dhabas and hotels is entering into the Diffalo River which is the lifeline of Kaziranga. Dumping of garbage on the animal corridors and noise pollution due to movement of vehicles is deteriorating the environment of the park. As per the Central Empowerment Committee's 2019 report submitted to the Supreme Court, parking of all types of vehicles on the nine animal corridor areas of NH-37 of Kaziranga National Park is strictly prohibited," the letter said. For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News. The effects of climate change are becoming pronounced not only for the Earth's physiology, but also in terms of dangerous behavioural patterns among human beings. A surge in temperatures on Earth is causing heat-related illnesses among humans, along with an array of ailments including infectious diseases, poor quality of sleep, and a rise in suicides. The new eye-opening report was compiled by The Lancet Countdown and signed by health researchers and professionals from over 70 institutions around the globe. During a press briefing on Tuesday, Dr. Renee Salas, one of the report's authors suggested that from a health standpoint, any rise in global temperature is dangerous for humans. Dr. Salas referred to climate change as a "health crisis." Unsplash Climate change will change us Over the last few decades, instances and the intensity of heat waves, wildfires and droughts have also witnessed a spike. When heat goes up, people are more vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. In addition, rates of crime as well of suicides tend to go up as public health suffers due to climate change. Also read: India Among 11 'Countries Of Concern' On Climate Change, Says First-Ever US Intelligence Report Unsplash Also read: Teen Activist Sagarika Sriram Wants Young Voices To Be Heard, Climate Curriculum In Schools In fact, a different study claimed that in the United States alone, suicide rates rise by 0.7 per cent for every degree (Celsius) of increase in the average temperature. The dangers of climate change are innumerable and scientists are still attempting to understand how the build-up of these changes would affect Earthlings. The report also alludes to dangers of wildfire smoke and flooding with more common occurrence. Wildfire smoke is associated with pulmonary diseases and premature death, especially among kids. When floods increase, conditions that assist the growth of disease-spreading mosquitoes tend to flourish. The study estimates that the transmission of dengue right now is five times higher than it was in the 1950s. Is India ready? Such imminent threats of climate change are now becoming a lived reality for many, including those in India. A recent report alleged that India is one of the five countries in the world where vulnerable populations have been exposed to extreme heat conditions in the last five years. Unsplash Also read: Climate Changes Like Erratic Weather Will Affect 85% Of World Population As long as the support for fossil fuels continues unabated and emissions aren't brought under control, our collective future as Indians and more so as human beings remains under threat from climate change. Do you think India is prepared to deal with dangerous realities that will become the norm with changes in climate? Let us know what you think in the comments below. For more in the world of science and technology, keep reading Indiatimes.com. Citation Heatwaves. (2020, January 6). WHO. About the Lancet Countdown on Health & Climate Change. (2021, October 21). LANCET COUNTDOWN Burke, M. (2020, June 2). Reply to: Temporal displacement, adaptation and the effect of climate on suicide rates. Nature Climate Change. A Malian woman who broke a world record for giving birth to nine babies at the same time has revealed that she changes 100 nappies a day. Halima Cisse, from Mali, completed her world record pregnancy five months ago but says that her new children are doing well. Daily Mail When Cisse was pregnant, it was thought that she was carrying seven babies, however, she gave birth to nonuplets after she was flown from Mali to Morocco for a C-section in May. "Giving birth to one child is hard enough but having nine is unimaginable. Its astonishing the amount of work that is involved in looking after them. Im grateful to the medical team that are doing all the hard work and the Government of Mali for funding this," Cisse told Daily Mail. Daily Mail The boys are named - Oumar, Elhadji, Bah and Mohammed VI, and the girls are named - Adama, Oumou, Hawa, Kadidia, and Fatouma. Halima has since revealed that she has been getting through a staggering 100 nappies per day and six litres of milk. She also said that she has needed the help of an army of nurses to provide the brood with around the clock care. Recalling the time of giving birth, she said, "As the babies were coming out, there were so many questions going through my mind. I was very aware of what was going on and it seemed as if there was an endless stream of babies coming out of me." Daily Mail She added, "My sister was holding my hand but all I could think about was how would I look after them and who was going to help me?" Cisse's partner Kader Arby, 35, who was unable to travel with her due to COVID-19 restriction, arrived in Morocco on July 9. The care bill is approaching 1 million (Rs 10.3 crore) and most of it has been taken care of by the Malian government. It's the work-from-home season and we are getting used to videos of kids gate-crashing their parents during a video meeting. In yet another instance, a financial expert was interrupted by his son while on air and the little ones goofing around started a laughing riot online. Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund (GMF) and a member of the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE), spoke with Bloomberg News about Bundesbank President Jens Weidmanns decision to stand down. However, when the expert was describing how it would affect the German banking industry, his kid walked into the picture and stole the show. A special guest on @bsurveillance was very excited about Weidmanns departure from the Bundesbank pic.twitter.com/o2sgMk2MK0 Aggi (@aggichristiane) October 20, 2021 While the little boy was seen waving his arms wildly in an attempt to catch his fathers attention, Kirkegaard kept his composure and carried on speaking. He was seen trying to push the child away. However, that didnt stop the father from still carrying on, as the boy even grabbed a stapler! Finally, Jonathan Ferro, the shows host, attempted to break the ice by laughing it off. Does your son work for the Greek government? Ferro stopped Kirkegaard with a joke about his son. The video garnered a lot of reaction online, with my seeing the funny side of it. That's natural! Khalid Masood (@khalidcustoms) October 23, 2021 Ha ha ha TKM (@Kanchenjonga_66) October 23, 2021 Beautiful hahaha Amit Kotnala (@AmitKotnala17) October 23, 2021 Innocent kid Anupam Patowary (@AnupamPatowary) October 23, 2021 This isn't the only time a child has been caught in the background of a news segment. Earlier this year, a video went viral, in which a toddler was seen crashing her mother's live weather forecast. The cute moment took place when ABC7's Leslie Lopez was reporting the weather from her home in Los Angeles, California, on January 8, and her 9-month-old son, Nolan, made an unexpected cameo. File photo of former United States Ambassador to India Richard Verma during a media briefing hosted at the U.S. Embassy, on Nov. 9, 2016 in New Delhi, India. The Indian American former envoy currently serves as general counsel and head of global public policy at Mastercard (Waseem Gashroo/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) 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. A judge has given the go ahead for a Covid-19 vaccine to be administered to a disabled 15-year-old boy against the wishes of the boys mother. At the Family Law Court, Judge Mary Larkin has used a provision in the Child Care Act to allow Tusla to proceed with the vaccination of the teenager. Solicitor for the Tusla Muiris Gavin told Judge Larkin the boys mother was opposed to him being vaccinated. Judge Larkin granted the order to Tusla under Section 47 of the Childcare Act after the boy's GP in a letter stated that due to his disabilities the boy is at risk of serious and potentially fatal complications should he contract the Covid-19 infection. The court heard the boy had told his dedicated social worker he wanted the vaccine so he could go out to town and the cinema again. Judge Larkin said that at the boys age "the voice of the child in the court proceedings has to trump the view of others with a different view. Judge Larkin said: The tenor and thrust of all medical data and evidence is that people with underlying needs have greater need to be vaccinated than anyone else. I have no difficulty in granting the order that he receive the vaccine. The teenager has been in full-time care of Tusla since he was aged four, after the agency secured a full care order in 2010. The teenager has since lived with foster carers. Social worker's testimony The boys allocated social worker told Judge Larkin the teenager wanted the Covid-19 vaccine. The social worker told the court: He is currently not vaccinated and life has become extremely limited for him since March 2020." She said at a meeting with the boy in September when I asked him does he want the Covid 19 vaccine he replied yes and when I asked why he told me 'because I want to go to the cinema and go into town". The social worker said the teenager had a range of medical issues and had a mild to moderate intellectual disability. Asked by Judge Larkin did she believe the boy receiving the Covid-19 vaccine was in the boys best interests, the social worker replied: I do, Judge, because he is at home and rarely goes out unless he is in a car or goes to his respite carers three afternoons a week. She added: His whole life is centred around the house and it has affected his mental health He gets very angry with his foster carers because he finds his life very limited. GP's letter The social worker said a more recent letter from a different GP in the same medical practice said the teenager's medical problems render him more susceptible at developing complications should be contract Covid 19. The social worker said the boys two foster carers both want him to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. In response to queries from Judge Larkin, the social worker said the boy does not see his biological parents. She said the boys father is the only one who is in contact with him. The social worker said the father sends him a Christmas card and a gift of money at Christmas time. She said: "The boy decided back in 2009 that he didnt want to see his father seeing his father was frightening for him." Mr Gavin said he was in contact with the boys mothers solicitor who was not able to get in contact with the mother before court but that her last communication was that she was opposed to her son receiving the vaccine. Mr Gavin said the womans solicitor had no instructions for the case. Judge Larkin said the child was in the care of Tusla and decisions for this child are to be made by Tusla. The brutal nightmare that would haunt Anne OSullivan to the day she died last April began with gunshots in a bedroom of her secluded north Cork farmhouse last year. Although she had woken at around 6am on Monday, October 26, because she had heard movement outside her room, she dozed off again. However, it was a short time later that she woke up with a start. Something woke me, she said in her statement to gardai later. I can't describe the noise. I know now it was gunshots and I didn't realise it was gunshots until after seeing them (the rifles) in Tadg and Diarmuid's hands. She got up out of bed, put on her dressing gown and shoes and then opened the door of her bedroom and looked out into the corridor. Straight away, she saw Tadg, a mechanic, and Diarmuid standing there with guns. They were facing into law graduate Marks bedroom. I can't remember in what order this may have happened but I said oh my God, what have you done now, she recalled in her garda statement. One of the men looked at her approaching, looked back into the room and fired another shot into it. They then, referring to a solicitors letter she had sent them about a dispute over her will, turned to her and said: Theres your solicitors letter for you. She said she then went back into her own room to get her phone. Diarmuid O'Sullivan But when she came out of the room, Diarmuid took it from her. Diarmuid said something but I don't remember what that was, she recalled. They seemed agitated. Tadg didn't say a word. After both men suddenly left the cottage, she went into Marks bedroom, to see if she could find a phone. The jury in his inquest would later be told Tadg and Diarmuid fired eight shots at Mark, seven of which hit him in the head and chest. He also sustained a gunshot to one of his arms after he stumbled out of bed and tried to defend himself. Mark was lying out of the bed, sitting on the floor against the bed and locker, his distraught mother would later tell gardai. Blood was coming from his mouth. His legs wrapped in the duvet and lifeless. Tadg O'Sullivan Mark was wearing underwear, nothing else. "Before I left the house, I said to Mark to hold on, I was going to get help. She tried to drive away from the farm but found access gates locked with new locks. She also couldnt use any phones as her son Diarmuid smashed both the landline and her mobile phone. Of the last time she saw either of them alive, in the farmyard, she said: Tadg was pacing back and forth a little with the gun in his hand. Diarmuid was on the ground, banging something that I couldn't see. None of them offered a word to me. The farm land at Assolas, near Kanturk, North Cork where the tragedy happened on Monday, October 26, 2020. Photo: Daragh McSweeney/Provision Tadg may have seen me but Diarmuid was facing the other way. She said she then went back into the house and fled through another exit. Stumbling over ditches and crossing fields, she eventually reached the house of Jackie and Ann Cronin. The couple lives at the entrance to the long, narrow laneway that leads to the OSullivans now-deserted farm. They immediately called gardai, who sent local officers, followed by a variety of units scrambled from around the country, including armed units and a negotiator to the scene. Convinced the father and son were still alive, armed and inside the house, it would be a number of hours before they entered the farmyard and then the farm cottage. Inside, they would find Mark, who died from gunshots and a short while later, at about 1.40pm, a garda helicopter pilot spotted two bodies near an old fairy fort in adjoining lands. Members of the Emergency Response Unit and Armed Support Unit cautiously approached the scene. There they found Tadg and Diarmuid OSullivan. They were both pronounced dead. Two rifles were found beside them in the fields and the Garda Critical Incident response was stood down. A 12-page letter to his mother which detailed how angry he was over her decision to favour Mark in her will was found strapped to Diarmuids leg. Also in the letter was his wish that the familys two dogs would be cared for. Tadg also left a note but it was shorter. It later emerged there had been tensions in the family over what each son would inherit in the event of Mrs OSullivans death. A Garda on duty at the laneway leading to the OSullivan family farm. The tensions arose after she found out in February 2020 that cancer she had fought years previously had not only returned but was now terminal, and the former nurse hadnt long to live. She told gardai Tadg grew increasingly agitated after that diagnosis and kept insisting she draw up a will. The jury heard matters degenerated to such an extent that Diarmuid started threatening to take his own life if he didnt get the lions share of her farm, which had remained in her name after she inherited it from her mother. There was also an incident in which Diarmuid is said to have warned he would leave a trail of destruction and no light would shine in Raheen again if she did not change her will. She did eventually draw up a will and during a phase when she was either staying in Dublin or with relatives nearby, there was an exchange of solicitors' letters. At the joint inquests later, a statement was read out from Claragh Lucey, who detailed a string of incidents where Mark had confided in her what was going on inside the farmhouse. She said that on October 9, for example, he called her to tell he was "terrified to be with Tadg and Diarmuid, to be alone with them". The following day he said he was actually afraid they would kill him but they would do it in such a way to make it look like suicide. And she said: He asked me if his body was found that I would go to the guards with the message he sent and get his phone to show it wasn't suicide. A Garda at the entrance to the O'Sullivan farm at Assolas, near Kanturk, North Cork. Photo: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision She was one of the people who had advised Mark to stay with friends or relatives. She said that although she knew he had left the farm with his mother earlier, she had no idea when she was talking to him on October 24 that he had returned to the farm house. He gave no indication he was going back home, she said. He seemed in good spirits. I messaged him late on 25th and again on 26th and he never opened any of these messages. The funeral cortege leaving the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Kanturk, Co Cork, last year for the funeral mass of the late Mark OSullivan. Photo: Dan Linehan I then became aware he had been killed. It would also emerge that a relative of the family told gardai she was extremely concerned about the safety of Mark and his mother. The jury in his inquest heard that Annes first cousin Louise Sherlock went to see gardai on October 13. She said later in a garda statement she told an officer in Kanturk Garda Station she was extremely concerned about Anne and Mark's safety and that she needed advice. She then said she mentioned a bizarre encounter with Tadg and Diarmuid on the previous Friday when she was halfway up the narrow laneway to the OSullivan farmhouse when they stopped in front of her in their van and they both got out. She told the garda Tadg was ice-cold, expressionless and that he told her: I am looking at you and I am eyeballing you. I am not blinking. Then she told the guard: Diarmuid said this will all be over in a couple of weeks and that there would be a road of carnage." She says the guard then advised her about protection and barring orders and advised she talk to a lawyer and she was told to make sure she had a copy of the EirCode. That such a warning was received is now the subject of at least one internal review. The UK's Queen Elizabeth II spent Wednesday night in hospital for preliminary investigations, Buckingham Palace has confirmed. The 95-year-old monarch, who was ordered to rest by doctors and advised to miss a trip to Northern Ireland, returned to Windsor Castle at lunchtime on Thursday and remains in good spirits. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: Following medical advice to rest for a few days, the Queen attended hospital on Wednesday afternoon for some preliminary investigations, returning to Windsor Castle at lunchtime today, and remains in good spirits. The head of states trip to central Londons private King Edward VIIs Hospital, which began on Wednesday afternoon, was kept a secret but the Palace issued a statement on Thursday evening after The Sun newspaper broke the news. It is understood the head of state was due to attend for only a short stay while she was seen by specialists, so the development was not announced by the Palace at the time, and protecting the Queens medical privacy was also a consideration. The overnight stay was said to be for practical reasons, a source said. The Queens team of royal physicians are understood to have been taking a cautious approach. The Queen was said to be back at her desk on Thursday afternoon, undertaking light duties. She was said to be disappointed not to be able to travel to Northern Ireland on Wednesday, and reluctantly heeded the advice of her doctors. The nations longest reigning monarch, whose husband the Duke of Edinburgh died just six months ago, has had a busy schedule since returning from Balmoral at the start of October. She hosted a major Global Investment summit at Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening, where she looked bright and cheerful as she carried out her royal duties. Her admission is understood not to have been related to coronavirus. Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether the Queen has received her booster Covid-19 jab but given her age it is likely she has had it. A 24-year-old man has been arrested at an airport by detectives investigating the Manchester Arena bomb attack in 2017. Greater Manchester Police said the man, who is from the Fallowfield area of Manchester, was arrested at Manchester Airport on Friday shortly after arriving back in the UK. Guest Column Time for ASEAN to Give Myanmars Opposition a Seat at the Table Residents of Mandalay march on April 18, 2021 to show their support for the National Unity Government. Nearly nine months after its forceful takeover of the country from a legitimately elected civilian government, Myanmars military has shown that it is one thing to seize power but an entirely different reality to consolidate and impose control. The inability of the Tatmadaw, as Myanmars armed forces are called, to follow through with their Feb. 1 coup has posed multi-layered challenges at home, in the region, and internationally. In response to the Tatmadaws blatant putsch, spearheaded by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his coup government called the State Administration Council (SAC), ASEAN has dithered and dragged its feet, continually falling behind the coup curve in the face of concerted international condemnation. Now ASEANs working mechanisms are catching up with Southeast Asias 10-member grouping. As the 38th and 39th ASEAN summits and related leaders meetings loom, the Myanmar coup issue has topped the agenda, exposing ASEANs structural weaknesses. Because of ASEANs rotational practice based on the alphabet, Brunei currently chairs the organization, followed by Cambodia next year. These two countries, as opposed to Indonesia and Malaysia, which have opposed Myanmars coup regime, are unlikely to be tough on the Tatmadaw. For ASEAN, leaders meetings are pro forma, attended by heads of government as deemed fit by individual countries. But the prospect of having Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing at ASEAN-led summits would surely alienate other major partners. The East Asia Summit, for example, includes the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea, democratic countries that would not want to meet, even virtually, let alone in person, with the Tatmadaw strongman. ASEANs Myanmar conundrum is simple. Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and the Tatmadaw more broadly are facing a nationwide opposition, led under the umbrella of the National Unity Government (NUG) and comprising the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), the Peoples Defence Forces (PDF), and the Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs). Had the military coup succeeded in putting down the civilian-led resistance, ASEAN would not be in this bind and Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaings participation at the upcoming ASEAN-related summits would be par for the course. But Myanmars incomplete and eroding coup may signify that military takeovers around the world in the future may not come off so successfully as they used to transpire. The coalition of forces and means of power has shifted in favour of resistance and opposition. Information and communications technologies have enabled an unprecedented mobilization and organization among Myanmars opposition groups. Some of them also have taken up small arms in open defiance and conflict against Myanmars security forces. This stalemate inside Myanmar, whereby the Tatmadaw does not have the wherewithal to consolidate and control while a determined and fierce opposition movement is unable to overcome a battle-hardened army with superior firepower, is now an international dilemma which ASEAN has been pressed to resolve. Yet early apologists for Myanmars coup who saw it as a done deal and a necessity to get on with it should be called out. Myanmars coup was staged, but it has not succeeded. The opposition movement is strong and fierce, and the Tatmadaw is unlikely to be able to put them down without a fight to the end. ASEANs ducking and dodging will not do the job. At an emergency meeting on Oct. 15, ASEAN ministers decided not to invite Min Aung Hlaing and proposed a non-political representative to take Myanmars seat, implicitly aware that having the junta leaders inclusion is tantamount to disinviting leaders of other major summit partners. ASEANs consensus on Min Aung Hlaing is a major move on its conventional and hitherto sacrosanct principle of non-interference in each others domestic affairs. Now that non-interference no longer holds, the next big challenge and potentially evolutionary step forward for the organization is to see how far relative and incremental interference can go and what parameters can be drawn around it. The Myanmar coup issue could be a blessing in disguise for ASEAN if the organization can reconceptualize and put in practice a new kind of norm, a mix of the old non-interference and new ways of having a say in neighbors domestic political situations. Under these tense and politicized circumstances, Myanmars would-be non-political representative is an oxymoron. Any senior official or alternative appointee even with a decent reputation from Myanmars side would likely come with Min Aung Hlaings backing and blessing. By definition, Myanmars representative as ASEAN has suggested will be doing the bidding of the senior general and the Tatmadaw. To bite the bullet, ASEAN should invite representation both from the NUG and from the military regime, since neither has the upper hand and full control over Myanmars future. Excluding the NUG will further dent ASEANs credibility and international legitimacy, thereby undermining ASEAN centrality. In fact, certain pro-democracy governments among ASEAN have already engaged with the NUG. Thus far, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore as well as the Philippines have been clear in their support for a return to democratic rule and a constitutional framework in Myanmar. The rest have sat on the fence or implicitly backed the coup regime. With such divisive views on Myanmar, a dual structure of representation is fairer because the NUG is the legitimate government of the Myanmar people underpinned by a constitutional framework and a democratic process. Myanmars military regime obviously has power and holds the seat of government in Naypyitaw. But everything in Myanmar is being played for at the cost of blood, sweat and tears in an intensifying civil war. How ASEANs summit season plays out over the Myanmar coup and representation at top meetings will have far-reaching ramifications. The United Nations, which led the way in not meeting as yet with ASEAN heads over the issue of Myanmars legitimate leadership, will have more to say and will take into account events on the ground when its credentials committee gathers in November to determine the countrys rightful representation. What ASEAN does now by recognizing both the NUG and the SAC during this summit season will save the organization from more erosion of centrality and credibility and shore up its Five-Point Consensus from April with more bargaining power vis-a-vis Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing. It will also let the Myanmar people fight for their own self-determination in a fairer fashion. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a professor and director of the Institute of Security and International Studies at Chulalongkorn Universitys Faculty of Political Science, earned a PhD from the London School of Economics with a top dissertation prize in 2002. Recognized for excellence in opinion writing from the Society of Publishers in Asia, his views and articles have been published widely by local and international media. This article was first published by The Bangkok Post. You may also like these stories: ASEAN Lags Behind Myanmar Curve ASEAN Diplomatic Deftness on Myanmar is Claptrap Kayah Forces Claim Successful Attacks on Myanmar Junta Troops Nurses and other front-line health care workers across the state and nation are feeling overwhelmed and stressed out as the COVID-19 pandemic continues raising concerns that workers will continue to leave the field, causing nurse shortages in Florida. Overall, unprecedented levels of stress have stricken all health care workers, from licensed practical nurses and registered nurses to medical assistants and certified nursing assistants, according to health executives. A panel of health care leaders representing various settings told lawmakers this week that the pandemic has triggered burnout among workers at hospitals, nursing homes, and community health centers. Nurses, in particular, have chosen early retirement or left for other industries, health experts said. In Florida, nurses and others have had to deal with COVID surges, new variants, and deaths over at least 18 months. The Florida Hospital Association warned that the state could see a nurse shortage by 2035 if retention and recruitment arent addressed. In a joint report from FHA and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, the state is projected to see a shortage of 59,100 nurses by 2035 including 37,400 R.N.s and 21,700 licensed practical nurses (LPNs). For two years, nurses have put our own health and lives at risk on the front lines of this historic pandemic, Patricia Diaz, an R.N. in South Florida, told the Florida Phoenix. Experienced nurses are retiring in unprecedented numbers because of the burnout and mental and physical stress. This depletes the talent level and number of available staff even more, creating a downward spiral of shortages and stress, said Diaz, who is a member of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, a union with members in Florida. Many of us have gotten sick, some have died and all of us are exhausted, she added. My union and coworkers stick together to form an important support system, but the situation is truly critical. In the face of burnout, higher compensation sounds really good At Florida hospitals, staffing challenges have involved nurses leaving to pursue jobs in other states through travel nursing agencies for a significantly higher pay, while others because of the stress and strain that they have been under, said Mary Mayhew, president and CEO of the Florida Hospital Association. But as nurses leave jobs at hospitals, nursing schools report higher enrollment in the programs, according to a report from Newsweek. Under the best of circumstances, it is an incredibly demanding job to be in a 24-7 hospital environment, Mayhew told members of the House Health and Human Services Committee this week. She continued: They have taken a break from health care. Others have retired early. We have hospital leaders talking about the post-traumatic stress that their staff are facing and the trauma that theyve experienced. Steven Bennett, workforce development manager at the Florida Association of Community Health Centers, said during the health committee meeting that nurses should focus on long-term careers instead of temporary positions at agencies. In the face of burnout, higher compensation sounds really good, said Bennett said. We struggle to measure what that burnout looks like; thats a broader challenge. Meanwhile, unhappiness among nurses is growing because of the physical and emotional demand of working during the pandemic, according to a report from Aya Healthcare, a large travel nursing agency. The agency conducted a survey of R.N.s and found that 51 percent of nurses report symptoms of burnout, and all R.N.s reported greater levels of happiness prior to the pandemic. The survey included interviews conducted between May 17 to June 14 with 30 R.N.s who were providing direct patient care in hospital systems across the country. In the report, nurses complained of the physical and emotional demands of COVID-19 as well as increased stress and anxiety. Problems at community health centers Bennett cited problems with retention, recruitment, and unfilled positions at community health centers, which serve low-income families. He said those centers have struggled to recruit and retain workers, including medical assistants, dental assistants, LPNs and R.N.s. The association represents the states 52 community health centers. Bennett said that non-health-care industries are not only recruiting but poaching [health care] workers. We are seeing individuals leaving for jobs in fast food, for jobs in the service industry, he said. I saw something yesterday saying McDonalds is paying as much as $21 per hour. That is going to impact entry-level positions. Portions of this report first appeared on the website of the Florida Phoenix, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to coverage of state government and politics from Tallahassee. It can be daunting voting for a referendum, especially one like what Miami voters face Nov. 2 regarding who should be responsible for a multimillion-dollar redevelopment of Virginia Keys public marina, its waterfront access, and other areas off the Rickenbacker Causeway. Version en espanol Most referendum questions are very vague and not often explained to the people voting, said Robert Vernon, a former mayor of Key Biscayne and part of the 13-member Virginia Key Advisory Board. A lot of times theyll call their friends and ask, How should I vote on this? or Whats this mean? and thats the problem getting the public to vote (informatively and wisely). Depending on the authors wording, too, it might look very appealing to some living in the City (of Miami). But Key Biscayne cant vote on this ... It wont be on our ballot. Further complicating matters for those who already are beginning to receive ballots in their mail is a recent lawsuit filed against the City of Miami, alleging that City Commissioners violated competitive solicitation rules and are now misleading voters into handing a no-bid contract to a losing bidder. The question on the Miami General Municipal and Special Elections ballot reads: Shall Miamis Charter be amended authorizing City to waive competitive bidding, negotiate, execute 75-year waterfront lease (marinas, restaurants, marine related uses) of approximately 27 acres (generally 3301, 3307, 3605, 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway) on the west side of Virginia Key with Biscayne Marine Partners LLC, for minimum: $115,000,000 tenant capital investment $2,750,000 annual rent (10% for Virginia Key Beach Park Trust) or fair market value 6% gross boat storage, fuel revenues; 4% gross revenues from other sources? In essence, voters could grant Key Biscayne resident Aabad Melwani, president of Rickenbacker Marina Inc., the authority to redevelop the Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium marinas into a larger complex, reportedly with restaurants, retail shops, and boat storage and fueling facilities for 45 years with two 15-year renewal options. In the two previous bidding processes, dating back to 2016 and 2017, Melwanis team reportedly placed last. Yet the current lawsuits state that the referendum does not give voters options and omits the fact that Melwanis team twice came up short. As far as Melwani, Vernon said there are no discussions about current vendors. I know hes a really nice guy and I know what he wants to do is whats best, Vernon said. But I dont get involved with that, and neither do our Board members. More for Miami, a coalition to promote positive development in the county, is pushing voters to Vote Yes on the Marina PARC Miami Referendum #440 to deliver ``More for Miami more public access to the bay and more environmentally friendly protections, without raising taxes, its website reads. It also points out that by voting Yes, not only will we get the peace of mind of knowing we have an experienced, family-owned management team (Melwani) that is operated locally, but we will also get expanded public access to the waterfront, newly enhanced places for our families to exercise, play and eat, and new job opportunities for Miami residents. All of this, while protecting and preserving Biscayne Bay. More for Miami also claims a Yes vote will provide hundreds of millions of dollars for our police, firefighters, and parks through increased private lease payments to the city and that 10% of the annual $2,750,000 rent will go to the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust for the construction of the African American Experience Museum. Vernon wasnt quick to jump on board. First of all, I dont think waiving the bidding in any process is a good idea I dont care if its Key Biscayne, Miami, the County, he said. There should be a competitive bidding process when doing capital improvements of any kind. Vernon was Key Biscaynes mayor on July 22, 2010, when the City of Miami accepted the Virginia Key Master Plan, a series of comprehensive controls and policies designed to protect and preserve the area, from mangrove to Marine Stadium restorations. In my opinion, we need to protect that Master Plan, he said. Six years of being on the Board, I find that thats the feeling of everybody (on the panel). The referendum is the result of two resolutions, sponsored June 24 by Commissioner Ken Russell. The first calls for the waiver of competitive bidding for development of about 27 acres of uplands and submerged lands (actually just eight acres of uplands are involved, the rest submerged) for a mixed-use waterfront facelift. The second resolution calls for creation of a dedicated rowing lane and motorized vessel exclusion zone, the creation and maintenance of a no-wake zone, and establish a mooring field of no more than 50 vessels within the Marine Stadium basin. Dr. Leah Kinnaird, one of four co-founders of the Virginia Key Alliance, a supportive organization that has been gaining steam as a player of sorts trying to protect the area as a park for tourists and residents while gathering facts and informing the public, said, Our stance is very much in favor of a Yes vote. The Melwani family, since 1983, have operated a marina next to the City-operated marina, and now the City (of Miami) realizes We need to be doing a better job. We believe Marine Partners and Melwani have a reasonable plan that fits well with the Master Plan and has an interest in the environment. Last week, a letter authored by one of Dr. Kinnairds co-founders, Sunny McLean, appeared in the Miami Herald, carrying a Vote Yes message. In the letter, which supports Melwanis efforts, she calls the referendum misleading for several reasons, pointing to the dishonesty and impropriety during the two failed Requests for Proposals (RFPs), a trip to the Third District Court of Appeal and 17 deferments.The contract is no-bid because the City Commission decided enough is enough, too much time and money wasted. Meanwhile, renovations to the boat ramp and trailer parking area on Virginia Key are well underway, thanks to a $1.25 million grant from the Florida Inland Navigation District, a total later matched by the City of Miami. One piece of the puzzle But its just one piece of a larger puzzle, one that may be being put together haphazardly, Vernon said. Tuesday night, at the Village Council meeting, Vernon will address city officials and residents with approximately 16 projects that are either in the design phase, permitting phase or funding phase -- several of which could be completed within a year. The projects are all Master Plan projects, not something we just threw out there, Vernon said. Weve said the theme of this Board all along was that (the City of Miami) needs to take a holistic approach to the Master Plan, prioritize things and do things in order. Theyre jumping all over the place. For instance, some say fixing up a boat ramp area at this stage might not coincide with the bigger picture of, say, potential plans for Marine Stadium. Weve argued and its really important for people to understand, this Advisory Board has no power whatsoever, they can take our advice or they dont have to. We can come up with a resolution and the Commission can throw it in the trash can, and thats whats frustrating, Vernon said. We have smart, qualified people on this Board that are trying to help the City (of Miami). Oftentimes, I get frustrated when they dont seem to listen, but sometimes they do. What I dont want them to do is look at Virginia Key (just) as a revenue source ... How much money can we make? Key Biscayne resident Joe Rasco, who represents District 7 on the Virginia Key Advisory Board, said the ballot is simply a way for the City of Miami to gauge interest in amending the Charter before they take the real issue to voters. We havent seen what theyre going to do yet (specific plans), so its (too early) to judge, Rasco said. If they accept (Melwani), theyd still have to negotiate further and then it would go before the Board. If the voters say no, they dont want to lease, the City would have to go back to the drawing board to issue another RFP for a different plan, and then still would have to go back to the voters. Rasco, like Vernon, said the holistic view of Virginia Key always has been the goal. The Board wants to hold their feet to the fire (for any pending plans), he said. The Board has come out against (renovating) the boat ramp, which is not a good idea at this time, because, well, the Crown Jewel is the Marine Stadium, and until that area is fleshed out, it doesnt make sense putting in the boat ramp (yet). There also have been concerns from the users in the basin that this is adding more traffic (before slow zones, or dedicated rowing lanes or vessel exclusion areas are adopted). Miamis Marine Stadium, dedicated on Dec. 23, 1963, was built at a cost of $1 million (plus about $900,000 in dredging costs). In September, Commissioner Raquel Regalado, the District 7 representative, hosted an all-Spanish Zoom panel discussion about preserving The Most Cuban Building In Miami. On the panel was Hilario Candela, who at 28 and then a recent immigrant of Cuba, designed the stadium that has played host to concerts, fight cards and speedboat racing. The World Monuments Fund, along with the local Friends of Miami Marine Stadium, have helped get the endangered architectural masterpiece on a preservation list with the likes of the Taj Mahal and Machu Picchu. Lawsuit challenges vote Virginia Key LLC, a partnership between Miami Beach-based RCI Marine and Dallas-based Suntex Marinas, recently filed its lawsuit against the City of Miami, asking the Miami-Dade County Circuit Court to require the City to complete the open and competitive process it had conducted for the marina project. That open process led to Virginia Key LLC emerging as the front-runner on two separate competitive processes since the nearly seven-year tug-of-war has been going on. There has not been a clear-cut reason as to why the bid wasnt awarded in those instances. The lawsuit states that The Citys referendum language does not present voters with the option of accepting Virginia Key LLCs bid, which had been repeatedly determined to be superior to that of Rickenbacker, but rather deceptively omits any mention of its superior proposals as well as the numerous rejections of Rickenbackers position. In July, the City Commission voted 3-2 to place the question on the ballot. The lawsuit also stipulates that the City Commission has decided to ignore those results on both occasions and instead place a referendum item on the Nov. 2 ballot that asks voters to approve the current longtime family operator of the Rickenbacker Marina Melwani and his Biscayne Marine Partners team with exclusive rights and a no-bid contract to negotiate a long-term lease of the valuable waterfront property. The lawsuit, in turn, is asking a judge to award the right to negotiate a new lease to the plaintiff, which is led by RCI Marine President Robert Christoph Jr. Arnold Douglas Pilkington, Vice President and Director with the company Paradise Point Marina #20 Corporation in Pinecrest, also is named as a plaintiff in the Complex Business Litigation lawsuit, which calls for the court to prevent Miami from accepting results of the allegedly misleading referendum item and to award an estimated $4 million in damages (from previous rounds of bidding) to Virginia Key LLC. Also named in the lawsuit is Miami-Dade County Elections Supervisor Christina White. Its much more complicated than (just the ballot language), Vernon said. You could still pass it, and the city would not agree to specific issues, so at least there are some safeguards. And having to work with Key Biscayne, too ... so, its not an easy task I think itll take a few years to clear the dust. Ithaca, NY (14850) Today Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 29F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 29F. Winds light and variable. A number of Windows ransomware gangs have reacted to the reported takedown of the REvil gang, with one of them, Darkside, now known as BlackMatter, moving some of the bitcoin it holds, according to a statement from the cryptocurrency tracking firm Elliptic. The company said the DarkSide gang had received a little more than US$90 million (A$120.5 million) from about 50 victims during its lifetime. It shut down in May, according to a claim made by a website funded by a CIA-backed threat intelligence firm. In a second development, the gang behind the Conti ransomware issued a long statement, painting themselves as virtuous operators and claiming that what REvil had bilked from companies was "honestly earned money". A third reaction came from a group known as Groove, which urged attacks on US interests in retaliation for the takedown of REvil Conti statement re: REvil and the gang's "Honestly earned money." pic.twitter.com/rWXisIDFPJ Brett Callow (@BrettCallow) October 22, 2021 Elliptic claimed the US had seized 63.7 bitcoin which DarkSide had received as its share of the 75 bitcoin paid as ransom for It said DarkSide had retained a cryptocurrency wallet to hold its bitcoin, including 11.3 bitcoin from the Colonial hit. On the day it was reportedly taken down, the wallet was emptied, with 108.8 bitcoin being sent to a new wallet. These funds, now worth US$7 million, had begun moving on 21 October, Elliptic said, adding that it was moved through a number of new wallets, with small amounts being retained at each step. "This is a common money laundering technique, used to attempt to make the funds more difficult to track and to aid their conversion into fiat currency through exchanges," the Elliptic statement said. "The process is ongoing, but small amounts of the funds have already been sent to known exchanges." The Conti statement said, in part: "As a team, we always look at the work of our colleagues in the art of pen-testing, corporate data security, information systems, and network security. We rejoice at their successes and support them in their hardships." All joking aside, I'm betting things are a bit... tense for anyone even remotely tied to REvil right now. https://t.co/sO4XZWAXUB Jake Williams (@MalwareJake) October 22, 2021 It questioned the US move to attack servers in other countries, and also referred to America's invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, drone strikes and shootings within the US to claim that the strike on REvil was just part of a pattern of incidents. The Groove statement, was in Russian, and a sanitised translation was published by the website, Bleeping Computer. It said, in part: "In our difficult and troubled time when the US Government is trying to fight us, I call on all partner programs to stop competing, unite and start **cking up the US public sector..." Contacted for comment, Brett Callow, ransomware researcher with the New Zealand-based security company Emsisoft, said: "The fact that law enforcement successfully disrupted operations on a number of recent occasions will have threat actors sweating, especially since they don't know how the other operations were disrupted. "The bluster and posturing from Conti and Groove is the result. They're not railing against the US, they're trying to convince their partners and affiliates that they're confident and there's no cause for concern." Today A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low around 50F. Winds light and variable. Tonight A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low around 50F. Winds light and variable. Tomorrow Some sun in the morning with increasing clouds during the afternoon. High 81F. Winds light and variable. This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. I am planning to host family and friends at my home. I am planning to travel to the home of a friend or family member. I am working on Thanksgiving Day. I plan to stay home with my immediate family for a low-key holiday. I am taking off the entire week and traveling. My plans for Thanksgiving aren't listed here as an option. I don't have plans. I don't celebrate Thanksgiving. Vote View Results Amit Shah In Srinagar : - , -- Amit Shah In Srinagar - , : - - - , , , , , - , , Modern Woodmen of America members in Elizabethton helped raise money for A.R.M: Assistance & Resources Ministries with a special fundraising event. The donation included $2,500 matched by Modern Woodmen through the organizations Matching Fund Program. Betty Jean Pulley, 95, passed away November 4, 2021, at Windridge Nursing Home, Miami, Oklahoma. Betty was born September 7, 1926, at home in Riverton, Kansas, to Albert Petty Cutright and Alta Elizabeth (Newkirk). She graduated from Riverton High School Class of 1944, and attended Joplin Ju 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. The UN said Friday it feared an even greater human rights catastrophe in Myanmar amid reports of thousands of troops massing in the north of the Southeast Asian country, which has been in chaos since a February coup. We should all be prepared, as the people in this part of Myanmar are prepared, for even more mass atrocity crimes. I desperately hope that I am wrong, said UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar Tom Andrews. More than 1,100 civilians have been killed in the countrys bloody crackdown on dissent and more than 8,000 arrested since the coup, according to a local monitoring group. Andrews, who was presenting the findings of an annual human rights report on Myanmar to the General Assembly, said that he had received information that tens of thousands of troops and heavy weapons were being moved into restive regions in the north and northwest. The findings, he said, also indicated that the junta had engaged in probable crimes against humanity and war crimes. These tactics are ominously reminiscent of those employed by the military before its genocidal attacks against the Rohingya in Rakhine State in 2016 and 2017, Andrews said. About 740,000 Rohingya fled Myanmars Rakhine state in 2017 after security forces launched a clampdown that the UN has said may amount to genocide. Andrews urged countries to deny Myanmars military junta the money, weapons and legitimacy it desired, citing a prisoner release earlier in the week as evidence that pressure was working. On Monday, Myanmars junta chief Min Aung Hlaing announced the release of more than 5,000 people jailed for protesting against the coup. The move came just days after the Association of Southeast Asian Nations delivered a major snub to the military regime, exclude the junta head from an upcoming summit of the 10-country bloc. ASEANs announcement that the junta will not be welcome at its upcoming summit strikes at the heart, Andrews said. Andrews said that junta-controlled forces had displaced a quarter million people. Many of those who had been detained were tortured, he said, including dozens who had died as a result. Andrews added that he had received credible reports that children had also been tortured. Members of the University of Kansas Faculty Senate brought to light new concerns about the draft of a university-wide academic workload policy being considered at KU during their meeting Thursday. Some of the issues presented at the meeting involved the way the policy defines what an academic workload includes. Under the terms of the policy draft, the Lawrence campus must seek to maintain an average teaching workload over the next three years of a certain number of organized sections and a certain number of student credit hours per school year as a university the exact numbers of which are still up for determination. The policy draft, which was first revealed at a Faculty Senate Executive Committee meeting earlier this month, is being discussed because the Kansas Board of Regents has expressed interest in implementing an academic workload policy at KU. However, Faculty Senate President Remy Lequesne said this isnt a good policy in part because there is no way to accurately define tenured and tenure-track facultys academic workload in a way that fully encompasses all that they do with their time. However we define it, we will disadvantage some, Lequesne said. I dont think theres a metric that meaningfully measures what we do across campus. Other Fac-Ex members also had concerns with the policy defining their academic workload by the number of student credit hours and organized sections they teach. Fac-Ex member Barbara Kerr said facultys supervised practice, such as time spent with students in studios, labs and practicum, cant be accounted for accurately in terms of credit hours. Our people who are supervising, whether its architectural studios or whether its a counseling practicum, are putting in many hours that could not possibly be counted in the credit hours, Kerr said. The vast majority of the public and probably a lot of the regents understand teaching as a professor standing in front of a lecture hall, which captures a small amount of what were actually doing." Fac-Ex member Nathaniel Brunsell said the time he spends mentoring students one-on-one would not be accounted for in the policys definition of an academic workload. A lot of our teaching duties go to advising graduate students, Brunsell said. Even if those students arent in those classes, Im still actively involved with mentoring those students. Fac-Ex member Jeffrey Hall, who is a part of the group working on this draft, said a university-wide average goal would give departments more flexibility to work with issues that might impact their workload averages, such as low enrollment. If we do have to come up with something that has some number, I think there is an argument to be made that doing it at a university-level mean may actually be the best strategy towards doing so with all the caveats mentioned by this group and others, Hall said. A section of the policy more accurately defining and explaining what is part of a faculty members academic workload would be something to consider putting into the next draft, Hall said. We are at least going to come with a list of all the other ways we teach and all the other hours of labor that we put in that are teaching related, he said. Another concern brought up was the section of the policy that says the workload of each faculty member must be provided in their faculty evaluation plans. Fac-Ex member Justin Blumenstiel said he didnt think it was fair to review a faculty members performance based on their workload, which isnt necessarily in their control. He said an expected drop in enrollment is a factor that could lessen their workload and doesnt think they should be penalized for things like this decreasing how much they teach. I am fearful that we put some numbers in here, and then there are factors outside of the faculty, which are larger demographic trends, that get baked in and then come back and hit us hard in the end, Blumenstiel said. Brunsell agreed and said faculty should not be penalized for things out of their control. Given particularly that a lot of tenured and tenure-track faculty dont necessarily have control over what theyre teaching, they then dont have control over those student credit hours in those classes, Brunsell said. However, Fac-Ex member and Vice Provost for Faculty Development Chris Brown said the purpose of including facultys workload in their evaluation is to give them a role in figuring out what their workload actually ends up being. The focus on tenured and tenure-track faculty in the policy was also an issue for some in the Faculty Senate. Hall said the number of faculty has been declining, and as a consequence, the ratio of classes taught by faculty has also gone down, which could affect their workloads. Fac-Ex member John Hoopes said because of this, he sees a trend in shifting the responsibility of student credit hours and large courses at KU to non-tenured faculty who cost the University less, but can generate more student credit hours. He said he is concerned the policy does not take these non-tenured instructors into account when calculating the average. By not including information on them, what we are essentially doing is delivering metrics that show that we are far more highly compensated for far fewer student credit hours, and you can guess whats going to be done with that information, Hoopes said. Brown said they are in the stage of getting feedback from as many different areas as they can right now to determine how best to revise the draft. However, some Fac-Ex members said they have doubts as to whether or not their revisions would be accepted by the University or KBOR. Will this work as an educational tool, or will we just be sent back to the drawing board to come up with some actual policy? Fac-Ex member Nick Syrett said. Lequesne said he agreed and it would be hard to make the policy as all-encompassing as they want to without making it really expansive. Fac-Ex member Corey Maley said he is of the opinion that the right response is to scrap the whole policy and tell KBOR that an academic workload policy is not something they can do. He said they dont need a document to explain what they spend their time doing. If their base concern is that we are not doing our job or something, we are more than happy to educate them, but we can do that separately, Maley said. However, Hall said he thinks the best approach is to have some involvement in the policy-making so they can have their input heard before any final decisions are made by KBOR on the matter. I fear non-action," Hall said. I would only say that if we are going to choose as a body to not support any policy, we need to have a pretty strong claim as to why." Yik Yak is back. The anonymous location-based social network popular among college students has relaunched for the first time since 2017 after new owners purchased Yik Yak in February. Since returning to campus in August, some University of Kansas students said they have downloaded Yik Yak and use it daily. Yik Yak facilitates a feed of posts from anonymous users within a five-mile radius. Users can post, upvote, downvote and comment on yaks (posts). By 2016, just three years after launching, Yik Yak was used by students on more than 2,000 college campuses, according to NPR. Before shutting down in April 2017, Yik Yak was infamous across the country for being the medium in which users could anonymously post hate speech and cyberbullying, especially on high school and college campuses, according to NPR. In 2015, neighboring University of Missouris student body, specifically its Black student body, was targeted in violent threats through the Yik Yak app. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Yik Yak read, Im going to stand my ground tomorrow and shoot every black person I see. A similar yak posted around the same time read, Some of you are alright. Dont go to campus tomorrow. Hunter M. Park, a former Missouri University of Science and Technology student, pleaded guilty to making the threat, according to case.net. While the redeveloped Yik Yak app still allows anyone within a five-mile radius to post and read anonymous messages, the new owners are committed to making Yik Yak a fun place free of bullying, threats, and all sort of negativity, according to the Yik Yak website. KU sophomore and elementary education major Emma Nizami of Pueblo, Colorado said she thinks the majority of people within her five-mile radius, otherwise known as a herd in Yik Yak terms, are above spreading negativity. Theres a negative side to the whole anonymous thing because you can just say whatever you want, and you know, sometimes those can be negative things, Nizami said. I havent seen those on the hot feed page. While there are some negative yaks, most users do not engage with the negative posts, Nizami said. Yaks that are heavily upvoted are featured on the Hot feed section, compared to the Recent feed section. Community guardrails for the new Yik Yak says that anyone who bullies, uses hate speech, makes a threat, or posts anyones private information can be immediately banned from Yik Yak. Yik Yak encourages users to downvote posts that violate the community guardrails; once a yak reaches five downvote points, the yak is immediately removed from the feed, according to Yik Yak. Yik Yak used to be a lot worse, a lot more toxic, Jack Troll, a KU mechanical engineering junior from St. Louis, Missouri who uses Yik Yak daily, said. Troll used Yik Yak in middle school, and said that he has seen a huge improvement in the way Yik Yak mediates posts. Negative yaks get downvoted quickly, according to political science and national defense intelligence major Zach Connor, a junior from St. Louis, Missouri. There's always gonna be those people that say [bad] stuff but usually those get downvoted pretty fast, either that or they get removed either for having too many downvotes or it violates Yik Yaks guidelines, Connor said. While Troll said he hasnt seen the bullying of individuals, rather the bullying of organizations such as Greek Life, Connor said he has seen yaks targeting specific individuals. In hopes of keeping its commitment to combating hurtful yaks, the new Yik Yak provides Mental Health Resources and Stay Safe Resources on its website. While KU students have seen negative sides to Yik Yak, Nizami, Troll and Connor all said their favorite part about Yik Yak are the humorous yaks. The three students also said they have kept up with current events on KUs campus through the Yik Yak app, such as the fire reported at the Chi Omega sorority on Oct. 2. It's really like those big events [that] are on campus and everybody hops on board and then everybody's talking about it, Connor said. During the Phi Kappa Psi protests last month, Troll said he saw Yik Yak users promoting and spreading the word about when and where the protests would be. He said he also saw negative yaks about the protests as well. You saw the negative side of that too, some people just trying to make jokes out of it, Troll said. All three KU students agree that the app allows KU students to connect with one another, even though it may be an anonymous connection. I've seen people just like having full on conversations in the comments and everything and I feel like if you post good yak, then people will like it and itll start bringing people together, Connor said. Nizami said she feels connected because she sees that a lot of people in her herd shares similar thoughts as her. She also likes how students can find help through the app. It's just funny when people are like, Hey, anyone want to study for this exam or something? Like they could find each other through it, Nizami said. While Nizami and Troll do not post yaks, Connor has created his own segment on the app, which he calls Yak Attack News. It's news, but it's satirical comedy, Connor said. Connor was inspired by the Yik Yak Weatherman segment and decided to create his own, which he partially attributes to his interests in news and communication studies, but admits it is mostly for fun. Connor posts his segment about three times throughout the day. He always starts his yak by saying, Yak Attack News here. One of Connors yaks reads: Yak Attack News here, for you people that are not from the Midwest or are just stupid, we have things called tornado sirens that are tested the first Monday of every month. #PSA. The new Yik Yak said its return is due to the fact that Yik Yak believes the global community deserves a place to be authentic, a place to be equal, and a place to connect with people nearby, according to the Yik Yak website. Lee Do Hyun once opened up about his dating experience, which involved making a big decision over his career or love life. From horror, romantic comedy, thriller, and melodrama, the 26-year-old cutie proved why he deserves the title as one of the industry's rising stars; however, little did the public know that the actor had to sacrifice things to achieve his success. Lee Do Hyun Dating History: Career Over Romance The South Korean heartthrob is known for being passionate about his craft. During his interview with W Korea, he spoke about his life mantra, which is "working hard." "I work hard at whatever I'm given," said the actor. Although his father was against him pursuing acting, he did not give up and secretly entered an acting academy in his high school. It is safe to say that his persistence and determination really paid off after bagging his first-ever Baeksang Arts Award in 2021, where he took home the Best New Actor trophy for his Kdrama "18 Again." Unfortunately, before achieving this huge success, he previously confessed that he broke up with his then-girlfriend in preparation for his Netflix series. In his interview with Esquire Korea, Lee Do Hyun recalled his experience after being casted in "Sweet Home." To recall, he took on the character Lee Eun Hyuk, who acted as the head of the Green Roof Apartments survivors. He mentioned that his character lost the girl he loves, so to relate and portray the role better, he has decided to call it quits and end the relationship." "I told my girlfriend we should break up, so I could play the role. I really don't know why I did that. I was about 21 or 22," he said. Furthermore, the rising star revealed that his decision left the girl confused and asked him if he was crazy; however, he explained that his acting career was his number priority back then. Safe to say, he really did make a great choice as "Sweet Home" is among Netflix's top rating K-series set to return for season 2. Lee Do Hyun's Girlfriend: What is the 'Youth of May' Star's Ideal Type Fans swoon over Lee Do Hyun's charming visuals that give off that usual boy next vibe but did you know that he has a specific type in a woman. At the time when he was promoting his Kdrama "18 Again," he once spoke about his ideal type. The 5'9 stunner says he likes cute girls who stand not more than 5'2 and has short hair, confessing that he gets instantly attracted to women with these kinds of features. Lee Do Hyun's Friendship with IU There were no rumors about Lee Do Hyun's girlfriend in the industry, but he admitted that he and IU remained friends after filming the hit Kdrama "Hotel Del Luna," where he took on the second lead role, Go Chung Myung. Even after the rom-com fantasy series ended in 2019, the two are still close and supported each other's project. To recall, the actor sent the Kpop star a food truck during her filming session for her movie "Dream." The same goes for IU, who sent Lee Do Hyun a mobile food cart on the set of his Kdrama "18 Again." KDramastars owns this article Written by Geca Wills The 96,000 ha shown within the red boundary are now closed indefinitely to motorized vehicle access to allow burned forests burned by the White Rock Lake fire time to recover, the government announced Friday. A cleaned classroom is seen during a media tour of Hastings Elementary school in Vancouver, Wednesday, September 2, 2020. British Columbia's Education Ministry has released new guidelines to help school boards with COVID-19 vaccination policies, but is leaving any final decision up to the respective boards. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward Ketchikan, AK (99901) Today A few showers this evening changing to snow showers overnight. Low 33F. NW winds shifting to E at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precip 70%.. Tonight A few showers this evening changing to snow showers overnight. Low 33F. NW winds shifting to E at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precip 70%. 10 Shares Share Ni cta ni akohikon: That hurts me. Carol pe ntamici: Carol, come see me. Ni taci sa micta mackikikatakoiin: They are overdosing me on drugs. Wipatc tca: Do it quickly. Those were the chilling words of Joyce Echaquan, broadcasting live from Facebook on September 28, 2020 at 10:27 am (English translation provided). On September 26, 2020, Joyce Echaquan went to De Lanaudiere Hospital in Joliette, Quebec. She was suffering from severe stomach pain. Two days later, she was desperate. She reached out for help through Facebook. She did not trust that she was getting the help she needed at the hospital. On September 28, 2020, at 12:44 p.m., Joyce died of heart failure. Joyces death generated global attention because she also live-streamed on Facebook the racist taunts she endured from hospital staff shortly before her death. This led to a coroners investigation. On September 8, 2021, Coroner Gehane Kamel released her investigative report into the circumstances of Joyces death. Coroner Kamel concluded that racism was a contributing factor in Joyces death. We learn from coroner Kamels investigative report that shortly after Joyce arrived at the hospital, she was labeled as a drug addict. As a result, her appeals for help where not taken seriously. When she cried out in pain, she was not believed. Despite the absence of evidence, the label of addiction followed Joyce throughout her time in the hospital. When she became agitated, they treated her like someone in withdrawal. She was physically restrained and sedated. When hospital staff saw her fall from her bed, they left her on the floor. After Joyce passed away, witnesses at the hospital overheard the health care workers present expressing how glad they were that Joyce had finally died and would no longer be a nuisance. Their actual words are vile, too violent in their import to bear repeating here. They speak of utter disregard for Joyces humanity and for the humanity of all Indigenous people. The coroners primary recommendation regarding the death of Joyce Echaquan was for the government of Quebec to recognize the existence of systemic racism within its institutions and make a commitment to contribute to its elimination. Quebec Premier Francois Legault, however, refuses to recognize that there is systemic racism in the province. So why do medical staff treating Indigenous patients fail in their care? The answer is not just, as Premier Legault suggests, that there are a few bad apples. Rather, there is a persistent myth that underpins Canadian society, including the medical profession. As Dr. Sherene Razack establishes in her book, Dying from Improvement: Inquests and Inquiries into Indigenous Deaths in Custody, the persistent myth is that Indigenous peoples are mysteriously damaged, inferior people (typically alcoholic) who are always on the brink of dying, a people on whom care would be wasted. In Canada, the myth of the sick Indigenous person serves a purpose. It helps justify possession of Indigenous lands. Settlers believe in their own legitimacy and right to hold Indigenous lands by imagining Indigenous people as unfit to do so themselves. The power of the myth in health care is that neglect of Indigenous patients is the outcome, regardless of the conscious intent. What can we do? We know what does not work: tinkering around the edges of the existing system. Cultural sensitivity training and similar programs have been in place for decades. Indigenous people are still dying in care. To address systemic racism, we need systemic change. It must be acknowledged that: 1. Lands in Canada are occupied and continue to be stolen. Colonialism continues apace. 2. Settlers are invested in, and benefit from, the perpetuation of the myth of the sick Indigenous person. 3. Racist perceptions about Indigenous people are ingrained in Canadian society, which leads to direct harm when Indigenous people enter the health care system. There are opportunities to reform how health care is provided for Indigenous people in Canada. The federal governments 2021 budget proposes to invest $1.4 billion over five years, beginning in 2021-22, and $40.6 million ongoing, to maintain essential healthcare services for First Nations and Inuit, continue work to transform First Nations health systems and respond to the health impacts of climate change. This funding will not solve the problem of systemic racism in health care on its own. But it is a start. First Nations can begin planning now on how to use these funds to better serve their members by growing their local health care capacity and to work toward preventing more tragic loss of life. Finally, we must remember Joyce was a 37-year-old Atikamekw mother of seven. Her home community was Manawan First Nation. She was a person. She deserved dignity and help. She received neither. We must demand better. Benjamin Brookwell is an attorney. Image credit: Shutterstock.com RIDDLE, Ore. -- Two Riddle residents are in custody after attempting to elude police Friday night, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. One of those suspects was tracked down by a K9. A deputy tried to stop a 2003 Hyundai Tiburon just after 10:30 p.m. in the 1,100 block of Glenbrook Loop Rd. in Riddle for traffic violations, but the driver did not stop. The driver, who police have now identified as 36-year-old Riddle resident Travis Byrd, continued to the 4,000 block of Glenbrook Lp. before making a U-turn. Byrd reportedly continued to the 3,500 block of Glenbrook Lp. where he stopped the vehicle and ran away. A female passenger, later identified as 34-year-old Riddle resident Sierra Thompson, then took control of the car and continued trying to elude law enforcement. Thompson was eventually stopped by a Myrtle Creek Officer and taken into custody. K9 Zoro began tracking the male suspect from where he had ran from the vehicle, DCSO officials said. Zoro led deputies to the back of a property near a fence line, where Byrd was found hiding in the brush. Byrd then surrendered to deputies without further incident. Both Byrd and Thompson were taken to the Douglas County Jail and are now each facing multiple charges. Byrd is facing an attempt to elude - vehicle, attempt to elude - foot, obstruction of justice, interfering with a police officer, felon in possession of a restricted weapon, violation amount of possession of methamphetamine, and warrant arrest. Thompson is facing an attempt to elude - vehicle, obstruction of justice, interfering with police, felon in possession of a restricted weapon, and violation amount of possession of methamphetamine. K9 Zoro is a 3-year-old German Shepherd and has been with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office since September 2019, DCSO officials said. He was reportedly purchased by an anonymous donor in the community and gifted to the agency. The Sheriff's Office K9 program, consisting of three K9 teams, is supported financially by private donations and the Friends of Umpqua Valley Police K9 Programs, a non-profit organization whose mission is to support local police K9 teams, DCSO said. Bailey's Veterinary Clinic provides medical care for the Sheriff's Office K9 program while Coastal Farm and Home Supply provides food. EUGENE, Ore.--- Eugene Police found an explosive device by Park Blocks Saturday morning. Police responded to the scene around 11:10 a.m. when a nearby business owner reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing sparks. Initial investigation revealed the device was custom-made and not commercially available. The device appeared to have already detonated, police said. They said it was not fireworks. No injuries were reported and no properties were damaged, police said. Police said there is currently no threat to the community. Investigation is ongoing. No witnesses observed a suspect or possible person of interest, according to police. Stay with KEZI for the latest. JUNCTION CITY, Ore. - Police are investigating an alleged shooting threat at Junction City high school made by a student. Junction City Police said that they spoke with school leaders after being contacted about the incident. The police then also contacted the student allegedly involved and the parents as well. As of Friday evening, police said they do not believe there is any danger to the school or the public. The investigation is ongoing. If you have any additional information on the matter, you can contact the Junction City Police Department. Do you know a person or family who is in need of a new ride? Submit them here and they could win a pre-owned 2018 Chevrolet Trax LT AWD. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. To subscribe, click here. Already a subscriber? Click here. The discovery of Brian Laundrie's remains this week ends a manhunt that had gripped the country for weeks as investigators searched a Florida nature reserve for the 23-year-old, who returned home last month from a road trip without his fiancee, Gabby Petito. Petito spent the summer traveling the American West with Laundrie, sharing their travels on social media. The case first attracted widespread attention after Petito's family reported her missing on September 11. Laundrie would soon vanish from his parents' home in North Port, Florida, just days before Petito's remains were found in a national forest in Wyoming. Investigators had since focused on locating Laundrie -- up until Wednesday, when he was finally found. But there's still a lot we don't know. Here's what experts say about uncovering the truth surrounding their deaths: How did Laundrie die? Dental records confirmed the remains found this week are Brian Laundrie, the FBI announced Thursday. But determining the cause of death could be challenging since authorities recovered "skeletal remains," said retired FBI profiler Jim Clemente. He added that it's possible Laundrie could have been dead the entire time he was missing. "It doesn't necessarily mean that," Clemente told CNN's Erin Burnett Thursday. "But what it does mean is that it's going to be much more difficult to make a good, solid determination as to the cause and manner of death." "Unless there's some kind of major, serious trauma to the skull that can be identified, there might not be a way to determine how he died," he said. "If he drowned, for example, there wouldn't be any evidence of that on a skeleton." The remains were found in an area of the Carlton Reserve -- a vast 25,000-acre nature preserve -- that had previously been underwater but recently dried out due to clearer weather. Criminal defense attorney Mark O'Mara said the most reasonable explanation is Laundrie took his own life in the nature reserve -- a possibility Steven Bertolino, an attorney for Laundrie's parents, addressed Friday in an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America." The attorney and Laundrie's parents had discussed the possibility Laundrie died by suicide "several times," the attorney said. "We just do not know. Of course, knowing his mental state when he walked out the door, it was always a concern," said Bertolino, who had described Laundrie in other interviews as "grieving." Bertolino told GMA the family would accept the ruling of the medical examiner if they come up with another explanation for the cause of death. Dr. Priya Banerjee, a forensic pathologist, agreed investigators face a challenge in determining Laundrie's cause of death. However, a notebook found near Laundrie's remains could be used by investigators to glean some insight into his death. "Maybe the diary or other evidence can shed some light as to what happened," Banerjee said. What happened in the time he was missing? It's unclear how Laundrie spent his time in the reserve or when exactly he died. For a month, investigators had their eyes trained on the Carlton Reserve, where Laundrie was believed to have gone when he left his parents' home in the days after Petito's family reported her missing. The search through the reserve began on September 18, a day after Laundrie's parents filed a missing persons report for Laundrie, who they said had left the home days before and failed to return. But the search proved to be difficult, with investigators working under extreme conditions. They were bogged down by the elements, wading through high water and trying to avoid dangerous wildlife. Conditions were so bad that survivalist experts were skeptical of Laundrie's ability to survive and told CNN weeks ago he was likely no longer alive or not in the reserve at all. There are also lingering questions about when Laundrie left his parents' home and when law enforcement became aware his whereabouts were unknown. The Laundrie family originally told police he left home Tuesday, September 14, but later changed their recollection to say he left the day before. Bertolino told CNN's Chris Cuomo Wednesday he notified the FBI Laundrie hadn't returned from a hike in the Carlton Reserve the same day he left. The FBI did not comment on the report, but North Port Police spokesperson Josh Taylor said his agency wasn't notified Laundrie didn't return from the hike until September 17. He said in a statement police believed he was home until that day, when the parents agreed to speak with police. Regardless of when Laundrie left his parents' home, Taylor on Thursday rejected the idea that the belongings found in the reserve could have been recently planted, indicating they had been there for some time. What happened to Gabby Petito? Chief among the questions that are still unanswered are those about Petito's fate. What we do know is this: Remains found September 19 in Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming were identified as Petito, according to the FBI. The manner of death was ruled a homicide by Teton County Coroner Brent Blue, who said the cause of death was strangulation. She likely died about three to four weeks before her remains were found, he said. But other details from the autopsy will not be released, per Wyoming law. Some details of Petito's death are still shrouded in mystery: When did she die and what led to her murder? While the FBI described Laundrie Wednesday as a "person of interest" in Petito's murder, he did not face charges in her death. He was, however, indicted for allegedly using two financial accounts that did not belong to him in the days after her killing. Again, experts pointed the notebook found near Laundrie's remains as a potential key to answering these questions. "In terms of understanding Laundrie's motive, his feelings about Petito, maybe even any kind of notes or comments he may have made about the events we're still trying to understand in Wyoming -- that notebook could shed a lot of light on those issues," said former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe. Clemente, the retired FBI profiler, echoed those comments, telling CNN, "If that notebook contained, for example, information that could have been admissions, it could be projecting blame or rationalization -- all that information could help in the determination." It remains unclear if the notebook will be useful. It was clearly wet when it was found outside of a dry bag authorities located during their search Wednesday, a source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN, describing it as "possibly salvageable." "They are going to use any potential means to dry that out before opening it," the source said. "They'll be very careful with it." Focus has also shifted to Laundrie's parents and whether their son told them anything about what happened to Petito before he vanished. Petito's family had pleaded for the Laundries to cooperate with authorities after reporting her missing. When police showed up at the Laundrie home on September 11, asking to speak with Laundrie and his family, the Laundries directed authorities to their attorney, Taylor has said. On Friday, Bertolino told GMA his clients had been cooperating with the FBI since "day one" of Brian's disappearance but said they had "absolutely nothing to say" about Petito. Asked in the interview if Laundrie told his parents anything about Petito before going to the reserve last month, Bertolino said, "Not something I can comment on right now. I'd like to just leave it at that." The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Detectives have made an arrest in the death of a 21-year-old man who was shot to death in northeast Des Moines. Police said Saturday in a news release that 27-year-old Darren Antwon Diggs was charged with first-degree murder and robbery. Police say Digg and the victim knew each other and that the motive appears to be drug-related robbery. The victims name has not been released. Officers responding to multiple reports of gunfire at 5:41 a.m. Friday found a man who had been shot. Although officers attempted lifesaving efforts, he died at the scene. It was the citys ninth homicide of the year. AUSTIN, Minn.- Calling all gamers. Austi-Con is back. After a one-year hiatus, Austin residents Michael and Kate Jordal brought the annual gaming convention to the Holiday Inn on Friday. "My family loves gaming. We play alot of games together and we like to get people together to meet new people and play games," says event organizer Michael Jordal. Since 2016, the Jordal's have been hosting Austi-Con. In addition to sharing their passion for games with the public, the family does it to raise money for camps benefiting autistic people at Hormel Historic Home. They have an auction with proceeds going towards the camps. "My wife founded one of them and she's a special education teacher so it's a cause that's near and dear to our hearts." Players are going head to head in games including Holi, Reign, and The Crew. Gamers including Renee Thorson have been attending the event since the beginning. "I love board games. I love meeting other people and enjoying this hobby. It's a whole weekend of gaming," explains Thorson. The convention is also attracting locals like Courtney Fitz who came for the first time. "Mike who runs this is our neighbor and told us about it. We figured we come out and join other people who like playing board games and see what it's all about." Austi-Con runs from Friday until Sunday. Admission for a family of four is $20 for the whole weekend. WORTH COUNTY, Iowa - It's been said that when a law enforcement officer is killed, it isn't just any agency that loses an officer - it's an entire nation. Motorists, residents, and members of the first responder and law enforcement communities gathered along the side of Interstate 35 on Friday, waving flags and messages supporting Iowa State Trooper Ted Benda, as his funeral procession passed through the state. Benda died on Wednesday from injuries he sustained during a crash while assisting on a call near Postville last week. Just outside Hanlontown, the shoulders of Highway 9 were lined with members of law enforcement, ready to take the procession the rest of the way to Waukon, and residents of the small community where the Benda family called home when Ted was stationed at District 8 in Mason City. The Benda famiy were close to Tony and Crystal Brower. "I helped clean the parsonage house when they first moved in, and they started watching our kids," Crystal said. "At the time, we were having trouble getting daycare. When were both working in Forest City early in the morning, we didn't have anyone to watch our kids. Holly and Ted stepped up to the plate. They've been great friends ever since," Tony said. Tony recalls some memorable hunting moments. "We did quite a bit of hunting, some turkey hunting over here. We finally got lucky one morning out here on the edge of town and got one. There's some stories, that's for sure." The Brower's and Benda's children became fast friends as well. "We got our kids together. We went walking, riding bikes. Ted and Holly and their two older daughters took both of our kids to the Fossil Quarry in Rockford for a day trip. They did lots of different things for us, and we did the same for them," Crystal said. What the Browers remember about their friends more than anything else is their smiles like constant sunshine. "Always happy, always smiling. I don't think there was ever a time I seen them with a frown on their face. Always smiling, always happy to help somebody do something," Tony said. "Very caring," Crystal added. Crystal's father Rick Scholbrock is the Mayor of Hanlontown. He recalls one time where Benda nearly wrote him a ticket because Scholbrock wasn't wearing his seatbelt, even though they were just chatting and Scholbrock was only half a block from home. The Mayor says Benda wasn't playing. "That day, I gained a lot of respect for him. He was doing his job, and I respected him for that." He also notes of Benda's beat, which was typically the nearby Interstate 35. "He pulled a lot of people over at a very high rate of speed. The Interstate is my biggest concern. I have a fire department that heads to the Interstate daily, and I'm ultimately responsible for them. He was my concern every time he went out to the Interstate too." Though the family would later relocate to Northeast Iowa, and Ted would be assigned to District 10, they would come back to Hanlontown frequently. "They were a very valuable, loved part of our community." As the fallen trooper passes through his old territory one last time, this small community is clearly aware the life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living. "You're in our thoughts and prayers. You have been for a week, you will be forever," Scholbrock said. "You're in our thoughts and prayers," Crystal said. "We love you," Tony adds. Benda is survived by his wife and their four daughters. PINE ISLAND, Minn. Fire destroyed a home and its contests early Saturday morning. The Pine Island Fire Department says it was called to the 400 block of 4th Street SW around 1:35 am and firefighters arrived at the scene to see heavy flames and smoke coming from the first and second-story windows of a house. Photos courtesy of the Pine Island Fire Department. Photos courtesy of the Pine Island Fire Department. The homeowners told emergency personnel they were woken by smoke alarms and were able to escape without injury despite smoke and flames already loose inside their home. The Fire Department says it used an engine crew, an aerial truck, and a utility to truck extinguish the flames. Firefighters remained on the scene through 5:45 am Saturday. Neighbor Dave Sween tells KIMT News 3 the community has been a huge support to the family in the aftermath. It's good to see small-town America doing what small-town America always does - stick together. And help people even though you might not even know them. They're in the community and I think that's what's happening here, he says. Sween adds, It can happen to anybody, that's the thing that hits you right away, we're all vulnerable to things like this, you just don't expect things like that to happen in your neighborhood. The cause of the fire is under investigation and the Minnesota State Fire Marshals Office has been called in. The Goodhue County Sheriffs Office, Xcel Energy, and the American Red Cross assisted with this incident. South Korea's first locally-developed space launch vehicle, known as Nuri, lifts off from the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, Thursday, Yonhap By Kwon Mee-yoo South Korea's launch of its first-ever, locally developed space launch vehicle, Thursday, was a partial success. While South Korea vows to succeed in a second launch scheduled for next May, there are increasing concerns that the move might prompt North Korea to develop and test-fire more advanced inter-continental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), while claiming it was pursuing a "balance of power on the Korean Peninsula." Space launch vehicles and intercontinental ballistic missiles share most of the same technology, but the difference is whether they are carrying a satellite or a warhead. While developing ICBMs which could reach the continental U.S., North Korea test-fired missiles in the past under the pretext of attempting to place satellites in orbit, including its Kwangmyongsong-3, and Kwangmyongsong-4 rockets. But the international community did not accept the claim and North Korea was banned from conducting any ballistic missile activities under multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions. Pyongyang has continuously demanded an end to Seoul's "double standards," saying it is unfair for the South to describe its own weapons development, tests and military drills as "deterrence," while describing the North's activities as "provocations." Following the South's launch of the Nuri space rocket, the Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun reported Friday that South Korea's rocket development might provide an excuse for North Korea to develop more weaponry including ICBMs. The BBC also mentioned a possible arms race on the Korean peninsula in its report on the Nuri's launch. "South Korea is locked in an arms race with North Korea, with both recently test-firing new weapons. The North put a satellite in orbit in 2012," the BBC reported. North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency released a photo Oct. 20 showing a new type of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) being test-fired from waters the previous day. Yonhap People wait to check for any abnormal symptoms after getting vaccinated against COVID-19 at an inoculation center in Seoul, Oct. 21. Yonhap South Korea achieved its goal of fully inoculating over 70 percent of the country's population Saturday, earlier than scheduled amid its accelerating vaccination drive. A total of 35.94 million people had received both their shots of COVID-19 vaccines as of 2 p.m., accounting for 70 percent of the country's 51.3 million population, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). South Korea began its nationwide vaccination campaign in late February. The achievement comes as the country is set to gradually phase out coronavirus restrictions starting next month, joining a list of countries embracing new plans for returning to normal life with the coronavirus. The government's plan, dubbed "Living with COVID-19," is set to take effect in early November, meaning COVID-19 will be treated as an infectious respiratory disease such as seasonal influenza, with eased social distancing being implemented. The authorities expect vaccinations will further pick up steam going forward, to get 85 percent of all South Koreans and foreigners living in South Korea fully inoculated by early next year, which is expected to create the so-called herd immunity. Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of the population becomes immune to a certain, making its spread from person to person unlikely. Currently, restrictions on private gatherings have been lifted to allow up to eight people to meet in the greater Seoul area, provided that four of them are fully vaccinated. A maximum of 10 people, including six who are fully vaccinated, are allowed to gather in other regions. The eased rules will apply until the end of this month in what the authorities said will be the last adjustment of social distancing. Talk of booster shots is gaining traction, with the authorities planning to start booster shots for people over 60 and those who are less immune next month. Booster shots will also be available to those who were vaccinated overseas. On Saturday, South Korea reported 1,508 new COVID-19 cases, the KDCA said, for a total caseload of 350,476. (Yonhap) Employee Lori Buell opens a bag of kitty litter at the DeKalb County Animal Shelter for the more than 140 cats now housed at the facility that is currently at capacity. BATON ROUGE: Overhead lines are seen with a large oak tree that fell, pushing them down Friday night at about 9 p.m. on S. Ardenwood between Government and Florida Blvd., knocking out power in the neighborhood, seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Delta, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. (Photo by Travis Spradling, The Advocate) HELENA, Mont. - Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen asked the federal court to dismiss a lawsuit that is challenging the states recently passed vaccine law. House Bill 702 prohibits discrimination in Montana based on vaccination status or possession of an immunity passport by a person, governmental entity, employer, or public accommodation. Those challenging the bill argue the new law violates federal requirements for safe workplaces and reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities and want a federal judge to rule that it doesnt apply to hospitals and other medical providers, the AP reported. Plaintiffs open wish to discriminate evinces a troubling desire by parts of Montanas medical community to violate the fundamental rights of Montanans, the States motion to dismiss, which was filed last Thursday, reads. The State of Montana put forward a clear policy that Montanans cannot be denied their fundamental right to pursue employment based on vaccination status. Attorney Genera Knudsen says the plaintiffs in the case have not met the requirements to bring the lawsuit or state any legally valid claims. You can read the full motion to dismiss here, and the complaint filed by the Montana Medical Association and others here. HELENA, Mont. (AP) The Montana Supreme Court has overturned a man's conviction for transporting drugs after finding the arresting officers violated his constitutional right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure. Tuesday's unanimous ruling sends the case back to District Court in Custer County, with an order reversing the judge's decision that allowed prosecutors to use as evidence the 19 pounds (8.6 kilograms) of marijuana found in the trunk of the car the man was driving. Officers began questioning Hoang Vinh Pham at a gas station in Miles City after he stared at a Montana Highway Patrol van loaded with 960 pounds (435 kilograms) of marijuana that was being taken to evidence storage in Billings. They asked Pham where he had been, where he was going and eventually asked to search the car he was driving, court records said. Before his trial, Pham filed a motion to suppress the evidence. It was denied in October 2018. He was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2019, the Montana State News Bureau reported. The justices ruled that Pham likely felt he was not free to leave as he was being questioned by armed officers, and thus under the federal and state constitutions he had been seized. In this case, a Division of Criminal Investigation agent approached Pham based solely on Pham staring at the abnormal sight of an MHP van full of marijuana," Justice Laurie McKinnon wrote. After confirming that Pham was not lost he said he was traveling from Butte to Minnesota or committing any apparent offense, the agent seized Pham when he continued the conversation and asked to search his vehicle, the justices wrote. MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) A University of Montana professor who was placed on administrative leave while the university investigated blog posts about his religious beliefs that maligned women, Muslims and people who are LGBTQ resigned on Friday. It is apparent to me that this investigation is not being handled with the objective due process I was assured it would, computer science professor Rob Smith said in a statement released by his attorney, Matthew Monforton. Rather than lend legitimacy to an investigation that I believe is being conducted dishonestly and, in the interest of sparing my wife and children the need to endure another investigation where merit is trumped by ideology, I am choosing to resign, effective today," Smith wrote. The UM student newspaper, the Montana Kaimin, was first to report the blog posts in which Smith wrote that women begin to lose value after age 16, that faithful Muslims are not peaceful and that child sex trafficking and pedophilia are driven by the sins of accepting LGBTQ people. At the time, Smith said the posts were his private beliefs and such comments have not been made in his capacity as a professor. UM President Seth Bodnar announced an investigation on Oct. 12, calling Smiths views homophobic and misogynistic. Smith began his blog, called Upward Thought, in 2013. By late September, Smith had deleted his previous posts and wrote that his blog was a way for him to be able to think out loud and hear the feedback of others. The Kaimin had saved some of the posts. In January 2019, Smith wrote that a mans value keeps increasing over time, in terms of his earnings and wisdom, but the longer a woman waits to marry, the less currency she has to attract a valuable man. In a November 2020 post, Smith called it a "false idea that girls should experience the same education as boys, suggesting it can delay a woman from starting a family until she is in her 30s when her ability to qualify for a good husband and learn what it takes to be a good wife and mother is exceedingly reduced. A week before Smith went on leave, the dean and associate dean of the universitys law school stepped down after students complained the administrators failed to take seriously reports of sexual harassment and assault. BOZEMAN, Mont. - Longfellow Elementarys fifth-grade class planted over 200 yard signs outside Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital Wednesday. Students from second, third, fourth and fifth-grade classes created the signs to show gratitude and support toward local healthcare workers for their hard work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Longfellow fifth-grade student Marlowe Rugemer said, "We are all in this together and we are in a community, and when they go into another room to treat someone with COVID or something that they are not walking in alone." The project was a partnership between a national conservation nonprofit the Mountain Mamas, Longfellow Elementary principal Laura Conwell, and parent volunteers who wanted to give thanks to Bozeman Health providers and healthcare workers. Mountain Mamas Executive Director Becky Edwards and Longfellow parents explained many students at Longfellow are the children of nurses, first responders, doctors, and other health care professionals. "There is a few signs that are popped up that say 'I love you mom, thank you,'" Edwards said. The signs are scattered near Entrance 1, Entrance 7, and along Highland Boulevard. All of the signs will be displayed out front of the hospital until Sunday, Oct. 24. Have you seen the proposed redistricting maps for New Hampshire? What do you think of the plans? RACINE Eleven Racine residents, plus three others from Kenosha, Milwaukee and the Franksville area of Caledonia, have been charged with moving and selling cocaine and crack cocaine in high volume. Take advantage of this limited-time offer Stay connected with local news, sports and politics. Unlock six months of unlimited access for only $1. According to police, no force was necessary in making the 14 arrests Wednesday. Those charged range in age from 23 to 64 and are of various races, even though the arrests were originally reported to be connected to the Vice Lords and Gangster Disciples street gangs, whose members are primarily black. A federal indictment, announced Wednesday afternoon by Richard Frohling, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, includes charges for the 14 people that include conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms (11 pounds) or more of cocaine, and 500 grams (1.1 pounds) or more of cocaine base in the form of crack cocaine. According to the United Nations, one pound of cocaine is worth more than $54,000 on the street on average in the U.S. as of 2019, although prices can vary drastically depending on the city and quality of the drug. Twelve of the defendants were arrested in Racine, Kenosha and Tennessee during the execution of 18 federal search warrants Wednesday morning, law enforcement agencies reported; the other two defendants were already in custody. According to law enforcement, during the execution of the warrants, multiple firearms and controlled substances were recovered. It has not been shared what specific weapons and drugs were found, although the Racine Police Department did say Wednesday morning that a large amount of controlled substances were recovered. Who was charged Gerardo Lara, aka Migo, aka Dineroo, 27, of Franksville Sarah A. Beckius, 27, of Kenosha Plaze E. Anderson, 23, of Milwaukee Jasmine J. Gonzales, 40, of Racine Debra J. Urness, 42, of Racine Marquan L. Washington, aka Munch, 30, of Racine Mario M. Johnson, aka Ro, aka Roegotti, 33, of Racine Ashley M. Westmoreland, 28, of Racine Michael D. Hardin, aka Mojo, 33, of Racine Terry Brumby Jr., aka T-nice, 32, of Racine Carl Grayson, aka Pops, 64, of Racine Brian L. Phillips, aka B, aka Brittle, 33, of Racine Michael A. Wright Jr., 31, of Racine Jeri L. Balderas, 31, of Racine Releases from law enforcement did not detail who was arrested where or when, where specifically the 18 search warrants were executed, or the roles in the drug operation of each of the 14 individuals. 11-month investigation Investigation of the drug operation began in November 2020, according to the Racine Police Department. Racine Police Chief Maurice Robinson, sworn in as chief in May, said in a statement Tuesday afternoon: This mornings operation was the culmination of almost 12 months worth of investigative work between local, state and federal law enforcement officers to hold members of these two violent organizations accountable. The execution of arrest and search warrants was as close to flawless as any Ive seen in my 19-year career. It is important to note that the subjects named in the arrest warrants were taken into custody without any force being used. I am extremely grateful for all of the officers involved that made this such a successful operation. The investigation was led by the Milwaukee Area Safe Streets Task Force, which involves members of the FBI, Racine Police Department, Racine County Sheriffs Office, Mount Pleasant Police Department and Sturtevant Police Department. The indictment in this case and todays arrests demonstrate the joint commitment of federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat drug trafficking activity by gang members and violent offenders and to improve the quality of life of residents throughout the district, Frohling said in a statement. Special Agent in Charge Robert Hughes of the MASSTF added: Utilizing joint resources creates the greatest impact in removing violent gangs, guns and drugs from our communities. According to the Department of Justice: If convicted of the drug trafficking conspiracy, each defendant faces a minimum of 10 years imprisonment with a maximum of life, a $10,000,000 fine, and between 5 years and life on supervised release. Balderas faces an additional charge of structuring a financial transaction to avoid a reporting requirement, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 5 years. Prosecuting the case will be U.S. attorneys Katie Halopka-Ivery and Bridget J. Schoenborn. Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal car crash that occurred Saturday, Oct. 9 in the town of LaGrange, and the driver of the car that reportedly struck him has been charged with homicide. Adam M. Bensaid, 22, of Elkhorn died after his vehicle was struck by a driver that had entered oncoming traffic. 33-year-old Timothy M. Creiglow has been charged with homicide in connection with the incident. An adjourned initial appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 16 at the Walworth County Judicial Center. Bensaid was a business student at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. It is with great sadness that we announce the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has been notified that one of our students passed away, the Dean of Students Office said in an online announcement. The UW-Whitewater flag flew at half-mast on Friday, Oct. 15 in Bensaids memory. The 22-year-olds obituary describes him as a spirited young man with diverse interests. He had a particular passion for classic cars. He was at his happiest driving cross country with friends in a classic BMW car restored by himself, reads the obituary. The obituary also describes Bensaids great love of music and history. The young man played saxophone and clarinet in his high school years. The UW-Whitewater student had plans to start his own business one day, the obituary says. CrashA criminal complaint filed Monday, Oct. 18 describes the events that led to the fatal crash. On Saturday, Oct. 9 at approximately 11:20 p.m., a Walworth County deputy was dispatched to locate a reckless driver on Highway 12 in the town of Lafayette. The caller reported that the Jeep vehicle had left the roadway, struck a sign and continued driving, according to the complaint. The vehicle reportedly crossed into the oncoming lane of traffic multiple times. The vehicle, operated by Timothy Creiglow, ultimately crashed on Highway 12 east of Jackson Road in the town of LaGrange. Deputies from the Walworth County Sheriffs Office arrived on scene and located Bensaid, unconscious, in his vehicle a green BMW. The deputies were unable to free Bensaid from the vehicle due to its damage and a fire that started in the engine compartment, according to an Oct. 11 news release from the sheriffs office. Bensaids vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. He died as a result of the crash and ensuing fire, a deputy reports. The deputy reports that Creiglow had a significant head laceration and emitted an odor of intoxicants. He was transported to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa. Blood samples were taken from Creiglow later that night, according to the complaint. The samples were reportedly packaged for transport to the Wisconsin State Crime Lab for analysis. If convicted, Creiglow faces possible fines up to $25,000, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. 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 craft beers at Brewery Ardennes in Geneva, New York might be inspired by Belgian drafts, but their ingredients are rooted in the Finger Lakes. A2 is the name of one of the proteins found in milk, and some researchers believe it could be key to helping a portion of the population digest dairy more easily. New Delhi [India], October 23 (ANI): The Central Government on Saturday informed the deadline for furnishing 'Form ITC-04' (intimation of goods sent on job work) for the quarter ending September till October 25. In a series of tweets, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) said the due date to file the quarterly GSTR-3B return for July to September, under the Quarterly Return Monthly Payment (QRMP) scheme is October 24. Also Read | UGC NET 2021 Update: NTA Releases Exam Schedule For December 2020 And June 2021 Cycles At ugcnet.nta.nic.in; Check Details Here. "Attention GST Taxpayers! Due date for filing Form ITC-04 in respect of inputs/capital goods sent to a job worker or received from a job worker, during the quarter (July to September 2021) is October 25, 2021," CBIC tweeted. Reminding the GST taxpayers, who are under QRMP scheme, having principal place of business in State Group 2, to file their returns within three days, CBIC tweeted, "Attention GST Taxpayers who are under QRMP Scheme and having principal place of business in State Group 2. Due date to file your quarterly GSTR-3B Return for July to September is October 24, 2021." (ANI) Also Read | Emilia Clarke Birthday: Lets Witness an Array of Fashion Outings By Khaleesi Herself (View Pics). (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chandigarh, Oct 23 (PTI) Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday said historical places in Mahendragarh district will be developed as tourist destinations. He said the state government is working in a planned manner for the purpose and added the reconstruction of 'Rani Talab' at Madhogarh fort has been done and the work of 'Rani Mahal' is also in the final stages. Also Read | MNS Chief Raj Thackeray, His Mother Kunda Thackeray and Sister Jaywanti Test COVID-19 Positive. An amount of Rs 9 crore will be spent on these works, he said. The chief minister was addressing a programme organised at Madhogarh Fort on Saturday after visiting Dhosi mountain, according to an official release. Also Read | Delhi Shocker: 42-Year-Old Man Stabbed to Death by Unknown Persons in West Patel Nagar. Khattar said Dhosi and Madhogarh have immense potential for tourism. He said it has been planned to develop Dhosi mountains as a pilgrimage site and the fort of king of Madhogarh will also be reconstructed in the coming days to attract more tourists. Khattar said once these places are developed to promote tourism, it will enhance employment opportunities in the area. "In the coming time, people from far and wide will come here for trekking, he said. On the establishment of Industrial Model Township in Khudana, Khattar said a meeting would be held soon to hand over the panchayat land to the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation. The cooperation of the villagers is necessary in this, he added. The state government wants industries to be set up here so as to provide employment to the people of the area. Meanwhile, at a rally in the Sohna assembly constituency in Gurugram, Khattar announced development projects worth Rs 125 crore. He laid the foundation stone of a mini secretariat for Tauru and Sohna. An amount of about Rs 16 crore will be spent on this project. The CM also inaugurated a community health centre and residential building at Tauru. He also approved the demand for increasing the capacity of the civil hospital in Sohna from 50 beds to 100 beds. (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 23 (ANI): Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi after chairing the Haj review meeting here in the national capital on Friday said that the selection process will be based on the COVID-19 vaccination status of the pilgrims as per the guidelines fixed by the governments of India and Saudi Arabia. "Selection process of Haj pilgrims will be done according to complete vaccination with both the doses, guidelines and criteria by Indian and Saudi Arabia Governments during Haj 2022," said Naqvi. Also Read | Congress To Contest All 40 Bihar Lok Sabha Seats in 2024 As Party Snaps Ties With RJD. He also mentioned that all the women who have applied 'Mehram' (male companion) will be exempted from the lottery system. "The applications of around 3000 women who had applied for Haj 2020 & 2021 under without 'Mehram' category will be eligible for Haj 2022 also if they want to perform Haj next year," Union Minister added. Also Read | Amit Shah on 3-Day Maiden Visit to Jammu and Kashmir from Tomorrow Post Abrogation of Article 370. The Official announcement of Haj 2022 will be made in the first week of November, he added. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lucknow, Oct 23 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said his government will begin the distribution of tablets and smartphones among the youth by November-end. He made the announcement while laying the foundation stone of a government medical college in Sultanpur. Also Read | Union Health Ministry in a Vaccination Review Meeting Today Urged States/UTs to Increase Latest Tweet by ANI. Asserting that his government is working to provide employment to every youth without discrimination, he said, "To equip the youth of Uttar Pradesh with the latest technology, the state government will start providing tablets and laptops from the last week of November." The chief minister also launched 126 development projects worth Rs 46.33 crore in Sultanpur and 99 projects worth Rs 334.24 crores in Ambedkar Nagar, the UP government said in a statement here. Also Read | MNS Chief Raj Thackeray, His Mother Kunda Thackeray and Sister Jaywanti Test COVID-19 Positive. Attacking the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, Adityanath in Sultanpur said earlier governments had only one objective that is to play with the faith of people and hinder the development of the country. There was a time when scams were the order of the day during the Congress-led government at the Centre, he said. The countrymen were shocked and upset with the attitude of previous governments, he said. "The benefits of development schemes were confined to one family only. One family in Delhi and one family in Lucknow used to grab the money of the poor. People used to die due to hunger and lack of basic amenities, he said. When PM Nrendra Modi came to power, he gave the slogan of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas', ensuring that benefits of schemes reached all without discrimination, he said. Accusing the previous government of spreading anarchy, the CM said there used to be frequent riots during festivals, curfew used to be imposed and people could not celebrate. "Now, no riot took place in UP in the past four-and-a-half years because the rioters are aware of the consequences," he said. The UP CM also gave a warning to members of the mafia, saying, "If you try to flex your muscles, then the bulldozer is ready. Targeting the previous SP government for being selfish and favouring the criminals, Adityanath said this pushed the state backward. The UP CM said those who divide society for their selfish political motives will never be accepted and respected. He said Sultanpur is getting the maximum benefit of Purvanchal Expressway as farmers got four times compensation for their land. With the industry clusters coming up here, the youth will get employed here, he said. Hitting out at the opposition for politics over coronavirus vaccine and the Ram temple, Adityanath said, "Over 12.32 crore vaccines have been administered in Uttar Pradesh. One has to remain alert from those who mislead people. They are such people, who change colour and can even make a chameleon feel ashamed. Had there been the governments of the Congress, SP, or BSP, would the Ram temple been built? They used to say that Ram is imaginary. Now, these people say that 'Ram sabke hain' (Ram belongs to everyone)." (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Gosaba, Oct 23 (PTI) TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday claimed that voting for the Congress and Left Front would be in no way different from opting for the NOTA button as he sought to woo electorate here ahead of the October 30 bypoll to four assembly seats. Also Read | Karnataka: Man Dies by Suicide Along With 4 Children After His Wife Dies of Black Fungus in Belagavi. He also slammed the BJP for "thrusting by-election" on two of the four seats that will go to polls. Addressing a rally at Gosaba in South 24 Parganas, Banerjee pointed out bypoll was necessitated here and in Khardah following the death of two TMC candidates, but the circumstance under which elections are being held in Shantipur and Dinhata are different. Also Read | Pune Artist Duped Of Rs 80,000 By Online Fraudster On Pretext of Placing Order; Case Registered. "Winning BJP candidates Jagannath Sarkar (Shantipur) and Nisith Pramanik (Dinhata) resigned as MLAs even after being elected by people. They dishonoured the verdict of people to retain parliamentary berths. The BJP is seeking votes again in those two seats. They will be rejected by people, he claimed. The senior TMC leader also asserted that his party will make a 4-0 sweep in the by-elections. Hitting out at the Congress and Left, he said the two parties had firmed up alliances with the aim to stop Mamata Banerjee from winning elections, and ended up as losers. "Over the past seven years, the Congress had only conceded defeat to the BJP all over the country, while Mamata Banerjee thwarted all challenges posed by communal and undemocratic BJP," he said. "The Left and the Congress had even tied up with the ISF but the electorate of Bengal chose Mamata Banerjee over any other party. Voting for them is the same as pressing the NOTA button," the West Bengal ruling party's number two leader underlined. The TMC supremo is emerging as the undisputed leader from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the "spearhead" to fight and defeat the Modi-Shah regime in the next general election, Banerjee insisted. "Our party is making its presence felt all over the country. It has established its place among the top four to five national parties. We will win the assembly polls in Goa in a few months from now; we will dislodge the Biplab Deb government in Tripura 2023," he contended. Alleging that the BJP has "trampled democracy" in states where it is in power, Banerjee said, "Wherever the BJP has crushed opposition views, the TMC will go and fight them." Holding the Biplab Deb government in Tripura responsible for assault on his party members, Banerjee noted that Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev was attacked in the state by the BJP on Friday. "Should that happen in a democracy? We will not cower down before them. We will drive out the BJP from Tripura, carrying a picture of Mamata Banerjee," he said. Banerjee claimed that the BJP "harasses anyone who airs views against them, with help from central agencies, but "they cannot silence the TMC". "I was summoned several, times, interrogated for nine hours. You can interrogate me for hours and hours but that will not stop me from speaking against you (BJP leaders). If you slit my throat, I will still shout Jai Hind', Jai Bangla'. Truth is on my side," he maintained. Taking a dig at Amit Shah, he said, "The former BJP national president and current home minister had promised to dole out Rs 2 lakh crore for the development of Sunderbans and carve out a separate district during his campaigns for assembly polls some months ago. "They are still holding power in Delhi but you won't hear about any follow-up initiatives from them." The Diamond Harbour MP further noted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in contrast, "kept her promises and rolled out schemes such as Lakshmir Bhandar". "Here lies the difference between the BJP and the TMC. No one got Rs 15 lakh in their bank account, as promised by Narendra Modi in 2014. But all our social welfare projects -- Krishakbandhu, Swastha Sathi, Kanyashree and Lakshmir Bhandar -- are benefitting crores of people already," he said. Banerjee, who is also the nephew of the CM, continued its tirade against the Centre, stating that the Narendra Modi government did not release funds required for relief operations after back-to-back cyclones in West Bengal. "Don't worry, Mamata Banerjee will be on your side with all her might and resources," he said. Hitting out at the Centre over its 100-crore vaccination feat, he quipped that the BJP-led NDA government "hit double centuries", the first one with the hike in prices of petrol and diesel. In an apparent overture to Hindus, the TMC general said, "Our CM has given Rs 50,000 to every Durga Puja committee. She is the one who made sure people get to celebrate Durga Puja, despite economic stress. "She wants people to celebrate all festivals -- from Durga puja to Kali Puja and Chhat, from Eid to Christmas. She believes in universal brotherhood," he added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mogadishu [Somalia] October 23 (ANI/Xinhua): Somali National Army (SNA) and Galmudug regional forces retook Guriel town in central Somalia from a paramilitary group Saturday following a fierce gunfight, army officials said. SNA officers told Radio Mogadishu that the allied forces have concluded the security operations in the town after flushing out Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a (ASWJ), a moderate Islamic group based in the central region, which had occupied the town for barely a month. Also Read | Anjali Ryot, Indian-Origin LinkedIn Engineer and Vlogger, Shot Dead in Mexico Drug Violence. "Local administration and the Police have fully taken over the security responsibilities in the town," the State-owned radio said. Witnesses said local residents are now back to the streets after intense fighting subsided. Also Read | Sri Lankans Protest Against Pakistan for Supporting Taliban in Afghanistan. "The joint forces stormed the town, sparking a fierce exchange of gunfire that lasted several hours early today. There were some casualties since it was heavy fighting," said a local resident who declined to be named. The SNA officials said the offensive began at dawn after the paramilitary group fired several rounds of mortar shells which landed at the positions occupied by the allied forces Friday. The latest move comes after the United Nations humanitarian agency said Friday that more than 100,000 people have fled Guriel town in Galmudug state due to high tensions and potential conflict between the local forces and ASWJ. According to the UN, the displaced people include about 1,005 unaccompanied minors and 2,009 persons with disabilities and health-related complications. (ANI/Xinhua) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kampala, Oct 24 (AP) One person was killed and seven others injured Saturday in an explosion at a restaurant in a suburb of Uganda's capital, Kampala, police said. Police said in a statement that a bomb squad had been deployed following "a serious blast" around 9 pm local time. It said detectives would "determine whether the explosion arose from an intentional act or not." Also Read | Anjali Ryot, Indian-Origin LinkedIn Engineer and Vlogger, Shot Dead in Mexico Drug Violence. Uganda is relatively peaceful, and a nighttime curfew is in place across the country as part of efforts to stem the spread of the coronavirus. But the UK government updated its Uganda travel advisory earlier in October to say extremists "are very likely to try to carry out attacks" in this East African country that has been attacked before. Also Read | Sri Lankans Protest Against Pakistan for Supporting Taliban in Afghanistan. "Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners," that advisory says. The eatery where Saturday's blast occurred is a normally busy place, frequented by commuters. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington, October 23: India is a "vaccine powerhouse" and America's work with the country in vaccine manufacturing is saving people's lives, the head of the US International Development Finance Corporation, David Marchick, has said ahead of his India visit. The United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is America's development bank, which invests in developing countries around the world. Leading a high-powered delegation, DFC Chief Operating Officer (COO) Marchick would travel to India from October 24 to 26. India is the most important and largest partner for DFC investment amounting to more than USD 2.3 billion, which is almost eight per cent of its overall exposure, Marchick said ahead of his India visit beginning Sunday. Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Looks Effective for Young Kids, Says FDA. We have a very ambitious pipeline. We are very, very excited to work with India to drive economic development and strengthen the partnership between the United States and India, Marchick told PTI in a recent interview. The DFC COO is currently visiting South Africa, from where he is scheduled to travel to India. Normally the DFC's work lifts up people's lives. Our work with India on vaccine manufacturing is saving people's lives, he said in response to a question. During his India trip, Marchick is scheduled to travel to Hyderabad where he will visit the offices of the Indian vaccine manufacturer Biological E and participate in a signing ceremony to open a new facility with substantial capacity for vaccine manufacturing. India is a vaccine powerhouse. It has very innovative and productive companies in the space. They're producing huge numbers of vaccines, he said. At the same time, he noted that the world needs additional capacity. India is an absolutely critical part of the solution for the pandemic, given that it is a vaccine powerhouse, Marchick said, underlining that India reaching the milestone of one billion doses is extraordinary. India scripted history on Thursday with the cumulative COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country surpassing the 100-crore milestone. Prior to the start of the pandemic, total vaccine manufacturing capacity around the world was around five billion. That's for all vaccines, including for polio and yellow fever. We need somewhere in the range of 11 billion doses of manufacturing capacity around the world for COVID alone. So, India can play a huge role in filling that gap. And the DFC, the Biden administration, is using its tools to help expand vaccine manufacturing in India and around the world to help get shots in arms, Marchick said. This work is in advancement of the historic commitment set out by President Joe Biden and his counterparts in the 'Quad' -- Australia, India, Japan and the US. On September 24, Biden hosted the first-ever in-person summit of Quad leaders at the White House. At President Biden's invitation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterparts Scott Morrison from Australia and Yoshihide Suga from Japan had attended the Quad summit. After the conclusion of the summit, the Quad leaders in a joint statement had said that in addition to doses financed through COVAX, the four-nation bloc has pledged to donate more than 1.2 billion doses globally of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and has so far delivered nearly 79 million safe, effective, and quality-assured vaccine doses to countries in the Indo-Pacific as part of those commitments. Observing that American healthcare experts are in regular touch with the Indian authorities and companies to provide technical assistance, the COO said the DFC provided financing of about USD 50 million for a new facility to be built for Biological E and a new factory, which will substantially expand its capacity to allow it to manufacture in excess of a billion doses. In addition to helping India expand its vaccine manufacturing capacity, DFC has been a major investor in India's other sectors as well, he said. We're a huge investor in India. We have USD 2.3 billion of investments already. We have a significant pipeline of over USD 1 billion. So, we would be one of the larger investors in India. Our goal is to catalyse private sector financial activity, he said. DFC, he said, is particularly focused on four sectors: climate, health, equity and gender opportunities and then technology. These are obviously four critical areas for the development of India's economy, Marchick observed. On climate, obviously the president (Biden) has said that climate is an existential threat. India is a linchpin in having the world address the climate crisis, Marchick said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seized with the issue and India "has the most ambitious renewable energy strategy of any country in the world" and we want to help and be a solution provider for that. On gender equity, DFC's main goal is to provide financing for small and medium sized enterprises that are run by women, are owned by women. We have partnered with a number of financial institutions in India to provide them with liquidity and capital, which they can then lend to small and medium sized enterprises in India, the COO said. In technology, obviously India is a powerhouse and we provide financing for various technology missions, Marchick said. However, the main reason for the trip is vaccine and vaccine manufacturing. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New York, Oct 23: NASA is aiming to fly its massive next-generation rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), for the first time in February 2022, a critical test flight on the US space agency's journey to send people back to the Moon. However, plenty of tests still need to go well before the much-delayed vehicle can finally take flight, The Verge reported on Friday. Confirmation of the new target date, which was rumoured in August, comes a day after engineers fully stacked the SLS inside NASA's massive hangar at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA Sends Lucy Mission To Seek Out Solar Systems Fossils. Standing at 322 feet high, the SLS rises taller than the Statue of Liberty. On top of the stack is NASA's Orion crew capsule, a new spacecraft that's been developed to carry people into deep space. However, when the SLS flies for the first time in 2022, there won't be any people on board, the report said. The test mission will send an empty Orion capsule on a four to six-week long trip around the Moon. SLS' debut flight is known as 'Artemis I', the first major flight in NASA's Artemis program. If the flight is successful, the SLS and Orion's next mission will be Artemis II, which will carry NASA astronauts on a similar trajectory around the Moon. The programme will culminate with landing the first woman and the first person of colour on the surface of the Moon. During the administration of former President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence had challenged NASA to make this landing happen as early as 2024. That timeline has since been called into question, given the complexity of the mission and numerous delays. Originally, NASA envisioned the SLS flying for the first time back in 2017, but its debut has been consistently pushed back again and again due to improper management and cost overruns. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2021 10:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Los Angeles, October 23: A 25-year-old California-based Indian-origin woman techie, who travelled to Mexico to celebrate her birthday, was one of the two foreign tourists killed in a shootout between two drug gangs in the Caribbean coast resort of Tulum, according to media reports. The incident happened on Wednesday night. Anjali Ryot was killed along with another German tourist in the crossfire, Californianewstimes.com news portal reported. Ryot arrived in Tulum on Monday prior to her birthday on October 22, it said. Her Instagram account listed her as a travel blogger from Himachal Pradesh, living in San Jose, California. Ryot has been working as a Senior Site Reliability Engineer on LinkedIn since July. She was previously employed by Yahoo, the Californianewstimes.com report said. China: 4 Killed, 3 Injured in Chemical Plant Explosion in Alxa League. On Wednesday night, Ryot and four other foreign tourists were dining on the terrace of La Malquerida restaurant when four men armed with assault rifles fired at an adjoining table in the premises around 10:30 pm, the Spanish newspaper El Pais reported. The stray bullets hit the foreigners. Ryot and the German woman were killed, while the three others -- from Germany and the Netherlands -- were wounded. Authorities point to a confrontation between rival organised crime gangs. Ryot and her friends were just the collateral victims, it said. The fight was between two rival groups that operate drug sales in the area, the Quintana Roo state prosecutor's office said in a statement. Several drug cartels operate in the Mexican state, which is known for a lucrative retail drug market and as a landing spot for drug shipments, the Associated Press reported from Mexico City. Meanwhile, Ryot's brother Ashish Ryot has asked the mayor of Tulum to speed up the procedures to be able to repatriate his body, the El Pais report said. Ashish urged the authorities for help so that his visa was approved and he could enter Mexico to take his sister's body back to India for her last rites. An autopsy on Brian Laundrie's remains has been completed without providing answers regarding the cause or manner of his death. Laundrie family attorney, Steven Bertolino, said the autopsy was completed Friday, and the remains of Gabby Petito's fiance will be sent to a forensic anthropologist for further examination. Bertolino told TMZ he's not sure why an anthropologist is being involved in determining Laundrie's death. However, online studies noted that experts are brought into cases when bodies are far along in the decomposition to determine how a person died, whether accidental, suicide, homicide, or natural. Forensic anthropologist Dr. Heather Walsh-Haney told WPBF News that forensic anthropologists are being called for help when the environment has ravaged or removed the soft tissue. According to investigators, it appears that the body of Laundrie had been decomposing in a swampy area of the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in Florida for several weeks. And before the discovery on Wednesday, the remains had been underwater. Authorities also found Laundrie's backpack and notebook, along with the human remains. The FBI field office in Denver said Thursday the "skeletal" remains were confirmed to be Laundrie after a review of dental records. After a month-long manhunt for their son, the elder Laundries, Christopher and Roberta, directed the North Port police and FBI agents to the area where "some articles" belonging to Laundrie were found on Wednesday. Bertolino told NBC News Thursday that his understanding was the park was open to the public "on Tuesday or Wednesday," and the couple had decided to look for their son by themselves since it was open, New York Post reported. Bertolino added that after Laundrie's dad talked to him, he told him he wanted to notify law enforcement first "so that we would have no issue." Brian Laundrie was named a person of interest by North Port police after returning home on September 1 or 10 days before Gabby Petito was reported missing by her family. Petito disappeared on a cross-country road trip with Laundrie. The couple was traveling to Oregon when the YouTuber stopped communicating with her family in Wyoming in late August. Petito's body was found at the Spread Creek Dispersed Campground near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming on September 19. A Teton County, Wyoming coroner said she was strangled to death by a "human being," and the manner of death was homicide. READ NEXT: Dog the Bounty Hunter Believes Brian Laundrie Becomes a Murderer as He Took Books About Serial Killers to Heart Brian Laundrie Was' Grieving' When He Disappeared Brian Laundrie's parents said they last saw their son on September 13 and not September 14, leaving home to go to the Carlton Reserve area for a hike. The elder Laundries had changed the date of their son's disappearance from September 14 to September 13. They also announced that Laundrie was missing on September 17. Bertolino earlier told Fox News that there was no communication between him and law enforcement "in the next three days." Thus, he said he and Laundrie's parents were never asked where their son was at the time. According to Bertolino, the North Port police and the FBI were under the assumption that Gabby Petito's fiance was at home. "So when the FBI got a tip on Friday (September 17) that Brian was in Tampa, and they wanted to meet with us on Friday, I was shocked," the lawyer said. "I said, 'That's good. You found him in Tampa,' and they said, 'What do you mean? I thought he's at the house.' I said, 'No, I told you the other day he never came home," he added. In a press conference on September 16, North Port Police Chief Todd Garrison was asked if he knew where Laundrie was at that moment, and he said, "Yes." But the Laundrie family has reportedly made no effort to correct him. Later Bertolino told ABC News that Christopher believed his son was "grieving" and upset when he left on September 13 to take a hike. But the public did not know that Gabby Petito was dead until authorities had found her remains on September 19. On Friday, Bertolino had stepped away from that statement, saying he used the "wrong term," and "could have used a better choice of words," Fox News reported. However, Bertolino noted that he still stands by that Laundrie was "upset" and "distressed." He also recounted how Christopher tried to stop his son from leaving the house. "At the time, Chris said, you know, 'I couldn't stop him. He was going.' Brian was determined to go for a hike, and that seems to be something that we wish he didn't do," the lawyer told Fox News. Bertolino did not explain why Gabby Petito's fiance was so upset that day due to confidentiality concerns. Brian Laundrie's Parents Known criminal defense lawyer Mark Geragos said Laundrie's parents could face legal consequences under certain situations now that authorities have discovered the remains. Geragos told Fox News that the "potential liability" would be after the federal warrant was issued, there was "some assistance" given while their son was a fugitive. That would mean that Laundrie's parents would likely be only accused of a crime for actions committed after the U.S. District Court of Wyoming issued a federal warrant for their son. Court documents showed that Brian Laundrie "knowingly with intent to defraud" used a debit card belonging to Gabby Petito in the amount of at least $1,000 between August 30 and September 1. READ MORE: Brian Laundrie Manhunt: Parents of Gabby Petito's Fiance Change the Date of Florida Fugitive's Disappearance This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Mary Webber WATCH: Brian Laundrie's 'Bones' Found in Previously Underwater Area of Florida Preserve: FBI - From FOX 13 Tampa Bay More than 1.7 million migrants have been apprehended along the southern border in the past 12 months, according to a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) data released Friday. CBS News reported that the number of migrant apprehensions in fiscal year 2021, which ended last September, was the highest figure in any fiscal year in U.S. history. Data showed that the CBP has detained 1,734,686 illegal immigrants attempting to enter the southwest border between October last year and September this year, New York Post reported. Among them were 145,000 unaccompanied migrant children that mostly came from Central America. The CBP reported 1,643,679 migrant apprehensions in fiscal year 2000, which started in October 1999 and ended on September 30, 2000. The latest DHS data also showed a decrease in the monthly migrant encountered in September at 192,001. It marked an 8.5 percent decline from the 209,840 arrests in August and a 10.1 percent decrease from the 12-month high of 213,593 apprehensions in July. READ NEXT: U.S. Oil and Gas Industry Seen to Worsen Climate Change With 30 Percent More Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2025 CBP Says 'Expulsions' Lead to Increase on Border Crossing Attempts The Biden administration has been using Title 42 expulsion policy, which the Trump administration put into effect in March 2020 on public health grounds, to quickly expel migrants caught crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. Reports said around 61 percent of the migrants encountered in the past 12 months were expelled to Mexico or their homeland under Title 42. Border officials also used Title 42 to carry out more than one million expulsions in the past fiscal year. But the CBP said Friday that Title 42 contributed to the record-high number of migrants making multiple border crossing attempts. The agency noted that many migrants tried to enter the U.S. unlawfully more than once after being expelled. "The large number of expulsions during the pandemic has contributed to a larger-than-usual number of migrants making multiple border crossing attempts, which means that total encounters somewhat overstate the number of unique individuals arriving at the border," the CBP said in a statement. In September alone, the CBP noted that 26 percent of migrants interdicted had been previously taken into U.S. custody. Former DHS, CBP Officials Slam Biden Over Record High Migrant Encounters Former DHS and CBP officials on Friday slammed President Biden over the new border crisis numbers. Former acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf said Biden made a bad situation on the border much worse by adopting a lax border policy. Chad noted that the Biden administration chose to open the border by eliminating effective and humane border security policies that were working. He said Biden did not replace those policies with alternatives and "then process the subsequent historic flows of illegal aliens" into the U.S. as quickly as possible. "Nine months after President Joe Biden took office, his administration's border security strategy has failed," Chad noted. Former CBP commissioner Mark Morgan said the Biden administration has created the crisis because they see a "political benefit in mass illegal migration." Former DHS deputy chief of staff Lora Ries noted that the open-borders agenda of the Biden administration is "destructive, inhumane, and unsustainable." Despite the high numbers of migrant encounters, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki reiterated on Friday that people should remember that the president worked on migration issues, asserting that Joe Biden worked on them his entire career. "The president has worked on these issues throughout his entire career and is well-versed in every aspect of our immigration system, including the border... that includes when he was Vice President," Psaki noted. READ MORE: Mexican Drug Cartel Wave of Gun Violence Leaves 2 Foreign Tourists Dead in Mexico's Bar, Turns More Villages Into Ghost Towns This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Joshua Summers WATCH: Border Crisis: What's Happening at the US-Mexico Border? - From ABC News Dog the Bounty Hunter, whose real name is Duane Chapman, said Brian Laundrie's parents were partially to blame for what happened to their son. Chapman told InTouch on Thursday that Laundrie "might still be alive" if his parents had fully cooperated with authorities sooner. "I believe if the Laundrie parents had fully cooperated from the beginning, Brian Laundrie might still be alive, the 68-year-old reality star said. Accompanied by Laundrie's parents, authorities found their son's backpack and notebook, along with the human remains, in Florida's Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park on Wednesday. The "skeletal" remains were confirmed to be Gabby Petito's fiance after a review of dental records. Dog the Bounty Hunter said he hopes the discovery of Laundrie's remains will bring "closure" to Petito's family. "The positive ID of Brian Laundrie's remains gives some measure of closure to this case, if not to Gabby's family, who will likely now never know what truly happened," Duane Chapman noted. "We are praying for Gabby's family... As a parent who also lost a child, I know there's no ending to this story that brings Gabby back. But now the family can begin the process of grieving. Our thoughts are with them," the reality star added. Dog the Bounty Hunter told Fox's "The Dr. Oz Show" on Thursday that the contents of Laundrie's notebook could be vital to the case. Duane Chapman said he hoped that Laundrie confessed and had a "kind of a suicide note" in the notebook. Dog the Bounty Hunter has started a high-profile search for Gabby Petito's fiance late last month. He then called it off after officials confirmed that the remains found in the Florida park belonged to Laundrie. READ NEXT: Dog the Bounty Hunter Turns Attention to Brian Laundrie's Parents After Remains Found in Florida Park Confirmed to Be Gabby Petito's Fiance Brian Laundrie's Parents Could Face Legal Challenges Known criminal defense lawyer Mark Geragos said Laundrie's parents could face legal consequences under certain situations now that authorities have discovered their son's remains. Geragos told Fox News that the "potential liability" would be after the federal warrant was issued, there was "some assistance" given while their son was a fugitive. That would mean that Laundrie's parents would likely be only accused of a crime for actions committed after the U.S. District Court of Wyoming issued a federal warrant for their son. Court documents showed that Brian Laundrie "knowingly with intent to defraud" used a debit card belonging to Gabby Petito in the amount of at least $1,000 between August 30 and September 1. Geragos further noted that if Laundrie confessed to his parents before he fled, that could also potentially be "problematic." Laundrie Family Attorney Disputed Claims of Parents Planting Their Son's Remains in Florida Park Questions surrounding the timeline of events between Brian Laundrie's parents telling authorities they were going to search for their son and the discovery of his belongings have been raised recently by many people. Geragos said, "supposedly, within a very short period of time, they (Laundrie's parents) found not only a backpack and a notebook but his remains... That to me is going to reignite suspicion as to what their involvement may or may not have been." Former chief of detectives Robert Boyce of NYPD earlier told ABC 7 that it's quite strange that the elder Laundries went "to this exact spot" and found the backpack and the notebook in this particular area. Boyce noted that there were just too many strange turns that Laundrie's parents have not been involved in it "to not believe that something is amiss here." "So, they go to this one remote location, all of a sudden we found something, we found the remains... There's a lot of things here that don't add up to coincidence, so you wonder how they got there and what they knew all along," Boyce said. But Laundrie family attorney, Steve Bertolino, disputed claims that the elder Laundries could have planted their son's remains and personal items, calling it "ludicrous." "Do you really think that the Laundries has skeletal remains of their son, you know, in a plastic bag, and brought them to present to the [Carlton Reserve]," Bertolino told NewsNation Prime. He added: "Do you realize how ludicrous that is... How aggravating, how maddening it is to even hear those things?" Bertolino then said that both Petito and Laundrie's parents are grieving the loss of their children, adding that anyone with a child or a "sense of humanity" can understand the frustration both families feel. 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 after returning home on September 1 or 10 days before Petito was reported missing by her family. Gabby Petito's body was found at the Spread Creek Dispersed Campground near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming on September 19. A Teton County, Wyoming coroner said she was strangled to death by a "human being," and the manner of death was homicide. READ MORE: Dog the Bounty Hunter to Hunt for Brian Laundrie Again if He's Still Alive, but Family Lawyer Says Remains Found in Florida Park Are Likely His This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Joshua Summers WATCH: Brian Laundrie' Grieving' Before Gabby Petito's Body was Even Found - From CNBC Television The spirit of Paddy Moloney is sure to be looking down over Laois this month when the only harp and pipe festival in the world takes place in the county. Music Generation Laois annual Tionol for harp and pipes takes place on October 29, 30 and 31 in the county where the famous leader of The Chieftains was rooted. Paddys parents both hailed from Laois where they were steeped in the local traditional music scene. Paddy, who died in October, would go on to lead The Chieftains as the groups Uileann pipe player. He referred to his family ties to Laois on many occasions during his career so its perhaps fitting that the county hosts such a unique festival in the month of his death. This years event includes a range of workshops with well-known musicians, and young people from all over Ireland will be in attendance. Workshops take place in Laois Offaly ETBs Dunamase College Campus in Tower Hill, with a line-up that includes Gradam Ceoil winner Michael Rooney on harp and world -renowned Scottish harper Catriona McKay. Harp workshops also include Music Generation Laois own Siobhan Buckley, Grainne Hambly and William Jackson from Mayo, Deirdre Ni Bhuachalla from Louth, Jill Devlin from Waterford and Niamh OBrien from Clare. Pipers teaching at this years Tionol include, the well-known Cavan musician Padraig McGovern, Leonard Barry from Kerry, and local pipers Joseph Byrne and Alain Carroll. James Mahon, uilleann piper with Irish supergroup Kila will also be part of Tionol, and also returning to Tionol is Donegal-based piper Paul Harrigan. Harpers and pipers can sign up to a weekend of workshops, by contacting Music Generation Laois on 057 8681782 or email mgl@loetb.ie. Classes are available for recent beginners to advanced students classes are available in-person or online. Details are on https://www.musicgenerationlaois.ie/tionol-21/ with the online schedule available upon request. A free live-streamed event from The Malt House, Stradbally will be screened on the Music Generation Laois facebook page at 8pm on Saturday 30 October with harpers, pipers and a range of special guests. A final Tionol Closing Party, free of charge, will take place in Andy Bergins pub on Main Street, Portlaoise at 7pm on Sunday and all are welcome to attend. This event will feature Catriona McKay (harp), Chris Stout (fiddle) and Leonard Barry (pipes), fancy dress please for this event to celebrate Halloween. Speaking ahead of the event, Rosa Flannery, Music Development Officer with Music Generation Laois commented: We are delighted to bring Tionol back to Laois in-person in 2021, now in its 6th year, we delivered the programme primarily online in 2020, so it's just so wonderful to be able to come back together in person, and give young people this opportunity to play music and develop their musical skills, meet new people, make friends, she said. In 2021, young people from Donegal, Mayo, Sligo, Louth, Waterford, Wicklow, Wexford, Clare, Tipperary and Laois are expected to take part. Some students will attend online, and some in-person, so there is something for everyone. Music Generation Laois Annual Tionol is funded by the Music Generation/Arts Council Partnership Creativity and Collaboration Fund. Music Generation is Irelands National Music Education Programme, initiated by Music Network and Co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, and the Department of Education. Locally Music Generation Laois is part of Laois Offaly ETB and supported by Laois County Council. The Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum in south Laois stands as a living monument to the thousands who died there and all who succumbed to death during the Great Famine. The workhouse complex has been painstakingly restored to show the devastation wreaked upon poor Irish families during famine times and right through the 19th century. Now open for visitors and group tours, it is one of only three surviving such buildings in Ireland, with most other workhouses later converted into community hospitals such as at Abbeyleix and Mountmellick. Groups of tall stark cold stone buildings still stand, the final refuge for destitute families who were separated at its entrance into men, women and children, never allowed to see each other again. They were also divided into sick or well enough to work. Those working in the kitchens were spied upon to ensure they took no food, while windows in the dining hall were built high so anyone working inside would never see their loved ones outside. There was no way to leave once people entered, and a graveyard to the rear is the resting place for possibly thousands of people. Manager and custodian Trevor Stanley leads the committee who has overseen restoration of the workhouse and adjoining agricultural museum. The workhouse was built to hold 400 people, and operated for 33 years between 1853 and 1886 when it closed with just 100 occupants. Costs were covered by a tax on local landowners and it was run by a board of guardians. "There was no exit strategy. Emigration was the only method to get out. You had to give up all your rights to tenant holdings to get in. You couldn't put your wife and children in for the winter, the whole family had to come in, they didn't want it to be an improvement on the home," he said. Trevor compared it to the preserved Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz. "I visited there. They get 2.5 million visitors a year, we get 2,500. I asked the tour guide there why she did it, they also volunteer. She said she felt it was her duty to tell the story and in once sense that is what happens here too. If we don't tell, and there is no building left to tell, it could be forgotten," he said. While Donaghmore is open to tours, anybody trying to detect spirits is not welcome. "We get requests from paranormal groups, but we prefer to leave it to the memory of people who died here rather than sensationalise it," Trevor told the Leinster Express. He is often the only person on the site but says he has never experienced any supernatural events. "I was here last night, it was windy and you do notice it getting creaky with bats flying around. But we have them at home on my farm, I personally don't believe in ghosts. "Some people do talk about feeling something, but if indeed there are spirits here they should be left in peace. Our local priest does a blessing of the graveyards every year and we are included in that," he said. In 1919 British soldiers from World War I were billeted there to quell local rebellions, before the Black and Tans arrived. In 1927 it became a farming co-op, building up over the decades to a depot for Avonmore. In 1993 some local farmers turned the girls dormitory into an agricultural museum, and in 1996, on its 150th anniversary, the local committee opened the boys dormitory to tell the famine story. It is again now changing to offer support to the local community in new ways. A decade ago the dining hall was restored costing 500,000 including support from Laois County Council. It has since been used as a venue for live music including John Spillane and Sean Keane, and for a book launch. The workhouse is also now a free broadband community hub, offering fast broadband to students and farmers from their vehicles. It will shortly feature in a promotion of the national broadband network with architect Dermot Bannon who enjoyed a recent visit to film in Donaghmore. As Covid restrictions ease, the workhouse is now receiving regular visitors, including many school tours from Laois and surrounding counties. "As a board we operate the museum and workhouse on a shoestring. Our staff are on job schemes so we have no staff costs. They touch the same stairs and floorboards that the boys and girls slept on. Most people go away with a good feeling of what it was like," Trevor Stanley said. With the help of Laois Heritage Officer Catherine Casey they are applying for more grants to upgrade disability access, add signage and update their website. On Monday October 18, the first ever meeting of Laois County Council was held in the dining hall. It began with a minute's silence in respect of those who died there. Cathaoirleach, Cllr Conor Bergin, said it was a solemn occasion. "As we gather here as a democratically elected council representing the people of Laois, we remember and honour those Irish men and women who came here when they had nowhere else to go. We also pay tribute to those who fought and gave their lives for our sovereignty. Like those who we have lost due to Covid-19 we will never forget them and we meet here today humbled and in their memory," he said. Below: Trevor Stanley telling the members of Laois County Council about Donaghmore during their meeting in its dining hall. The museum uses guided and self-guided tours combined with various exhibits to explain the socio-economic conditions which led to the establishment of this and other Workhouses. Visitors can also enjoy an agricultural collection made up of a wide range of artefacts donated by local people, ranging from farm implements, household items and hand tools. For more go to www.donaghmoremuseum.ie A 43-year-old former heroin addict from Dublin who was caught driving without insurance was told he is facing six months in prison or 200 hours of community service, if found suitable. David Smith, 15 Blackhall Court, Dublin 7, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and without a driving licence on June 5, 2021 at Tuckmillpark, Manorhamilton. The local court heard the defendant had three previous convictions for driving without insurance. He had been sentenced to five months in prison, suspended for 12 months, at Dublin Circuit Court in February 2020. Solicitor, John Anderson, said Mr Smith was in the area for the weekend and his partner got sick and was unable to drive and he foolishly drove. He said he has four children and was a heroin addict but has been clean the last three years. Judge Deirdre Gearty said the defendant drove with no insurance again and again and again. Theres no excuse for it. She noted it was not a triggering offence and adjourned the case until December 8 for a probation report. Judge Gearty said on the no insurance plea she would be indicating six months in prison or 200 hours community service, if suitable. The no driving licence charge was taken into consideration. IN 2017, Cllr Gerald Mitchell said the over capacity wastewater treatment plant in Hospital town was halting its development. We cant expand because of it there would have been an expansion otherwise. The plant is over capacity. It is a serious situation. Hospital is static now and when you are static you are going backwards, said the councillor four years ago. Well now the town can go forwards as approval has been given for the Hospital Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade. The announcement was made by the Government in the latest round of investment into rural wastewater treatment plants across the country. These will be rolled out through Irish Water. Cllr Mitchell, who has raised the matter at numerous Cappamore-Kilmallock municipal district meetings, welcomed the news. This upgrade is an immediate and essential priority to move forward, said Cllr Mitchell, who added that the town can now expand. We couldnt build an industrial base, promote commercial activity or build residential units. Hospital is situated on the primary route of the R513 the volume of traffic and business passing through Hospital is huge. You are 20 minutes from Limerick, you are 50 minutes from Cork. It is an ideal place to develop - you can connect up with the motorway to Dublin at Mitchelstown and you connect straight in to Cork city. We have over 1,000 pupils in the secondary school and it is increasing. Hospital has always been a dominant business town, said Cllr Mitchell. Fine Gael colleague, Minister Patrick ODonovan also welcomed the news. This is fantastic news for Hospital and I know it comes after many years of waiting. Since I went into the Dail in 2011 and started to represent Hospital, this is one of the issues that I have been working on. I know from speaking to the local community over many years that the issue of the wastewater treatment plant is one that has been for years been one that the local people want pushed on, so to get this news was very welcome, said Minister ODonovan. He said this news for Hospital will mean that the towns potential in East Limerick as a place to invest in for the future will now be able to be met. I know that my colleague in the town Cllr. Gerald Mitchell also is really delighted with the news having worked very hard for many years to try to get the investment needed to get it over the line, said Minister ODonovan. IN 2017, hundreds of young people in Limerick appealed to Pope Francis not to move an inspirational priest from their diocese. Fast forward four years, if Bishop Brendan Leahy tried to transfer Fr Chris ODonnell from Kilmallock parish his letter box would be stuffed with angry missives. Like the vast majority of priests, Fr Chris, as he is known to one and all, celebrated Mass online when churches were closed. He has kindly taken the time to answer some questions from the Limerick Leader as we move into a post-Covid church. Through his words, his singing and even dancing, the priest brought succour to all ages confined to their homes. In Kilmallock we ensured there was a weekly family Mass by way of trying to cater for families and to offer them a chance to spend some quality time together in a spirit of prayer. Our goal with these Masses was to offer some family friendly faith messages in a spirit of fun and care. It meant we went seriously outside our comfort zones and all our mistakes were very public and often embarrassing! However, it was all worth it as the priority was to reach out to families at all costs, said Fr Chris. But has online Mass become nearly too popular and are some now happy to watch Mass at home, rather than put on their Sunday best and go to their local church again? Prior to Covid, most parishes would not have had webcams and would never have streamed liturgies through Facebook, YouTube or Instagram. It was a steep learning curve but the speed at which parishes engaged with technology showed their concern and care for their people, said Fr Chris. Obviously the ideal is that we should physically gather for Mass and prayer. The sense of communion and community is a very important part of our faith and prayer. The sense of participation and togetherness is harder to experience online. The symbols, the sounds, the music, the movement nourishes the fullness of our body, our spirit and our senses. Of course people have formed new habits and fallen out of older habits. It is hard to know whether we will see congregations gather in the same number as they did prior to Covid. It is a very uncertain time in a church that is already in a difficult space. Naturally, it is easier for people to watch Mass and it is fantastic for those who physically cant come or those who are sick or unable to drive etc. We will always encourage those who are able to, to come and participate in the Mass. And yet in a world where people have endless viewing options, it is encouraging that people choose to watch Mass. Watching from the comfort of our homes and not having to worry about how we look is quite appealing on a Sunday morning! How did Covid change you as a priest Fr Chris? I dont think Covid changed me as a priest but like everyone I can say I have learned a lot from it. I am very conscious of how challenging it was for those who worked tirelessly and courageously on the front line. Having a sense of this makes me reluctant to share how challenging it was for priests, as we would never want to deflect from the great work of others, nor look for attention for what we do. Naturally, it was a very challenging time for everyone. As priests we have become accustomed to many challenges in what we do, be it a decline in vocations and those who practice their faith. Also there is the ongoing challenge of working in a culture whereby often anything to do with faith and church is viewed negatively or deemed irrelevant. We equally lament the awful mistakes of our past and wish it was different and so it can be a challenge to promote faith in the current climate. Many families will have experienced priests like Fr Chris going above and beyond in their efforts to reach out during Covid to those who were sick, dying, lonely and bereaved. Many of the priests who continued to tend to the sick and the bereaved were often at an age when they might have been encouraged to remain at home. Covid impacted on everyone and every age group and it was hard to see the amount of suffering it caused. It was particularly an awful time for any family who had a loved one sick in hospital or in a nursing home. It was an awful time for families who lost a loved one and had to navigate their way through funerals that were so different and so lonely. It was an awful time for those who lived alone and those whose families were at a distance. Much of a priests role is to care for and walk with people, particularly during the tougher moments of their lives. Naturally when our world was in the grips of a pandemic there was a greater need for us to do this and for the most part priests responded generously and bravely. More often than not priests put themselves in situations that in theory might not have been allowed in an effort to pray with and try to offer comfort to people. The funerals themselves with such limited numbers was soul destroying for families and so stark. Trying to manage numbers at a funeral or having to have conversations about this with people who are grieving is something we would never want to do again, not to mention those awful moments when we might have had do close the doors of the church, while knowing there was as much grief outside the church as there was inside. A POPULAR Limerick Christmas tradition has put the brakes on for insurance reasons. After 17 years, Limerick On Ice will not be appearing in the city centre this festive season. Up to 45 people worked on the annual event and thousands of people enjoyed the facility each year which also increased footfall in the city centre. Founder Fran O Donnell informed the Limerick Leader that the insurance underwriters have decided that "they have no appetite for the leisure market in Ireland anymore". He said: At Limerick On Ice, over 45 people employed here wont have any work this Christmas. We usually draw in excess of 30,000 skaters and an additional 8,000 people who come to view the sport. This has the knock-on effect of reducing the footfall into the city - people who come not only to skate but to shop, eat and drink and spend money in our local economy. Mr O'Donnell pointed out that parents of children with additional needs will also be at a loss, having previously availed of special needs time. "This was when parents could bring children of special needs and let them experience the magic of going on the ice," he explained. "Wheelchairs could be brought on to the ice and the ice marshals would take turns in wheeling them around the rink. All special needs were catered for during these events." Each child also received a photo, and a goody bag and Santa would always put on his skates for these very special guests. The event was free for all attending and Mr O'Donnell stated that this was really the "magic of Christmas" for him. With visitors from over 30 countries between the ages of six to 80, there will be a quietness in Arthurs Quay this Christmas where the skating rink would traditionally be located. Mr O'Donnell saidhe had plans in place to ramp up safety protocols when reopening this Christmas, following a forced closure due to Covid last year. Limerick on Ice has a 100% safety record but still the insurance companies just don't want to know about Ireland. Something needs to be done to bring normality back into the insurance sector which is currently closing businesses down, he commented. Adobe Inc. warned its U.S. workers that they must be vaccinated against Covid-19 by Dec. 8. U.S. companies are giving notice to employees as they seek to comply with orders from President Joe Biden requiring federal contractors to have all staff vaccinated by the December deadline. The government is also drawing up rules for businesses with 100 or more employees to require vaccines or test unvaccinated staff at least once a week. The White House is set to issue additional guidelines in the near future. Adobe, the maker of Photoshop and Illustrator, said in a statement Friday that 94% of its U.S. workforce is or will soon be fully vaccinated." The San Jose, California-based company said it will consider accommodation requests for employees who arent vaccinated for religious or medical reasons. IBM issued a similar warning to staff earlier this month. Adobe has contracts with various government agencies for software packages. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Click here to read the full article. The gun handed to Alec Baldwin on the set of Western film Rust was declared safe by the productions assistant director, according to an affidavit filed by the Santa Fe Countys Sheriffs Office obtained by the New York Times and Associated Press. According to the affidavit, the AD shouted cold gun on set, meaning that the prop gun was safe to use and did not contain any live ammo. However, when Baldwin pulled the guns trigger, it fired a projectile that fatally struck cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in the chest and hit director Joel Souzas shoulder. The Times reported that the document says Hutchins was standing in front of Souza at the time of the incident. The AD did not know live rounds were in the prop gun and the weapon was readied by an armorer beforehand, the affidavit stated according to the Times. The affidavit, filed in a Santa Fe court on Friday, also contained a search warrant requesting to investigate the set building where the incident happened, which was granted by a state magistrate judge. The search will also include taking biological evidence from the prop gun and reviewing any footage that may have been recorded, the Times reported. After the shot was fired, the affidavit states that the armorer was given the prop gun and then removed the spent casing from the weapon before giving it to the police. Baldwin was wearing clothing consistent with a costume for the film (Old Western style clothing) but changed and also gave his clothes to the police, who said they appeared to have blood stains, as the Times reported. The Albuquerque Journal, which obtained audio of the 911 call from set, reported that a woman who identified herself as a script supervisor said, Weve had two people accidentally shot by a prop gun; we need help immediately. When asked if the gun was loaded with a real bullet, the caller replied: I dont I cant tell you that And this (expletive) AD that yelled at me at lunch asking about revisions, this mother (expletive) hes supposed to check the guns, hes responsible for what happens on the set. No charges have been filed in the incident, which took place on Thursday night. In a statement released on Friday, Baldwin said, in part: There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. After a year-long delay due to the pandemic, the Animation Is Film festival returns this year for its fourth edition, taking place Oct. 22-24. The festival will be held, as it traditionally has been, at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood and will feature a competition lineup of the best animation films of the year, as well as other special events. If you look at the lineup, youll see that there are titles that have played at Sundance and Cannes and Annecy, and the festival is an opportunity for everyone to see these films, says Matt Kaszanek, director, Animation Is Film. Were really happy with the lineup we were able to put together this year in the strange times of 2021, so were really excited for the program and we hope everyone else is too. The festival kicks off with the North American premiere of the Netflix feature The Summit of the Gods, followed by an in-person Q&A with director Patrick Imbert. On Oct. 23, the centerpiece film features the West Coast premiere of GKids Belle, directed by Mamoru Hosoda, who will also do an in-person Q&A following the screening. The West Coast premiere of Neons Flee, directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen, will close the festival Oct. 24. We dont have as many filmmakers that are travelling this year, and obviously thats a big part of the festival experience, Kaszanek says. We have a few directors that we were able to get to come out. Otherwise, we have people calling in to do a Skype Q&A after their screenings as well as having pre-taped intros just so that they can have a connection with the L.A. audience thats coming to see their film. This year, Animation Is Film presents 12 features in competition and 20 pics overall, with shorts and a behind-the-scenes presentation of Disneys upcoming Encanto, presented in person by director Jared Bush. The festival will also host the North American premiere of Funimations My Hero Academia: World Heroes Mission, the third feature film in the anime franchise, offering a sneak peek to fans ahead of its U.S. theatrical release on Oct. 29. Additionally, the festival will feature Studio on the Big Screen, a slate of studio titles that were not able to screen in a theatrical setting upon release and will be offered to cinemagoing public for the first time in Los Angeles. These include Pixars Luca, presented in-person by director Enrico Casarosa and producer Andrea Warren; Sony Pictures and Netflixs The Mitchells vs. the Machines, presented in-person by producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller and co-director Jeff Row; and Vivo, presented by directors Kirk DeMicco and Brandon Jeffords. The program is curated based on whats playing. Everything on the lineup is something thats been on our radar for years, Kaszanek says. Other features presented in this years competition lineup include The Crossing from Florence Miailhe; The Deer King from directors Masashi Ando and Masayuki Miyaji; Ayumu Watanabes Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko; I Am What I Am from director Haipeng Sun; Josep by political cartoonist Aurel; Nahuel and the Magic Book by German Acuna; Pompo the Cinephile from Takayuki Hirao; Yusuke Hirotas Poupelle of Chimney Town; and Where Is Anne Frank from Ari Folman. One of the interesting surprises that occurs in any festival is when certain themes or patterns emerge organically, Kaszanek says. Films are made by individuals, but in a festival environment, its almost as if theyre given the opportunity to speak and engage not just with audiences but with one another. For instance, films like Josep, The Crossing, Where Is Anne Frank and Flee are all in our competition section, and each has something different to say about the challenges facing refugees in this world, historically and now. That wasnt something we set out to program. It just emerged. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Two candlelight vigils will be held in memory of the late cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was killed in an accident on the New Mexico set of the western Rust on Thursday. The Local 600 International Cinematographers Guild shared the events through its Facebook page. A first vigil will be on Saturday evening from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Albuquerque Civic Plaza in Albuquerque, N.M., while a second will take place on Sunday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the IATSE Local 80 headquarters in Burbank, CA. Lets all take a moment and gather together to honor Halyna and her accomplishments and grieve together as one. Please bring your own candle, and join together for a candlelight vigil for Halyna, the guilds statement reads. A GoFundMe campaign has also been established by the guild for union members and others to donate money to help support Hutchins family. Halyna Hutchins, a rising cinematographer, died on Thursday from injuries sustained by the discharge of a prop firearm in an on-set accident involving Alec Baldwin. She is survived by her husband, Matthew, and 9-year-old son. Born in Ukraine, Hutchins lived in Los Angeles and graduated from the American Film Institute in 2015. She is known for her work on Archenemy (2020), Darlin' (2019) and Blindfire (2020). In 2019, she was named a rising star by American Cinematographer magazine. Hutchins also received the English Riviera Film Festivals Jury prize for best cinematography for the short film Treacle in 2019. Many directors and colleagues have paid tribute to Hutchins since the news of her untimely death. Director James Cullen Bressack commented on Hutchins most recent Instagram post: I will miss you friend This is devastating. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. One of several animated biopics about to segue from the festival circuit to the big screen, Josep is a slim but engaging tribute to the legacy of Spanish artist Josep Bartoli (1910-95), a Catalonian republican whose Goya-esque drawings of his time in French concentration camps inspired the films Gallic helmer and art director Aurel (birth name Aurelien Froment), himself an acclaimed press illustrator and cartoonist. The film serves as a sharp reminder of the ignominious fate of some of the 500,000 Spanish refugees fleeing Francos anti-fascist forces in early 1939, and it also highlights the power of drawing to bear witness. Like the forthcoming Danish animated documentary Flee, Josep was a selection of the 2020 Cannes Film Festival forced to cancel because of the coronavirus. It went on to win Frances Cesar for best animated film and the European Film Award for best animated feature, as well as a slew of other festival prizes. Taking a humanist and, at times, gently humorous approach, screenwriter Jean-Louis Milesi (long-time screenwriter of Robert Guediguians films) tells the story of the courtly and charismatic Josep (voiced by Sergi Lopez) through the prism of his friendship with Serge (Bruno Solo), a fictional French gendarme new to work at the camp and repulsed by the cruelty of his peers. Milesi adds an additional, present-day, layer to the tale by having the aging, ailing Serge (Gerard Hernandez) recount his memories to his wannabe artist grandson Valentin (David Marsais), who unexpectedly finds himself hanging on the older mans every word while staring at the drawing Josep made of the death throes of his best friend. One of many anti-Franco fighters who sought refuge in France and found themselves locked behind barbed wire, brutally treated by their guards and left to die of hunger, cold and disease, Josep saves himself from going mad by sketching on whatever surface he can find. The sympathetic Serge notices his talent and smuggles him a pencil. But he cannot save Josep and his companeros from the worst predations of the inhumane French guards. As in Joseps drawings, Aurel chillingly depicts the main offender with ugly, porcine features. Since Josep is constantly sketching, it allows Aurel to bring a montage of Joseps works to the screen, animating some of them. Joseps sketches of the naked men forced to bathe in a freezing lake painfully contrast with Aurels depiction of the cozy gendarme HQ, where the guards bathe and shave as if in a civilized world. Also horrifying are the scenes of the famished internees making a meal out of whatever animal comes their way. After Serge slips Josep out of the camp one night so he can search for his missing fiancee, the Spanish artist escapes. As Serge tells it, they reunite in Mexico in 1943 where Josep is having an affair with Frida Kahlo (voiced by Silvia Perez Cruz). In a welcome bit of humor, Frida boasts a surprisingly frank and salty tongue. We see the astute observations she makes to Josep about his art come true as in his later life as he moves from black and white line drawings to abstract color paintings. Shot in CinemaScope using a 2D animation process, the films color scheme separates and defines the five distinct eras depicted. The animation, like Joseps drawings, makes events instantly clear to the viewer. The strong subject matter as well as the eponymous subjects storied life makes one wish for a longer running time than 72 minutes. Reviewed online, October 20, 2021. (In Cannes, Annecy, Animation Is Film festivals.) Running time: 72 MIN. Running Time: Running time: 72 MIN. Production (France-Spain-Belgium) A Distrib Films US release of a Les Films dIci Mediterranee production, in co-production with Imagic Telecom, France 3 Cinema, Les Films du Poisson Rouge, Lunanime, Promenons nous dans les bois, Tchack, Les Fees Speciales, In effecto, Les Films dIci, Upside Films, in association with Palatine Etoile 16, with the support of La Region Occitanie, Le Memorial du Camp de Rivesaltes, Le Centre National du Cinema et de lImage animee, La PROCIREP and lANGOA, La Region Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Le Departement de la Charente, La Region Grand-Est, La SACEM, La SOFICA, The Belgian Federal Government tax shelter, Belga Productions, Luminvest. (World sales: The Party Film Sales, Paris.) Producer: Serge Lalou. Co-producers: Jordi B. Oliva, Catherine Esteves, Annemie Degryse, Etienne Jaxel-Truer, Matthieu Liegeois, Eric Serre, Flavia Perez, Sophie Marron, Raul Carbo Perea, Tim Martin. Crew Director: Aurel. Screenwriter: Jean-Louis Milesi. Technical director: Frederik Chaillou. Editor: Thomas Belair. Music: Silvia Perez Cruz. With Sergi Lopez, Valerie Lemercier, David Marsais, Gerard Hernandez, Bruno Solo, Silvia Perez Cruz, Francois Morel, Alain Cauchi, Sophia Aram. (French, Catalan, Spanish, English dialogue) Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Teemu Nikkis Venice and Antalya winner The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic won the Golden Star for best film at the 5th El Gouna Film Festival in Egypt, which wrapped Friday. The award carries a cash prize of $50,000. The films lead Petri Poikolainen won best actor, while Maya Vanderbeque, the young star of Playground, won best actress. Egyptian filmmaker Omar El Zohairys Cannes winner Feathers, which also won the Variety award at El Gouna earlier, won the prize for best Arab narrative film. Directors Aleksey Chupov and Natasha Merkulovas Captain Volkonogov Escaped won the Netpac award and Bronze Star in the narrative category. Michel Francos Sundown won silver in the narrative competition, while Aditya Vikram Senguptas Once Upon a Time in Calcutta earned a special mention from Netpac. Mounia Akls Costa Brava, Lebanon won the FIPRESCI award and the Green Star award for tackling environmental issues. Directors Svetlana Rodina and Laurent Stoops Ostrov Lost Island won the Cinema for Humanity audience award and the Silver Star for documentary film. The Golden Star in the feature documentary competition was won by Renato Borrayo Serranos Life of Ivanna. Andrey Natotsinskys Katia won the Golden Star for best short, while Ahmed Abdelsalams Cai-Ber won best Arab short. Ali El Arabis Captains of Zaatari won best best Arab documentary film. The highlight of the ceremony, held at the Festival Plaza, which caught fire on the eve of the festival, was when festival patron Samih Sawiris invited firefighters and behind the scenes staff who worked overnight to make the opening ceremony a reality onto the stage. They received a standing ovation. The career achievement award for iconic Palestinian actor Mohammad Bakri was received in his absence by a representative. Bakri had decided not to attend following the deportation of his compatriot Said Zagha. After the awards, winners, nominees and festival guests, numbering over a 1,000, partied into the night. For many, the main topic of discussion was which destination would be their next stop on the fall festival calendar. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. WESTLAKE, Texas (AP) Anna Salton Eisen found the old pictures wallet-size, black-and-white images of Jewish prisoners who survived the Holocaust in a folder her late father, George Lucius Salton, kept most of his life. The Texas woman recognized the names of some of the teens and young men from stories her father told. For three years, the baby-faced captives lived among the dead and dying in barracks and boxcars as Nazi captors moved them from Poland to France to Germany. The skeletal friends said a tearful Kaddish a Jewish prayer of mourning after learning their parents had died in the gas chambers. But suddenly, the familiar names had faces. Seeing the faces of all of them really brought the story to life, said Eisen, who discovered the photos while moving her mother, Ruth Salton, 99, from Florida to the Dallas area this past summer. Eisen, 62, said she felt compelled to learn more about the confidants who had meant so much to her father, who died at age 88 in 2016. George Salton was 17 when the U.S. Army liberated the Wobbelin concentration camp in Germany on May 2, 1945. Over the next few years, the survivors scattered around the world. Most lost touch with each other. But 76 years after American soldiers cut down the barbed wire and fulfilled the prisoners impossible dream of freedom, Eisen set out to bring together the survivors loved ones. As Eisen began her research, she relied on names written in pencil on the picture backs or mentioned repeatedly in Saltons 2002 book, The 23rd Psalm: A Holocaust Memorial. As she combed through Nazi-era data, official documents, concentration camp lists and postwar records stored online through the Arolsen Archives at the International Center on Nazi Persecution in Germany, Eisen verified survivors names and dates of birth. Through Ancestry.com, she explored passenger lists of ships that took Holocaust survivors to other countries, Social Security cards documenting name changes, and obituaries and family trees. Some assumed new identities as they made fresh starts after the war. Eisens father was born as Lucek Salzman in the town of Tyczyn, Poland. But after the dangers he had faced, he chose a less Jewish-sounding name upon arrival in New York in 1947. Google and Facebook searches led Eisen to the children and grandchildren of her fathers friends, most of whom never knew until now the full story of what their loved ones experienced. Todd Nussen, a high school history teacher in Oceanside, New York, reacted with shock and excitement when Eisen texted him in late July to ask about his namesake grandfather, Tobias Nussen, who died at age 52 in 1973. Now I have details. Now I have facts, the 40-year-old educator said. ___ As a result of Eisens research, family members of eight Holocaust survivors met for the first time on a recent Sunday. Some exchanged hugs and tears in person at a New Jersey hotel suite. Others connected via Zoom from Israel, Sweden and Texas. It just gave me the chills, Bobbie Ziff, 67, a resident of Jackson, New Jersey, said of the emotional gathering, which came together less than four months after the photos discovery. Ziff is the daughter of Tobias Nussen and the aunt of Todd Nussen. Her father built a new life in America and owned a luncheonette in Brooklyn, New York, Ziff said. He never talked about the Holocaust, but he often had nightmares and screamed in his sleep. Eisen sent Ziff a copy of Tobias Nussens photo as well as his name in a tiny diary that belonged to Salton. It was just crazy, crazy, Ziff said. My only regret is that this didnt happen while her father (Salton) was alive. I would have wished to speak to him. Pictured in another of the photos that Eisen found: Motek Hoffstetter. His daughter Aviva Findler, a retired high school teacher who lives in Tel Aviv, Israel, said her father, like many other survivors, refused to talk about the Holocaust. During the meeting, I found out he was very respected by his friends, which made me really proud and sad, Findler said. Seeing all of us on Zoom made me wonder once more about the power of life that enabled our fathers to start families and life after all the losses they suffered and what they witnessed. Likewise, Anna Schlachet, 69, a doctor in Stockholm, said her father, Moses Ziment, spoke little about his Holocaust experience. However, he did tell her that the rest of the family was gassed to death. Sitting in a Zoom meeting with people I did not even know existed before, and at the same time understanding that we largely shared the same history, was a very strange and unreal experience, Schlachet said. Another of the survivors, Emil Ringel, also moved to the United States. Ringel and his wife, Clara, introduced Salton Eisens father to his future wife, Ruth, whose own Jewish family had fled Poland and labored in work camps in Siberia during World War II. Ringel died at age 52 in 1979. Daughter Barbara Ringel, of Queens, New York, relished meeting the children and grandchildren of her fathers friends. That strength of spirit, that courage, that resilience, that ability to really try to push each other to survive that was what characterized all of our dads, Barbara Ringel said. ___ For much of his life, Eisens own father believed in keeping the past in the past. He preferred to focus on living the American dream. Fellow survivors did the same, not wanting to dwell on their rotten teeth or explain why they refused to waste even a single piece of bread. Its a wound, Ruth Salton said of what she and her husband of 63 years experienced growing up. We didnt want any of our kids to carry the stuff that we lived through. We thought, It will hurt them. We want them to be happy. George Salton proudly served in the same U.S. Army that had rescued him. He earned degrees in physics and electrical engineering. He worked in a high-level role at the Pentagon and held an executive position in the aerospace industry. But eventually, his three children especially Eisen, named after a grandmother she never knew demanded answers about his childhood. That led to George, Ruth and the three adult children traveling to Poland in 1998 to visit old concentration camps and ghettos, the remnants of synagogues and cemeteries throughout the central European country. With Eisens help, Salton recounted the details of his familys Holocaust experience in his 2002 memoir. Every day blended with the next, filled with hunger, sleepless nights, hard labor and the constant threat of beatings, selections, and executions, he wrote. The book and the New Jersey gathering helped Miriam Kershner, daughter of Holocaust survivor Moses Tuchman, understand her father in a way she never had, she said. We all felt so connected by our parents, and we all knew that our parents survived because of each other, said the retired teacher, 65, who lives in Marlboro, New Jersey. I felt like I knew her all my life, Kershner said of meeting Eisen. Were sisters from another mother. Matter of fact, were going to get together again. ___ For her part, Eisen is writing a book of her own, Pillar of Salt: A Daughters Life in the Shadow of the Holocaust, which is due out next April. She is cooperating with a filmmaker, Jacob Wise, on a documentary based on her fathers experience and its impact on the second generation. Eisen, a member of Congregation Beth Israel, a Reform Jewish community in Colleyville, Texas, said the book title reflects her faith. I felt compelled to look back even though I was warned not to, she said, referencing the biblical account of Lots wife turning into a pillar of salt. I knew I risked being changed, but I had to face the past for the sake of my father. It was not easy for me to bring these other families the truth. It was painful. But it was their story, and it belonged to them. Its important, she believes, for the younger generations to keep the reality of the Holocaust alive. Aaron Eisen, Annas 30-year-old son and co-author of Pillar of Salt, voiced pride in his mothers efforts. My grandfather, when he would give speeches, would say that the Holocaust was incomprehensible, that we cant comprehend how this happened, said Aaron Eisen, who attended the New Jersey gathering. But I think over time we are beginning to comprehend, and what my mother is talking about, is that theres still so much to learn. With the technology and the archives, theres still so many more lessons. As Ruth Salton approaches her 100th birthday, even she now understands the importance of telling the story, she said. That is the only way to carry on, she said. Im so happy that the children are interested. The children want to tell the story, and the children can now live and feel what we did feel all our lives. ___ Not all of Anna Eisens research had a happy ending. One of the pictures showed a young man named Izok Rypp. Izok Yiddish for Isaac survived 10 concentration camps with George Salton and the others, apparently the only member of his family to escape the gas chambers as Nazi Germany systematically killed 6 million European Jews. But he never made it out of a displaced persons camp in Germany after the prisoners liberation. He died at age 19 in July 1947, according to a death certificate. No cause of death was given. He was the same age as Eisens father. He never had a chance to have a life or a family, Eisen said. But his picture and his story in my fathers book have preserved his memory and his story. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through The Conversation U.S. The AP is solely responsible for this content. The beginning of the school year when you got to show off your new duds, new cars, new looks! Sports! Playing, cheering, watching high school athletics. The arts: Dramatic arts, musical groups and shows, graphic arts groups, debate, etc. The prom! No dancing the night away or punch bowl antics. The daily interactions. Just being with the group, hanging with friends and classmates. Access to college recruiters and advisors its harder to line up higher education. Walking onstage to get a diploma while all the family is watching with everyone elses family. Vote View Results A group of childhood school friends have gathered in a bid to help brave Longford woman Laura Gilmore Anderson, in her ongoing battle against a rare and incurable form of cancer. The 34-year-old is courageously fighting stage 4 Neuroendocrine (NETs) cancer, a condition which has left her with tumours in her pancreas and stomach, lesions on her pelvis and liver as well as painful lymph nodes all over her body. The Leader spoke at length to Laura in April where the former Scoil Mhuire student revealed her condition went undiagnosed for three years. A Go Fund me page set up earlier this year raised over 70,000 as part of her bid to attend a special cancer clinic in Mexico. However, due to the complexity of Lauras condition she will need ongoing specialised treatment and a trip back to the Hope4Cancer clinic for follow up appointments, all which are extremely expensive. The tenacious daughter of Brendan and Ann Gilmore, who now resides in Scotland, is presently researching other avenues including immunotherapy drugs in America to help aid her treatment. Those potential alternatives are rumoured to cost in excess of 100,000 and which are not currently available under Britain's National Health Service (NHS). In a bid to make those aspirations a reality, a group of Laura's closest friends have rallied together by engineering a major online fundraiser. The more you look the more you realise that research takes time, said Laura. I just hope I have the time so I can connect to the right people to find the help I need. The aptly dubbed Raffle in Aid of Laura Gilmore Anderson' takes place on Sunday November 14 at 4pm. Three lucky winners will each win a range of prizes, some of which include One4All vouchers, a Fitbit Versa 3, a range of hair, beauty, fashion, and dining vouchers plus many more. Additional bonus prizes have been added since the raffle launched which include a flight lesson, home interior and other fantastic vouchers. Tickets are priced at 10 and can be purchased by clicking the link: https://www.idonate. ie/raffle/lauragilmoreanderson or by googling 'Raffle in aid of Laura Gilmore Anderson'. You can also secure updates concerning the raffle through Instagram when following the page 'lauragilmoreandersonraffle'. 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!) Its almost Halloween and people of all ages, all over the world are scrambling to get their costumes made for the big event. This year the red and green uniforms from the Netflix hit series, The Squid Game are the top choice. The success of the South Korean tv series has also breathed new life into the countrys rag trade, which was in decline even before the pandemic, with higher wage levels making it difficult to compete with China, Vietnam or Indonesia. 70% of the 2,144 companies in the Seongbuk district of Seoul are garment companies, said Seoul Textile Sewing Association President Oh Byung-yeol. At Kim Jin-ja's 500 m2 garment factory in Seongbuk, sewing machines are clattering at full pace all day long, in a bid to fulfil demand. "October is usually a slow month for the sewing industry, but thanks to 'The Squid Game' and Halloween, we are working at full pace, sewing 6,000 green suits for boys and girls, he said. It's a bit of a relief for Kim who says annual sales fell by two thirds during the pandemic. Most of his orders came from Japan, but travel restrictions forced him to close in August and September. "The last two years have been very tough for domestic fashion companies, but The Squid Game' has become a global sensation and thats brought an avalanche of orders, says Seongbuk Mayor, Lee Seung-ro. Kim is confident that orders will still be pouring in way beyond Halloween and hes really looking forward to exporting thousands of garments with 'Made in Korea' labels to outlets all over the world. Malibu, CA (90265) Today Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low near 50F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low near 50F. Winds light and variable. Mankato, MN (56001) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 30F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 30F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. 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 Its a difficult time to be a star kid, or at least thats what it seems like going by the investigations being carried out by the NCB. What had started off as an alleged drug bust with Aryan Khan in the eye of the storm has now expanded its reach to bring in other popular names in the industry as well. Bollywood starlet Ananya Panday was reportedly lambasted by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) zonal director Sameer Wankhede for turning up late when summoned by the agency. BCCL Ananya had been called in by the NCB for questioning as they look to build a case against Shah Rukh Khans son Aryan Khan regarding his alleged role in the Drug Cruise case. The Student Of The Year 2 actress was expected to appear at 11 am, however it seems that she may have been late for that appointment. The NCB had asked Ananya Panday to present herself for the second round of investigations on Friday, but the actress managed to reach only by 2 pm. It has been reported that NCB zonal director, Sameer Wankhede, may have come down hard on the young actress due to her laxness. A leading national daily reported that the man-in-charge reprimanded Ananya reminding her that the NCB was not a production house but an office of central agency. BCCL It seems like Ananyas ordeal isnt anywhere close to being over yet, as she has to present herself before the NCB for a third round of questioning on Monday, October 25. The further probing comes as a result of the NCB officials inability to find valid evidence to substantiate their tall claims on an international drug syndicate being involved in this case. Ashok Mutha Jain, NCB Deputy Director General (DDG) told the media, "She has been called again on Monday morning for questioning. The further procedure will take place." Furthermore, when asked if there had been further developments in the case regarding the numbers of drug suppliers used by Aryan Khan, the NCB DDG replied, "I have no such info as of now." Ananya had been summoned by the NCB on Thursday for scrutiny, however, the actress denied allegations of supplying and consuming drugs. Do you think theres actually an international drug nexus behind the entire case or are the proceedings perhaps a distraction? Do let us know in the comments! In a tragic turn of events, a prop gun fired by US Actor Alec Baldwin ended up killing the cinematographer on the film set of the project he was working on. US law enforcement officers disclosed that the incident happened on the sets of Rust, which was being shot in New Mexico. The Hollywood veteran was to be playing the lead role in the 19th-century based western. No charges have been filed yet as the case is still under investigation. According to Reuters, Alec Baldwin had been handed the prop to shoot with, since production had cleared it to be a safe cold gun. However, the decoy ended up containing live rounds when it was fired. The rounds hit cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in the chest, and director Joel Souza, who was behind her, in the shoulder. Hutchins succumbed to her injuries whereas Souza has been declared out of danger, and released from a local hospital. Instagram/ Kangana Ranaut Reacting to the incident, Bollywood starlet Kangana Ranaut took to social media. On her Instagram stories, the Queen actress shared a post that said, This is so horrible!! Note for all the people working in films, dealing with various stunts, weapons, and explosives your mistakes can cause (cost) someone their life tragic. Instagram/ Kagnana Ranaut Kangana penned another note on her Instagram stories, discussing how she too had faced near-death experiences while on film sets. The actress said, Today two people were shot on a film set one of them died immediately... like other leading actors, I too have had many accidents while filming stunts ... some of them were near-death experiences and mostly it was someone else's carelessness ... many stuntmen and occasionally actors die on film sets every year... This is so wrong ... in Indian films action protocols prep and execution is even more primitive ... Hope our film bodies look into it and prevent such mishaps 1- There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and AlecBaldwin(HABF) (@AlecBaldwin) October 22, 2021 Actor Alec Baldwin broke his silence and described the mishap as a tragic accident on Twitter, There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother, and deeply admired colleague of ours. I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna." As viewers, cinema has the ability to enrich our minds. But it shouldnt be made at the expense of someones life. Accidents happen, and theyre unavoidable. But this incident sheds light on the ways negligence can lead to irreversible conditions. We hope that all stakeholders in film industries across the world take measures to ensure such tragic incidents arent repeated. 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. Click here to log in and see all of our other subscription options for the Mesabi Tribune, including online only & auto-renewal subscriptions. Miami, FL (33127) Today Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 73F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low 73F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Additional sites planned for City of Benton Harbor water distribution Additional sites planned for City of Benton Harbor water distribution FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 22, 2021 CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112 LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) worked closely with the Berrien County Health Department and many local community partners to provide additional bottled water over the last few days until service was fully restored after the recent water main break. "I was both amazed and humbled by our community," said Debbie Ramirez, director of volunteer engagement for United Way of Southwest Michigan. "We put the call out for volunteers late on Wednesday night for a really early morning on Thursday. The response was incredible. Just as incredible were the folks who drove by the high school, saw what was going on and stopped to help. Regardless of where they lived, what they do every day or what plans they had for the day, the residents of Benton Harbor and the surrounding community heeded the call and came with servant hearts to help. "One community resident unexpectedly joined the volunteers at the Southwest Community Action Agency warehouse to load cases of water into other vehicles," said Ashley Slack, operations manager for the agency. "She said she was so grateful for those who were willing to share their time and energy during the early hours of Thursday and she wanted to do her part as well. She stayed for about 45 minutes before saying goodbye because she was on her way in to work." Free bottled water is being provided by the state as residents are being encouraged to use bottled water for cooking, drinking, brushing teeth, rinsing foods and mixing powdered infant formula. This action is part of an accelerated, across-the-board effort to reduce the risk of exposure to lead in drinking water while the city replaces all lead service lines. This collaborative effort includes the City of Benton Harbor, the Berrien County Health Department, local community organizations, MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Home delivery started Efforts to support homebound residents and those without transportation began this week. Today the Berrien County Health Department and Mario Morrow & Associates community partners from Mosaic Christian Community Development Association and Greater Community Christin Fellowship Church delivered 1,167 cases of water to 212 homes. This was for Benton Harbor residents who are homebound or had no access to transportation to pick up water. To arrange water delivery to homebound or residents without transportation in the city of Benton Harbor, residents can contact 211, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week Updated water distribution sites MDHHS was made aware at the last minute that God's Household of Faith canceled its commitment to distribute water this afternoon. Bottled water was delivered to the site and was ready to be distributed. MDHHS realizes the people of Benton Harbor have been through a lot and regret that they were inconvenienced. MDHHS and the Boys and Girls Club are sponsoring an event tomorrow and will have additional water for pickup. Saturday, Oct. 23 Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor, 600 Nate Wells Sr. Drive, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Please be aware that the Harbor of Hope Seventh-Day Adventist Church previously publicized from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23, was mistakenly identified as a distribution site. No water is being distributed there on Saturday. Sunday, Oct. 24 Abundant Life Church of God, 693 Columbus Ave., 3-5 p.m. Brotherhood of All Nations, 1286 Monroe St., 4-6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25 Southwest Community Action Agency, 331 Miller St., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Self-service) Abundant Life Church of God, 693 Columbus Ave., noon-2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26 Southwest Community Action Agency, 331 Miller St., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Self-service) Abundant Life Church of God, 693 Columbus Ave., noon-2 p.m. Ebenezer Baptist Church, 214 E. Britain Ave., 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27 Southwest Community Action Agency, 331 Miller St., 1-3 p.m. Additional dates and locations for bottled water pick up will be added to make sure community needs are met. Information will be posted on Michigan.gov/MiLeadSafe. Mailer to hit homes next week MDHHS is mailing all residents a flyer that provides them with resources to protect their families. Residents can expect to receive the flyer as early as next week - and it is also available on the Benton Harbor water website. The flyer is part of the state's accelerated, across-the-board effort to reduce the risk of exposure to lead in drinking water while the city replaces all lead service lines. It explains when tap water can be used and when bottled water should be used. It also provides resources for free bottled water distribution, food assistance and other assistance programs. One side of the mailing is in English and the other is in Spanish. MDHHS is engaging in a long-term effort to eliminate lead action level exceedances, educate communities on the effects of lead in drinking water, and remove lead service lines. This collaborative effort includes the City of Benton Harbor, the Berrien County Health Department, local community organizations, MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. For questions about lead, MDHHS can be reached at 866-691-5323 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. # # # Governor Whitmer Celebrates Michigan Winning Economic Development Award Governor Whitmer Celebrates Michigan Winning Economic Development Award FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 21, 2021 Contact: Press@Michigan.gov Governor Whitmer Celebrates Michigan Winning Economic Development Award $1 million federal grant will build on state's economic momentum, helping to create more good-paying jobs and uplift small businesses and communities LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated the State of Michigan winning a $1 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA). The funds will flow into the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF), where they can be deployed to tackle a wide range of economic challenges faced by communities, from infrastructure, job training, small business support, and more. "Today's grant will build on the bipartisan budget I signed and the MI New Economy plan I proposed to put Michiganders first and uplift families, communities, and small businesses," said Governor Whitmer. "I am laser-focused on tackling the big, structural economic challenges we face and will work with anyone to drive down costs for families, put more people on a path to prosperity, and invest in critical infrastructure. Together, we can usher in a new era of prosperity for our state while continuing to deliver on the kitchen-table fundamental issues." Budget Last month, the governor signed the Fiscal Year 2022 budget bill that delivers more resources to state police to help them hire more troopers and expand and improve training. The latest budget also invests in 911 system upgrades and delivers on the kitchen-table fundamental issues that make our communities stronger: putting 167,000 Michiganders on a tuition-free path to higher-education or skills training, expanding low or no-cost childcare to 105,000 kids, repairing or replacing 100 bridges while creating 2,500 jobs, and more. Earlier this year, Governor Whitmer and legislature worked together to put Michigan students first and passed the largest significant education investment in state history, closing the funding gap between schools in Michigan and including a historic amount of resources for schools to hire more nurses, counselors, and social workers. Early investments in mental and social health help reduce crime in the long run. MI New Economy At the Mackinac Policy Conference, the governor laid out her $2.1 billion MI New Economy plan to grow Michigan's middle class, support small businesses and invest in communities. The plan recognizes a strong economy isn't only about creating jobs but requires a focus on our state's people and communities as well. That's why MI New Economy has three pillars, each of which has specific and ambitious goals that will help state officials track progress on efforts to build a stronger and more resilient Michigan. Pillar 1: Grow the Middle Class - No economic vision for the state can be complete if it doesn't focus on eliminating poverty and lifting families into the middle class. MI New Economy would expand Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners to put more people on a tuition-free path to a good-paying, grow the Going Pro credential program to address the skills gap, and strengthen the college to industry pipeline. The goal is to lift 100,000 families out of working poverty and meet Michigan's Sixty by 30 goal to have 60% of adults earn a postsecondary credential by 2030. Pillar 2: Support Small Business - To supplement the great economic development work our state already does, Michigan needs a focus on creating and growing more Main Street businesses. MI New Economy would enact the Michigan Mainstreet Initiative to give grants to our smallest businesses and entrepreneurs, invest in start-ups and electric vehicles, and help employers in emerging industries attract and retain talent. The goal is to become a top 10 state for small business job growth, household income growth, and venture capital funding over the next five years. Pillar 3: Build Strong Communities - Michigan's residents deserve to live in vibrant communities with the kinds of services and amenities associated with a high standard of living. MI New Economy would build affordable housing units, rehabilitate vacant buildings, redevelop brownfield sites, and dedicate resources to create more energy-efficient homes. The goal is to build 75,000 new or rehabilitated housing units and have 100% access to high-speed internet in the next five years. ### Governor Whitmer Statement on Conversations with the White House on Issues Critical to Michigan Governor Whitmer Statement on Conversations with the White House on Issues Critical to Michigan FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 2021 Contact: press@michigan.gov Governor Whitmer Statement on Conversations with the White House on Issues Critical to Michigan Discussions centered on economic development and infrastructure, with an emphasis on lead service line replacement and the global chip shortage LANSING, Mich.-Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement after high-level conversations with key decisionmakers in Washington, DC on Michigan's priorities. "This week, I had an opportunity to meet with national leaders to advance Michigan's priorities. Our conversations centered on growing the economy, creating good-paying jobs, and building up our roads, bridges, and water infrastructure. We drilled down on two issues that are critical to Michigan's families, communities, and small businesses right now: lead service lines and the chip crisis impacting our auto industry. "Communities across the country and in Michigan have been facing elevated lead levels in their drinking water. We have a duty to ensure safe drinking water for all families. That's why I launched the MI Clean Water plan to support 7,500 good-paying jobs and address high water rates, lead service lines, toxic contaminants like PFAS, sewers that can't meet demand, and failing septic systems. We need to work together to replace 100% of lead service lines in every community. I am grateful to the Biden administration for making infrastructure, including lead service line replacement, a priority, and I look forward to using the federal funds we are expected to receive to repair our roads, fix crumbling bridges, expand broadband, and protect access to safe drinking water. "During my conversations, I also touched on the global semiconductor shortage impacting our automotive industry and other businesses in the clean energy and consumer technology sectors. In Michigan, our auto industry production chain is the envy of the world and supports tens of thousands of jobs. We need to continue going to bat for Michigan's workers and ensure our manufacturers have the resources they need to continue innovating and building the future. Michigan put the world on wheels, and we need to do everything we can to address the chip shortage and maintain our competitive edge. "I was grateful to speak with national leaders as we all stay focused on growing the economy and ushering in a new era of prosperity for our state and country." ### Richard Shotwell/Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP MILAN (AP) Harrison Ford lost his credit card during a stay in a beach town near Palermo, Sicily, but got it back thanks to a German tourist, police in Sicily said Saturday. The tourist found a credit card with Fords name emblazoned on it Thursday, and turned it in to the local police station in the beach town of Mondello. Officers tracked the actor down and returned the card, police said. It wasnt clear if the actor was aware that the card had been missing. DEAR ABBY: My mom and I have always been close, but since I got married, I have been having a hard time setting boundaries. My parents divorced when I was 12, and Mom went through a string of boyfriends -- including an abusive one. She hasn't dated anyone seriously in the last five years. My father is a pilot. While I was growing up, it was mostly Mom who raised me. It was the two of us against the world, until I met my husband, "Eric." We started dating four years ago and were married last summer. Eric knows Mom and I have always considered ourselves to be each other's best friend. He also knows we have taken many trips together. It's a tradition Mom was hoping we'd continue after my wedding. She has recently begun discussing a vacation, and Eric wants to tag along. She, however, wants it to be a "just us girls" trip. I'm not sure how to handle this. Mom and Eric are the most important people in my life. Must I really choose between one or the other? Who comes first? And how do I break the news to whoever comes second? -- TORN IN ILLINOIS DEAR TORN: You are a newlywed, married only a short time. For your mother to expect you to leave your husband and vacation with her at this point is insensitive and unrealistic. When people marry, their spouse is supposed to take precedence. Tell your mother you would love to take girls trips with her in the future, but not during the first year of your marriage. DEAR ABBY: Can you help to illuminate people on what is proper etiquette after the passing of a loved one? We recently had a death in our family. As we were trying to say our goodbyes and get in touch with immediate family, the word got out. Within an hour of the passing, the news was all over social media. We barely had time to react, let alone inform all our family members. Many of them learned about it from these posts. Imagine finding out a loved one passed away from a non-family member's social media posting. It made an already painful situation even more so. People were hurt that they weren't informed before it was plastered all over the internet. Could you ALSO point out that if you are the person who made the post from which someone found out about the death of a family member, rather than get defensive and say, "I'm not the only one who posted it!" or, "I wasn't the first to say something," just kindly offer your condolences and maybe an apology. -- MOURNING IN MICHIGAN DEAR MOURNING: Please accept my sympathy for your loss. I am sure that feelings are raw because people are hurting, but please realize that because of social media, news travels like wildfire. For a friend to be told and then to post the sad news wouldn't be unusual these days. However, to head something like that off before it happened, the person who spilled the beans should have asked the friend to keep the news private until all family members were personally informed. That said, since there were hurt feelings, apologies are in order. Revelation weakens divorced mom's version of history DEAR ABBY: I recently attended a funeral with my mother's family. While I was visiting, one of my aunts confided that my mother cheated on my father while they were married. I'm sure my father has no idea about the affair. My parents' divorce was extremely ugly. My mother told us many things about our father that I now know are lies -- among them, that he had fathered other children, was a pedophile and had hidden bank accounts full of money in other countries. Because of her lies, my siblings idolize our mother and loathe him. I think I could change their minds if I told them about her affair. I know the man she had the affair with and could prove what I'm saying. I hate hearing my siblings drag Dad's name through the mud for things he never did, knowing my mother continues to manipulate their emotions and opinions. Should I tell my siblings about her affair? -- OPEN-EYED DAUGHTER DEAR OPEN-EYED: Before I answer your question, ask yourself why your aunt confided that information to you. Were her motives pure, or does she dislike her sister? You say your father has no idea that your mother may have cheated, yet you recognize that their divorce was "extremely ugly." Could infidelity have had anything to do with it, and if so, whose? You also stated that your mother has spent years accusing your father of things he never did. The term for that is "parental alienation." Manipulating children like that is unhealthy because it gives them a skewed vision of what to expect from their own relationships. You say you can prove what your aunt told you is true. To that I can only ask, HOW? Has it been confirmed by your mother's supposed lover? If it has been confirmed, I see no reason why you shouldn't disclose to your siblings what you were told. But unless you are 100 percent certain that it is true, my advice is to keep your mouth shut and let your AUNT be the one who delivers the news. DEAR ABBY: I know you have had this happen: You meet a new person (usually a woman), extend your hand to shake hello, only to have your hand pushed aside with "Oh, I'm a hugger," and you are latched onto by this total stranger. Shoe on the other foot: Lady approaches me, extends her hand to shake, I push it aside, saying, "I'm a French kisser" -- slurrrp, or "I'm a groper" -- squeeze. Really, what makes people think everybody wants to be hugged? They may think it's sweet; I think it is invasive. Hands over hugs any day, please! -- HUGLESS AND HAPPY IN FLORIDA DEAR H.A.H.: You make a good point, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why I'm printing your letter. Because this happens to you regularly, you may have to be nimble. Try this: As the huggers hurl themselves forward, take a giant step backward. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. VIENNA (AP) Unvaccinated people in Austria could face new lockdown restrictions if coronavirus case numbers continue to rise, Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg said. The news came after a Friday evening meeting between Schallenberg and state-level leaders to discuss their response to rapidly increasing case numbers. The pandemic is not yet in the rearview mirror, Schallenberg said. We are about to stumble into a pandemic of the unvaccinated. Schallenberg announced that if the number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care units reaches 500, or 25% of the country's total ICU capacity, entry into businesses such as restaurants and hotels will be limited to those who are vaccinated or recovered from the virus. If the number reaches 600, or one-third of total ICU capacity, the government plans to impose restrictions on unvaccinated people. In this case, they would only be allowed to leave their homes for specific reasons. Currently, the number of COVID-19 patients in ICUs stands at 220. In the past week, Austria has reported 20,408 new cases of the virus, according to health authorities, bringing the seven-day average to 228.5 per 100,000 inhabitants. A week earlier, that figure was at 152.5 per 100,000 inhabitants. Although Austria's government has encouraged citizens to get vaccinated, the effort has slowed in recent months. About 65.4% of the total population has received one dose of the vaccine, and 62.2% are fully vaccinated. ___ Follow APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) Pakistan's security forces say they killed 16 militants in separate shootouts during raids against extremists and separatists on Saturday, with two soldiers killed in the process. One raid was conducted in the Mastung area of Baluchistan province, the provincial counterterrorism department said in a statement. Earlier in the week, a bomb attack killed a police officer and wounded 19 others in the same area. The statement said militants opened fire on police triggering a gun battle that left nine terrorists dead. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack but the bombing earlier in the week was claimed by the Pakistani Taliban. The statement said the raid also yielded nine Kalashnikov assault rifles, explosives and rocket-propelled grenades. In the evening, security forces say they killed six separatists in another raid in the Harnai district of Baluchistan. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to release the information. Earlier in the northwest, two soldiers and a militant were killed in an exchange of fire during a separate raid, according to a military statement. That raid took place Friday in Miran Shah, the main town of the North Waziristan tribal district bordering Afghanistan. The military statement said weapons and ammunition were seized during the raid. Pakistan and Afghanistan share a 2,400-kilometer (1,500-mile) internationally recognized border known as the Durand Line, which was drawn in the 19th century when the British dominated South Asia. Kabul has never recognized the boundary. Before the Taliban came back into power in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan often accused each other of turning a blind eye to militants operating along the porous frontier. The Taliban's return to power in August apparently emboldened Islamic militants in Pakistan, where attacks on security forces have increased in recent weeks. LILLY, Pa. (AP) With a swoosh of a net, a flick of the wrist and a little bit of luck, St. Francis University biology professor Lane Loya snagged another dragonfly from a reed during a recent trip into the field for his research. For the past decade, hes been studying wetlands in the region to track dragonflies and damselflies in the area. One site just outside of Lilly Borough off Reservoir Road, containing acid mine drainage remediation ponds, has provided great results. When we study this site, we get tremendous diversity, Loya said. He believes thats because the ponds, which clean up drainage from an abandoned clay mine, dont have any fish, are surrounded by trees for shelter and provide a variety of microhabitats that may provide a good match for more specialist odonate species. Odonate refers to the scientific order that includes dragonflies and damselflies. Loya usually visits the site a few times per semester, with several nets, identification book and sampling gear in tow, and brings students along to try their hand at catching the flying insects. One recent day, he was able to snag several specimens in just a few hours, including a shadow darner, a Canada darner and an autumn meadowhawk an insect that can resist cold temperatures much better than others. Thats just a puzzle of nature we havent figured out, he said. Swing and hope Loya also netted a male damselfly species that he said was never reported before in Cambria County either a southern spreadwing or a sweetflag spreadwing. More research needs to be done to determine which one it was because the two are nearly identical. Loya plans to return to the field to catch another male of the species, as well as a female, to help in identifying the insect. You sit and wait sometimes and close your eyes and swing and hope you get lucky, he said. The professors findings from the study he did with students at the Lilly AMD ponds were published in the 2014 article Odonate Diversity at an Acid Mine Drainage Remediation Site in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. The research showed that AMD remediation sites can have a positive effect on biological diversity. While investigating this spot, the group documented 45 species 11 of which were new to Cambria and 12 that had not been observed anywhere else in the county. Additionally, 10 of the species located there were listed as of note because they were reported as less than secure at that time. One of those was the comet darner, which is one of the most imperiled species in the state and Loyas favorite because of its size and its green and orange coloration. The only other place where that species was recorded in the county was at another AMD passive treatment site. Growing species list There are now nearly 100 known odonate species in the region. Cambria County has 74; Somerset, 80; Bedford, 70; and Blair, 46. Before Loya began his research, there were about 50 species recorded in Cambria. Across Pennsylvania, there are roughly 180 types of dragonflies and 6,000 around the world, Loya said. He said the insects located in ponds and lakes arent the same as the insects in streams and rivers. Loya said the main difference between dragonflies and damselflies is the body shape. Dragonflies are usually larger, broader and have nearly 360-degree vision because of the large eyes that connect on their heads. They also spread their wings out when they are idle. Damselflies are much smaller, fold their wings together when they are perched and have smaller, separated eyes on the sides of their heads. A lot of samples Loyas interest in the creatures began when he was an undergraduate student at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. A professor he had there, Dennis McNair, impacted Loyas fascination with the species, and the two performed research together. Loya pursued a career in ecology and zoology. The Bedford County native went on to get his masters degree from Penn State. He started teaching biology courses at St. Francis 20 years ago and introduced the studies on damselflies and dragonflies 10 years later. He has studied waterways across the region, including in Ashville and the Conemaugh River, Central City in Somerset County, and the stream on the Loretto campus where he and his students found a nymph of one of the rarest species in the state a tiger spiketail. That discovery led one of his students, Kate Zeller, to study the waterway to understand the presence of the insect. We took a lot of samples, she said. I think I identified hundreds of macro-invertebrates. That work began in spring of 2019 and ended last year, with Zeller unable to determine, for now, if the presence of the tiger spiketail increases diversity in headwaters where its found, despite several diversity index calculations and significance tests. Always learn something She has been performing research with Loya since she was a freshman and has enjoyed every part of it. Hes an amazing professor, Zeller said. He makes it so fun because hes so passionate. She described Loya as a super-helpful and very kind person whose thorough nature makes projects so much more exciting. When I first started, I had no idea what I was doing, she said, but when I was brought on to the project, he was very helpful (and) very welcoming. He just wanted to make sure I knew every detail about the project and why we were doing it. The native of Cincinnati, Ohio, is taking the professors invertebrate zoology class this semester and will be visiting the Lilly site soon. Loya said his favorite part of studying the waterways is passing the interest on to his students, just as his professor did for him. He also enjoys the continued education. Im never disappointed because I always learn something when Im out in the field, Loya said. ___ Online: https://bit.ly/3AaWzLO KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Ukraine's coronavirus infections and deaths reached all-time highs for a second straight day Friday, in a growing challenge for the country with one of Europe's lowest shares of vaccinated people. Ukrainian health authorities reported 23,785 new confirmed infections and 614 deaths in the past 24 hours. Authorities in the capital, Kyiv, shut schools for two weeks starting Friday, and similar measures were ordered in other areas with high contagion levels. Authorities have blamed surging infections on a sluggish pace of vaccination in the nation of 41 million. Ukrainians can freely choose between Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines, but only about 15% of the population is fully vaccinated, Europes lowest level after Armenia. Overall, the country has registered over 2.7 million infections and about 63,000 deaths. The steep rise in contagion has prompted the government to tighten restrictions. Starting Thursday, proof of vaccination or a negative test is required to board planes, trains and long-distance buses. In Rivne, 300 kilometers (190 miles) west of Kyiv, the city hospital is swamped with COVID-19 patients and doctors say the situation is worse than during the wave of infections early in the pandemic that severely strained the health system. The ... course of the disease is certainly more severe and more aggressive than last year. The patients have become younger, said Valentyn Koroliuk, head of the hospitals intensive-care unit. Unfortunately, those patients who are in our department are not vaccinated. Lilia Serdiuk, 61, is fighting COVID-19 and regretting that she did heed calls to get vaccinated. I didnt believe it, I didnt even want to watch the news, she told The Associated Press as she lay on her back in a narrow bed. This disease exists and it is very terrible. I wish all people would listen to the news and the recommendations of doctors. The hospital is near capacity and doctors worry the wave of patients will grow. What if there are even more patients? What if we dont have enough oxygen? This is constant stress, said doctor Tetiana Pasichnyk. A black market for counterfeit vaccination certificates has blossomed amid the restrictions, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy chaired a meeting earlier this week on ways of combating the illegal practice. Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky said police have opened 800 criminal cases concerning the use of such certificates, adding that the ministry deployed 100 mobile units to track down their holders, who would face severe punishment. He said that a former lawmaker, Nadiya Savchenko, produced a fake proof of vaccination as she returned to Ukraine Friday. Police said they suspect workers at 15 hospitals across the country of involvement in issuing false vaccination certificates. To encourage vaccination, authorities have started offering shots in shopping malls. As infections soared, skeptical attitudes began to change and a record number of more than 270,000 people received vaccines over the past 24 hours. ___ Evgeny Maloletka in Rivne, Ukraine, contributed. - Follow APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic Joshua Angrist suspects that his childhood in Shadyside in the 1960s and 70s wasnt like those of other people who have won the Nobel Prize MILFORD The pandemic was not all negative for students in the college application process, according to Milfords high school guidance counselors. In Milford, despite the class of 2021 graduating in a pandemic year and having to spend the final 18 months in uncertainty, a total of 1,496 acceptance letters were issued to MPS graduates. The pandemic is still impacting the college application process, Jennifer Dunnuck, director of school counseling at Jonathan Law High School, said. Students are still being provided the option for SATs being optional for many schools, and quite frankly, that might have long-standing effects. Schools are starting to consider and looking at freshman classes of students who are coming in who were SAT optional, and ordinarily they were not, and looking at their productivity and success as freshmen, Dunnuck said, adding that might be changing the face of how colleges are utilizing the SAT feature for college acceptances. Im super proud of them, Dunnuck said of the graduates. They had a tough end to their high school, and they stepped up in areas I think they needed to and I think it shows in a lot of their acceptances, and Im really hoping the things theyve learned in the pandemic serves them well in the future. According to MPS statistics, about 87 percent of the graduates entered a wide variety of 4-year, 2-year, career training or military programs this fall. Some 57 percent of students who enrolled in post-secondary educational programs decided to remain in the state. Others began their college experiences in different parts of the country and the world including, California, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania, with four students deciding to study abroad in Greece, Scotland and Canada. One MPS graduate was admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Student choices are made based on their specific fields of interest, and where that program is offered, Kathy Bonetti, MPS communication director, said. For some technical or career training program is exactly what they are looking for. As for going abroad, some students may be looking for a taste of absorbing the culture and experience of a place other than the U.S. Some may be thinking of working down the road internationally. A total of 117 MPS graduates were accepted into institutions considered to have challenging entrance requirements, with 48 ultimately enrolling in universities including Brown University, Dartmouth College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Yale University, Boston University, New York University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. To get into that upper echelon or super-selective schools, students have to start making that plan of classes and rigor of classes since freshman year, Jakob Rosengrant, director of school counseling at Joseph A. Foran High School, said. Some of those schools have specific requirements, and if youre only researching that by your junior year, then maybe it's too late to get into those requisite classes to get into those programs. Dunnuck said the pandemic is still affecting how students choose their schools because many schools are doing virtual tours, which impacts the student's choices. As more schools open up and more families willing to go and visit, we are seeing an increased amount of visits which is great. Because it is a big deal for the student to put their foot on the campus and get a good feel of the campus and see if it is a good match for them, she said. Rosengrant said 1,496 acceptance letters are about the same number of acceptance letters MPS receive every year, however, over the past couple of years, the average number of applications per senior has been trending up. The advent of Common App has made it easier for kids," he said. "But also now that schools are going test-optional and students dont have to submit their ACT or SAT scores, that kind of empowers them and emboldens them to apply to schools they would feel intimated to apply to in previous years, he said. Common App is a non-profit membership organization representing nearly 900 diverse institutions of higher education. They connect applicants and those who support them to a wide array of public and private colleges and universities across all 50 U.S. states, and 20 countries. Each year more than one million students apply to college, research financial aid and scholarships, and connect to college counseling resources through Common App. The waiving of application fees is another reason why there has been an increase in the number of applications being sent by seniors. Thats another piece that students will look to because on average they're looking at $70 to $90 per application, and then when you go talk to a rep, and they give them a fee waiver, it makes it a lot easier for a senior to apply, Rosengrant said. Both school counselors said because the 2021 class had to go through a pandemic during their junior and senior years, it made them more independent and got them ready for college and post-secondary programs. However, they are grateful they can meet with students again face-to-face because it makes the process of working with students easier. What I have found is increased independence in seniors over the past year to this year, particularly last year, with us being out during their junior year, and not having the ability to have as much one-on-one consistent contact with them, Dannuck said. Everyone had different experiences, but what I found with my student is they found some independence that wasnt there before. They really stepped up and did the process themselves, and that was very encouraging. Rosengrant said there was some independence last year out of necessity, but hes seeing this year's senior class, who did not have access to school counselors as much as previous classes because of the pandemic, are less prepared to take that independence. Thats why it is important for us to have the students in the building and have one-on-one conversations with them, he said. There are many students who are ready and prepared to apply early, others are further behind in the process, and thats ok. Its about meeting with that student and getting them to their ultimate goal, whether thats early action or early decision. MILFORD The Cotton Family of Milford witnessed first-hand how quickly a persons mental health can change last year. My grandmother had passed away two weeks before Christmas last year. She went from living on her own at 94 years old, and after she fell and had a heart attack, she came out of the hospital different, and we realized it was dementia, said Michelle Cotton. She came to live with us, and she was a completely different person. Michelle Cotton, her husband Dominic and their son Michael are honoring Michelles grandmother, Stella Wiland, with a fundraiser Saturday and Sunday to benefit the Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimers Association. The Cottons are conducting a pop-up pumpkin and apple juice stand, bake sale and jewelry and craft sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days at 60 Corona Drive. Cotton said the inspiration for the pop-up sale came from a promotion they saw for the Alzheimers Walk. So Michael, said, Why dont we do a pumpkin juice stand? Michelle Cotton said. During the pandemic we started baking a lot and cooking a lot and he has a Harry Potter book, which is where the pumpkin juice comes from. It was supposed to be just pumpkin juice, but I said not everyone likes pumpkin, so lets do apple juice as well. While they were discussing the sale, she said the ideas started getting bigger and bigger, and thats how they ended up adding a bake sale, and a jewelry sale. Cotton said they contacted the Alzheimers Association chapter to let them know they were doing a fundraiser and to see if they had any tips. A lady came right over within two days, and dropped off a boatload of stuff like fliers, banners, table cloths and T-shirts for us to wear, Cotton said. She told us what to do, and said shes going to stop by as well. Dominic Cotton said hes heard from the mayor, city aldermen and school board members that they will be coming to support the fundraiser. Michael Cotton said his goal is to fundraiser $500 for the Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimers Association. Hopefully I can put my footprint in the world, he said. Michelle Cotton said families dealing with dementia can be blindsided by the sudden intense needs of their loved ones, and the cost of care. Honestly, we were blinded so fast by my grandmother, that we didnt realize it was going to be a dementia thing, she said. So we figured if this goes towards people who need services, who have no clue what they are getting themselves into and need help, thats what really turned us to do the fundraiser. Michelle Cotton said the family is already getting donations from strangers on the team page. My grandmother would be so proud of Michael, she said. She would say we were crazy for doing all this just for her. She was always the type of person that said, you dont need to do anything for me, do it for yourself. Dominic Cotton said advocacy is also a personal matter because Michael Cotton has a rare medical condition. So the family has also advocated for research and treatment of various illnesses, brain injury and more. We are trying to change the world, said Michelle. A little bit at a time. Lawmakers are poised to finally overhaul the military justice system in an attempt to ease an epidemic of sexual assaults following years of failed Pentagon efforts, though it remains to be seen how far they will go. Both the House and Senate have proposed changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or UCMJ, meant to reduce the violence through a new legal process that eliminates influence on prosecutions by commanders. The two chambers are aiming to put legislation in the annual must-pass defense policy bill. But only the Senate supports broader changes that would remove all felony-level crimes, not just sex crimes, from the chain of command. The more extensive reforms are backed by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat who has pushed to remove command influence from sex assault prosecutions for years. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith, D-Wash., told Military.com this week he believes the various camps are already narrowing their differences, based partly on talks with Gillibrand, and an agreement may be near. "We're all moving towards getting sexual assault cases and all sex crimes out of the hands of the commander and into the hands of a special prosecutor," Smith added. "And I think we're pretty close on getting an agreement on the details." But Gillibrand said in an interview with Military.com that she is concerned that the leaders of Congress' armed services committees -- four white men -- still could nix some of her proposals when they eventually negotiate a final bill behind closed doors later this year. As part of the annual defense bill process, a final compromise version will be hammered out by Smith; Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed, D-R.I.; House Armed Services Committee ranking member Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala.; and Senate Armed Services Committee ranking member Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla. "We have the vast majority of senators who support our provision," Gillibrand said. "But again, once those doors are closed, and four men will be in conference, they will make their own judgments, and I will not be in that room to fight for survivors or fight for this preferred reform." Read next: Army Expects Guard Soldiers to Get the Vaccine by December If They're Going to Deploy The Senate is expected to vote on its initial version of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, later this fall. The House passed its version of the NDAA, which more closely follows a set of Pentagon recommendations for military justice reform focused only on sex crimes, not all felonies. Once the Senate passes its bill, negotiators from both chambers will meet to hammer out a final version of the mammoth annual bill. Despite the debate, Congress is closer than ever to taking the decision whether to prosecute at least some crimes away from commanders. The Pentagon too is on board this time. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin created an independent commission to review the issue of sex assaults earlier this year, and it recommended removing sexual assault and harassment, domestic violence and other related crimes from the chain of command. Austin backed the Independent Review Commission over the summer, a sea change for a department that for years had staunchly opposed taking any prosecutorial decisions away from commanders. But the Pentagon has continued to resist going beyond sex crimes. Testifying before a House panel earlier this year, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said she was concerned about "swamping ... and diffusing our efforts" to tackle sexual assault by including other crimes. Proponents of taking other crimes outside the chain of command argue doing so could help address racial bias, pointing to reports such as an Air Force inspector general review last year that confirmed Black airmen are treated differently in criminal investigations and military justice than their white counterparts. Hicks at that same hearing argued the Pentagon needs more data on the issue of racial disparities in the military justice system. Members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, including Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, sent letters to lawmakers earlier this year arguing that removing commanders from the decision to prosecute all felony-level crimes could have a negative effect on good order and discipline. Meanwhile, the Pentagon already has started to make changes based on the commission review. It outlined a plan in September for a first wave of foundational reforms, including establishing offices of special victim prosecutors, that will take six years to complete throughout the Guard and Reserves. Ultimately, though, changes to the UCMJ require laws to be passed by Congress. The House-passed NDAA would create special victim prosecutors offices in each of the military departments to handle cases of sexual assault, sexual harassment, crimes against minors and other related offenses. The Senate's defense bill, which was approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee in July and is expected to be voted on before the Thanksgiving break, similarly would create special victim prosecutors for sexual assault and related crimes. But the bill also contains Gillibrand's proposal to take prosecutions of all major crimes outside the chain of command. That includes sexual assault, but also other felony-level offensives such as murder. Gillibrand argues the two proposals are not mutually exclusive and compares them to a civilian scenario of a district attorney's office and a special victims unit within that office. "It basically creates a state-of-the-art DA's office that is independent of the chain of command and, within that DA's office, within that office of 200 top-notch O-6 lawyers and above ... you will have 20, let's just say, special prosecutors who are sex crimes prosecutors, that are uniquely trained for sex assault and sexual harassment," she said. She also holds that her broader reforms are needed because sex crimes often are interwoven with other crimes, such as in the case of Army Spc. Vanessa Guillen, who was sexually harassed by a supervisor before being killed last year, allegedly by another soldier at Fort Hood, Texas. Gillibrand contends that changing only how sex crimes are prosecuted could create a "pink court" that would segregate crimes mostly involving women and stigmatize victims. Ahead of House and Senate negotiations on the bill, Gillibrand is working to get the White House on her side, telling Military.com she has reached out to explain why the two proposals are not in competition. "At the end of the day, it's a decision for President [Joe] Biden, and he'll decide what he wants in the NDAA, and he'll give his advice and guidance at the appropriate time," she said. During the presidential campaign, Biden responded "yes, yes, yes" when asked by an advocate whether he would support removing "serious felonies like rape, murder and child abuse" from the chain of command. He has not commented directly on Gillibrand's bill since becoming president, but called the Independent Review Commission's recommendations "the beginning, not the end of our work." Another hurdle for Gillibrand could be Reed, the Senate Armed Services chairman who will be a gatekeeper in what makes it into the final NDAA. Reed called the two proposals in the Senate bill "an issue" and indicated various changes to the military criminal justice system will require debate. "There's a significant commonality with recommendations that are in both bills, and then we'll have to have a serious discussion about additional aspects of UCMJ reform," he said. If her proposal gets stripped out of the final NDAA that gets signed into law, Gillibrand said she is prepared to go back to pushing for a stand-alone vote on her bill. Earlier this year, she took to the Senate floor daily to try to set up a vote on her bill, but was blocked each time by either Reed or Inhofe. "At the end of the day, this will happen if the president wants it to happen, and if the military listens to their commander-in-chief," she said. "And the only other way it happens is if I'm given the opportunity for an up-or-down vote, and we don't let four men in the room decide everything." -- Rebecca Kheel can be reached at rebecca.kheel@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @reporterkheel. Related: Pentagon's First Wave of Sexual Assault Reforms Will Take 6 Years to Complete The Astros acquired infielder Aledmys Diaz from the Blue Jays, as per announcements from both teams. In return, Triple-A right-hander Trent Thornton is headed to Toronto, per Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle (via Twitter). After spending parts of two seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, the Blue Jays acquired Diaz for minor-league outfielder J.B. Woodman prior to 2018. He is a career .275/.325/.458 hitter good for a slightly above-average 108 wRC+. Diaz saw regular action in Toronto this season, slashing .263/.303/.453 with 18 home runs (1.6 fWAR) while keeping the seat warm for prospects Richard Urena and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Though primarily a shortstop, the Astros likely see Diaz, 28, as a more versatile contributor potential insurance for likely-departed utility man Marwin Gonzalez. Defensive metrics, however, do not look kindly upon Diazs performance at short (-9 DRS, -2.2 UZR in 2018), as he has yet to record a positive rating in either defensive runs saved or ultimate zone rating in his three seasons at the big-league level. Yuli Gurriel stands to take on some of the extra responsibilities around the diamond as well, but Diaz represents a low-cost alternative he will not be eligible for arbitration until after the 2019 season at the earliest. Brian McTaggart of MLB.com quotes Astros GM Jeff Luhnow (via Twitter), who says of Diaz: Hes got some versatility, got some power and can do a lot of things. It seems like its an opportunity for us to improve our team. Were dipping into prospect depth, but one area we probably have some surplus, its in the upper-level pitching area. The Blue Jays stand to benefit from that surplus with the acquisition of Thornton. Though not a top prospect by any means, the 25-year-old Thornton ranked 24th on MLB.coms midseason rankings of Houstons farm system. Since the Astros selected him in the 5th round of the 2015 draft, Thornton has steadily climbed the ranks of Houstons minor league system, reaching their top affiliate in 2017. Over 124 1/3 innings, he had a 4.42 ERA (3.93 xFIP) with 8.83 K/9 and 2.24 BB/9 while pitching with Triple-A Fresno for the entirety of 2018. With either Urena or Gurriel ready to take over at short, the Blue Jays did a nice job here of turning their middle infield depth into an MLB-ready arm. Thornton has not yet appeared in the majors, though the Jays will add him to their 40-man roster, per Sportsnet.cas Ben Nicholson-Smith (via Twitter). The rebuilding Blue Jays get all six years of Thorntons team control in exchange for four years of Diaz. In the first part, we saw how bankruptcy could occur due to market forces for a carefully crafted project and financing by the banks after requisite due diligence. That said, bankruptcies in project financed entities are relatively fewer since these are based on proven technologies and operate in mature industries with experienced promoters. We also saw how power generation projects, amenable to effective risk mitigation, clearly show that project financing continues to fail in India. Causes of Failure To identify factors responsible for project finance failure, lets look at the private sectors approach to project formulation and financing. Project finance is a risk management structure. The project risks must be allocated to the parties best placed to mitigate them. In the commercial world, however, the disproportionate risk gets shifted to a weak party in negotiating the risk away. The lender is expected to minimise credit risk among the financing participants through adequate due diligence and a robust contractual structure. The promoters are expected to minimise their equity risk by mitigating all identifiable project risks and insuring the residual risks to enjoy the project upsides. However, promoters also seek to overstate project costs to generate their equity contribution from the profit from construction contracts awarded to the group entities after initial 'pump priming' or other means to de-risk themselves partly or fully. This results in the promoters investment risk shifting to the lenders in excess lending and increased financial risk. Further, such de-risking induces the promoter to grab several projects based on the mantra that while the projects upsides would benefit him, the lenders would bear the downsides. This is explained in Figure-4. Assume that an average debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of 1.45 and debt:equity ratio (DER) of 3:1 is acceptable to the bank. If the achievable DSCR is higher, the promoter would overstate the project cost and seek to maximise the debt, based on the banks acceptable DSCR of 1.45. At line Z-E with a DSCR of 1.49, he reaches zero equity though the nominal DER is 3.91:1. He would strive to achieve a debt level at DSCR of 1.45 represented by the line N-E, resulting in his negative equity with more than entire risk shifted to the bank. By reaching line N-E, the promoter not only de-risks himself completely but generates cash for more such pump-priming. If such promoter becomes a serial developer after initial success, the probability of default and the loss has given default increase substantially. As a result, in the case of bankruptcy, credit recovery suffers, as seen in the table above. The Lanco Infratech group exemplifies the malady of serial failure in infrastructure project financing. For example, Lancos power generation project launched under Lanco Babandh Power Ltd (one of the projects in the sample of 31 projects used for statistical test discussed later) received the sanction of long-term loans of Rs5,544 crore from 13 banks and Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) in 2010. Subsequently, additional debt was sanctioned and the aggregate principal outstanding stood at Rs6,431 crore. The project construction was allowed to drag for eight years and the company was brought under corporate insolvency resolution Process (CIRP) in August 2018. For the company with an incomplete project and admitted claim of project finance debt aggregated Rs8,217 crore (inclusive of principal outstanding of Rs6,431 crore), the average fair value and liquidation value stood at a paltry Rs1,800 crore and Rs900 crore, respectively. The solitary bidder (resolution applicant) offered to the banks just Rs1 crore in cash and 5% equity for the project with face value of Rs51 lakh. The resolution plan was rejected and the company has been quietly liquidated for a total realisation of Rs290 crore in 2021. In comparison, Vijay Mallya looks saintly! The flagship Lanco Infratech Ltd is under liquidation along with seven power projects and one toll road project, which are under CIRP (2), liquidation (3) or resolution (2). Empirical Evidence Figure-5 shows unacceptably low recoveries from the NPAs (non-performing assets). While extreme tardiness of our credit recovery adjudication abets asset impairment, the project cost overstatement is a more significant contributor to low recovery, evident from meager recovery even from projects under implementation (table above). Statistical Analysis To identify determinants of the costs of different projects, the data must be freed from project-specific factors. Further, the products and processes should be identical. This is possible in power generation projects whose power generating capacity (MW) and energy output (kWh) are the same everywhere. Hence, a sample of 31 coal-fired power generation projects that were freed from the project-specific features were subjected to multiple regression analysis to see the variables impacting project costs. The research showed that the tariff (levelled) was highly significant with a p-value of less than 0.0001%, landed cost of coal (per 1,000 k.Cal.) was significant at 95.9% confidence level with a p-value of 4.1%, and the technology was significant at 97.6% confidence level with a p-value of 2.4%. Interestingly, different years of debt sanction by banks were not significant and had no bearing on the project costs. Thus, the analysis established that the project cost was fixed to a level that the anticipated cash-flows could be justified. The sceptics may contend that the significance does not necessarily imply causation. But a comparative analysis of the individual projects also confirms the tariffs impact on project cost. Here is one example (of many) of two coal-fired power generation projects based on super-critical technologies. $$ Normalised by removing project-specific costs on coal mine, coal transportation, township, rehabilitation & resettlement, etc which do not generally form part of project costs The companies awarded the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts to group companies to derive the project companys equity from EPC profit. However, EPC profit for project B was constrained due to low tariffs bid under transparent ultra-mega power projects (UMPP) bidding, which reduced project cost. With a muted bidding, project B could manage high tariffs, which could justify high project costs, based on debt serviceability and, thus, generate the promoters equity capital. In 16 projects out of 31, coal was to be supplied by government coal fields. The debt was sanctioned without evaluating the feasibility of requisite coal supply from government coal fields. Of these 16, the bankable fuel supply agreement (FSA) requirement was not stipulated as a condition precedent to drawal of project finance debt in 12 projects. For the remaining four projects, a condition precedent to drawal was prescribed only to acquire a letter of assurance (LoA) from the government for coal supply. The lenders deemed the coal supply risk mitigated, based on the assumption that the LoA issued by government coal fields would automatically result in bankable take-or-pay coal supply agreements. Similarly, at the time of project financing, PPAs (power purchase agreements) were not signed for 20 projects, revocable PPAs were signed for five projects, PPAs for part capacity were signed for three projects and PPAs for full capacity were signed for three projects. The creditworthiness of the off-takers, i.e., the distribution companies, was not ascertained by the promoters and project financing banks. No wonder, many of the projects in the sample have failed and turned into NPAs. It would be naive to assume that the promoters who launched the projects were unaware of the fuel supply and off-take risks. They launched these because the mantra was to enjoy the probable upsides and leave the downsides to the lenders. Way Forward Project finance in the country has failed due to the triple moral hazard of the promoters due to their ability to shift risks to the public sectors banks (PSBs), of the PSBs due to ownership and incentive problems, and failure of the government to meet the deliverables without any accountability. While the sample of 31 coal-fired power projects has exposed the practices adopted by some promoters and government authorities failure to meet their deliverables on fuel supply and power purchase, similar losses in other infrastructure, manufacturing, and mining sectors also exit. In short, the project finance failure in the country is attributable to a flawed echo system. To rectify this, the government will have first to ensure that its commitment for facilitation and implementation thereof is speedy, the banks are incentivised and enabled to undertake comprehensive due diligence of the promoters and projects, ensure that all identifiable risks are effectively mitigated, and monitor the project construction efficiently to make sure that the assets in the book match with those on the ground. These steps will ensure that the promoters develop confidence in the system and have no incentive or opportunity to leverage information asymmetry and banks management moral hazard to indulge in project overstatement and risk shifting. DFIs (development finance institutions) are known to serve developmental objectives worldwide by carefully mitigating risks and catalysing project financing. The Mozal project in Mozambique developed, evaluated and structured by IFC Washington in the 1990s, has lessons for the DFIs worldwide and India, whose experience with DFIs has been mixed. While the Industrial Development Bank of India helped develop some epoch-making projects such as the bagasse-based newsprint project of Tamil Nadu Newsprint Ltd and the rutile grade titanium-di-oxide pigment of Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd in the early 1980s, it eventually failed due to deficient echo-system and management inadequacy. IFCIs and ICICIs cases were not too different. Launched with fanfare in January 1997 with fat pay-packets, IDFC also failed, despite diversified activities such as merchant banking and asset management aside from financing projects in infrastructure and core sector (manufacturing), primarily due to deficient echo-system. IIFCL survives without much impact. The current government has displayed the resolve, and the banking reforms and clean-up launched by it is a work-in-progress. It is hoped that the banks, irrespective of ownership, will be freed from employee moral hazard and the yawning gap in performance between the public sector and private sector banks would be bridged. While banking reforms are necessary for project finance revival and speedy asset addition for economic development, it will have to be complemented with a sufficient condition of the government bureaucracy being made responsible for swift deliverables. Last, but not least, the dispute resolution will have to be very fast (more about this in my next article). The new DFI will repeat the murky history, if the causal factors are not eradicated. Weather Alert ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM MST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Snow. Total snow accumulations of up to two inches. A light glaze of freezing drizzle will be possible early Saturday morning. * WHERE...Butte, Georgetown Lake, Highway 12 Garrison to Elliston, Homestake Pass, and MacDonald Pass. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Saturday. * 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. && You dont have to put up with the pain and embarrassment of having a hernia. Your doctor can help. You make our work happen. The article youre about to read is from our reporters doing their important work investigating, researching, and writing their stories. We want to provide informative and inspirational stories that connect you to the people, issues and opportunities within our community. Journalism takes a lot of resources. Today, our business model has been interrupted by the pandemic; the vast majority of our advertisers businesses have been impacted. Thats why the Weekly is now turning to you for financial support. Learn more about our new Insiders program here. Thank you. JOIN NOW Miss Cayces Wonderland is hosting a holiday open house Saturday. The business is asking customers to bring donations of money, laundry detergent or grocery gift cards to help Buckner Midland. Special guests Jeff Krause, owner of The Round Top Collection, and Lisa Johnson, Dept. 56 Village expert, will also be at the party. There will be a free gift with purchase of any product by The Round Top Collection or Dept. 56 Village. Buckner Midland provides the community with training and resources needed to become a family to a child living in the states custody or to a child available for adoption in Texas or internationally, according to their website. Buckner Family Pathways provides single-parent families the opportunity to live in a safe, secure environment while completing their educational or vocational goals and learning the necessary skills needed to become self-sufficient. Those who donate to Buckner Midland will be entered for a chance to win a Christmas Porch Party from The Round Top Collection and Miss Cayces valued at more than $500. The open house will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1012 Andrews Highway. Donations will also be accepted until Oct. 30. Visit online at https://misscayceswonderland.com/. More news --The Midland Downtown Farmers Market will be hosting its last summer market from 8 a.m. to noon on Oct. 30. There will be a creative cookie contest with judging at 10 a.m., bounce house, live music and trick or treating. Kids and pets are encouraged to wear costumes. The winter market schedule is Nov. 13 and 27, Dec. 4 and 18, Jan. 8 and 22, Feb. 12 and 26, March 12 and 26 at the Museum of the Southwest. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) A woman known for 37 years only as Horseshoe Harriet, one of dozen or so victims of a notorious Alaska serial killer, has been identified through genetic genealogy and a DNA match, authorities said Friday. The victim was identified Friday as Robin Pelkey, who was 19 and living on the streets of Anchorage when she was killed by Robert Hansen in the early 1980s, the Alaska Bureau of Investigations Cold Case Investigation Unit said. I would like to thank all of the troopers, investigators, and analysts that have diligently worked on this case over the last 37 years. Without their hard work and tenacity, the identity of Ms. Pelkey may have never been known, Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell said in a statement. Hansen, who owned a bakery, gained the nickname Butcher Baker for abducting and hunting down women many of them sex workers in the wilderness just north of Anchorage through the early 1980s, when the states largest city was booming because of construction of the trans-Alaska pipeline. Construction of the 800-mile (nearly 1,288-kilometer) pipeline offered good paying jobs for workers, but it also attracted those who wished to make money off of them, everyone from sex workers to drug dealers. Many of those people looking for fast money left as quickly as they came, and exotic dancers traveled a circuit along West Coast cities, making sudden disappearances commonplace. Retired trooper Glenn Flothe, who helped put Hansen behind bars, told the Anchorage Daily News in 2008 that Hansens victims initially included any woman who caught his eye, but he quickly learned that strippers and prostitutes were harder to track and less likely to be missed. The 2013 movie Frozen Ground, starring Nicolas Cage and John Cusack, chronicled the troopers' investigation and capture of Hansen. Hansen was convicted in the deaths of four women but confessed to killing several more, troopers said. At one point, he flew with investigators over an area north of Anchorage, where he pointed out where 17 of his victims were buried. In 1984, Alaska State Troopers returned to those areas, where the remains of eight women were discovered. In total, 12 bodies have been found, and 11 of those have been identified, trooper spokesperson Austin McDaniel said. The only person not yet identified is known only as Eklutna Annie, who is believed to have been Hansens first victim, McDaniel said. Her body was found near Eklutna Lake just north of Anchorage. Genetic genealogy efforts are underway in hopes of also identifying her, Randy McPherron, an Alaska State Troopers cold case investigator, told The Associated Press. "We really got our fingers crossed that we may know, find out who Eklutna Annie is, he said, adding the timeframe could take up to a year. Among the skeletal remains found in 1984, Pelsky was discovered lying on the ground near Horseshoe Lake, near the Little Susitna River just a few miles northwest of Anchorage, troopers said. There was no ID on the body that became known as Horseshoe Harriet. Hansen told investigators she was a sex worker he abducted from downtown Anchorage sometime in the winter of 1983. He told investigators he flew her to the lake in his small airplane, murdered her and discarded the body. He didnt know her name or much else about her. An autopsy confirmed the body was that of a white woman between the ages of 17 and 23. There were no missing persons reports that matched, and she was buried in the Anchorage municipal cemetery as an unknown. The case was reopened in 2014, the same year Hansen died in prison at the age of 75. The body was exhumed, and samples were sent to create a DNA profile, which was added to the FBIs national missing person database. It didnt provide an identification. In September 2020, investigators made another attempt to identify the remains using genetic genealogy. A bone sample was sent to a private lab and additional DNA was extracted and sent for Whole Genome Sequencing, troopers said. This data was then sent to another lab, where a DNA profile was generated and uploaded into a public access genealogy database in April. Troopers said several close matches were found and used to create a family tree for the victim. Research indicated that the victim might be a woman named Robin Pelkey, who was born in Colorado in 1963, troopers said. Troopers traced her to living in Anchorage in the early 1980s, but no record indicated she was alive after 1984. Eventually close relatives were located in Arkansas and Alaska. Family members told troopers that Pelkey lived in Anchorage in the late 1970s, but moved to Arkansas as a teenager before returning to Alaska in 1981 to live with her father and stepmother. Troopers said she wound up living on the streets of Anchorage but had vanished by late 1982 or early 1983. Relatives told troopers they didnt know for certain why Pelkeys parents, who are now deceased, didnt report her missing. A DNA match with a close relative in Arkansas confirmed Pelkeys identity and the family was notified in September. Through the troopers, family members said they did not want to be contacted by the media. Obviously, Im very happy to have finally figured out who she is and give her family some closure, McPherron said. Genetic genealogy has been quite a great leap forward in solving unsolved homicides but in also identifying people, so this is very satisfying to see it finally come together like this. Troopers have purchased a new grave marker for Pelkey, McDaniel said. NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) Ethiopian military airstrikes on Friday forced a United Nations humanitarian flight to abandon its landing in the capital of the countrys Tigray region, and a government spokesman said authorities were aware of the inbound flight. It appeared to be a sharp escalation in intimidation tactics authorities have used against aid workers amid the intensifying, year-long Tigray war. Further U.N. flights have been suspended to Mekele, the base of humanitarian operations in Tigray, the World Food Program told The Associated Press. It said the flight with 11 passengers had been cleared by federal authorities but received instructions to abort landing by the Mekele airport control tower. It safely returned to Addis Ababa. U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said: The U.N. had not received any prior warning of the attacks on Mekelle and had received the necessary clearances for the flight. He expressed grave concern for civilians facing airstrikes in Mekele and insufficient humanitarian assistance into Tigray, and alarm at the worsening toll of fighting on civilians in the neighboring Amhara and Afar regions. Weve had flights turned around because of weather," Gemma Connell, head of the U.N.s regional humanitarian office for southern and eastern Africa, told reporters. But this is the first time weve had a flight turn around, at least to my knowledge, in Ethiopia because of airstrikes on the ground. The friction between the government and humanitarian groups is occurring amid the world's worst hunger crisis in a decade, with close to a half-million people in Tigray said to be facing famine-like conditions. The government since June has imposed what the U.N. calls a de facto humanitarian blockade on the region of some 6 million people, and the AP has reported that people have begun to starve to death. Ethiopian government spokesman Legesse Tulu told the AP authorities were aware the U.N. flight was in the area but said the U.N. and military flights had a different time and direction. It wasnt immediately clear how close the planes came to each other. Tigray forces spokesman Getachew Reda in a tweet said our air defense units knew the U.N. plane was scheduled to land and it was due in large measure to their restraint it was not caught in a crossfire. He suggested that Ethiopian authorities were setting up the U.N. plane to be hit by our guns. A military spokesman didnt respond to questions. Legesse said Fridays airstrikes in Mekele targeted a former military training center being used as a battle network hub by rival Tigray forces. Residents said they hit a field near Mekele University. Tigray spokesman Kindeya Gebrehiwot told the AP about a dozen people were wounded. Ethiopias government in recent months has accused some humanitarian groups of supporting the Tigray forces, and last month it took the extraordinary step of expelling seven U.N. officials while accusing them without evidence of falsely inflating the scale of the Tigray crisis. Authorities have subjected aid workers on U.N. flights to intrusive searches and removed medical cargo. Meanwhile, the U.N. says just 1% of the targeted 5.2 million people in urgent need received food aid between Oct. 7 and 13. Now the airstrikes that began this week in Mekele have halted aid deliveries, the U.,N.'s Connell said, adding that not a single truck has entered Tigray since Monday. Thousands of people have been killed since November, when a political falling-out between the Tigray forces who long dominated the national government and the current administration of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed erupted in fighting. Tigray forces in recent months have retaken the Tigray region and brought the fighting into the neighboring Amhara and Afar regions. The U.N. says more than 2 million people are now displaced overall. And yet our operations will come to a grinding halt in the not so distant future in Tigray if current conditions continue, Connell said. The airstrikes in Mekele were the first in several months, killing three children and injuring more than a dozen people, despite repeated international calls for a cease-fire and the threat of further sanctions. On Thursday, the government claimed a successful strike against another military base used by the Tigray forces near Mekele, but the Tigray forces spokesman asserted that air defenses prevented the plane from hitting targets. An airstrike on Wednesday hit an industrial compound the government said was used by the Tigray forces to repair weapons. A Tigray spokesman denied that and said it was used to produce cars and tractors. Two other airstrikes hit the city on Monday. Tigray remains under a communications blackout, making it difficult to verify claims, while areas of fighting in Amhara are largely unreachable as well. The airstrikes come amid reports of renewed heavy fighting in Amhara. On Wednesday, the Tigray forces spokesman claimed advances had put the government-held towns of Dessie and Kombolcha within artillery range, prompting alarm. Dessie hosts a large number of displaced people who have fled fighting further north. One resident told the AP he has seen many cars leaving the town with mattresses, cooking equipment and other household items strapped to their roofs in the last few days, but many displaced people are stuck because they cant afford to leave. He also reported plenty of vehicles carrying troops north to the front and the constant sound of shelling. He spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. 79, formerly of Muskogee left us November 15, 2021 in Nebraska. Her Service of Memory will be on Tuesday, 12pm at Worship Community Center 820 E. Okmulgee. Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc- Muskogee The Myrtle Beach Police Department held a stakeholders meeting Thursday to discuss approaches to crime and the role of community partnerships in law enforcement. Although it was open to the public, only press attended the roundtable discussion, which included police leaders, business owners and representatives from a variety of city agencies. We want to kind of give everyone a chance to hear some of our successes that weve done and also some of the stuff in the future thats going to happen that will affect the downtown area, MBPD Capt. John Bertang said. The stakeholders meeting comes less than two weeks before city elections. Several candidates have accused Mayor Brenda Bethune, who is up for re-election, of allowing crime to skyrocket under her watch. At the last city council workshop, which included a presentation by MBPD, Bethune shot back by highlighting department statistics showing that vehicle theft was the only part one crime category which are serious sex crimes, violent crimes and theft that had increased over the past year. Theres a lot of misinformation out there, she said. Theres a lot of noise and a lot of fake media outlets trying to paint a much different picture. But the fact that we had record numbers of people here, our violent crimes or part one crimes have been down double digits four years in a row and for a season as busy as weve had and there not to be any increases thats a story that needs to be told. At Thursdays stakeholders meeting, public agencies and a representative from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce similarly pushed back on the notion of rising crime. Stuart Butler, with the MBACC, said his research into attracting affluent consumers found that many have a positive perception of Myrtle Beach, and that most people who think crime has increased are local. Theres a big gap between what people are saying locally, in this echo chamber, and what consumers that are coming in are seeing and hearing, Butler said. The vast majority that are coming in feel safe. Coral Sands Motel will be temporarily shut down, per an order from an Horry County court deeming it "a haven for drug traffickers and users alike" that enabled "chronic illicit drug sales, use and overdoses to take place." The court found the Ocean Boulevard motel's "volume of calls for service related to drugs, drug use and overdoses was alarming." "The joint investigation was started in March of 2021 by the Myrtle Beach Police Department and the 15th Circuit Solicitor's Office after continued reports and complaints about the property," a MBPD release read Friday. At MBPD's behest, the 15th Circuit Solicitors Office had moved to file a nuisance injunction to suspend operations at the motel, alleging it allowed drug trafficking and prostitution to occur on the property. Nuisance actions shouldnt be taken all the time for very small things," 15th Circuit Court Solicitor Jimmy Richardson told My Horry News. Generally speaking, there are businesses that we get that you can think Man, if this business was closed it may make a drastic improvement to the community. Manager Luke Towery and owner Vishu Bhambhani previously denied the allegations, attributing law-breaking at the motel to its location in a crime-heavy part of town. Their attorney, Russell Long, stated in a Sep. 15 court hearing that an injunction would effectively shut down the motel for at least a year, ensuring the proprietors run out of business. It seems that the citys plan is to go in and try to shut down every motel that they possibly can and hopefully maybe allow some new developer to come in to do something better, he said. But its got to take more than just showing that some bad stuff happens on this property to shut them down. A temporary injunction in this case is a death knell. According to the petition, MBPD conducted an investigation that determined most Coral Sands guests had used the motel for illegal activity. WINCHESTER Ground has been broken for an expansion of Winchester Public Library. The $515,000 expansion is expected to completed by June, Mayor Rex McIntire said. The expansion will add around 1,000 square feet of space to the west side of the library, he said. The city received $188,250 from the Illinois State Library and $331,000 in USDA Rural Development funds that helped make the expansion possible, he said. The new additions to the library will particularly benefit the librarys young patrons, McIntire said. They are the future of our community, he said, noting that more space was needed for the childrens reading program. Many who attended the ground-breaking ceremony were children who brought their own shovels and participated in the ceremony. Mark Shaffer of the Illinois State Library also attended. The first application for funding to expand the library was submitted more than a decade ago, but the state didnt have the money then. Eight years later, the Illinois General Assembly finally found money for the grant program, Shaffer said. Jacksonville engineering firm Benton and Associates worked with USDA and U.S. Rep. Darin LaHoods office to help get funding. Were celebrating the beginning of something positive in a time where there seems to be a lot of negative, Shaffer said, adding that libraries are a cornerstone of communities. Its very important we do these things. USDA representative Dwight Reynolds said the USDA grant helping to fund the expansion was a large one. We are very excited to be involved with this, he said. Winchester City Attorney John Paul Coonrod said he was glad that so many hands working together were able to pull off the project. Its an honor just to see it happen, he said. Nearly all Americans agree the rampant spread of misinformation is a problem. Most also think social media companies, and the people that use them, bear a good deal of blame for the situation. But few are very concerned that they themselves might be responsible, according to a new poll from The Pearson Institute and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Some 95% of Americans identified misinformation as a problem when they're trying to access important information. About half put a great deal of blame on the U.S. government, and about three-quarters point to social media users and tech companies. Yet only 2 in 10 Americans say they're very concerned that they have personally spread misinformation. More, about 6 in 10, are at least somewhat concerned that their friends or family members have been part of the problem. For Carmen Speller, a 33-year-old graduate student in Lexington, Kentucky, the divisions are evident when she's discussing the coronavirus pandemic with close family members. Speller trusts COVID-19 vaccines; her family does not. She believes the misinformation her family has seen on TV or read on questionable news sites has swayed them in their decision to stay unvaccinated against COVID-19. In fact, some of her family members think she's crazy for trusting the government for information about COVID-19. "I do feel like they believe I'm misinformed. I'm the one that's blindly following what the government is saying, that's something I hear a lot," Speller said. "It's come to the point where it does create a lot of tension with my family and some of my friends as well." Speller isn't the only one who may be having those disagreements with her family. The survey found that 61% of Republicans say the U.S. government has a lot of responsibility for spreading misinformation, compared with just 38% of Democrats. There's more bipartisan agreement, however, about the role that social media companies, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, play in the spread of misinformation. According to the poll, 79% of Republicans and 73% of Democrats said social media companies have a great deal or quite a bit of responsibility for misinformation. And that type of rare partisan agreement among Americans could spell trouble for tech giants like Facebook, the largest and most profitable of the social media platforms, which is under fire from Republican and Democrat lawmakers alike. "The AP-NORC poll is bad news for Facebook," said Konstantin Sonin, a professor of public policy at the University of Chicago who is affiliated with the Pearson Institute. "It makes clear that assaulting Facebook is popular by a large margin even when Congress is split 50-50, and each side has its own reasons." During a congressional hearing Tuesday, senators vowed to hit Facebook with new regulations after a whistleblower testified that the company's own research shows its algorithms amplify misinformation and content that harms children. "It has profited off spreading misinformation and disinformation and sowing hate," Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said during a meeting of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection. Democrats and Republicans ended the hearing with acknowledgement that regulations must be introduced to change the way Facebook amplifies its content and targets users. The poll also revealed that Americans are willing to blame just about everybody but themselves for spreading misinformation, with 53% of them saying they're not concerned that they've spread misinformation. "We see this a lot of times where people are very worried about misinformation but they think it's something that happens to other people other people get fooled by it, other people spread it," said Lisa Fazio, a Vanderbilt University psychology professor who studies how false claims spread. "Most people don't recognize their own role in it." Younger adults tend to be more concerned that they've shared falsehoods, with 25% of those ages 18 to 29 very or extremely worried that they have spread misinformation, compared to just 14% of adults ages 60 and older. Sixty-three percent of older adults are not concerned, compared with roughly half of other Americans. Yet it's older adults who should be more worried about spreading misinformation, given that research shows they're more likely to share an article from a false news website, Fazio said. Before she shares things with family or her friends on Facebook, Speller tries her best to make sure the information she's passing on about important topics like COVID-19 has been peer-reviewed or comes from a credible medical institution. Still, Speller acknowledges there has to have been a time or two that she "liked" or hit "share" on a post that didn't get all the facts quite right. "I'm sure it has happened," Speller said. "I tend to not share things on social media that I didn't find on verified sites. I'm open to that if someone were to point out, 'Hey this isn't right,' I would think, OK, let me check this." They might be our neighbors to the north, but there still are things to be learned about Canada, its people and its culture. That was the premise Thursday when Morgan County Home and Community Education members gathered at the Morgan County Extension office for the groups annual International Day and focused on the Great White North. HCE is part of an international organization, Associated Country Women of the World, said Martha Vache, HCE publicity chair. As part of that, we try to educate ourselves on other countries. The state HCE picks a country to be the focus of the local groups International Day each year and also sends representatives to other countries as guest speakers, Vache said, noting that recent years events featured a closer look at Australia and Estonia. But international speakers are easier to come by when theres not a global pandemic going on. We usually have a speaker who has lived in the focus country, Vache said. But a lot of people have gone (to Canada) and visited, so we have a lot of information. The groups international chair, Joyce Ginder, prepared a road trip slide show that started in Canadas northwestern Yukon territory and traveled up and down through British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nunavut, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. She offered information on each regions population, geography and other unique details. There also was a Canadian trivia game with questions ranging from time zones to tourism, and a word-search puzzle and snacks, both featuring Canadian foods. Im curious about the food, what it tastes like, Barbara Baptist said during a pause from working on the word-search puzzle. While participants felt like they already were somewhat familiar with Canada, there were some happy surprises. The towns sound familiar, Nada King said. I never realized where these places are, but you hear about them. Overnight reports from Jacksonville police: A phone was stolen from a residence in the 300 block of West State Street, according to a report filed at 11:09 p.m. Friday. William T. Mayes, 32, of Jacksonville was cited on a disorderly conduct charge at 12:57 a.m. Saturday after being accused of fighting in the 200 block of West Morgan Street. Destiny M. Sykes, 18, of 321 N. East St. was arrested on a battery charge at 6:17 p.m. Friday after being accused of pulling a juveniles hair in the 300 block of North East Street. Three tires were damaged on a vehicle in the 500 block of South Prairie Street about 5:30 p.m. Friday. This weeks wanted The following are being sought on arrest warrants, according to various sheriffs departments. The addresses listed are the last known addresses provided by the warrants and may be outdated. Krista M. Blakey, 34, of 911 W. Garfield St., Bartonville, is being sought on a warrant accusing her of violating probation on a charge of possession of methamphetamine-making materials. She is a white female standing 5 foot 5 and weighing 125 pounds. She has brown eyes and brown hair. Elizabeth J. Taylor, 37, of 30 Dieudonne St., New Berlin, is being sought on a warrant accusing her of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. She is a white female standing 5 foot 7 and weighing 150 pounds. She has brown eyes and brown hair. . Submit tips anonymously at tipsubmit.com, by calling 217-243-7300 or by text messaging CRIMES (274637) with payout as the first word of the tip. Jacksonville Police OTHER REPORTS Police are investigating a report a 14-year-old juvenile struck another juvenile multiple times about 9:34 a.m. Friday in the 600 block of Lincoln Avenue. ACCIDENTS A 17-year-old girl was cited on a charge of failing to stop at an intersection after the car she was driving and one being driven by Tiffany D. Hull, 24, of Arenzville collided at 2:04 p.m. Friday in the 600 block of North Main Street. Compiled by David C.L. Bauer A collection of random thoughts and comments from the Journal-Couriers afternoon subscriber newsletter. . Sometimes the internet gets it right. Among 37 newly approved emojis those ubiquitous 32- by 32-pixel faces that convey emotions (and sometimes cause a little head-scratching confusion) without words in emails and text messages is one perfect for the pandemic-weary. Its an adorable familiar yellow smiley face that matches many others used to sum up the nuances of life that cannot be easily conveyed in text. Unlike its cousins that show happiness, anger or surprise, this one is slowly dissolving into the ground. But smiling all the way. Call it the melting face. It can denote the obvious man, its hot out, but more likely will become a favorite for signifying shame, embarrassment or a general sense of dread. Or 2021 in general. Although the Unicode Consortium has approved it (yes, there really is a group that controls emojis), it will be a few months before it pops up for use on your favorite electronic device. In the meantime, feel free to continue those all-day Netflix binge sessions, those Ben & Jerrys pint-in-one-sitting afternoons, and those hours-long web surfing expeditions for cute cat videos. Soon, there will be a way to explain it all. Eroding transparency If you give a mouse a cookie, hell ask for a glass of milk. So warns the beloved childrens book in which a mouse, having been given a cookie, goes on to ask for scissors, a pillow and more and more. Although its political under-current seems a commentary on self-sufficiency, it also can apply to the incremental way government transparency can be eroded. The cookie in this story is an exemption that allowed public entities to conduct meetings remotely, such as via Zoom. It was a necessity as we tried to navigate the pandemic. But now comes the milk lawmakers want to allow any meeting to be conducted virtually, and for any reason. Senate Bill 482 could be brought up during the legislatures two-week veto session, which began Tuesday. It is a deceivingly innocuous idea that would not be in the best interest of citizens. While real-time broadcasts or live-streams can be an important supplement, using them as the sole meeting medium lessens the chance for community comment and an open exchange of ideas. Remote meetings strip away too much of the face-to-face interaction and also often exclude some of those most deeply affected by the actions of government: the elderly and those in lower-income communities, both of which are less likely to have access to the tools necessary for meaningful participation. Using virtual meetings to protect the health and safety of those who determine or have a stake in the acts of government is one thing. Allowing them to become the standard for how boards entrusted with being the voice of the people conduct official business would hit the mute button on that responsibility. Talking to ourselves I was in the mood one morning for a conversation. It passed, thanks to a well-timed call from a telemarketer who, after 10 minutes of sounding rather befuddled by my questions, begged me to hang up. I wasnt looking for anything Mensa-level or deeply philosophical. So long as it didnt get into politics, work, religion, vaccinations or other topics bound to offend someone, it would have been fine. The pandemic isnt to blame for destroying the lost great art of discussion. Social media, texting and emails that relegate talk to an emoji or a series of indecipherable abbreviations have done that. The pandemic certainly sped the process, though. In the beginning, masks muffled words to the point they were about as clear as Miss Othmar, Charlie Browns teacher, whose orations were limited to wah, wa, wah. As masks came off and then went back on, and then changed to whatever the Wheel of Pandemic Protocol landed on this week we still were largely isolated and working at home. As employees returned to offices and shoppers returned to stores, the invisible boundaries of personal space grew exponentially. Striking up a conversation now evokes a reaction similar to villagers approaching Frankensteins monster with lighted torches. Well get there. For now, I will stick to talking to myself. Although I did say something this morning that offended me, so Im not speaking to myself for a while. David C.L. Bauer is editor and publisher of the Journal-Courier. Thousands of Islamists continue marching to Pakistan capital View Photo LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) Thousands of supporters of a banned radical Islamist party Saturday departed the eastern Pakistan city of Lahore, clashing for a second straight day with police who lobbed tear gas into the crowd, a party spokesman and witnesses said. The group began their journey Friday with the goal of reaching the capital Islamabad to pressure the government to release Saad Rizvi, the head of the Tehreek-e-Labiak Pakistan party. Rizvi was arrested last year amid demonstrations against France over the publication of caricatures of Islams Prophet Muhammad. Violent clashes erupted between security forces and Islamists in Lahore leaving at least two police and two demonstrators dead Friday. Sajid Saifi, spokesman for Rizvis party, said supporters spent the night near the Ravi River bridge and in the early morning started again toward Islamabad amid heavy tear gas. Saifi said the huge crowd removed barricades and exited the city limits but again faced security forces near the town of Kala Shah Kako. Saifi said many party supporters were injured by tear gas cannisters as they attempted to leave Lahore. Witnesses said the rallygoers were on foot but some vehicles moving alongside them to took the injured to hospitals and to bring food and water. Rizvis party gained prominence in Pakistans 2018 elections, campaigning on a single issue: defending the countrys blasphemy law, which calls for the death penalty for anyone who insults Islam. It has a history of staging violent protests to pressure the government to accept its demands. By BABAR DOGAR Associated Press Erdogan orders removal of 10 ambassadors, including US envoy View Photo ISTANBUL (AP) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday that he had ordered 10 foreign ambassadors who called for the release of a jailed philanthropist to be declared persona non grata. The envoys, including the U.S., French and German representatives in Ankara, issued a statement earlier this week calling for a resolution to the case of Osman Kavala, a businessman and philanthropist held in prison since 2017 despite not having been convicted of a crime. Describing the statement as an impudence, Erdogan said he had ordered the ambassadors be declared undesirable. I gave the instruction to our foreign minister and said You will immediately handle the persona non grata declaration of these 10 ambassadors, Erdogan said during a rally in the western city of Eskisehir. He added: They will recognize, understand and know Turkey. The day they dont know or understand Turkey, they will leave. The diplomats, who also include the ambassadors of the Netherlands, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and New Zealand, were summoned to the foreign ministry on Tuesday. A declaration of persona non grata against a diplomat usually means that individual is banned from remaining in their host country. Kavala, 64, was acquitted last year of charges linked to nationwide anti-government protests in 2013, but the ruling was overturned and joined to charges relating to a 2016 coup attempt. International observers and human rights groups have repeatedly called for the release of Kavala and Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas, who has been jailed since 2016. They say their imprisonment is based on political considerations. Ankara denies the claims and insists on the independence of Turkish courts. The European Court of Human Rights called for Kavalas release in 2019, saying his incarceration acted to silence him and wasnt supported by evidence of an offense. The Council of Europe says it will start infringement proceedings again Turkey at the end of November if Kavala is not released. The current U.S. ambassador, David Satterfield, was appointed in 2019. The nomination of his replacement, Jeff Flake, was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday. After Erdogans order was reported, the State Department said in a statement, We are aware of these reports and are seeking clarity from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Hale County Stock Show was recently named a recipient of a 2021 Americas Farmers Grow Communities program grant from the Bayer Fund. The grant is for $2,500 and funded by local farmer Steve Johnson and his wife, Brenda Johnson, tax manager at Eide Bailly in Plainview. The purpose of the Bayer Fund is to financially award entities and projects that strengthen rural America, according to a news release about the award. It has three community outreach programs that have given more than $59 million to the cause in the past decade. The grant money was distributed equally to buyers clubs in Abernathy, Hale Center, Cotton Center, Petersburg and Plainview, according to Kenneth Hooper, secretary treasurer of the Hale County Stock Show. The clubs are made up of local producers and businesses that raise funds to purchase exhibitors animals at the sale following the stock show. The Johnsons requested the money be used to pay exhibitors at the show and sale, which are traditionally hosted in January. The Hale County Stock Show resulted in payments to exhibitors totaling $259,328 this year. Funds come from local merchants and individual donors. A total of 217 goats, heifers, steers, lambs and pigs were a part of the 2021 sale. The next Hale County Stock Show is set for Jan. 13-16, 2022 at the Ollie Liner Center. A roundtable discussion centered on the Ogallala aquifer will be held on Wednesday in the Hereford Civic Center. The event, titled Coming Together Around the Water Table, will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be the final session of the Regenerate 2021 field days. Topics will be related to the overall theme of weaving water, land and people. Plainview Rotarians held their weekly meeting Tuesday and the club welcomed Tracy Abbott as its newest member. The program for the day was presented by District 5730 Governor Brenda DeBon, who was joined by her husband, Mike. The two are members of the Rotary club in Dumas. Mrs. DeBon spoke to Plainview Rotarians about the long history the international organization has in humanitarian work and the role the Plainview club has played in that work. The Rotary Foundation has contributed more than $3 billion to assistance projects across the world through the Rotary Foundation. Projects range from fighting disease to education to world peace. The Plainview Rotary Club donates weekly in a variety of ways to the Foundation, she pointed out. Following the meeting, the club dismissed and looked to the community for ways to show Service Above Self. Robert Albert has a sense of humor a quality you must possess when youve advertised your livelihood at funeral homes. Hell often morbidly joke with his regular clients the junk people who drop over $300 dollars a month following his estate sale business across central Texas. Before sending them off with their latest treasure, hell usually tack on a quippy: Thank you for investing in your children's futures. Heres my card, feel free to staple it to your will. "It's life, it's what's gonna happen," he says with a smirk. You may spend the occasional Saturday morning at the thrift, driving around your neighborhood like a vulture, searching for the occasional yard or estate sale. You have nothing on 37-year-old Albert. Albert is the owner and operator at Top Hat Estate Sales and Thrift-ique his brick-and mortar store that opened in his hometown of Floresville seven months ago. For the past 12 years, Albert has devoted his life to dealing in rarities, antiques and in-vogue vintage trash. Normally, he has a special task force of five employees, each with their own specialty knowledge to share. For larger sales, he dials in a crew of 15 on-call retirees. When approaching a given property, they all help him take inventory of items, organize, identify, photograph, price and sell. There's Andy, who is particularly knowledgeable about toys and collectibles. Michael is really good with musical instruments. Herman, Albert's father, is an authority in mechanics. Curtis lends his eye to gold and silver jewelry. Ken is the resource for old kitchenware. Anna Lee is chief of presentation, arranging and organizing. This week, he and his trusty team are out in La Vernia, excavating the estate of a man who worked for San Antonio's Pearl Brewery for 35 years. Digging through his belongings, they discovered that the deceased was a collector of his company's brand. Now, Albert is reselling vintage signs, saltshakers, glasses and Pearl-branded windbreaker jackets (still in the packaging) minted from 1960s through the 1980s. "We're selling a Pearl collection I've never dealt with before. In my 12 years, I've never seen this much Pearl memorabilia," says Albert. "This is a dream sale. This is one of those sales where you just really enjoy going through the house and, you know, going through someone's life." Courtesy of Robert Albert Courtesy of Robert Albert Most of his clients learn of his mobile resale business through word of mouth. On opening day of this particular sale, a massive line formed outside the property. The Top Hat team managed to distribute 368 tickets. Usually the business runs two to three estate sales a month, plus one pop-up sale at the store. These items are typically purchased from small or restricted estates where an in-person sale isn't feasible. "Imagine you're leaving your home today and never going back to it," says Albert. " It makes people think for a minute, you know: what would they find? That's what we find." His personal collection casts a wide net. He particularly loves San Antonio memorabilia and local pottery. Also in his merry possession are hundreds of boxes of vintage Christmas decorations. Living in downtown San Antonio, his home has come to be the belle of the ball during his neighborhood's holiday home tour. "In this business, it's very easy to become a hoarder," he says. Albert's story is one that of a man abandoning a depressing job to follow his dreams. Before Top Hat, the Floresville native began his antique journey buying and selling finds across the flea market circuit, places like Bussey's and Mission Open Air Market, to earn a little extra cash. From there, he fell in love with it. Soon after he went into business with friends, before later going his separate way to venture into the wonderful world of estate sales. Top Hat has been poking around properties since 2017. Courtesy of Robert Albert While it stems from a love of snooping through other people's trash and treasure, Albert now appreciates the service he provides, meeting people in their darkest hours, making the process easier, and taking the burden off their shoulders. Naturally, when dealing with a family's drama, it's easy to suddenly become a person of interest. Albert mentions two on-the-clock run-ins with the authorities. Sometimes, estate executor's will instruct him to keep the door closed on angry extended family members while the Top Hat team is evaluating the house. On these occasions, odd family members, displeased that they were left out of the will, dialed the cops. "I would say 90% of the families are just so happy to have somebody come in and do this for them that it really, it really outweighs the problems," says Albert. Currently, Albert is in the process of developing a YouTube channel, where antique-curious people can watch him and his crew dig for treasure through old barns and homes. You can call him if you or a loved one is about to kick the bucket. Or, can find him on Instagram, where he often goes live. Albert tells me he finds that old rock n roll records and '70s vintage clothing are currently hot ticket items, especially for the younger crowd that has grown up in an age where commercial products are destined to fall a part. The trends at the sales are ever changing though. Next week they'll be at the shop in Floresville, the week after that the Terrell Hills neighborhood in San Antonio Albert has learned that some people are always on the chase, pursuing a new (or new to them) shiny fascination. "I think they have a little missing link in their life. And that fulfills it, and it comforts them," says Albert. "When they're down, who doesn't love shopping?" WASHINGTON (AP) Vice President Kamala Harris will head next month to Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to the White House. The White House announced Harris visit to France as President Joe Biden and Macron spoke by phone on Friday. The two presidents are scheduled to meet in Rome later this month on the margins of the Group of 20 summit. LONDON (AP) Britain and New Zealand have agreed on a trade deal that eliminates tariffs on a wide range of goods as the U.K. expands economic links around the world following its exit from the European Union. The deal was cemented late Wednesday in a conference call between U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his New Zealand counterpart, Jacinda Ardern, after 16 months of talks by negotiators. Although trade with New Zealand accounts for only 0.2% of the U.K.'s trade, Britain hopes it will help open the door toward membership in the trans-Pacific trade partnership. The partnership, which includes Japan, Canada, and Vietnam, had GDP of 8.4 trillion pounds ($11.6 trillion) in 2020. This is a great trade deal for the United Kingdom, cementing our long friendship with New Zealand and furthering our ties with the Indo-Pacific, Johnson said. It will benefit businesses and consumers across the country, cutting costs for exporters and opening up access for our workers.'' Ardern said the deal was among the best ever achieved by New Zealand and would boost the nation's economy by about 1 billion New Zealand dollars ($720 million) as it opens the way for more sales of the country's wine, butter, cheese and beef. This is a historic but substantial deal and it's been achieved basically in a year, Ardern said. That has never been done before. Trade officials in the U.K. trumpeted the benefits of the deal, declaring that sauvignon blanc wine, Manuka honey and kiwi fruit from New Zealand would be cheaper for British consumers. Clothing, buses and bulldozers will also no longer face tariffs. British farmers expressed disquiet, however, saying the deal, and another signed with Australia earlier this year, may boost food imports at a time when labor shortages and rising costs are already hurting many U.K. farmers. This could damage the viability of many British farms in the years ahead, to the detriment of the public, who want more British food on their shelves, and to the detriment of our rural communities and cherished farmed landscapes,'' National Farmers Union President Minette Batters said. Instead of repeating the refrain that these deals will be good for British agriculture, our government now needs to explain how these deals will tangibly benefit farming, the future of food production and the high standards that go along with it on these shores, Batters said. Asked if the deal meant New Zealand would be less reliant on China for its exports, Ardern said diversification would improve options and resilience for its exporters. When Britain joined what was then the European Economic Community back in 1973 many New Zealand exporters felt abandoned. Ardern said the new deal meant that perhaps it was time to draw a line under that period of history. Some of the details of the deal are still being finalized, and officials expect it to take effect next year. Johnsons Conservative government is negotiating free trade deals around the world to try to boost economic growth following Brexit. The biggest prize would be a trade deal with the United States, although a deal with America seems far off. ___ Perry reported from Wellington, New Zealand. ___ Follow all AP stories on post-Brexit developments in Britain at https://apnews.com/hub/Brexit. (Natural News) Several medical experts say that the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is mainly driven by fear. Dr. Bryan Ardis touched on this during the Oct. 20 episode of The Dr. Ardis Show on Brighteon.TV. He is joined by Dr. Peter McCullough, who has spoken at length about COVID-19. Ardis asserts that COVID-19 isnt as dangerous or as [frightening] as you have been led to believe through the media. He adds that his show seeks to help bring forward relevant data and shed light on the ongoing narrative. The goal of ours is to help reduce fear. How do you do that? You bring information to people that helps them make informed decisions for their loved ones and for themselves, Ardis says. McCullough then elaborates the role of fear in driving the pro-vaccine narrative. Fear drives emotions in the brain stem, in the limbic system. It overrides everything and so, I think what youve seen from the very beginning are manifestations of fear, he says. The cardiovascular physician adds: Its been odd to watch the fear not only in the public, but permeate into the medical community. The first time when I was on Tucker Carlsons show months ago, I told him: You know, this is the first time where Ive seen doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and others develop personal fear of contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus,' McCullough says. Covid-driven fear still prevalent in hospitals Back in May 2021, Fox News reported on McCulloughs remarks during a Tucker Carlson Today interview. During the interview, McCullough denounced the COVID-19 response of many governments, alleging that these have kept populations in fear, isolation and despair. (Related: UK used fear to control people during coronavirus pandemic, new book reveals.) According to McCullough, the COVID-19 pandemic was the first time American doctors and nurses faced a disease that they could catch and die of. I think it happened because our colleagues in Italy were reporting that in some centers in Milan, when they ran out of personal protective equipment healthcare personnel started going down, the cardiovascular physician posits. McCullough continues: At one point in time, early on, they published a list of a thousand doctors who had died [of COVID-19] on the internet. Many of them were older. I think that sent a chill through the medical community. The cardiologist notes that this fear remains prevalent in the hospital system. I can tell you at major medical centers today, believe it or not, [during] grand rounds the majority of people are in WebEx. So many doctors are still so fearful that theyre not coming out of their homes or their offices to even go to grand rounds. McCullough: Public health agencies overstepping executive powers McCullough also mentions that the U.S. has lost its sense of who contributes to medical care in the medical authority, which Carlson has earlier brought up. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzes outbreaks, while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) handles concerns related to drugs and drug safety. Meanwhile, the National Institutes of Health funds government research. However, the three agencies have overstepped their boundaries to the point of suggesting only one standard treatment course for COVID-19 at the expense of other effective treatments. None of these organizations are treating bodies. None of them have the authority to suggest treatment. All of them work for us. They are public service agencies, they work for doctors and patients, McCullough says. The doctor and the patient sit above those three agencies, and both engage in what we call a fiduciary relationship meaning we have a responsibility to one another. A principle of the fiduciary relationship is shared decision-making, that we all decide together on what happens whether it be heart disease, cancer and COVID-19. McCullough laments how this relationship has not been treated with respect amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He says: We have seen an erosion of the fiduciary relationship in medical decision-making and a complete walkover of shared decision-making. Patients are absolutely outraged that they dont have a say in their care, and theyre certainly outraged when theyre denied appropriate medical therapy. (Related: Tom Renz slams medical violence being committed against unvaccinated organ transplant patients Brighteon.TV.) Watch the full Oct. 20 episode of The Dr. Ardis Show at the video below. Tune in to The Dr. Ardis Show with Dr. Bryan Ardis every Wednesday morning at 10-11 a.m. on Brighteon.TV. Pandemic.news has more articles about the COVID-19 pandemics fear-driven narrative. Sources include: Brighteon.com FoxNews.com (Natural News) In the case of Franklin Woods Intermediate School, evidence has emerged that critical race theory ideology is being taught in the classroom. This [is] despite the Superintendents previous vows to parents this wasnt the case. (Article by Nick Monroe republished from ThePostMillennial.com) Specifically, the notion that people who arent radical anti-racist activists are themselves a guilty party. A recent clip published by Mythinformed MKE shows what appears to be a 6th grade student on a cell phone covertly recording what the teacher was saying (For context, the teacher in the clip plugs the book Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. Kendi is by now widely known as one of the main arbiters of critical race theory as an ideological doctrine.) The following is a transcript of what the teacher is telling students. In this first section the teacher identifies themselves explicitly as an activist. Some people might call it racist. Its actually three categories, if you read the book Stamped youll hear that theres three areas. Theres anti-racist which is a person who works to end racism. An activist, someone who is active, and thats what I was trying to be. I was reading books, I was going to rallies, I was trying to be in that group. Then theres the opposite which is someone who is racist, who discriminates against people of a certain group and that sort of thing, the teacher briefly mentions. The last section is what the teacher talks about the most. Those who arent at either end of the political extremes. But then theres the middle group. A middle group is what most people are. Most people dont actively work to end racism, and most people dont work to be in the racist group. So most people are in that middle group, called an assimilationist. An assimilationist doesnt actively work to end it, and doesnt work to be in the racist group. The teacher then recommends the class read Stamped, as theres a young adults edition for their age group. At a June 2021 school board meeting held over Zoom in the South-Western City School District, in Grove City, Ohio, a concerned parent highlighted concerns over the teaching of critical race theory entering the school curriculum. (Skip to around the 29 minute mark) Julie Liskany, a parent of a child in the district, was reassured by Superintendent Bill Wise that that wasnt the case. She then proceeds to say despite the reassurances, students are being assigned reading material from far-left ideologues who espouse that mindset. Liskany says what was offered on paper as an effort at being more diversity minded in classroom teaching has in practice ended up with activist teachers pushing their personal politics on the children they teach. Political propaganda and racial theories on how children learn and interact has no place in our classrooms, Liskany says. Read more at: ThePostMillennial.com (Natural News) Scott Gottlieb said on Monday, Oct. 18, that the new delta plus variant (AY.4) of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) could require more booster shots. According to Gottliebs Twitter post, the delta plus variant may have partial immune evasion, which was cited as a reason for people needing booster shots during the delta variant panic earlier in this year. UK reported its biggest one-day Covid case increase in 3 months just as the new delta variant AY.4 with the S:Y145H mutation in the spike reaches 8% of UK sequenced cases. We need urgent research to figure out if this delta plus is more transmissible, has partial immune evasion? Scott Gottlieb, MD (@ScottGottliebMD) October 17, 2021 The former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner and current Pfizer board member added that the delta plus variant has been recorded in the U.K. since July and it has been slowly increasing in prevalence. The variant has been in the UK since about July, but it has been slowly increasing in prevalence. Theres no clear indication that its considerably more transmissible, but we should work to more quickly characterize these and other new variants. We have the tools. Scott Gottlieb, MD (@ScottGottliebMD) October 17, 2021 It remains to be seen if its more transmissible, but Gottlieb emphasized the importance of quickly characterizing AY.4 and other new coronavirus variants. (Related: FDA staffers undecided on Covid booster shots due to lack of data.) Gottlieb noted that the public should remain calm and that robust systems will be key to identifying new coronavirus variants. He concluded that global efforts must be coordinated in the same vein as international efforts for addressing influenza, an illness that doesnt really require vaccines. British health experts keep tabs on delta variant mutations On Tuesday, Oct. 19, health experts in the U.K. urged the British government to bring back some coronavirus restrictions because of the skyrocketing rates of infections and hospitalizations in the country. Health leaders cautioned that the U.K. may struggle with a winter crisis if the government does not enact its Plan B, a pledge it made back in September 2021. Under Plan B, the U.K. would reimpose coronavirus measures if data showed that the National Health Service (NHS) is likely to come under unsustainable pressure. As of writing, the U.K. is recording between 40,000 and 50,000 new coronavirus cases daily. The number of hospitalizations and deaths is also increasing. The U.K. reported 43,738 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, a decrease from Monday when 49,156 new cases were recorded, marking the countrys highest daily number in three months. On Tuesday, 223 new deaths within 28 days of a positive test were reported, bringing the total number of fatalities to 138,852 putting the U.K among the top five countries with the highest COVID-19 death tolls in the world. Experts in the U.K. are also keeping a close eye on a new mutation of the delta variant known as AY.4.2, which is highly infectious and is the dominant version of the coronavirus worldwide. AY.4.2 is linked to an increasing number of coronavirus cases in the U.K. Some believe AY.4.2 might be another possible factor in rising case numbers. According to the U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA), AY.4.2 includes spike mutations A222V and Y145H. As of Sept. 27, the last week with complete sequencing data, AY.4.2 was responsible for at least six percent of all sequences generated, on an increasing trajectory. The agency has warned that the figure may be inaccurate, and experts are still assessing the situation. Danny Altmann, professor of immunology at Imperial College London, has advised that AY.4.2 must be carefully controlled and tightly monitored. The delta variant has been the dominant mutant in several regions in the U.K. for six months and it hasnt been displaced by any other variant. Altmann notes that in a best-case scenario, the delta variant could represent the peak mutation performance achievable by the virus. However, AY.4 is starting to raise doubts about this assertion. Check out Vaccines.news to read more articles about the coronavirus pandemic and vaccines. Sources include: NationalFile.com Twitter.com 1 Twitter.com 2 Twitter.com 3 CNBC.com (Natural News) The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Tuesday, Oct. 19, raided the home of Russian industrialist and oligarch Oleg Deripaska. Christian author and conservative political commentator Melissa Red Pill considers the raid as the first domino that falls and brings down with it what she calls the corrupt diseased cabal. Deripaska, 53, made most of his fortune in the 1990s and early 2000s in the aluminum industry. At one point he was the CEO of United Company RUSAL, one of the worlds largest aluminum companies and responsible for producing around 10 percent of the worlds aluminum. Before the Great Recession in 2008 made his net worth collapse, he was the ninth richest man in the world. Now, he has an estimated net worth of between $3 to $5 billion. FBI refuses to divulge why it raided Deripaska It is still unclear why the raid took place. A spokesperson for the FBI told NBC News that the agency was conducting law enforcement activity at the 11,000-square-foot mansion, without giving any further details. Deripaskas home in Washington, D.C. is located in one of the capitals most exclusive neighborhoods. It is right next to the home of George Conway, husband of former President Donald Trumps senior counselor Kellyanne Conway. Conway says he has never seen Deripaska at the residence. Also on Tuesday, federal investigators searched another residence owned by Deripaska in Greenwich Village, New York. A spokesperson for Deripaska said the two properties the FBI raided do not belong to Deripaska but to his relatives. This is the only comment anyone in Deripaskas camp has made regarding the situation. The Russian oligarch rose to prominence due to his alleged close ties to the Russian government. He was sanctioned in 2018 by the Department of the Treasury for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of a senior Russian government official. (Related: Bombshell: Comeys FBI approached Russian oligarch weeks before 2016 election to push phony Trump collusion narrative.) Raid on Deripaskas alleged properties an important event Its not every day that you see a Russian oligarchs home being raided by the FBI, said Red Pill, during the Oct. 20 episode of her program Freedom Force Battalion on Brighteon.TV. During her program, Red Pill gives a summary of the history behind the rise of Russian oligarchs like Deripaska. She talks about how at one point the Russian economy got crushed. During this time, many oligarchs like Deripaska started accruing more wealth and power and acted like crime families in Russia vying for power with some of the countrys most influential politicians. This guy is one of the top dogs over there, says Red Pill of Deripaska. To stress the importance of the FBIs raid on Deripaskas alleged properties, Red Pill compares it to raiding the home of the Queen of England. He is someone very, very high up in this crime family [of Russian oligarchs], says Red Pill. Red Pill has also highlighted the fact that Deripaska was sanctioned by former President Donald Trump and his administration. According to Red Pill, Deripaska worked very closely with both the FBI and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), possibly to help them take down Trump. That, Red Pill says, was the reason why Deripaska was sanctioned by the Trump administration. Red Pill adds that the former president has targeted Deripaska as a warning to his other enemies to stop trying to come after him, otherwise they would also be sanctioned or worse. Red Pill points to an interview Deripaska made with a mainstream media outlet right after he was sanctioned. During the interview, Deripaska denied all of the allegations brought against him. Red Pill notes that he was lashing out at his former allies in the FBI and the CIA who were unable to protect him from Trump. They cover for each others crimes, says Red Pill. Theyve always done that in the past and theyve never sanctioned him. They always work together for their criminal activities. Red Pill says Deripaska worked with the FBI and the CIA not out of the goodness of his heart but because hes trying to protect his criminal operation. She says: Theres a lot of dirty business going on, no doubt. Watch the Oct. 20 episode of Freedom Force Battalion here: Freedom Force Battalion with Melissa Red Pill airs every Wednesday at 11-12 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. Learn more about Trumps corrupt enemies in Russia and within the U.S. by reading the latest articles at Corruption.news. Sources include: Brighteon.com MarketRealist.com NBCNews.com CBSNews.com (Natural News) The revolving door between Big Pharma and the federal government is once again on display after it was revealed that all three vaccine corporations pushing Operation Warp Speed injections for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) have former U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioners on their respective payrolls. Scott Gottlieb, a corrupt pharmaceutical baron who was appointed by Donald Trump to head up the FDA from 2017-2019, is now a board member at Pfizer. Gottlieb regularly appears on the media manipulating fake finance network CNBC, and he also holds several thousand shares of Pfizer stock, which is on top of the six-figure compensation he receives from the company annually. Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, the ultimate personification of the revolving door mechanism, sits on the board of Pfizer, reported independent journalist and truth-seeker Jordan Schachtel. The frequent Pfizer-sponsored CNBC guest also maintains several thousand shares of Pfizer stock, and he is compensated well into the six figures on an annual basis. Gottlieb earns millions from his continually increasing board appointments to a plethora of pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. Gottlieb also sits on the boards of both Illumina, Tempus Labs and Aetion, the first two of which just so happen to sell FDA-authorized Covid-19 testing kits, which we now know are completely fake. Aetion, meanwhile, supposedly conducts research on Covid-19 policy, whatever that means. Another plandemic profiteer who used to lead the FDA is Stephen Hahn, who under Trump authorized the release of Modernas Fauci Flu shot injections. Hahn recently accepted an executive-level position with Flagship Pioneering, the company that launched Moderna in the first place. Flagship holds 20 million shares of Moderna stock, which as of October 16, 2021, is valued at $6.5 Billion, reports indicate. They earned $1.4 billion through the sale of Moderna stock earlier this year. There is virtually no separation between Flagship and Moderna. Flagship CEO Noubar Afeyan, who co-founded Moderna and owns over 2 million shares of Moderna stock, is the current chairman of Moderna. Additionally, Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel is listed as a Flagship special partner.' Trump is the reason why Moderna became a multi-billion dollar cash cow for career criminals Bancel, as a quick reminder, was propped up by Trump who also propelled Moderna to the forefront of the plandemic profiteering scam at a time when Moderna had not yet released even one successful drug. Moderna was later outed as a pump-and-dump scam that never would have happened had Trump not awarded the company a top-tier spot in Operation Warp Speed, allowing the company to begin raking in billions of dollars in profits. There is also Mark McClellan, who worked as FDA commissioner from 2002-2004 under George W. Bush. McClellan has been on the taxpayer dole for decades, only to later be given a prominent seat on the board of directors of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) in 2013. Since that time, McClellan has acquired thousands of shares of J&J, which of course spiked after the company was awarded a top spot in Operation Warp Speed. McClellan also rakes in about $300,000 annually from the company. Have an experimental drug that needs rapid authorization from the FDA in order to be sold to the masses? Looking to siphon billions of dollars from the U.S. taxpayer for your newfound pharmaceutical product? Schachtel joked. In todays America, you can buy yourself a former FDA commissioner, and use the public-sector private-sector revolving door system of corruption to impose your will on the American public, and make a windfall for your executives and shareholders in the process. The latest news stories about the revolving door between the federal government and the private sector can be found at Fascism.news. Sources for this article include: FreedomFirstNetwork.com NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Zinc is essential for the normal development and function of your immune system, as it protects against susceptibility to pathogens, mediates natural killer cells, activates T-lymphocytes, regulates macrophages, and is central to DNA replication. (Article by Joseph Mercola republished from TheEpochTimes.com) You have at least 300 enzymes that require zinc to function normally. Evidence shows zinc helps protect the body from COVID-19 by impairing viral replication in the cell, supporting ciliary growth and function in the respiratory system, and improving the respiratory epithelial barrier. Colds Are Coronaviruses The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified several common human coronaviruses that are responsible for upper respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Although a cold is usually a minor condition, it is also responsible for most doctors office visits every year. A cold can last as short as a week, but in children and the elderly, it can last longer. Cold symptoms include a stuffy head, runny nose, sore throat, headache, and sometimes a fever. These are some of the same symptoms of influenza, but the symptoms are often worse and include fever and body chills. It wasnt until the work of Dr. Ananda Prasad in the 1970s that zinc was acknowledged as an essential mineral. A decade earlier, Prasad was studying young men who had grown up in Egypt and never attained their normal height. After supplementing with zinc, the men grew significantly taller. In the 1970s, zinc was acknowledged by the National Academy of Sciences as a mineral fundamental to many aspects of health. Prasad collaborated with a scientist from the University of Michigan to demonstrate that zinc influences immunity. Research in the past decade has identified the crucial role that zinc plays in curtailing the length and severity of upper respiratory infections. A meta-analysis published in 2017 found those who took a zinc supplement of 80 to 92 milligrams (mg) each day at the beginning of cold symptoms saw a reduction in the length of their cold by 33 percent. Although research has demonstrated the significant positive effect zinc has on the immune system and on shortening upper respiratory infections caused by common cold viruses, further research in 2020 demonstrated that zinc is crucial to immune system function and deficiency may be linked to individuals who have severe COVID-19 illness. Zinc Crucial for Immune System Development Since the 1970s, scientists have discovered several facts about zinc and how it plays a central role in the immune system. Your immune system is your bodys first line of defense. Whether this is against infectious disease, wound infections, or chronic disease, your immune system plays a crucial role. Researchers have spent decades studying the different ways that you can support your immune system to improve function. Nutrients play a vital role in supporting your immune system, and one of those nutrients is zinc. Early and outpatient treatment from the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance, contains zinc, as does the protocol recommended and prescribed by Dr. Vladimir Zelenko. Zelenko created a website to facilitate crowd-sourcing medical data from frontline primary care doctors around the world. There are academics who also support Zelenkos efforts, including some at the University of Texas, which hosts a download page describing the history and citations behind the Zelenko Protocol. Zelenko and the Front Line critical care doctors used their knowledge of the association between zinc and your immune system to develop their successful protocols. Data has shown: People who are deficient in zinc have an increased susceptibility to pathogens, including through the skin barrier. Zinc mediates nonspecific immunity, including natural killer cells and neutrophils. Zinc deficiency prevents the activation of T-lymphocytes, production of Th1 cytokine, and the ability of B lymphocytes to help. During deficiency, B lymphocyte development is also compromised. Deficiency affects the function of macrophage cells, which can trigger cytokine production and dysregulated intracellular death. Zinc is central to DNA replication, RNA transcription, and cell activation and division. Evidence Zinc Helps Protect Against COVID-19 Campbell describes several functions by which zinc helps protect the body from COVID-19, including helping to stop viruses from entering cells. Zinc also supports the growth and function of ciliary hairs in the respiratory system that move microbes and debris up and out of the airways. These hairs move in a synchronized beat, like rowers in a boat. One study published in the American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy showed that zinc helps to stimulate the ciliary beat frequency and may help improve mucociliary clearance, which is essential for clearing the lungs of mucous. Another group of scientists found that supplementing animals deficient in zinc affected the length of the cilia and number of epithelial cells in the bronchus. Research has shown zinc also functions to improve the respiratory epithelial barrier, the skin that lines your respiratory tract and is constantly exposed to particles and microbes from the air you breathe. Evidence has shown that zinc influences interferon-gamma, a type of cytokine. Cytokines are proteins that act like smoke signals to alert the immune system to an invader. Interferon-gamma plays a significant role in defending against intracellular pathogens. When there is a reduction in this cytokine, it results in immunological impairment. While the jury is still out on whether interferon-gamma plays a role as an anti-tumor mechanism, some studies have shown that it does have a positive effect on patients survival of certain cancers. As youve likely heard throughout 2020, zinc also has a direct effect on viral replication inside the cells. A great way to learn about zinc is a short video Dr. John Campbell posted on YouTube. He reviews some of the science behind the association between zinc and the immune system and shares his belief that zinc is one biological basis some people suffer more severe COVID infections. Campbell describes some of the effects that zinc has inside the cells, including decreasing the effects of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, often called replicase since it helps replicate the virus inside the cells. Zinc Deficiency Linked to Multiple Health Conditions As Campbell points out, a zinc deficiency can significantly impact your immune system, but it can also result in a hyper-inflammatory response from proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, with a deficiency in zinc, you not only get more viral infections, but these trigger an increase in the hyper-inflammatory response. Campbell points out that many conditions associated with a zinc deficiency are also known comorbidities for COVID-19. These conditions include: Arteriosclerosis Autoimmune diseases Bronchial asthma Cancer Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Diabetes Being on diuretics Advanced age Immunosuppression Kidney disease and liver cirrhosis/damage Tobacco smoking Obesity Zinc Ionophores Improve Effectiveness In a short MedCram video posted on YouTube, Dr. Roger Seheult reviews the compelling evidence that suggests how zinc ionophores (a chemical that helps ions cross cell membranes) improve zinc uptake into the cell. This is a crucial component of stopping viral replication. As Seheult explains, zinc cannot easily penetrate the fatty walls of the cell but needs to be inside the cell to stop viral replication. There are several zinc ionophores that can do the job. In this video, Seheult describes the role that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine play. Hydroxychloroquine is the ionophore that Zelenko uses in his protocol to move zinc into the cells. In his peer-reviewed study, the researchers compared 141 treated patients against 377 untreated patients from the same community. The data collection showed only four of the 141 treated patients were hospitalized and 58 of the untreated patients were hospitalized. One patient in the treatment group died and 13 patients in the untreated group died. There are also other natural compounds that may work to get zinc into cells, except for perhaps in the most serious cases. Two that have been studied include quercetin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is found in green tea. In a comparative study, researchers evaluated quercetin and EGCG as zinc ionophores. They demonstrated ionophore action on a lipid membrane system and concluded that these polyphenols may raise zinc levels in the cells and have a significant impact on the biological action of zinc. Interestingly, quercetin is also a potent antiviral, and quercetin and EGCG have the added advantage of inhibiting the 3CL protease. According to a 2020 study in the Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, the ability to inhibit SARS coronaviruses is presumed to be directly linked to suppress the activity of SARS-CoV 3CLpro in some cases. Zinc Vitamins May Trigger a Copper Imbalance Zinc deficiency is not uncommon. Experts believe that about 17.3 percent of the global population is deficient and it is estimated most people over 65 consume just 50 percent of the recommended amount of zinc. Four common signs that your body may need more zinc: Lack of appetite Mental lethargy Impaired sense of taste or smell Frequent colds, flu, or infections Hair loss While some tests used to identify deficiency include hair analysis, urine samples, or an oral taste test, blood plasma tests are the most common. The oral taste test can be done at home through mail-order labs but it is not always reliable. People who are at risk for zinc deficiency include: Those with malnutrition The elderly People with inflammatory or autoimmune diseases Vegetarians and vegans Early zinc deficiency is largely subclinicalmeaning you do not have symptoms that a doctor would treatyet it does impact the immune system. Although you may be tempted to begin supplementing with zinc, its important to realize that your body has an intricate method of maintaining a balance of trace minerals such as copper, iron, chromium, and zinc. The best way to readily achieve proper balance is to get your minerals from real food. Although it may be necessary to supplement during illness when your body needs more zinc, I recommend trying to meet your daily requirement from foods. These are some of the best food sources of zinc: Alaskan King crab Oysters Kidney beans Lamb Grass-fed beef Cheddar or Swiss cheese Mushrooms Spinach Pumpkin seeds Read more at: TheEpochTimes.com (Natural News) Corruption and malice have put the U.S. in a precarious state. Now, some Americans are standing up and doing something in response to the situation. Ann Vandersteel talked to two such individuals during the Oct. 19 edition of her program Steel Truth on Brighteon.TV. She shows a video of a sheriff asking why the U.S. is currently in a bad place. I was wondering why were in the position that were in and I just wanted to make this quick video to tell you why. The short answer is that we allowed it to. We got lazy. Nobody wants to have accountability for their actions, the sheriff says. He adds: Weve been hit by evil, make no mistake about it. Your health, your family, your liberty, your freedoms. Everything has been attacked since day one. The sheriff calls on Americans to start acting now in order to get out of precarious situations. Stop making excuses, dont be lazy, be smart. Make a plan, do what you can, network, get your personal affairs together and gear up, he says. The Steel Truth host then patches in Tim Foley, the founder of Arizona Border Recon (AZBR), on satellite phone. Foley shares his observations at the U.S.-Mexico border area in Sasabe, Arizona. According to its website, AZBR seeks to provide intelligence to the public in matters relating to the trafficking activities originating from the border in Arizona. Foley says: Right now, we have eyes on 11 armed cartel members. It looks like theyre setting up a base right on the border. Theyre on the hills right on the Mexican side. They dont even give a damn, theyre oblivious and they dont even care. The AZBR founder adds that the cartel members are removing the fence panels that serve to keep out illegal immigrants. Theyre removing all the panels laid out here. I think what theyre doing is theyre keeping an eye out. According to Foley, the area is heavily contested between cartels. They want these hills [and] it looks like theyre reinforcing their positions out here, he says. (Related: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says border situation worsening into a firing war as cartel members take shots at National Guard, law enforcement.) Vandersteel interviews Oregon gubernatorial candidate Romero Aside from Foley, Vandersteel also interviews Oregon gubernatorial candidate Paul Romero. The Republican candidate is set to run against incumbent Democratic Gov. Kate Brown. Romeros campaign website features a link to Lawfare Ammo, which are legal documents against Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) mandates by state governments. (Related: Papers, please: Oregon demands that residents show proof of vaccination in order to live life.) Vandersteel lauds Romeros efforts to help Oregonians fight for their health freedom through lawfare. Youre using your platform to help others in your state which actually can be replicated nationwide, she says. The Brighteon.TV host then asks about how Romero came up with the idea. Basically, I started getting calls about what Oregonians can do and if theres something more that I can do as a candidate. I really didnt have the answer to that question, so I started talking to people that actually had law information that was pertinent. As I got to know more of it, I just kept on getting more requests, Romero says. The GOP candidate continues: I was responding with emails that just became huge but it took too much time. Finally, I put together the Lawfare Ammo documents. We put it together and made it a lot easier. It even includes U.S. Supreme Court precedents that work in our favor in this regard. Romero adds that the people can download and edit the documents depending on the situation. Aside from this, Romero has also started work on a court case involving elected Oregon officials. Theres actual law that states if youre in violation of Oregon statute as an elected official, you must be immediately removed from office. Well, we have a long list of people and you can see some major changes in Oregon pretty quick, he tells Vandersteel. The efforts of Foley for border security and that of Romero for health freedom appear to align with the sheriffs advice to start acting now. Vandersteel also agrees with the sheriffs words, calling them sage advice. She continues: When you look back at what [former] President [Donald] Trump accomplished in four years, we Americans accomplished together because we built this. It looked a lot better than the stark comparison of [incumbent President Joe] Biden, who has just destroyed this country in 10 short months. But we can rebuild it. Watch the full Oct. 19 episode of Steel Truth below. Steel Truth with Ann Vandersteel airs from Monday to Friday at 8-10 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. Awakening.news has more articles about people working to fix Americas situation. Sources include: Brighteon.com ArizonaBorderRecon.org RomeroForOregon.com (Natural News) For many people, a VPN is accepted as being their best bet for protecting their data and online privacy. While cyber security is certainly a concern for them, most VPN users arent exactly adept when it comes to information technology. Like any consumer, they typically err on the side of using a trusted name within the industry. In many ways, ExpressVPN is that standard-bearer. Since it began in 2009, ExpressVPN has signed up millions of users for its service under the promise that it does everything from encrypting data on their internet browser to masking their IP address in order to protect users against hackers and government surveillance. (Article by BlueApples republished from ZeroHedge.com) What most of the 3 million users who currently use ExpressVPN probably werent aware of when they signed up is that the service proves the point that hackers and government surveillance arent mutually exclusive. On September 13th, ExpressVPN was sold to the Israeli-based company Kape Technologies in a $936 million cash and stock purchase. This acquisition added ExpressVPN to a catalog including several other VPN providers acquired by Kape Technologies since 2017. The acquiring company touted its purchase as being integral to defining the next generation in its fight for online privacy. However, the centralization the VPN services Kape Technologies owns and an examination of its history reveals the companys efforts to undermine that very cause as a distributor of malware with ties to US and Israeli intelligence operations. Kape Technologies was founded in 2011 by partners Koby Menachemi and Shmueli Ahdut under the name CrossRider. Early in its origins, CrossRider did not bill itself as a cyber security company. Instead, the focus of the company was on web browsing and advertising technologies. Just 20 months after its founding, the tech start-up with $2 million in working capital was purchased by Israeli tech billionaire Teddy Sagi for $37 million. Menachemi and Ahdut would stay on at the company as its CEO and CTO following the purchase. With the injection of capital that Sagis purchase put into the company, CrossRider pivoted its operations to change the scope of its outlook toward cyber security. In 2017, CrossRider cemented that change of direction when it purchased CyberGhost VPN for $10.4 million. Upon its acquisition of the Romanian-based VPN, CrossRider rebranded itself as Kape Technologies. While CrossRiders rebrand appeared to be a common tactic by a company marking a shift in its outlook as it made its first foray into cyber security, the basis of the change was rooted in a much different motive. By the time CrossRider had acquired CyberGhost VPN, the adware programs the company designed had been exposed as hacking tools. By attaching its adware to third party downloads, CrossRider was able to install potentially unwanted programs which attached to web browsers as spyware. Microsoft, Symantec MalwareBytes, and other cyber security websites categorized CrossRiders malware program Crossid as a browser hijacker which collected user information such as browser information to IP addresses in order to monetize data for its value in targeted ad campaigns. With the CrossRider name being attached to this malicious spyware, the company was putting its newest VPN asset in jeopardy. In order to avoid losing users of CyberGhostVPN, rebranding to Kape Technologies was a measure designed to obfuscate the companies history as an entity producing malware programs which were antithetical to the interest of data security. The rebrand proved to effectuate the new image the company sought as it would go on to acquire additional VPN services years before its 2021 purchase of ExpressVPN. In 2018, Kape Technologies acquired Zenmate for $5.5 million and then Private Internet Access for $95 million in 2019. With its growing portfolio, Kape Technologies had become increasingly more visible. Its umbrella of ownership centralizing multiple VPNs was a red flag for many who placed value in cyber security. Under growing scrutiny, the concerning origins of the companys founders came to light. It was revealed that Koby Menachemi, Kape Technologies co-founder and former CEO, began his career in information technologies while serving in the Israeli Defense Forces. Menachemi worked as a developer in the Israeli Intelligence Corps under Unit 8200. That division of the IDF was responsible for collecting signal intelligence and data decryption. Its alumni are estimated to have founded over 1,000 tech startups. Companies founded by former operatives of Unit 8200 include Waze, Elbit Systems, and slews of other startups who have since been acquired by the likes of Kodak, PayPal, Facebook, and Microsoft. In addition to its ties to thousands of companies from start ups to conglomerates, Unit 8200 has also fostered a close working relationship with the US government. In 2013, Edward Snowden disclosed leaked documents he obtained which included an agreement between the NSA and IDF. The agreement showed that the US intelligence agency would share information it collected under its domestic surveillance operations with its Israeli counterpart. The information Israeli intelligence received from the NSA included metadata and content from phone calls under stipulations from the agreement which assured the IDF that Unit 8200 would receive the information in raw formats so that identifying information on subjects of the surveillance would not be redacted. This meant that the NSA would transmit data including names and other personal information on its surveillance targets directly to Unit 8200. Critics of the unit attested that the Israeli intelligence outfit would routinely use the data it received from the NSA by providing it to Israeli politicians for the basis of blackmailing their Palestinian counterparts. Other whistle blowers have revealed Unit 8200s operations have been able to disrupt Syrian air defense systems, hack Russia-based Kaspersky Lab, and has outfitted several Israeli embassies with clandestine surveillance systems. By the time Kape Technologies had acquired its first VPN company, Menachemi had left his post as CEO of the company. He would go on to found his next venture, Kapai, in 2017 before leaving as its CEO in 2019. He now bills himself as the owner of Mobfox, a tech company that focuses on providing users with tools to manage their ad programs. At the time of his exit in 2016, the reason for his departure from Kape Technologies was not disclosed. Consequently, it is unclear if the revelations about his tenure as a developer in Unit 8200 had any impact on his decision to leave the company. Menachamis co-founder Shmueli Ahdut also left the company. Currently, Ido Erlichman serves as the CEO of Kape Technologies since immediately succeeding Menachemi and Ari Margalit is its present CTO. Though Erlichman also had previously served in the IDF as a captain, he has no documented service in the Israeli military as a member of Unit 8200. Despite Menachemis departure, Kape Technologies transgressions persisted. As of 2019, the malware that the company developed as CrossRider was still being deployed. Instances of those malware infections in 2019 reflected that new versions of the spyware had been developed through that year. The state of the malwares ongoing use is a direct contradiction to promises made by Erlichman when he took over for Menachami in 2016, stating that the company had transformed its operations to focus on cybersecurity and was thus abandoning its use of adware. Additional controversy arose when in May 2021, disclosures showed that Kape Technologies purchased the company Webselenese. That Israeli-based marketing company runs the websites vpnMentor.com and Wizcase.com which review VPN services. This put Kape Technologies in a position where it was reviewing its own products, unbeknownst to visitors of the websites. Wizcase and vpnMentor combined to have over 6 million visitors in September of 2021 alone. Since Kape Technologies acquisition of ExpressVPN, the company owns the top three reviewed VPNs on vpnMentor.com. Wizcase.com lists those same three Kape Technologies owned companies as the only services included on its list of their best-reviewed VPNs for Windows users as well as those being their top three reviewed VPNS for iOS users. Given the innate conflict of interest these sites have being owned by Kape Technologies, they look to serve as little more than a means to promote the VPNs who share the same ownership with each review including links to sign up for each of the services. Another stain tarnishing its reputation among cyber security experts emerged the day following its acquisition of ExpressVPN. On September 14, the United States Department of Justice announced that it had provided a deferred prosecution agreement to ExpressVPN CIO Daniel Gericke. The agreement, which included a $335,000 fine and the revocation of Gerickes security clearance given to him during his time as an NSA agent, was the result of his prosecution for charges related to his involvement as a mercenary hired by the United Arab Emirates. Gericke was hired as a hacker for hire under Project Raven. The UAE recruited over a dozen former US intelligent operations as part of this operation to spy on opponents of the nations monarchy by deploying software capable of hacking into smartphones similar to the Israeli-developed Pegasus hacking tool uncovered in July. Despite Gerickes deferred prosecution agreement, ExpressVPN has stated that he will be remain with the company as its CIO, citing that his background as a hacker in Project Raven conveys that he possesses the skills necessary to implement safeguards to protect the users of their service. Kape Technologies monopolization of VPN services into a singular technocratic empire conveys a centralization which jeopardizes the cyber security of its users and across the Internet as a whole. Beyond that, the companys origins highlight how deeply immersed technology companies with large market shares are with intelligence agencies both foreign and abroad. For users seeking a solution to their cyber security concerns, the visibility of these issues that Kape Technologies growing profile brings should serve as a forewarning against signing up for their services. The question then becomes how to find a viable alternative given the resources that governments across the world have put into assembling controlled opposition to the Orwellian security state they have constructed. Read more at: ZeroHedge.com The internet user, who posted the footage on YouTube, reveals that the offal explosion occurred near Tomales Bay on the California coast. Exploding Whale Carcass Since it's just a brief piece of video before the whale's identity is obscured by a billowing torrent of blood and organs, it's impossible to tell what type of whale is floating on the surface, although gray whales, blue whales, and humpback whales are the most popular marine mammals in the region. Biologically fascinating is one way to describe it, as the clip soon became a game - Guess The Internal Organ. Following a gory explosion, everything from guts to lungs and what seems to be a spleen started coming out of the the lifeless whale's mouth. Gassy outbursts like this one are a normal component of these creatures' disintegration, and stories of exploding whales have spread across the globe. Also Read: Beached Sperm Whale Bore Massive Scars After Deadly Fight Against Giant Squid Whale Explosion Dead whales have found their way to shores and even the Staten Island coast with their bellies full of gas (a particularly memorable carcass for its near-spherical appearance) While their huge mouths and bodily cavities can retain the death burp for a long time, they are prone to eventually releasing it for maximum effect. Residents of Tainan, Taiwan, discovered this the hard way when a 60-ton male whale on its way to a scientific institution for a necropsy burst in the middle of a busy street. In this case, the whale's intestines ruptured from its belly, splattering blood and guts all over businesses and houses. The following destruction prompted varied reactions, with some praising the foul odor and others rushing to "feel" the whale's testosterone production. Great Whale Explosion of Oregon Of course, no discussion of exploding whales would be complete without mentioning the Great Whale Explosion of Oregon in 1970. Authorities believed they had no option but to conduct an explosion to remove a roughly 14-meter (45-foot) blue whale that washed up on the shore in Florence, and the consequences were... unpleasant. Exploding a whale seems to follow the Goldilocks Principle: the number of explosives must be exactly perfect. The extremes are allowed; either a little amount to send the corpse out to sea, or a large amount to totally destroy the whale. You would not want to be stuck in the middle, which is exactly where the highway division charged with blowing up the Oregon whale found itself on that fateful November day. The ensuing explosion blew apart huge pieces of fat in a "mighty burst of tomato juice," as witnesses described it. Before smashing into buildings, vehicles, and people, whale boulders traveled a long distance. In good humor, the people of Oregon chose to honor their history by naming a park after the horrific incident. When life offers you whale pieces, you should probably make the Exploding Whale, Memorial Park. Related Article: Why Do Dead Whales Explode? Experts Warn People to Run If They See This on the Beach For more news, updates about whales and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News! The spewing of lava from volcanoes on the Moon has become much more recent than scientists believed. But how it happened is difficult to understand. This conclusion was drawn from the analysis of a rock sample gathered on the moon and was delivered to earth by Chang'e-5 in late 2020. First Moon Sample Since the Apollo mission in 1976, there have not been much exploration of the Moon. The rock sample brought back by Chang'e-5 serves as the first moon sample to be analysed ever since the 1976 mission. The study of these new lunar samples destroys the findings from analyses of those earlier samples. The rocks brought back by Apollo with samples from all 24 Luna missions suggested that the moon is cool and its volcanic eruptions have stopped over 3 billion years ago. Bradley Jolliff, a planetary scientist at Washington University in St. Louis who assisted in conducting the research, told NBC News, "The general assumption was that the moon is such a small body compared to Earth and Mars, for example, so it cooled off more quickly and stopped producing volcanics." The new rock samples which Chang'e-5 came back with are about 2 billion years old and they appear to be volcanic. This new discovery shows that lava flow must have flowed through the region where the spacecraft touched down. This is about 1 billion year later than researchers believed was possible. Also Read: Lunar History Surfaces from Water Discovered in Moon Rocks The Discovery This unexpected discovery was published in the journal Science earlier this month. Then, on Tuesday, new research of the Chang'e-5 samples was published in the journal Nature. Confirming that those rock samples were about 2 billion years old. This discovery also shed light on some surprising facts scientists knew nothing about. The fresh rock samples were found to contain little water as well as radioactive materials which stimulate volcanic eruption. Uranium, thorium, potassium are radioactive materials that produce heat which melt magma by reducing the temperature at which rocks melt. They were significantly abundant in the Apollo Luna sample. As per Qing-Zhu Yin, a geochemist at the University of California, Davis, who was not part of the research, the new paper present "a real conundrum." Yin revealed to Science that these findings raise issues about how an object as tiny as the moon could "support volcanic eruptions in the late stage of life." The discoveries are puzzling because there is no oxygen or gravitational pull on the moon to hold the heat required for volcanic activity. However, there are a few theories floating around as to why the heat lingered so long. Chang'e-5 Mission In November, Chang'e-5 took off towards the moon. It landed near a dormant volcano in the Oceanus Procellarum area, which is covered in black basalt volcanic rock. After landing, it gathered almost 4 pounds of moon rock, some from the covering and others from 6 feet below the lunar crust's surface. After gathering the samples, Chang'e-5 then placed the samples in a capsule and returned to Earth with it. In December, the capsule containing the rock samples arrived in Mongolia. Owing to the fact that previous missions only collected a small amount of rock from the moon, scientists anticipate learning a lot more from future samples like the Chang'e-5 rocks. Chang'e-6, China's next lunar mission, is scheduled to launch in 2024 and return even more samples from the far side of the moon. Related Article: China's Moon Rocks Prove Existence of Lava Flowing on the Moon's Surface 1.97 billion Years Ago For more news, updates about moon rocks and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News! Sign up to get breaking news, weather forecasts, and more in your email inbox. Sign Up Now Jean-Francois Badias/AP PARIS (AP) A former politician who called for the overthrow of the French government has been charged with terrorism in connection with what authorities have said was an extreme-right plot to attack vaccination centers, a masonic lodge and other targets. Remy Daillet-Wiedemann was already accused of masterminding the international QAnon-style kidnapping of a girl on behalf of the child's mother, who had lost custody. He was jailed in eastern France in that case when the new allegations emerged involving many in the same extreme-right circle of his supporters. JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Mississippi prison employees will conduct once-a-week rehearsals as the state prepares for its first execution since 2012, Corrections Commissioner Burl Cain says. Cain told The Associated Press on Friday that the rehearsals for a lethal injection are usually done once a month at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman, following a protocol that's about 20 pages long. Very, very detailed, Cain said. The Mississippi Supreme on Thursday set a Nov. 17 execution date for David Neal Cox, who pleaded guilty in 2012 to killing his wife, Kim, in 2010 in the northern Mississippi town of Sherman. Cox withdrew his appeals and once filed court papers calling himself "worthy of death. Mississippi has not had an execution since 2012, and it had six that year. Cain confirmed Mississippi has obtained lethal injection drugs, but he declined to say how. Im not supposed to talk about the drugs too much, Cain said. Mississippi is still facing a lawsuit filed in 2015 by the Roderick & Solange MacArthur Justice Center on behalf of two inmates. The suit argues Mississippis lethal injection protocol is inhumane. Several states have had trouble finding drugs for lethal injections in recent years since pharmaceutical companies in the United States and Europe began blocking the use of their drugs for executions. According to court papers, Cox shot his wife twice and then sexually assaulted his stepdaughter in front of a dying Kim Cox while police negotiators and relatives pleaded for her life. He pleaded guilty to sexual battery, kidnapping and other crimes without making a bargain with prosecutors that precluded the death penalty. A jury sentenced him to death. Union County Circuit Court Judge Kent Smith ruled in April that Cox, 50, was mentally competent to waive his appeals. The Mississippi Office of Capital Post-Conviction Counsel appealed Smith's ruling. Justices on Thursday affirmed Smith's decision and denied the appeal by the Office of Capital Post-Conviction Counsel. Cox wrote to the chief justice of Mississippi Supreme Court in August 2018 saying he wanted to fire his lawyers, relinquish all appeals and get an execution date. In the ruling Thursday, justices wrote that in November 2018, Cox filed court papers saying I am worthy of death." Justices had ordered the circuit judge to hold a competency hearing. Attorneys representing Cox argued he was mentally ill and not competent to waive his appeals. They also argued it would be unconstitutional for the state to execute him. ___ This story has been updated to correct the location of the killing. Cox pleaded guilty to killing his wife, Kim, in Sherman, not Shannon. ___ Follow Emily Wagster Pettus on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EWagsterPettus. New Castle, PA (16103) Today Mostly clear this evening then becoming mostly cloudy after midnight. Low around 25F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Mostly clear this evening then becoming mostly cloudy after midnight. Low around 25F. Winds light and variable. 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. DANBURY Little information is available to explain or support claims that migrant children are arriving in Danbury and Bridgeport after being flown from New York. The Hat Citys mayor, governors office and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.s office said they had no knowledge of the claims in the New York Posts report. Mayor Joe Cavo said Wednesday his staff has been looking into the claim the past two days. His office had reached out to state and federal representatives for clarification. Were trying to find out, but I have nothing that says thats happening at this moment, he said. Were just trying to do our due diligence. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki confirmed in her press briefing on Tuesday that children have passed through the Westchester County Airport on their way to be unified with a parent or vetted sponsor. This is happening across the country and is part of the Office of Refugee Resettlements process to facilitate travel for children in its custody, she said. Its no surprise that kids can be seen traveling through states, not just New York, she said. Its something that were also working to unite children with their family members or vetted sponsors in other parts of the country as well. The New York Post reported Monday that an unnamed source familiar with the operation at the Westchester airport said the children typically arrive with backpacks and are bused to Bridgeport and Danbury, as well as various locations in New York, such as the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and upstate Newburgh. NBC New York reported that more than 2,000 children have been flown to the airport since June. Catherine Cioffi, spokeswoman for the Westchester County executive office, said the flights are normal. County government cannot amend it, stop it or agree to it, she said. The situation at the airport is nothing new, she said in a statement. This is similar to when HHS, under the Trump administration, housed almost 1 thousand migrant children in Westchester- without the Countys prior knowledge or approval. Then, as opposed to now, there was no outcry by anyone. The federal government has told Westchester County that eligible children are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, Cioffi said. The other children have been tested. Psaki did not say if any of the children are coming to Connecticut. It is our legal responsibility to safely care for unaccompanied children until they swiftly can be swiftly unified with a parent or a vetted sponsor, she said. And thats something we take seriously; we have a moral obligation to come to do that and deliver on that. The Office of Refugee Resettlement is charged with finding and conducting background checks of sponsors for unaccompanied migrant children. The vast majority of sponsors are a parent or close family member living in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the resettlement office. It is our legal responsibility to safely care for unaccompanied children until they can be swiftly unified with a parent or a vetted sponsor, an HHS spokesperson said in a statement. As part of the unification process, ORR facilitates travel for the children in ORRs care to their sponsors or other care providers in the most expeditious way to quickly and safely unite them with parents and sponsors. These modes include air and ground transportation options, taking into account child safety and wellness, travel time, and cost-effectiveness. This travel may consist of flights originating from various locations with stops/layovers in different airports. ORR has policies in place to maintain the privacy, security and well-being of minors in our care. A spokesman for Blumenthal said his office didnt know of kids being sent from the Westchester airport to Danbury or Bridgeport. The governors office said the same. I have no knowledge of this, spokesman Max Reiss said in an email. Earlier this year, the White House considered housing migrant children at the closed Connecticut Juvenile Training School or another temporary facility, but decided against it. U.S. Customs and Border Protection directed questions to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE and DHS directed questions to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These are not ICE flights, ICE spokeswoman Mary Houtmann said in an email. The Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services, a New Haven-based organization, was aware of the reports, but didnt have more information. Other groups that support immigrants, including the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants, could not be reached for comment. Cavo said he has received several calls and emails from community members with questions about the operation. We just want to make sure were factual, and so Im trying to get to the bottom of it, he said. NEW MILFORD Creating more affordable housing in town is one of the top issues for lifelong resident Ted Hine, a Democrat, who is running for mayor against incumbent Pete Bass, a Republican. Hine has worked on the affordable housing portion of the towns Sustainable Connecticut initiative achieve Silver status. Currently, the town has Bronze status. According to the Sustainable CT website, this is a voluntary, independently funded certification program to recognize thriving and resilient Connecticut municipalities. Municipalities choose Sustainable CT actions, implement them, and earn points toward certification. As towns take those steps, they can earn recognition as either a bronze or silver certified community. Hine said the towns housing authority has hired a consultant to put together an affordable housing plan. For the town to be sustainable into the future, we really need to embrace that plan and expand out the execution of it to the full scope, he said. He added he doesnt think the town has the right mixture of housing stock from a rental perspective and also from families that are starting out to have starter homes. Additionally, he said, if elected as mayor, he will encourage people to open businesses in town. We want new businesses to come to town but we need the people who work there to be able to find places to live in town, he said. He also said New Milford needs to take a critical look at its zoning regulations and adjust them to allow for affordable housing so developers can come in and develop and build what we need. He said the housing trust that has been established in town towards affordable housing is a good start, but more needs to be done. There was $1,000 seed money put in the trust, Hine said, adding this amount should be increased. The way the town council looked at it was they were only looking at it from a workforce affordable housing They only want to offer the trust for workforce affordable housing, such as police officers and teachers. But Hine said he would like to see the trust extended to more people. I call it a baby step, he said. For it to be effective, there has to be support year over year and we have to figure out how to build that trust up. Hine said. He added the funding for the trust doesnt have to all come from the town and from the taxpayers. There has to be a campaign from the housing authority to get philanthropists to donate to that trust fund as well, he said. He added the housing authority needs to step up and start working on what zoning changes need to happen and start influencing where they can across the town to be able to make those changes, as well as figuring out how to fund the housing trust. Another part of achieving sufficient affordable housing pertains to the aging population in town, Hine added. He said this population may have raised a family in town and now doesnt need a three or four bedroom house. Theyd rather downsize and not have to worry about (home maintenance tasks) such as mowing the lawn, Hine said. Thats another piece of housing stock that we dont have. The prediction around our population is that were going to go right back into a declining population. He said as people get older, they want different options, and he thinks they are finding those options in other towns, rather than in New Milford. I would much rather keep people in town and service them with the right kind of housing stock, he said. sfox@milfordmirror.com Assistant States Attorney Kristin Alferink, left, watches Calvin Williams examine a map of the area where his friend Gerryontae Brown was fatally shot in November while being questioned by his attorney, Public Defender Janie Miller-Jones, during his murder trial Friday at the Champaign County Courthouse in Urbana. The jury convicted him of murder in Mr. Browns death. 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). Champaign, IL (61820) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 31F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 31F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 31F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 31F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Looking for good news as we head into the weekend? It's right here. This is a look back on a week of heartwarming coverage from across East Texas. Southern Indiana health officials say they are ready to give the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots, which were fully authorized Thursday by federal officials. Once again the local health departments will be giving the shots as they did earlier this year when Charlotte Lee, RN, administered a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to Holly Martin at the Clark County Health Department vaccination site in Clarksville. Wayne County Commissioner Bevan Foster speaks in favor of moving one of the Board of Commissioners monthly meetings to the afternoon. Halloween hours are set for the city of Goldsboro, Wayne County and area towns. (Newser) It was a chance meeting at a gas station that can only be described as incredible: Sri Yatun had been living in Los Angeles where she worked as the housekeeper, cook, and nanny for an Indonesian consular official and her husband. What she had been promised when she left her native Indonesia with them$400 for 40 hours of work per weeknever transpired. Instead, Sri alleges consul Cicilia Rusdiharini and her husband would occasionally toss her $50 or $100 a month for nearly nonstop work; the husband was verbally abusive. She spoke little English and had been warned by the couple that America was a cesspool of criminals who wouldn't hesitate to snatch her if she left their home. But she finally did. After finding the passport that had been hidden from her for three years, she fled to that gas station in July 2007. story continues below In a lengthy story for the Washington Post, Noy Thrupkaew details what happened next. Sri had been wandering around Los Angeles. She was hungry and crying. An Asian woman approached her. Sri couldn't understand what she said to her in English. The woman then asked if she was Filipina? Thai? Indonesian? That last question caused Sri to cry. It turned out the woman was Indonesian as well. That chance meeting was the start of Sri's path out, which Thrupkaew details. But the full piece goes much deeper into the world of A-3 visas for domestic workers brought to the US and the abuse these workers can suffer, with Thrupkaew recounting other cases and the steps the US government can take when abuse occurs"yet its far from clear how often these measures are taken." (Read her full piece to learn what happened to Sri.) (Newser) The first real sign of trouble came in 2013, when Vera Pratt asked her goddaughter for help paying the electric bill. As Alexander Huls writes in the Boston Globe, this made no sense. Pratt, then in her 70s, lived on Martha's Vineyard in a $2 million home and came from a wealthy family. All through her life, she had been generous with family, friends, and charities happy to share in her good fortune. But she suddenly couldn't pay her utility bills? The goddaughter got suspicious and alerted police. A detective looking into the case eventually made a jarring discovery: Pratt had given a total of $3.5 million to a Florida psychic named Sally Ann Johnson. The story unpacks the disturbing narrative. Pratt saw an ad for Johnson's services in 2006 and hired her that year. Johnson promised to rid Pratt of demons so the final chapter of her life could be her best. story continues below Over the years, Johnson became more and more enmeshed in Pratt's life, frequently making in-person visits at great expense to Pratt. At the same time, Pratt began to withdraw from family and friends. Her brothers (Pratt never married) knew she was paying Johnson, though not how much, and expressed concern. Pratt shrugged them off. Her diary shows that while she expressed skepticism at times, she generally felt the money she was giving to Johnson was a good investment. After the police got involved, authorities went after Johnsonnot for fraud but for failing to pay taxes on the money she received. She pleaded guilty in 2017, got 26 months, and was ordered to pay back taxes and $3.5 million in restitution to Pratt. Johnson is now out of prison and has paid a total of $38,000 in restitution. Pratt died in 2018 at age 82. (Read the full story.) (Newser) Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's stances on two pieces of President Biden's domestic policy package are causing her fellow Democrats the most headaches: increasing corporate taxes and decreasing prescription drug prices. Both are longstanding priorities of the president's; the increase in the corporate tax is a big part of how the programs would be paid for. "I am very surprised that anybody would put themselves in that position," Sen. Bernie Sanders said Thursday. Biden first called for an increase to 28%, then House Democrats agreed on 26.5%, the Hill reports. The rate is 21% now. story continues below Other Democrats have expressed frustration, if not bafflement, with the first-term Arizona senator. Sinema is refusing to support raising the tax rates set by President Donald Trump's cuts in 2017. "The hypocrisy of voting against Trump's tax cuts and then not being willing to restore rates in any way to what they were before the cuts is stunning," said Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, per the Washington Post. "It makes you wonder, what are the special interests that are driving that decision? It's obviously not conviction." Sanders was equally exasperated with Sinema's stance on drug prices. "It is beyond comprehension that there is any member of the United States Congress who is not prepared to vote to make sure that we lower prescription drug costs," Sanders said Thursday. The frustration isn't limited to lawmakers. Five members of Sinema's Veterans Advisory Council resigned this week, criticizing her opposition to the president's agenda and calling the senator "one of the principal obstacles to progress." Biden needs every vote in the 50-50 Senate, and Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin hasn't been much help to him, either. But a Democratic senator told the Hill that Manchin at least is being constructive. With her party calling her the only Democrat in the way of passing measures widely popular with Americans, Sinema has found comfort among Republicans. They're cheering her on, especially on corporate taxes. "She understands and gets the impact these tax increases have on businesses," said Republican Sen. John Thune. Throughout negotiations, Sinema has told Democratic leaders little about what she wants in the final package, per CNN. "There is a sense in which we no longer live in a democracy; we live under the tyranny of Kyrsten Sinema," said Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres. (Sinema won't budge on corporate tax rates, Biden said.) (Newser) West Virginia must just have something that Maryland doesn't. Three counties in the latter state are now vying to join the former, and West Virginia's governor is all for it. WSAZ reports that lawmakers from Garrett, Allegany, and Washington countieslocated in the most western part of Maryland, which hovers over West Virginiahave sent a letter to the Mountain State requesting they be absorbed in. "The western areas of the state feel they're being shortchanged in a lot of respects, and we had a lot of constituents approaching us ... saying, 'Why can't we just join West Virginia?'" Maryland State Delegate Wendell Beitzel, one of the letter's signees, tells the Parkersburg News and Sentinel. "It's just that simple." story continues below It's also that simple for West Virginia's Republican governor, Jim Justice, who seems keen on the idea, per CNN. "Absolutely, without any question, the invitation is wide open," he said Friday of the ask by the counties, which have a combined 250,000 or so people living within their borders. "We want everyone to always know that we're absolutely standing here with open arms, we welcome these counties and would be tickled to death to have them." CNN notes such border shifts are "exceedingly rare," and even Beitzel concedes it's a long shot. First, the OK has to be given from West Virginia; that box has now been checked. After that, it has to be gauged if the constituents of those three counties are into the idea, via a 2022 ballot referendum, followed by a majority vote in the Maryland General Assembly OKing the move. That vote would then need to be followed by one in Congress. "It would be very difficult to accomplish that," Beitzel acknowledges to the News and Sentinel. "It's a long process." (Read more Maryland stories.) (Newser) More details are trickling out about the tragic accident Thursday involving Alec Baldwin, in which he fired a prop gun on a New Mexico movie set that ended up killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. A prop makers union has said that a "live single round" somehow got fired, and sources tell the Los Angeles Times there'd been complaints on the set of Rust that safety protocols such as gun inspections hadn't been followed to the letter. Two crew members also tell the paper that on Oct. 16, just a few days before the fatal shooting, the prop gun Baldwin's stunt double was handling misfired two times after he'd been told the gun didn't have ammo or blanks in it, meaning it was "cold." story continues below "There should have been an investigation into what happened," one of the crew members at the Bonanza Creek Ranch tells the paper. "There were no safety meetings. There was no assurance that it wouldn't happen again. All they wanted to do was rush, rush, rush." Another staffer sent a text, seen by the Times, to the unit production manager, warning, "We've now had 3 accidental discharges. This is super unsafe." It's not clear when the third misfire is said to have happened. A source who talked to Deadline backs up part of the Times report, noting, "A gun had two misfires in a closed cabin. ... A person was just holding it in their hands and it went off." The AP cites court records made public Friday that detail further what happened in Baldwin's case, noting that assistant director Dave Halls was the one who grabbed one of three guns off a cart near where the scene was being shot and handed it to Baldwin, assuring the actor it was "cold." The guns on the cart had been placed there by Hannah Gutierrez, the person in charge of handling the guns for the movie, aka the armorer, the records state. Sources tell the Times that Baldwin took the gun out of his holster once without anything happening, but the second time he did so, the gun fired, leading to Hutchins and Souza getting hit. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. In a statement, Rust Movie Productions insists it hadn't received any "official complaints" about gun safety, prop or otherwise, on set, but it notes it "will be conducting an internal review of our procedures while production is shut down." Meanwhile, Deadline reports that seven of the movie's camera crew walked off the set Thursday before the shooting, complaining of not only the gun safety issue, but also a lack of safety around COVID, not getting paid for weeks on end, and lodgings issues. Hutchins herself had been upset at how the camera staff had been treated, one crew member says, telling the Times that when the staffers walked off the set, Hutchins said, "I feel like I'm losing my best friends." (Read more Alec Baldwin stories.) (Newser) Prince Charles issued a warning to the world days before leaders gather in the UK for crucial United Nations climate talks, saying there's a "dangerously narrow" window to tackle global warning. The heir to the British throne said Saturday that the summit, which starts Oct. 31 in Glasgow, showed that "after far too long," climate change and biodiversity loss are at last "of paramount importance to the world." In a recorded message to the Saudi Green Initiative Forum, 72-year-old Charlesa longtime environmentalistsaid the coronavirus pandemic "has highlighted that human health, planetary health, and economic health are fundamentally interconnected," per the AP. story continues below "We now have a dangerously narrow window of opportunity in which to accelerate a green recovery, while laying the foundations for a sustainable future," he said. Saudi Arabia, one of the world's biggest oil producers, says it aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060. China and Russia have set the same net-zero date, while the United States, the European Union, and Britain are aiming for 2050. Representatives of around 200 countries will gather in Scotland at the end of the month for the two-week UN climate conference, known as COP26. Organizers say it's one of the last chances to nail down carbon-cutting promises that can keep global warming within manageable limits. Alok Sharma, the British official serving as COP26 president, said getting countries to do enough to keep warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levelsthe goal agreed on at a summit in Paris in 2015would be "really tough." Current emissions-slashing commitments aren't enough, and major polluters including China and India have yet to submit new carbon-cutting plans for the next decade. "It was brilliant, what they did in Paris, it was a framework agreement, [but] a lot of the detailed rules were left for the future," Sharma told the Guardian. "The question is whether or not countries are willing in Glasgow to go forward and commit to consensus on keeping 1.5 C alive, that's where the challenge will be." (Read more Prince Charles stories.) (Newser) The new governor of a northwestern Iranian province was slapped in the face by an angry man during his inauguration Saturday, an unusual breach of security in the Islamic Republic during a ceremony attended by the country's interior minister. A motive for the attack in Iran's Eastern Azerbaijan province remained unclear, though it targeted a new provincial governor who once served in the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and reportedly had been kidnapped at one point by rebel forces in Syria. One report referred to it as a personal dispute. story continues below The new governor, Brig. Gen. Abedin Khorram, had taken the podium in the provincial capital of Tabriz when the man strode out from offstage and immediately swung at the official, per the AP. Video aired by state television recorded the gathered crowd gasping in shock, the sound of the slap echoing on the sound system. It took several seconds before plainclothes security forces reached him. They dragged the man off through a side door, knocking down a curtain. Others rushed up, knocking into each other. Later footage showed Khorram return to the stage and speak to the unsettled crowd, now all standing up. I do not know him of course but you should know that, although I did not want to say it, when I was in Syria I would get whipped by the enemy 10 times a day and would be beaten up, he said. "More than 10 times, they would hold a loaded gun to my head. I consider him on a par with those enemies but forgive him. Another man on stage shouted: Death to the hypocrites! That's a common chant used against exiled opposition groups and others who oppose the Islamic Republic. Others cried out that Khorram was a pro-supreme leader governor. Though Khorram said he didn't know the man, the state-run IRNA news agency later described the attacker as a member of the Guard's Ashoura Corps, which Khorram had overseen. IRNA described the attack as coming due to personal reasons, without elaborating. Later, the semiofficial Fars news agency said the man who slapped the governor had been upset that his wife received a coronavirus vaccination from a male nurse, as opposed to a female nurse. Khorram had been recently nominated by Iran's hard-line parliament to serve as the provincial governor under the government of President Ebrahim Raisi, a protege of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khorram had been among 48 Iranians held hostage in 2013 in Syria, later released for some 2,130 rebels, according to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based think tank that long has been critical of Iran. Iran had referred to those held as Shiite religious pilgrims. A State Department spokesperson at the time called it "just another example of how Iran continues to provide guidance, expertise, personnel (and) technical capabilities to the Syrian regime. (Read more Iran stories.) (Newser) Tens of thousands of supporters of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his right-wing government marched in Budapest on Saturday in a demonstration of unity behind the populist leader's contentious policies that have led to challenges to his power both in Hungary and the European Union. The rally was dubbed a peace march, and participants gathered along the western bank of the Danube River and departed across Liberty Bridge, winding through downtown Budapest toward the site of a rare public speech by Orban. In it, Orban painted a dark picture of what Hungarians could expect if he is defeated in a national election scheduled for next spring, the AP reports. story continues below The prime minister enumerated his government's economic achievements and blasted Hungary's previous socialist government, which he accused of leading the country to financial ruin. "It took us years to rectify the destruction of the left wing," Orban said. "The socialists and their leader have remained hanging around our necks." The march was organized by nongovernmental organization Civil Unity Forum, a promoter of the policies of Orban's Fidesz party, which has dominated Hungary's parliament with a two-thirds majority since 2010. That's when Orban took office. The group's chairman, Laszlo Csizmadia, said before the march that the event was meant to demonstrate Hungary's sovereignty to the EU, which he said had "undeservedly" attacked Hungary in recent attempts to reign in what the bloc sees as democratic backsliding. "We think that we have a right to state our opinions in the long term in the European Union," Csizmadia said. Laszlo Csendes came to the march from Veszprem, 75 miles southwest of Budapest. He said Orban's performance since 2010 had led to prosperity. "There are new jobs, you've just got to look around," Csendes said. "There's money for everything, and for everyone." Hungary's six largest opposition parties formed a coalition to challenge Orban's party in upcoming elections, choosing independent Peter Marki-Zay to challenge Orban. A self-described conservative Christian, Marki-Zay has argued he can appeal both to liberal voters and disaffected Fidesz supporters. At a joint opposition demonstration that drew several thousand supporters in Budapest on Saturday, Marki-Zay said the coalition would do away with corruption, crackdowns on the media, and abuse of government institutions. "Our basic goals for all of us, left and right, is for Hungary to be a democracy, to be governed by the rule of law in a market economy and as part of the European Union," Marki-Zay said. (Read more Hungary stories.) (Newser) Secret files concerning the assassination of President John F. Kennedy will not be released to the public by next week after all. The national archivist asked for more time to review them, White House officials announced, blaming the delay in part on the pandemic, CBS reports. President Biden issued a statement calling postponement "necessary to protect against identifiable harm to the military defense, intelligence operations, law enforcement, or the conduct of foreign relations." The files will instead be released in two installments, per the Washington Post. story continues below The first will take place on Dec. 15, the White House said. The other records will be released on Dec. 15, 2022, after an "intensive 1-year review"almost 60 years after Kennedy was shot to death in Dallas. The John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992 mandated that all the documents be made public by October 2017, though it permitted delays for documents whose national security issues outweighed public interest. Former President Donald Trump released some of the records in 2017 but cited national security grounds in holding back others. Biden's statement conceded that the case for keeping them secret "has only grown weaker with the passage of time." The editor of JFKFacts.org, who once sued the CIA for assassination documents, said it's clear the Biden administration isn't going to follow the law. Calling Biden's statement a "COVID dog ate my homework" excuse, Jefferson Morley said Congress should intervene. A group of House members wrote Biden this month calling on him to release the 520 documents that are still secret and 15,834 others that have been made public but include redactions. "Excessive secrecy surrounding President Kennedys assassination continues to inspire doubt in the minds of the American public and has a profound impact on the peoples trust in their government," they wrote. (Read more Kennedy assassination stories.) 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. NEW MILFORD A U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee proposal includes $94.4 million for Connecticut projects, including four focused on sites and groups in New Milford, Danbury, Bethel and western Connecticut, according to a news release from U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn. The proposal includes six bills covering a variety of infrastructure issues. A transportation, housing and urban development-focused bill includes $1.72 million for low-income senior housing renovations at New Milfords Butter Brook Apartments. A separate labor, health and human services-related bill includes $1.2 million for United Way of Western Connecticut to help serve low-income families and $50,000 for The New American Dream Foundation in Danbury to help the group serve meals to low-income seniors. Another environment-related bill includes $2.24 million for two wastewater treatment projects in Bethel. The funding included in the six bills still needs Congressional approval and will then need to be signed into law before any of the money becomes available. The news release from Murphy, who serves on the appropriations committee, called the inclusion of these projects an important first step in securing federal dollars. Murphy and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., are committed to pushing for passage of these six appropriations bills, in addition to six others that have also been released, and ensuring that Connecticut interests are reflected in the final spending package, a news release from Murphys office read. The federal dollars in these bills promote economic growth and workforce development, upgrade our infrastructure, support coastal resilience, and invest in community institutions like hospitals and schools, Murphy said in the release. The projects included in these bills make critical investments in the future of Connecticut, and Ill continue fighting to get this over this finish line. BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Tens of thousands of supporters of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his right-wing government marched in Budapest on Saturday in a demonstration of unity behind the populist leader's contentious policies that have led to challenges to his power both in Hungary and the European Union. The rally was dubbed a Peace March and participants gathered along the western bank of the Danube River and departed across Liberty Bridge, winding through downtown Budapest toward the site of a rare public speech that Orban delivered to his supporters. Orban painted a dark picture of what Hungarians could expect if he is defeated in a national election scheduled for next spring, expected to be the most serious challenge to his power since he took office in 2010. Orban enumerated his government's economic achievements, and blasted Hungary's previous socialist government which he accused of leading the country to financial ruin. It took us years to rectify the destruction of the left wing, Orban said. The socialists and their leader have remained hanging around our necks. The march was organized by nongovernmental organization Civil Unity Forum, an active promoter of the policies of Orban's Fidesz party, which has dominated Hungary's parliament with a two-thirds majority since 2010. The group's chairman, Laszlo Csizmadia, told The Associated Press before the march departed that the event was meant to demonstrate Hungary's sovereignty to the EU, which he said had undeservedly attacked Hungary in recent attempts to reign in what the bloc sees as democratic backsliding. We think that we have a right to state our opinions in the long term in the European Union," Csizmadia said. Orban also took aim at the EU, saying that Brussels had conducted a sustained attack on Hungary over its economic and immigration policies that have put his government at odds with the bloc's leaders. Dozens of prime ministers have attacked Hungary. We are still here, but who can remember even their names? he said. Laszlo Csendes came to the march from Veszprem, a city 75 miles (120 kilometers) southwest of Budapest. He said Orban's performance since 2010 had led to Hungarians prospering and an improvement in economic conditions. There are new jobs, youve just got to look around, Csendes said. Theres money for everything, and for everyone. Orban's staunchly anti-immigration government faces increasing pressure both in Hungary and internationally. The EU, of which Hungary is a member, is considering imposing financial penalties on the country over concerns that Orban has eroded democratic institutions and the rule of law in pursuit of what he calls an illiberal democracy. At home, Hungary's six largest opposition parties have vowed to put aside ideological differences and form a coalition to challenge Orban's party in upcoming elections. The parties argue the unity strategy is the only way to overcome a media environment dominated by government-aligned outlets and an electoral system unilaterally authored and passed by Fidesz which they say gives the ruling party an unfair advantage. The six-party opposition coalition concluded a primary race last week where voters elected independent candidate Peter Marki-Zay to be Orban's challenger for prime minister on the unity ticket. A self-described conservative Christian, Marki-Zay has argued he can appeal both to Hungary's liberal voters and disaffected Fidesz supporters. At a joint demonstration of the opposition parties which drew several thousand supporters on Saturday, Marki-Zay told the AP that he would lead the coalition in doing away with corruption, crackdowns on the media and abuse of government institutions he says has occurred under Orban's rule. Our basic goals for all of us, left and right, is for Hungary to be a democracy, to be governed by the rule of law in a market economy and as part of the European Union, Marki-Zay said. But some participants in the pro-government Peace March, many holding signs critical of the opposition movement, expressed anger at the coalition's ambitions to defeat Orban's government. I don't think they are able to govern, they dont have any concepts, said Judit Nemeth, a marcher from Budapest. They only have one goal, to oust Orban, who I think is Europes best politician. MOMIRAK FIRING RANGE, Tajikistan (AP) Russian and Tajik troops conducted joint drills Friday near Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan, as part of efforts to prepare for possible security threats issuing from Afghanistan. The exercises at the Momirak firing range about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of the Afghan border involved armored vehicles and helicopter gunships. It was part of weeklong war games that brought together about 5,000 troops and over 700 armored vehicles from Russia, Tajikistan and several other ex-Soviet nations, which are members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Moscow-dominated security pact. Tajik Defense Minister Sherali Mirzo said the drills were decided amid the catastrophic changes after the withdrawal of the international coalition from Afghanistan. Terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan ... have obtained many modern weapons, significantly improved their positions and using the current situation create conditions for its transformation into a foothold for further destructive actions in the region, Mirzo added. Russian officials said they trusted the Talibans pledge that they wouldnt threaten neighboring countries, but noted that the Islamic State group, al-Qaida and other militants in northern Afghanistan could try to destabilize the neighboring ex-Soviet Central Asian nations. They also said drug trafficking from Afghanistan will continue to present a challenge. Moscow has vowed to provide military assistance to its ex-Soviet allies in Central Asia to help counter possible threats and held a series of joint drills in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, which neighbor Afghanistan. Russia has a military base in Tajikistan, its largest military outpost in the former Soviet Union. It also maintains an air base in Kyrgyzstan, and jets based there took part in this weeks war games. Lt. Gen. Yevgeniy Poplavsky, deputy commander of the Russian armed forces Central Military District who oversaw the drills, described them as part of training to counter possible security challenges. The fighting between the Taliban and the Islamic State in northern Afghanistan raised fears of IS fighters and other militants flowing into Central Asian nations. (The Taliban) will try to push all pro-ISIS military groups out its territory or to destroy them and to become the only one (in power), Poplavsky said. Thats why we dont exclude the option that they will push them to Tajikistans territory. The Soviet Union fought a 10-year war in Afghanistan that ended with its troops withdrawing in 1989. In recent years, Russia has made a strong diplomatic comeback as an influential power broker on Afghanistan, hosting several rounds of talks with various Afghan factions. Russia had worked for years to establish contacts with the Taliban, even though it designated the group a terror organization in 2003 and never took it off the list, Unlike many other countries, it hasnt evacuated its embassy in Kabul after they took over the Afghan capital in August. On Wednesday, Russia hosted another round of talks that involved the Taliban along with senior diplomats from China, Pakistan, Iran, India and the former Soviet nations in Central Asia. Speaking during a panel with international foreign policy experts on Thursday, Russian President Vladmir Putin said that the international community is getting close to officially recognizing the Taliban as the new rulers of Afghanistan, saying the decision must be made by the United Nations. He emphasized the need for the Taliban to recognize the interests of all Afghan ethnic groups and respect human rights, but noted its efforts to combat the Islamic State group and other militants. ___ Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this report. Randhawa has said that a probe would be conducted to ascertain if Pakistani journalist Aroosa Alam, who is a defence journalist of Pakistan has been visiting former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh for several years, has links with the ISI. As the war of words with former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh continues, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa took to Twitter and asked former CM why he is perturbed over the probe of Pakistani journalist Aroosa Alams alleged links with Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He also said the government will probe who sponsored her visa after Amarinder Singh slammed the personal attack following Randhawas announcement of the investigation. Taking to his official Twitter handle, the Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab wrote, By the way, sir @capt_amarinder why are you so perturbed over probe on Aroosa and ISI links? Who sponsored her visa and everything concerning her will be thoroughly probed. I do hope everyone concerned will co-operate with police in the probe. This came after Randhawa has said that a probe would be conducted to ascertain if Pakistani journalist Aroosa Alam, who is a defence journalist of Pakistan has been visiting former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh for several years, has links with the ISI. Captain Amarinder Singh, in the tweet posted on the account of his media advisor Raveen Thukral, had questioned the tall promises of Congress on Bargari sacrilege and drugs cases. Punjab is still waiting for your promised action, he said. Retaliating to the same, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has said, Regarding poll promises, let me remind your sir @capt_amarinder that It was you who failed to take the probe in Maur blast, Bargari sacrilege and drugs cases to logical conclusions Rest assured, all these cases will be taken to a logical conclusion in coming days. Almighty is always great as you @capt_amarinder have suffered because you failed to fulfil the commitment towards Guru Sahib even after taking an oath of holy Gutka Sahib. Punjab is and will remain in safe hand under @incpunjab government, his tweet read. To this, former CM replied through Raveen Thukral, his media advisor, Twitter handle As for Bargari inquiry I dare you @Sukhjinder_INC to swear on Guru Granth Sahib ji and deny that both investigating officers Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh and Ranbir S Khatra were appointed on your recommendations. Do your job instead of making wild charges against me. Finally, Raveen Thukral posted a photograph of Aroosa Alam with Congress leader Sonia Gandhi with the caption, Just by the way. Amarinder Singh had said earlier this week that he will launch a new political party soon to fight the forthcoming assembly polls in the state and is hopeful of a tie-up with BJP if the ongoing protest by farmer unions against three farm laws is resolved in farmers interest. Punjab is slated to go to the polls early next year. The US -- without any formal agreement in place-- runs the risk of Pakistan refusing entry to its military aircraft and drones en route to Afghanistan. The US administration on Friday informed lawmakers that the country is nearing a formalise an agreement with Pakistan for use of its airspace to conduct military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan, CNN reported citing three sources familiar with the details of the classified briefing with members of Congress. Islamabad has expressed a desire to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in exchange for assistance with its own counterterrorism efforts, one of the sources said. But the negotiations are ongoing, another source told CNN, and the terms of the agreement, which has not been finalised, could still change. An agreement was discussed when US officials visited Pakistan, the third source told CNN, adding but it is not yet clear what Pakistan wants or how much the US would be willing to give in return. Currently, Washington uses Pakistans airspace to reach Afghanistan for ongoing intelligence-gathering efforts. But so far theres no formal agreement in place that can ensure continued access to a critical piece of airspace necessary for the US to reach Afghanistan. The air corridor through Pakistan to Afghanistan may become even more critical if and when the US resumes flights into Kabul to fly out American citizens and others who remain in the country. The US without any formal agreement in place runs the risk of Pakistan refusing entry to its military aircraft and drones en route to Afghanistan. WASHINGTON (AP) U.S. officials issued new warnings Friday about Chinas ambitions in artificial intelligence and a range of advanced technologies that could eventually give Beijing a decisive military edge and possible dominance over health care and other essential sectors in America. The warnings include a renewed effort to inform business executives, academics and local and state government officials about the risks of accepting Chinese investment or expertise in key industries, officials at the National Counterintelligence and Security Center said. While the center does not intend to tell officials to reject Chinese investment, it will encourage efforts to control intellectual property and implement security measures. National security agencies under President Joe Bidens administration are making an aggressive public push against China, which some officials have called the greatest strategic threat to the United States. The Biden administration has simultaneously tried to ease some tensions with Beijing dating to the Trump administration and seek common ground on trade and climate change. Beijing has repeatedly accused Washington of fear-mongering about its intentions and attacked U.S. intelligence for its assessments of China, including allegations that Chinese leaders have withheld critical information about the coronavirus pandemic. Under President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government has stated its goals to create profitable technologies in robotics and other fields in plans known as Made in China 2025. The Justice Department in recent years has returned several indictments alleging theft of sensitive U.S. information on behalf of China, including vaccine research and autonomous vehicle technology. The counterintelligence centers acting director, Michael Orlando, told reporters in a rare briefing Thursday that the U.S. cant afford to lose ground to China in several key areas: artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, quantum computing, semiconductors and biotechnology. Orlando noted that Chinese businesses and academics are beholden to the Chinese Communist Party and are required to serve the partys interests. Although weve been saying this for year after year, people are not digesting this, he said. Orlando declined to say whether the U.S. should enact tougher restrictions or outright bans on Chinese investment in certain sectors, saying his role was not to suggest policy. But the counterintelligence center holds regular briefings with private industry and academia while recognizing that industries and universities may still want to seek students, experts and investors from China, Orlando said. He would not name companies with which the center has met. The center's officer for emerging and disruptive technologies, Edward You, noted the investment of Chinese companies in U.S. and European biotechnology and pharmaceutics. WuXi Biologics has since 2019 built a vaccine manufacturing facility in Ireland, announced plans for a production facility in Massachusetts and acquired a Bayer plant in Germany. Officials did not disclose any information linking those acquisitions to Beijing's influence but said they were part of a broader pattern by Chinese medical companies. Chinese companies have also offered COVID-19 testing kits and genetic testing in the U.S., meeting federal privacy standards and other regulations, You said. But the data collected by companies with ties to China could ultimately end up in the hands of Beijing, You said. China already has the greatest access to medical data of any country, You said. With its data collection and its advancements in technology, Beijing could one day be dominant in health care and leave the U.S. wholly dependent on China, he said. If you're President Xi," he said, that's the gift that keeps on giving. ___ This story deletes an incorrect reference to WuXi Biologics being headquartered in Hong Kong. SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) Hours before actor Alec Baldwin fired a fatal gunshot from a prop gun that he had been told was safe, a camera crew for the movie he was filming walked off the job to protest conditions and production issues that included safety concerns. Disputes in the production of the Western film Rust" began almost from the start in early October and culminated with seven crew members walking off several hours before 42-year-old cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed. The crew members had expressed their discontent with matters that ranged from safety procedures to their housing accommodations, according to one of those who left. He requested anonymity for fear that speaking up would hurt his prospects for future jobs. Rust Movie Productions did not answer emails Friday and Saturday seeking comment. At a rehearsal on the film set Thursday at Bonanza Creek Ranch outside Santa Fe, the gun Baldwin used was one of three that a firearms specialist, or armorer, had set on a cart outside the building where a scene was being rehearsed, according to the court records. Court records indicate that an assistant director, Dave Halls, grabbed a prop gun off a cart and handed it to Baldwin, indicating incorrectly that the weapon didn't carry live rounds by yelling cold gun. When Baldwin pulled the trigger, he unwittingly killed Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza, who was standing behind her inside a wooden, chapel-like building. Baldwin, 63, who is known for his roles in 30 Rock and The Hunt for Red October and his impression of former President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, has described the killing as a tragic accident. He was a producer of Rust. Halls did not immediately return phone and email messages seeking comment. A 911 call that alerted authorities to the shooting at the Bonanza Creek Ranch outside Santa Fe hints at the panic on the movie set, as detailed in a recording released by the Santa Fe County Regional Emergency Communications Center. We had two people accidentally shot on a movie set by a prop gun, we need help immediately, script supervisor Mamie Mitchell told an emergency dispatcher. We were rehearsing and it went off, and I ran out, we all ran out. The dispatcher asked if the gun was loaded with a real bullet. I cannot tell you. We have two injuries, Mitchell replied. And this (expletive) AD (assistant director) that yelled at me at lunch, asking about revisions....Hes supposed to check the guns. He's responsible for what happens on the set. The Associated Press was unable to contact Hannah Gutierrez, the film's armorer, and several messages sent to production companies affiliated with Rust did not receive responses Friday. Court records say that Halls grabbed the firearm from the cart and brought it inside to the actor, also unaware that it was loaded with live rounds, a detective wrote in a search warrant application. It was unclear how many rounds were fired. Gutierrez removed a shell casing from the gun after the shooting, and she turned the weapon over to police when they arrived, the court records say. Guns used in making movies are sometimes real weapons that can fire either bullets or blanks, which are gunpowder charges intended to produce little more than a flash and a bang. New Mexico workplace safety investigators are examining if film industry standards for gun safety were followed during production of Rust. The Los Angeles Times, citing two crew members it did not name, reported that five days before the shooting, Baldwins stunt double accidentally fired two live rounds after being told the gun didnt have any ammunition. A crew member who was alarmed by the misfires told a unit production manager in a text message, Weve now had 3 accidental discharges. This is super unsafe, according to a copy of the message reviewed by the newspaper. The New York Times also reported that there were at least two earlier accidental gun discharges; it cited three former crew members. Mitchell, the script supervisor, told The Associated Press she was standing next to Hutchins when the cinematographer was hit. I ran out and called 911 and said Bring everybody, send everybody, Mitchell said. This woman is gone at the beginning of her career. She was an extraordinary, rare, very rare woman. Filmmaker Souza, who was shot in the shoulder, said in a statement to NBC News that he was grateful for the support he was receiving and gutted by the loss of Hutchins. She was kind, vibrant, incredibly talented, fought for every inch and always pushed me to be better, he said. Santa Fe-area District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said prosecutors will be reviewing evidence in the shooting and do not know if charges will be filed. Hutchins husband Matthew Hutchins posted on social media to mourn his wifes loss, ask for privacy for his family, and thank her friends and mentors at the American Film Institute, who he said nurtured the success we had only just begun to see flourish. The institute's conservatory canceled cinematography classes Friday in response to Hutchins' death. At a vigil Saturday around 200 film crew workers gathered for a candlelight vigil as the sun set. They shared grief at the loss of one of their own, and fear of accidents on their own film sets. Several in attendance lit candles, held a moment of silence, read poetry and made brief comments including one testimonial to her artistic spark and generosity. Her death shouldnt have happened, Union sets should be safe sets, said Liz Pecos, president of IATSE Local 480. Production on Rust was halted after the shooting. The movie is about a 13-year-old boy who is left to fend for himself and his younger brother following the death of their parents in 1880s Kansas, according to the Internet Movie Database website. The crew member that spoke to the AP said he never witnessed any formal orientation about weapons used on set, which normally would take place before filming begins. He also said only minimal COVID-19 precautions were taken even though crew and cast members often worked in small enclosed spaces on the ranch. The crew was initially housed at the Courtyard by Marriot in Santa Fe, according to the crew member. Four days in, however, they were told that going forward they would be housed at the budget Coyote South hotel. Some crew members balked at staying there. We packed our gear and left that morning, the crew member said of the Thursday walkout. The Los Angeles Times and Variety also reported on the walkout. Gutierrez, the films armorer, is the daughter of a longtime Hollywood firearms expert. She gave an interview in September to the Voices of the West podcast in which she said she had learned how to handle guns from her father since she was a teenager. During the podcast interview, Gutierrez shared that she just finished her first movie in the role of head armorer, a project in Montana starring Nicolas Cage titled The Old Way. I was really nervous about it at first and I almost didnt take the job because I wasnt sure if I was ready but doing it, like, it went really smoothly," she said. In another on-set gun death from 1993, Brandon Lee, the son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, was killed by a bullet left in a prop gun after a previous scene. Similar shootings have occurred involving stage weapons that were loaded with live rounds during historical re-enactments. Gun-safety protocol on sets in the United States has improved since then, said Steven Hall, a veteran director of photography in Britain. But he said one of the riskiest positions to be in is behind the camera because that person is in the line of fire in scenes where an actor appears to point a gun at the audience. ___ Price reported from New York. Associated Press writers Jake Coyle and Jocelyn Noveck in New York; Lizzie Knight in London; Yuras Karmanau in Kyiv, Ukraine; Ryan Pearson in Los Angeles; Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Walter Berry in Phoenix; and Gene Johnson in Seattle contributed to this report. NEW DELHI (AP) Bangladesh, considered especially prone to extreme weather and rising ocean levels, plans to present its climate prosperity plan to lessen the effects of climate change on the economy at the forthcoming U.N. climate talks in Glasgow, an official said. The plan envisions boosting renewable energy, making agriculture more resistant to climate shocks and finding solutions in nature, such as restoring mangroves to protect coasts from cyclones. The South Asian nation says it will encourage other similarly vulnerable countries to draft their own plans. Representatives of more than 200 countries will gather for the 26th U.N. Climate Change Conference, known as COP26, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 12 in Glasgow, Scotland, to discuss new targets for cutting or curbing the growth of emissions that contribute to climate change. With most of its 160 million people tightly packed into low-lying areas along the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to flooding, extreme weather and the loss of farmland to rising sea levels. Relying on its own resources and with support from the international community, Bangladesh could still make the Ganges River Delta that dominates much of the country prosperous, Abul Kalam Azad said in an interview with The Associated Press on Friday. Hopefully, well be carrying this to COP26, requesting all vulnerable countries to have their own prosperity plans looking toward their own issues, own problems and own resources, said Azad, the governments special envoy to the Climate Vulnerable Forum, a group of nations most vulnerable to climate change. The question of how climate change will impact its economy is key for the country that has emerged as one of Asias fastest growing economies. Its gross domestic product has increased from $6.2 billion in 1972 to $305 billion in 2019. Some forecasts expect it to double in size by 2030, with the goal of becoming a higher middle-income country by 2031 and a developed one by 2041. But climate change could reverse this trend and presents an existential threat. Despite contributing a fraction of the worlds emissions, a third of its population is at risk of from displacement by sea level rise. It is also at increased risk from severe floods, cyclones and heat waves. We live with nature ... we cant change our inhabitants, Azad said. The question now is how Bangladeshis could best continue living in the delta, he said. Officials from the 48 countries that make up the Climate Vulnerable Forum said earlier this week that the recent U.N. science report stressed the urgent need to ensure that global warming doesnt increase beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). Scientists say that goal is at risk unless emissions drop soon. Azad also called for governments to update emission reduction goals every year. He said that the rate of climate degradation and impacts of global warming were far outpacing efforts to combat it. Many wealthy nations are failing to meet targets for carbon reduction while major developing economies such as China are ramping-up the mining and use of coal to meet energy shortages, while insisting they remain on track for gradually reducing emissions. Azad said extreme weather had brought destruction not just to developing nations, but also to the developed world. The cost of failure at the upcoming climate talks would be very devastating, he said. To my understanding, there is no scope to fail. We must achieve. We must succeed, Azad said. ___ The Associated Press Health & Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) Roughly 600 Bridgeport city workers haven't yet submitted proof of vaccination against the coronavirus, nearly a month after a deadline for them to do so or get tested weekly, according to a published report. The number represents about 40% of the municipal workforce in Connecticut's largest city, excluding school staffers, who are subject to a statewide inoculation-or-tests requirement. It's unclear how many of the Bridgeport workers in that 40% are complying with the city's testing alternative, the Connecticut Post reported Friday. The state has fired 22 workers, has put 29 others on unpaid leave and is working to suspend or dismiss 70 more since its requirement took effect Oct. 4, Gov. Ned Lamonts office said Friday. Bridgeport's deadline was Sept. 27. The city has yet to take disciplinary action, though labor relations chief Eric Amado said he has been talking with unions about potential consequences for noncompliance, according to the Post. City human resources manager Sandra Ferreira said it has taken time to explain the requirement and reporting system to staffers who don't have desk jobs and may not check emails, and to figure out how to offer vaccinations and tests at suitable times for those workers. We worked with each individual department to accommodate the working hours. Theyre now understanding the process of our order and what needs to be done, and the percentage of vaccinated employees is rising, Ferreira said. Edward Gavin, a lawyer who represents the citys union for supervisors, told the newspaper he hadn't heard of any employee challenges to the requirement. City Council President Aidee Nieves said Mayor Joe Ganim should set a new deadline. Not being vaccinated can put our community at risk, Nieves said. But Council Member Jeanette Herron said the city should continue to work with staffers, not fire them. I dont feel somebody should lose their job, she said. The number of state employees flouting Gov. Ned Lamonts order to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing more than doubled over the last two weeks, the administration said Friday, even as the overall percentage of fully vaccinated workers rose slightly. A total of 1,482 workers roughly 5 percent of the states 30,623 executive branch employees were not in compliance with Lamonts vaccine mandate, according to the latest data released Friday. Thats up from 671 non-compliant workers listed in the administrations last report on Oct. 7. The spike in non-compliance was largely driven by unvaccinated employees who failed to submit proper proof of weekly testing. The vast majority of state workers have chosen to comply with Lamonts order by getting vaccinated. That number rose even higher this month, going from 78.5 percent of workers on Oct. 7 to 80.8 percent as of Fridays report. The majority of employees who are not in compliance at the moment are due to incomplete or late testing result submissions and have indicated to us that they are in the process of getting that rectified, said David Bednarz, a spokesman for Lamont. When those temporary situations are rectified, we anticipate more than 99 percent will be in compliance. Lamont has backed up his order by placing veteran workers on unpaid leave for refusing to comply as well as firing workers who are within their six-month probationary period. His administration clarified on Friday that 22 probationary workers have been fired, down from the 28 cited last week due to an error that caused six employees to be included in the count who were fired for reasons other than non-compliance with the vaccine mandate. There were 29 veteran employees on unpaid leave for non-compliance Friday up from 14 last week and another 70 employees who were in the process of being placed on unpaid leave. The state also announced Friday another 453 Connecticut residents had tested positive for the virus, with a daily positivity rate of 1.79 percent. There were 211 people hospitalized Friday with COVID, a net decrease of 13 patients. While the number of daily coronavirus infections in Connecticut have waned slightly since August, when Lamont first announced the vaccine mandate for state employees, health experts this week said it was still too soon to begin easing up on other public safety precautions such as indoor mask wearing. State hospital employees and workers at long-term care facilities were not given the option to forgo vaccination in lieu of weekly testing, unless they have a religious or medical exemption. The data released by the Lamont administration on Friday showed that agency workers in those categories such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Developmental Services were vaccinated at a rate of 86 percent, and that 4 percent were out of compliance with the mandate. State agencies with the highest rates of non-compliant workers included the Department of Correction and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection each at 9 percent as well as the Department of Education and Connecticut Technical Education and Career Systems, at 7 percent. The Office of Early Childhood Education, with 118 employees, was the only executive branch agency to report complete compliance with the governors mandate. LEAD, S.D. (AP) A study that focuses on ways to cool South Dakotas streams during the hottest times of the year in an effort to preserve the trout population is yielding positive results, officials from the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks say. Jeremy Kientz, a fisheries biologist with the agency has been working to discover ways to cool the waters, in a study that specifically focuses on French Creek in Custer State Park. French Creek, he said, is one of a few trout streams in the Black Hills that can reach temperatures up to 80 degrees for several hours a day, increasing the chances of trout mortality. Weve had a couple instances here in the Black Hills where weve had trout fish kills because of temperatures that are too high in the summertime, Kientz said. When the water temperature hits 80 degrees and it stays there for a little while, the trout will die. Even at 75 degrees, trout shut down and they dont eat. So now, you not only have a survival issue, but a growth issue. But working on ways to cool the streams is not easy, Kientz said. Building shade takes time, and dams have become socially and culturally unpopular, not to mention expensive. So, Kientz said he has been working with mechanical engineers from North Dakota State University to build small pockets of cooled water, where trout can seek refuge when temperatures rise, the Black Hills Pioneer reported. Essentially the prototype that were using is a water tank and the water is getting pumped out of that water tank into a chilling unit. Then it goes through the chilling unit down to a box in the stream, Kientz said. The fish can swim in and out of the box in the stream where the cooler water is. Were not actually cooling the stream itself, but small pockets contained within these boxes that are supposed to act as a refuge. So, when the water temps get high fish will sense where colder water is and move to it. The boxes, he said, can cool the water to as much as 5 degrees less than the rest of the stream, which can be beneficial during those hot periods in such streams as French Creek and Spring Creek, where temperatures can get up to 75 or 80 degrees. Though Kientz said the Black Hills has not suffered major trout losses due to stream temperatures, the French Creek study will help biologists to become proactive if the current drought continues. During times of drought when water levels decrease, fish have less opportunities to find deep water with lower temperatures, and mortality rates could increase. Additionally, he said the science could preserve populations in Arizona and New Mexico, where biologists are seeing threatened trout species. Were probably not in dire straits yet, he said. If our streams are only hitting 80 degrees for a couple of hours typically the fish arent going to die off. If the trends continue and we see these rising stream temperatures over the years, then 10 years from now this may be something we are glad that we did and we may actually start to implement it on a permanent basis at that point. In Arizona and New Mexico, trout species are threatened to the point of losing populations, Kientz continued. "If you look at it from a cultural standpoint for Native Americans or just the general population, losing a species would be much more detrimental than us losing a few trout in French Creek. Something where there is a little more dire situation would be where this would be implemented at this point. Were trying to look down the road and say we see something concerning, lets get started on it now before things get to a place where we need it. Were trying to take a proactive approach before we need to be reactive. BOSTON (AP) Early voting is getting underway in Boston's historic mayoral election. Bostonians who are registered to vote can cast their ballots at any of a number of early voting locations across the city starting Saturday and running through next Friday, Oct. 29. The race pits Boston city councilor Michelle Wu against fellow councilor Annissa Essaibi George. Wu, 36, whose parents immigrated to the U.S. from Taiwan, grew up in Chicago and moved to Boston to attend Harvard University and Harvard Law School. Essaibi George, 47, a lifelong Boston resident, describes herself as a first-generation Arab-Polish American. Throughout its long history, Boston has previously elected only white men as mayor. Wu and Essaibi George are both Democrats, though the office is nonpartisan. The two candidates spoke Saturday during a Town Hall forum at the Morning Star Baptist Church in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston, then spent time campaigning. Wu was joined at a campaign event by Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Voters also are electing candidates for City Council. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2, when early and absentee votes will be counted after polling stations close, along with ballots cast that day. WEST HAVEN For years, Democratic state Rep. Michael DiMassa Notre Dame High Schools 2009 Man of the Year was a rising star; his arrest last week has people scratching their heads on all sides of the political aisle, from West Haven to Hartford. Universally described as smart, polite and hard-working by friends and colleagues, DiMassa, 30, was respected in West Haven, where he grew up and worked in various jobs in City Hall over the past 12 years, and Hartford, where he has served since 2016 as one of the younger members of the state House of Representatives. His arrest has many of those friends and colleagues feeling betrayed. Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media DiMassas arrest and presentation in federal court Wednesday on one count of wire fraud in connection with an alleged scheme to siphon more than $636,000 in federal Covid recovery money to a company he formed in January and from there, to a personal bank account to finance alleged gambling sprees at Mohegan Sun Casino left people in both places wondering how it could have happened. Documents released by the city late Friday through a Freedom of Information request made by the Register show that invoices DiMassa submitted to the city also were signed by a person under whose name was listed the title director of finance. The signature is not legible. Signatures on checks issued to DiMassas company, Compass Investment Group LLC also are not legible. Repeated attempts to reach West Haven Finance Director Frank Cieplinski for comment have not been successful. U.S. District Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam in New Haven said when DiMassa appeared in U.S. District Court in New Haven Wednesday that she understands DiMassa, who was one of the city employees assigned to oversee pandemic relief spending, is in treatment for a gambling addiction. Public trust Hes a smart young man, well-educated, well-spoken. He was a hard-working young man a lot of drive to him, said Jim Morrissey, who was the citys Democratic town chairman when DiMassa was endorsed over longtime incumbent state Rep. Louis Esposito in 2016. DiMassa was a guy who would really make a name for himself in the political circles, Morrissey said. You didnt consider him a 25-year-old kid. He had a lot going for him. Morrissey, a city Board of Education member and former City Council member, worked with DiMassa years ago when DiMassa was the council clerk. At the time of his arrest, DiMassa was the City Councils part-time administrative assistant, also working 10 hours per week in the Corporation Councils office. He resigned from his city jobs Thursday. Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media DiMassas legislative district includes West Havens northern Allingtown district, as well as a portion of the adjacent Hill section of New Haven. Each area is among the neediest areas in their respective cities. Former two-term Mayor Ed OBrien, who also supported DiMassa when the DTC first slated him for the 116th District legislative seat, said he didnt see DiMassas troubles coming. I am shocked that he (allegedly) did that, OBrien said. Everybody is entitled to a fair hearing, but if what theyre saying is true, I am just shocked. Its a betrayal of the public trust. If youre (allegedly) taking $600,000, youre not thinking about your constituents, OBrien said. The (alleged) betrayal of the public trust hurts everyone. He said his wish for DiMassa is that hopefully, he gets the help he needs. Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media Shocked State Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, said DiMassas arrest shocked him and everyone who worked with DiMassa in the General Assembly. We were all shocked, Ritter said, calling it disappointment that someone who could do so much more might get involved in something like what has been alleged. I think Mike had sort of this old soul sort of an old-school mentality with politics, Ritter said. He was all about, if you shake hands, it meant something. He was a very young guy, but just had an older way about him. As a legislator, I think he was guarded a little bit. Kept to himself a little bit, Ritter said. But he loved his community. It was very important to DiMassa that West Haven made progress on a host of issues. Ritter pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, legislators often have been meeting virtually rather than in person, so they didnt see each other as much and could actually log in to debate and vote from mobile phones almost anywhere. He wondered what impact that might have made. My hope, though, and I do feel its important to say is, he is a young guy, Ritter said. Mike needs to own up to this. ... But I do hope that Mike can get past it, make amends and do right for the rest of his life. Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media State Rep. Alphonse Paolillo, D-New Haven, who other legislators, including Ritter, described as DiMassas closest confidante in the General Assembly, also was caught by surprise. I was definitely, definitely surprised, Paolillo said. ... Mike is a colleague and a friend. We entered the legislature together, with both elected in 2016 and taking their seats in 2017. The two served together on the Public Safety Committee. It was obvious that he had a strong work ethic and a desire to represent West Haven ... and a love for the city of West Haven and the portion of his district in the Hill section of New Haven, he said. We had a great working relationship that turned into a friendship, and it goes without saying that I was very surprised, Paolillo said. So much going for him West Havens current Democratic Town Chairman Mike Last, who met DiMassa when Last was on the City Council and DiMassa was working as a college intern in then-Mayor John Picards office, said that at that time and throughout the years he has known DiMassa, certainly I never imagined that wed be having this conversation. He had so much going for him as a young man, Last said. Nothing alerted me that something like this (alleged) behavior would be put on him. It appears he (allegedly) broke that public trust, and he will have to answer for that, Last said. My relationship with him is more professional... . Look, its a shame and I hope for his sake and his familys that he can recover and go on and live a happy and productive life. Last, who also is a graduate of Notre Dame, but from an earlier era, said thats always been something he and other Notre Dame grads haves been proud of. Its sad, Last said. Its sad for West Haven. Its sad for him. Katherine Wielk, a spokeswoman for Notre Dame, which prominently features the phrase, ND Brotherhood for Life, on its website, declined to comment. We as a school just dont think its appropriate to comment, she said. Picard, who first knew DiMassa as an intern in the Mayors Office when DiMassa was about 18 and later supported Esposito when he was forced to unsuccessfully wage a primary to try hold on to the legislative seat that ultimately became DiMassas said he never saw any indications that DiMassa might someday find himself facing alleged trouble. DiMassa, who didnt drive when he first began working in City Hall and had to be picked up and dropped off by family and others, later got a job in the Registrar of Voters office before moving on to a position as a revenue clerk in the Tax Office. Picard, now a Madison resident, said that at one point when he no longer was mayor, he advised DiMassa to go find a job someplace else rather than continue working in City Hall. That was probably 2013 or 2014, he said. He said that was one of the few times he had spoken to DiMassa since leaving office eight years ago. An emotional roller coaster DiMassas colleagues in West Havens legislative delegation, as well as people he worked with on the City Council, were blindsided by the arrest. Were all reeling from the shockwave, said state Rep. Dorinda Borer, D-West Haven. I dont think anybody could have anticipated or expected this from our colleague. She said she was most upset there were not more internal controls and wants to see those problems fixed as soon as possible. I always thought Mike, being as young as he was and being as passionate as he was, always had a bright future, said state Rep. Charles Ferraro, R-West Haven. I read the affidavit. ... There were dates during the session. How did he (allegedly) do it? Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media Obviously, justice has to be done ... but my concern right now is for the kids well-being, Ferraro said. Hes a young kid. I certainly hope he gets the help he needs. Michaels a human being. He was capable of great things. . City Council Chairman Ron Quagliani, D-At Large, said he has known DiMassa since DiMassa was an intern and Quagliani, who later become West Havens chief of police, was deputy chief perhaps 15 years ago. A lot of us have been on an emotional roller coaster, Quagliani said. How can someone have gone from really an up-and-comer to the kind of allegations that were in that FBI affidavit? Michael has always been that fixture, that face of government, Quagliani said. I think at one point he was in the Tax Office, he had a stint in the Registrar of Voters Office, the Council Office, the Corporation Counsel office. Contributed photo The Mike DiMassa I knew, the public-facing Mike DiMassa, doesnt match up with the Mike DiMassa in the notice that I got Wednesday, Quagliani said. Hes always done his job well, Quagliani said. Ive never experienced anything but him being professional and wanting to help. He worked hard in his role as state representative. He brought a lot of money into Allingtown and the fire district and DiMassa was Man of the Year in high school, top of his class at Albertus. Allingtown-area Councilman Peter Massaro, D-6, who got to know DiMassa first when Massaro was Allingtown fire chief, couldnt believe what he has read and watched. I am shocked. I cant believe it and not only that, I remember when John Picard brought him in when he was just getting out of high school and was in college, Massaro said. When I asked him for help, he was there, Massaro said. When I asked him for help for the fire service, he was there. City Hall? He was there. ... I personally think hes a nice kid. How he (allegedly) got involved in this, I dont know. Arnold Gold / Hearst Connecticut Media Until this week, Everybody respected him, Massaro said. This kid could have gone further on. He could have run for governor some day. He had a hell of a future. It just breaks my heart. Allingtown-area city Councilwoman Robbin Watt Hamilton, D-5, was at a loss to understand it. Its a loss. Its a loss to West Haven. He was pretty knowledgeable. ... Its a loss for West Haven, period, Hamilton said. Beyond that, he was my districts state rep, she said. Whenever we reached out to him to have district meetings, he was right here. ... He always stayed in touch with us as a state rep. I think he took a brave stand in voting for the Police Accountability Act. ... Several of my constituents were very happy about that. I thought I knew him well on a professional level, Hamilton said. I had no doubts or questions of his character, because he was just a wealth of information and very helpful. I didnt see this coming at all. But despite the charges DiMassa now faces, I wish him the best, she said. Hes in my prayers. ... Hes still young. He has a future in front of him. ... Hes got to figure out what that looks like now. City Council Finance Committee Chairwoman Bridgette Hoskie, D-1, said, I have never once, in the years I have been an elected official or prior to that, ever gotten an inkling he was ever involved in anything inappropriate... never, ever, ever, ever. Mark Zaretsky / Hearst Connecticut Media mark.zaretsky@hearstmediact.com KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) Father Art Faesser considers his living room his sanctuary. A small crucifix hangs on the wall. So, too, does an elaborate Sioux dress, a cradle board, drums, a buffalo head and dozens of authentic pieces from the Lakota Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. These artifacts extend into every room of his house. Hes been acquiring them for 30 years from native Lakota Sioux artists because they convey a spiritual significance. Of all my experiences in the priesthood, seeing what wed done to the native people gave me a great passion to find small ways to raise their sense of dignity and human worth, Faesser, a retired priest who assists at St. James Catholic Church, said. Father Art likes to say, That drum beat got me into it at a very early age. In the spring of 1952, he was just 3 years old when he, his brother Vic, 5, and their immigrant parents stepped off a train in Ogallala with about $25 in cash, two suitcases and a wooden trunk built by his father, a carpenter. Although the family was German, they came to the U.S. from Russia, where they had taught Russians how to farm. In Ogallala, they were met by their sponsor, George McGinley. Immigrants were required to have a sponsor to provide lodging, food, jobs and so forth, Faesser said. In the 1950s, there was no interstate highway, but Highway 30 went through many small towns, and several had what Faesser humorously called tourist traps to entertain travelers. Ogallalas was the Sioux Trading Post, owned by the Henline family. Every summer, three generations of the Lakota Henry Whitecalf family came down from the Pine Ridge Reservation to put on an evening powwow at the Sioux Trading Post. In the afternoon, Henry Whitecalf would drive the pickup through town, beating on the drum as his granddaughter danced, hoping to entice tourists to the powwow. The dances were held behind a gift shop full of stuff made in China, Faesser said. Teepees were set up, and the Whitecalf family would perform and take up a collection from the tourists to pay their living expenses. That drumbeat was the heartbeat of Mother Earth. I heard that drum beat. That entered my spirit and stayed with me, Faesser said. After being ordained in 1976, Faesser was assigned to Holy Rosary Church in Alliance, a railroad town with a sizeable Native American population who lived south of the tracks, in dire poverty. There were many elderly natives who lived in one room on a dirt floor with a single potbelly stove. My heart went out to them, he said. Five years later, he was assigned to churches in Rushville and Hay Springs, which bordered South Dakotas Pine Ridge Reservation. He was there for six years. Natives would come down from the rez and sell blocks of cheese and canned meats so they could buy alcohol. We had done that to them. We put them on non-productive reservation land, gave them minimum check payments and asked that they eke out a minimal living. They turned to alcoholism, he said. Sometimes, they would come to the door and ask for food. I would give them food, but to give them a sense of human dignity, I would ask them to pick up litter or twigs in the church yard, he said. Some people came two or three times a week, especially in the summer. He got to know some of them. One man in his mid-to-late 20s looked like he was in his 40s because his face was so disfigured from alcoholism. Id sit on the front porch with him. He was quiet. Sometimes wed just sit together in silence, Faesser said. Faesser became increasingly troubled by what he saw and experienced. This engaged my passion for the plight of the native people. Of all my experiences in the priesthood, seeing what wed done to the native people gave me a great passion to find small ways to raise their dignity and human worth, he said. In 1991, he was assigned to the Newman Center at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. When he had time off, Faesser would travel to Rapid City. I loved Rapid City. It became my mecca for native art and culture, he said. The first piece he bought was a plain drum. I loved that drum, its heartbeat. Id hear it when I went to powwows at the Pine Ridge or in the Black Hills, he said. Soon he became friends with the natives who made those items. He was invited to sweat lodges and ceremonies. He has attended two Sun Dances, which are multi-day ceremonies conducted by a medicine man. They left a deep mark on me. To Faesser, the Sun Dance resembles the liturgy of Good Friday. A tree is cut down and prayed over during the ceremony. Thongs are attached to it. The ceremony represents suffering and redemption. People commit to fasting. They pray for relatives, for the nation (the hoop) and their culture, their way of life and more, he said. Lakota Sioux art carries a great deal of spiritual meaning for me. It invited me to enter into a fuller and deeper understanding of the spirituality of the Plains people, he said. The Roman Catholic church currently has one Native American saint, but a Lakota Sioux member, Black Elk, is being considered for the sainthood. Black Elk saw parallels between Catholicism and blended that with native spirituality, he said. Faesser sees them, too. Traveling to Rapid City frequently, Faesser got to know many native artists. He has met gallery owners like Ray Hillenbrand, a Michigan native who took over a century-old building in Rapid City and employed native artists and sold their work. One of Faessers pieces, a buffalo skull, came from the sale table at a shop called Prairie Edge. If pieces didnt move, they would be marked down and placed on the Prairie Edge sale table. That brought them within my reach. A number of my pieces came from there, he said. He also commissioned pieces, such as a hide that hangs on his living room wall, decorated by artist Frank Shortie. Three years later, he finished that piece. Ive had that for 27 years, Faesser said. Faesser understood that the gallery owners had thin profit markets. They had to pay salaries, utilities, insurance. A commissioned piece enabled me to collect some very fine pieces at a price that I could afford, he said. Faesser retired in 2019, but he continues to return to Rapid City and purchase keepsakes. I cannot go up to Rapid City and not bring something back. Id drive through the rez and see shacks, no trees, just one lone pine tree. Id witness the poverty, the people walking down the highways, he said. I think the government has made efforts to right some of the wrongs, but were not honoring our treaties, he added. He said some native people have become successful lawyers and medical people, but those success stories arent as widespread as they could be, he said. Faesser who, ironically, lives on Sioux Lane considers his living room and its displays of bonnets, warrior shirts, a beaded elk dress, a buffalo headdress and more, his prayer room. Im surrounded by pieces that do not grow old. They are more beautiful each day. When I sit there and start looking at these pieces, I have a sense of being overwhelmed. Together with my prayer, the richness of the beauty of being surrounded by this kind of art nurtures my spirit. TRENTON, N.J. (AP) Paid sick leave. Taxpayer-funded community college. A phased-in $15 minimum wage. New Jersey has taken a decidedly liberal shift under first-term Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, increasing income taxes on the wealthy, expanding voting rights and tightening the state's already restrictive gun laws. Its a notable change from his predecessor, Republican Chris Christie, who spent two terms pushing more moderate policies. Murphy's agenda will be on the ballot on Nov. 2, when voters will decide whether to give him a second term or steer the state in another direction by electing Republican Jack Ciattarelli. History isn't necessarily on Murphy's side: New Jersey hasn't reelected a Democrat as governor in four decades and hasn't elected a governor from the same party as the president in three decades. Its one of the big, animating reasons why were running like were 10 points behind, Murphy said in an interview. Were taking nothing for granted. I mean, history has proven that this can be a very fickle year in terms of politics. But Murphy does have some sizable advantages. He is leading in public polls and has raised more money than Ciattarelli, and New Jersey has 1 million more registered Democratic voters than Republicans. He's also welcoming some Democratic heavy-hitters to the state: Former President Barack Obama appeared on Saturday, and President Joe Biden was set to visit on Monday to promote his spending plan. The race has national implications, though it has gotten less attention than Virginia's high-profile governor's contest. A loss for Murphy would be shocking in a state that Biden won over Republican Donald Trump by nearly 16 percentage points last year. It would also raise questions about whether moderate voters repelled by Trump were returning to the Republican Party now that the former president is no longer in office. New Jerseys left turn has been years in the making: The state has voted Democratic in every presidential contest since 1992. It hasn't elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate since Clifford Case in 1972. But governor's races have been continually in play for the GOP. The last three Republicans elected governor have won two consecutive terms. My focus is solely New Jersey, Ciattarelli said in an interview. To win as a Republican, youve got to be focused on what it is thats bothering the people of New Jersey, and thats exactly what Ive done for the past 22 months. Public polls show that Murphy has gotten high grades from voters for his response to COVID-19, even though New Jersey was one of the hardest-hit states at the beginning of the pandemic. About 35% of the state's nearly 25,000 deaths came from nursing and veterans homes. Murphy held daily news conferences about the pandemic at the beginning and is now holding two a week. He ordered most nonessential businesses to shut down early in the pandemic, including restaurants, theaters, gyms and most retail stores. Masks were required and social distancing was encouraged. Schools shuttered and then went mostly remote. Many people are very happy with the way he handled the COVID-19 era. The numbers are very clear," Republican state Sen. Michael Testa acknowledged. Some Republicans are also concerned that Trump's unpopularity could be dragging down Ciattarelli's approval numbers. Since a bruising June primary with rivals who claimed Trumps mantle, Ciattarelli has sounded more like the moderate he was while in the Legislature, speaking about his support for the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion and for immigrants without legal status to get drivers licenses, for instance. He's been playing up his credentials as an accountant and the founder of a small business while campaigning in Democratic-leaning cities as well as GOP strongholds. Ciattarelli has also had to balance the more traditional GOP wing with the Trump faction. Thats meant calling for lower property taxes, a perennial issue in New Jersey, and decrying COVID-19 restrictions. But it has also meant confronting questions about his appearance at a rally centered on Stop the Steal, a reference to Trumps false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Ciattarelli said he didnt know the rally was focused on the former presidents false claims. Appearing with Murphy in Newark on Saturday, Obama said of Ciattarelli, When youve got a candidate who spoke at a Stop the Steal rally, you can bet hes not going to be a champion of democracy. Asked whether he would welcome Trump campaigning for him, Ciattarelli said he does his own campaigning and isnt into endorsements. He has also said he accepts that Biden was legitimately elected. The state's political environment shifted decidedly to the left during the Trump administration, with Democrats picking up all but one House seat in the state in 2018. They lost a second one when Jeff Van Drew left the Democratic Party over Trump's first impeachment. Murphy himself won election in the first year of Trumps presidency running on a self-styled progressive platform. His win was helped by the unpopularity of Christie, whose top lieutenant ran against Murphy in the 2017 race. When you look which way the wind is blowing, it is very tough for a candidate to be a good candidate if the wind is not blowing at your back, said Assembly Republican leader Jon Bramnick. And in New Jersey, the wind is blowing definitely more Democratic." Shavonda Sumter, a Democratic Assembly member and chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, said the push for more progressive policies like early in-person voting and expanded vote by mail began at least a decade ago. Those policies, vetoed by Christie, became law after Murphy became governor. Sumter sees the real turning point coming in 2020 during the national reckoning on racial injustice followed the killing of George Floyd by police. She said white people's increased consciousness of the role race can play in politics has helped Democrats politically. Folks woke up and realized this fight is not done, she said. For Toby Sanders, a Trenton resident who attended a recent Murphy gun control rally in Bloomfield, this year's governor's contest is more than just a state race. Its a bellwether for the nation. Its a foundation to build on, said Sanders, who considers himself a progressive. For other voters, state and local issues are more important. Mike Gardner, a municipal party official and retired attorney who worked at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said his top issue is getting rid of the high property taxes. He backs Ciattarelli. Jim Arakelian, a real estate agent and retired law enforcement official, said he doesn't think police officers have been respected by the Murphy administration, citing the decision to release certain police disciplinary records as a big concern. Hes also skeptical about the media and the polling in the race, citing 2016 and Trumps surprise victory. Polls can be skewed anyway the press wants, said Arakelian, who attended a Ciattarelli campaign stop at a New Milford pizzeria. In their own way, some Democratic voters are also skeptical about polls, not wanting to take them for granted. America is contested space right now. There is a battle quietly and loudly going on," Sanders said. CLEVELAND (AP) A new trial has begun for an 83-year-old Ohio man who spent 45 years in prison in the death of his wife. Cleveland.com reports that jurors in the Cuyahoga County retrial of Isiah Andrews learned in opening statements Friday something the jury that convicted Andrews in 1975 never knew that police had initially arrested another man in the killing of Regina Andrews. Andrews was released last year after another judge reversed his conviction, citing prosecutors' failure to disclose information about the other suspect. The other man had an alibi for the time the slaying was believed to have been committed, but an autopsy later concluded the crime had occurred at a different time. That man died in 2011. They let the murderer go because they messed up on the time of death, defense attorney Marcus Sidoti told jurors. Assistant Prosecutor Kristen Karkutt said detectives in 1974 and an FBI agent who has reviewed the case in recent years have ruled out the other man as a suspect. Defense attorneys also cite a lack of physical evidence linking Andrews to his wifes slaying and argue that he was convicted largely on the testimony of two women whose stories changed over time. Karkutt acknowledged that prosecutors no longer have physical evidence from the case but said the suspicious behavior described by the witnesses would be sufficient for conviction. The Ohio Innocence Project took up Andrews case in 2015. The new trial will include testimony from two witnesses who are still alive, but prosecutors will read to the jury transcripts from the 1975 proceedings because of the deaths of other witnesses and detectives. Prosecutors sought a gag order following statements by the defense and Andrews to reporters, and the judge granted the request. But he rejected prosecutors' request that the jury pool be dismissed and the trial restarted because of defense comments that Andrews is innocent and retrying him was gross and disgusting." NEW HAVEN Look for hundreds more luxury apartments to be built as the city opens up its harbor district to residents and approves another apartment tower in the Wooster Square neighborhood. The City Plan Commission approved a text amendment to the Fusco Corp.s planned development district that will allow up to 500 apartments at 501-585 Long Wharf Drive. The commission also approved a required Coastal Management Site Plan. In a separate vote for an unrelated project, a total of 186 more apartments have been approved for development by the Epimoni Corp. at 20 and 34 Fair St. Wooster Square is undergoing a transformation with more than 700 apartments under construction in little over a block. Shoreline For City Engineer Giovanni Zinn, the Long Wharf approval makes concrete some of the recommendations in the Long Wharf Growth Plan that seeks to make this area more resilient to protect the important industries there and welcome a residential component. Zinn said the Fusco proposal fits into the citys approach to planning for the future while taking into consideration sea rise levels, climate change, protecting its strategic assets and environmental justice. The original PDD was put in place when the Fusco Corp. constructed its Maritime Center on adjacent property in 1984, where it has its main headquarters and other business tenants. The new proposal still has to go to an aldermanic committee hearing and get approval from the Board of Alders. City Plan will then address a full site plan, although considerable detail has already been released. Fusco wants to construct two mixed-use buildings of 13 and 15 stories with a range of apartments from studios to three-bedrooms. The first floor would contain 20,000 square feet of commercial space, including a public market with indoor and outdoor food services. The project will sit on 4.3 acres with some 2 acres landscaped for public use and featuring plazas, seating and a contiguous harbor walk, a big plus for the Hill neighbors who reacted positively to the proposal. It will not be wood and podium construction, which is mainly what is featured in New Haven, but rather the buildings will be made of brick, masonry and glass, according to attorney Matthew Ranelli, who represents Fusco. The growth plan proposed five new walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods for Long Wharf, one of which was a Harbor District. It said that Long Wharf was underutilized and it recommended denser development of new residential and commercial uses. Ranelli told the commission that the proposal will create a destination for New Haven residents and others to visit the shoreline. The mixed-use amenities will create a synergy and direct connection with the (Canal Dock) boathouse, Long Wharf Park, and the Hill South and Downtown neighborhoods. The approval comes as Brian Thompson, director of the land and water resources division of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, recommended that the alders turn down the proposal over potential flooding concerns. Thompson said the property straddles two 100-year flood zones and adding significant residential density increases, rather than minimizes, the hazards to life and property inconsistent with the Connecticut Coastal Management Act. The proposed (PDD) modifications would create a pathway for a large population of residents to live in an area that is exposed to existing impacts from coastal storms and flood events, which will be exacerbated in the future due to climate change, he wrote. Thompson told the alders that if the development were to receive any state or federal funding, the residential component of the proposed buildings will need to be elevated to the 500-year Flood level plus two feet of freeboard, according to state law. He said it is DEEPs policy to minimize the necessity of public expenditure and shoreline armoring to protect future new development from such hazards. Zinn said the city shares DEEPs concerns for the protection of residents, as well property and not to approve something that would later require investments in structures and other protections. Zinn said it is still early in the process, but staff feel that Fusco has shown a pathway (to protection against flooding) by having their first floor elevation at 15 feet, which is two feet higher than the base flood elevation of 13 feet. There is no substitute for elevation in terms of preventing flooding, he said. Zinn said there are important technical challenges, but as a coastal community that will be faced with the brunt of climate change, New Haven has opted to determine what it can do to mitigate it now, rather than throw up our hands and wait for the serious impacts to unfold. Zinn said the city is already tackling part of the climate issue by creating natural ways of dealing with storm runoff as New Haven plans for the next 50 to 100 years. The city engineer said there is an environmental justice side to this. We cant give up the benefits of being in our strategic location and simply have to live with the burdens of it, Zinn said, of the negative impact creation of Interstates 91 and 95 had on neighborhoods. Plans are in place to protect the transportation corridors and the Metro North rail yards, something that is of importance to the region. Zinn said using responsible quality development also is a way to create and fund the infrastructure that will be needed to mitigate climate change. Others pointed out that while residential buildings are questioned, a fuel terminal could be built by right and is allowed as a water-related use under coastal management. Starting a transformation now will allow the city to still benefit and prosper from these transportation corridors, the engineer said of the highways and rail connections. Chairwoman Leslie Radcliffe said she agrees with Zinns interpretation and is impressed with the extent of Fuscos consultation with the neighborhood, as well as the amenities that are open to the public. Aicha Woods, executive director of City Plan, said she feels the applicant did a really good job of addressing the safety concerns and the building code. She said New Haven is an historic coastal city that has to manage the transition from polluted industrial water uses to clean uses, while also anticipating climate change and reducing dependence on fossil fuel. Wooster Square On the Epimoni project, which was the subject of numerous public meetings with Wooster Square neighbors concerned about a lack of affordable units, the commission approved the seven-story apartment complex and the public greenway. It will feature studio, one-, two-, three- and four bedroom units and more than 1,000 square feet of commercial space. It has already been approved as a Planned Development Unit and has gained zoning relief to allow apartments starting at a minimum of 850 square feet down from 1,000 square feet. The developer will grant the city an easement for the greenway which will open up Fair Street. Darren Seid of Epimoni, a New York firm, while turning over the greenway to the city, said his company will provide the maintenance for the amenity. Seid also owns the 299-unit Olive and Wooster apartment complex that is slated to open next month and is located next to the Fair Street project. Rents at Olive and Wooster will range from $1,911 for studios to $5,700 for four-bedroom apartments, according to its website. It will feature 8,000 square feet of retail space. Next to Olive and Wooster is The Whit, under construction by Hines, a Houston based builder. It will have 230 apartments. Two years after Connecticut lawmakers required hospitals to make the prices they charge to seriously injured patients public, reports from the states trauma centers show the bills patients face can range by thousands of dollars. Called trauma activation fees, the prices in question are charged to patients who came to the hospital with traumatic injuries, like severe burns, lost limbs, head injuries or gunshot wounds. In 2019, Connecticuts lawmakers were grappling with how to respond to reports of astronomical fees for the highest levels of critical care. They considered banning the fees which only cover the expense for a team to respond to a trauma patient entirely. Hospitals pushed back. The bipartisan measure in favor of price transparency was regarded as a first step. But the move just to make the prices public achieved part of the goal already: Stamford Health, the Connecticut hospital with by far the highest prices, lowered its costs to line up with other trauma centers in the state. While a trauma patient taken to the Stamford Hospital in 2019 could be charged as much as $21,000 for the fee alone, the most that same patient would be charged this year is about $9,000. Andie Jodko, communications director for Stamford Health, said in a statement the hospital revised its prices because of the transparency rule. Based on the reports issued last year, we were an outlier, so we worked to revise our charges to be more in line with other hospitals in our region, Jodko said. The revision took effect in September of 2020, she said, and isnt yet reflected in the two annual reports given to the Connecticut Office of Health Strategy and analyzed by Hearst Connecticut Media. Sen. Martin Looney, D-New Haven and the Senate president, said trauma fees had been spotted as a potential problem in other states. The fees seemed a little bit suspect, Looney said, and with the information released showing a wide range in prices, he said he is interested in considering a law setting a cap on the fee. Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media There may be some fee padding in certain places, if you have a range of that much, he said. Stamford Health was not the only outlier to adjust its prices. The Backus Hospital in Norwich, part of the Hartford Healthcare system, dropped its rates after the price transparency rule, leading to a reduction of $4,000 in the average charge per patient. But the hospital said in a statement the change was unrelated to the legislation and was due to regular adjustments that happen each year. Dr. Jonathan Gates, chief of trauma at Hartford Healthcare, said in testimony to state legislators in 2019 the trauma fees provide marginal support against the high cost of providing trauma services and do not really reflect the expenses for all these resources required to be ready at all times. Gates said in an interview he would be open to engaging legislators on a price cap. If they come to a logical fee cap, I think we would probably embrace that, he said. I think our range of fees is really reasonable. It is difficult to quantify the expense of everything that goes into having a trauma team ready at all hours, he said. Specialists often have decades of experience as well as constant training to stay sharp, and there is a cost to attracting and retaining those highly trained people, Gates said. The system operates three trauma centers in Connecticut, each designated at a different trauma level. The Backus Hospital, though it is assigned the lowest trauma level, sees many car and motorcycle crash victims because of its proximity to the highway. You cant improve what you dont measure, Victoria Veltri, executive director of the Office of Health Strategy, said. It makes the problem more actionable. The prices hospitals disclose to Connecticuts Office of Health Strategy dont reflect the reality of what most patients will end up seeing once they receive a bill. Hospitals generally negotiate a special rate with insurance companies for each kind of procedure or diagnosis, and that is the number patients will see on their bill. But if the person lacks insurance, the high numbers the Office of Health Strategy reports might be exactly what the patient sees on their bill, Veltri said. Depending on the specific plan the person has and whether they have hit their deductible, the patient will likely be liable for at least a portion of that price. About 5% of Connecticuts population lacks insurance, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Connecticut has 12 trauma centers, five of which are located in Fairfield County. Middlesex, Tolland and Windham counties lack a trauma center. About 8,600 patients received trauma care across those dozen hospitals. Dr. Kevin Schuster, a general surgeon with the Yale School of Medicine and chair of the Committee On Trauma for the state of Connecticut, said a trauma response is expensive for a hospital and can involve many specialists. In many instances, emergency responders let the hospital know they are incoming with a patient who will need a trauma level of care. A whole host of people that could be otherwise engaged in something else sort of descend upon the emergency department to provide immediate care to the patient that's arriving, he said. But other providers could also initiate a trauma response after the patient arrives in the emergency department and it becomes clear they need a heightened level of care, Schuster said. Trauma and emergency teams are continuously trying to strike a balance between over-responding to a patient who might not need the highest levels of care and missing patients who could fare worse if the right team doesnt respond immediately, he said. Each hospital forms its own policies around trauma response, Schuster added. Data available from the Office of Health Strategy shows the prices trauma centers tended to charge for their trauma fees were unrelated to how many cases they handle each year. For example, in 2019 the Hartford Hospital handled the most trauma cases of any hospital in the state nearly 1,600 but charged among the lowest fees, an average of about $2,000 per patient. The Stamford Hospital, meanwhile, charged the highest fee of any hospital in 2020 an average of almost $16,000 per patient but handled a below-average number of cases compared to its peers. Ted Doolittle, the Connecticuts Healthcare Advocate, said he doesnt like trauma activation fees and it would be wonderful if we could get away from them. The costs present a particular problem because they are assessed just as a patient is seriously injured, likely out of work and low on expendable income, he said. It goes down the really bad American health care policy road of loading more and more expense onto people right when theyre sick or injured and also right when their income could be impacted, Doolittle said. Its exactly the wrong way to go. Olga Armah, a research analyst with the Office of Health Strategy, said the office is awaiting a third year of reports from hospitals before drawing too many conclusions. She said another challenge is the fact that hospitals dont have to provide information about what they charge for different diagnoses, making it hard to judge the appropriateness of their prices. With three years of information in-hand, the office will be able to draft a report to legislators, Armah said. Len Fasano, the Republican leader in the state senate until his departure at the beginning of this year, worked with Looney on the legislation and said making prices public has value in of itself. Price transparency breeds competition, he said. It does breed a healthy environment where patients actually could make choices. WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. is welcoming tens of thousands of Afghans airlifted out of Kabul but has disclosed little publicly about a small group who remain overseas: dozens who triggered potential security issues during security vetting and have been sent to an American base in the Balkan nation of Kosovo. Human rights advocates have raised concerns about the Afghans diverted to Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo over the past six weeks, citing a lack of transparency about their status and the reasons for holding them back. It's unclear what might become of any who cannot be cleared to come to the United States. We are obviously concerned, said Jelena Sesar, a researcher for Amnesty International who specializes in the Balkans. What really happens with these people, especially the people who dont pass security vetting? Are they going to be detained? Are they going to have any access to legal assistance? And what is the plan for them? Is there any risk of them ultimately being returned to Afghanistan? The Biden administration says it's too soon to answer some of these questions, at least publicly, as it works feverishly to resettle the Afghans who were evacuated following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August. The lack of public information has made it a challenge for those who closely track the fate of refugees. Theres not a lot of transparency in terms of how the security check regime works, said Sunil Varghese, policy director for the International Refugee Assistance Project. We dont know why people are being sent to Kosovo for additional screening, what that additional screening is, how long it will take. So far, more than 66,000 Afghans have arrived in the U.S since Aug. 17, undergoing what the government portrays as a rigorous security vetting process to screen out national security threats from among a population that includes people who worked as interpreters for the American military as well as their own country's armed forces. Of those, about 55,000 are at U.S. military bases around the country, where they complete immigration processing and medical evaluations and quarantine before settling in the United States. There are still 5,000 people from the evacuation at transit points in the Middle East and Europe, according to the Department of Homeland Security, which is managing the effort known as Operation Allies Welcome. The resettlement effort is under intense scrutiny following waves of criticism of President Joe Biden for the frantic evacuation U.S. forces and allies as part of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, which was put in motion when President Donald Trump's administration signed a peace deal with the Taliban to end America's longest war. Trump and other Republicans claim the Biden administration has allowed Afghan refugees into the United States without sufficient background checks. Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has defended the screening and said there have been only minimal threats detected among the arriving refugees. "The fact that some people have been flagged by our counterterrorism, intelligence, or law enforcement professionals for additional screening shows our system is working, said National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne The exact number at Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo, a small nation in southeastern Europe that gained independence from Serbia with U.S. support in 2008, fluctuates as new people arrive and others leave when security issues, such as missing documents, are resolved, according to U.S. officials. The government of Kosovo, a close U.S. ally, has agreed to let the refugees stay in its territory for a year. The country also hosts a separate group at site adjacent to Bondsteel known as Camp Bechtel, where Afghans who worked for NATO nations during the war are staying temporarily until they are resettled in Europe. For several weeks, there were about 30 Afghan evacuees, along with approximately 170 family members, at Camp Bondsteel because of red flags, according to one U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss information not publicly released. They are in a kind of limbo because they aren't detained but they aren't necessarily free to leave either at this point. They volunteered to be evacuated from Afghanistan but were flagged at one of the transit points in Europe or the Middle East and told they had to go to Kosovo. Some chose to bring their families with them while authorities work with analysts and other experts from the FBI, DHS and other agencies to resolve questions about their identity or past associations, a senior administration official said. They are free to move about the the base but cannot leave under conditions set by the government of Kosovo, said this official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss security and diplomatic issues and spoke on condition of anonymity. Those sent to Bondsteel are people who require significant further consideration, involving analysis and interviews, before authorities feel comfortable allowing them to move on to the U.S., the official said. In some cases, the analysis has led to a determination that they are suitable for onward travel to the United States," while in others the work remains ongoing and their cases remain unresolved, said the official, without giving a precise breakdown on the numbers involved. The U.S. has not sent anyone back to Afghanistan and will decide the fate of anyone who can't make it through the screening process on an individualized basis, which in some cases might mean resettling them in another country, this official said. In the meantime, though, Bondsteel remains off-limits to outsiders, including lawyers who might potentially represent people there if they aren't ultimately allowed to enter the U.S., a situation that doesn't sit right with advocates like Sesar. "There is not real access to the camp, she said. Theres no public or independent scrutiny of what happens in there. ___ Associated Press writer Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this report. Niagara Falls, NY (14301) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 31F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 31F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. The President, Muhammadu Buhari, said on Friday that the Federal Government would consider the request for the grant of pardon to finally ... The President, Muhammadu Buhari, said on Friday that the Federal Government would consider the request for the grant of pardon to finally close the Ogoni saga. In a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President was quoted as saying this when Ogoni leaders paid him a visit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The Ogoni saga refers to the execution of Ogoni activist, Ken Saro Wiwa, and others by the military regime of the late Gen Sani Abacha. At the peak of his non-violent campaign, Saro-Wiwa and eight others were tried by a special military tribunal for allegedly masterminding the gruesome murder of Ogoni chiefs at a pro-government meeting, and hanged in 1995. Their execution provoked international outrage and resulted in Nigerias suspension from the Commonwealth of Nations for over three years. The United Nations General Assembly condemned the execution while the European Union condemned the executions, which it called a cruel and callous act, and imposed an arms embargo on Nigeria. The United States recalled its ambassador from Nigeria, imposed an arms embargo on Nigeria, and slapped travel restrictions on members of the Nigerian military regime and their families. The United Kingdom recalled its High Commissioner in Nigeria, and British Prime Minister John Major called the executions judicial murder. South Africas then, President, Nelson Mandela, lambasted Abacha for the execution. Twenty-six years after the incident, however, Buhari told Ogoni leaders that he would consider a pardon. Buhari said, Despite the grievous circumstances, the Federal Government will consider the request for the grant of pardon to finally close the Ogoni saga. He added, Furthermore, we are committed to ensuring clemency and national integration as part of this regimes bid to lay the foundation for genuine reconciliation and bring closure to the issues of Ogoni land. The unfortunate incidents of the early 1990s leading to the loss of lives of distinguished sons of Ogoni land and the collateral judicial processes are indelible in our memories. Adedotun Clement, a driver of a cab hailing service, who was assaulted during the #EndSARSMemorial demonstration has demanded N500 million... Adedotun Clement, a driver of a cab hailing service, who was assaulted during the #EndSARSMemorial demonstration has demanded N500 million as compensation. On Wednesday, Clement was manhandled by officers of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) and police officers during the #EndSARSMemorial rally at Lekki tollgate. On Friday, LNSA announced that it had suspended the officers who were involved in the assault of the driver, and apologised to the victim. In a letter dated October 22, 2021 and addressed to Moyosore Onigbanjo, attorney-general of Lagos, Clement said his rights as guaranteed by sections 34 and 35 of the constitution were grossly violated. Speaking through Inibehe Effiong, his lawyer, the driver said the sum of N500 million would serve as compensation for gross violation of his fundamental rights and deprivation of his source of livelihood. He also requested a public apology for the violation of his fundamental human rights, adding that legal proceedings would commence if the demands are not met. Our client was physically terrified by the assault on his person endured the torture with equanimity, while his attackers persisted in their illegal effort to force our client into the van of the Lagos State Taskforce (Black Maria), the letter reads. The attack on our client is condemnable and unacceptable and should not be tolerated in a civilised society. Since Lagos state is governed by laws, we invite you to take decisive actions to remedy the gross violation of the fundamental rights of our client to dignity of the human person and personal liberty as guaranteed by sections 34 and 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), respectively. The gruesome manhandling and vicious attack on our client are offences under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, the Anti-Torture Act and other applicable penal legislations. It also worthy of note that our client was deprived of his means of livelihood after his vehicle (Green Toyota Corolla, 2006 model, with plate number AGL796GW) was towed away and detained from 20th to 22nd October, 2021 before it was released to him by agents of the Lagos State Government. It is also imperative to bring to your attention that our clients vehicle has been badly damaged by the agents of the Lagos State Government. Sequel to the foregoing, we hereby respectfully demand as follows: Payment of the sum of N500,000,000.00 (Five Hundred Million Naira) to our client as compensation for the gross violation of his fundamental rights, deprivation of our clients source of livelihood and the destruction of his vehicle by agents of the Lagos state government. Disciplinary measures should be taken against officers of the LNSC who attacked our client. The culprits should also be prosecuted in court. Written apology to our client addressed to us for the violation of his rights. Please take notice that we have the firm instruction of our client to commence legal proceedings and pursue all available legal options to enforce his rights if our demands are not met. We will be expecting your kind reply to reach our Lagos office within 48 hours of receiving this letter. FBN Holdings Plc, the holding company of First Bank of Nigeria, says it is yet to receive any notification from Femi Otedola, billionaire ... FBN Holdings Plc, the holding company of First Bank of Nigeria, says it is yet to receive any notification from Femi Otedola, billionaire businessman, on his alleged acquisition of majority shares. Seyi Kosoko, the company secretary, said this on Friday in a statement sent to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). Reports had alleged that the business mogul acquired a significant shareholding in the company. Otedola was said to have acquired more than five percent equity stake in FBN Holdings through provies and investments reportedly now the single largest shareholder of the bank. FBN Holdings insisted it operates in a regulated environment which required notifications of significant shareholding by shareholders to the company, where shares are held in different vehicles. It further stated that the bank will always notify the appropriate agencies and authorities whenever it receives any notice of significant shareholding by the shareholder and the company registrars. The attention of FBN Holdings Plc (the Company) has been drawn to media reports today, 22 October 2020 purporting that a certain individual has acquired significant shareholding interest in FBN Holdings Plc {the Company) therefore making him the majority shareholder in the Company, the statement reads. As a listed Company, the shares of FBN Holdings Plc are publicly traded, and sale and acquisition of shares is expected in the normal course of business. We operate in a regulated environment, which requires notification of significant shareholding by Shareholders to the Company, where shares are held in different vehicles, further to which the Company will notify the regulators and the public as appropriate. The Company is yet to receive any notification from the individual mentioned in the media report, of such acquisitions. FBN Holdings Plc will always notify the appropriate agencies and authorities whenever it receives any notice of significant shareholding by the Shareholders and the Companys Registrars. Ossai Obie, Special Assistant on Special Duties to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, has told Tiwa Savage to apologise to Nigerians for making a s..... Ossai Obie, Special Assistant on Special Duties to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, has told Tiwa Savage to apologise to Nigerians for making a s..3...x tape which went viral online recently. Ossai on Friday chastised those standing with Tiwa Savage over the s..3..x tape scandal which he described as a senseless act. On his Facebook page, Okowas aide wrote: Tiwa Savage is yet to apologise to us. I dont see why people are standing with Tiwa Savage over an act of senselessness. I understand she might end up being depressed if the people who are standing with her speak against her but inasmuch as we dont want anything negative to happen to her we mustnt support that Senseless act. Okowas aide critiquing those supporting Tiwa Savage Said recording a s...3...x tape in the first place is an act of abnormality which has affected young people negatively. A lot of our young people look up to her and she end up disappointing everyone.As she is bold to accept the S......3.. x tape, she should be proud to apologize to us. We should stop supporting what is wrong. It is not normal for two people to video themselves while making out . It is an act of abnormality. By now, The video must have affected our young ones negatively, the post read. Nollywood actor and politician, Yul Edochie has commended Tiwa Savage for her courage and strength over the controversies involving her s3..... Nollywood actor and politician, Yul Edochie has commended Tiwa Savage for her courage and strength over the controversies involving her s3...x tape. Recall that an alleged s3...x tape involving Tiwa Savage and her boyfriend leaked online and has since gone viral. Tiwa Savage was criticised for her actions by colleagues and fans, as some described her as not being a good example to the younger generation. However, Edochie in a recent post, said Tiwas way of handling the blackmail had inspired those going through such silently. He urged the Somebodys Son crooner to stay stronger, adding that Nobody holy Pass. In a long post on his Instagram page, Edochie wrote: I commend you Tiwa Savage for the way you handled the issue you many not know this but youve inspired so many people who may be going through blackmail silently. You said capital NO to blackmail and it takes a lot of strength to do that. It is well youre a human being like the rest of us nobody holy pass. In life there will be ups and downs you enjoy the ups and learn from the downs. Anything that doesnt kill you makes you stronger. Keep your head up, keep being strong, this too shall pass. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) says it will lock down the south-east if Nnamdi Kanu, its leader, is not released from detention by... The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) says it will lock down the south-east if Nnamdi Kanu, its leader, is not released from detention by November 4. The proscribed separatist group is known for enforcing its sit-at-home order in the region in solidarity with Kanu who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since July. On Tuesday, a federal high court in Abuja rejected Kanus request to be moved to Kuje Correctional Service Centre. His trial was adjourned till November 10. In a statement issued on Saturday, Emma Powerful, IPOB spokesperson, said the fresh lockdown, which will be enforced between November 5 and 10, is in honour of Kanu. Following the adjournment of our great leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanus court case to 10th of November 2021, by the federal high court Abuja, we the great movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), wish to inform Biafrans, friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom that IPOB will lock down Biafra land from 5th of November to 10th of November except Sunday, November 7th, a day our people worship the Almighty God, Chukwu Okike Abiama, if the Nigeria government fails to release our leader unconditionally before 4th of November 2021, the statement read. Our leader, onyendu Mazi Nnamdi must be released unconditionally on or before November 4, 2021 because he has not committed any offence known to any law. Failure to release our leader Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi KANU on or before November 4, 2021, our one-week sit-at-home begins on November 5, 2021, till November 10. Although we quite understand the pains and adverse effects of this option on our people, we are compelled to take it to achieve a better purpose in the collective interest of Biafrans. We have taken time to analyse what transpired on October 21 when our leader was arraigned in court and discovered that the federal government is not sincere and only wants to humiliate him and keep him perpetually in the DSS custody to rot there. We all saw how lawyers, journalists, Igbo delegates and respected traditional rulers and other people who came from all around the world to witness his court case were restricted and denied access into the court premises by security agents who kept them outside under the scorching heat of the sun. What a humiliation and wickedness! We cannot accept that anymore. We can never allow our leader Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to be tried secretly and we can never also allow him to be tried under Sharia law under any guise. Nigeria must follow international laws in handling our leader. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is in the DSS dungeon today because of his passion for Biafra independence, and we must sacrifice all we can to ensure that he regains his freedom. He has sacrificed so much for us all, so we must be prepared to sacrifice little for him. The group said the lockdown is a necessary sacrifice the people of the south-east will have to make until its independence is achieved. According to IPOB, no resident of the region is expected to disobey the directive as doing so amounts to challenging the will of the people on the Biafra project. While all attention is on the showdown for City Councils Division 2 At-Large seat, there are several other New Orleans races on the ballot this fall that are worth keeping an eye on. Mayor LaToya Cantrell is expected to easily win reelection, but weve got some incumbent council members who will have to fend off a sea of opponents to keep their seats including a few that could give them a run for their money as well as races to replace those current members who are term-limited or vacating their seats for other positions. Were sure to see some familiar faces return to the council next year, but there also will be some new ones as well. And theres a solid chance well see a lot of these names pop up again four years from now including a few who are making chess moves with sights on becoming mayor in 2026. Arguably, the biggest event this election cycle has been Hurricane Ida. The storm not only delayed the elections, but it also shifted residents priorities, pollster Silas Lee told Gambit. Post Ida, the biggest issues on voters minds have been trash pickup and holding utility companies accountable for their disaster response as climate change brings more frequent storms to the area. Hurricane Ida changed the dynamics because people were displaced for weeks, Lee says. It changed the focus on the election, from just focusing on the election to focusing on survival and restoring the city. Division 1 At-Large: Regulating Entergy is at the front of incumbent and City Council President Helena Morenos reelection platform, as head of the council's Utility Committee, especially post-Ida. Her sole opponent is Kenneth Cutno, a community development consultant who wants to increase the minimum wage for city workers to $20 an hour and halt property tax increases. He lost the last council race against Moreno in 2017. Moreno has remained competitive without spending a lot of resources, Lee says. The challenge for Cutno was to create doubt about [her] and depart from supporting her. District A: Similarly, incumbent Joe Giarrusso is likely to sail to reelection. As chairman of the Public Works Committee, he oversees the Sewerage & Water Board and the citys Public Works Department, including infrastructure projects in the city. As the chair of the Quality of Life Committee, he has been hearing from constituents during a time when life hasnt been so quality. His opponents are Amy Misko, a Libertarian real estate broker who told The Times-Picayune she was running the race for widowed white women, and software developer and comedian Bob Murrell, a progressive advocating for a city-based version of the Green New Deal. District B: Incumbent Jay Banks, whose recent career accomplishments include implementing inclusionary zoning and championing crackdowns on Airbnb, faces some tough competition against attorney Lesli Harris. Harris has earned notable endorsements, including from the New Orleans Coalition and the Forum for Equality, whom she argued for in federal court to help strike down anti-gay marriage laws. Rella Zapletal, attorney and president of the Touro Bouligny Neighborhood Association, is also running for the seat, vowing to fix blight and busted streets. District C: With Kristin Gisleson Palmer running for the at-large Division 2 position, there are seven candidates looking to fill this seat. Lawyer Freddie King III, a Democrat, is a big name in the race. He wants to increase short-term-rental fines and reduce the minimum age of police officers from 20 to 19. But with so many opponents like Stephanie Bridges, the director of the New Orleans Council for Community and Justice, and coffee shop owner Alonzo Knox who fought against moving City Hall to Treme well have to see what happens. District D: Jared Brossett is term-limited and 14 candidates are vying for his District D seat, making this race a toss-up. Among the hopefuls are Mariah Moore, executive director of House of Tulip, who hopes to make history as the citys first openly transgender council member, and Troy Glover who works providing re-entry opportunities for formerly incarcerated people. Contenders also include Gordon Plaza activist Kevin Griffin-Clark and real estate broker Eugene Green. Timolynn Sams, who has worked in the nonprofit sector and is aligned closely with Mayor LaToya Cantrell, is also a top contender. District E: Incumbent Cyndi Nguyen is running on a revitalization platform for another term representing New Orleans East and the Lower 9th Ward, touting the addition of an amusement center and a senior apartment center in her district. Oliver Thomas, a former council member, could be a threat, though his tenure at the council was cut short once he was sentenced to 37 months in prison for bribery. Lee dubs this one a race of redemption. Also running for District E is former state Rep. John Bagneris; mental health professional Michon Copelin, whose father is former state Rep. Sherman Copelin; founding vice president of nonprofit A Community Voice Vanessa Gueringer Johnson; and teacher and pastor Aaron Miller. There's a number of other elections this fall, including for the Orleans Parish Criminal Court Clerk and the Orleans Parish Assessor. The Nov. 13 ballot includes four proposed amendments to the state constitution. A good source of objective information about the proposed revisions is the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (parlouisiana.org), which has published an in-depth guide to the proposed amendments. Amendment 1 deals with how businesses report and remit sales and use taxes. It would not change any state or local sales tax rates. Instead, it would create a new state commission authorized to provide for electronic filing and remittance of state, local and remote sales taxes. The commission would forward revenue to local taxing authorities and to the state, issue policy advice, and develop rules for audits. If approved by voters, lawmakers would still need to adopt legislation (by a two-thirds vote of both chambers) further outlining and implementing the new system. Reformers for decades have complained that the current system is too fractured and burdensome because it forces many businesses to file multiple sales tax returns every month. While this amendment doesnt completely solve the problem, supporters say its a huge step forward. Critics include Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who recently came out against the proposal. The mayor says the amendment leaves too much uncertainty regarding future legislation which is not yet written and takes away collection and auditing authority from local governments. With statewide turnout expected to be extremely low not much is on the ballot outside New Orleans the vote in Orleans Parish could play an outsized role in determining the fate of this amendment. Amendment 2 is tied to three companion bills that lawmakers recently passed dealing with income taxation. If approved by voters, this amendment (and the companion new laws) would lower the maximum individual income tax rate from 6% to 4.25% and reduce other rates as well for individuals and corporations. It also would significantly reduce the corporate franchise tax. The amendment removes the individual income tax deduction for federal taxes paid but substantially lowers rates and provides less volatility in their tax bills (and the state budget) over time. Amendment 3 allows levee districts created since Jan. 1, 2006, to impose 5-mill property taxes without a vote of the people in those districts. This amendment does not affect Orleans or Jefferson parishes, whose levee districts were created before 2006. It does affect levee districts in St. Tammany and Tangipahoa parishes, whose voters (along with voters statewide) must approve the amendment if it is to apply to them. Amendment 4 would allow the governor, with the approval of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget, to sweep up to 10% from certain (but not all) constitutionally and statutorily dedicated funds to address major revenue shortfalls. This authority is currently capped at 5%. The amendment would not affect dedicated funds currently protected from such sweeps. Dozens of protesters showed up at City Hall July 29 to protest the federal eviction moratorium ending. They called upon officials to close eviction courts amid a surge in COVID-19 and called for greater efficiency and transparency in distributing the city's rental assistance funds, which come from the federal government. WASHINGTON (AP) The Biden administration will announce a new 60-day eviction moratorium that would protect areas where 90% of the U.S. population lives, according to three people familiar with the plans who insisted on anonymity to discuss the forthcoming announcement. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified a legal authority for a new and different moratorium that would be for areas with high and substantial increases in COVID-19 infections. New Orleans landlords take advantage of eviction moratorium's end, file to eject dozens Dozens of landlords streamed into 1st City Court in New Orleans on Monday to file eviction paperwork against tenants shielded for 11 months by The extension helps to heal a rift with liberal Democratic lawmakers who were calling on executive action to keep renters in their homes as the delta variant of the coronavirus spread and a prior moratorium lapsed at the end of July. Administration officials had previously said a Supreme Court ruling stopped them from setting up a new moratorium without congressional backing, saying that states and cities must be more aggressive in releasing nearly $47 billion in relief for renters on the verge of eviction. The new policy came amid a scramble of actions by the Biden team to reassure Democrats and the country that it could find a way to halt potential evictions. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen briefed House Democrats Tuesday on the administration's efforts to prevent widespread housing evictions after a moratorium lapsed, but lawmakers protesting outside the U.S. Capitol said more needs to be done, intensifying pressure on President Joe Biden to act. Yellen told Democrats on a private call about the work underway to ensure some $47 billion in federal housing aid approved during the COVID-19 crisis makes it to renters and landlords. She provided data so that lawmakers could see how their districts and states are performing with distributing the relief, according to a person on the call. The White House has said state and local governments have been slow to push out that federal money and is pressing them to do so swiftly after the eviction moratorium expired over the weekend. The treasury secretary tried to encourage Democrats to work together, even as lawmakers have said Biden should act on his own to extend the eviction moratorium, according to someone on the private call who insisted on anonymity to discuss its contents. Yellen said on the call, according to this person, that she agrees "we need to bring every resource to bear" and that she appreciated the Democrats' efforts and wants "to leave no stone unturned." But progressive lawmakers, who have been camped for days outside the Capitol with dozens of supporters, are trying to pressure the administration to put the moratorium back in place. "What we need is for the White House to actually do, to do the thing and they need to actually extend the moratorium," Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said at the Capitol. The administration had repeatedly resisted another extension because the Supreme Court appears likely to block it. When the court allowed the eviction ban to remain in place through the end of July by a 5-4 vote, one justice in the majority, Brett Kavanaugh, wrote that Congress would have to act to extend it further. +4 With eviction moratorium ending and rental aid delays, some fear a 'homelessness disaster' A federal moratorium on evictions for failure to pay rent is set to expire over the weekend, as COVID cases surge and tens of thousands of deb As the eviction crisis mounts, the White House has frequently said that Biden is doing all he can under legal constraints to keep renters in their homes and landlords paid what they are owed. While as many as 3.6 million Americans are at risk of eviction, the administration has emphasized that money has already been approved and many Americans will be able to stay housed with the efforts underway. The focus on states comes as Biden faces stinging criticism, including from some in his own party, that he was was slow to address the end of the moratorium. Some people were at immediate risk of losing their homes. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had called the prospect of widespread evictions "unfathomable." The Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and other progressive lawmakers intensified pressure on the White House to issue an immediate extension. One Democrat, Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri, has been camped outside the U.S. Capitol in protest since the weekend. She was joined overnight Monday by Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Jimmy Gonzalez, D-Calif., and others who gave her a brief reprieve so she could rest indoors. Bush also had a brief conversation Monday at the Capitol with Vice President Kamala Harris. "People could be helped right now," said Bush, a first-term, St. Louis-area lawmaker who has shared her own story of living temporarily in her car as a young mother years ago. "We need that moratorium." Late last week, Biden announced he was allowing the ban to expire, pushing Congress to act, but lawmakers were unable to swiftly rally the votes as even Democrats questioned prolonging the eviction ban for a few more months. The CDC put the eviction ban in place as part of the COVID-19 response when jobs shifted and many workers lost income. The ban was intended to hold back the spread of the virus among people put out on the streets and into shelters. The White House noted that state-level efforts to stop evictions would spare a third of the country from evictions over the next month. While the administration is still investigating legal options to forestall evictions, officials said their options were limited. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday that the CDC, which issued the eviction ban, was "unable to find legal authority for a new, targeted eviction moratorium." Mass evictions could potentially worsen the recent spread of the COVID-19 delta variant as roughly 1.4 million households told the Census Bureau they could "very likely" be evicted from their rentals in the next two months. Another 2.2 million say they're "somewhat likely" to be evicted. Gene Sperling, who oversees the administration's coronavirus relief plans, said the administration will continue looking for additional legal avenues to keep people in their homes. Yet he stressed the complexity of the problem by also noting that the Trump administration developed guidelines for providing aid to renters and landlords that were unworkable. Those guidelines which required extensive documentation were changed once Biden was in office. "This is not an easy task," Sperling said. "We as a country have never had a national infrastructure or national policy for preventing avoidable evictions." Democratic lawmakers said they were caught by surprise by Biden's decision to end the moratorium, creating frustration and anger and exposing a rare rift with the administration. The CDC indicated in late June that it probably wouldn't extend the eviction ban beyond the end of July. Protesters demand eviction court closures as City Hall's rental assistance lags Immigrants facing housing insecurity and their advocates gathered at City Hall Thursday night to protest the end of the federal eviction moratorium. Rep. Maxine Waters, the powerful chair of the Financial Services Committee, has been talking privately for days with Yellen and urged the treasury secretary to use her influence to prod states to push the money out the door. But Waters also called on the CDC to act on its own. "I don't buy that the CDC can't extend the eviction moratorium - something it has already done in the past! Who is going to stop them?" Waters said in a tweet. "C'mon CDC - have a heart! Just do it!" ___ Associated Press writer Alexandra Jaffe contributed to this report. Edward Campbell has spent day after day since Hurricane Ida gutting his modest, one-story house on Williamsburg Drive in LaPlace, his progress measured by the mountain of ruined home furnishings and drywall piling up in the front yard. His daughter, meanwhile, has been hard at work on another, equally important task: finding an air-conditioned place for Campbell, his wife, and their disabled son to sleep at night. The family is staying in a hotel in Gonzales, the third place they've lived since evacuating for the Aug. 29 storm -- their fourth if you count the five nights they spent sleeping in their car in front of the house. It isn't much, but they should have the hotel room through October 9. "We may be able to extend our stay out there, but I don't know," said Campbell, 65. The Campbells are among the many thousands of south Louisianans in limbo after Hurricane Ida made their homes uninhabitable. That's led to a scramble for hotel rooms, short-term rentals and apartments that has spread throughout the region. "Everything's booked," Campbell said, noting that his daughter's efforts have stretched as far as Jackson and Gulfport, Mississippi. "They just say, 'We're booked.'" A regional rental market that already was tight before Ida has now gone nuts, said Lacey Conway, CEO of Latter & Blum, one of the state's largest real estate management and sales agencies. "From Lafayette all the way to Mississippi, people are having to search very far and wide for rentals," Conway said. "There weren't that many properties to begin with and now the situation is desperate, in all caps." She said that just as the pandemic dried up available homes for sale and turned it into a frenzied sellers' market, the rental market now too is seeing 15-to-20 renters chasing the same property and bidding it up to exorbitant levels. In Gulfport, Mississippi, the phones at Rental Management LLC have been ringing off the hook since just after the storm passed through in early September. "As far as our call volume, we definitely had a lot of calls from people displaced by Hurricane Ida," said property manager Wendy Lassabe. The company has a portfolio of several hundred single family homes in the area, but occupancy is at a 10-year high and most properties aren't available for short-term lease. In the New Orleans metro area, Conway said that her agents are reporting that landlords who had been looking for, say, $1,700 a month before Hurricane Ida are now looking for $2,200. Rates are especially high for those rare furnished apartments or houses. "A weird market has gotten even weirder," she said. "Some people are looking at vacant land they can rent for campers and even reaching out trying to lease what would normally be a corporate office just so they can have WiFi and A/C." The stop-gap solution of staying in a hotel has also been made more difficult because of a supply shortage. 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 Mavis Early, executive director of the Greater New Orleans Hotel and Lodging Association, said many hoteliers took rooms offline before the storm, expecting they would lose power and not be able to accommodate guests. After the storm, the rooms that were available were quickly filled by the electricity linemen and emergency response personnel that flooded into the region. The data bears this out. Hotel occupancy in New Orleans in the week before the storm plummeted from 42% to below 30%. It has since rebounded to pre-pandemic levels above 68%, according to STR, a hotel data tracking and analysis firm. Hoteliers say the New Orleans data masks the fact that area hotels are operating at lower levels because of chronic staff shortages. The effect in Mississippi was even more dramatic as many in New Orleans evacuated ahead of the storm and stayed away because of the prolonged black out. STR data show Mississippi hotel occupancy going from 55% before the storm to about 80% in the two weeks after. In the Biloxi/Gulfport hotel market it went from 53% to 92%. Maxwell Ciardullo, director of policy and communications with the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center, said that the situation in the city has been compounded by the fact that many landlords have failed to maintain their properties, which meant that even some that weren't in flooded areas were rendered uninhabitable by other types of storm damage. Now, those struggling to find decent affordable places before the storm are in an even weaker position, he said. "Even on a sunny day in New Orleans or in Louisiana, you can be evicted for asking for a basic repair, so then you multiply that by the desperation that we see after a storm like this and it really means landlords can do whatever they want. Back in LaPlace, Carlton and Kathy Morris said this week they were just beginning their search for longer-term housing. They're also in a Gonzales hotel, paying about $1,000 a week, money they would rather have going toward an apartment. "For what we're paying at the hotel, it should be feasible to find a rental property," Carlton Morris said. St. John the Baptist Parish President Jaclyn Hotard said FEMA is considering whether to roll out temporary housing like the trailers that proliferated after Hurricane Katrina. All options are on the table. Theyre trying to get a better assessment on what the long-term housing needs will be for the community, she said. Its not just us. Many of our other parishes are going to need long-term housing plans." Campbell, a retired truck driver, said he is currently negotiating with his insurance company to get them to pay for a rental company to put a trailer on his property, which he'd like to have done before he's forced to leave the hotel. He said the unpredictable nature of housing is "depressing and stressful," though he said he's mostly worried about his wife and son. "I have to be the strong one, to show them that we're going to get through it, which we are," he said. "We are going to get through it." John Peter Laborde, an offshore oil and gas industry leader who also was active in a long list of business, civic and religious organizations, died Thursday at his New Orleans home. He was 97. Laborde, whose affiliations fill five single-spaced typewritten pages of his resume, developed Tidewater Inc. into the worlds largest owner and operator of offshore vessels. It owns 650 vessels and has about 8,000 employees. He also established and developed Tidewater Compression Service into the United States biggest owner and operator of gas-compression services, said his son, Cliffe F. Laborde. Compression is necessary, he said, to get gas into pipelines. He was a keen businessperson and a person with great compassion and sensitivity, said Anne Milling, a longtime friend. He lent his talents and business acumen to many nonprofits and served the community well. Laborde was born in Marksville and graduated from Hammond High School. He enrolled at LSU, but his education was interrupted when he, as a colonel in Army ROTC, was inducted into the Army in the early days of the United States involvement in World War II. Laborde graduated first in his class at Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, Cliffe Laborde said. When he went overseas, he was pulled out of an infantry division and selected to work for Gen. Douglas MacArthur, with duties that included receiving coded messages and delivering them to the general, the younger Laborde said. My father claimed that that move basically saved his life. When the Japanese surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945, on the deck of the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, Laborde watched the ceremony from the shore, where he was in charge of MacArthurs headquarters. Laborde returned to LSU and earned an undergraduate degree in sociology and a law degree. He was president of the LSU chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, which recognizes campus leaders.In 2012, he established the Energy Law Center at LSUs Paul M. Hebert Law Center. It didnt have an energy department, Cliffe Laborde said, and he thought that was something that a law school in Louisiana certainly needed. 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 After law school, Laborde was hired as district land manager for the Louisiana account of Richardson & Bass, an independent oil and gas operator. He joined Tidewater in 1956 and became its president and CEO before retiring in 1994, when he was named chairman emeritus and director. Laborde was the product of a Roman Catholic upbringing, where, Milling said, he learned the importance of caring for the less fortunate. This attribute continued throughout his life. Although he participated in many organizations and served on boards of health care and educational institutions, Laborde was especially active in Catholic causes, and he was honored by the church on local and national levels. New energy law center at LSU aims to tackle 21st century issues LSU Law Center Chancellor Jack M. Weiss told NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune last week that legal and regulatory issues in the energy industry h John Laborde was a man who was blessed by God in many ways and used those blessings to give back to the community, said Archbishop Gregory Aymond, who will be the principal celebrant at Labordes funeral Mass. His legacy is his drive to use his God-given gifts for his family while making life better for others in service to our Lord. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Laborde chaired the Louisiana Recovery Authority Support Foundation. He also led the Governors Energy Committee in 1995 and the Lower Mississippi Waterway Safety Advisory Committee. He was a director of WYES and WLAE television stations, the Metropolitan Crime Commission and Ochsner Foundation, and he was a founding trustee of the National D-Day Museum, now the National World War II Museum, which gave him its Silver Service Medallion Award. Survivors include his wife, Sylvia Laborde; three sons, Cliffe F., Gary L. and John Peter Jr., all of New Orleans; a daughter, Adrienne Laborde, of Covington; 16 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. A Mass will be said Tuesday at noon at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6367 St. Charles Ave. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Burial will be private. Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. As she walked into 1st City Court in New Orleans on Thursday, Pamela Greenberry was ready to boot a tenant from her St. Roch rental property, though she wasnt too thrilled about it. Greenberry, a production line worker at a Bunny Bread factory, didnt see much choice. Her tenant was $11,000 behind on rent. Greenberry, 66, was having trouble paying her note, and her insurance company hadnt coughed up money for Hurricane Ida repairs, she said. But by the time a clerk called her case, Greenberry and her tenant were smiling. Shed accepted an offer for $7,000 in rental aid from a city employee stationed at the courthouse. In exchange, Greenberry promised to keep the tenant in place. It was good, to a certain extent, the landlord said. They should try to assist us before it gets this far. A month after a long series of federal and state eviction freezes ended, liberating landlords to oust tenants for unpaid rent, eviction courts in the New Orleans area have rapidly ramped up operations. But the worst case scenario feared by housing advocates that there would be a deluge of new eviction orders hasnt come to pass, in part because of novel programs at Orleans and Jefferson parish courts to intervene with 11th-hour federal aid. Damage from Hurricane Ida, meanwhile, has forced many renters out of homes deemed uninhabitable, tenant advocates said, short-circuiting efforts to keep them in their rentals while raising fears of a local housing crunch. Court clerks and constables say the pace of eviction filings is comparable now to what was happening before the pandemic, following a steep slowdown after the yearlong freeze on evictions for unpaid rent. Nationally, the end of a federal moratorium hasnt led to a surge of evictions either, according to reports. Austin Badon, clerk of 1st City Court in New Orleans, said east bank landlords filed 430 petitions since eviction hearings resumed unfettered on Sept. 25 similar to pre-pandemic numbers. Badon said 1st City Court heard 80 eviction cases last week. At least 20 ended in eviction judgments, with orders for 18 tenants to get out within 24 hours. Lambert Boissiere, Jr., the courts constable, said he executed eight eviction orders on Thursday, while across the Mississippi River, 2nd City Court Constable Edwin Shortly described a modest workload. To say there was some mass rush to line up everybody and do it -- no, he said. I think a lot of it has worked itself out. It seems like a lot of the money the city needed to disburse has gone out. The sticking point now for New Orleans landlords is no longer a moratorium, but a backed up docket, Badon said. Unless some of the judges start increasing their capacity and opening up more dates, Im booked up through the rest of this year, he said. If you are a tenant, you basically can stay in that unit for the rest of October, November, December and part of January, because of the high volume of evictions. The scene is much different across the parish line in Metairie, where emergency rental aid has moved much slower. At the 5th Justice Court, the busiest eviction court in the parish, Justice of the Peace Charles Cusimano ran through a docket of 227 eviction cases on Tuesday alone. Cusimano, whose office gets a cut of filing fees, opened a spillover room to accommodate all of the pensive tenants and landlord agents toting armfuls of case files. Most hearings ran a minute or two and ended in Cusimano ordering up an eviction. In some cases, he cajoled landlords to give their tenants a few more days to catch up before calling in the constable. As she sat between plexiglass partitions to await her fate in Cusimanos court, Martoria Jones, 49, hoped her troubled year would matter more. Flushed out of her home in Lake Charles last year by Hurricane Laura, Jones said she spent months shuttling from one downtown New Orleans hotel room to another with two children and a service dog before landing a 2-bedroom apartment at the Citrus Creek West complex in March. I got tired of moving. The only thing we had was Red Cross funding us a hotel stay, but we never got help from FEMA, she said. Ive basically been on my own. Ive been a hustling little mom. My church prayed for me, everybody prayed. Jones said shed started a new job and lost her unemployment when Hurricane Ida sent her packing again, this time for Texas. She returned and paid half the September rent but missed October and soon found a notice on her door. 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 She caught a break on Tuesday, though, when an attorney for her landlord, 1st Lake Properties, agreed to accept a few hundred dollars less than the $2,250 it claimed she owed. Thats a lot of money, Jones said as she left the courthouse. I lost everything. By days end, Cusimano had ordered 110 evictions, with 50 other cases settled, he said, some with the help of a Jefferson Parish rental aid coordinator. Cusimano said early delays in disbursing the emergency funds, after a contractor failed to deliver for Jefferson Parish, left many landlords and tenants in the lurch. Its 20 months of built-up frustration, Cusimano said of his docket. There are sad cases where the tenant needs help, but thats where the program should have worked. They got off to a bad start. Youre seeing that. He estimated that half of eviction filings now are regular old monthly evictions that happened commonly before the pandemic. The other half is a backlog of people who are frustrated. New Orleans officials said this week that the state reallocated $23 million to the city in recognition of how fast it is getting money out the door compared to other jurisdictions. According to the city, it had disbursed $21 million in emergency rental funds as of Oct. 11, covering about 7,500 of 18,000 applicants so far. The city program allows payments of back rent for up to a year, as well as some forward rent. "It is because of our fiscal prudence that we have these additional funds available for rental assistance that are so desperately needed by our people, Mayor LaToya Cantrell said in a statement. The additional funding will help our residents remain housed while they get back on their feet. The money still isnt coming fast enough for some. Rachel Taber, a member of the immigrant advocacy group Union Migrante, said she knows of several tenants evicted while awaiting approval. One renter, Maria de Los Angeles Buyoli, said her February application hasnt been decided. With Taber interpreting, De Los Angeles said shes been forced to take out high-interest loans to keep her home with her two adult sons and daughter-in-law. I have no idea what the holdup could be. Unfortunately, we as immigrants and Spanish speakers, a lot of times they just run us around, she said. Taber said the city should hire a full-time Spanish-speaking employee for the program. Some money is going out, and thats progress, but its not nearly enough, she said. Jessica Sawyer, an attorney for Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, noted that judges cant force landlords to accept even the full back rent. Many tenants on the docket dont bother showing up to court, she noted. There is just no legal defense at this point, so the sum of evictions that have been holding off for a year now are all coming down the pipeline, Sawyer said. These evictions are unfortunately inevitable at this point. Allen Leone, constable of 5th Justice Court, said hes executed 50 physical evictions over the month so far. In about 40 of those cases, Leone said he arrived to find the home abandoned. Leone said he suspects many tenants left for Hurricane Ida and stayed gone. Sawyer, the tenant advocate, said the storm also left many units uninhabitable -- and their tenants out of options. They just cant live there at this point. This isnt even something we can work out, she said. Christoph Bajewski, an attorney who represents large landlords, predicted a rise in local rents as a result. Theres going to be a short-term housing struggle, he said, because everybodys being upended. A former New Orleans prosecutor and Jefferson Parish judge has lost an attempt to make Louisiana reimburse him for money he spent defending himself in a lawsuit over a notorious wrongful murder conviction in the 1980s. Thursday's ruling by the state's 1st Circuit Court of Appeal in Baton Rouge was a loss for Ronald Bodenheimer. Bodenheimer was a 24th Judicial District judge who went to prison after pleading guilty to federal corruption charges in 2003. He was caught up in the FBI's Operation Wrinkled Robed investigation of Jefferson courthouse corruption. Jefferson Parish Courthouse corruption investigation not only long, but expensive, too Operation Wrinkled Robe, the FBI's nine-year effort to stanch corruption at the Jefferson Parish Courthouse, has always been considered one of Before being elected a judge, he was an assistant Orleans Parish district attorney who prosecuted Reginald Adams for murder. 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 Adams was cleared after serving 34 years in prison for a killing he did not commit. The case prompted a public apology in 2014 from then-District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro after it was found that police and prosecutors under an earlier district attorney had made false statements and concealed information about physical evidence and other suspects. In 2017, Adams sued New Orleans and others, including Bodenheimer, over the wrongful conviction. New Orleans officials agreed to pay Adams $1.3 million in a settlement that ended the civil case for all involved. According to Thursday's 1st Circuit opinion, however, Bodenheimer sought state reimbursement for $70,000 in legal costs, saying Louisiana law obligated the state to cover his costs for claims arising from his official duties. The 1st Circuit said said the Adams case was settled with no court determination that Bodenheimer was acting in the scope of his official duties, or that he was free of misconduct in the case two factors that would have to be met before the state would be required to reimburse him. Bodenheimer's attorney, John Venezia, said he was considering whether to seek a rehearing at the appeal court or appeal to the state Supreme Court. A man was shot dead Saturday outside an occupied New Orleans house where a burglar had repeatedly struck in recent weeks. The Police Department said officers were called to the 2800 block of Paris Avenue at 5:06 a.m. and found the body outside the house. Police said the residents were home at the time of the killing, and that the dead man did not live there and was not killed in a domestic incident, typically one involving people who are romantic partners or related. Police spokesperson Paris Holmes said the man was outside when he was shot. Beyond that, the Police Department would not disclose other circumstances of the killing. But neighbors suspect the man was a chronic burglar who had already taken tools from cars on the premises and even stole a generator from the second story of the house, which was being renovated. Last week, the house's longtime owners - some sweet people, a neighbor said - advised nearby residents to keep their lights on. At their house, they told neighbors, theyd had a repeat visitor. Sometimes things were taken. Theyd also seen footprints in the mud in their yard. 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 They said he kept coming back, recalled one man, who lives a few houses away on the leafy stretch of Paris Avenue near St. Leo the Great Roman Catholic Church. Neighbors wondered whether the intruder had accomplices, even whether he, too, lived nearby or passed regularly, with a vantage point into the yard. One time, they said, tools were stolen but stashed close by, outside the houses tall iron fence, as if the thief planned to return for them. That day, the houses residents watched to see who might come back for the tools. No one did. The residents were likely on guard Saturday morning, neighbors said. As the coroners van pulled away with the body, one neighbor shook his head and made the sign of a cross. I guess that man wont be breaking into no more houses, he said. Politics Reporter Reese Gorman covers politics and the COVID-19 pandemic for The Norman Transcript. He started as an intern in May of 2020 and transitioned into his current position as a staff writer in August of 2020. Stay up to date on local news Get Breaking News Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. Bloomsburg, Pa. -- Inability to access and use technology properly creates barriers for elderly populations ranging from scheduling appointments online to falling into legal trouble due to a scam. Students from a club at Bloomsburg University set out to help seniors navigate the world of technology. Students from the Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Zeigler College of Business are offering a free two-hour technology training session for senior citizens on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Sutliff Hall, rooms 105 and 106. Registration is limited to 40 individuals. The program will be hosted by Pi Omega Pi, a business education National Honor Society, and Beta Gamma Sigma, an international business honor society. The students involved in the program hope to support the community through their efforts. "Simplicity is key in what we are doing. In our tech-savvy society, knowing the bare minimum is just as important being an expert. Our presentations will focus on the important and relevant information that will benefit our older crowd in their day to day lives," said Katie Trainello, Pi Omega Pi President. A key goal of the program is to prevent security threats and understand risks of technology. Student Katie Moyer remarked, "I feel it is extremely important to educate the senior citizens to be able to protect themselves. Most of the scams we see are targeted towards senior citizens." "Due to them not having as much base knowledge as the tech savvy generation we are hoping to spread this wealth of knowledge. I am hoping by giving them simple tips and tricks to look for we can save them from a world of problems they may face if they were to fall for one of these scams," said Moyer. The training will be divided into two parts: The first hour will focus on a discussion of various technology scams. In the second hour, participants will work one-on-one with a Bloomsburg University student on a variety of technology skills, including social media, internet, and word processing, as well as presentation and spreadsheet applications. There will be PCs available for use by the participants. To register, contact Dr. Christina Force via email at cforce@bloomu.edu or via phone at 570-389-5208 or via the online form: bit.ly/bloom-tech. Parking is available behind Sutliff Hall and masks will be required. Bloomsburg, Pa. Change is on the horizon for the Bloomsburg Area School District following the recent resignation of Superintendent Dr. Donald Wheeler. Superintendent Wheeler announced his resignation during the school board's meeting on Monday night. The board unanimously accepted Wheeler's resignation which will go into effect Nov. 1. The superintendent's resignation was preceded by the departure of 10 teachers from the district since July. Patricia Lawton, a Bloomsburg Area School District employee, said "the teachers are at their boiling point referencing a 'toxic leadership,'" during an interview with Eyewitness News. In addition to unhappy staff and teachers, the district is also facing scrutiny for their graduate rates and inaccurate date reporting. An investigation by the district revealed that 4 students who were reported as not graduating had in fact, graduated. The inaccuracy was because "the information was improperly entered by a district employee," according a statement released by President of the Bloomsburg Area School District Joshua D. Klingerman Sr. "Our actual reporting cohort should be 84 graduates out of 95 students or an 88.42% graduation rate. The boards goal can be no less than 100%," said Klingerman. The district moved for Jason Moser, who is currently the secondary complex executive principal, to serve as interim superintendent until a replacement is found. "We all want the same thing. We want our teachers, support staff and building level principals to feel valued and empowered," said Klingerman. "We want success and connection to not be empty words and promises." Northcentral Pa. -- The November election is right around the corner, and we want to make sure you have the information you need in order to vote and make informed decisions. There are many important local races on the ballot, such as your local school boards, borough councils, and precinct election officials. Positions on the Pa. Supreme Court and county sheriff's are on the ballot. All of these positions directly shape and impact the daily lives around us. What might my ballot look like? Each ballot, for every town, may look different. And that is okay. That's because different positions may be up for election in one area but not another. Sample ballot for each municipality in Lycoming County. Visit On the PULSE's Lycoming County election guide. How and where do I vote? So many issues may come up on Election Day. People who may have moved, changed names - for example - may experience confusion when they go in to vote because that information will not match where you actually are supposed to vote. Citizens unsure where to vote may check their polling location. October 18 was the last day to register for the Nov. 2, 2021 General Election. With less than two weeks to the general election in November, state Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, and Centre County Commissioners Michael Pipe and Mark Higgins cast their ballots on Friday, Oct. 22 in the general election at the State College ballot box. The three elected officials held the public vote drop-off to illustrate the ease of voting in Centre County and to remind folks of the importance of voting in this years election. October 26 is the last day to request a mail-in/absentee ballot in Pennsylvania, and all ballots must be received by November 2 General Election Day. Related reading: How can I contact my county's election office in Northcentral Pa.? NorthcentralPa.com covers a wide territory, and each county has their own election offices and staff to contact. Visit your county's election office for specific information. Lycoming County Election Office Tioga County Election Office Union County Election Office Northumberland County Election Office Bradford County Election Office Centre County Election Office Clinton County Election Office Columbia County Election Office Montour County Election Office Potter County Election Office Snyder County Election Office Sullivan County Election Office Williamsport -- Ralph A. Nardi, Jr. of Williamsport, Pa., adored husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away October 19 with his family at his side. He was born on February 18, 1935 in Williamsport, the son of Ralph A. Nardi Sr. and Dorothy (Hartnett) Nardi. He married Frances (Stanzione) Nardi on September 1, 1958, and they celebrated 63 years of marriage in 2021. He graduated from Williamsport High School in 1953 and was a veteran who served in the U.S. Army. Ralph earned a bachelors degree in Business from Lycoming College in 1959. He worked for Canada Dry Philadelphia and The Equitable insurance agency in Philadelphia. He returned to Williamsport in 1970 and served as Principal Owner and President of Canada Dry Bottling of Williamsport for 29 years. He took a small, local bottling plant and grew it into a regional bottling and beverage distribution company that operated in 22 counties in Pennsylvania and 12 counties in New York. Ralphs soft drink business included such brands as Dr. Pepper, Canada Dry, Royal Crown Cola, Snapple, A&W and Hires root beers, Orange Crush and Sunkist, Tetley and Lipton teas, and Evian and Perrier waters. He was a co-founder of Canada Dry Bottling of Scranton and even founded his own brand of soft drink, Frozen Run Black Bear Mountain Birch. Ralph ran his company with integrity, focusing on providing a rewarding and safe workplace for the staff whom he cared for very deeply, and providing high-quality products and services to the customers and communities he loved. He carried on a family legacy of operating food and beverage businesses in Williamsport that dated back to the nineteenth century and the A. Nardis Sons fruit and produce business. Ralph was very active in local business and civic organizations. He was Chairman of the Divine Providence Hospital Board of Directors and Vice Chairman of the Susquehanna Health System Board of Directors. Ralph served as Chairman of the Divine Providence Hospital Board of Directors during its merger with Williamsport Hospital and played an integral role in the formation of the Susquehanna Health System. He was very proud of the creation of the Susquehanna Health System and the increased benefits to the communitys healthcare it offered. He served as Chairman of the West Branch Manufacturers Association. Ralph was a founding board member of the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Riverboat and worked very hard to bring the vision of that attraction to life as part of Williamsports economic vitality. The Williamsport City Council appointed Ralph to the Williamsport Water Authority Board where he worked to ensure the viability of the employee retirement program. He was active with the Korean War Veterans Association of Lycoming County and led its U.S. Flag Disposal team. He was a member of Mater Dolorosa and St. Joseph the Worker Catholic parishes in Williamsport and as a child attended the former St. Josephs school in Williamsport. Ralph will be forever remembered as a fisherman, hunter, woodworker, and craftsman. He took great enjoyment from spreading his love of fishing to his children and grandchildren. He grew up fishing the Lycoming and Loyalsock creeks and was a member of Frozen Run Hunting Club. Ralph particularly enjoyed fishing trips with family and friends, especially on Clyde Lake in Flower Station, Ontario, and offshore fishing in Key West. He once wrote a long essay, "The Last Boat from the Foulan," a heartwarming and humorous account of a memorable fishing trip with his friends in the Canadian wilderness that is published on Amazon. His woodworking included furniture making and carving and his crafting often involved painting and even knifemaking. Ralph took his work and community volunteering very seriously but never took himself too seriously. He encouraged his family to rely on humor and laughter, to be humble and loving, and to put others before themselves. His laughter filled rooms and his stories and anecdotes will live on in his children and grandchildrens memories. Ralph is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances (Stanzione) Nardi; son Andrew J. (Sharon) Nardi of Conway, S.C.; daughter Catherine D. (Eric Sr.) Nardi of Chicago; son Tony Nardi of Williamsport; son J. Pete (Amy) Nardi of Hilton Head Island, S.C.; 10 grandchildren (Marcus, Eric Jr., Kayla, Krista, Benjamin, Natalie, Isabella, Johnny, Patrick, and Lia); five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph A. Nardi, Sr., and Dorothy (Hartnett) Nardi, and his sister, Catherine Antonia Gallagher. A memorial mass and gathering of family and friends will take place at a date to be announced. Ralphs family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude for the medical care and compassion given by the PCU staff of UPMC Williamsport. Memorials may be made to the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation 2780 West Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA 17701 www.wasdeducationfoundation.org/give/donate-online.html or to Lycoming College One College Place, Williamsport, PA 17701 www.lycoming.edu/advancement. Online condolences and service details when available can be found on Ralph's memorial page at www.SandersMortuary.com. To plant a tree in memory of Ralph Nardi, Jr. as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store. Feenstra History: U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra is officially seeking a second term in Congress. Born and raised in Hull, he has held several other government positions before being sworn into the House of Representatives in January. The offices he has held include: A lot of people are leaving the country in a massive way, like hasnt happened since 2018 and there is a lot of fear among people, Ramirez said. Nobody knows if theyre going to be the next one (detained by police), nobody knows whose house is going to be raided. On Thursday, Nicaraguas national police arrested two leaders of the countrys top private business association, just one day after a regional body called for the immediate release of political prisoners. A police statement said Michael Healy Lacayo and Alvaro Vargas, president and vice president, respectively, of the Private Business Superior Council, face charges including money laundering, acts that diminish the countrys independence and inciting foreign interference among others. The charges are similar to those lodged against more than three dozen people, including political and student leaders and seven potential challengers to Ortega in the Nov. 7 election. Those arrests began in May and all remain in detention. On July 27, 2019, Buchanan contacted Gouleh and he took her to Southlake Mall in Hobart to pay her phone bill, he said. They had a sexual encounter while they were together, and he dropped her off at home because she said she wasn't feeling well, he said. He attempted to contact her later in the evening to ask if she was feeling better and subsequently received a video call from Buchanan's phone, but he could not answer it because his phone's camera was broken, he said. Later, after Buchanan's disappearance, he thought it was odd that she would attempt a video call, because she knew his phone was broken, he said. Gouleh said he continued to try to message Buchanan, but he eventually received a message that said, "Dude stop." Under questioning from defense attorney Michael Woods, Gouleh admitted he used an expletive in his response to that message. Gouleh said the message "Dude stop" confused him, because Buchanan had called him first and he was simply replying. Gouleh next received a phone call from Buchanan's phone, but it was from a man who identified himself as "Jay" or "James," he said. CROWN POINT A Chicago man pleaded guilty Friday to causing the death of a 5-month-old child last year in Hammond. Efrain Gonzalez, 26, told Lake Criminal Court Judge Natalie Bokota he wanted to plead guilty because "mistakes ... were made." The baby, Anayelli Avina, died Oct. 5, 2020, at University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital from injuries she suffered Sept. 29 at her home in the 6400 block of New Hampshire Avenue in Hammond. Gonzalez admitted to one count of battery resulting in death of a person less than 14 years old, a level 2 felony. He agreed to a 22-year prison sentence, with no option for alternative placement. In exchange for his plea, Lake County prosecutors agreed to dismiss several counts, including murder, neglect of a dependent and aggravated battery. The state also agreed to dismiss another case involving charges of battery on law enforcement and resisting law enforcement. Gonzalez said his excessive use of alcohol and drugs "caused this mess," and he no longer wanted to use those substances. According to charging documents, Gonzalez was a new boyfriend to Anayelli's mother the day her baby was injured. McDermott, who is running for the 2022 Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, said being a police officer is a great job. It pays well, offers good benefits including a pension, and most officers retire after 20 years on the streets. "If you're willing to throw all that away over a shot, during a pandemic; if you're that rigid, I don't really want you in the Hammond Police Department, I'll be honest with you. Because I imagine you're going to be a pain in my ass a couple years down the road also and you're going to be a pain in the chief's ass," he said. "You can't be a police officer and not take orders from the mayor." McDermott said if he was Lightfoot he would begin by firing the highest-ranking Chicago police officer who refuses to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate in the hope that rank-and-file officers would decide to change course before he gets to them. But, if they don't, he said he'd have no qualms telling them: "You're fired. Leave your (stuff) here and get the (heck) out of my office." "I love police officers. I do. They're the good guys," McDermott said. "But you have to listen to orders. That's part of the gig. If you stop listening to orders, what are you going to do? Everybody gets to negotiate with different bosses? It doesn't work that way." 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. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson booster shots are now available for those eligible in Indiana, health officials said. On Friday the Indiana Department of Health announced the news, stating that booster shots are available starting the day of. The booster doses were approved Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control in a measure to counter waning immunity among the already-vaccinated. The Pfizer booster shot has been available since late September. Booster doses are available to residents 65 years or older and anyone 18 or older who lives in a longterm care facility, has underling medical conditions or is frequently in a high-risk setting at home or work. In addition, the booster doses are recommended for those 18 years or older who was given a single Johnson & Johnson vaccine shot more than two months ago. CDC recommendations now allow for people to receive a different brand of booster shot than the one they were initially vaccinated with. Individuals can choose which booster dose they receive. LAKE STATION A discovery of a grenade in a Lake Station river prompted Porter County Sheriff's Bomb Squad to respond to the scene Friday, the police chief said. A man had been magnet fishing Friday afternoon in the river off of Clay Street north of Interstate 94 at the border between Gary and Lake Station. Lake Station Chief of Police James Richardson said the man pulled up a grenade. The Porter County Sheriff's Department Bomb Squad was called to assist police, said Porter County Sheriff's Cpl. Ben McFalls. Richardson said the bomb squad took the grenade to safely dispose of it. Officers blocked off portions of Clay Street around the river for a period of time early Friday evening while investigating. A resident who lives in the area, Chris Conces, said as he came home around 5 p.m. traveling north on Clay Street, he saw police had blocked off the intersection of Clay Street and East 25th Avenue under the viaduct. After explaining that he was trying to get to his residence, police let him get through. The body of water police responded to is called the Little Calumet Burns Ditch Watershed, according to an Indiana Department of Environmental Management map. Once people get in the privacy of a voting booth, we think that people are going to speak very clearly, she said. We are going to hold rallies. We are going door to door. We are not going to remain silent, Pals said. We are going to educate people and let them know you do not deserve more of our money when you treat our children this way. Superintendent Jim McCall said requiring masks in the schools has meant more than 240 students have been able to remain in school instead of being quarantined. Two hundred forty students is a very significant number in the last five to six weeks, he said. This week, with nine students testing positive for COVID-19, 27 students they came into contact with remained in school because of the mask policy. In-person learning is the best education, he said. Kara Baltz told the board that the Parents for Freedom group is soliciting donations for a lawsuit. Some lawsuits have been filed against tyrannical unconstitutional mandates that including requiring children to wear masks, Baltz said. Ive never hid from nobody. Ive always stood to tell the truth, Parnas said as he emerged from the courtroom. His lawyer, Joseph Bondy, promised an appeal Parnas said it was not the end of the story. Im sad. But at this time, I just want to get home to my wife and kids," he said. A co-defendant, Ukraine-born investor Andrey Kukushkin, was convicted of being part of the effort to use Muravievs money for political contributions. He had also denied any wrongdoing. Kukushkin and his attorney left the courthouse without speaking to reporters. The case had drawn interest because of the deep involvement of Parnas and a former co-defendant, Igor Fruman, in Giulianis efforts to get Ukrainian officials to investigate Joe Bidens son during Bidens campaign for president. Giuliani remains under criminal investigation as authorities decide whether his interactions with Ukraine officials required him to register as a foreign agent, but he wasnt alleged to have been involved in illegal campaign contributions and wasnt part of the New York trial. Currently, the booster shot is available to fully vaccinated individuals who are either 65 or older, or are 18 or older and have underlying medical conditions or live or work in high-risk settings, such as health care, public safety or grocery store employees. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson booster shots are now available for those eligible in Indiana, health officials announced Friday. The Pfizer booster shot has been available since late September. CDC recommendations now allow for people to receive a different brand of booster shot than the one they were initially vaccinated with and individuals can choose which booster dose they receive. Officials said that after someone is vaccinated against coronavirus, protection against the virus may decrease over time and be less effective against the Delta variant. Infection and death data Another 29 people in the Region were reported dead from COVID-19 over the past seven days, according to updated statistics Friday from the Indiana Department of Health. In the past week, Lake County saw 15 additional deaths; Porter County recorded three more deaths; LaPorte County had one more; and 10 more people died from the illness in Jasper County, since data reported on Oct. 15. The ... course of the disease is certainly more severe and more aggressive than last year. The patients have become younger, said Valentyn Koroliuk, head of the hospitals intensive-care unit. Unfortunately, those patients who are in our department are not vaccinated. Lilia Serdiuk, 61, is fighting COVID-19 and regretting that she did heed calls to get vaccinated. I didnt believe it, I didnt even want to watch the news, she told The Associated Press as she lay on her back in a narrow bed. This disease exists and it is very terrible. I wish all people would listen to the news and the recommendations of doctors. The hospital is near capacity and doctors worry the wave of patients will grow. What if there are even more patients? What if we dont have enough oxygen? This is constant stress, said doctor Tetiana Pasichnyk. A black market for counterfeit vaccination certificates has blossomed amid the restrictions, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy chaired a meeting earlier this week on ways of combating the illegal practice. RIGA, Latvia When a credit-fueled economic boom turned to bust in this tiny Baltic nation in 2008, Didzis Krumins, who ran a small architectural company, fired his staff one by one and then shut down the business. He watched in dismay as Latvias misery deepened under a harsh austerity drive that scythed wages, jobs and state financing for schools and hospitals. But instead of taking to the streets to protest the cuts, Mr. Krumins, whose newborn child, in the meantime, needed major surgery, bought a tractor and began hauling wood to heating plants that needed fuel. Then, as Latvias economy began to pull out of its nose-dive, he returned to architecture and today employs 15 people five more than he had before. We have a different mentality here, he said. Latvia, feted by fans of austerity as the country-that-can and an example for countries like Greece that cant, has provided a rare boost to champions of the proposition that pain pays. Hardship has long been common here and still is. But in just four years, the country has gone from the European Unions worst economic disaster zone to a model of what the International Monetary Fund hails as the healing properties of deep budget cuts. Latvias economy, after shriveling by more than 20 percent from its peak, grew by about 5 percent last year, making it the best performer in the 27-nation European Union. Its budget deficit is down sharply and exports are soaring. The answer is that theres a pretty good case that policy the Obama administrations investments in green energy and European subsidies, especially for offshore wind played a central role. Whats the justification for that conclusion? Start with the fact that neither wind nor solar power was a fundamentally new technology. Windmills have been in widespread use at least since the 11th century. Photovoltaic solar power was developed in the 1950s. And as far as I can tell, there havent been any major scientific breakthroughs behind the recent dramatic decline in both technologies costs. What were looking at, instead, appears to be a situation in which growing use of renewable energy is itself driving cost reductions. For solar and wind, weve seen a series of incremental improvements as energy companies gain experience, big reductions in the price of components as things like turbine blades go into mass production and so on. Renewables, as Roser points out, appear to be subject to learning curves, in which costs fall with cumulative production. And heres the thing: When an industry has a steep learning curve, government support can have huge positive effects. Subsidize such an industry for a few years, and its costs will fall with experience, and eventually it will reach a tipping point where its growth becomes self-sustaining and the subsidies are no longer needed. Thats arguably what has happened, or is on the verge of happening, for renewable energy. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 the Obama stimulus was mainly intended to address the collapse in demand that followed the 2008 financial crisis. It helped a lot but got a bad reputation all the same because it was underpowered and hence failed to produce rapid recovery. (And no, thats not hindsight. I was screaming about it at the time.) But it also included significant funding for green energy: tax breaks, subsidies, government loans and loan guarantees. For more than 50 years, the giant fossilized footprints have been one of the most tantalizing finds in Australian paleontology. At the time of their discovery, scientists believed the three birdlike tracks had been made 200 million to 250 million years ago by a two-legged predator. The tracks were the first evidence that dinosaurs roamed Australia in the Triassic, when the creatures first appeared on the planet. By 2003, some paleontologists even suspected that the footprints represented the worlds earliest evidence of a giant carnivorous dinosaur, one that may have stood up to 6- feet high at the hip. But new analysis has brought down this Australian idol. The tracks belonged to a smaller, meeker herbivore no taller than a person, not a ferocious giant carnivore, scientists said in a paper published Thursday in the journal Historical Biology. Take The Lord of the Rings, but make it Mesoamerican. Pepper the plot with pop culture references, and you have Maya and the Three. Originally envisioned by the creator Jorge R. Gutierrez as a film trilogy, Maya and the Three began to take shape in 2018 when Netflix executives asked him to pitch an idea that he loved but didnt think he could get made anywhere else. What came out of my mouth was: I want to make three movies in a row about a Mesoamerican warrior princess whos going to save the world, Gutierrez said. Now reimagined as a nine-episode animated mini-series, the result arrived Friday on Netflix, with a vocal cast studded with Latino stars, including Zoe Saldana (Maya), Diego Luna (Zatz, prince of bats), Gael Garcia Bernal (the Jaguar Brothers), Stephanie Beatriz (Chimi) and Rita Moreno (Ah Puch). As singular as it sounds, Maya and the Three is part of a recent trend that also includes the films Vivo, which came out in August, and Encanto, slated for release next month. All are animated stories by Latinos and about Latinos. All highlight the importance of women and girls to their communities and aim to counter Hollywoods history of attempting to create unrealistically flawless characters of color (when it has created them at all). There are family members we never get to meet, those whose absences are filled by the memories of the people who knew them. I never met my great-grandmother Osunfunke Thomas (nee Olatunji), but Ive formed an image of her from the story of her passing, as told to me by my mother and her sisters. She was 76, and it happened quite suddenly, as she was crushing aromatics for dinner on a grinding stone. This memory runs counter to even the few photographs Ive seen of her. In them, she is slight, less sturdy than I had been led to believe. I may not have known her, or the precise details of her life, but I know of her indomitable spirit. And I know the grinding stone, called olo in Yoruba, that she was working with on that day in 1982 in Lagos, Nigeria. My grandparents saved it and used it in their home. And I think about it and her whenever I am working ingredients and extracting their essences in my mortar and pestle. I have an array of devices that perform all of the functions of a good mortar and pestle. I grind five-pound bags of heirloom corn for ogi, a fermented breakfast corn porridge, in a food processor. I run nuts and seeds through a blender to make kunun gyada and other drinks. When Im making a pepper soup blend from whole spices, I glance first at my mortar and pestle, and then to the spice mill next to it. I grab the mill probably 99 times out of 100. I dont have to imagine my great-grandmothers reaction to that. She lived long enough to know these inventions, and would never touch any of them. Scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday took aim at the question of whether the Delta variant of the coronavirus causes more severe disease, finding no significant differences in the course of hospitalized patients illnesses during the Delta wave compared to earlier in the pandemic. But larger and more detailed studies from a number of other countries have found that people with Delta infections were considerably more likely to be hospitalized in the first place a trend that the C.D.C. study was unable to address because of limitations in its data. The C.D.C. study also said that the proportion of older hospitalized patients needing intensive care or dying had shown some signs of increasing during the Delta wave. Deltas higher level of infectiousness has made it a far greater challenge than earlier versions of the virus, but the question of whether it also causes more serious disease has loomed as it swept around the world. The Alpha variant, an earlier version first detected in Britain, appeared to be linked to a higher risk of death, though scientists have also tried to understand whether factors besides the variant were playing a role. Studies in England, Scotland, Canada and Singapore suggested that the Delta variant was associated with more severe illness, a finding that scientists have said raises the risk that outbreaks of the variant in unvaccinated areas may put a bigger burden on health systems. Unlike the C.D.C. study, those studies drew on genomic sequencing, allowing researchers to distinguish infections with the Delta variant and to track patients from before they enter a hospital. But they have remained high, with more than 130,000 cases reported in the second week of October, the American Academy of Pediatrics said, accounting for a quarter of all cases nationwide. Fewer than two percent of those cases resulted in hospitalization, but that figure was based on data from only half the states, the organization said. Pfizer and BioNTech announced a month ago that their vaccine worked well for young children, but no comprehensive clinical data was released publicly until Friday. Children in the trial received two doses of 10 micrograms one-third of the adult dose three weeks apart. Researchers said that the dosage was safe, and that trial participants had seen only mild side effects. Of 2,268 children in the trial, twice as many were given the vaccine as received a placebo. Sixteen children who received the placebo got Covid-19, compared with three who received the vaccine. All of the Covid cases occurred in July or later, as the highly transmissible Delta variant was spreading in the United States and globally, according to the company. The F.D.A. said it could not determine whether the cases were caused by the Delta variant. Pfizer said it had follow-up safety data for an additional 2,250 children, but only for a median of two-and-a-half weeks after they received a second dose. There were no cases of severe Covid among trial participants, and no cases of two rare heart conditions that have been linked to the vaccine in teenagers and adults, especially young males. But the trial was likely not big enough to detect whether those particular conditions myocarditis and pericarditis might appear with any frequency in younger children. Minor side effects in the study group generally occurred more frequently after the second dose, the F.D.A. reported; the most common were pain at the injection site, fatigue and headache. The F.D.A. modeled different scenarios with varying levels of viral spread to determine the number of symptomatic Covid cases, including severe ones, that would be prevented by the vaccine. They balanced that against the risks from myocarditis and pericarditis cases associated with vaccination. Mr. Bidens wording was a reminder of what a minefield Taiwan remains for the United States, 42 years after the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act and amid a major buildup of Chinese military forces in the region. And once a strategy of ambiguity is described in less-than-ambiguous terms, as he seemed to do on Thursday, it is hard to walk it back. Mr. Biden is hardly new to the issue: He is one of the very few political figures who have been around Washington so long that he voted for the act, in 1979, as a young senator from Delaware. As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he traveled to Taiwan and understood the nuances of the wording. He understood it so well, in fact, that 20 years ago Mr. Biden warned President George W. Bush that words matter after Mr. Bush said he would do whatever it took to defend Taiwan. When, a few hours later, the Bush White House did what the current White House did, saying that nothing had changed, Mr. Biden wrote an opinion column correcting him, noting that the United States has not been obligated to defend Taiwan. There is a huge difference, Mr. Biden wrote in The Washington Post, between reserving the right to use force and obligating ourselves, a priori, to come to the defense of Taiwan. He accused Mr. Bush of inattention to detail. Mr. Bidens blunt statement on Thursday to Anderson Cooper was not the first time he had made such a commitment. Thailand said it would vastly expand the number of countries from which fully vaccinated people can visit starting Nov. 1, racing to attract tourists who might otherwise decide to visit other countries first as Europe and the Americas continue their reopening plans. Fully vaccinated travelers from 46 countries will be granted quarantine-free entry to 17 tourist provinces including Bangkok, up from the 10 previously announced, under a plan unveiled by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Thursday. The United States and China are among the countries on the list. The plan would make Thailand one of the least restrictive countries for tourists to visit in Asia. South Korea now allows travelers of 49 nationalities to apply for permission to enter without a visa. Currently, vaccinated visitors must quarantine for seven days upon entering Thailand, except if they arrive on a direct flight to the island of Phuket, where they are exempt from quarantine as long as they stay on the island. After seven days in Phuket, they can tour other parts of the country. Not a single international flight carrying tourists has landed in Bali, one of the worlds most popular destinations, and none are scheduled, even though Indonesia announced more than a week ago that the popular island was finally open again for tourists. Arriving foreign tourists must spend their first five days in quarantine, but so far, hotels offering quarantine on the island report that no one has booked a room. We have been waiting every day for a week, said Fransiska Handoko, vice chair of the Bali Hotels Association. Where are they? Before the pandemic, tourism accounted for more than half of Balis economy but the island has been closed to foreign tourists since April 2020, leaving many workers desperate for income. For the last four months, Britain has run a grand epidemiological experiment, lifting virtually all coronavirus restrictions, even in the face of a high daily rate of infections. Its leaders justified the approach on the grounds that the countrys rapid rollout of vaccines had weakened the link between infection and serious illness. Now, with cases, hospital admissions and deaths all rising again, the effect of vaccines beginning to wear off, and winter looming, Britains strategy of learning to live with the virus is coming under its stiffest test yet. New cases surpassed 50,000 on Thursday, an 18 percent increase over the last week and the second time cases have passed that level since July. The number of people admitted to hospitals rose 15.4 percent over the same period, reaching 959, while 115 people died of Covid-19, an increase of almost 11 percent. The sudden resurgence of the virus is a rude jolt for a country that believed it had put the worst of the pandemic behind it after a remarkably successful vaccine deployment. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand acknowledged an end on Monday to the countrys strategy of eliminating the coronavirus, announcing that restrictions would be gradually lifted in Auckland, the countrys largest city. Ms. Arderns announcement which came seven weeks into a lockdown that has failed to halt an outbreak of the Delta variant signaled an end to the Covid zero strategy New Zealand has pursued for a year and a half, closing its borders and quickly enforcing lockdowns to keep the coronavirus in check. The nation maintained that goal even as other Asia-Pacific countries transitioned to coexisting with the viral threat. On Monday, Ms. Ardern said the country would switch to a new way of doing things. With Delta, the return to zero is incredibly difficult, and our restrictions alone are not enough to achieve that quickly, Ms. Ardern told reporters. In fact, for this outbreak, its clear that long periods of heavy restrictions has not got us to zero cases. New Zealand, which for most of the pandemic has pursued a Covid zero strategy, announced on Friday a new plan to manage life with the virus and move away from lockdowns, beginning once the country meets an ambitious vaccination target. A new, color-coded system of restrictions will take effect once 90 percent of people ages 12 and up have received two doses of a vaccine, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced at a news conference. With Auckland, the countrys largest city, under a lockdown that has stretched to nine weeks because of an outbreak of the Delta variant that has proven frustratingly difficult to stamp out, officials in New Zealand have acknowledged that eliminating the virus completely may no longer be possible. Delta has made it very hard to maintain our elimination strategy, Ms. Ardern said, but as our longstanding strategy was challenged, we also had a new tool. That tool is the vaccine. Mr. Polk is a somewhat unlikely ambassador for the good-food movement. He spent eight years on Wall Street, first as a bond trader, then at a hedge fund, where at age 30 he quit in a rage over what he deemed an inadequate $3.6 million annual bonus. He had, as he wrote in a raw guest essay in this newspaper, a wealth addiction, a subject he elaborated on in a 2016 memoir, For The Love of Money. In it, Mr. Polk, now 41, describes growing up with an abusive father, followed by years of struggle with bulimia and alcohol and drug abuse. His quest for money, and through it power, was an effort to prove he was worthy. Healthy food had never been much of an interest for Mr. Polk. (His favorite restaurant remains the Brooklyn steakhouse Peter Luger, a longstanding go-to for Wall Street types.) After leaving finance, he traded New York for Los Angeles. He taught writing to high school girls in a group foster home and visited jails and juvenile detention centers to speak about getting sober. He was, he said, searching for purpose. Then, in 2013, he stumbled upon the documentary A Place at the Table, which spotlights the problem of hunger in America. It was the first time I understood that there were neighborhoods that didnt have access to fresh food and that led to a high incidence of obesity and diabetes and heart disease, Mr. Polk said. It was clear to me that healthy food should be a human right, not a luxury product. Within a year, Mr. Polk started Groceryships, a nonprofit that provided money to low-income families to buy wholesome foods like fruits, vegetables, beans and grains, along with education on how to prepare them. (It was renamed Feast in 2018.) I had this idea that nonprofits were how you do good in the world, Mr. Polk said. But what I learned quickly is that nonprofits were how you spend a lot of your time sucking up to rich people. Mr. Polk realized he needed a business model. Despite his very public exit from the financial world, Mr. Polk still thinks and talks like a Wall Street veteran. Hes bullish on New Yorks comeback and obsessed with the elasticity of demand (how rising prices affect the volume of purchases). Unlike many reformers, who are keen to tear down what they see as a fundamentally flawed food system, Mr. Polk is single-minded about efficiency, often mulling aloud how Everytable is, or can be more like, Amazon. And she has brought on two operatives who have significant local and national fund-raising experience. Ms. James is currently running for re-election as attorney general, but her campaign staff is expected to quickly transition to a run for governor if she ultimately challenges Gov. Kathy Hochul in what would be an expensive and historic Democratic primary contest. Ms. Peeler-Allen confirmed the hires. Ms. Hochul, the states first female governor, has moved aggressively to fund-raise and to secure endorsements around the state, including from people or political groups whose backing Ms. James and other potential candidates would also seem to covet: the president of the N.A.A.C.P. New York State Conference, for example, and Emilys List, the fund-raising powerhouse focused on electing women who support abortion rights. Some donors and elected officials have become increasingly anxious to know whether Ms. James will proceed with a bid for governor. People who like her, want her and are part of the entourage, if you will, would be there for her, said Alan Rubin, a lobbyist in New York City who intends to back Ms. James if she runs and who believes she would be a strong fund-raiser. I also think its getting to the point I think its pretty obvious its getting to the point where decisions need to be made. The planet, or whats left of it, is barely recognizable. Once verdant, its now a parched wasteland. The rich shelter in air-conditioned bubbles, leaving everyone else to face the storms and sand. This vision of climate apocalypse is all too familiar today, but in 1963, when Frank Herbert started serializing his science-fiction epic Dune, it was deeply strange. The novels story of a planet that had become a desert replete with psychedelic drugs, mystical visions and political assassinations fit awkwardly with the chart-toppers of its time: Surfin U.S.A., Mary Poppins and The Beverly Hillbillies. Still, the dark novel gained a cult following and, eventually, millions of devoted readers. Denis Villeneuves star-studded film adaptation is being released this week, and its receiving not just critical acclaim but also appreciation for the clear contemporary relevance of its ecological themes. Mr. Herberts tale of climate change no longer seems odd. It is in many ways the story of our time. How did Mr. Herbert foresee our predicament? The environmentalism of Dune had a source close to home. Native communities had suffered some of the worst environmental harms in the midcentury United States, and Mr. Herbert had close contacts among the Quileute and Hoh peoples of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. Indigenous environmentalists alerted him to how much damage industrialism had wrought. They warned him that it could become planetary in scope, a warning that he passed on in his influential novel. To the Editor: In reading this essay, I thought about my interactions with my doctors since I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. I recognize the difficulty of the doctors position in this situation. Human interactions are tricky regardless of ones setting, but they are particularly delicate at the crossroads of life and death. One of the ways to provide the help and support that patients need is for the doctor to engage with the patient from a place of empathy and curiosity. I have learned to avoid asking questions that I am not prepared to process and to ask questions that will help me manage myself and my illness. The ideal doctor-patient relationship is a partnership in which I am encouraged to experience as much sense of agency as is possible in a situation in which so little is under my control. Giselle O. Martin-Kniep New York To the Editor: As a hospice chaplain for over 15 years, I can relate to the conversation that Dr. Daniela J. Lamas relates. I learned that we tell the truth, but we dont need to tell it with a sledgehammer. We meet people where they are in terms of their own perception of their illness and how we might help them in palliative care. Among many striking conversations, one that stands out was being invited to the home of a dying 5-year-old boy who had some resemblance to my own 5-year-old son. His angry mother greeted me at the door by saying that she would not welcome my visit if I would not join her in a prayer for healing even in the face of this incurable illness. I told her that of course I would join her in that prayer. As my own eyes filled with tears as we held hands with her son, I had no trouble holding in mind the two thoughts that I would hope for this healing and yet know that his death appeared imminent. I could do this without duplicity or reservation. A few days later, she told us she did not want hospice care anymore. He died that week. I didnt know if I could have done any better, but I hope that I gave her some measure of peace. I did feel stressed now, but the illness felt like the reason rather than the symptom, and my mind was the only part of me that worked. I could still write columns, normally enough that I didnt have to tell my editors how awful I was feeling. (That was the summer when Donald Trump descended the Trump Tower escalator and politics became a fever dream as well.) And I could analyze my symptoms with what seemed like my old familiar reasoning powers, even if my self-diagnosis kept shifting based on which online source I read. Around this time, New York magazine published an interview with a physician who had lived with undiagnosed Lyme disease for years, eventually acquiring a heart condition that required a transplant. The article came with an illustration of a mans body spider-webbed with filaments, like something out of H.P. Lovecraft. His symptomology resembled mine; the boil could have been a tick bite. My Lyme test had been reported as a negative, like the other blood tests, but I obtained a copy and saw that one of the bands that appear in the presence of Lyme antibodies had appeared in my test. You need five bands to appear, according to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for an official diagnosis. But with exaggerated reasonability, I persuaded the primary care physician Id been assigned after my E.R. visit to prescribe me the antibiotic doxycycline. She gave me 10 days worth easily enough, she said, to clear up a Lyme infection. I took it. A few days into the course I began to feel incredibly strong waves of pain, stronger than before, concentrated especially in my joints, my knees and elbows. Reading online, I encountered descriptions of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, flares of symptoms that may accompany the large-scale death of bacteria inside the body. Named for two European doctors who identified it in patients treated for syphilis, it was supposed to be common in Lyme patients. So I took the surge of symptoms as a possible confirmation of my guessed-at diagnosis. Around this time we drove from Washington to Pittsburgh to visit my wifes sister. Halfway there, somewhere in the Appalachians, I began getting crushing pain across my chest, running up through my left shoulder. At a certain point the blaze was unbearable, and there was nothing to do but tell my wife quietly, so that the kids couldnt hear us that I was having really bad chest pain, and she had to take the wheel. Which she did, maintaining a maternal calm that was more terrifying than panic, and when we reached Pittsburgh she dropped me at an emergency room while she rushed to settle the girls at our hotel. There was nothing wrong with my heart, the doctors said, no problems they could see. They pushed liquids through my system, rolled me under sensors, talked sympathetically to me and skeptically to one another. I lay wrecked in the E.R. bed. Surely this was the low point, I thought; surely now recovery would begin. John Carpenters The Thing was a flop on release. Audiences hated it and critics dismissed it. The Thing is basically, then, just a geek show, a gross-out movie in which teenagers can dare one another to watch the screen, Roger Ebert wrote in his review. It is too phony looking to be disgusting, Vincent Canby wrote in The New York Times. It qualifies only as instant junk. The Thing has, in the decades since its release, become a cult classic. Because October is horror movie month in the Bouie household, I recently rewatched The Thing, which is actually an adaptation of the 1938 John W. Campbell Jr. short story Who Goes There? Campbells story had been adapted decades earlier, in 1951, as The Thing From Another World, with huge liberties taken with the source material. Carpenters version is much more faithful to the original text, especially in how it embraces the Lovecraftian elements of the story, from the utterly desolate arctic setting and ancient evil to the grotesque tentacled creatures (or really, singular creature) that terrorize our protagonists. If youve never seen the film or dont know the story, the premise is straightforward. On an isolated research station in the depths of Antarctica, a group of researchers encounters an alien being, many thousands of years old, that can assimilate and mimic any living organism while retaining its own biomass, enabling it to infect and assimilate others. It quickly assimilates a member of the research team, sparking a paranoid search to root out and destroy the thing before it can reach civilization. Carpenters film begins with the thing arriving at an American research station in Antarctica after escaping the Norwegian researchers who had discovered it. Taking the form of a dog, the thing takes shelter with the Americans, before it reveals itself and begins to stalk and assimilate the men at the base. I started the school year assuming that one of my two children would be quarantined for Covid exposure at some point. I just thought we would make it more than three weeks in a classroom before we returned to remote-learning, shut-in purgatory. Sure enough, my kindergartners classroom shut down for a full week earlier this month. We were lucky: Our daughter did not contract the virus. But I would not recommend the experience! I thought I was intellectually and emotionally prepared for having a kid underfoot all day every day again, but it was surprisingly upsetting for the whole family. Which is all to say, I wish I had Dr. Perri Klasss guidance for how to prepare a kid for a coronavirus exposure at school before we had to live through it. The hardest part for us was probably Dr. Klasss advice to model appropriate coping strategies. What my husband and I really wanted to do after our kid got quarantined was take to our beds and scream expletives into a pillow. But instead, he took the morning shifts with our daughter, I took the afternoon shifts, and we muddled through with some grandparent assistance just like we did at the beginning of the pandemic. In Opinion, Spencer Bokat-Lindell explains why the U.S. government has been so resistant to spending money on child care. And in Well, Jake Halpern writes a wonderful essay about taking his son on a grueling four-day hike, and why its important for him and his family to embrace physical risks, even as they are aware of potential dangers, because their son has a bee-sting allergy. Lisa Damour explains how to talk to your kids about weed edibles, which may be riskier for them to take than other forms of marijuana, in part because its hard to control the dose (something I learned the hard way during an unfortunate brownie incident in college). Also this week, we have a host of guides to help you teach your kid mindfulness, have better family meals and learn how to raise a reader. The report was one of dozens of studies and memos written by Facebook employees grappling with the effects of the platform on India. They provide stark evidence of one of the most serious criticisms levied by human rights activists and politicians against the world-spanning company: It moves into a country without fully understanding its potential impact on local culture and politics, and fails to deploy the resources to act on issues once they occur. With 340 million people using Facebooks various social media platforms, India is the companys largest market. And Facebooks problems on the subcontinent present an amplified version of the issues it has faced throughout the world, made worse by a lack of resources and a lack of expertise in Indias 22 officially recognized languages. The internal documents, obtained by a consortium of news organizations that included The New York Times, are part of a larger cache of material called The Facebook Papers. They were collected by Frances Haugen, a former Facebook product manager who became a whistle-blower and recently testified before a Senate subcommittee about the company and its social media platforms. References to India were scattered among documents filed by Ms. Haugen to the Securities and Exchange Commission in a complaint earlier this month. The documents include reports on how bots and fake accounts tied to the countrys ruling party and opposition figures were wreaking havoc on national elections. They also detail how a plan championed by Mark Zuckerberg, Facebooks chief executive, to focus on meaningful social interactions, or exchanges between friends and family, was leading to more misinformation in India, particularly during the pandemic. Heavy rain on Sunday is expected to cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides in parts of Northern California already besieged this year by droughts and wildfires, the results of extreme weather brought on by human-induced climate change. A series of low-pressure systems from the Pacific Ocean could produce up to 10 inches of much needed precipitation in the region, according to the Weather Prediction Center of the National Weather Service. But the rain could fall at a rate of up to one inch per hour, increasing the likelihood of dangerous mudslides and flash floods, especially over burn scars left by the recent wildfires, said Julie Malingowski, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service. The vegetation is not there to absorb the rainfall like it normally would, so these areas are a lot more susceptible, she said. In his affidavit, Mr. Rey, Mr. Azimas investigator, said that Mr. Pandey had told him he faced legal problems, including an accusation of manslaughter, and that their conversations about hacking had ended after Mr. Pandey notified CyberRoot about them. Mr. Pandey has provided CyberRoot with a document indicating that one of Mr. Azimas lawyers promised him a well-paying consulting deal if he provided information, court filings state. Mr. Pandey could not be reached for comment. A Times reporter who visited the offices of CyberRoot in Gurugram was told by a receptionist to submit questions in writing to the companys executives. They did not respond to subsequent emails. The current round of litigation is not the first time the emirates name has come up in connection with cyberwarfare. A decade ago, a lobbying firm working for the half brother of Sheikh Saud, his political opponent, alerted the Justice Department that its computers had been hacked, according to a published account. More recently, The Smoking Gun, a news website, was the target of a denial-of-service attack aimed at an article it published years earlier about the arrest of the emirates ruler in Minnesota on charges that he sexually assaulted a hotel employee. (The charges were dropped.) We never had that kind of attack before, said William Bastone, the websites editor. And we have never had one since. A spokesman for the Ras al Khaymah fund did not respond when asked about those episodes. In a statement, he said that the new lawsuit against the fund by Mr. Azima was unfounded and had no relation to the findings of fraud against him. Ras al Khaymah is committed to bringing to justice those who have misappropriated public funds from the emirate and its people, that statement said. As for Mr. Azima, he is confident that he will soon know the identity of those behind the hack. They hunted me and other perceived adversaries, he said in a statement. But now the truth is hunting them. The vetting procedures and the deliberations over the fate of the evacuees were described by nearly a dozen officials on condition of anonymity. The discussions are playing out as some Republicans have pivoted from attacking the Biden administration for abandoning allies in the messy exit from Afghanistan to stoking fears that it is recklessly importing dangerous people. Former President Donald J. Trump claimed to Fox News last month that there were absolutely terrorists and very bad people among the evacuees. The people they are resettling its the worst, he said. There was no vetting. Sixteen Republican senators later signed a letter declaring the screening procedures insufficient to preserve the safety of the American homeland. Senator Tom Cotton, Republican of Arkansas, said on Fox News that theres really no vetting of the evacuees. This week, some House Republicans mounted fresh claims that the Biden administration is bringing tens of thousands of Afghan evacuees to the United States without screening them. Against that backdrop, some Biden officials privately say they see a political silver lining: Their Kosovo problem demonstrates that contrary to such criticism, Afghans hoping to begin new lives in the United States must first pass a serious security vetting process. Any claims that we are taking in unvetted Afghans are false, Emily Horne, a National Security Council spokeswoman, said in a statement, adding, The fact that some people have been flagged by our counterterrorism, intelligence or law enforcement professionals for additional screening shows our system is working. The political sensitivity of the matter has been underscored by allegations of some crimes including child molestation, spousal abuse, sexual assault and theft committed on American military bases by several Afghan evacuees who had cleared vetting. Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, who leads the U.S. Northern Command, has told reporters that the crime rate among the evacuees has been lower than the American average. No one disputes that there was no time in Kabul to vet the desperate people thronging the airport in August. Many faced particular danger because they had worked for the United States during the conflict and were trying to get out with their families. In the emergency, the governments focus was getting people out of harms way. Speaking to a Las Vegas news station in November, Donald Kirk Hartle described being surprised by the possibility that someone had stolen his dead wifes mail-in ballot and used it to vote in the 2020 election. That is pretty sickening to me, to be honest with you, he told KLAS-TV. But this week, the Nevada attorney general filed two charges of voter fraud against Mr. Hartle, 55, claiming that he was the one who forged his wifes signature to vote with her ballot. Voter fraud is rare, but when it happens it undercuts trust in our election system and will not be tolerated by my office, the attorney general, Aaron D. Ford, said in a statement on Thursday. I want to stress that our office will pursue any credible allegations of voter fraud and will work to bring any offenders to justice. The announcement from Mr. Fords office comes months after waves of Republicans, including former President Donald J. Trump, falsely asserted that the 2020 election had been tainted by widespread voter fraud, including in Nevada, a state that Mr. Trump lost. As tens of millions of Americans remain unvaccinated, state and local governments have introduced mandates requiring public employees be fully inoculated against the coronavirus. And while orders in some localities have translated into a last minute surge in vaccination rates, they are also met with steadfast refusal, leading to legal challenges or concerns over staffing issues. Washington States mandate, one of the strictest in the country, went into effect on Monday. The order requires more than 800,000 public workers to be fully inoculated against the coronavirus, save for a religious or medical exemption, or risk losing their jobs. Yet as the mandate kicked in, some resistance remained firm. The Washington State Patrol announced that 127 employees left the agency, or just under 6 percent of its work force. In one high profile case, Washington State University fired its football coach, Nick Rolovich, and four of his assistants, for their failure to comply. Similar issues are playing out elsewhere across the country. In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio took one of his administration's most aggressive steps yet by requiring that all municipal workers get at least one shot by the end of the month or risk losing their paychecks. The order was met with mixed reactions from unions representing those workers, though many agree that the move could burden city agencies by leading to widespread resignations or early retirements. Hussain had just arrived at his office in Afghanistans capital when the world seemed to explode around him. It was the morning of May 31, 2017, and a truck bomb had just detonated, boring a crater in the earth, killing more than 150 people, most of them civilians, and releasing a shock wave that shattered glass across the city. Hussain suffered head and leg wounds in the blast, one of the largest in two decades of war, and was in constant anguish during months of surgery. The still-lingering pain was made more acute this past week when Hussain watched the new acting minister of interior Sirajuddin Haqqani, the leader of the very group accused of carrying out the attack honoring the people who had consigned him to a life of agony: the Talibans ranks of suicide bombers. Instead of asking for forgiveness, they are commemorating the suicide bombers, said Hussain, who asked to be identified by first name only out of fear of retribution from the Taliban. And I will never forgive. For the first time in several years of asking, more respondents in a recent poll said Mr. Erdogan would lose than said he would win, Ozer Sencar, the head of Metropoll, one of the most reliable polling organizations, said in a Twitter post this week. The opposition seems to have the momentum on their side, said Asli Aydintasbas, a senior fellow with the European Council on Foreign Relations. One way or another, they convinced a large section of society that Erdogan is not a lifetime president and could be gone in 2023. That Turks are now discussing the possibility of a post-Erdogan Turkey is quite remarkable. No one is counting Mr. Erdogan out yet. He remains a popular politician and sits at the helm of an effective state apparatus, Ms. Aydintasbas added. An improvement in the economy and a maneuver to split the opposition could be enough for him to hold on. Mr. Erdogan dismissed the polls as lies and carried on doing what he knows best: a flurry of high-level meetings and some saber-rattling that keeps him at the top of the news at home. One recent weekend, he pushed a shopping cart around a low-cost supermarket and promised more such stores to keep prices down for shoppers. This week, he set off on a four-country tour of West Africa after hosting the departing German chancellor, Angela Merkel, for her farewell visit to Turkey over the weekend. He is presenting Turkey as an indispensable mediator with Afghanistan, and his foreign minister received a delegation of the Taliban from Kabul last week. For good measure, Mr. Erdogan threatened another military operation against Kurdish fighters in Syria. Heres what we know about the gun. Sheriff Mendoza described the gun as a .45 Long Colt revolver, made by the Italian manufacturer F.lli Pietta. Investigators believe they have recovered the gun and about 500 rounds of ammunition from the set, along with the bullet that was fired, which had been lodged in the directors right shoulder. The sheriff declined to comment on how live ammunition ended up on the set, but he said, I think there was some complacency on this set. What Happened on the Set of Rust What We Know: The actor Alec Baldwin discharged a gun that was being used as a prop on the set of the movie Rust, killing the films director of photography and wounding the director. Remembering the Victim: Halyna Hutchins was the cinematographer for the movie. Safety Measures: Real firearms are routinely used while cameras are rolling. Here is how crews minimize the risks and ensure safety. Other Accidents on Set: Deaths and injuries on movie and television sets have occurred with some regularity, this partial list of set accidents shows. According to the affidavit, Detective Joel Cano of the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office said that Dave Halls, an assistant director on the set, had gone outside and taken the gun off a cart where it had been placed by the films armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed and handed it to Mr. Baldwin during the rehearsal. The assistant director announced that it was a cold gun, indicating that it contained no live rounds and was safe to handle. It was not clear how the projectile that was fired ended up in the gun. The three people who handled the weapon Ms. Gutierrez-Reed, Mr. Halls and Mr. Baldwin are all cooperating with law enforcement, Sheriff Mendoza said. The Santa Fe County district attorney, Mary Carmack-Altwies, said she was aware of news reports suggesting that crew members had used guns with live ammunition for target practice hours before the fatal shooting, but she said those reports were unconfirmed. Will anyone be charged? No criminal charges have been announced in the case, but Ms. Carmack-Altwies said criminal charges were still possible. If the facts and evidence and law support charges, then I will initiate prosecution at that time, she said at the news conference on Wednesday. Mr. Baldwin is an active part of this investigation, Sheriff Mendoza said. After the shooting, he went to the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office to give a statement and answer questions. One Offaly nightclub has expressed its delight after they were allowed to reopen for the first time in 19 months on Friday night. The nightclub scene was finally allowed to reopen after the Covid-19 restrictions lifted and people were queueing up to get their dancing shoes on once again. The Palace in Tullamore was only too delighted to welcome revellers back. "It was surreal to see our dancefloor packed again last night," they posted to Facebook. "We loved seeing people vibing and enjoying themselves again. We are back in action tonight [Saturday] with DJ Ahmed and we look forward to seeing you." It has been mooted by Taoiseach Micheal Martin that nightclubs may have to sell tickets in advance from next weekend after some criticism of the reopening. Hundreds queued up to get into Copper Face Jacks in Dublin on Friday night, the same day almost 2,500 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in Ireland. Despite the numbers, night clubs owners and goers are pleased to be back in action. The talented cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was shot dead by actor Alec Baldwin in a tragic accident on the set of her latest movie, visited Offaly in 2020. Hutchins was killed on Thursday after sustaining a gunshot to the chest from a gun fired by Baldwin during filming for Western movie Rust in New Mexico. The Ukrainian-born cinematographer was working as director of photography on the film set. It has since emerged that Hutchins was in Offaly in the summer of 2020 shooting an untitled piece. She was behind the camera at Birr Castle for the low-budget film but Alicia Clements from the castle remembered her fondly. "We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Halyna Hutchins," she said. "During her time at Birr Castle in 2020, we witnessed her creativity, her authentic way of working as well as her vision. The picture you see here is the candlelit Waterford crystal chandelier in the Music Saloon of Birr Castle last used by Halyna and her crew during filming in late Summer of last year. Deepest condolences to her family and loved ones." Halyna was also remembered on Saturday by Barry Coyle, a casting director who worked with Hutchins in Dublin and Birr during her time here. Speaking to the Irish Times, he said: "She had a sensibility where she really appreciated Irish art and the way of expression Irish people have. She was genuinely interesting and engaged with people. She saw things differently and was a really inspiring person to talk to and be around," he added. Actor Alec Baldwin also broke his silence on Friday after the fatal incident. He said he was fully cooperating with the police investigating the death. A probe has been launched into how the weapons for the movie were prepared and controlled. "There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours," Baldwin said on Twitter. "I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna," he added. 1- There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and AlecBaldwin(HABF) (@AlecBaldwin) October 22, 2021 2- I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna. AlecBaldwin(HABF) (@AlecBaldwin) October 22, 2021 Rust director Joel Souza, who was also struck by the projectile fired from the gun has said he is "gutted" at the loss of his "friend and colleague Halyna." Souza was standing behind Halyna when the shooting occurred and sustained minor injuries. In a statement, he said: "She was kind, vibrant, incredibly talented, fought for every inch and always pushed me to be better. PICTURED: Halyna Hutchins behind the camera in Birr in 2020 "My thoughts are with her family at this most difficult time. I am humbled and grateful by the outpouring of affection we have received from our filmmaking community, the people of Santa Fe, and the hundreds of strangers who have reached out.. It will surely aid in my recovery." 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. Are you a current print subscriber? You qualify for online access to the Omak Chronicle. To receive your access, create a website account and then verify your print subscription or e-edition subscription with your subscriber number, which may be found on your bill or mailing label. Ottumwa, IA (52501) Today Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low around 35F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low around 35F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Longview Elementary, located on Lemke Street near Bay City Road, opened in the fall 1948, and at the time was said to be one of Midland County's most modern schools. After four unsuccessful elections and bitter opposition, bond issues were passed in September 1946 allowing for adequate education facilities to the overcrowded McGill district. When it opened, the one-story, four classroom "county" school had 150 students enrolled from kindergarten through sixth grade with older students attending the original McGill school. The school was staffed with five teachers, including the McGill school principal, Mrs. Russell Merganthaler. In 1952, the building was expanded to a six-room unit and in 1957, a new wing was started. Longview was one of five elementary schools closed after the 2009-2010 school year. Today, the building houses Longview Early Childhood Center with traditional childcare for infants through preschool and a half-day preschool program. Shannon Tompkins/Houston Chronicle With hunting season already in swing and rifle season starting next month, outdoor recreation will be a little more dangerous. Michigan has an abundance of outdoor recreation areas and hiking trails, but many of them are either adjacent to hunting areas or allow hunting within the parks or trails. Many state parks allow hunting on their premises, however there are some that dont. For a complete map of which parks allow these different activities, visit the Mi-HUNT map. SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Northern California residents relieved that this weeks rain helped contain stubborn wildfires and soaked dry gardens were cleaning up Friday and preparing for a massive storm this weekend that could bring flash flooding to vast areas scorched by fire. The National Weather Service for the San Francisco Bay Area issued a high surf advisory through Friday for a portion of the coast and a flash flood watch Sunday for parts of the region, especially in areas burned by last year's wildfires. Strong winds are also expected Sunday, with gusts of up to 60 mph (97 kph) at the windiest spots. The weather service said elevations above 9,000 feet (2,745 meters) in the Sierra Nevada could get 18 inches of snow or more from Sunday until Monday morning and warned of possible power outages and road closures. Mike Pierre, owner of Mission Ace Hardware and Lumber in Santa Rosa in Sonoma County, said they sold out of tarps this week and expect to do so again in advance of Sunday's big storm. But there is a feeling of relief that the area could escape wildfire this year, unlike last year when the Glass Fire broke out in late September and destroyed nearly 1,600 homes and other buildings. Customers had been stocking up on generators and power cords to prepare, Pierre said. People were bracing for that, and it never happened, he said, and hopefully, this rain will keep it from happening. But burn areas remain a concern, as land devoid of vegetation cant soak up heavy rainfall as quickly, increasing the likelihood of mud or debris slides and flash flooding that could trap people. Paul Lowenthal, an assistant fire marshal with the Santa Rosa Fire Department in Sonoma County, said the city is providing free sand and bags for residents who need to control rain runoff. They are also asking residents to clear gutters and on-site storm drains as the city prepares for up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain. Given the volume of water were expecting, we want it to go where it needs to go, he said. About 375 miles (603.50 kilometers) south of Santa Rosa, parts of western Santa Barbara County were under an evacuation warning Friday night in the area that had been burned by the Alisal Fire. The blaze charred 26.5 square miles (68.6 square kilometers) and is 97% contained. The fire erupted in the Santa Ynez Mountains during high winds on Oct. 11. Californians rejoiced when rain started falling this week for the first time in any measurable way since spring. NWS Bay Area tweeted that San Francisco International Airport set a record rainfall for Thursday, with 0.44 inches (1.1 centimeters) of rain tallied. The old record was 0.13 inches (0.3 centimeter) on the same day in 1970. Rain and snow will continue soaking central and Northern California before spreading into Southern California on Monday. The storms have helped contain some of the nation's largest wildfires this year, including one that threatened the popular Lake Tahoe resort region this summer. That wildfire is now 100% contained after snow blanketed the western side of the blaze and rain dropped on the eastern side. But this week's storms won't end drought that's plaguing California and the western United States. Californias climate is hotter and drier now and that means the rain and snow that does fall is likely to evaporate or absorb into the soil. California's 2021 water year, which ended Sept. 30, was the second driest on record and last year's was the fifth driest on record. Some of the state's most important reservoirs are at record low levels. Things are so bad in Lake Mendocino that state officials say it could be dry by next summer. ISTANBUL (AP) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday that he had ordered 10 foreign ambassadors who called for the release of a jailed philanthropist to be declared persona non grata. The envoys, including the U.S., French and German representatives in Ankara, issued a statement earlier this week calling for a resolution to the case of Osman Kavala, a businessman and philanthropist held in prison since 2017 despite not having been convicted of a crime. Describing the statement as an impudence, Erdogan said he had ordered the ambassadors be declared undesirable. I gave the instruction to our foreign minister and said You will immediately handle the persona non grata declaration of these 10 ambassadors, Erdogan said during a rally in the western city of Eskisehir. He added: They will recognize, understand and know Turkey. The day they dont know or understand Turkey, they will leave. The diplomats, who also include the ambassadors of the Netherlands, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and New Zealand, were summoned to the foreign ministry on Tuesday. A declaration of persona non grata against a diplomat usually means that individual is banned from remaining in their host country. Kavala, 64, was acquitted last year of charges linked to nationwide anti-government protests in 2013, but the ruling was overturned and joined to charges relating to a 2016 coup attempt. International observers and human rights groups have repeatedly called for the release of Kavala and Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas, who has been jailed since 2016. They say their imprisonment is based on political considerations. Ankara denies the claims and insists on the independence of Turkish courts. The European Court of Human Rights called for Kavala's release in 2019, saying his incarceration acted to silence him and wasn't supported by evidence of an offense. The Council of Europe says it will start infringement proceedings again Turkey at the end of November if Kavala is not released. The current U.S. ambassador, David Satterfield, was appointed in 2019. The nomination of his replacement, Jeff Flake, was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday. After Erdogan's order was reported, the State Department said in a statement, We are aware of these reports and are seeking clarity from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Senate Bill 687, Create school choice tax credit and K-12 scholarships program: Passed 20 to 16 in the Senate To create a K-12 student opportunity scholarship program that would allow individuals and companies to get a tax credit for contributing to a nonprofit scholarship organization that would provide grants to lower income families to pay tuition at a non-pubic school, or pay for other education expenses, services and supplies. Beneficiaries would get individual accounts from which families could draw money for permitted expenses. Senate Bill 688 and House Bill 5405 would authorize up to $500 million in annual tax credits for this, which would increase with demand according to a specified formula. 31 Sen. Kevin Daley R - Attica Y 32 Sen. Kenneth Horn R - Frankenmuth Y 36 Sen. Jim Stamas R - Midland Y House Bill 5404, Create school choice tax credit and K-12 scholarships: Passed 55 to 48 in the House The House version of the school choice tax credit bill described above. 95 Rep. Amos O'Neal D - Saginaw N 96 Rep. Timothy Beson R - Bay City Y 97 Rep. Jason Wentworth R - Clare Y 98 Rep. Annette Glenn R - Midland Y 99 Rep. Roger Hauck R - Mount Pleasant Y Senate Bill 637, Add social/therapeutic welfare provisions to 9-1-1 call responses: Passed 36 to 0 in the Senate To authorize state grants to local governments, with the amounts determined using criteria devised by a particular social-welfare organization. This would pay for sending one or more community crisis responder clinicians or community crisis responder peers on 911 calls, who among other things would do screening and assessment for referral of individuals to mental health, substance use disorder, social, health, or other services and supports as needed. Reportedly there are 51 organizations that would be the ultimate recipients of the money. 31 Sen. Kevin Daley R - Attica Y 32 Sen. Kenneth Horn R - Frankenmuth Y 36 Sen. Jim Stamas R - Midland Y House Bill 4637, Authorize process to change townships name: Passed 36 to 0 in the Senate To establish a process to allow a township to change the townships name. Two thirds of the township board would have to agree to put the question on the ballot in a regular November or August election, and voters would have to approve it. 31 Sen. Kevin Daley R - Attica Y 32 Sen. Kenneth Horn R - Frankenmuth Y 36 Sen. Jim Stamas R - Midland Y House Bill 5290, Revise posting of seasonal road weight limits: Passed 104 to 0 in the House To require the state and local road agencies to post the names of the highways and streets that are not subject to seasonal load limit restrictions, rather than posting those that are. This could be satisfied by posting an electronic map showing these roads. 95 Rep. Amos O'Neal D - Saginaw Y 96 Rep. Timothy Beson R - Bay City Y 97 Rep. Jason Wentworth R - Clare Y 98 Rep. Annette Glenn R - Midland Y 99 Rep. Roger Hauck R - Mount Pleasant Y House Bill 4535, Ban wheelers from snowmobile trails in winter: Passed 101 to 2 in the House To ban wheeled vehicles from snowmobile trails from December 1 to April 1. 95 Rep. Amos O'Neal D - Saginaw Y 96 Rep. Timothy Beson R - Bay City Y 97 Rep. Jason Wentworth R - Clare Y 98 Rep. Annette Glenn R - Midland Y 99 Rep. Roger Hauck R - Mount Pleasant Y House Bill 5080, Exempt delivery and installation costs from sales tax: Passed 69 to 34 in the House To exempt from sales tax the delivery and installation costs necessary to complete a purchase, which are taxable under current law. 95 Rep. Amos O'Neal D - Saginaw N 96 Rep. Timothy Beson R - Bay City Y 97 Rep. Jason Wentworth R - Clare Y 98 Rep. Annette Glenn R - Midland Y 99 Rep. Roger Hauck R - Mount Pleasant Y House Bill 4801, Impose licensure mandate on paid electric vehicle charging services: Passed 85 to 18 in the House To impose a new licensure and $75 per charger fee regime on paid electric vehicle charging services. 95 Rep. Amos O'Neal D - Saginaw Y 96 Rep. Timothy Beson R - Bay City Y 97 Rep. Jason Wentworth R - Clare Y 98 Rep. Annette Glenn R - Midland N 99 Rep. Roger Hauck R - Mount Pleasant Y Source: MichiganVotes.org, a free, non-partisan website created by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, providing concise, non-partisan, plain-English descriptions of every bill and vote in the Michigan House and Senate. Please visit www.MichiganVotes.org. Midland County had 72 new COVID-19 cases reported from Oct. 21-22. COVID-19 numbers reported from Oct. 21-22 Midland County: 72 cases were added; pandemic total is 9,308 cases, 856 probable cases, 122 deaths and six probable deaths. Bay County: 110 cases and two deaths were added; pandemic total stands at 13,580 cases, 1,058 probable cases, 372 deaths and 15 probable deaths. Gladwin County: 31 cases were added and one death was subtracted from the total; pandemic total stands at 2,693 cases, 533 probable cases, 65 deaths and four probable deaths. Isabella County: 78 cases and three deaths were added; pandemic total stands at 7,458 cases, 1,395 probable cases, 110 deaths and six probable deaths. Saginaw County: 182 cases and one death were added; pandemic total stands at 24,961 cases, 1,950 probable cases, 642 deaths and 22 probable deaths. The state added 7,505 cases and 118 deaths from Thursday through Friday. Overall, Michigan is at 1,104,634 cases and 21,862 deaths. Recovered According to the Midland County Health Department website, which was updated Oct. 18, 8,695 Midland County individuals have recovered from COVID. The state reported that as of Oct. 15, a total of 962,955 persons have recovered. Testing Midland Countys seven-day rolling positivity rate on Oct. 20 was listed at 13.7% and Gladwin County's was listed at 15.6%. Our 12-county region was listed at 18% and Michigan was at 11.5%. MidMichigan Health statistics As of Oct. 14, MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland was listed as having an 92% bed occupancy with 45 COVID patients and eight in the ICU. MidMichigan Medical Center in Gladwin was listed as having a 56% bed occupancy with five COVID patients and none in the ICU. Both medical centers reported having at least 15-30 days worth of personal protection equipment (N95, surgical masks, gowns, gloves and eye protection) on hand. Schools As of Friday, Midland Public Schools reported 154 staff/students were in close contact to an individual who was confirmed COVID-19 positive, and 52 staff/students currently tested positive for the virus. Schools with one or more staff/students confirmed positive for COVID-19 as of Friday include Dow High (14), Midland High (9), Jefferson Middle (8), Northeast Middle (7), Plymouth Elementary (3) and Siebert Elementary (11). Bullock Creek School District reported on Thursday that one staff member and 13 students are current positive cases. There are also 37 students (but no staff members) currently in quarantine. Schools with one or more confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Thursday include Bullock Creek Elementary (2), Floyd Elementary (1), Pine River Elementary (3), Bullock Creek Middle School (2) and Bullock Creek High School (5). Midland County vaccinations The Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard lists Midland's completed vaccine rate is 66.9%. Currently, the vaccines are not authorized to be given to those under age 12. Midland County Health Department is hosting a weekly walk-in COVID vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday on the second floor of the Midland County Services Building, 220 W. Ellsworth St., Midland. Future COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Midland County are listed at www.co.midland.mi.us/HealthDepartment/COVIDVaccineInformation.aspx. Those with questions may call 989-832-6380 or email MCDPH@co.midland.mi.us. Midland County Health Officer Fred Yanoski told the Daily News Friday afternoon that the county's COVID-19-related "emergency order" for K-12 schools that goes into effect on Oct. 25 will cause little to no change from the schools are already doing. Yanoski sent the order to all Midland County schools on Friday. "This isn't really a departure from what they've been doing," Yanoski said. "The schools have already been doing a good job of doing what is required in the order. The purpose of the order is to ensure those mitigation procedures remain in place to keep COVID-19 numbers as low as possible. "This won't drastically change what they're doing," he reiterated. "It will just require them to do it and it will be a consistent response throughout the county." The order from the county is entitled "Midland County Emergency Order for Control of Epidemic Isolation and Quarantine Order in K-12 Schools." Among other things, the order requires that a person diagnosed positive for COVID must isolate for 10 days after either the onset of symptoms or of the specimen collection if that person was asymptomatic when tested. Those diagnosed must cooperate with identification of close contacts who would have been at high risk of exposure during the period beginning 48 hours before symptom onset (or specimen collection) and continuing through the date interviewed by case investigators. Those diagnosed must identify and provide contact information for close contacts. Those identified as close contacts must complete a period of quarantine and are restricted from gatherings with people outside of their household for 10 days after the most recent date of exposure to someone with a positive diagnosis. Close contacts who continue to reside in a shared household with someone who currently has a positive diagnosis during that person's isolation period must postpone a 10-day countdown to the end of quarantine (and are restricted from gatherings with people outside of their household) until after the end of the isolation period for all cases that occur within the shared household. Persons identified as close contacts can choose to remain in school by participating in serial testing so that any new cases can be promptly identified for isolation. Serial testing for close contacts must be administered by an identified representative from a K-12 organization each morning prior to facility entry. Serial testing must occur every day for five days following the most recent date of exposure and then on day seven and day nine. Yanoski noted the availability of serial testing in the schools. "The testing protocol is designed to keep kids in school. That has done a great job of allowing kids who otherwise would be quarantined to remain in school as long as they test negative," he said. "And keeping kids in school is certainly a priority for everyone. The alternative, of course, would be to just quarantine for 10 days." Yanoski hopes the emergency order can be lifted in the not-too-distant future. "We have no intention of carrying out the order any longer than we have to," he said. "But at the current time, the CDC classifies our community as having a high transmission rate. Now is not the time to let our guard down. We will be monitoring transmission rates in schools daily. We will be happy to rescind the order when we are experiencing lower transmission levels." Yanoski also said he anticipates that the COVID vaccine will be made available to the 5-11 age group by the first part of November. "That is a big part of the vulnerable population that hasn't been able to get vaccines," he noted. "The information we have to date suggests hopefully we'll be able to start (administering vaccines to ages 5-11) the first part of November." MSU Extension of Midland County and cooperating parent educators sponsor the Parents Corner. Send submissions to Midland County MSU Extension Educator, Lisa Treiber, 220 W. Ellsworth St., Midland, MI 48640 Food Safety Q & A. MSU Extension offers a week 30-minute informational program about food preservation. A short presentation will be shared focusing on a timely topic, leaving plenty of time for Q & A. The next session is: Broths & Stocks. Join in on this quick free presentation at 1 p.m. Oct. 25. To register, visit www.canr.msu.edu/events/fall-food-safety2021 Investigating Food with Science. Each week, youth will explore the aspects of cooking is an experiment and baking is a science. A kid-friendly recipe or experiment demonstration will be presented for youth to try at home with parents assistance. The following week, youth can share their experiences or pictures. All sessions will be presented via Zoom. The topic on Oct. 25 will be Charging Your Lemons. To register, visit events.anr.msu.edu/IFWS_Winter/. Any questions should be directed to Kellie Jordan jorda136@msu.edu. Cooking for Crowds. Is your organization preparing for a food event? Cooking for Crowds classes educate volunteers and groups who offer food fundraisers and events such as dinners and bake sales. Join MSU Extension for this online Zoom class, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 25 to learn how to keep the community safe and prevent foodborne illness. There are a variety of food safety risks that develop when cooking large volumes of food. Learn to reduce these risks and help prevent the conditions that may lead to a foodborne illness. Educational topics include foodborne illness, safe purchasing, storage, preparation and service of food. Class will include information based on the Michigan food code and regulations for the state of Michigan. The cost for this three-hour class is $15 with each participant receiving a food safety manual in the mail after registering for the class. www.canr.msu.edu/cooking_for_crowds/events Note: if you are interested in offering this program face-to-face, please contact treiber@msu.edu to learn how to set this up. Nature Play. Its time to play outdoors! Whether were making pies in the mud kitchen, pretending to be animals, lounging in hammocks or creating nature art, this hour of play is sure to engage everyone. Caregivers must remain with children during this program and are encouraged to actively play alongside the children in their care. This program will be facilitated by a Chippewa Nature Center staff member 10-11 a.m. on Oct. 26. The program is designed for ages 2-10, (under 18 w/adult). Please meet in The Woods Nature Play Area near Arbury Trail. For more information visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org. Protecting Your Identity. MSU Extension is hosting this free webinar 1-2 p.m. on Oct. 26. Learn how to protect yourself from identity theft and what to do if your identity has already been stolen. Topics that will be discussed include What is Identity Theft, Protecting Your Credit, How to Identify Scams, What to Do If You Become a Victim of Identity Theft, and Scams Due to Novel Coronavirus. Pre-registration is required; to register, visit www.canr.msu.edu/mimoneyhealth/ and click on the link online classes and you will then see this course as well as other options that might be of interest to you. Spend an hour of your time to help increase your financial awareness. Night Hike. Wildlife activity tends to ramp up once the sun goes down at Chippewa Nature Center. Join an Interpretive Naturalist to explore CNCs trails, 7:30-9 p.m. Oct. 26, and learn how some animals are masters of survival in the dark. This program is designed for ages 9 and up, (under 18 with an adult). Wear dark clothes and bring a flashlight. For more information, visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org. Preserving MI Harvest Series. Michigan State University Extension will be offering a series of food preservation classes online, these free online classes will be offered 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Thursdays. The topic on Oct. 28 will be Preserving Soups. These sessions will not be recorded, they will only be offered live. Supporting materials will be emailed to all participants after each broadcast. Join in the fun, sign up for one, some or all these educational sessions. There is time at the end of each program to ask questions. To register, visit events.anr.msu.edu/PreservingMIHarvestFall21/ Cooking Matters for Adults. MSU Extension is offering a free cooking series beginning 6-8 p.m. Nov. 2-18. Want to prepare healthy delicious meals this holiday season? Cooking Matters for Adults is a hands-on nutrition and cooking program. Learn about preparing healthy meals, food safety, grocery shopping and budgeting for food. The program is made up of six-lessons, lasting two hours each. After each lesson you will receive take home groceries that you can use at home to practice a recipe you made in class. Classes will be held in the MSU Extension Learning Center, 220 W. Ellsworth St, Midland (County Services Building). There is no charge to attend this class. Please contact Sheila Salo to register 989-832-6648. Midland residents are reminded that beginning Sunday, October 24, local phone calls will require the entire 10-digit number, including area code, to be completed. This includes dialing the 989 area code to contact all City facilities by phone. The change is in preparation for the July 16, 2022, activation of a new 3-digit dialing code -- 988 -- to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in July 2020 designated 988 as the abbreviated dialing code to reach the suicide prevention hotline that provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources, and best practices for professionals. BARDSTOWN, Ky. (AP) Striking workers at one of the world's largest bourbon producers voted to a ratify a new contract Saturday, a day after announcing a tentative agreement with Heaven Hill. About 420 members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 23D went on strike about six weeks ago, forming picket lines at the company's operations in Bardstown, Kentucky, after rejecting a previous contract proposal. The tentative agreement came just days after the company signaled it intended to start hiring permanent replacement employees for bottling and warehouse operations. The workers then voted to ratify the five-year agreement Saturday, according to a statement from Heaven Hill. We look forward to welcoming our team members as we transition back to normal operations, company spokesperson Josh Hafer said in the statement. The dispute revolved around health care and scheduling, the latter a sign of the bourbon industrys growing pains as it tries to keep up with global demand. Family-owned and operated Heaven Hill produces Evan Williams, one of the worlds top-selling bourbons. The spirits companys other brands include Elijah Craig, Henry McKenna, Old Fitzgerald, Larceny and Parkers Heritage Collection. On Monday, Heaven Hill announced the contract talks had reached an impasse. The company said it would begin the process of hiring permanent replacement workers. Union leaders responded that they were willing to continue negotiations and accused the company of wanting to replace the striking employees with non-union workers. The two sides resumed bargaining Thursday, resulting in a tentative agreement announced on Friday. Workers often spend long careers at Kentucky bourbon distilleries, and the jobs regularly attract multiple generations of families. Disputes flare up occasionally, and other strikes occurred in recent years at Jim Beam and Four Roses other iconic names in the bourbon sector. The bourbon industry has been on a long upward trajectory. Combined U.S. sales for bourbon, Tennessee whiskey and rye whiskey rose 8.2%, or $327 million, to $4.3 billion in 2020, despite plunging sales from bars and restaurants because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States reported early this year. Kentucky distilleries produce 95% of the worlds bourbon supply, according to the Kentucky Distillers Association. Cora Heart Crether, 64 of Palestine, died on November 10th in Tyler. Funeral service will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at Rising Star Baptist Church in Grapeland. Burial will follow in Golden Gate Cemetery in Grapeland. The viewing will be Friday from 10 to 6 at Emanuel Funeral Home Palestine. Bamako, Mali (PANA) - The Malian government Friday denied reports that it had decided to conduct negotiations with terrorist groups through the High Islamic Council (HCI), the country's highest religious organization Photo: (Photo : Debsch/Pixabay) Is the animated dog on the popular children's series, "Bluey," a rainbow baby? One parent came up with an interesting theory on TikTok and explained how the show made a subtle reference to baby loss. Parents use the term "rainbow baby" for a child born after a miscarriage and TikTok user @world.shaker, whose real name is Vaughn, believes that "Bluey" touched on the sensitive topic in a recent episode. The dad admits he is a fan of the children's series and loves to watch the show with his daughter. He directed his followers to "Bluey" season 2, episode 16 when siblings Bingo and Bluey did a re-enactment of their parents' lives for Mother's Day. Bingo, pretending to be their mom, Chili, wore a balloon as her baby bump. One scene showed the balloon popping off, and their dad, Bandit, reached out for Chili's hand. Vaughn noted that Bandit's first reaction was "not to comfort his children but to comfort his wife," which suggested that the mom suffered a miscarriage. While the show's producers have yet to confirm the theory, many of Vaugh's followers also shared their inputs about the episode and the show in general. One commenter also shared another episode showing Bingo and her dream about outer space, where she saw her mother surrounded by three planets. The fan said that this might be another way to explain that Chili had three babies, but only Bluey, the rainbow baby, and Bingo, the youngest, survived. Read Also: Mom Gives Birth to a Healthy 14-Pound Baby Boy After 19 Miscarriages 'Making Parents Feel Seen' In an interview with Yahoo Life, Vaughn said that he doesn't have any experiences with miscarriage in his family, but he knows many parents who have been through the ordeal. On TikTok alone, there is a support community of parents who have spoken openly about baby loss, and he has learned from their experience. It's because of this community that he has appreciated that particular "Bluey" episode. The dad also said that one of the reasons he loves watching "Bluey" is because parents are always included in the story. "Bluey excels in making parents feel seen when they're struggling," the father said. A follower also agreed with Vaughn's observation that Bluey is a rainbow baby. The commenter added that while she hasn't suffered a baby loss, that scene also left her a "mess" because of the beautiful way it was handled. Nigel Jones, another TikTok user who saw Vaugh's now-viral video, also told Yahoo Life that he appreciates "Bluey" more now as a dad who went through baby loss and had a rainbow baby with his wife. He said it's hard to describe the feeling after his wife's miscarriage, but it will always be something they will never forget. This episode on "Bluey" will mean a lot to him and many other couples who lost a baby. Number One Kids' Show In April, entertainer and TikTok user Zach Mander also presented a theory about "Bluey." He said that Bandit and Chili are just like any regular parents struggling to make ends meet with their meager incomes. The show has also tackled topics like divorce, death, and bullying in a way that could relate to a child's understanding. "Bluey" was developed for pre-school kids by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). It started as a five-minute animation that received so much viewership. It is now the number one children's show on Disney+ in the United States. Related Article: Rainbow Baby: Why Some Moms Are Not Comfortable With Using the Term We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions Calvin C. Anderson of Ardmore, Oklahoma, formerly of Elmore City, Oklahoma, was born to Elmer and Minnie (Stevens) Anderson on October 16, 1927 in Paoli, Oklahoma and passed from this life on November 14, 2021, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 94 years. 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. Elon Musk, the worlds most renowned entrepreneur and the CEO of two of the world's largest companies, SpaceX and Tesla, is set to become the world's first trillionaire. According to The Guardian, analysts at Morgan Stanley have predicted that Musk, 50, could become the worlds first trillionaire, largely thanks to his aerospace company SpaceX. The analysis estimates that his aerospace company SpaceX will push Musk over the trillion-dollar mark in the coming years. More than one client has told us that if Elon Musk were to become the first trillionaire it wont be because of Tesla, analyst Adam Jones told the newspaper, referring to the electric car company behind the majority of his wealth to date. Others have said SpaceX may eventually be the most highly valued company in the world in any industry, Jones added. Though humans have yet to reach Mars, one of Musks goals for the company via SpaceXs Starship, the advanced launch system already has high expectations following the success of SpaceXs Crew Dragon. As one client put it, talking about space before Starship is like talking about the internet before Google, explains Jones. Earlier this month, the valuation of SpaceX increased to $100.3 billion, up from $74 billion in February, according to CNBC. The valuation made SpaceX, which Musk owns about 48% of the corporation, the worlds second-biggest privately held company, The Guardian states. SpaceX has celebrated a number of milestones this year, including successfully launching and landing a Starship rocket for the first time. Last month, SpaceX sent the first all-civilian crew into orbit. Musk is currently estimated to have a $242 billion net worth, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Tesla still remains his biggest asset. Bezos, currently the second-richest person in the world, per Bloomberg, is estimated to have a net worth of $197 billion, followed by Bernard Arnault ($163 billion), Bill Gates ($133 billion) and Mark Zuckberg ($127 billion). 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 In this screenshot from a CPAC video, Premier John Horgan at a press conference Thursday shows the home screen of his phone, which he claimed has been the subject of frivolous FOI requests filed by the Opposition BC Liberals. RICHMOND, Va. Steve Flesch birdied the par-4 18th hole for a 5-under 67 and a two-stroke lead over Bernhard Langer and Steven Alker on Saturday in the Dominion Energy Charity Classic, the first of three PGA TOUR Champions Charles Schwab Cup Playoff events. Flesch reached 13-under 131 with his second straight bogey-free round on The Country Club of Virginias James River Course. He has played the back nine in 9 under. I did a lot of the same stuff as yesterday, Flesch said. I didnt get off to a quick start, I parred the first five, but then when I got to six, I made a nice birdie and played another great back nine today. The 54-year-old Flesch won the 2018 Mitsubishi Electric Classic for his lone senior title. He won four times on the PGA TOUR. Ive just been kind of playing this week like I have the last, I guess, two months, Flesch said. Im not hitting shots I dont feel comfortable hitting. Im just kind of, I hate the term `playing within myself, but Im just hitting shots I know I can pull off and Im not taking unnecessary chances. Langer, the 64-year-old German star who leads the Charles Schwab Cup points standings, also had a 67. He won the Richmond event in 2017. The pins are tough and the greens are very firm," Langer said. "So, its difficult to get the ball near the hole to stop when the pins are in the front, and when the pins are in the back, you dont go over the back, so its a tricky situation. Alker, the 50-year-old New Zealander who had a one-stroke lead over Flesch after an opening 63, dropped back with a 70. I didnt quite obviously putt as well, Alker said. Sixty-three, youve got to putt well, so it wasnt quite there, but I didnt give myself as many chances. Wedges werent as close. Kind of struggled on the back nine a little bit. Tim Petrovic (67) and Doug Barron (68) were 10 under, and Jeff Sluman (68) and Gene Sauers (68) followed at 8 under. Jim Furyk was 7 under after a 68. Defending champion Phil Mickelson closed with quadruple-bogey 9 on the par-5 ninth for a 74. He was tied for 49th at 1 over. Mickelson won the Constellation FURYK & FRIENDS two weeks ago in Florida for his third PGA TOUR Champions victory in four career starts. Michael Coard, Esq. can be followed on Twitter, Instagram, and his YouTube channel as well as at AvengingTheAncestors.com. His Radio Courtroom show can be heard on WURD 96.1 FM or 900 AM. And his TV Courtroom show can be seen on PhillyCAM/Verizon Fios/Comcast. The views expressed in this column are not necessarily those of The Philadelphia Tribune. 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 $0.10 per week for 10 weeks. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you next month. Gediminas Uselis Wins MSPT Venetian $1,600 Main Event ($325,428) October 22, 2021 Anthony Thompson For the past two weeks, the Mid-States Poker Tour (MSPT) has been at the Venetian in Las Vegas hosting a pair of Main Events and after another five-day stretch, the $1,600 Main Event has come to its conclusion. The tournament was headlined by another $1 million guarantee and after three starting flights, the 1,341 total entries almost doubled that by generating a whopping $1,910,975 prize pool. On Friday, the final eight players took to the felt for Day 3 action, and it was a speedy affair to crown a new champion as Gediminas Uselis defeated David McGowan in heads-up action to take down the MSPT Venetian title along with the $325,428 top prize. "I feel amazing," Uselis stated after his victory. He continued by saying, "Coming back for Day 2, the whole field was tough, as was the final table, and being able to come out on top over these guys just makes the win that more amazing." The Lithuania native has been on quite the hot streak the past few years, first by winning his first Circuit ring back in 2019 in what was the inaugural $2,200 High Roller at Choctaw Durant for what was at the time a career-best $60,170. Uselis then topped that mark last year after he navigated his way through a 4,461 entry field in Event #76: $400 FORTY STACK No Limit Hold'em on the GG portion of the WSOP Online events to win his first WSOP bracelet along with a cool $227,186 and now gets to add MSPT Main Event Champion to his list of poker accomplishments while notching another career $325,428. MSPT Venetian $1,600 Main Event Final Table Results Place Player Hometown Prize MSPT POY Points 1 Gediminas Uselis Lithuania $325,428 1,900 2 David McGowan Chicago, IL, $210,202 1,700 3 Daan Mulders Netherlands $152,874 1,600 4 Benjamin Underwood Canada $116,758 1,500 5 Barry Hutter Sarasota, FL $97,903 1,400 6 Gennaro Proscia Italy $66,882 1,300 7 Raul Martinez Spain $51,595 1,200 8 Fabian Bernhauser Austria $40,129 1,100 9 Victor Canaple France $32,486 1,000 MSPT Venetian $1,600 Main Event Final Table Final Day Action Raul Martinez entered the final day with a little over seven big blinds but was able to get a pay jump after Fabian Bernhauser departed eighth place after losing a race against Daan Mulders while Martinez exited shortly after in seventh place. Gennaro Proscia started the day with roughly 25 bigs and doubled that early, but took his exit before the end of the second level after he was coolered by Mulders in a jacks-versus-queens hand. Next on the chopping block was WSOP bracelet winner Barry Hutter, who called off his short stack from the big blind holding an ace-six offsuit after McGowan jammed from the small blind holding a suited nine-seven. After seeing a six appear in the window, Hutter thought he was about to get a big blind special but it was just an illusion, as a seven was lying underneath to give McGowan top pair. The board completed with running fives and just like that Hutter, who came into the final day second in chips, took his exit in fifth place for just under a six-figure payday. Four-handed play looked like it might take a while after Benjmain Underwood doubled through Mulders when he turned a three-outer with ace-nine against ace-king, but ended up losing a race a few hands later holding the hand he just beat against McGowan's pocket jacks. The start of the day chip leader Mulders was the next person that watched McGowan take his chips after he called off his short stack from the big blind holding a suited jack-ten only to have McGowan roll over a dominating queen-jack suited. McGowan flopped his queen while Mulders turned a Broadway draw but he bricked the river and took home $152,874 for his third-place finish. After Mulders departed, the two chips stacks were dead even between McGowan and Uselis. So much so that the chips went back and forth for a full two levels before any real fluctuation started. It was from this point where Uselis really started to catch steam, winning in what seemed like almost every hand in the final level to send McGowan home in second place for $210,202. 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. Youre seeing The Post and Courier's weekly real estate newsletter. Receive all the latest transactions and top development, building, and home and commercial sales news to your inbox each Saturday here. 18th-century SC plantation home, used to educate Freedmen, for sale An 18th-century South Carolina Lowcountry plantation that remained in the hands of descendants of former enslaved people for more than a century is on the market for $3.5 million. Believed to have been built after 1795, the two-story Tombee Plantation home near Beaufort is one of the few surviving plantation houses constructed before the Civil War on St. Helena Island. The site's name comes from the cotton planter who had it built, Thomas Benjamin Chaplin or "Tom B," though other accounts say it could have been named for his grandson of the same name. The 24-acre property up for sale includes the main house, guest house and dock. The original 376-acre plantation served as a hub for shipping sea island cotton to Charleston. When Union troops seized the sea island in 1861, the owners of Tombee fled as did many other plantation owners. As part of what was called the "Port Royal Experiment" from 1862-1865, abandoned plantation acreage was divided among former enslaved people, who could buy land for $1.25 an acre, according to BlackPast.org. The Tombee home was kept by the government and used as an agricultural school to educate Freedmen, according to a history of the property by Brown Land + Plantation Advisors and Wise Batten Inc., which is handling the listing. In 1971, James Williams bought the former plantation property and restored it. The site is currently owned by a Nashville, Tenn.-based firm called Tombee LLC, which bought it in September 2020 for $1.3 million, according to Beaufort County land records. The property listing says the current owners have been restoring the house. Raised on a tabby foundation, the T-shaped dwelling includes three windows in each of six major rooms, a characteristic of construction in the area by the 1790s, according to South Carolina Encyclopedia. The house faces Station Creek with a wide, two-tiered veranda. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Want to receive this newsletter in your inbox every Saturday? Sign up for free. Sign up for our real estate newsletter! Get the best of the Post and Courier's Real Estate news, handpicked and delivered to your inbox each Saturday. Email Sign Up! Home sales across the Palmetto State continue to be strong with transactions up 15 percent over last year through September, but they have dipped in recent months compared to the same period last year when residential real estate sales were moving at a faster pace. The state's coastal region has led the state for most of the year in sales, but every market on the seaboard, including Charleston, registered declines last month. S.C. Realtors Association President Morris Lyles said the three-month statewide dips are not a sign of a slowdown but a more normalization of the market. By the numbers 2: Millions of dollars paid by Homegrown Hospitality Group for the building on East Bay that houses the group's oyster bar Pearlz. 3.3: Millions of dollars paid by Moe's Southwest Grill founder Martin Sprock for the building that housed the former McCrady's restaurant and bar on East Bay Street. A new dining concept is planned. 3.5: Millions of dollars paid by Charleston-based Hudson Automotive Group for the former HHGregg appliance and electronics store off Rivers Avenue in North Charleston. 5.1: Millions of dollars paid by Myrtle Beach-based real estate investment firm Burroughs & Chapin for three buildings on lower King Street in Charleston. This week in real estate + Changing hands: The Beach Co. of Charleston recently paid $32.7 million for the 212-unit Windjammer Apartments in West Ashley, with plans to renovate the complex off Sam Rittenberg Boulevard. + Multifamily sale: A New Jersey-based firm recently bought the 184-unit Forest Cove Apartments in Hanahan for $21.5 million. + On the way: Two vacant retail spaces on King Street in downtown Charleston will soon see new retailers. A Virginia-based restaurant with a bawdy name is bringing a new venue to downtown Charleston. Well Hung Vineyard will open in February in a three-story building at 49 S. Market St. across from the City Market, according to restaurant owner Anthony Herring. He operates two other venues of the same name in the Old Dominion. Did a friend forward you this email? Subscribe here. Craving more? Check out all of the Post and Courier's newsletters here. Get the SC business stories that matter. Our newsletter catches you up with all the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina every Monday and Thursday at noon. Get ahead with us - it's free. COLUMBIA South Carolina's former director of Juvenile Justice who resigned amid legislators' continued calls for his ousting, has been hired by the state's top law enforcement agency to investigate crimes. Freddie Pough will rejoin the State Law Enforcement Division on Nov. 2 as a senior special agent for investigations, SLED spokesman Tommy Crosby confirmed. Pough resigned from DJJ on Sept. 20 following months of criticism and protests from employees who said they had to work shifts of 24 hours or longer and feared for their safety. The state Senate took a rare "no confidence" vote of Pough in June in an effort to pressure his boss, Gov. Henry McMaster, to fire him. McMaster repeatedly declined to do so, saying Pough had a tough job. The governor insists he never asked Pough to resign. The governor's spokesman made clear Oct. 22 that McMaster supports Pough's new role in another Cabinet agency. "The governor wishes him the best," said spokesman Brian Symmes. "He's an exceptional law enforcement officer and the governor thinks he'll do well there." Pough worked for SLED for 8 years before joining Juvenile Justice in 2016 as the agency's inspector general. When he left, he was a lieutenant for investigations in the Midlands region, according to SLED. McMaster appointed Pough as acting director of DJJ in January 2017 and later nominated him for the permanent role. The Senate confirmed him in 2018. While McMaster appointed a replacement for Pough on Sept. 21, the former director officially did not leave the agency until last week. It is unclear what Pough's salary will be in his new role. That information won't be released until his job starts Nov. 2, Crosby said. Pough was making nearly $149,000 as director of DJJ. His temporary replacement, Eden Hendrick, told a Senate panel earlier this week the agency needs a complete overhaul, and while the problems have gotten worse in the last four years, they go back much further. Brandon Alter covers the town of Kingstree and Williamsburg County for The Kingstree News. He is from the suburbs of Washington, D.C. He graduated from the University of South Carolina's school of Journalism and Mass Communications in May 2021. MOUNT PLEASANT In the affluent suburb that's become South Carolina's fourth-largest city, all three candidates in the nonpartisan mayoral election are conservatives. Protecting the town's quality of life in the face of rapid development and dealing with the traffic are once again key issues. Taxes and crime are low in Mount Pleasant, and no candidate is proposing the town should spend money to address the lack of housing middle-class people can afford. Mayor Will Haynie is running for a second four-year term challenged by Councilwoman Kathy Landing and by Brandon Armstrong, who runs a painting company. Haynie has a background in conservative Republican politics, having been a talk-show host and spokesman for a GOP congressman. Landing ran for Congress in 2020, billing herself as a conservative Republican who could "help President Trump restore stability in Congress," before losing the GOP primary to Nancy Mace. Armstrong identifies herself as a Constitution Party candidate who is "a female version of Donald Trump, without the tweets and the money." Armstrong in 2014 filed to run against Republican U.S. Sen. Tim Scott as an independent, but did not make it onto the ballot after falling short of the signatures needed. With no left-of-center candidates in the contest, and few well-defined issues motivating Mount Pleasant residents in this election, voters on Nov. 2 will choose one of the three in a contest that's partly a referendum on Haynie's track record. Haynie, 60, is a marketing and public relations consultant, and a former leader of Lowcountry Open Land Trust and the S.C. Maritime Foundation. He moved to Mount Pleasant in 2010 returning to the town where he lived for three years as a child in the 1960s and was elected to Town Council in 2015. He then ran for mayor, winning the 2017 election by a 2-to-1 margin over incumbent Linda Page. Haynie said he's been doing what he was elected to do, slowing the town's pace of residential development through the Town Council's approval of building permit limits, a freeze on apartment and condo construction, zoning restrictions, building height limits and related measures. The town's population growth rate was the most rapid of any large city east of the Mississippi River the year Haynie ran for council. "These aren't things I decreed, but things I led on," said Haynie. "My whole six years in elective office has been focused on serving Mount Pleasant." Landing, 58, is a certified financial planner and senior vice president of investments at Raymond James and Associates. Orphaned at age 13, she graduated Duke University at age 20, married a Navy officer and moved to the Charleston area. She won a four-year term on Town Council in the 2017 election. Landing wants to focus on business development, arguing that more high-paying jobs and more services in Mount Pleasant would reduce commuter traffic and support the town financially. She charges that Haynie's leadership has been divisive, even bullying, and focused on the needs of the southern part of the town. The behavior of hurting other people instead of trying to solve problems on a regular basis was very hard for me to live with," Landing said, explaining why she decided to run against Haynie. I felt that we could move so much more forward, as a town, with a positive direction." Armstrong, 62, has done limited campaigning on a $1,500 budget, while refusing donations. She runs a house-painting and restoration company and, according to her website, has a degree as a legal secretary. At an East Cooper GOP forum, she waved a copy of the Constitution and said "illegals" taking American jobs is a top issue. The mayor in Mount Pleasant doesn't wield executive power, like the mayors of Charleston and North Charleston do. Rather, Mount Pleasant's mayor functions as a ninth member of Town Council, with extra duties and extra pay, while the town's appointed administrator runs the town's operations at council's direction. Landing and Haynie say they don't want Mount Pleasant's taxes to rise, but both have supported some tax and fee increases approved during the past four years when Haynie was mayor and Landing was on Town Council. Just last year, the town increased its property tax, raised its residential stormwater fee and raised the impact fee on new homes by hundreds of dollars to fund recreation projects. Landing casting the lone "no" vote on raising the already-high impact fee, but has said she would consider raising user fees for recreation programs as an alternative to taxpayer subsidies. In a campaign video, Haynie states: "We lowered our property tax rate from 41 to 39 mills" which is technically true, but misleading. That rate change was actually a tax increase, because the 2020 countywide reassessment year increased the property values the town can tax, but the town only partially rolled back its tax rate to compensate, in order to raise more revenue. In a contest where all candidates say they want to protect Mount Pleasant's quality of life, one issue where there's a clear difference between Haynie and Landing is the hefty impact fees the town extracts from new businesses, primarily to pay for their impact on traffic. When the impact fees were quadrupled in 2017, Haynie argued they should be even higher and hasn't backed away from that position. Our taxpayers dont want to subsidize the impacts of development," Haynie said at a September East Cooper Democrats forum with Landing. Weve got to protect those impact fees. New businesses with lots of traffic, such as restaurants, are particularly hard hit by the impact fee. A new 7,500-square-foot restaurant would pay more than $200,000 in impact fees. A majority of Town Council decided that residential and commercial growth had not been paying enough toward the costs they drive such as road improvements. Landing said the increase in the traffic impact fee on businesses went too far. She said lowering that fee for new businesses would mean the creation of more businesses which pay yearly license fees to the town based on revenue. License fees would help pay for needed improvements and more jobs and services in town would reduce commuting and shopping traffic, Landing said. Haynie and Landing sometimes disagreed about the best ways for the town to handle the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In late March, 2020, when the south end of Mount Pleasant had the second-highest number of cases of any ZIP code in the state, Haynie supported asking Gov. Henry McMaster to impose a statewide stay-at-home order. Landing joined the majority on council that voted down that resolution 5-4. I and my fellow council members were smeared on social media, by our mayor, as siding with conspiracy theorists," said Landing, while announcing her run for mayor. She has since accused Haynie of publicly criticizing most members of council, saying, "That's not leadership; that's bullying." Haynie said his candidacy has received bipartisan support and support from different groups, and that shows he is bringing people together rather than dividing them. When it came to the pandemic, he said he followed the science and advice from medical professionals to protect the community. "This was a life-or-death issue," said Haynie. Landing said she's not anti-mask or anti-vaccine, but opposes mandates and didn't want to see the town adopt rules like Charleston's that carried the threat of fines and potential jail time. The town adopted a limited mask mandate, but didn't fine anyone for violating it. Armstrong doesn't believe the government should be encouraging people to get vaccinated, and claimed at the Oct. 18 forum that coroners who are Democrats are falsely labeling deaths as COVID-19 related "even if it was a motorcycle accident." Campaign finance reports filed 15 days before the Nov. 2 election show that Haynie received $86,242 in contributions since July 1, while Landing received $28,130 and loaned her campaign $15,000. Armstrong reported no contributions. For the entire election cycle, Landing had spent $59,871 campaigning, while Haynie spent $87,449 and Armstrong spent $1,542. The mayor of Mount Pleasant is paid $42,000 yearly, plus benefits. One issue that was highlighted at the last Town Council meeting before the election was that, in recent months, Haynie and Landing took opposite positions on a $6.5 million town purchase of 33 acres of undeveloped land in the Carolina Park subdivision, using federal COVID relief funds. Landing and the majority of council supported the purchase, saying it gives the town land at a good price in an area that needs more services, such as a second senior center or an arts center. Haynie opposed the deal, saying there's no specific plan for the property, and no funding set aside to build new town facilities there. Opponents of the land purchase, including Haynie, sought to scrap the contract at the Oct. 12 council meeting, but were out-voted. Landing called the move a political stunt, and Councilman Tom O'Rourke walked out of what would be his last council meeting in an apparent protest. The North Augusta Department of Public Safety is giving members of the community the opportunity to voice their thoughts by conducting two separate forums next week. "We want input from the community on (public safety's) strengths and weaknesses and to hear ways to potentially better serve the public in general," according to a social media post by NADPS. The first forum will be a call-in session from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday. To participate, call 803-441-4277. The second session will be held in-person from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday in the council chambers at the North Augusta Municipal Center, 100 Georgia Ave. For more information, visit North Augusta Public Safety on Facebook. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. The U.S. Senate reminded us again this week how simple voting issues are for partisans: If youre a Democrat, any restrictions are an un-American effort at voter suppression. If youre a Republican, anything that makes voting easier is an un-American invitation to fraud. The proposed Freedom to Vote Act would make sweeping changes to U.S. election law, campaign finance law and redistricting law, all devils-in-the-details topics, and the bill includes some elements for any reasonable person to love and also to hate. After Democrats failed to break a GOP filibuster on Wednesday, the president declared the legislation essential to protect the sacred constitutional right to vote. And Republicans denounced it as a partisan power grab and dubbed it the Freedom to Cheat Act. While some Republican efforts in state legislatures would in fact reduce the risk of fraud and some provisions of Freedom to Vote would in fact protect voting rights, this whole debate is first and foremost about party power on both sides. As one congressional reporter explained about another Democratic effort to pass federal legislation in June: This is an existential issue for both parties. Republicans feel that almost anything that increases voter access is bad for them. Democrats think anything that restricts voter access is bad for them. You dont have to be a political scientist to recognize whats missing from both calculations: anything that has anything to do with whats good for America, or that protects and advances the democratic principles on which our republic is built. Or that reflects the nuanced reality of the congressional and state voting measures. There are few topics about which partisans are completely right or completely wrong except their belief that the world is black and white, which is demonstrably and dangerously wrong. On most issues taxes, education, the environment and yes, election laws Republicans have good and bad ideas, and Democrats have good and bad ideas. Im not taking sides on the Freedom to Vote Act. My interest is in the politics that have driven debate over recent voting law changes, because that debate will return to Columbia in January, and we by which I mean all of us, and especially our legislators need to be thinking about it the right way well before that happens. Lets start with a couple of simple ideas: Losing an election doesnt mean it was stolen, particularly when the evidence of fraud is ridiculous; it probably means as it did for Donald Trump that you lost. The fact that election procedures were changed to reduce dangerous crowds in the middle of a pandemic doesnt mean anyone should have the right to those accommodations in perpetuity; it also doesnt mean that were disenfranchising people if we take them away. Who, for instance, would have imagined drive-thru voting, or 24-hour voting, before last year? Yet many Democrats were outraged when the Texas legislature voted this summer to ban those practices. And yes, I know there were real problems with the Texas voting bill the clearest one, best as I can tell, being how it criminalizes simple mistakes but many advocates complained that measures to restrict voting to only 16 hours a day and require people to either mail in their ballot or walk inside a polling place amounted to a return to Jim Crow. Try to say that out loud with a straight face. I think South Carolina ought to let everybody vote absentee, like our Legislature did last year, rather than restricting that right to senior citizens and people who can demonstrate they can't get to the polls. But outside a pandemic, the failure to allow that doesnt take away anyone's voting rights; it simply squanders taxpayers money by forcing the state to buy more voting machines and pay more poll workers and rent more polling places to accommodate more voters on Election Day. I think its a bad idea to mail out ballots to people who dont request them, because I dont want people voting if they arent engaged enough to bother to ask for a ballot. But with reasonable protections, thats no more susceptible to fraud than the absentee procedures that S.C. Republicans have used to their advantage for decades. I also think it makes sense to let people deposit their ballots in secure boxes at designated government buildings, but youre not anti-American just because you disagree. Nor are you anti-American just because you oppose my idea of borrowing a modified page from the Texas law and requiring mail-in ballots to include the last four digits of the voters Social Security number; that would add a level of security and also protect against arbitrary determinations that signatures dont match. One last topic in the lead-up to our state's debates: News coverage routinely describes this years raft of state GOP voting bills as making it harder to vote and easier for Republicans to interfere with the administration of elections. Clearly, some bills do invite partisan interference, and I feel certain thats the motivation behind some S.C. Republicans support for efforts to give the State Election Commission more control over county election offices. I feel equally certain that some Democrats oppose those efforts because they want local officials in Democratic counties to do things state law doesnt clearly allow. But the reality is that the election commission in one of South Carolinas most populous counties has been plagued for years by gross incompetence. The reality too is that letting small groups of legislators control how voting is managed in their county is just inviting partisan interference, by whichever party controls that county. Changing that system is necessary and overdue. We get it: S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster doesnt want the federal government telling anybody to get vaccinated. Gates of hell and all that. Were not sure were comfortable with a federal mandate either, although we do encourage all employers to require their employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine. When the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced on Tuesday it was stripping South Carolina, Arizona and Utah of their authority to enforce OSHA rules, Mr. McMaster vowed another fight, warning that With no state regulators in the way, the federal Labor Department will be free to penalize employers who do not comply with President Bidens unconstitutional vaccine mandate. But the governors latest tirade has less to do with President Joe Bidens promised mandate (which might or might not turn out to be unconstitutional) than his own administrations refusal to fulfill its obligations under federal law and enforce basic workplace safety rules. If the federal government is in fact trying to launch a preemptive strike against South Carolina, its Mr. McMaster whos supplying the ammunition. Although the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration writes workplace safety rules, South Carolina and 21 other states enforce those rules themselves, which allows them to work more cooperatively with businesses. When OSHA updates its rules, the state must either adopt those new rules or write its own that are at least as effective. In other words, South Carolina asked for and received authority to enforce federal workplace safety rules, and agreed in return to enforce all the rules, not just the ones it likes. In June, OSHA released its long-awaited COVID-19 rules, which to the dismay of many people applied only to hospitals, nursing homes and other health care employers. The rules require COVID-19 screening, masks, social distancing and paid time off when employees get vaccinated or have to quarantine. OSHA alerted the 22 states that enforce the rules that they had to add these or similar provisions to their own rules, and 19 states did. South Carolina did not. Were sure that mask mandate was one of the hang-ups, although probably not the only one. Most hospitals and doctors offices have aggressively guarded their employees health throughout the pandemic, and some nursing homes and other health facilities have as well. Others have not. South Carolinas inaction means that since June, nurses, doctors and other health care workers in our state have had less protection against workplace infection than their counterparts in 47 other states. You can add that to all the other reasons South Carolina has seen some of the nation's worst hospitalization and death rates. Although OSHA rules are designed to protect workers, South Carolina's inaction also means that patients in those facilities have had less protection against contracting COVID from a health care worker. And yes, that really happens. Recall that one of the first things Mr. McMaster did when COVID came to South Carolina was to lock patients inside nursing homes and keep their friends and family out. That made sense but for the fact that some nursing homes did little if anything to ensure that staff didnt deliver the deadly virus to our states most vulnerable citizens. We know the tragic results of that. South Carolinas labor agency released a vague statement in late June announcing that it plans to adopt a standard that will address all infectious diseases in the workplace, including COVID-19, as an alternative to Federal OSHAs COVID standard. But Assistant U.S. Labor Secretary James Frederick noted in a letter to state Labor, Licensing and Regulation Director Emily Farr that South Carolina waited until three days after the deadline to notify OSHA of that intention, and three months later, OSHA has no knowledge of what this future permanent standard will cover. Most worrisome: Rather than explaining why South Carolina is taking so long to adopt its own rules, and what they will cover, Mr. McMaster tried to change the subject. And Ms. Farr, in a statement to Columbias State newspaper, pointed to South Carolinas 2019 workplace safety statistics as if they have anything to do with protection against COVID. Mr. McMaster promised on Tuesday to protect South Carolina employers by instructing Ms. Farr to begin immediate preparations for a vigorous and lengthy legal fight. That wont solve anything. Instead of running to court, the governor should protect South Carolina employees, and their employers, by instructing Ms. Farr to stop giving federal regulators a reason to take over our states enforcement and instead do her job which at this point has nothing to do with requiring anyone to get a vaccine. A single sheet of paper contains four typed statements each signed by a different employee detailing concerns about how Frank Dorn managed workers and handled animals at the state's fledgling governor's school. But the page lacks context. It doesn't explain who solicited these statements, why they were taken, whether the South Carolina Governor's School for Agriculture at John de la Howe sought Dorn's account of what happened or why they were placed in his personnel file. They aren't connected to any documented disciplinary action, which is the gold standard for when allegations make their way into such files for state employees. What is clear from documents received from an open records request is that Dorn was moved from his post as director of agriculture earlier this year and made assistant director of facilities. This page is not the only oddity in the file, which was released to the Index-Journal of Greenwood under a public records request. It also contained an unsigned 90-day corrective plan sent to human resources 47 days after enactment and an email expressing concerns that was printed months after it was written, but was then signed and dated for before the message was even sent. In a review of these documents, the Index-Journal discovered instances when the school did not follow human resources guidelines detailed in its employee handbook and on the state Department of Administration's website. It's the latest finding of Uncovered, an investigative project led by The Post and Courier to ferret out questionable behavior among elected officials and public employees across South Carolina. The Index-Journal is one of 17 newspapers partnering with Charleston publication for the project. In April, The Post and Courier revealed numerous cases of questionable spending and ethical practices, especially payments to contractors from Edgefield. The following month, the Index-Journal exposed how school leaders funneled hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to their contractors of choice. These stories led to reports from the state Office of Inspector General and Division of Procurement Services that detail a laundry list of violations. Dorn is now suing the school. In a civil action filed Oct. 8 against the school, President Tim Keown and teacher Elizabeth "Libby" Templeton, Dorn alleges Keown defamed him, and that Keown and Templeton conspired to wreck his credibility. Dorn, Keown and the school declined to comment on the lawsuit. Templeton did not respond to a request for comment. Responding to a public records request, John de la Howe also gave Index-Journal a letter from the State Inspector General detailing an investigation into Templeton that cleared her of wrongdoing in purchasing allegations that Dorn mentioned in his lawsuit. No past complaints Dorn started at John de la Howe in 2015 as a temporary worker before becoming a farm assistant, listing retired Edgefield County superintendent Sharon Wall among his references on his application for employment. Then a crumbling boarding school for troubled youth that was at risk of closure, Dorn was a key player in finding John de la Howe's new direction as a school for agriculture. And after Wall became the school's interim leader in 2018, the third person to helm the school since Dorn's hiring, he was elevated to director of agricultural operations. Before Keown became the school's president, Dorns personnel file shows no disciplinary action or documented complaints. A single memo details friction between Dorn's department and another, with the document placing blame on the other department for "relaying misinformation." Recorded on John de la Howe School letterhead, the memo documents a meeting on Sept. 18, 2017 that included Dorn, the other department head, a mediator and two witnesses. It was written that day and it lays out a four-point plan for cooperation between the departments. Wall filed an employee evaluation in June 2020, her last month as interim president. Dorn was "exceptional" in nearly every category, and Wall noted that Dorn "has been one of the main components to the revitalization of JDLH." She did list in the evaluation one point she hoped Dorn would address: "Work on not taking things so personally 'wearing your feelings on your sleeve.' We are all in this together!" What about his emails? Three emails Keown sent to Dorn on Feb. 26, 2020 are at the center of his lawsuit, and all are in his personnel file. There is no explanation of who placed them in the file or why, but all bear Dorn's signature. The first email from Keown, sent at 9:42 a.m. to Dorn and six others, went after Dorn's department for not taking care of fallen leaves or weeds in the sidewalk. "The campus looks the worst since I've been here in July," he wrote in the email. "I was truly embarrassed by the comments from parents and board members last Friday. At our next interview day of March 7, if the grounds look in the same poor condition as last Friday, we will need a serious discussion and implement an improvement plan for the grounds employees. I will not be embarrassed/ashamed again." While the school had announced in December 2019 that Keown would be the next president, he was still director of the education center and months away from assuming the school's top role when he sent the emails. In an email sent 13 minutes later to Dorn and Wall, Keown wrote: "I'm sending this to both of you to note that Frank invites himself to meetings that do no pertain to him. Frank, do not attend another meeting that I call that you are not invited to. Some meetings might be called to discuss personal matters that Frank does not need to be privy to. I'm not the only one that Frank does this to. It needs to stop now. Focus on the farm and grounds (your lane), not everyone else's business." The third email, timestamped 2:27 p.m., lays into Dorn, noting that he's "confronting all of these issues now before July" when Keown becomes school president: "I have been told by multiple sources that you have went behind my back to co-workers and JDLH board members, calling me lazy, a drunk, telling untruths about my tailgate at Clemson (might better mind your own tailgate), other personal things that you have no clue about in my life. I've been told by the source themselves that you said those things about me. So, careful who you downgrade me to, I might just know them. My best advice to you is, keep your front porch swept, I'll keep mine swept. Tend to the skeletons in your own closet before telling blatant lies about me. Make sure we are clear about that." In the email, Keown blames Dorn for problems recruiting in Edgefield and Saluda counties, accuses him of being focused on other departments instead of his own, warns him that agriculture teachers will soon be calling the shots about farm operations and accuses Dorn of saying negative things about him and Principal Greg Thompson. "If one of your direct employees tells me something about you in confidence," he wrote, "I will handle it through the HR process. No employee here should feel frightened to speak to me or Greg. Nor should they be intimidated by Frank Dorn." Dorn's complaint singled out this email as "vitriolic." If Wall agreed with Keown, she did not mention it in Dorn's review. And if she deemed the emails inappropriate, there is no indication of it in Keown's personnel file. 90-day plan In a document titled "Employee Improvement Plan for Frank Dorn," Keown lays out a number of allegations he's heard about Dorn: The ag director used a pocket knife to prod cattle at the Saluda Auction barn, and he whipped hogs too hard, leaving bruises; Dorn shouts and curses at his employees; he takes over or crashes meetings and doesn't give agriculture teachers enough say in the farm. It doesn't say who reported these allegations, how they were investigated or whether Dorn offered a different account. The 90-day improvement plan also misses key components described in state human resources guidelines, including how Dorn should correct some of the problems raised or what happens to him should he not. The document says the allegations and plan were discussed in a two-hour meeting on Feb. 3. The complaint in Dorns lawsuit calls the claims discussed at the meeting "false and exaggerated" and alleges many originated from Templeton. The plan itself is undated, but it would have been written sometime between the meeting on Feb. 3 and Keown emailing it to human resources 47 days later on March 22 the day Dorn says he was moved to a different position. Neither Dorn nor Keown signed the document. Both should have signed, according to the school's Employee Handbook and HR guidance from the state. Dorn's complaint alleges he has not seen the plan. It says Dorn filed a letter to his personnel file challenging the allegations. One scanned image in the personnel file shows a sealed envelope dated Feb. 5 in the file with Dorn's signature over the flap. It appears to remain unopened. Employee complaints Two pages in Dorn's personnel file document concerns from employees. One seems to document something that happened on March 19. Dorn said in his complaint that he "disciplined his staff for not working" and reported what happened to Keown. According to the page in Dorns personnel file, his employees said he blasted three of them because they were all working on one job and used threatening language toward them. Beyond that occurrence, the workers described Dorn as being ill-tempered, too rough with animals and difficult to work for. A statement attributed to one employee said Dorn "is not well planned and stresses everyone out." Typed statements from each of his four workers appear together on a single page, with each signing next to their statement. There is no documentation about why the statements were gathered or who gathered them. Complaints typically only end up in personnel files when an agency verifies allegations and takes disciplinary action against an employee. If Dorn was disciplined, there is no documentation of it in the personnel file. The employee handbook requires documentation of even verbal warnings, with the employee and supervisor both signing to acknowledge it happened. It also gives employees the right to make an additional response to such matters. No such response appears in the file. Separately, an email from one of Dorns workers reports that Dorn had problems keeping his anger in check. Part of the email, including the date, is cut off from the printout, but it references the day it was sent as "July 31." After it was printed on April 1, it was signed by the employee and dated July 15, 2020 or 260 days before it was printed. This, too, was not connected to any documentation of an investigation or disciplinary action. There is no indication anyone got Dorn's account or spoke to him about it. It is unclear why it was included. The Index-Journal noted some of the issues in the personnel file to John de la Howe in an email. The school did not respond. The newspaper also sought comment from Dorn about the litigation and the complaints from employees in his personnel file. In an emailed response, he declined to comment on the lawsuit. "But if my file has complaints, they are ones that I have never seen," he wrote. "I signed all the paperwork in my file on March 22nd and they were not in there then. My understanding is that any formal complaints have to be shared with the employee and signed for acknowledgement of receiving." Neither page documenting employee complaints contains Dorn's signature. Change in position Dorn was told March 22 that his workers were afraid of him and he was being removed from his position, according to the complaint in his lawsuit. That meeting was not recorded in his personnel file. Emails released under an earlier public records request verify that Facilities Director Ken Durham began supervising Dorn in late March and that his responsibilities had changed. Documents in the personnel file, however, indicate the change wasn't formalized until later. It wasn't until April 17 that Durham became Dorn's supervisor, with approval for the change in title to assistant director of facilities coming two months later, according to that documentation. And the school pointed to a reorganization, not disciplinary action, as the reason for Dorn's reassignment. Dorn's salary, currently $62,102, did not change. State HR regulations and the agency's employee handbook both say if an employee's pay doesn't change, the move isn't a demotion and can't be challenged through the grievance process. Purchasing probe Along with personnel files requested months earlier, John de la Howe also released a letter from State Inspector General Brian Lamkin with the results of an investigation by his office that cleared Templeton of allegations of wrongdoing surrounding purchases from a company where her husband worked. Those allegations were mentioned in Dorns complaint. Unlike past Freedom of Information Act requests from the Index-Journal, which often have taken every moment allowed by law or more, the school released the letter detailing this investigation just one day after the newspaper requested it. The investigation began in response to an anonymous complaint made April 28 days after The Post and Courier published its first findings about the school. The situation started in July 2020 when Templeton's husband, Wayne, sent her a quote of $42,292.80 for various agriculture-related items from Crouch Hardware and Farm Supply in Saluda, which is nearly an hour's drive from John de la Howe and had not previously done business with the governor's school. That purchase did not move forward, but Templeton and two other employees made $24,712.56 in purchases across three orders from the store shortly after. The orders were dated Aug. 20, Aug. 27 and Oct. 1, all in 2020. Lamkin's office reviewed purchases and found that while two of the purchases contained some of the items from the initial quote, a number of the items were different and the third order contained none of the items. Lamkin concluded in his letter these purchases likely weren't structured to avoid bid requirements. Lamkin said his office also looked into whether involvement of Libby and Wayne Templeton in some of the purchases was unethical. Because Wayne Templeton was an hourly employee who did not receive a commission and was only tangentially involved in the process, Lamkin wrote in his letter that the situation did not violate ethics laws governing conflicts of interest. In response to an emailed request for comment, Dorn wrote: "As far as the SIG report I do feel that they were never given the whole story. As we have already seen, dividing purchases to fall under certain levels is illegal." Nothing of note Durham, who listed among his job references state Sen. Shane Massey of Edgefield and state Rep. Bill Clyburn of Aiken, has only one performance-related document in his personnel file: a glowing review from Wall. She rated his performance as "exceptional" in task after task in a review dated May 6, 2020, writing that "Ken has been a savior to the physical needs of the JDLH campus." Durham's department was at the center of a procurement audit that determined de la Howe violated purchasing law for $1.5 million in contracts, in part to circumvent the school's spending authority and to award work to preferred vendors. On Sept., Durham told the agency's board, "Did I make a mistake? Hell yes." None of this was noted in his personnel file. There was also no documentation of concerns that at least two lawmakers shared with Keown about how Durham managed his department. The file also had no reference to the tensions within the department that The Post and Courier documented earlier this year. Scott Mims, Durham's No. 2 in facilities, was also heavily involved in procurement for the department. There were also concerns raised, both in reporting for Uncovered and in an inspector general report, about his relationship with a contractor who was awarded $70,000 in work. None of this is noted in Mims file. He does, however, have a positive performance review from Wall. The Index-Journal noted these omissions to Keown and offered him a chance to explain. He did not respond to that email, but did reply to a request for comment about the lawsuits. "As you know, I cant comment on the current litigation," he wrote. "My main focus every day are our amazing students. Every decision I make could/will eventually affect our student body. That is a task I do not take lightly. I will always make decisions with the mindset of: 'will this decision positively or negatively affect our students?' "I pray daily that our students are not ever negatively affected by adult decisions. I refuse to allow negativity to be to be cultivated here. Our campus is full of excitement and positivity." Contact Index-Journal Managing Editor Matthew Hensley at 864-943-2529 or on Twitter @IJMattHensley. EDITORS NOTE: This story was produced in collaboration with The Sumter Item, an Uncovered partner. SUMMERTON The sludge grew inch by inch with each passing year inside the water tank that fed a nearby housing complex. The blanket of grime was at least a foot deep in some places, and turned the tanks white interior black and brown. Apparently no one noticed it. Not the town of Summerton and the company it hired to operate the water system. Not the company employee who also happened to work as a county water official. Not the state health department, which did not look inside the tank during regular visits. The revelation only came after residents complained about their water quality. Summerton hired a new water operator this year who found the tank hadnt been cleaned in more than a decade. He had it inspected. The mucky buildup found inside is a striking example of the disarray the town of Summertons water systems were in. Earlier this year, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control found broken equipment, concerning test results and records that were allegedly falsified. DHEC ordered fixes, and the town became the subject of state and federal investigations. The episode also shows a gap in how drinking water is protected in South Carolina and across the country, an investigation by The Post and Courier and The Sumter Item found. The state and federal governments dont require the inside of water tanks to be inspected, instead only recommending it. That leaves it up to local officials to carry out inspections. If they dont, layers of sediment that sometimes harbor harmful bacteria can go undetected. The newspapers reported in June that a member of Town Council was employed by Blackman Laboratory, the company hired to operate Summertons water systems. Although he was checking on some of the towns systems, the councilman apparently did not warn Summerton officials that they needed major repairs. The town also did not appear to have a written contract with the company until this year. That has created confusion to this day about who should have been doing what, especially with the dirty water tank. The newspapers' collaboration is part of Uncovered, an initiative by The Post and Courier to team up with community news outlets across the state. The goal is to explore voids in oversight and questionable conduct in areas with few watchdogs. So far, the effort has found officials disregarding state laws and engaging in nepotism, conflicts of interest and excessive spending. Even as Summerton works to fix the mess, residents who drank water from the dirty tank have struggled to shake the distrust it bred. After all, state regulators and the town missed the blanket of muck at the bottom of the tank. Somebody failed along the way, or the system failed them, said Beth Gladden, who lives in the condominium complex the tank feeds. I dont know which. At the waters edge The row of three-story buildings that make up the North Shore Villas complex sit near where Interstate 95 crosses Lake Marion. Each home is just a few hundred feet from the lake. Beth and Bubba Gladden moved to the community last year. The couple had hoped to spend their retirement years taking in views of the water from deck chairs and entertaining grandchildren. Their new home was a little over an hours drive northwest of Charleston, far away from the headaches of traffic backups along Highway 17 near where they lived in Mount Pleasant. We thought wed died and gone to heaven, Bubba, 71, said in an interview. But then they noticed issues with their water. It was discolored when it flowed from faucets and filled up their toilets. Shower curtains turned brown. A conversation over drinks with some of their new neighbors told them they werent alone. John Peace, 59, had moved to the complex in September 2019. He found sediment in toilets and sinks, and he noticed white clothes came out beige after they went through his washing machine. So Peace stopped drinking the water and giving it to his dogs. He stocked up on bottled water, storing stacks of 5-gallon jugs in a nearby shed. The Gladdens grew concerned, too. They worried their grandchildren might accidentally drink the water when they bathed. They installed a filtration system and talked to more neighbors. The minute that we learned it was not just us that this is a facilitywide issue, a communitywide issue we started knocking on doors and asking questions, Beth, 65, said. They werent alone. On Goat Island, a section of development along a creek that feeds into the lake, residents on another Summerton-owned system noticed strange health issues and sediment in their water. Eventually, the town hired a new water operator, Jay Kates, to investigate its systems. He documented a troubling comment from North Shores property manager: Out of 72 water customers there, 70 had complaints. Later, the state health department noted violations across six town water systems and mandated changes. At North Shore, that included inspecting the systems 132,000-gallon tank. Looking inside When Kates took over North Shores system, he quickly suspected that residents complaints of discolored water meant there was a problem in the storage tank. The complexs water had lots of iron, which caused a problem hed seen before. Treating iron-heavy water with chlorine causes a reaction that produces a rusty sediment. When the treated water comes to rest in a tank, layers of muck settle on the bottom. A blanket of sediment can make the water treatment process less effective and foster bacteria. Experienced water system operators know that when lots of iron is present in water, tanks need to be cleaned regularly, Kates said. So when a tank inspector opened a hatch on the roof and peered in, the scene inside was predictable. I cant see the bottom, the inspector called down. Inside, at least a foot of sludge had accumulated, Kates said. When the tank was finally cleaned with a pressure washer in August, a steady flow of water the color of chocolate milk streamed out. The floor of the tank turned white again. And the volume of complaints began to fall, Kates said. When Peace saw videos of the tank being cleaned of the grime rolling off its walls he felt nauseated, he said. The water he cooked with, brushed his teeth with and gave to his dogs used to pass through there. The cleaning was the tanks first in at least 12 years, according to a report by Kates. The town also failed to produce any records of past inspections when DHEC asked for them; Kates said he hasnt found any documentation either. In hindsight, the lack of cleaning is not altogether surprising. Neither the town nor Blackman Laboratory, the company it hired, was required to check inside the tank or clean it out. DHEC requires that tanks be inspected from the outside once a year. The agency also recommends that the interiors be inspected and cleaned every three to five years, which is in line with what the water industrys top trade group suggests. But that isnt a requirement. At North Shore, that recommendation was not followed. Don Johnson, who co-founded Blackman Laboratory, did not respond to emails requesting comment. Larry McDowell operated the system for years as a Blackman Laboratory employee. He also worked as Clarendon Countys director of water and sewer. In an interview, he said he remembered it was the towns job to have the tank cleaned. But William Brailsford, the towns former longtime public works director, said that isnt his understanding. Still, DHEC signed off on the North Shore tank on at least five occasions since 2013, records show. DHEC inspectors are not required to look inside tanks, in part because climbing on top of them poses a safety concern. An agency spokeswoman said DHEC uses water testing to identify health risks. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency only requires states to include storage tanks in their drinking water inspections. It doesnt tell them how thoroughly to investigate. And while some states do look inside tanks, they are in the minority, according to the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators. Colorado is one of them. It made changes after an estimated 1,300 people in a small city got sick with salmonella in 2008. Investigators connected the outbreak to a water tank that hadnt been thoroughly inspected. The state suspected the bacteria could have hidden in a thick layer of sediment. It now requires regular inspections inside and out. The EPA acknowledges that sediment could be a problem nationwide. A document it published this year said that without thorough inspections, contamination in storage tanks could go undetected. It cited links between gunk in tanks and the bacteria that causes Legionnaires disease. It is considering rule changes, but wont make a decision for a few years. Kates said the buildup of slime in North Shores tank speaks to a failure to set better expectations for drinking water systems and the people who run them. If DHEC doesnt enforce best practices and towns dont write contracts requiring inspections, he doesnt expect water operators to push for them either. Yet Kates is stepping into the void of responsibility. He cites a duty to do so: Water operators in South Carolina are licensed by the state, and they agree to follow an ethical code to protect the safety, health and welfare of the public. The Uncovered investigation so far Cost of this installment: $2,785 Cost of Uncovered to date: $133,841 Document pages reviewed for this story: 830 Record pages examined to date: 39,932 With the tank now clean, Kates plans to have it washed out at least every three years. Even so, undoing the damage to residents trust will be a tougher task: Some said they are still wary of the water that comes from their taps. Regardless, Kates said, someone will be looking inside their tank from now on. I will vote for keeping most of them in elected office I will vote to replace most of them I will vote to replace some of them I will vote for just a few, if any I will not vote Vote View Results President Bidens CNN town hall with Anderson Cooper in Baltimore this past Thursday night should be a source of disquiet and consternation to anyone who cares about the United States. Fielding what must have been screened questions submitted by a friendly invitation-only audience, Biden required a number of clean-ups in aisle 46 back in the White House. Dominic Green touches on a few particulars in the Spectator column Biden builds back in the USSR (my favorite: he couldnt remember Kyrsten Sinemas name). Gordon Chang focuses on China in Joe Bidens Taiwan Policy Is Now A Total Disaster (If there is anything unclear, it is the situation after the clarifications from Biden administration officials: Press Secretary Jen Psaki, State Department spokesperson Ned Price, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. All of them walked back Bidens statement to CNN). There is a lot of anxiety people have, Biden acknowledged, though he fails to account for his contribution to the concerns abroad in the land. He urged us to seek professional help, but the anxiety to which he gives rise is well-founded. It is a function of the reality principle. Bidens surrender of Afghanistan to the Taliban will haunt us down our days. He has essentially erased our southern border. He has falsely disparaged law enforcement authorities working the border in Texas. He has done what he could to limit energy production. Economic trends are unfavorable. It took Jimmy Carter four years to fail in this fashion, but he had some constructive policies such as airline deregulation to his credit. The White House has posted a transcript of the CNN production here. I want to highlight two video clips from the event. In the video below Biden addresses the rising cost of gasoline on his watch. Bidens response is a bad joke. The New York Post pulls the relevant quotes with a few responses here. Take this to your therapist, if you can afford one: The answer ultimately is, ultimately meaning the next three or four years, is investing in renewable energy, insisted Biden, who also touted the Big Three US automakers August announcement that electric vehicles will make up between 40 and 50 percent of their sales by 2030. So what will happen is, youre going to see a dramatic drop, a dramatic drop, in whats gonna happen in terms of gas prices as we go into the next two or three years, the president promised. But in the meantime, Biden acknowledged, its gonna be hard. Its gonna be hard. Theres a possibility to be able to bring it down. It depends on a little bit on Saudi Arabia and a few other things that are in the offing. Jimmy Carter, call your old White House office. While Biden attacks American energy, Joe Biden blames OPEC, no supply for skyrocketing gas prices. pic.twitter.com/cjszbzMs4m RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 22, 2021 In the clip below Biden supports the regime of compulsory vaccination. His spirit permeates the public policy of the administration. This says it all. No comment necessary. Fifteen years ago (or so), I dubbed Lindsey Graham the Arlen Specter of the South. Graham wasnt then, and isnt now, as bad as Specter in terms of giving aid and comfort to the left. But Graham represents South Carolina, one of the most conservative states in the Union. Therefore, he deserves to be graded on a curve. So graded, Grahams conduct, especially when it comes to judicial nominees, resembled Specters. Hence, the moniker. Graham was at it again this week. Ed Whelan reports: Senator Dianne Feinstein was absent from the Senate yesterday, so Senate Republicans had the votes to defeat the cloture motion on controversial Second Circuit nominee Myrna Perez, director of the left-wing Brennan Center for Justice. Had Republicans stuck together, they would have defeated the motion by a vote of 50 to 49. Instead, Senators Lindsey Graham and Lisa Murkowski voted for cloture, giving Perez a 51-48 margin and paving the way for her confirmation. Perez is a hardcore leftist. The Brennan Center she directs is a Soros-funded operation devoted, in Perezs words, to championing a living Constitution capable of meet[ing] whatever moment is with us. In other words, capable of being stretched to accommodate the left-wing policy preference du jour. Perez has focused in particular on undermining election integrity. According to Carrie Severino: A major focus of the organization has been advocating for less freedom of speech in connection with elections while simultaneously attacking the most basic measures to ensure the integrity of elections. That includes any and all voter-ID measures, as well as efforts to update voter rolls. As director of the centers Voting Rights and Election Program, Perez has been at the forefront of the Brennan Centers efforts in this regard. She has not hesitated to wage her attacks in demagogic terms. She attributed what she calls major backlashes against the expansion of the rights to vote following President Obamas election to people having anxiety over the browning of America and called recent voting regulations including voter ID and limitations on early voting the biggest rollback of the right to vote since the Jim Crow era. She has taken the losing side of the Supreme Courts voting-rights decisions in Shelby County v. Holder (2013) and the just-decided Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee. In the latter case, which involved a challenge to Arizonas out-of-precinct policy and ban on ballot harvesting, she argued for an interpretation of Section Two of the Voting Rights Act that would have wreaked havoc on the nations election laws, but she argued that the contrary interpretation would permit states to return to . . . Jim Crow-era restrictions. She also invoked the goal of alleviating Jim Crow efforts, past and present, in her argument for restoring voting rights to ex-felons. She seems comfortable hurling the ugly specter of Jim Crow at anyone with a different view of election laws a category broad enough to include six justices of the Supreme Court. None of this would have bothered Arlen Specter and none of it bothers Lindsey Graham. Indeed, almost nothing about Joe Bidens attempt to radicalize the federal bench seems to bother Graham. Whelan says, Im reliably informed that Graham has not voted against cloture or against final confirmation of a single Biden judicial nominee. Graham hasnt always been this deferential to judicial nominees. He helped sink the nomination of Jim Haynes, George Bushs nominee to the Fourth Circuit, for no good reason. But when the opportunity to sink the nomination of George Soros hard-left instrument, Graham demurred. Arlen Specter would have been proud. It isnt easy to make Vladimir Putin look good, but the Democrats are giving it their best shot. Somehow, they have managed to get to Putins left. The Telegraph reports: Vladimir Putin said the anti-racism agenda in the West was dividing society as he compared cancel culture warriors in liberal democracies to the Bolsheviks of Russias 1917 Revolution. The incessant emphasis on race pushes people further apart whereas the true fighters for civic rights tried to eliminate those differences, the Russian president said. *** He said: Fighting racism is a necessary and noble thing but the new cancel culture turns it into reverse descrimination, reverse racism. Thats true. In a speech at the Valdai Discussion club in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, he lashed also lashed out transgender rights, accusing the West of being monstrous to children. *** People who dare to say men and women still exist as a biological fact are almost ostracised, he said. Not to mention the simply monstrous fact that children today are taught from a young age that a boy can easily become a girl and the other way round. Thats true too. But this goes too far: Mr Putin went as far as to compare Western activists pushing for a progressive agenda to Bolsheviks of Russias 1917 Revolution who were also utterly intolerant of opinions different from their own. I think it is true that progressives are as intolerant as the Bolsheviks, but their methods have not advanced so far. Yet. You know things have reached a nadir when Vladimir Putin sounds like a voice of sanity. UPDATE: A friend adds some sensible comments: I saw the Putin post, I had exactly the same reaction and am mentioning it in a post. He is absolutely right, but what is ironic and I am sure to him pretty funny, is that the Russian troll farms undoubtedly help fan this conflict in the US like they do everything else. They have been remarkably successful at degrading culture in the US. All true. Putin is, in part, responsible for the insanity in our country that he now ridicules. Putin is no kind of genius, but is a hell of a lot smarter than the people who staff the Biden administration and the rest of our leftist apparatchik, down to the local school board and teachers union level. First Bank Holdings, owners of First Bank Nigeria, has denied knowledge of a takeover of the company by Femi Otedola, the billionaire reported as having acquired majority shareholding in the firm. The company did not deny the possibility of an acquisition; it said the firm had not received a notification of a significant holding by Mr Otedola. As a listed company, the shares of FBN Holding Plc are publicly traded, and sale and acquisition of shares is expected in the normal course of business. We operate in a regulated environment, which requires notification of significant shareholding by Shareholders to the company, where shares are held in different vehicles, further to which the company will notify the regulators and the public as appropriate, a notice by the firm to the NGX exchange on Friday said. In the 10 days to Friday, FBN Holdings witnessed an unusually massive trading in its shares and the cumulative number of units traded within the period surpassed 2.1 billion. The uptick in trading catapulted its share value by 62.3 per cent from the level it was three weeks ago. An analyst at Meristem Securities told PREMIUM TIMES the trading boom started with a move by Airtel Africa to acquire minority stake in Airtel Nigeria. There have been lots of activities on FBN Holdings shares over the past two or three weeks now, he said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the subject. Initially it was Airtel. Airtel Africa was trying to acquire minority stake in Airtel Nigeria. Airtel Africa is listed but Airtel Nigeria is not listed. So they are trying to acquire the remaining eight per cent minority stake in Airtel Nigeria. FBN Holdings holds a substantial proportion of the eight per cent. A share purchase of this nature is often attractive to sellers as a premium will be added to the fair value that has been agreed to by both parties of the transaction. So there are expectations that that will boost the earnings of FBN Holdings. That kind of (spurred) activities on FBNH as a ticker. Thats the connection between FBNH and Airtel, the source said. On Friday, the business website, Nairametrics, quoted sources as confirming Mr Otedola had emerged the majority shareholder of FBN Holding after quietly mopping up the shares of the company in the last few weeks, using a special purpose vehicle, indicating the accumulation further drove the FBN Holding trading to a record high. Shares in FBN Holdings rose 1.24 per cent to N12.25 per unit on Friday following the news. Representatives of the company did not respond to PREMIUM TIMES inquiries on Friday. Mr Otedola could not be immediately reached. In its filing to the Lagos-based exchange, company secretary Seye Kosoko said, The Company is yet to receive any notification from the individual mentioned in the media report, of such acquisitions. FBN Holdings will always notify the appropriate agencies and authorities whenever it receives any notice of significant shareholding by the Shareholders of the Companys Registrar. The First Bank move would mark Mr Otedolas foray into banking, having sold off his shareholding in Forte Oil Plc in 2019 to consolidate his investment in Geregu Power Plc. The acquisition, estimated to have taken its stake in FBN Holdings beyond five per cent, will lift Mr Otedolas shareholding above that of Oba Otudeko and Oye Hassan Odukale, two of the firms biggest owners with 1.5 per cent and 1.03 per cent holdings respectively. Until now, Nigerias second richest man, Mike Adenuga, had been making vigorous plans to wrest control of the prime spot in FBN Holdings ownership before now. Mr Otudeko, the immediate past chairman of FBN Holdings board, was ousted from the organisations top hierarchy this May after a conflict of interest and violation of procedure in appointing the chief executive of the groups commercial banking, First Bank, irked the regulator, the Central Bank of Nigeria. There is a requirement that he has to sell off his shares because he is no longer chairman. Of course, someone has to take those shares. So I suspect that thats what resulted in Otedola becoming the new biggest shareholder, the source said. President Muhammadu Buhari said he would consider granting state pardon for Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders executed by the Sani Abacha-led military administration on November 10, 1995. Accused of being responsible for the murder of four Ogoni chiefs at a pro-government meeting, Mr Saro-Wiwa and the others were sentenced to death by hanging by a special military tribunal. Several Nigerians believed Mr Saro-wiwa and the others were framed up for the murder because of their very impactful non-violent campaign against oil-extraction and the continuous degradation of the Ogoni land by the government-backed multi-national oil companies, especially the Royal Dutch Shell. Mr Buhari on Friday spoke about Mr Saro-Wiwas execution, the need for clemency and national integration as part of this administrations bid to lay the foundation for genuine reconciliation and bring closure to the issues of Ogoni land. The president stated this when he received some leaders and people of Ogoni at the Presidential villa, Abuja. The unfortunate incidents of the early 1990s leading to the loss of lives of distinguished sons of Ogoni land and the collateral judicial processes are indelible in our memories. In spite of the grievous circumstances, the federal government will consider the request for the grant of pardon to finally close the Ogoni saga, President Buhari said to the Ogoni leaders. He asked the Ogoni leaders to educate the people in the communities on the need for them to protect oil pipelines and other oil installations. When pipelines are broken, the damage is more to the immediate environment and the people. The majority of farmers and fishermen struggle because the fishes now move to the deep sea, the president said. To ensure the stimulation of economic activities in Ogoni Land as underpinned by the vast petroleum resources underlying Ogoni Land and neighbouring communities, NPDC, a subsidiary of the NNPC has been granted licence to operate OML11. Accordingly, NNPC is hereby directed to engage all host communities, particularly Ogoni people to ensure inclusive processes of oil and gas exploration and production is anchored on optimum involvement of host communities. NPDC will lay a broad-based programme for the emergence of a new Ogoni Land for the benefit of the Ogoni people and Nigeria as a whole, Mr Buhari added. The president said the federal government was committed to the cleanup of Ogoni land and other parts of the Niger Delta, an exercise which appears to be rather too slow since Mr Buharis administration flagged it off five years ago, in June 2016. The President of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, Godwin Giniwa, thanked Mr Buhari for the various interventions of the federal government in Ogoni land, particularly on clean-up exercise. Mr Giniwa said the Ogoni people believe in the unity of Nigeria, and that the future of every ethnic nationality in the country could only be guaranteed in one nation. Nigerian govt should apologise for Saro-Wiwas killing A renowned environmental activist, Nnimmo Bassey, said the killing of Mr Saro-Wiwa and other Ogoni leaders could only be resolved after the federal government exonerates them (Saro-Wiwa and others) and apologises for their execution. His (Saro-Wiwa) death remains a matter that is yet to be resolved because the state necessarily has to exonerate him of the false charges and the kind of kangaroo judgment that was given by that tribunal, Mr Bassey told PREMIUM TIMES in November, 2018. Besides, the state has to apologise to the victims and to the Ogoni people for executing them when the appeal period had not even elapsed, he added. Mr Bassey said November 10 has always been a day for sober reflection for him. The day he was executed in 1995, I was at that time, the secretary-general of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). We were having our annual conference at the University of Lagos, and we were debating whether to issue a statement pleading with Abacha to have mercy and cancel the death sentence or to issue a hard-line statement condemning the atrocities of his dictatorship. Why that debate was going on, we got the news that they had been executed. So, it is always a very sad day for me. The campaign of Ken Saro-Wiwa was focused on environmental justice. And the injustice meted out on him and the Ogoni people is one of the major reasons I have made environmental justice campaign my lifetime cause. (NAN) Armed persons on Friday night attacked the Abolongo Correctional Centre in Oyo Town, freeing an unspecified number of inmates at the facility, Olarewaju Anjorin, the Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Correctional Service, Oyo State Command, has said.. Mr Anjorin told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the attack happened around 9.50 p.m. NAN reports that the attackers were heavily armed and engaged the guards in a fierce gun battle before freeing some inmates. Yes, I can confirm to you that the place was attacked and some of the awaiting inmates were set free, the spokesperson said. I am there right now with the Controller and some other senior officers doing assessment of the damage done to the facility. Now, we cannot ascertain the numbers of the inmates freed or people that get injured, but definitely, I will be giving you an update later. (NAN) Armed persons suspected to be members of Book Haram on Saturday attacked a Nigerian military base in Katarko village in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State. Security and local sources said the insurgents engaged security agents in the base in heavy shooting, forcing residents to run to the bushes for safety. Katarko is located 20 kilometres south east of Damaturu, the state capital. The village has witnessed frequent attacks by the insurgents, resulting in loss of lives. A security source said the terrorists drove into the village in 10 guntrucks and attacked the military formation, carting away caches of weapons and ammunition. The source also said the military bsse was badly hit by the terrorists. Modu Aji, a resident of Katarko who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES from his farm, said he could hear the sound of gunshots and explosions from his farm. As a result of the attack which lasted over an hour, hundreds of passengers travelling along the road were stranded as soldiers from the checkpoint near Yobe State University blocked the road. Some of the passengers who spoke to our correspondent said they would continue their journey as soon as the road was reopened. Others travelling as far as Gombe, Taraba and Yola have already abandoned the route for an alternative route from Potiskum. Many of the drivers that are going to far places like Yola, Gombe and Taraba have left to follow Potiskum/Ashaka road but some of us that are here will continue our journey when the road is clear, Musa Amodu, a driver, said. A former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu, former Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Taofeek Arapaja, have been cleared by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contest elections into the National Working committee (NWC) of the party during the forthcoming national convention. Also cleared are a former Minister of Women Affairs, Maryam Ciroma, and two former senators, Samuel Ayanwu and Ighoyota Amori. They are among the 27 aspirants cleared by the zoning committee of the party on Wednesday. This is contained in the report of the screening committee submitted to the Governor Ahmadu Fintiri-led National Convention Organising Committee of the party on Thursday. The committee was chaired by a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, with a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara, as his deputy. The elective national convention of the main opposition party holds in Abuja on 30 and 31 October. In the seven-page report, the committee, which was inaugurated on 23 September, said it screened 32 aspirants after two of them withdrew from the race, and subsequently cleared 27. It also said it disqualified four others. Other details The report, obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, listed Mr Ayu as the sole candidate for the position of the national chairman. The former Senate President, who hails from Benue State in the North-central zone, was recently adopted by the northern leaders of the party as the regions consensus candidate for the position. The report said Mr Oyinlola, a former national secretary of the PDP, and Mr Arapaja are both contesting for the position of the deputy national chairman (South). They are from the South-west zone. It also said Mrs Ciroma, who was once the womens leader of the party, is running for the position of deputy national chairman (North). She is to slug it out with Umar Damagun, a former ambassador, at the convention. Mr Anyanwu, who represented Imo East in the Senate until 2015, was recently adopted by the South-east chapter of the party as its consensus candidate for the position. He is the lone candidate for the position of national secretary following the withdrawal of one of his challengers and the disqualification of another. The report listed Mr Ighoyota as the only aspirant for the position of the deputy national organising secretary. The political ally of former Governor James Ibori of Delta State, represented Delta Central Senatorial District but was sacked from the upper house in 2015 by the court, which declared the incumbent Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, winner of the March 28, 2015 election. According to the document, those who withdrew from the NWC race are a former member of the House of Representatives, Cyril Maduabum, and Amina Tasallah. The report said they notified the committee in writing. Mr Maduabum, who is currently the Director General of PDP Governors Forum (PDP-GF), was running for the position of national secretary while Mrs Tasallah was in contention for the office of the deputy national womens leader. The committee also said it disqualified four aspirants for various reasons. They are a former National Secretary of the PDP, Wale Oladipo, a former National Vice Chairman of the party in the South-west, Eddy Olafeso, Oke Muo-Aroh, and Akintan Oludaisi. Mr Oladipo was the national secretary of the PDP under the chairmanship of Bamanga Tukur while Mr Olafeso was the national vice chairman of the party. NWC positions to be contested for The 27 aspirants cleared will contest for 21 NWC positions at the convention. The positions are the National Chairman, National Deputy Chairman (North), Deputy National Chairman (South), National Secretary, Deputy National Secretary, National Treasurer, Deputy National Treasurer, National Financial Secretary, Deputy National Financial Secretary, National Organising Secretary and Deputy National Organising Secretary. Others are National Publicity Secretary, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, National Legal Adviser, Deputy National Legal Adviser, National Auditor, Deputy National Auditor, National Womens Leader and Deputy National Leader and National Youth Leader and Deputy National Youth Leader. The NWC is responsible for the day to day administration of the party. The committee said it was guided in its assignment by a number of documents and the eligibility of the aspirants. The process of screening was guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the PDP Constitution, and the Guidelines of the party. In addition, the Committee was guided by the eligibility of the aspirants, it said. The Uche Secondus-led NWC was elected in December 2017. Zoning of positions The zoning committee headed by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and assisted by Governor Samuel Ortom, had late September zoned the chairmanship of the party to the North. It also recommended that all NWC positions currently occupied by people from the south should go to the north and those occupied by people from the north should go to the south. The partys National Executive Committee (NEC) at its last meeting on 7 October approved the recommendations. SEE THE FULL LIST OF CLEARED ASPIRANTS NAME POSITION STATUS Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu National Chairman CLEARED Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum Deputy National Chairman (North) CLEARED Hajiya Inna Maryam Ciroma Deputy National Chairman (North) CLEARED H.E. Amb Taofeek Arapaja Deputy National Chairman (South) CLEARED Prof. Adewale Abiodun Oladipo Deputy National Chairman (South) NOT CLEARED Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola Deputy National Chairman (South) CLEARED Cyril I. D. Maduabum National Secretary WITHDRAWN Sen. Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu National Secretary CLEARED Chief Barr. Oke Muo-Aroh National Secretary NOT CLEARED Hon. Ahmed Yayari Mohammed National Treasurer CLEARED Hon. Umar Bature National Organizing Secretary CLEARED Daniel Woyegikuro National Financial Secretary CLEARED Prof. Stella Effah-Attoe National Women's Leader CLEARED Hon. Divine Amina Arong National Women's Leader CLEARED Muhammed Kakade Suleiman National Youth Leader CLEARED Usman Elkudan National Youth Leader CLEARED Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN National Legal Adviser CLEARED Hon. Debo Ologunagba National Publicity Secretary CLEARED Dr. Olafeso Eddy Eniola National Publicity Secretary NOT CLEARED Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel National Auditor CLEARED Ikechukwu Samben Nwosu National Auditor CLEARED Hon. Mrs. Chibuogwu Benson- Oraelosi National Auditor CLEARED Hon. Arch. Setoji Kosheodo Deputy National Secretary CLEARED Hon. Akintan Oludaisi Deputy National Secretary NOT CLEARED Engr. Adedeji Doherty Deputy National Secretary CLEARED Ndubisi Eneh David Deputy National Treasurer CLEARED Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi Deputy National Publicity Secretary CLEARED Sen. Chief Ighoyota Deputy National Organising Secretary CLEARED Hon. Adamu O. U. Kamale Deputy National Financial Secretary CLEARED Hajara Yakubu Wanka Deputy National Women's Leader CLEARED Timothy Osadolor Deputy National Youth Leader CLEARED Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha Deputy National Legal Adviser CLEARED Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed Deputy National Auditor CLEARED Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo, has said that government would pay N190 million as compensation to victims of the 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality, as recommended by the State Judicial Panel of Enquiry. Mr Obaseki said this at a meeting with Edo youths on EndSARS, on Friday, at Government House, Benin. The governor said that his administration had agreed to comply with the recommendations of the panel. I set up a panel to investigate cases of police brutality against the people. The panel has done its work and submitted its report. In summary, 117 petitions were received, 25 of them was struck out, while 10 were dismissed. The panel recommended compensation to be paid to victims totaling N190 million, while the amount of judgment sum recommended to be enforced was N98 million. I have accepted that we will pay those who were victims, not waiting for anybody, not even the Federal Government. There should be regular promotions for the police as at when due, enforcement of welfare package, training and re-training of police officers, upward review of salaries, yearly mental evaluation and quarterly test for hard drugs. We promised that against all odds, we will change the face of governance and this will only be possible through frequent and constant interactions, Obaseki said. The governor gave N1 million each to two victims of the EndSARS protest, Ohima Steven and Miracle Ailenokhoria, pledging to continue to to pay for their treatment. In his remarks, a member of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry, Ogbidi Eromosele, thanked the governor for ensuring that youths were part of the panel. The Nigerian Army has accused a London-based magazine, The Economist of trying to denigrate, demonise and destabilise the Nigerian government in its recent article entitled Insurgency, secessionism and banditry threaten Nigeria. The respected news outlet, in the piece, had aptly reflected the worsening insecurity, banditry, and agitations that continue to ravage parts of the nation despite the efforts of the security agencies to curb the spike. But the Director, Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement reacting to the piece on Saturday, disagrees, apparently seeing the article as a direct attack on the army. He said the Nigerian army remained a professional, hard-fighting and globally respected institution. Mr Nwachukwu said the nations army had continued to occupy deserved glorious positions in the comity of global defence forces. He said the Nigerian army had distinguished itself as a worthy contributor to global peace and security through regional, continental and international peace keeping and peace support operations. The army spokesperson said it was also wrong to denigrate an army that had restored democracies, brought peace to troubled lands and stabilised the sub-region, through dint of hard work, commitment to duty, discipline and professionalism. It was the same army that had weathered the storm of terrorism and insurgency in the north eastern part of the country and parts of the Lake Chad region, he said, pointing out that the offending article contained some unimaginable slurs targeted at the Nigerian military and the Nigerian army in particular. Even as the real intention of the otherwise respected Economist magazine in publishing such toxic concoctions weaved up as report on Nigerian Governments response to the multi-faceted security challenges assailing the country is yet to be unravelled, the source of the article was very clear. It is one of those deliberate falsehoods and noxious narratives orchestrated by a network of detractors and coven of dark forces working very hard to adorn the Nigerian Army in an unfitting garb of infamy. The vile report which the Economist chose to offer to its platform for publication, spared no effort in trying to vilify and rubbish the image, character and reputational standing of the Nigerian army, but failed woefully. The Nigerian army is certainly not what the so-called report by the Economist tried to characterize it. Even more ludicrous was the embellishments of the said report by the notorious unprofessional media outlets that were quick to republish the obvious falsehood, he said. Mr Nwachukwu also accused the international magazine of allowing its medium to be used for a hatchet job and failing in its effort of finding out the real truth about the Nigerian army, saying what the magazine and its sources did not know, was that said army had successfully stopped the Islamic States West African Province (ISWAP). He said the magazine was misled by those who were uncomfortable with the commitment of army troops in stamping out terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes assailing the country and the West African sub-region. According to him, the gallant officers and soldiers of Nigerian army were undeterred, undistracted and totally unfazed by the hare-brained assertions contained in that silly report. (NAN) The panel charged with screening candidates for the forthcoming national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has explained why it disqualified four candidates from elections into party offices. The panel, led by a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, also said it cleared 27 others for the contest. Those cleared are listed in this story published earlier today. Below is a list of those barred from the election and the reasons the committee gave for its decisions. Why four aspirants were disqualified The screening committee explained in its report why four of the aspirants were disqualified. Adewale Abiodun Oladipo The PDP committee said there was a petition against him which had been established. a) Undermining the Authority of the National Convention (2016 National Convention) to act as PDP National Secretary after the dissolution of the National Working Committee and the appointment of the National Caretaker Committee. b) By engaging lawyers on behalf of the PDP without lawful authority, thereby exposing the party to inappropriate financial liabilities and court actions. All these are infractions against Section 58 (1) (b), (c), (h), & (j) of the Partys Constitution (as amended in 2017) which are punishable under Section 59 (1) (e) of the Partys Constitution. He is hereby not cleared by the Committee. Oke Muo-Aroh Reason: Not cleared for violating the zoning formula. The Committee established that the position of the PDP National Secretary was micro-zoned to Imo State, pursuant to the Principle of Rotation and Zoning of the Partys offices as prescribed in our Partys Constitution. The position was micro-zoned to Imo State and he is from Anambra State. He is hereby not cleared by the Committee. Olafeso Eddy Eniola Reason: There were petitions against him. a) He instituted a legal action against the party, among others, to prevent the National Convention from holding without exhausting the partys in-house mechanism, contrary to Section 58 (1) (L) and thereby committed a misconduct punishable under Section 59 (1) (a) of the Partys Constitution as amended in 2017. b) A notice of discontinuance filed on 15th October, 2021, was an afterthought, because it was filed after the court refused his application for injunction to stop the National Convention. For these reasons the Committee has not cleared him. Akintan Oludaisi Reason: There was a petition against him. a) He instituted a legal action against the party, among others, to prevent the National Convention from holding without exhausting the Partys in-house dispute resolution mechanism, contrary to Section 58 (1) (e) of the Partys Constitution as amended in 2017. b) A notice of discontinuance filed on 15th October, 2021, was an afterthought, because it was filed after the court refused his application for injunction to stop the PDP National Convention. A human rights lawyer, Tope Temokun, has sued the heads of the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigerian police, as well as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, over media restrictions barring many journalists from covering the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The plaintiff filed the suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the same court Mr Kanu is being prosecuted on charges of treasonable felony and terrorism. The charges, according to the prosecution, arose from Mr Kanus violent separatist agitations for a Republic of Biafra constituted by Igbo-dominated South-eastern part of Nigeria. Mr Temokun cited in his suit, which he said was instituted in defence of press freedom, how only a handful of journalists were accredited, on July 23, to cover the July 26 proceedings in Mr Kanus trial while many unaccredited ones were barred from accessing the courtroom. Since Mr Kanus first court appearance in June after he fled the country in September 2017, the court management and security operatives have been restricting media coverage of the case that attracts local and international interests. Mr Temokun argues in his suit that the circular dated July 23, 2021 titled MEDIA ACCREDITATION FOR NNAMDI KANUS TRIAL which allowed some selected journalists to enter the courts premises and denied others not selected entry amounts to a breach of the rights to freedoms of expression and the press guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights He also argues that the act of the officers and/or operatives of the SSS and the police of cordoning off or barricading the access routes to the entrances of the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 26 and allowed journalists whose names were contained in the July 23 circular amounts a breach of the right to freedom from discrimination. In a ridiculous repeat of the media restrictions, SSS operatives, complemented by the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army, on Thursday, barricaded adjoining streets to the Federal High Court in Abuja, the venue of the trial, turning journalists and lawyers away from the surroundings of the court premises. Media restriction, indictment on any democracy Announcing the suit which he filed on October 18 in a statement on Friday, Mr Temokun said the indiscriminate harassment and assault of journalists and lawyers was a violation of their constitutionally guaranteed rights. Denying journalists access to the courts is an indictment on any democracy because in true democracy, press freedom comes first, Mr Temokun said. The lawyer said it had become necessary to challenge this new regime of repression enjoying judicial support. I have resolved to challenge this circular and have filed an action in the Federal High Court Abuja today in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1272/2021, subjecting the legality of this repressive document to scrutiny, Mr Temokun said. He added that if we dont stand up to challenge this new regime of repression enjoying judicial support, we dont know for how long this treatment of assaulting people in court premises and denying the public access to courts by the DSS and the police would come to an end. He referenced the recent manhandling of this newspapers reporter, Ameh Ejekwonyilo, by armed SSS agents at Mpape magistrates court, Abuja, where the journalist had gone to cover proceedings in the trial of the five Buhari-Must-Go activists. Similarly, Mr Temokun cited the harassment of a Vanguard Newspaper journalist by the SSS operatives at the Federal High Court in Abuja for the trial of 12 associates of a Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly called Sunday Igboho in Abuja. The lawyer added that security agencies had relied on the journalists accreditation circular that was issued by the Federal High Court, to harass and intimidate journalists and members of the public, including Omoyele Sowore, Sahara Reporters publisher. Prayers Mr Temokun therefore prayed for among others, the courts declaration that the media accreditation circular dated July 23 allowing some journalists to enter the court premises for the July 26 trial of Mr Kanu and denying others is not validly issued, violates the provisions of sections 36(3) and (4) of the Nigerian constitution, and is therefore illegal and unconstitutional. He also urged the court to declare such media accreditation allowing selective media coverage of proceedings as a breach of the right to freedom of expression, and press freedom guaranteed under section 39 of the Nigerian constitution and Articles 2, 9, 11, 13(2) and (3) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act and therefore illegal and unconstitutional. He sought another order setting aside the circular datd July 23, 2021 with reference number: FHC/ABJ/INFO/026 and titled MEDIA ACCREDITATION FOR NNAMDI KANUS TRIAL signed by the 4th respondent. He also urged the court to issue an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants or through their representatives, agents or privies, or any body or anyone acting under the authority of the defendants from giving any or further effect to the circular. Mr Temokun also urged the court to issue an order of perpetual injunction restraining security operatives of the SSS and the police from further restricting and/or preventing media houses and journalists from entering courts premises based on a circular. The Director-General of the SSS, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the courts information officer who signed the accreditation circular, Catherine Christopher, are listd as respondents. A PREMIUM TIMES report on Nigerias defunct paper mills has bagged the best business reporting category of the 2021 West African Media Excellence Awards (WAMECA) held in Accra, Ghana. The story, published last year, was authored by Alfred Olufemi, a former staffer of PREMIUM TIMES who now engages in freelancing for local and international platforms. The winning entry dug deep into the moribund state of three paper mills, which experts believe have the potentials to curb the excessive paper importation regime draining Nigerias forex. It also exposed how the privatization processes of the mills have failed woefully and touched on the non-wood alternatives that can help the revival of the mills and conserve forests resources, especially for climate change concerns. According to one of the judges on the WAMECA panel, Joseph Warungu, Mr Olufemis entry stood out for its depth of research, excellent reporting and multimedia accompaniments. Mr Olufemi, at the prize-giving ceremony on Friday, was honoured for the outstanding reporting and was presented a cash prize and plaque. He also shared the stage with reporters from across West Africa, honoured in different categories. Business Days Caleb Ojewale, Dataphytes Uthman Samad and TheCables Chinedu Asadu were amongst the winners of the night. The organiser, Media Foundation for West Africa, had earlier shortlisted 21 finalists from newsrooms across West African countries for six categories of the awards. It stated that that the finalists were selected from a pool of over 700 applications. Speaking after the award ceremony, an elated Mr Olufemi expressed profound gratitude to the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ) for funding the story and to the Premium Times team members, Cletus Ukpong and Kabiru Yusuf for their contributions to the piece. Its never a one-mans show. Its a collaborative effort and that gave the story an excellent treatment. They are the real winners, if you ask me. He also spoke on the practice of journalism in Nigeria and the African continent, stating that the bar of accuracy, fairness and balance should never be lowered. We are faced by a plethora of challenges in the Nigerian media, ranging from censorship to financials, ownership and what have we, he said. But all of these should not deter us from public service, which ethical journalism is all about. The basic principles should not be sacrificed. Im super excited for my friend, Samad, who emerged as the best journalist of the year. And also for other ace Nigerian journalists who were shortlisted. It is a testament to the fact that there are reporters working assiduously, against all odds, particularly under this repressive Buhari regime, to churn out good journalism. Until he left PREMIUM TIMES this year, Mr Olufemi, a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, roved Nigerias North-Central states, covering the region for one the foremost investigative journalism platform on the African continent. The Senate spokesperson, Ajibola Basiru (APC, Osun), has said it was not public outcry that changed the mind of some senators on electronic transmission of results in the Electoral Amendment Bill, but the discovery of a section that addressed the concerns of the senators. He stated this while speaking on Politics Today, a political programme on ChannelsTV on Friday. Mr Basiru was one of the 52 senators that voted in support of the clause that sought to subject INEC to the dictates of the Nigerians Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Assembly for the transmission of election results. PREMIUM TIMES reported how section 52(3) was passed by the upper chamber on 15 July after an amendment by Senate Deputy Whip, Sabi Abdullahi, to the report of the committee on INEC. Mr Abdulahis version reads: The commission may consider electronic transmission provided the national network is adjudged to be adequate and secured by the Nigerian Communications Commission and approved by the National Assembly. The amendment was taken after voting by senators with 52 supporting it. However, the decision was rescinded on the 12 October, and the version of the House, which says, The Commission may transmit results of elections by electronic means where and when practicable, was adopted by the senators. The senate had constituted a conference committee on the 22 September while the House committee was constituted on the 28 September, with the mandate to harmonise the differences in their two versions passed. While speaking on Politics Today, a political programme on ChannelsTV on Friday, Mr Basiru said the senators did not change their minds because of the public outrage by an autocratic minority but because of the proviso in section 63. According to Mr Basiru, who is also a member of the harmonisation committee, the lawmakers were concerned about the threat of hacking and possible disenfranchisement of Nigerians who are outside network coverage. He said clause 63 (3 and 6) provides the needed proviso to assuage the minds of the lawmakers. The Presiding Officer shall give to the Polling Agents and the police officer where available a copy each of the completed Forms after it has been duly signed as provided in subsection (2), clause 63(3). We have an autocratic minority in Nigeria that try to organise their thoughts as if that is the thought of the entire country. In the context of representation, it will require you to conduct a referendum or plebiscite when you actually want to aggregate opinion and come to an authoritative decision of Nigerians. As the National Assembly, we have the right to reconsider even a law that has been made and signed by the president. We can also recognise our position, we can always amend our position, not because of shouting minority, or individuals who are the elites. We make decisions based on the people that elected us. Now, talking about the electronic transmission of results, we were concerned about the hacking of transmission, we were concerned about possible disenfranchisement of Nigerians if you want to do automatic transmission. Because network servicewhether we say 98 per cent areas are serviced adequately, the two per cent are also part of the democratic process. Disenfranchising them will not serve democracy. In the course of preparing for harmonisation, we discovered that those issues have been taken care of by section 63 of the Electoral Bill. The Section provides that elections must be concluded at polling units, results must be announced, must be recorded on the electoral form prescribed by the commission and at the same time, must be signed by the presiding officer and countersigned by agents. It is at that point, by subsection 5, that the results can be transmitted. That addressed the two concerns. Mr Basiru said that clause 63 will provide enough paper trail. He added that clause 63(6), which reads that A Presiding Officer who willfully contravenes any provision of this section commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not more than N100,000.00 or imprisonment for a term of at least six months, changed the minds of the senators. There is now trail to ensure that results are transmitted, there are paper trails, Mr Basiru stated. There is a subsection 6 that provides for criminal sanction against a presiding officer transmitting what is not authentic. Nobody in his real sense will not be concerned about hacking or the issue of disenfranchisement. In Edo and Ondo states, the results were transmitted after they had been announced. It is different from automatic transmission of results. Mr Festus Okoye, INECs Commissioner for information and voter education, who appeared alongside Mr Ajibola on the programme, said the commission is waiting for the version that will be transmitted to the president for assent. He added that the commission was involved in the legislative process of producing the bill. The difference between what happened now and what used to happen was from the beginning, Senate Committee on INEC and the House Committee on Electoral Matters took the civil society groups, the office of the attorney general, the Independent National Electoral Commission into confidence in terms of the processes and procedures for the amendment of the Electoral Act, Mr Okoye said. And from the beginning have attended meetings relating to the public hearing and during the technical session, we were also part of the session. The office of the AGF was represented, some civil society groups were part of it, in fact, and they gave me the privilege of chairing the technical session relating to the amendment of the Electoral Act. Far-reaching amendments were made to that particular document, unfortunately, just one or two amendments dominated the entire space and sort of dimpled the enthusiasm of Nigerians. We are waiting and hoping that some of the progressive changes in the amendment will be in the version to be transmitted to the president for assent, he said. Despite the flip-flop by the lawmakers, INEC maintained that it had the capacity to transmit results electronically. The little veiled call by Mrs Nikky Nimrata Haley, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations that China should be attacked for not obeying her countrys unilateral sanctions against Iran, and the abduction of Venezuelan Special Envoy, Alex Saab for the same reason, are unsettling. They are a reminder of the anarchism that prevailed in the 1865-1895 Wild, Wild West of American history. On July 14, 2015, the US, France, Russia, United Kingdom, China and Germany signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA, with Iran under which the latter would curb its nuclear programme. In return, the American, European and the United Nations, UN, sanctions on Iran were to be eased. Six days later, the UN Security Council unanimously passed Resolution 2231 endorsing this agreement. On January 16, 2016, the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA verified that Iran has kept its side of the agreement. However, on December 1, 2016 the American Congress extended the Iran Sanctions Act, ISA, by ten years. Then on May 18, 2018 the US abandoned the multilateral Iran Nuclear Agreement. The sanctions on Iran are unilateral US decisions, but America insists they must be obeyed by all countries and human beings. So when on June 13, 2020 a private aircraft carrying Alex Saab, a Venezuelan Special Envoy who was on his way to buy food and medicines from Iran, made a refuel stopover in Cape Verde, America coerced that country to seize him. The claim by the Americans is that since doing business with Iran amounts to a violation of its sanctions, Saab is involved in money laundering. Mr. Saab had not violated any law in Cape Verde, had diplomatic immunity, there was no INTERPOL Order on him, and America and Cape Verde had no extradition treaty, so there was no basis detaining him. He sued Cape Verde in the regional Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Court. The court ruled that Saabs detention is illegal, ordered the extradition process initiated under American request, be terminated immediately and that Cape Verde should pay him US$200,000 compensation. But the latter refused to obey the regional court judgement. The UN Human Rights Commission on June 8, 2021 demanded that Saab be freed and allowed to seek medical help for his cancer ailment. This was ignored. The African Bar Association on September 28, 2021 weighed in demanding that the ECOWAS judgement be obeyed and that neither America nor any other country should be allowed to disobey the rule of law in Africa. This was ignored. The Constitutional Court in Cape Verde then ruled that Saab be delivered to the Americans. On Saturday, October 16, 2021, the US flew him to its territory, an hostage to be subjected to a kangaroo trial. The Americans had tried a similar tactics on Mrs. Meng Wanzhou, the Chief Financial Officer of the Chinese Huawei Technologies. It had similarly accused her of doing business with Iran and got Canada to seize her on December 1, 2018. But China retaliated by seizing two Canadians and putting them on trial. A stalemate followed forcing America on September 24, 2021 to withdraw its extradition request. This gave Canada the face-saving leeway to free Meng while the Chinese in return, freed the Canadians. Haley in her October 19 Washington Post opinion titled If Biden wont fight Chinas importing of Iranian oil, Congress should demanded that trade between China and Iran must be stopped. She argued that: Every barrel of Iranian oil offloaded in Chinese ports is a violation of sanctions the United States put in place to starve revenue from Iranian terror and its nuclear programme. She lamented that: Iran and China have recently taken their alliance a step further. Last year, they finalised a strategic partnership that commits Beijing to investing $400 billion in Iran over 25 years. In exchange, China will get long-term access to discounted Iranian crude supplies and deepen its presence in Irans ports, railways, telecommunications and elsewhere. So how does an agreement on legitimate trade between two sovereign countries become a crime? But the influential American politician whose parents migrated from India, thinks it is a crime, and roars: Instead of foolishly trusting in diplomacy, the Biden administration should make it more difficult for Iranian oil to leave for China. Haley concluded: The president may prefer negotiations, but they have only emboldened those who wish America ill. National security is non-negotiable. The type of anarchism Haley is suggesting, was displayed in July, 2020 when the US made moves to seize four vessels carrying Iranian fuel to Venezuela based on the strange excuse that the Iranian government was stealing Iranian oil! America has also been involved in criminal acts like extraordinary rendition, which is the abduction of persons in various countries, torturing and dehumanising them outside the US or any of its facilities because the dehumanisation process will violate American laws. So what sense does it make for American soldiers and security to be empowered to commit such criminalities and be shielded from the law? Sometimes, it was a case of mistaken identity. This was the case of Mr. El-Massri a German citizen of Lebanese origin who was abducted on December 31, 2003 at the German-Macedonia border, tortured in that country and later transported in an unconscious state, only to find himself in Afghanistan where his torture continued. The Americans later realised it was a case of mistaken identity. But rather than apologise, free and return him home, they simply bundled him into an aircraft on May 28, 2004 and abandoned him in a strange place. When he walked along the road, he found himself at the Albanian border. The European Court of Human Rights awarded him 60,000 Euros against Macedonia, the country that had given the Americans the facilities to detain and torture him. The American establishment has the delusion that it is the world. It, therefore, assumes that when the United States has headache, the world is sick; when it snores, the universe must be wake and when it stirs, the world must jump up. It assumes that the only adult in the world is America, so it tells other countries who their friends and enemies are, who they can trade with; who they can dialogue with and who they should crush. It assumes it is the only entity that can define terrorism and decide who is a terrorist; who to put on the terror watch list and who to remove. In Africa, when children make an animal skin drum from the hides of cows, goats or other livestock, the elders caution them not to beat it too loudly else the drum goes burst; the United States is beating its skin drum too loudly, it may go burst. Owei Lakemfa, a former secretary general of African workers, is a human rights activist, journalist and author. Larry Rock, 76, of Charles Way, passed away on November 17, 2021 at his home. He was born May 17, 1945 the son of Clarence and Rose (Rell) Rock. Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Larry will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery in Champlain. Arrangements ha Inspired By Sakharat Al-Maraj, "the Rock Of Ascension", and in the spirit of the historic Abraham Accords, the AlSakhra Collection crafted with authentic Jerusalem Stone, Gold and Diamonds -- will be unveiled at the Jewelry Arabia 2021 exhibition in Bahrain. The Collection was designed by Mr. Avi Tavisal, founder of the Israel Diamond Center (IDC) TEL AVIV, Israel, Oct. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 16-20, Bahrain will host the Gulf Region's most prestigious international diamonds and jewelry exhibition 'Jewellery Arabia'. For the first time, in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, the Israeli diamond industry will be represented at the exhibition. In honor of the occasion, Mr. Avi Tavisal, founder of the Israel Diamond Center (IDC) and one of the founders of the world-leading Israel Diamond Exchange, has designed and created the AlSakhra Collection, which will be on display in the company's booth. A stunning collection of Islamic fine jewelry and collectors' art, AlSakhra was created in the spirit of Islamic faith and culture. The choice of the name "AlSakhra" for this special collection is a reference to the Sakharat Al-Maraj "the Rock of Ascension" from which Muhammad, peace be unto him, ascended to the heavens for his Night Journey, and the beautiful gilded Dome of the Rock above it. In reverence to the Islamic faith, the Collection is crafted with authentic Jerusalem Stone, Gold and Diamonds. Avi Tavisal immediately agreed to the Israel Diamond Exchange's request to be among the first diamond and fine jewelry dealers to represent Israel at this important exhibition. In cooperation with a team of expert craftsmen, jewelers and advisors, he captures the beauty of Islam, Islamic history and culture in a complete line of AlSakhra jewelry and a collection of one-of-a-kind sculptures crafted from Jerusalem Stone, Gold, Diamonds and Gemstones. These Masterpieces are valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars. Mr. Shady Kheir, IDC's VP Business Development, explained, "The Abraham Accords motivated us to combine our vast experience in the diamond industry, artistic vision and great appreciation to the leaders who realized the historic peaceful relations in the region into this unique brand which has already stirred curiosity in the Gulf region. "Israel is well known as the "Start-up Nation" and as the number one diamond exporter in the world. We are extremely delighted and honored to take part in this important event," said Kheir. Jewellery Arabia is regularly attended by senior officials and respected dignitaries from the Emirates and all over the world. The Royal Family of Bahrain, which plays an active role in hosting the event, will be present throughout the exhibition and will take part in various related events. Avi Tavisal, a seventh-generation Jerusalemite and member of his family's second generation engaged in the jewelry profession, said, "Today, we are making history. This is a very exciting and important development. Dealing with diamonds connects me to a very special place diamonds saved my father's life during World War II and gave me a rare opportunity to become one of the founders of the Israeli Diamond Exchange and industry. It is a privilege to use my skills, creativity and faith to honor Islam and our partners in the historic Abraham Accords." Link to the website https://www.al-sakra.com Contact Yair Marton [email protected] +972-54-7620667 SOURCE The Israel Diamond Center (IDC) PLYMOUTH, Mass., Oct. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tech Etch, a trusted provider of critical components specializing in manufacturing precision-engineered thin metal components, flexible printed circuits, and EMI/RFI shielding, announced today that it will begin notifying current and former employees whose information may have been involved in a data security breach incident that occurred in August. Although Tech Etch has implemented many safeguards to protect the confidentiality of its current and former employees' health information, it believes that some employee information could have been taken during the ransomware attack. On August 25, 2021, Tech Etch learned that it had fallen victim to a ransomware attack against its computer network that started on August 20, 2021. Upon discovering the unauthorized third-party activity on its computer systems, including unauthorized encryption of some of its files, the company immediately engaged an external forensic cybersecurity team and legal counsel to help secure the network and investigate the extent of the breach. Tech Etch also took steps to prevent further unauthorized access and to notify law enforcement, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Massachusetts Attorney General's office. The company's thorough data security protocols and back-up procedures enabled it to restore operations and access data from its back-ups without decryption of any of the unauthorized encryption. After ensuring that the company's business was secure, Tech Etch's cybersecurity experts did a thorough investigation. They could not identify any direct evidence of data staging or exfiltration based on the available data. While the attackers did not appear to have accessed Tech Etch's human resources server, and while Tech Etch had its own encryption on the backups for that server that the attackers did try to access, the cybersecurity experts could not determine whether the attackers could have copied any current or former employees' personal information (name, address, social security number, date of birth, or personal health information) from some e-mail records on different servers. To date, Tech Etch has not seen that any such information, or indeed anything from the company's computer systems, has been posted publicly. Nor has the company seen any affirmative evidence that any of its current or former employees' personal information has been either accessed or misused. Out of an abundance of caution, however, Tech Etch is providing information to individuals whose personal information may have been impacted to provide them with details about this incident and guidance on how they can help protect themselves and their information if they feel it is necessary or appropriate to do so. The company's letter to current and former employees includes instructions on how an individual can contact all three of the major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert or security freeze on their account, inquire about any unusual activity, and request a credit report. Tech Etch recommends that individuals also may want to review all bills and account statements they receive over the next several months and report any suspicious activity to the financial institution of the account at issue. The company also recommends that current and former employees review the explanation of benefits statements that they receive from their health insurer. If these statements list any service that an individual believes he or she did not receive, Tech Etch recommends that the individual contact their insurer at the number on the statement. If an individual does not receive regular explanation of benefits statements, the company recommends they contact their insurer or health care providers and request a copy of such statements following the provision of services in the individual's name or using any of the individual's identification numbers. Individuals may also review their credit reports and check for any unrecognized medical bills. If an individual finds anything suspicious, they should call the credit reporting agency at the phone number on the report. Protecting the privacy of its customers, employees, partners, and members of its community is important to Tech Etch, and the company sincerely regrets any inconvenience this incident may have caused. To help prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future Tech Etch has enhanced and strengthened its security systems from those that were in place at the time of the incident and plans to continually review these protocols and processes to remain vigilant. About Tech Etch: Tech Etch has over five decades of experience and expertise specializing in manufacturing precision-engineered thin metal components, flexible printed circuits, and EMI/RFI shielding, across three locations in the United States (Plymouth, MA, Fall River, MA, and Litchfield, MN). The company's commitment to excellence begins with employee-owners who provide world-class services and innovative comprehensive solutions that enhance lives globally. Tech Etch partners with leading global customers in the aerospace, military, medical, telecommunication, and electronics industries that have highly complex precise designs and demanding regulatory requirements. The company's solutions ensure unmatched precision, quality, and attention to detail in every project, every time. Learn more about Tech Etch by visiting www.techetch.com. Media Contact: Minh Medeiros, Director of Marketing (508) 747-0300 ext: 3020 [email protected] SOURCE Tech Etch Related Links https://techetch.com NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Round Table Management celebrates big wins at the 52nd Annual GMA Dove Awards aired Friday evening. We The Kingdom claimed "Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year" and "Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year" while Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes' "The Blessing" took home "Song of the Year." The three wins do not come as a surprise to fans as both artists have been breaking records in the CCM genre. "Our team is grateful to partner with creators that expand boundaries to reach more people through their songwriting, artistry and performances," said Cam Pumphrey. "Having the impact of their creativity and hearts recognized by our peers at GMA with these awards is a true honor." Last year's New Artist of the Year, We The Kingdom, continued their success with the release of their latest single "Child of Love". The song peaked at #5 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart and #3 on Billboard's Christian Airplay chart while their first single "Holy Water" was certified gold. "We could not be more honored and excited to have been recognized by the GMA. We were absolutely stunned and are overwhelmed with gratitude," said We The Kingdom. "We are first and foremost grateful to God for blessing us with these gifts of songs that have helped heal our hearts and bring us closer in relationship with Him. We are so thankful to CCMG, JRA and Round Table Management for believing in us and helping share these songs. Thank you to our incredible team of people who have helped shape and impact We The Kingdom. Thank you to our spouses and family back home for supporting us as we go out and do this. Thank you to everyone who listens to our music - the privilege to have our songs play a role in the soundtrack of your lives is one of the biggest honors we have ever experienced. Your stories help fan the flames of our hearts and keep us going. We firmly believe that We The Kingdom is not just the people on the stage but all of God's people uniting together. We love you all and are truly very grateful." Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes' "The Blessing" has continued its record-breaking run with a win for "Song of the Year" this year and "Worship Song of the Year" at the 51st Annual Dove Awards. Earlier this year, "The Blessing" was nominated for "Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song" at the 2021 Grammy Awards and "Top Christian Song" at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards. The highly popular song continues to be covered by various artists around the world and has been certified gold. Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes are currently on their "The Blessing USA Tour" with future stops in Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and more. We The Kingdom are joining Zach Williams on his "The Rescue Story Tour" and have upcoming stops in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Indiana, Missouri, and more. Round Table Management also announced that Cam Pumphrey will be taking on the new title of President of Round Table Management while Shane Quick is moving to Partner. "We are excited to announce that Cam Pumphrey will be officially taking on the role of President of Round Table Management. We look forward to continuing to serve and grow artists at Round Table for years to come together," said Shane Quick. Round Table Management is an artist management and vision execution firm based in Nashville, Tennessee and is a division of Premier LLC. Founded by Shane Quick in 2018, Round Table has helped break new artists such as We The Kingdom and helped continue the legacy and growth of artists such as Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes. SOURCE Round Table Management Bosch (China) Investment Ltd. EVP Xu Daquan said: "Intelligent electric vehicle development has entered a critical period with platform-level technology guidance and innovation on track to become a new focus for development. One of the key items to come out as a result of these technological advances is the integrated vehicle board that can meet both hardware and software demands for modularization and intelligence, a feature that can greatly reduce production cost and R&D time. U Power is a partner with the right R&D and manufacturing strengths to produce such a component. We are looking forward to working with U Power on furthering integrated chassis technology and supporting the development of China's intelligent EV industry." As the lead investor in U Power's Pre-A+ funding round, Boyuan Capital managing partner and CEO Zhu Lin said the value of traditional automotive supply chains has been changed with the arrival of intelligent automotive manufacturing. While many new players have entered the field, U Power has the right technology in place and therefore looks to be among the most promising. U Power's proprietary UP Super Board is a breakthrough product that can greatly empower car manufacturing as the sector enters a new stage, greatly shorten the time needed for R&D, and meet the rapid launch and diversified market needs of intelligent EVs in different scenarios. With its many years in its role as a Tier 1 auto supplier and a complete vehicle manufacturer now deeply ingrained in its DNA, the U Power team will bring to the table a whole new approach to intelligent vehicle R&D and a highly imaginative business model for the automotive business chain, alongside its market-leading chassis products, to further reduce costs and increase efficiency. The two companies, as a result of the collaboration, will have a huge head start as the era of intelligent electric vehicle unfolds. U Power, with its vast experience in manufacturing vehicles under multiple real-life scenarios, will reinvent the entire vehicle development process by moving to a modularization approach whereby the chassis is divided from the body. By redefining the fundamental approach, technical norms and supply chain, U Power's proprietary UP Super Board can be customized to meet different hardware standards and software platforms, increasing R&D and manufacturing productivity. The existence of the UP Super Board is expected to shorten R&D time to one year and reduce production costs by up to 60%. Today, China's intelligent EV industry is exposed to increasingly fierce competition between traditional vehicle makers, new car manufacturers and technology companies. Advances in vehicle modularization and intelligence have made possible the body-chassis-separated manufacturing model. Some international start-ups are already working in this area in collaboration with major automakers. In China, the concept of the "super board" remains fresh. It is an open secret in the industry that more than 50% of the bill of materials (BOM) cost of intelligent EVs is concentrated in the power chassis, opening the door to the creation of a new "species" like the super board. U Power founder Li Peng said there are many companies from diverse backgrounds that are eager to enter the mobility space, but what holds them back are the high barriers. U Power looks forward to seeing the UP Super Board technology create a level playing field for all those that seek to enter. SOURCE U Power Aluminium Dunkerque Completes Refinancing Tweet this Guillaume de Goys, the Chief Executive Officer of Aluminium Dunkerque Industries France SAS, stated, "This refinancing by AIP is welcome news, as it completely stabilizes our capital structure and provides greatly needed working capital. Among other benefits, it will allow all of the Alumimium Dunkerque companies in France to deliver their statutory audits, as required. We operate in a volatile industry, and as a result a stable financial structure is required for long term operational success." Amelie Hennion, the Managing Director of Aluminium Dunkerque SAS, added, "This major refinancing, which AIP delivered in 22 days, along with the social bonus confirmed to the workforce this past week, starts a new chapter for Aluminium Dunkerque in its relationships with its customers, suppliers and employees, as well as the French State." Separately, the company has announced that several entity name changes have been completed: "Liberty Industries France SAS (FR)" is now "Aluminium Dunkerque Industries France SAS (FR)" "Alvance Aluminium Dunkerque SAS (FR)" is now "Aluminium Dunkerque SAS (FR)" "Alvance Aluminium Service SAS (FR)" is now "Aluminium Dunkerque Service SAS (FR)" "Liberty France Industries 1 SA (LUX)" is now "Aluminium Dunkerque Industries 1 SA (LUX)" "Liberty France Industries 2 SA (LUX)" is now "Aluminium Dunkerque Industries 2 SA (LUX)". About Aluminium Dunkerque: Founded in 1991, Aluminium Dunkerque is the largest primary aluminium smelter in Europe, specialising in the manufacture of aluminium slabs and ingots, used in the transport, automotive, aerospace, packaging, building and construction industries. Aluminium Dunkerque Industries France SAS (FR) is the holding company responsible for financing the business. Aluminium Dunkerque SAS (FR) and Aluminium Dunkerque Service SAS (FR) are operating companies which own the assets, employ the workforce and do business with customers and suppliers. Aluminium Dunkerque is wholly owned by a subsidiary of American Industrial Partners Capital Fund VII, L.P. For more information on Aluminium Dunkerque, visit www.aluminiumdunkerque.fr About AIP: American Industrial Partners (AIP) is an operationally oriented private equity firm that makes control investments in industrial businesses serving domestic and global markets. The firm has deep roots in the industrial economy and has been active in private equity investing since 1989. To date, AIP has completed over 100 transactions and currently has more than $7 billion of assets under management on behalf of leading institutions. Among AIP's over 20 portfolio companies is Commonwealth Rolled Products of Lewisport, Kentucky, a leader in aluminum rolled products serving the automotive and common alloy markets in the United States. For more information on AIP, visit www.americanindustrial.com. CONTACT: Guillaume Foucault CORP COM [email protected] +33 (6) 52-11-37-65 SOURCE American Industrial Partners Related Links http://www.americanindustrial.com Jiaxing Kaiyi Hospital is licensed for 500 beds with a construction area of 112,000 square meters. It is built in accordance to Joint Commission International (JCI) standards and aims to provide holistic patient centric care using state-of-the-art medical technology. It has 10 operating theatres including 2 digital OTs, 2 DSAs, 6 LDRP (Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum) rooms, and advanced diagnostic equipment such as the MRI 3.0. The total cost of investment is US$220 million and the hospital took 3 years to construct and commission. The services provided at the Jiaxing Kaiyi Hospital include outpatient consultations, inpatient services, accident & emergency and health screening. Its specialties include internal medicine, oncology, general surgery, orthopedic, respiratory, urology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, neurology, nephrology, cardiology, dermatology, gynecology, family planning, hemodialysis, pediatrics, rehabilitation and traditional Chinese medicine. It is equipped with advanced medical diagnostic equipment such as GE's MRI 3.0, GE's CT 64, digital radiology, ultrasound, and a full service medical laboratory. Patients will be able to use their public and commercial medical insurance at the hospital. "With the opening of its third and largest hospital, Columbia China aims to deliver the highest level of healthcare quality, service and patient experience to the 5.5m population in Jiaxing," said Bee Lan Tan, President & Group CEO of Columbia China. "The successful opening of the hospital during the pandemic period would not have been possible without the commitment and efficiency of the Jiaxing government and the support of the government officials at Jiaxing Economic and Technological Development Zone. Columbia China remains dedicated to bringing more international medical and management talent and resources to Jiaxing, so that the needs of the local population can be well served." As one of the key projects of Jiaxing's "100 Years 100 Projects", the official opening of Kaiyi Hospital will contribute improvements to Jiaxing's healthcare services landscape and enable the people in Jiaxing and its surrounding areas to experience cost-effective and international standard healthcare services without having to leave Jiaxing. At the launch ceremony, Jiaxing Kaiyi Hospital and Zhejiang Tongji College signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on personnel training, scientific research and innovation, and to build a platform for integrating learning, practice and research. Jiaxing Kaiyi Hospital and Jiaxing Taiwan Investing Entrepreneurs Association also signed a contract to create a more accessible, seamless, and comfortable medical environment for Taiwanese living and working in Jiaxing. As part of Jiaxing Kaiyi Hospital's corporate social responsibility, it also donated 100,000 RMB to Zhejiang Foundation for Disabled Persons to support the major medical insurance program for people with disabilities. This will help to reduce the medical burden of patients with major illnesses and their families. Cao Haoqiang, President of Jiaxing Kaiyi Hospital, said that "Jiaxing Kaiyi Hospital has attracted much attention from the public since its soft opening on May 20, 2021. During the soft opening, the hospital's systems, facilities, services and processes were systematically tested and the medical staff of each department were trained to provide the best service to our patients." Through the feedback received from the soft opening, we have set up the "Famous Physicians Center", aiming to bring the best doctors in China to provide top quality care to the people of Jiaxing. Along with the official launch, Jiaxing Kaiyi Hospital also officially unveiled the set-up of the "Shanghai Famous Orthopedic Physicians' Jiaxing Kaiyi Center", in cooperation with several famous tertiary hospitals and orthopedic hospitals in Shanghai. Jiaxing Kaiyi Hospital aims to provide expert consultations by Shanghai doctors at Jiaxing's "doorstep". To give back to the community, from October 21-23, Jiaxing Kaiyi Hospital has held a "Women's Care Day - Intelligent AI Breast Screening for Cancer" charity clinic, actively taking social responsibility for women's health. AIBUS, an intelligent breast screening ultrasound robot, along with our physician team will conduct the screenings and carry out health education activities at the following communities - Jiaxing Yu Xin Community, Cao Zhuang Community, Haiyan Bolite Paper and Huixin Import & Export Group. Jiaxing Kaiyi Hospital will also conduct complimentary breast screenings for cancer as well. About Columbia China Columbia China is a privately-held Shanghai-based healthcare company jointly invested by Columbia Pacific Management (CPM) from the United States, Sheares Healthcare Group (SHEARES) from Singapore and Swire Pacific Limited from Hong Kong. For more information about Columbia China, go to the company's website, Columbia-China.com. SOURCE COLUMBIA CHINA MEXICO CITY, Oct. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Maxcom Telecomunicaciones S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: MAXCOM A, OTC: MXMTY) (" Maxcom " or the " Company ") informs that Transtelco Holding, Inc. (the " Offeror ") announced today that it has extended the Early Tender Date and the Expiration Date for its previously announced cash tender offer (the " Notes Tender Offer ") to purchase any and all of the outstanding 8% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (the "Notes") issued by Maxcom and solicitation of consents to amend the indenture governing the Notes (the "Consent Solicitation"), to effect certain amendments (the "Proposed Amendments") to the indenture governing the Notes (the "Indenture"). The foregoing, pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Notes Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation Statement made by Transtelco, as of September 23, 2021. As previously announced by Transtelco, the Offer and the Consent Solicitation is being made in connection with, and is expressly conditioned upon the closing of, the acquisition of by Transtelco Acquisitions III, S. de R.L. de C.V., a Mexican limited liability company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada de Capital Variable (S. de R.L. de C.V.)), of shares representing no less than 85% of the capital stock of Maxcom pursuant to a public mandatory tender offer (Oferta Publica Forzosa de Adquisicion) (the "Equity Tender Offer") made in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Mexican Stock Exchange Act (Ley del Mercado de Valores). In order to facilitate and provide additional time for the completion of certain closing conditions associated with the Equity Tender Offer, Transtelco Acquisition III, S. de R.L. de C.V. has extended the expiration date for the Equity Tender Offer to November 5, 2021 and the new closing date is expected to be on November 10, 2021, subject to satisfaction of the conditions specified in the Prospectus (Folleto Informativo) for the Equity Tender Offer. In this line, the Notes Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation will remain in effect until November 5, 2021 unless extended at the request of Transtelco. For more information on the Notes Tender Offer, the Consent Solicitation and the Equity Tender Offer, please visit the Company's website: http://ri.maxcom.com/. Maxcom appreciates the permanent support from all its stakeholders and confirms its commitment to maintaining close communication with the investing public. About Transtelco Headquartered in El Paso, Texas, Transtelco is a leading global digital infrastructure solutions provider, which includes a state-of-the-art long-haul and metropolitan fiber network in the Southwestern U.S., Mexico and Latin America. It offers Dedicated Internet Access, Long-Haul & Metro Transport, Colocation and Telephony services to global telecom carriers and blue-chip enterprise customers. Transtelco's differentiated bi-national and bi-cultural approach allows it to consistently deliver superior results to customers and exceed expectations. Transtelco delivers services over its own infrastructure that spans over 15,000 miles from Los Angeles to Dallas and Tijuana to Mexico City through a unique network that provides route diversity, redundancy and protection. For more information, visit transtelco.net. About MAXCOM Maxcom launched its commercial operations in May 1999, holding its headquarters in Mexico City. Maxcom is a facilities-based telecommunications provider that uses a "smart-build" approach to deliver last-mile connectivity, metropolitan and long-distance transportation services, colocations and other value-added services, both to the enterprise segment and to the national and international carrier segment. Maxcom provides its services through a fiber optic network of more than 8,500 kilometers, which allows it to have points of presence in the main cities of Mexico. The information in this press release is the exclusive responsibility of Maxcom Telecomunicaciones, SAB de CV, and has not been reviewed by the Mexican National Banking and Securities Commission (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, D.F., Mexico (52 55) 4770-1170 [email protected] SOURCE Maxcom Telecomunicaciones, S.A.B. de C.V. Related Links http://www.maxcom.com Launched today by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the Sustainable Tourism Global Center will support travelers, governments, and the private sector, to ensure that tourism enables growth and creates jobs, while playing its part to achieve the climate goals laid out in the Paris Agreement, including contributing to keeping the world to under 1.5-degrees Celsius warming. With the global travel and tourism sector responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Saudi Arabia has prioritized urgent action to support this important sector in its transition to net zero. The Global Center will be the platform to bring all the knowledge and expertise; it aims to be the "north star" for the tourism sector as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and transitions toward a sustainable future. Globally, tourism supports more than 330 million livelihoods and pre-pandemic, it was responsible for creating one in four new jobs globally. Details of this coalition and the services it will provide will be formally announced during COP26. HE Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia said: "The tourism sector contributes to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions and this is expected to grow if we don't act now. Tourism is also a highly fragmented sector. 80% of businesses in tourism are small and medium sized enterprises who rely on guidance and support from sector leadership. The sector must be part of the solution. "Saudi Arabia, following the vision and leadership of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, is answering this vital call by working with partners - that prioritize tourism, SMEs and climate - to create a multi-country, multi-stakeholder coalition, that will lead, accelerate, and track the tourism industry's transition to net zero emissions. "By working together and delivering a strong joint platform, the tourism sector will have the support it needs. The STGC will facilitate growth while making tourism better for the climate, nature, and communities." HE Gloria Guevara, Chief Special Advisor to the Minister of Tourism said: "For years and years, multiple players across the tourism sector have been working on different initiatives to accelerate the race to zero but we have been working in silos. The impact of the global pandemic on the tourism sector highlighted the vital importance of multi-country, multi-stakeholder collaboration. And now, Saudi Arabia is stepping up to bring stakeholders together to make tourism part of the solution to climate change." Infographic - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1668358/Sustainable_Tourism_Infographic.jpg SOURCE Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia The 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. Piperylene Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Application Adhesives Plastics Others Geographic Landscape APAC Europe MEA North America South America Download a Free Sample to learn more about piperylene-based adhesives segmentation Piperylene Market 2020-2024: Scope Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. Our piperylene market report covers the following areas: Although the growing demand for piperylene-based adhesives will offer immense growth opportunities, the development of bio-based plastics will challenge the growth of the market participants. Piperylene Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the piperylene market, including Braskem SA, Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. LLC, China Petrochemical Corp., Eastman Chemical Co., Kai Yen International Trading Corp., Lotte Chemical Corp., LyondellBasell Industries NV, Mitsui & Co. Ltd., NOVA Chemicals Corp., and Royal Dutch Shell Plc. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research report on the piperylene 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. Piperylene Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist piperylene market growth during the next five years Estimation of the piperylene market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the piperylene market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of piperylene market vendors Related Reports: Polyetheramine Market: The polyetheramine market has been segmented by application (epoxy coatings, polyurea, adhesives and sealants, composites, and others) and geography (APAC, Europe , North America , South America , and MEA). Download Free Sample Report The polyetheramine market has been segmented by application (epoxy coatings, polyurea, adhesives and sealants, composites, and others) and geography (APAC, , , , and MEA). Methanol Market: The methanol market has been segmented by end-user (automotive, construction, electronics, paints and coatings, and others), derivative type (formaldehyde, acetic acid, gasoline, DME, and others), and geography (APAC, Europe , North America , MEA, and South America ). Download Free Sample Report Piperylene Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2019 Forecast period 2020-2024 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of almost 6% Market growth 2020-2024 USD 428.50 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 5.30 Regional analysis APAC, Europe, MEA, North America, and South America Performing market contribution APAC at 54% Key consumer countries China and India Competitive landscape Leading companies, competitive strategies, consumer engagement scope Companies profiled Braskem SA, Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. LLC, China Petrochemical Corp., Eastman Chemical Co., Kai Yen International Trading Corp., Lotte Chemical Corp., LyondellBasell Industries NV, Mitsui & Co. Ltd., NOVA Chemicals Corp., and Royal Dutch Shell Plc 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 Scope of the Report Preface Currency conversion rates for US$ Market Landscape Market ecosystem Market characteristics Value Chain Analysis Market segmentation 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 http://www.technavio.com/ TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - The Well Told Company (TSXV: WLCO) ("Well Told" or the "Company"), a Canadian wellness brand that offers plant-based supplements, remedies and other functional wellness products, announced that it will begin publicly trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol WLCO on October 25, 2021. This listing will occur in connection with the Company's recently completed transaction (the "Transaction") with Agau Resources, Inc. ("Agau"). The Transaction was implemented on October 14, 2021 by way of a reverse take-over of Agau by Well Told Inc., with the resulting company (the "Resulting Issuer") being the Company. A listing application relating to the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer, and other matters, was filed and is available on SEDAR on October 20, 2021. "Our first day of trading will mark an exciting new chapter for Well Told. The capital will allow us to realize our vision in disrupting the opaque, mostly synthetic and highly processed supplement industry. Over the years, consumer demands and expectations have changed. I am pleased to say that Well Told's supplements are crafted with plants and nothing else," said Monica Ruffo, founder and CEO of Well Told. "We have successfully built a high performance brand, but the work doesn't end there. With our unique position in the supplement industry, we intend to use an omnichannel strategy for aggressive and efficient growth." The Company also announced that is has retained Generation IACP Inc. ("Generation") to provide market-making services (the "Services"). Generation was retained with the objective of maintaining a reasonable market and improving the liquidity of the Company's shares. Under the agreement between Generation and the Company (the "Generation Agreement"), the Company has agreed to initially pay Generation a cash fee of $7,500, plus applicable taxes, per month. The initial term of the Generation Agreement will last six (6) months and such term will be automatically renewed for subsequent six (6) month periods unless terminated earlier by 30 days' prior written notice. Generation will not receive any securities of the Company as compensation, and Generation does not currently own any securities of the Company. However, Generation and its clients may acquire a direct interest in the securities of the Company. The Company and Generation are unrelated and unaffiliated entities; Generation is arm's length to the Company. Generation is a member of the Investment Industry Regulation Organization of Canada and a member firm of the TSX Venture Exchange. 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. About The Well Told Company: The Well Told Company is a female founded, emerging plant-based wellness company that formulates, develops, distributes and sells a variety of supplements, remedies and other functional wellness products. Founded by serial entrepreneur and award-winning leader Monica Ruffo, it was after undergoing treatment for breast cancer, and deciding to take her health into her own hands that she discovered the lack of transparency and availability of clean, plant-based formulations in the wellness industry. With the mission "Clean wellness for all", Well Told's products are currently available in over 2,000 stores across Canada including several well-known retailers. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed by the Company, any information released or received with respect to the Company may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities under 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 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 as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein may include, but are not limited to, information concerning the Resulting Issuer, the Transaction and the effects of the Transaction, expectations regarding the ability of the Resulting Issuer to successfully achieve business objectives, expectations regarding the completion and availability of financing, and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. 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. SOURCE Well Told Inc. Bengaluru, Oct 23 : With an aim to develop 'Super 30' engineering colleges by taking up one college in each district of Karnataka, a committee will be formed to work towards providing quality teaching in every district, and to meet industry requirements. The committee -- headed by Prof. Karisiddappa, Vice-Chancellor, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), will comprise of academicians, industry leaders, officials among others. This was decided in the preliminary meeting chaired by C.N.Ashwath Narayan, the Minister for Higher Education, on Friday. The purpose is to focus on providing quality teaching in every district and to meet industry requirements. Wherever the government college exists that will be considered on priority and in districts with no government college, private engineering colleges will be selected, Narayan stated. Colleges known for quality will not be included in this. But those which lack quality teaching will only be taken up to be developed as model colleges. The development would mainly concentrate on faculty training, industry collaborations, setting up of laboratories, foreign collaborations, and such other things rather than physical infrastructure, the Minister emphasized. To begin with, one department in each selected college will be taken up for up-gradation and later on, it will be expanded to the whole college. The funds needed for this will be shared in the ratio of 1/3rd by CSR funding of companies, 1/3rd by VTU, and 1/3rd by the institution itself, Narayana explained. It was decided in the meeting to connect the selected colleges with the leading industries and to allow industries to guide the colleges as anchoring institutes. It was also suggested to loop in alumni students in this attempt. New Delhi, Oct 23 : In the last quarter of over 25 years experience in his line of work, he felt an acute need to unravel the enigma surrounding spy-craft. Considering the fact that their work has forever been 'viewed' in various ways -- the adventures of James Bond or Ethan Hunt, or demonizing by some as acts of exalted reprobates, author Prabhakar Aloka, whose debut book "Operation Haygreeva" (Penguin) recently hit the stands says that the authentic picture of spying as an instrument of providing security to common man is lost in these such descriptions. "My conviction to write about spy work was further bolstered by Toni Erskine's essay in which he quoted Thomas Hobb's description of agents as 'those who exercise sovereign power as rays of light to the human soul'. This realisation provoked to write the book which opens with the anxiety of a common housewife who is worried about the safety of her husband against terrorist attacks and ends with her satisfaction over neutralisation of the terror module. It took around one year to crystallise my thoughts and about 18 months to write it," the former intelligence officer tells IANS. The book focuses on a multi-city intelligence operation after a series of bomb blasts across Mumbai and Varanasi, foreign tourists being kidnapped by a home-grown terror outfit and an imminent threat on the opposition party leader touted to be at the cusp of forming a new government. As the Chief of the highly covert C3 unit of the Intelligence Bureau, Ravi Kumar leads a team of three novices from the academy guiding them through the tricks of the trade and his unorthodox methodology as they uncover a plot that is much larger and threatens the very fabric of the country's peace and stability. Even as the Hindi film industry woke up to the existence of Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) a decade and a half back, the author smiles that the "proportion of truth and creative freedom varies from one narrator to the other", says Aloka who has served in counter-terror, counter-insurgency and anti-Naxalite theatres. Maintaining that secrecy is an essential ingredient for unravelling deliberately hidden facts, Aloka adds that intelligence work consists of process and outcome. "For sustained intelligence work, it is essential that the process remains under wraps and the outcome is not traced back to the agency. The outcome is achieved by the Police and other agencies. Indian Constitution mandates states to carry out Law and Order, and policing functions. Intelligence assists police forces in carrying out those functions," he says. Talking about the eight episode OTT series planned on the book, the author says that it projects shows the triumph and turbulence a spy has to face in his mission. "It attempts to project the psychological disruptions a spy has to undergo in maintaining his cover." Mention that unlike the west, the spy genre has not really caught up with Indian publishers, and the author feels that it has not got its due universally despite being the oldest profession in the history of organised society. "Spy work, in its myriad manifestation, has been used to defend the realm or the sovereign. Intelligence historians have pointed out that intelligence as an instrument of national and human security is a missing component in the historiography of nations and states. It is primarily considering the requirement of secrecy to protect processes. Evolution in warfare that has transformed the battleground from physical to cognitive space calls for opening up of the intelligence cycle without compromising the process. It High time that spy-work is included in historiography," he concludes. Gandhinagar, Oct 23 : The Gujarat High Court has reprimanded the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) for the pollution on the Sabarmati riverfront and admonished that those officials accountable for the functioning of the sewage treatment plants (STP) laboratories, who failed to keep a check on polluted waters dumped into the riverfront will be suspended. The High Court also observed that the root of the cause of the riverfront pollution issue was inaccountability by the authorities. The court also instructed the government and concerned authorities to hold everyone accountable. The bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and Vaibhavi Nanavati was hearing the case of the Suo Moto cognizance of the Sabarmati riverfront pollution after media reports about the sorry state of the river, which is not flowing at all, according to the Joint Task Force (JTF) constituted by the Gujarat HC for the issue. "The root of the cause is that nobody is accountable and everybody is doing whatever they feel like. Hold them accountable. Accountability is something which is lacking... Nobody is answerable to anyone... you must hold people accountable, why not?," Justice Pardiwala observed on Thursday, addressing the AMC. Justice JB Pardiwala said if the Ahmedabad Municipal Commissioner was watching this live streaming, then we request him to hold accountable each person that spreads pollution. Only this way will we make a headway in cleaning up Sabarmati. "The moment you start doing this, it will create fear and they will think twice (before doing anything wrong). We are not doing this for anyone, we are doing this for the people," Justice Pardiwala said while hearing the Suo Moto petition. A report by the JTF brought out several flaws in the running of sewage treatment plants. Through the JTF, the court learnt that the laboratories inside the STP across the city, which were supposed to keep a check on the water dumped into the Sabarmati river were almost non functional. "So if they are not functioning then those official needs to be suspended. We will suspend them," said Pardiwala. The JTF and the Amicus Curiae Hemang Shah, both found that the Sabarmati Riverfront was in a poor state due to the 'legal' as well as the illegal releasing of untreated industrial effluents and sewage water into the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad. Citing the example of the recent heavy floods lashed out in Uttarakhand which was the nature's reply to mankind for disrupting it, Justice Pardiwala remarked that "nature won't forgive for the damage we are causing it". "Look at what is happening in Uttarakhand...," Pardiwala said. The court has scheduled the next hearing on December 3. San Francisco, Oct 23 : Google Meet is rolling out a new feature that would let the meeting host to turn off participants' microphones or cameras. The feature has been rolled for Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals and Education Plus domains. It will launch to additional Google Workspace editions in the coming months. "The meeting host is the only user in a meeting who can use the 'mute all' feature. Once all participants are muted, the meeting host cannot unmute them. However, users will be able to unmute themselves as needed. The mute all feature will only be available for hosts who are joining from a desktop browser, but will be launching on other platforms in the coming months," Google said in a blog post. The microphone and camera lock feature will be off by default; hosts will have to turn it on during meetings if they want to use it. Recently, Google Meet started rolling out live speech into translated captions. The live caption feature comes in handy especially for users with disabilities and also for those who want to keep track of what is being said in a virtual meeting word by word. The feature will be useful in all-hands meetings and training programs with globally distributed teams, as well as educators communicating with students. Washington, Oct 23 : US President Joe Biden and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron have agreed to meet in Rome later this month, the White House announced. The agreement came during a phone conversation between the two leaders on Friday during which they also discussed efforts to support stability and security in the Sahel region in Africa, enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and enable a more capable European defence, Xinhua news agency quoted the White House as saying in a statement. The statement added that Biden and Macron will meet in Rome later this month to continue their conversation on bilateral cooperation. The White House however did not provide a date of the meeting. In a separate statement, the White House said Vice President Kamala Harris will visit France next month to meet Macron and participate in the Paris Conference on Libya on November 12. Harris' trip is seen as the Biden administration's continuing efforts to repair US-France relations, which suffered setbacks due to the controversial AUKUS nuclear submarine deal announced by the Washington, the UK and Australia last month. In mid-September, the US and the UK said they would support the Australian Navy in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines under the newly formed trilateral security pact, depriving France of an existing contract to provide 12 conventional submarines to Australia. Outraged by the abrupt move without consultations, France recalled its Ambassadors to the US and Australia in protest. Biden admitted the issue could have been better handled during his last call with Macron in late September. Brussels, Oct 23 : The leaders of the European Union (EU) member states have endorsed a package of measures to deal with the immediate effects of the spike in energy prices, the European Council said. In the conclusions of the two-day EU summit on Friday, the leaders called for medium- and long-term measures that would contribute to affordable energy prices for households and companies, reports Xinhua news agency citing the Council as saying. The toolbox, which the European Commission launched last week, contains measures to tackle the rising energy prices in the short and longer term. The leaders called on the member states to "urgently make the best use of the toolbox to provide short-term relief to the most vulnerable consumers and to support European companies", especially those struggling to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. They said that the European Investment Bank should "look into how to speed up investment in the energy transition". The summit participants also discussed the pandemic and the vaccination rates across Europe. They noted the significant progress made in the fight against the pandemic but voiced concern that the situation in certain countries remains "very serious". "In light of the development of the epidemiological situation, the European Council called for further coordination to facilitate free movement within, and travel into, the EU," and encouraged the European Commission to "accelerate its work regarding mutual recognition of certificates with third countries". Glasgow, Oct 23 : As the 26th UN Conference of Parties on Climate Change, also known as COP26, is set to open in eight days in Glasgow, an accommodation crisis is sweeping the most populous city in Scotland, as thousands of attendees are still looking for a hotel room ahead of the high-profile international event. As the event, slated from October 31 to November 12, is expected to gather more than 30,000 people from around the world, it has pushed hotel prices up to above 600 pounds ($828) a night in Glasgow at present, according to a report by the Xinhua news agency. Hiking of the hotel prices highlight the hardship COP26 attendees have to face in securing a bed in the host city amid mounting health risks brought by Covid-19, which is described by The Financial Times as "the most difficult hurdle of all". An eye-popping example reported by the British media is that one room which normally costs 42 pounds was advertised at 1,400 pounds. What's more surprising is that the price of a standard room for one person at a hotel in Argyle Street has rocketed to 6,540 pounds -- almost five times more than the cost of a 10-day stay on the same dates a month earlier. During COP26, negotiations and workshops often run through the night. Staying close to the conference centre is no doubt a top priority for participants. However, many cannot afford the exorbitant room prices in Glasgow, and are not prepared to confront the thorny problem. A shortage of affordable accommodation even forced some to book rooms more than 200 km away from the conference venue, according to local media. The soaring prices of hotel rooms in the largest Scottish city have also prompted local residents to open their houses and cash in. The hot wave even spread to Edinburgh, about 70 km east of Glasgow, and further. The lack of beds has become so dire that two cruise ships are berthed on the River Clyde to be makeshift dormitories for people working at the UN conference. At the same time, the costs of renting COP26 pavilions and space for hosting workshops, panels discussions and keynote speeches during the conference are considerably higher than they were at COP25 in Madrid, Spain, in December 2019. Already delayed by a year due to Covid-19, the conference designed to seek joint solutions to climate change, an urgent common challenge for all mankind, should not be held up again by hurdles caused by human faults. Fair-priced hotel rooms are crucial for the extensive participation of all parties related, especially developing nations. The widespread bed hunting in Glasgow has also drawn much criticism to the UK government for a "shambolic preparation" for the UN conference. The Guardian described the Glasgow conference as "confusing and expansive" and many British people fear the upcoming UN gathering would be "the most exclusionary COP ever". The overly high pricing of everything in Glasgow soon sparked concerns that smaller nations would be priced out of hosting pavilions, as one organisation was quoted to have spent nearly 50,000 pounds, and another was forced to scale back space for their pavilion. The UN has called on developing countries affected by the high conference costs to speak to the UK government, as it is obliged to ensure equitable and safe participation by all nations. Embassies and businesses have also been contacting the Downing Street for being unable to get hotel rooms, according to local media. Hyderabad, Oct 23 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has said that the state government is committed to fulfil the ideals of Komaram Bheem who fought for the rights of the tribals. He claimed that the state government has made the aspiration of Adivasis "Our rule in our Gudem, our Thanda", a reality. The Chief Minister paid rich tributes to Adivasis' most worshipped leader Komaram Bheem on his birth anniversary on Friday, and recalled the services rendered by him. He said that the state government is implementing several schemes and programmes for the welfare and development of Adivasis and Komaram Bheem's birth anniversary is celebrated officially. He said that Jodeghat, the place from where Komaram Bheem waged his battle, has been developed. Komaram Bheem memorial, Smriti Vanam and a museum have been constructed at Jodeghat. The Chief Minister said to uphold the self-respect of the tribals, an Adivasi Bhavan is being constructed in the centre of Hyderabad and it is ready for the inauguration. Chandrasekhar Rao said that Komaram Bheem's slogan 'Jal Jangal Zameen' was very much an integral part of the separate Telangana statehood and of the development path under the self-governing state. Stating that Adivasis have a very special love towards forests and nature, he said everyone should take inspiration from them in this regard. New Delhi, Oct 23 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday arrived in Jammu and Kashmir on a three-day visit during which he will chair a high-level meeting on the security situation of the Union Territory. This is his first visit to the Union Territory after the reading down of the Article 370 from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and also gains significance after the killings of 11 civilians in Kashmir this month. According to Home Ministry officials, he will chair the high-level meeting at 12.30 p.m. with heads of security and intelligence agencies at the Raj Bhawan here. The meeting will be attended by Intelligence Bureau chief Arvind Kumar, CRPF DG Kuldiep Singh, ABSF DG Pamkaj Singh, DG of National Security Guard MA Ganapathy, J&K Police ADG Dilbagh Singh, Army commanders and other officials. The Inspector General of Jammu Police and Inspector General of Kashmir Police also will be present. The J&K Police DG is likely to make a presentation on the recent terror attacks targeting minorities and non-locals in Kashmir and measures taken to prevent such incidents. He will also hold an interaction with young members of Jammu and Kashmir Youth Clubs via video conference around 4.45 p.m. Around 6 p.m., he will inaugurate the first Srinagar-Sharjah international flight via video conferencing from the Raj Bhawan. Shah is likely to meet the families of the terror attack victims -- local pharmacists Pandit Makhan Lal Bindroo, school teacher Supinder Kaur and young sub-inspector Arshad Ahmad Mir. On Sunday, the Home Minister will visit Jammu and is likely to meet BJP workers at the party office and then hold a public rally in Bhagwati Nagar. He is expected to interact with various delegations as part of the Centre's outreach programme. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Ankara, Oct 23 : Turkish security forces have detained six Islamic State (IS) terror suspects in the Black Sea province of Ordu, an official statement said. The police carried out simultaneous operations in the districts of Altinordu, Kumru and Unye, Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying. It said that five of the suspects were foreign nationals, noting that the security forces seized digital materials during the raids. The IS group has carried out a series of deadly attacks in Turkey since 2015. Turkey's counter-terrorism units in response have been conducting operations against the group's members in the country. Ankara, Oct 23 : Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said the decision of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an intergovernmental body tasked with combating money laundering and terrorist funding, to add his country in the so-called "grey" monitoring list is a political move. "We all know that this decision is not a just and appropriate decision, but a political decision," he said at a press conference. "It is Europe and the West that finances terrorism and gives it strength and direction. We are the ones who pay the price and struggle of this, but it is Turkey that they blame." Along with Turkey, the FATF also place Mali and Jordan on its increased monitoring list, reports Xinhua news agency. Turkey needs to address "serious issues of supervision" in its banking and real estate sectors, and with gold and precious stones dealers, FATF President Marcus Pleyer said at a news conference on Thursday. "Turkey needs to show it is effectively tackling complex money laundering cases and show it is pursuing terrorist financing prosecutions in line with its risks and prioritizing cases of UN-designated terrorist organisations such as IS and Al Qaeda," he said. The Turkish Treasury and Finance Ministry on Friday said downgrading Ankara to the grey list despite coordination work with the watchdog has created an unwarranted result, noting that Ankara has taken steps considering the report of FATF. "Our country introduced on December 27, 2020, a law preventing the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction," it said in a statement noting that Turkey has made notable progress under FATF standards during the pandemic. Ankara will continue to take necessary steps in cooperation with FATF and it will ensure that Turkey will be removed from this list as soon as possible, the Ministry added. New Delhi, Oct 23 : Nykaa, one of India's leading beauty and fashion e-commerce platforms, today announced the acquisition of the Indian skincare brand Dot & Key. This is the first D2C (direct to consumer) beauty brand acquired by the platform and following this investment by the brand, Dot & Key will join Nykaa's stable of owned brands. Founded by Kolkata-based Suyash Saraf and Anisha Saraf, Dot & Key, is a new age brand focused on providing solutions to skincare concerns. It offers premium skincare products such as serums, face masks, toners and cleansers. The brand has recently expanded into nutraceuticals under the brand 'IKWI', whose products are dermatologically tested and cruelty-free. Ernst & Young LLP was the exclusive advisor on the deal. Commenting on the strategic development, Falguni Nayar, Founder and CEO, Nykaa, said, "We are excited to bring Dot & Key into the family in time to serve the demand in high-quality skincare by Indian consumers. Their product range presents an exciting opportunity for us as it allows us to extend the brand's reach to a larger landscape of consumers and enter the nutraceutical space as well. It is a consumer-centric brand with a growing base of consumers and a range of skincare solutions." "We created a niche brand with Dot & Key, focused on making products based on consumer needs. Our passion to differentiate ourselves has inspired us to take an unconventional angle to skincare. Nykaa's position in the beautiful landscape in India and its resources will allow Dot & Key to grow further as a brand and scale to the next level," said Suyash Saraf, Co-Founder, Dot & Key. (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) Seoul, Oct 23 : In a letter to Kim Jong-un, Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with North Korea, Pyongyang's state media reported on Saturday. Xi made the remarks in a reply to North Korean leader Kim's earlier letter to mark the 72nd Chinese National Day, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). In the reply, Xi said he has highly taken note of relations between North Korea and China, and expressed his willingness to raise bilateral ties to a "new level", Yonhap News Agency reported citing KCNA. North Korea and China have emphasised their close relations amid the paused nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington, and an escalating rivalry between the two superpowers. Xi expressed "intent to steadily propel the relations to a new stage by strengthening strategic communications, deepening the friendship and cooperation and leading them to be conducive to mutual support through joint endeavours with Kim Jong-un", according to the KCNA report. Xi also noted that North Korea and China "are linked by the same mountain and rivers, and the traditional friendship between the two countries is getting more solid over time", the report said. Previously, Kim vowed to raise the Pyongyang-Beijing "friendship to a new strategic point as required by the times and as desired by the peoples of the two countries." China fought alongside the North against South Korean, US and UN troops during the Korean War that ended in an armistice on July 27, 1953. Sunday marks the 70th anniversary of China's entry into the war. North Korea has been seeking to maintain closer ties with its traditional ally amid an impasse in nuclear negotiations with the US. Moscow, Oct 23 : The Kremlin said that the new plan of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to deter Russia fully justifies Moscow's decision to end all official dialogue with the alliance. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the remarks during his daily briefing on Friday after NATO Defence Ministers agreed on a new master plan a day earlier to defend against Russian threats on multiple fronts, reports Xinhua news agency. A Russia-NATO dialogue under such conditions is simply unnecessary and Russia will continue to safeguard its interests, said the spokesman. "The Russian side has never harboured any illusion regarding the NATO... The alliance was conceived and formed for confrontation and it will continue to fulfil this function," he said. On Monday, Moscow announced that it was suspending the operation of the Russian Permanent Mission to the NATO, the NATO Military Liaison Mission and the NATO Information Office in Moscow, in retaliation for the alliance's "unfriendly actions", including the expulsion of Russian diplomats this month. The NATO's attempt to evade responsibility and shift the blame on Moscow for worsening ties is unacceptable, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said on Friday. Hyderabad, Oct 23 : A war of words broke out between Telangana's Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development K.T. Rama Rao and BJP MLA Raja Singh on Twitter. The Minister taunted the BJP MLA over the hike in petrol, diesel and LPG prices after the latter challenged him to take ride with him on his motorbike to have firsthand experience of the development in his Goshamahal constituency and the old city. "Why don't you go to petrol bunk & find out what people are saying about hike in Petrol & Diesel prices? Also stop at a household & enquire with them on how LPG cylinder prices are going up?," Rama Rao tweeted. "GDP Gas, Diesel, Petrol Suna Hi Hoga? Ab Yeh Jhumle bandh Karo, Kaam se Dil Jeeto," added KTR, as the minister is popularly known. He was responding to the BJP MLA's tweet and video statement of October 16. "KTR Ji let's take a ride on my bullet across Goshamal Constituency and old city you will have the 1st hand experience of the development that happened. What say?," Singh had tweeted. The BJP MLA, in his video statement, challenged the Minister for a ride to draw his attention the problem of water logging on roads whenever it rains. Referring to KTR's statements in the State Assembly that there is no dearth of money to take up works and the development in the old city, Singh said during every rain in the city the drains overflow and water enter houses and shops, causing huge losses to people. The BJP legislator said instead of speaking in the Assembly if the minister come out and see the roads he would know the ground situation. Mumbai, Oct 23 : After a successful theatrical run, the Ammy Virk and Sargun Mehta-starrer Punjabi film 'Qismat 2' is all set to release digitally on October 29. Directed by Jagdeep Sidhu, the film, which will release on ZEE5, also features actors Tania, Jaani, Amrit Amby, Hardip Gill, Balwinder Bullet, Rupinder Rupi, Harpreet Bains, Satwant Kaur and Manpreet Singh Mandi. Sargun said: "'Qismat 2' has been one of my favourite films. Ever since its theatrical release, the love and appreciation we have received have been absolutely great. It's truly gratifying to know that the film will now be able to reach a wider audience through OTT platform." The film narrates a story about unrequited love. As main characters Shiv, Bani and Majaz navigate through life, love and sorrow, the film showcases the highs and lows in the characters' relationships. Ammy added: "The first chapter of 'Qismat' had received immense love from audiences across the country. We as a team wanted to give 'Qismat 2' to the audience as a gift. I truly hope everyone loves watching this film." -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Srinagar, Oct 23 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday met the family of J&K Police officer, Parvez Ahmad Dar, who was killed by militants in June this year. Immediately after his arrival here earlier in the day, the Minister drove to the Nowgam area on the outskirts of Srinagar where he offered condolences to Fatima, the slain officer's wife, his daughter and son. Following his visit, the Home Minister said in a tweet that the "entire nation is proud of the supreme sacrifice made by the officer". He added that the "J&K Police were working towards the fulfilment of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a new Jammu and Kashmir". The Minister also said that Fatima has been given a government job. He was accompanied by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister of State (PMO) Jitendra Singh, Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta and J&K Police chief Dilbag Singh. The Home Minister will also chair a high-level meeting on the security situation of the Union Territory later in the day. This is his first visit to the Union Territory after the reading down of the Article 370 from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and also gains significance after the killings of 11 civilians in Kashmir this month. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed New York, Oct 23 : NASA is aiming to fly its massive next-generation rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), for the first time in February 2022, a critical test flight on the US space agency's journey to send people back to the Moon. However, plenty of tests still need to go well before the much-delayed vehicle can finally take flight, The Verge reported on Friday. Confirmation of the new target date, which was rumoured in August, comes a day after engineers fully stacked the SLS inside NASA's massive hangar at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Standing at 322 feet high, the SLS rises taller than the Statue of Liberty. On top of the stack is NASA's Orion crew capsule, a new spacecraft that's been developed to carry people into deep space. However, when the SLS flies for the first time in 2022, there won't be any people on board, the report said. The test mission will send an empty Orion capsule on a four to six-week long trip around the Moon. SLS' debut flight is known as 'Artemis I', the first major flight in NASA's Artemis program. If the flight is successful, the SLS and Orion's next mission will be Artemis II, which will carry NASA astronauts on a similar trajectory around the Moon. The programme will culminate with landing the first woman and the first person of colour on the surface of the Moon. During the administration of former President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence had challenged NASA to make this landing happen as early as 2024. That timeline has since been called into question, given the complexity of the mission and numerous delays. Originally, NASA envisioned the SLS flying for the first time back in 2017, but its debut has been consistently pushed back again and again due to improper management and cost overruns. Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 23 : Students' Federation of India activist and CPI(M) local committee member P.S. Jayachandran's daughter Anupama and her husband on Saturday sat on a day-long huger protest in front of the secretariat demanding return of their child, who was "forcefully" taken away, allegedly by her parents, soon after delivery as they did not approve of their relationship. "I have lost faith in the police and also the Kerala State Women's Commission. This is a protest not against any party, we want to get back our baby," said Anupama, just before she began her protest, with a banner which reads, where is my child? Incidentally, this protest happens at the same time the CPI-M's topmost committees are meeting in Delhi and have left Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and all the top state leaders in a piquant position. Twenty-two-year-old Anupama, hailing from the state capital city, has been running from pillar to post to get back her child, who, she claimed, was taken away by her parents in October, immediately after she gave birth at a hospital here. Anupama fell in love with the youth wing leader of the party -- Ajith, a Dalit Christian, who was already married. Her parents were not keen on the alliance of their daughter as they are Hindus. After Ajith got officially divorced early this year, the two have been living together. The first person in the CPI-M that Anupama complained to was politbureau member Brinda Karat and on Saturday, just before her crucial party meeting began, she told the media in Delhi that a crime has been committed. "A baby has been taken away and this is a tragedy of immense propositions. What happened is totally wrong and inhuman. She should get her baby back," said Karat. The CPI-M has been "jolted" as the Child Welfare Committee and the police have all turned a blind eye to the couple's complaint which is now more than six months old and it was not until the media raked up the issue last week, did things turn slightly in favour of Anupama. Acting secretary of the CPI-M in Kerala A. Vijayaraghavan also in Delhi taking part in the party meeting, who was also petitioned by the young couple, said this has now become a legal issue now and the party is with her. Lashing out at Vijayan was Congress Lok Sabha member K. Muraleedharan who said this incident is a shame for the Chief Minister. "It is sad that a mother has to stage a protest to get her child back. It is a shame for Vijayan. Also, we all want to know where are all the so called social activists who are always seen and heard commenting on issues, but are yet to speak a word on this incident. This is shameful," said Muraleedharan. Meanwhile, the police, who come under heavy attack in the way they remained mute spectators, have decided to take statements from Anupama's parents, her sister and husband and two friends of her father. Chennai, Oct 23 : Whether the insurance mergers and acquisitions (M&A) benefits the acquiring company or not, it certainly boosts up the revenue of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), said a senior official. For the year ended 31.3.2020, IRDAI had earned a sum of about Rs 7.19 crore as amalgamation fee, the official not wanting to be quoted told IANS. For the current year, the one mega deal that IRDAI has to give its nod is the amalgamation of Exide Life Insurance with HDFC Life Insurance. To a question raised by IANS, HDFC Life Insurance MD and CEO Vibha Padalkar on Friday said applications have been sent to IRDAI and the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for their nod to merge Exide Life Insurance. Queried on the quantum of transaction processing/amalgamation fees paid to IRDAI she said the company has not come to that stage yet. The general insurance sector saw stake sale/purchase last year. Paytm acquired Raheja QBE, HDFC Ergo acquired Apollo Munich, Sachin Bansal bought DHFL General Insurance, and Bharti Axa General was acquired by ICICI Lombard. The IRDAI gets an amalgamation fee of 1/10th of one per cent of Gross Direct Premium written in India by the transacting entities during the financial year preceding the financial year in which the application is filed with it subject to a minimum of Rs 50 lakh and maximum of Rs 5 crore. The primary revenue for IRDAI is annual licence renewal fee from the insurers. According to IRDAI, the insurers pay a licence renewal fee of 1/20th of one per cent of the gross direct premium underwritten in India subject to a minimum of Rs 500,000 and a maximum of Rs 10 crore. The IRDAI oversees the insurers including their financial health, market activities and others. When queried on the rationale for charging an amalgamation fee from the transacting companies over and above the licence renewal fee, senior IRDAI officials had no valid answers. "If IRDAI's oversight is correct then the processing of the amalgamation transactions should be smooth and fast," a senior industry official told IANS preferring anonymity. Another senior industry official, not wanting to be quoted, told IANS: "Processing the merger transaction by IRDAI is a complicated activity. The regulator has to see the solvency of the transacting companies, actuarial calculations, market dominance post amalgamation and other aspects." For FY20, IRDAI had earned a sum of about Rs 165 crore as licence fee from life/non-life and reinsurers. With about 200 employees, the IRDAI had logged a total income of about Rs 268 crore during FY20 and the excess of income over expenditure was a whopping Rs 102.44 crore. The IRDAI's asset side of the balance sheet for FY20 is about Rs 1,805 crore of which Rs 1,644.59 crore consists of investments/fixed deposits, current assets (cash and bank balances, loans and advances, and others), the official added. (Venkatachari Jagannathan can be contacted at v.jagannathan@ians.in) New Delhi, Oct 23 : The Delhi High Court on Saturday refused to grant bail to former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh's lawyer Anand Daga and CBI investigating officer Sub-Inspector Abhishek Tiwari in connection with a case alleging leaking of confidential documents to divert the probe against Deshmukh in a corruption case. In the order, Justice Yogesh Khanna stated that the allegation in the present FIR is based on "tampering of the evidence". "Thus, considering the initial stage of investigation, I am not inclined to grant bail to the petitioners herein, at this stage," he said. As per the FIR, Abhishek Tiwari, who was assisting the Enquiry Officer in the preparation of the probe report, was in possession of sensitive documents. On June 28, he visited Pune for investigation and met the co-accused Daga to pass on details regarding the inquiry and the investigation, the FIR stated. He allegedly shared copies of different documents like memorandum of proceedings, sealing-unsealing memorandum, statements, seizure memos etc. related to the investigation of the case with Daga and also an unknown person through Whatsapp on many occasions. The CBI had arrested Daga from Mumbai and Tiwari from Delhi. Later, Daga was shifted to a Delhi court on transit remand. The lawyers of the duo argued that only four days of remand was given to the accused and the trial court refused to extend it. The petitioners are in custody for 40 days and the CBI did not even file an application for interviewing them, the counsels said in their plea to grant bail. However, the probe agency submitted that the offences committed by the petitioners are serious in nature and no investigation can proceed if the lawyer of the accused and the Investigating Officer join hands to benefit someone. Chennai, Oct 23 : Leaders of two political parties on Saturday urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to ensure the continued functioning of the Amma Canteens that sell subsidised food. In a statement issued here, former Chief Minister and AIADMK Coordinator O. Panneerselvam said Stalin should give special attention to the Amma Canteen and resume sale of chapati there. Panneerselvam said sale of chapatis was stopped recently at Amma Canteens located here as wheat was not supplied to them citing costs. Instead of chapati, tomato rice or idli are sold for dinner. The Amma Canteens sell idli (Re 1) for breakfast, mixed rice for Rs 5 and curd rice for Rs 3 for lunch and three chapatis for Rs 3 for dinner. Panneerselvam said the Corporation of Chennai has stopped supplies of wheat to the canteen and it is said the operation of Amma Canteens is resulting in a loss of about Rs 300 crore. He said citing the losses it is not correct to water down the Amma Canteens. On his part Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Kamal Haasan said the DMK government should ensure the continued functioning of Amma Canteens in the state. He said several other states have implemented such canteens after seeing Amma Canteens in Tamil Nadu. Kamal Haasan said the Chennai Corporation can mobilise revenue from other sources and it is not right on the part of the government to discontinue such good schemes citing losses. Ramallah, Oct 23 : Palestine has condemned the Israeli government's plan to build 3,000 new housing units in the West Bank. In a statement, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the new units "are an extension to deepening and expanding the settlement that sweeps the West Bank and East Jerusalem and its environs", reports Xinhua news agency. "The aim of building new units in the settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is to separate the Palestinian territories from their Palestinian expansion completely," the statement said. It accused the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett of trying to cover up its expansion of settlement in the Palestinian territories. "What Israel is promoting regarding confidence-building measures is nothing formal," the statement said. According to Israeli and Palestinian estimates, about 650,000 Israeli settlers live in 164 settlements and 124 outposts in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. "All forms of settlement are illegal and invalid," the statement said, adding that the Israeli government is fully and directly responsible for this decision and its repercussions on the opportunity to achieve peace and the two-state solution. Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which are claimed by the Palestinians, in the 1967 Middle East war and has controlled them ever since. Islamabad, Oct 23 : The Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing at Torkham, which was only allowed to open for trade activities, has now opened its gates, permitting the entry of desperate Afghan men and women into Pakistan. As per a notification issued by the Pakistan government, pedestrian entry has been allowed for Afghans after at least five months of suspension. "As many as 240 Afghan nationals entered into Pakistan utilising the online visa facility at the border crossing while at least 108 Pakistanis also availed the opportunity to come back to their country," said an official at Torkham. "The pedestrian entry was opened after instructions from the Ministry of Interior in Islamabad, following an approval by the federal cabinet," he added. During May this year, the Pakistan government decided to close all of its borders with Afghanistan for pedestrian movement to in an effort to stop Covid-19 transmission. The restrictions also included Islamabad's decision to now allow inflow of refugees, who may want to enter into Pakistan amid Taliban takeover and the security situation in Afghanistan. Officials posted at Torkham revealed that they are expecting about 10,000 to 12,000 Afghan nationals to cross the border and travel between Pakistan and Afghanistan on a daily basis, many of who do daily border-crossing movement for work. The previous ban on cross-border movement had severe affects on the locals living on both sides of the border as nearly 8,000 daily wagers and porters lost their jobs. These wagers had been protesting against the border closure and had established a protest camp also, demanding the authorities to lift what they called unjustified ban. Officials also revealed that they received a batch of at least 570 Afghan students, who were studying in different educational institutions in Pakistan. "These students sent ahead to their respective institutions after a mandatory 10-day quarantine," the officials stated. The Torkham border was also used to evacuate hundreds of Afghan and foreign nationals, after they were granted special permission after the Taliban takeover. It is expected that there will be an inflow of Afghan refugees into Pakistan in the coming days as cross-border movement through the Torkham border will increase in number with every passing day. Ranchi, Oct 23 : The Jharkhand government plans to develop a new industrial corridor spread over 500 acres along the highway connecting Govindpur to Sahibganj in the city of Dhanbad. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has directed the authorities to use the land on both sides of the road connecting the highway for this project. The secretaries of the Industries, Revenue and Land Reforms departments have been asked to prepare a report after assessing the prospects, availability of land and other resources. The road connecting Govindpur to Sahibganj in Dhanbad is 311 kms long. Dhanbad is the hub of coal production while the state's only port at Sahibganj was started in 2019. There is ample potential for industrial development along this highway and its surrounding areas. This highway will also prove to be significant for Industry for transportation of raw materials to the finished product. At present, it is two-lane expressway and work on this project is expected to start soon converting it into a four-lane road. The state government plans to build an industrial economic corridor within 50 km of the road which will create employment opportunities for more than 50,000 people. Hemant Soren has directed the officials to use the land for setting up industries as well as for housing. For this project, the state government has directed the Deputy Commissioners of all the districts in the Santhal Pargana division. Officials have been asked to assess the compensation and other facilities etc. to be given in lieu of acquisition of farmers' land. In order to develop the Govindpur-Sahibganj Road as an industrial corridor, several connected spur roads will be constructed so that industrial units to be established around this road could be connected with the main road. Firms willing to set up industries will be provided land. Later, this road will also be connected to the Ganga river at Sahibganj and the Ganga bridge being built there which will ease connectivity to Bihar and the north-east. This will also expand the scope of businesses. Washington, Oct 23 : The US military said that a drone strike in Syria killed a senior Al Qaeda leader. "A US airstrike today in northwest Syria killed senior Al Qaeda leader Abdul Hamid al-Matar," US Central Command spokesperson John Rigsbee said in a statement late Friday night. "We have no indications of civilian casualties as a result of the strike, which was conducted using an MQ-9 aircraft. "The removal of this Al Qaeda leader leader will disrupt the terrorist organisation's ability to further plot and carry out global attacks threatening US citizens, our partners, and innocent civilians," the statement said. According to a New York Post report, Friday's attack came two days after a US outpost in southern Syria was struck by drones and rockets. No troops were harmed, officials said. Washington, Oct 23 : Covid-19 has become the deadliest pandemic in the US history, claiming more lives than HIV/AIDS claimed in 40 years, according to a news website. The US government's initial approach to both HIV/AIDS and Covid-19 was "denial and indifference", Xinhua news agency quoted the report by The National website published on Friday. When AIDS rampaged through communities in parts of the US in the early 1980s, the federal government looked the other way and even slashed spending on public health agencies, said the report. As to the Covid-19 pandemic, when it was reported in the US, the White House played down the risks, dismissing it as akin to "a regular flu", it said. Both crises, the report added, have disproportionately affected minority groups and poorer communities. As of Saturday, the Covid-19 pandemic has killed a total of 735,374 in the US, while it is believed that at least 700,000 people in the country have died as a result of HIV/AIDS. The Covid-19 deaths in the US are currently the highest in the world. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Aurangabad : , Oct 23 (IANS) Highlighing major concerns over judicial infrastructure in the country, Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana on Saturday made some shocking revelations, including how almost 20 per cent of the judicial officers in the country don't even have proper courtrooms to sit. Of the total sanctioned strength of 24,280 judicial officers in India, there are only 20,143 court halls, including 620 rented premises, and 26 per cent of the court premises have no separate toilets for women and 16 per cent do not even toilets, while only 54 per cent courts have purified drinking water facility. In the computer-era, only 27 per cent of the courtrooms have computers on the judges' dais with video-conferencing facility, only 51 per cent courts have a library, 32 per cent have a separate record room and only 5 per cent have basic medical facilities, the CJI revealed. "Good judicial infrastructure for courts in India has always been an afterthought. It is because of this mindset that courts in Indian still operate from dilapidated structures making it difficult to effectively perform their function," he said. Inaugurating the Bombay High Court Aurangabad Bench's Annex Building's B and C Wings along with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju and other dignitaries, CJI Ramana said good judicial infrastructure is important to improve access to justice and meet the rising demands of the people who are more aware of their rights and developing economically, socially and culturally. Citing a global research of 2018, he said that "failure to deliver timely justice can cost the country as much as 9 per cent of the annual GDP" and without adequate infrastructure for courts, "we cannot aspire to fill this gap". In his address, Thackeray said he would soon allot land for the extension of the Bombay High Court and invited the CJI to come and perform the ground-breaking ceremony for it. Stating that delivering justice is not the responsibility of the courts along but all of us, he said the world's largest democracy has been nurtured by the executive, judiciary, legislature, and the media. "There are pressures on it but if these columns weaken, they will collapse and it will be difficult to make them stand againa I feel the only solution is what I can do as the government to ensure speedy justice," Thackeray pointed out. With the Law Minister also on the dais, CJI Ramana urged him to ensure a proposal to set up the National Judicial Infrastructure Authority is taken up in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. "I have sent the proposal. I am hoping for a positive response soon and the Union Law Minister will expedite the process," he said. Responding in his speech, Rijiju said that there is "no politics" when it comes to the judiciary, and "we are just different organs of the system but we are a team". Islamabad, Oct 23 : Nine Islamic State (IS) terrorists were killed during a raid in Pakistan's Balochistan province, a police official said on Saturday. The police forces of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) conducted the intelligence-based raid on Friday after getting confirmed information about the militants hiding in the Roshi area of Mastung district of the province, CTD official Mehmood Ali told Xinhua news agency. As soon as the CTD personnel entered and cordoned off the area, the terrorists opened fire and tried to flee, causing the police to respond effectively, said the official, adding that nine of the terrorists were killed during an intense exchange of fire. The killed militants were involved in a number of recent terror activities in Balochistan, according to the CTD. A huge cache of arms and ammunition, including explosives, hand grenades and assault rifles were also recovered from the group's hideout during the operation. Gandhinagar, Oct 23 : The Gujarat government will be helped by the Agha Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) in getting the state vaccinated against Covid-19 through 'Project Pratiraksha'. The trust has targeted around 400 villages with the least vaccination in the state comprising around 1.23 lakh families. Manoj Agrawal, Gujarat Additional Chief Secretary, Health, on Saturday launched 'Project Pratiraksha', an awareness drive for Covid-19 by the AKRSP with the help of the State Bank of India where it will reach out to people in 10 blocks each from Gujarat and Bihar as well as two blocks in Madhya Pradesh for vaccination. As many as 388 villages from 10 tehsils (blocks) from six districts of Dangs, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Junagadh, Surat, Surendranagar and Narmada will be covered. Besides these, Project Pratiraksha will also cover 95 villages of two tehsils in Madhya Pradesh and 180 villages of four tehsils in Bihar. "The impact of vaccination is vast and maximum on our economy. The Pratiraksha project by the AKRSP is a wonderful initiative where people of remote areas will be reached out to finish the vaccination of the last person in the country. With such social responsibility, initiatives and other self-help groups, we will definitely be achieving our target of 100 crore vaccinations of the first vaccine dose as well as the second dose," Manoj Agrawal said. "The AKRSP will be working in collaboration with the health department and primary health centres, Center for Health Care Strategies and government health workers to get the eligible population vaccinated. Mass awareness through vehicles and wall paintings in the community will be done about Covid-19 vaccination," said Apoorva Oza, CEO, AKRSP. "Nearly 1.23 lakh families from 10 tehsils of Gujarat will be covered under the awareness drive regarding the vaccination. We selected these areas on the basis of government data which showed the least vaccination in the state. The project will largely focus on facilitating the rural population for the second dose and supporting the local government facilities to vaccinate the remaining population for the first dose," Oza added. Los Angeles, Oct 23 : Hollywood actor Bill Murray and Filmmaker Wes Anderson have worked together on numerous movies over the years, including 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' and 'The Royal Tenenbaums', and the actor admits to loving the experience of collaborating with the acclaimed director. He said, "I keep coming back to the shared humanity of it. If we can live together, we can work together. If we're living together as humans, politely with consideration, then (in) your acting there is going to be more magnetism, there's going to be more exchange of emotion and intelligence." Murray actually thinks that the likes of Anderson, Sofia Coppola and Jim Jarmusch have helped to validate his career, reports femalefirst.co.uk. The veteran actor, who previously shot 'Lost in Translation' with Sofia Coppola and 'Broken Flowers' with Jarmusch, admitted that they've had a huge impact on his time in the movie business. Bill told 'The i' newspaper, "They've sort of validated my career in a way, the fact that these great directors keep calling me up every once in a while." "Because these three people call me up, I worry even less than ever before that someone's gonna call me up. I don't have to go looking for work anyway. I mean if you did nine movies with Wes Anderson people will call that a career." Murray has worked with Anderson more than any other actor. However, he insisted that other actors never seek his advice before working with the Director. He said, "I think they think it's like a secret club or something like that. But certainly a lot of people want to be in it." New Delhi, Oct 23 : The annual meet of all Director Generals of Police (DGPs) and Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs) will be held at Lucknow from November 20-22, the officials said. The three day event, organised by the Intelligence Bureau, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah along with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and other high officials will be participating in this meeting. The Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing Chiefs, all heads of the Central Police organisation and Central Armed Police Force will also attend the meeting. Around 250 officers in the rank of DGP and IGP from all States, Union Territories and central government will take part in the three-day brainstorming meeting to discuss the security situation of the country. Security of Jammu and Kashmir, cyber terrorism, the Pakistan-sponsored militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, Maoist issue and the new emerging threats are the key issues which are likely to be discussed in this meeting, the sources in the security set up said. During the last year's conference held virtually, the role of police during the Covid-19 pandemic was discussed and the discussion was also held in detail on increasing the knowledge and capabilities of the police to handle natural disasters and the state police chiefs shared their experiences in handling the pandemic and how the police have helped distressed people and migrant workers during the nationwide lockdown. The DGPs and IGPs conference is an annual affair where senior police officials of the states and the Centre meet and discuss issues of importance. Earlier, this annual event used to be organized in Delhi but from 2014 onwards, the Modi government has been organising it outside the national capital. Bengaluru, Oct 23 : Condemning the attacks on the Hindu community in the past few weeks in Bangladesh, ISKCON-Bangalore held a Kirtan March in the city on Saturday. Madhu Pandit Dasa, President, ISKCON Bangalore, said, "We express our pain and anguish on the unprovoked attacks on the ISKCON devotees, Hindus, and other minorities in Bangladesh. We unitedly stand in support and solidarity with them and pray for their safety and well-being." "We urge the Government of Bangladesh to immediately ensure the protection of the affected minorities and take steps to prevent such incidents in the future. We also request the Indian Government to work with our neighbouring countries and protect the rights of minorities in the region," he said. The Global Kirtan March is a worldwide peaceful demonstration of pain and grief of the global Hindu community, which stands in solidarity with the Hindus of Bangladesh. This protest is not against any religious community or the state of Bangladesh. It is for demanding the safety of all the minorities of the country, Naveena Neerada Dasa, Head, Strategic Communications and Projects, ISKCON, said. The temples of ISKCON and other organisations were vandalised, deities were smashed, Puja pandals of Goddess Durga were burnt. The fanatic mobs also killed many people during the attacks, including Prantha Chandra Das and Jatan Chandra Saha of ISKCON in Noakhali, in Bangladesh, he added. Many houses and business establishments of Hindus were systematically targeted and burnt down. Such attacks on the Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh have been going on for decades. This needs to stop, he urged. These targeted attacks on peaceful, law-abiding communities have shaken the collective consciousness of humanity, ISKCON said. To demand protection for these vulnerable people, the ISKCON movement has organised peaceful protests across the globe, he noted. ISKCON Bangalore had also organised a peaceful kirtan march on the Hare Krishna Hill to express solidarity with the persecuted minorities of the country. The missionaries of the temple, ISKCON congregation members and other conscientious citizens participated in the event. San Francisco, Oct 23 : Former US President Donald Trump's new social network violated a free and open-source software licensing agreement by ripping off decentralised social network Mastodon, said the Software Freedom Conservancy (SFC). According to The Verge, the Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG) has 30 days to comply with the terms of the license before its access is terminated -- forcing it to rebuild the platform or face legal action. TMTG launched a special purpose acquisition company fundraising effort with promises to build a sweeping media empire, the report said. Its only product so far is a social network called Truth Social that appears strongly to be forked from Mastodon, it added. While anyone can freely reuse Mastodon's code (and groups like right-wing social network Gab have already done so), they still have to comply with the Affero General Public License (or AGPLv3) that governs that code and its conditions include offering their source code to all users. Truth Social doesn't comply with that license and, in fact, refers to its service as "proprietary", the report said. Its developers apparently attempted to scrub references that would make the Mastodon connection clear -- at one point listing a "sighting" of the Mastodon logo as a bug -- but included direct references to Mastodon in the site's underlying HTML alongside obvious visual similarities. TMTG's strategy has not sat well with the SFC, an organisation that enforces free and open-source software licenses. Truth Social hasn't officially launched. But users could access a test version of the platform, where many of them created prank accounts that flooded the service with false company announcements and even fake Donald Trump posts. (The platform has since been replaced by a waitlist.) The SFC demands that TMTG offer all these users access to the Truth Social source code. Srinagar, Oct 23 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar on Saturday on the first day of his 3-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. This is his first visit to J&K after Article 370 was abrogated and the state bifurcated into two union territories. Steps taken to ensure safety of the minorities and non-locals were discussed at the meeting, held at the Raj Bhavan, in the aftermath of targeted civilian killings by the militants in which 11 civilians were killed in 15 days. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, senior officials of civil, military, paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies of the UT and the Central government attended the meeting. Counter terrorism and anti-infiltration measures taken by the security forces were also discussed during the meeting. As many as 50 additional companies of central armed police forces (CAPFs) are being deployed in J&K after the spate of civilian killings by militants. The additional personnel being deployed will mainly be used to beef up security in cities and densely-populated towns of the Valley. Also a number of bunkers have come up at places in Srinagar city after being removed in 2014 and 2018. Karaikal, Oct 23 : Tension continued to simmer in Puducherry on Saturday following the brutal murder of a PMK leader as he was returning home. A group of unidentified assailants hacked to death PMK's Karaikal district Secretary K. Devamani when the PMK leader was returning home to Thirunallar, along with a party colleague on a motorbike around 10.30 p.m. on Friday. The police suspect it to be an act of political vendetta. Surveillance camera footage from the area shows that the assailants had followed Devamani before attacking him. They then escaped on motorcycles, leaving him lying in a pool of blood. His supporters and family rushed him to the government general hospital in Karaikal where doctors declared him dead. With Devamani's kin and PMK members on protest, demanding the arrest of his assailants, heavy police presence has been deployed in the area and a search is on for the suspects. Devamani had been appointed as PMK's Karaikal district Secretary in 2012 and had contested the Thirunallar Assembly constituency in the 2016 polls. New Delhi, Oct 23 : The National Executive meeting of the BJP's Minority wing is going to be held in New Delhi on Sunday to discuss the political strategy ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in five states and how to reach out to the minority community, especially the Muslim population in the country. The meeting will be attended by the BJP's Minority wing National President, all national office bearers, the party presidents and state in-charges of all states of the minority wing, besides Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and D. Purandeswari, BJP Minority wing in-charge and party's National General Secretary. BJP Minority wing National President, Jamal Siddiqui told IANS the meeting will deliberate upon current political situation in the country. Siddiqui said, the future strategy of the minority wing will also be discussed in the party's executive committee meeting. Siddiqui claimed that the Narendra Modi-led Central government and the BJP governments in various states have worked tremendously for the welfare of all minorities, including the Muslim community, which has never been done before by previous governments. The party's minority wing will make a strategy to take the party's achievements to every household of the minority community so that misinformation can be removed. A meeting of all national office-bearers of the party's Minority wing took place at the BJP's national headquarters on Saturday to decide the agenda for the executive meeting to be held on Sunday. Opposition parties have constantly targeted the BJP, calling it "anti-Muslim" so the major challenge before the BJP's Minority Wing is how to change the image of the party and reach out to Muslim voters, party leaders said. Chennai, Oct 23 : Quoting a couplet from Thirukkural in Tamil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday thanked all healthcare and frontline workers for their selfless service during the Covid-19 pandemic, the state BJP unit said. The party is distributing 'thank you' cards to doctors, nurses and other frontline workers across the state. In his message, Modi quoted a couplet from Thirukkural which means "during troubled times, one should keep smiling without losing heart and there is nothing that can equal vanquishing that problem". Modi said that the Covid-19 pandemic spread like a storm across the world and threatened mankind. "There is nothing comparable to your selfless service, putting your life at risk, forgetting your family and friends to save the people. It is your selfless service that has saved and continues to save the people," he told them. Jaipur, Oct 23 : The upcoming Punjab Assembly polls are sure to get interesting with the appointment of Rajasthan Minister Harish Chaudhary as the state Congress in charge while Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is already working there as BJP in charge. Both the ministers from Rajasthan face crucial test of their careers in Punjab. While Shekhawat needs to set the base for the BJP where it will be contesting alone after longtime ally Akali Dal snapped ties, Chaudhary shall have to make efforts to bring back the party to power amid fight between two titans -- Navjot Singh Sidhu and former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. Shekhawat has earned the trust of veteran leaders after defeating the son of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot during the last parliamentary polls from Jodhpur seat, which has been the home constituency of Gehlot for around four decades. Now, all eyes are on whether he can repeat his performance and help the party garner votes in Punjab. Amarinder Singh has already talked of forming a new party but it remains to be seen how the equation works out with the BJP in coming days. BJP's Rajasthan in charge, Arun Singh told IANS that his party "shall definitely benefit in Punjab in the forthcoming polls". On the other hand, Chaudhary is also facing a litmus test in Punjab as he needs to set his party's house in order at first. He has been Punjab in charge for the last seven years and hence all eyes are on him to find out if he can work wonders amid the current turmoil in the Congress when factionism has dented party prospects. Meanwhile, there have been striking similarities between the two Rajasthan political leaders. Both are Marwaris, both have been student Presidents of JNVU, both have fought their political battle in Marwar and both are cabinet ministers - one in the state and the other at the Centre. So now, all eyes are on both the leaders to see if who one can prevail for his party. New Delhi, Oct 23 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will visit Hanuman Garhi temple and will offer prayers to Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on October 26. As per sources, it will be a one-day trip to Uttar Pradesh ahead of Diwali. The AAP convener will return to Delhi on October 27. The party will contest all 403 seats in UP which will go to polls early next year. In September, party released its list of 170 probable candidates for the assembly elections. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia while on a visit to Lucknow had announced that if voted to power, AAP will ensure that people of Uttar Pradesh will be relieved from costly electricity bills and promised 300 units of free power within 24 hours of them coming to power. Other than Uttar Pradesh, Aap Aadmi Party is also trying to expand itself beyond Delhi by contesting in states like Goa, Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Punjab. Bagalkot, : Oct 23 (IANS) Pejawar Seer Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji on Saturday stated that Hindus do not have a mob and violent mentality unlike people of other religions. The government should act before the situation gets out of hand, he added. The seer made the statement in the backdrop of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and Kashmir in recent times. He said that incidents of violence will take place in the world even if a single word is uttered against certain religions but Hindus do not have that violent mindset. It is not correct to subject Hindus to further harassment thinking that they do nothing and keep quiet, he noted. If the government doesn't want its people to take the law into their hands, they should control the situation. The government should ensure the safety of all in society and not just people of one religion. People of all religions should live in peace, he said. The government is there to ensure this. In case the government does not act in this regard there will be communal clashes and violence. Once it breaks out, then it won't be possible to stop it, he warned. Communal issues are discussed at the time of elections and gradually they fade out. Politicians issue statements to get votes from particular castes. But these statements will affect the harmony in the society. This should not happen, he stated. He expressed his happiness that granite stones from Doddaballapur region in Karnataka will be laid at the foundation of Sri Ram Mandir at Ayodhya on which the temple will be built. "It is a matter of pride and honour for the people of Karnataka," he said. Hyderabad, Oct 23 : Actor Adivi Sesh, who is essaying the role of NSG commando and 26/11 martyr, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, wrote an emotional note on his microblogging site, as he wrapped up his shooting part earlier on Saturday. As the talkie part of "Major" gets wrapped up, the makers are all set to wind up with a pumpkin break. "My journey being #MajorSandeepUnnikrishnan is almost finished. After this schedule, I shall go back to being his admirer. A fan that understands him better. A fan that tried to find a piece of Major Sandeep within himself. #MajorTheFilm," Adivi Sesh's post reads. He also posted a photo, as he shared his experience working for "Major". Touted to be the portrayal the life of Major Unnikrishnan during India's most horrific terror attack on 26/11, "Major" is prepping up for its release soon. Adivi Sesh, who was admitted at the hospital for dengue, had recovered a couple of days ago and returned to his shooting. Earlier, Salman Khan from Bollywood, Prithviraj from Mollywood, and Mahesh Babu from Tollywood unveiled the Hindi, Malayalam, and Telugu teasers, respectively. "Major" was supposed to hit the screens in July. But the second wave of the pandemic made it impossible for the makers to do so. Saiee Manjrekar is seen in the female lead opposite Sesh. Actress Revathi, Shobita, and others are seen in pivotal roles in "Major". Sashi Kiran Tikka is the director of "Major" which is co-produced by Telugu's actor Mahesh Babu, Sony Pictures, and A+S Movies. Bhopal, Oct 23 : Veteran Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh on Saturday accused state agriculture minister Kamal Patel of providing non-certified seeds to the farmers in the state. Singh alleged that the farmers are not being provided quality seeds. "He (Patel) has indulged in corruption and is taking money from people involved in selling unverified seeds in the state," Singh said in a letter to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday. Singh further added that he has no faith in the state agriculture minister. In his letter, Singh has urged the Chief Minister to look into the matter. "You (Chouhan) always introduce yourself as a son of farmer and then you must look into this issue immediately and stop providing uncertified seeds to the farmers," Digvijaya Singh said. Singh also urged Chouhan to make state's seeds verified by the department active for the sake of farmers. Meanwhile, Singh also stated said that during his tenure as agriculture minister of the state, an agency was established to ensure that farmers get quality seeds only. "Seed farm corporation was established during my tenure as agriculture minister with a purpose to provide quality seeds to the farmers. We had linked it (seeds corporation) with agriculture university so that good quality seeds could be made to improve the crops in the state," Singh added. New Delhi, Oct 23 : Five persons, including Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) officials and a doctor, were arrested on Saturday by the Crime Branch for allegedly pilfering medicines meant for public health facilities in the national capital, police said. The accused have been identified as Chandra Prakash, (33), Ankit Mishra, (23), Praveen Mangla,(40), Sumesh Rathi, (52) and Dr Avinash Saini. While Chandra Prakash and Mishra hail from Haryana's Faridabad, Mangla is from Badarpur, Sumesh from Kalkaji Extension (both Delhi) and Saini from Greater Noida in UP. According to police, two persons were caught red-handed with a large amount of medicines bearing ESIC stamps. One of them was identified as Chandra Prakash, a pharmacist in ESIC in Okhla. The recovered medicines were issued for ESIC card holders. However, during a probe, it was found that while most of the card holders had never visited the said dispensaries, some of them who did, had purchased medicines different from the cache recovered from the accused. During the initial investigation, it was also revealed that Chandra Prakash was in touch with Saini on WhatsApp, and suggested rare and expensive drugs to prescribe on patient cards. A Medicine Stock Report was obtained from ESI dispensaries in Okhla and Tigri, and the batch numbers of the seized medicines were matched with it. The same medicines were also prescribed by Saini on the ESIC beneficiary cards, thus establishing the duo conspired and sold life-saving drugs in the market for monetary gain. Saini was subsequently arrested from ESIC in Kalkaji. He had got a job at ESIC Hospital after completing MBBS from Karnataka. When he came in contact with co-accused Chandra Prakash, he started prescribing life-saving drugs for financial gains. Further investigation is underway. New Delhi, Oct 23 : On the 195th anniversary of the first successful experimentation with photography as a novel form, an exhibition 'Unsealed Chamber: The Transient Image' is being held at Alliance Francaise de Delhi, New Delhi till November 3. Four contemporary artists working with both analogue and digital methods, reacting to vital transformations following a year of introspection in the course of the pandemic are presenting their works, curated by Rahaab Allana. They include Aparna Nori, Arpan Muherjee, Indu Antony and Philippe Calia. Through newly made productions, the photographers explore a sense of creative hybridity by melding both manual techniques and new media to reflect on questions of self, society, ecology and representation. With a focus on ongoing social concerns, sometimes as subjects within their own images, they make crucial contributions to the ever-growing cultural history of the craft of image-making and identity construction. The exhibition seeks to exhume what we mean by an 'original' form in art, and its appropriation, manipulation and evolution in the present as a transient object. Each artist engages with an intensive reworking of new found material as a means to unpack his or her inner lives, using speculative means - montage and fiction. Working with multiple surfaces, including glass, paper and cloth, they undertake an introspective journey to different paradigms of reality, prompted by a planetary consciousness of our common predicaments since the pandemic, and hence make us think about shifting interpersonal exchanges. 'Unsealed Chamber' further considers our place in the world - our collective role as researchers, surveyors, archivists, and pedagogues, with each individual contributing to an ever-enlarging knowledge system. Artist Philippe Calia approaches the planet via Google Earth satellite images, scrutinising sites which are mined for developing camera hardware on mobile devices. Through still and moving images, he explores the destruction of the Earth's surface, but also ponders the idea of reconstruction through core memories from his childhood seen in a video installation. The very texture of his images draws us to the works of Aparna Nori, who performs acts of inscription - both as subject and spectator, creating salt paper prints of her own body and a recorded projection on draped muslin. The very act of staging a life, creating connections between personal history, migration, dislocation as well as anchoring oneself to a sense of impermanence, emerges in the work of Arpan Mukherjee. His longer practice of printmaking in Shantiniketan compels him to use different vintage photographic processes to communicate a sense of change as well as leave behind an archival trace. The archive as an ever-growing entity includes what we know but also what we have not seen. Hence, the works of Indu Antony, part of the Bangalore-based artist collective, Kanike, then investigate and trace images of anonymous women found in heaps of discarded material. She reclaims their place in the world as active, engaged participants with agency, but uses a photographic technique that will cause the images to fade in time. The French Ambassador to India, Emmanuel Lenain said, "The birthplace of photography, France has always supported the practice and development of photography across the world, including India. For many years, this medium has contributed to the cultural relationship between our two countries, and 'Unsealed Chamber: Transient Image' is one of many examples of these special ties. Mumbai, Oct 23 : Maharashtra Navnirman Sena President Raj Thackeray - who never wore a face mask - has tested Covid-19 positive and has been taken to Lilavati Hospital for treatment, party officials said on Saturday. Along with him, his mother Kunda Thackeray and sister Jaywanti have also tested positive though with mild symptoms and were taken to the hospital for treatment. Senior party leader Bala Nandgaonkar said both Raj and his sister and their mother have already taken both doses of Covid-19 vaccination sometime ago. "His mother Kunda Thackeray was infected first and later Raj and sister Jaywanti also contracted the virus. They have been taken to Lilavati Hospital," Nandgaonkar told IANS. Another party official said that Raj Thackeray had not been keeping well since the past couple of days and had cancelled all his engagements and later underwent the Covid-19 tests which came out positive. Raj Thackeray is the cousin of Shiv Sena President and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. New Delhi, Oct 23 : Kashmir is not only a majority Muslim province of India, it is also home to a distinct community called the Kashmiri Pandits & Sikhs who have been exiled from their land by forces from across the border, said Global Kashmiri Pandit diaspora in a statement on Saturday. It said that Kashmir is home to a community which has seen the horrors of genocide, brutal assaults, and targeted killings since Oct 22, 1947. The Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD) Thailand Chapter held an event at Bangkok on Saturday to discuss how minority communities of Kashmir have been continuously targeted from across the border. The event was held under the leadership of D.K. Bakshi, GKPD Chapter Head, who held the day 22 Oct in 1947 as a black day in the history of Kashmir. Around 50 participants from Thailand, Thai Indians and Indian Community joined the event physically and others virtually. Sharing his personal agony and pain associated with the mass exodus, Bakshi said that the minority communities of Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs have been continuously targeted from across the border. "The turning point in the history of Kashmir came on Oct 22, 1947 with invasion on the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir by 'Tribals from Pakistan with Pakistani soldiers' which opened up a chapter - the bloodiest, most brutal ethnic cleansing in South Asia's modern history, which unfortunately continues to this Day", was the view of the speakers at the GKPD. The prominent speakers who joined virtually includes Kiran Bedi who expressed solidarity with Black Day on 22nd Oct 1947 and said that Kashmiri Pandits and Sikh Community have been victims of genocide for decades. Silchar, : Oct 23 (IANS) Six Delhi-bound Myanmar nationals, including a woman, were detained by the Assam police at the state's border with Mizoram, police said. The six Myanmarese, aged 19 to 23 years, were arrested at Lailapur on the Assam-Mizoram border along Cachar district on Friday night from a car. They had planned to go to Guwahati and then to Delhi by train. A police official said that during the preliminary interrogation they confessed that they recently entered Mizoram from Myanmar's Chin state through the Champhai border and now they were going to Delhi via Guwahati in search of jobs. Police recovered Rs 40,000 in Indian currency from them and also arrested the Indian driver of the car they had hired to go to Guwahati. With this 46 Delhi bound Myanmarese have been detained in Assam and Manipur during the past 41 days. On October 1, 14 Delhi-bound Myanmar nationals, including a woman, were arrested by the security personnel at the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal. On September 12, 26 Delhi-bound Myanmarese, including 10 women, were arrested from a private lodge at Rehabari after they arrived in Guwahati from Mizoram. Since March, around 11,500 Myanmar nationals have taken refuge in Mizoram after the declaration of a state of emergency in Myanmar on February 1. Myanmar nationals, including Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar and from the refugee camps in Bangladesh, are often detained in different northeastern states after they illegally enter India in search of jobs or get trapped in human trafficking. Four northeastern states -- Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram -- share 1,643 km unfenced borders with Myanmar. Four northeastern states of Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Assam share a 1,880-km border with Bangladesh. Vast stretches of the Bangladesh borders with the northeastern states remained unfenced. Srinagar, Oct 23 : A terrorist associate was arrested from Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Saturday and incriminating materials, including grenades, were recovered from his possession, police said. The Baramulla police, along with the Army and the CRPF, arrested the terrorist associate linked with proscribed terror outfit TRF (LeT) at Kitchama. He has been identified as Farooq Ahmad Malik, son of G. Mohd Malik resident of Kitchama, Baramulla. Police said incriminating materials including a Chinese hand grenade, two pistol magazines, and 16 live pistol rounds were recovered from his possession. Malik was in close contact with active terrorist Hilal Ahmad Sheikh, resident of Shrakwara Kreeri, and was providing logistical and other material support to him, police said. Bhopal, Oct 23 : Madhya Pradesh Police have registered a case against a group of unidentified persons for vandalising a toll plaza in Chorahta area of Rewa district and thrashing its employees. Police said a group of persons vandalised the office of toll plaza on a national highway (Rewa- Jabalpur) and fled from the spot. "A group of assailants reached the toll plaza on October 16 and vandalised its property. They had covered their faces, so they could not be identified. An FIR has been registered against four-five unidentified persons and further investigation is underway. No one has been arrested so far," Superintendent of Police Navneet Bhaseen told IANS on Saturday. The toll plaza was vandalised hours after Madhya Pradesh's assembly speaker Girish Gautam's son Rahul Gautam threatened the plaza manager of dire consequences as one of the employees had stopped him and had asked him not to honk unnecessarily. The vehicle bore Speaker's name plate. Speaker's wife was travelling in the vehicle when it was stopped at plaza, however, the Speaker (Girish Gutam) himself was not present. Asking for the vehicle's registration number for verification and requesting not to honk unnecessarily by a toll plaza employee did not go down well with the Speaker's son and he dialed the toll plaza manager's number and started abusing him. Rahul is also a district level BJP leader in Rewa district. An audio of the incident has now gone viral on social media in which Rahul can be heard abusing and threatening toll plaza staff of dire consequences for their act. "How dare you stop an Assembly Speaker's vehicle. Will you tell when the speaker's vehicle can honk or not? I will teach you a lesson. Be ready to face consequences, you be there, I am coming there soon," Rahul can be heard using foul language in the audio. While, during the conversation, the toll plaza manager apologized repeatedly but Rahul kept abusing him. "Called the police to send them all (toll plaza employees) to jail immediately," Rahul was heard saying in the viral audio. Mumbai, Oct 23 : Maharashtra Navnirman Sena President Raj Thackeray - who never wore a face mask - has tested Covid-19 positive and has been taken to Lilavati Hospital for treatment, party officials said on Saturday. Along with him, his mother Kunda Thackeray and sister Jaywanti have also tested positive though with mild symptoms and were taken to the hospital for treatment. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray called up his aunt Kunda Thackeray and cousin Raj and enquired after their health and wished them speedy recovery this evening. Senior party leader Bala Nandgaonkar said both Raj and his sister and their mother have already taken both doses of Covid-19 vaccine sometime ago. "His mother was infected first and later Raj and sister Jaywanti also contracted the virus and their positive reports came today. They have been taken to the Lilavati Hospital," Nandgaonkar told IANS. Dr Jalil Parker of Lilavati Hospital, who is treating them, said that Kunda Thackeray was given treatment on Friday and sent home, while both Raj and his sister, whose symptoms are also mild, are currently taking treatment. Another party official said that Raj Thackeray had not been keeping well since the past couple of days, suffering from mild fever and cough. As a precaution, he had cancelled all his engagements and later underwent the Covid-19 tests which came out positive. Srinagar, Oct 23 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah's maiden 3-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 has assumed significance in the backdrop of recent attacks on civilians by militants in the Valley. During the past fortnight, ultras have turned their guns towards members of the minority community and have shot dead eleven civilians, including five non-local labourers. In the retaliatory action police and security forces have neutralized fifteen militants and hunt is on to get the remaining ultras. The Union Home Minister is scheduled to chair a security review meeting, a Unified High Command meeting, flag-off Srinagar-Sharjah flight and address a rally in Jammu. He has a jam packed schedule. Shah's visit is a message of peace and love from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to J&K people, who have been facing the onslaught from the other side of the Line of Control for the past three decades. The Centre on August 5, 2019, took a bold decision by scrapping J&K's special status and divided it into two union territories and ended the debate over the accession of the erstwhile princely state with Union of India once for all. Since then J&K has witnessed massive development and there has been no looking back. The breaking of a new dawn has ushered an era of peace, prosperity and progress. But the people sitting across the Line of Control are finding it hard to believe that denizens of J&K have rejected the idea of separatism and so-called Azadi. People of J&K have endorsed the idea of inclusive India and during the past two years they have proven beyond doubt that a handful of people with vested interests cannot mislead them. Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, could have deferred his J&K visit in wake of the recent killings in the Valley, but he didn't do so. His visit is a message to anti-peace elements that New Delhi is determined to take J&K to new heights and there will be no looking back. The recent target killings of civilians may have disturbed peace but have not broken the resolve of the people of Kashmir to fight back and resurrect again. After the attacks many non-locals have left Kashmir but many have also stayed back. They have reposed full faith in the people of Kashmir and the government. The security forces intensifying the anti-militancy operations in Kashmir is a clear signal to the ultras that they cannot recreate a situation like the 90s and if they keep on dancing to the tunes of their handlers sitting across the LoC they will end up losing their lives. After the recent attacks on civilians in Kashmir, Amit Shah chaired high level security meetings in New Delhi and passed clear cut instructions to the top security brass to act tough against the militants and their sympathizers in Kashmir. During the past 15-days security has been beefed up across the Valley. Members of the minority communities have been provided with the security and a strict vigil is being maintained to thwart any more attacks on the civilians. New 'Sardar' (Vallabbhai Patel) of India Since the day Amit Shah has assumed the charge of Ministry of Home Affairs, he under the guidance of PM Modi, has been monitoring the Kashmir affairs personally. When he presented the Bill to revoke J&K's special status in Rajya Sabha, he earned the title of being the new Sardar (Vallabhbhai Patel) of India. Despite BJP not having enough numbers in Rajya Sabha, Shah and his team managed to convince the MPs that the government's decision is beneficial for the nation and the ones who understood it supported the J&K Reorganisation Bill moved by the Union Home Minister and a feat that couldn't be achieved in seventy years was accomplished just within a few years of Modi's rule. Process of J&K's complete merger with the Union of India had commenced soon after the Bharatiya Janata Party won the 2014 Parliamentary elections with a thumping majority. The entire task of revoking J&K's special status and bifurcating it into two Union Territories was handed over to Amit Shah, who chalked out a complete plan to end the accession debate in J&K forever. What happened on August 5, 2019, has proven to be a turning point in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. The steps that have been taken during the past two years have brought the Union Territory closer to the country and people have realized that they belong to India and their future is secure with the country. Shah's visit a morale booster Amit Shah's current J&K visit is a morale booster for the officials and the nationalist people who have been holding tricolor close to their hearts despite facing threats and intimidations from the elements sponsored by Pakistan. The Union Home Minister's J&K visit is a message to the militant sponsors, handlers and sympathizers that they won't be allowed to succeed in their nefarious designs and if they cast an evil eye towards J&K they would get a befitting reply. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as a strong leader and after taking over as the reins of India he has told the world in clear terms that no one will be allowed to interfere in the internal matters of the country. After J&K's special status was abrogated, Pakistan knocked every door to seek intervention, but it didn't get any support from anywhere, not even the Muslim countries. Recently, the J&K Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Arab Emirates to become a part of the development projects in the Union Territory. The move pinched the neighboring country. Former Pakistani diplomat Abdul Basit while reacting to the signing of MoU termed it as a "major success for India." The UAE has a powerful presence in the OIC, an alliance of currently 56 countries in which Islam plays a significant role, with Islam as the state religion, or countries where Muslims form the majority of the population. By signing the MoU, the United Arab Emirates has endorsed India's intention to develop J&K and it has given its consent to become a part of the process. The MoU was signed soon after the eleven civilian killings shattered the peace in Kashmir. It's an indication that the government won't allow J&K to slip into turmoil and uncertainty again. Modi along with his team is determined to rebuild the Union Territory and Shah reaching J&K is a clear signal to all that New Delhi won't get bogged down and trouble mongers will repent. Sohna will have all-round development by connecting with rail-road network: Khattar. Image Source: IANS News Sohna will have all-round development by connecting with rail-road network: Khattar. Image Source: IANS News Gurugram, Oct 23 : Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday said that rail and road network is the key for the development of the Sohna region. The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering at 'Vikas Rally' organised in Sarmathala village of Sohna assembly constituency on Saturday. Khattar said about 5 rail and road corridors are coming out of the Sohna region, including KMP Expressway, Orbit Railway Corridor, Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Western Dedicated Expressway, Gurugram-Alwar Highway. Industrial development in the Sohna region will ensure employment opportunities, he added. "These networks will lead to all-round development and will generate employment which will also help increase opportunities as well as prosperity in the area," he said. Before addressing the rally, the Chief Minister unveiled a 23-feet tall statue of Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap in the village. The Chief Minister also sanctioned an amount of Rs 125 crore for about 50 developmental projects in the Sohna constituency. New Delhi, Oct 23 : Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla said that he and other vaccine manufacturers on Saturday discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on how to take the industry forward to prepare for the future pandemics. "We discussed the ways of enhancing the capacities of the industry among many issues with PM Modi in today's (Saturday's) meeting," he said. Poonawalla said that the vaccines industry is going forward, many countries across the world are investing in vaccine production and in such a scenario, India needs to stay ahead of others. "We discussed with the PM how to achieve that together with the government and industry," he added. The Prime Minister on Saturday held a meeting with representatives of seven vaccine manufacturers - Serum Institute of India (SII), Bharat Biotech, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Zydus Cadila, Biological E, Gennova Biopharma, and Panacea Biotech - on the occasion of achieving the key milestone of administering 100 crore vaccine doses. Coming out of the meeting, Poonawalla said that it (achieving the 100 crore mark was "a historic moment", and the industry worked together with the vision of PM Modi to materialise it. "Enhancing the capacities to make ready for future pandemic featured prominently among other issues in PM Modi's interaction," he said. SII MD Cyrus S. Poonawalla said that the Prime Minister "was happy today as we have made the assurance fulfilled of made-in-India Covid vaccines. He said that we will make India self-sufficient with Covid vaccines like other vaccines at the lowest price in the world". -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Islamabad, Oct 23 : Six militants were killed in a shootout with security forces in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province on Saturday, local media reported. The incident happened in Harnai district of the province when paramilitary troops Frontier Corps conducted an operation on an intelligence tip-off, the reports said. The operation triggered an intense exchange of fire in which the terrorists were killed, according to the media. Identities of the killed militants were not yet revealed, but the reports said a commander of the banned outfit Balochistan Liberation Army was among those killed, Xinhua news agency reported. On Friday, the counter-terrorism department of police conducted a raid in Mastung district of Balochistan, killing nine terrorists belonging to the Islamic State terror group. New Delhi, Oct 23 : Chinese and Russian naval forces have carried out their first joint sea patrol in waters in the west Pacific between October 17 to 23, Chinese Ministry of Defence said on Saturday, Global Times reported. The patrol was held right after China and Russia wrapped up a joint naval exercise in the Sea of Japan from October 14 to 17. A China-Russia joint naval ships formation which included a total of 10 warships and six carrier-based helicopters carried out the joint maritime patrol in the Sea of Japan, the West Pacific, and the East China Sea, during which they organised exercises over joint sailing and joint manoeuvres and conducted live-fire drills, the report said. A statement from Russian Ministry of Defence said on Saturday during the practical actions, the battle ships sailed more than 1,700 nautical miles in total. During the mission, the joint formation has strictly abided by international law and did not enter territorial waters of other countries, the Chinese Ministry of Defence said. Global Times claimed Japanese media had hyped up the joint formation's passage through of the Tsugaru Strait, but Chinese military experts noted that the Tsugaru Strait is no territorial water, and warships from any country have the right to transit, which means the transit of the Chinese and Russian vessels were in line with the international law and well within the bounds of standard naval practices. New Delhi, Oct 23 : Thousands of Afghans made a beeline for Torkham border crossing early on Friday morning when the news about resumption of cross-border pedestrian movement spread in most parts of the neighbouring country, Dawn reported. The number of aspiring Afghans was so high that Pakistani authorities had to deploy additional security personnel to prevent crowding and panic at the border crossing. It was also learnt that the Afghan Taliban made repeated announcements on loudspeakers to its "unruly" nationals to avoid congestion at the border crossing and let only those, who needed the most, cross over to Pakistan, the report said. However, the announcements fell on deaf ears as the Afghans made desperate bids to get online visaS for Pakistan. Bilal, a 28-year-old resident of Laghman province in Afghanistan, told Dawn that he got an online visa on Friday morning after spending a sleepless night near the border crossing. He said the number of people, including women, children and the elderly, was so high on the Afghan side of the border that it was literally impossible for both the Afghan and Pakistani authorities to entertain everyone's request for visa. Abdullah, a resident of Nangarhar province, also said he reached Pakistan after getting visa online. He said though majority of Afghans welcomed the resumption of pedestrian movement via Torkham border, it would take the authorities weeks and months on both sides of the border to clear the "waiting lot" as Afghans had started reaching Torkham in large numbers after learning about the border reopening for ordinary people. Pakistani officials also confirmed crowding on the border and said security clearance was meticulous and painstakingly slow. Bengaluru, Oct 23 : Who will forget the journey of Marley, the pup in 'Marley & Me', the 2008 comedy-drama film starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston? Following in the footsteps of the popular Hollywood hit movie, Kannada actor-filmmaker Rakshit Shetty, who's known for his experimentation on celluloid, is ready to hit the screens with a similar film titled 'Charlie 777'. Shetty claims the movie is all about a beautiful testimony to friendship that is undiluted, simple and warm. It records the journey of the pup named 'Charlie 777' with the protagonist Bharath (played by Shetty). Shooting has been completed for the film. The entire team organised a little party to mark the occasion. "Embracing the journey and bidding it a happy adieu. See you in theatres on December 31, 2021," Shetty, who's also one of the producers of the film, said. Directed by Kiranraj K., the film also features Sangeetha Sringeri and Raj B. Shetty in prominent roles. It will be dubbed in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu. New Delhi, Oct 23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday credited domestic vaccine manufacturers for their role in the "success story of India". Holding a meeting with seven domestic manufacturers against the backdrop of 100 crore vaccine doses being administered, he praised their efforts that have resulted in the country crossing the milestone, and said that they "have played a big role in the success story of India", an official statement said. He appreciated their hard work and confidence given by them during the pandemic. The Prime Minister also stressed that the country needs to institutionalise the best practices learnt during the last one and a half years, and said that this is an opportunity to modify our practices, in tune with the global standards. He said that the entire world is looking up to India, against the backdrop of the success of the vaccination drive, and called on the vaccine manufacturers to continuously work together to be ready to face future challenges. "The domestic vaccine manufacturers appreciated the vision and dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister in providing continuous guidance and support towards the development of the vaccines. They also praised the never before seen collaboration between government and industry, and applauded the regulatory reforms, simplified procedures, timely approvals, and forthcoming and supportive nature of the government throughout this endeavour," the statement said. "They noted that had the country been following old norms, there would have been considerable delay and 'we would not have been able to reach the vaccination level that we have attained till now'," it added. Adar Poonawala of the Serum Institute of India praised the regulatory reforms brought out by the government, while Dr Krishna Ella of Bharat Biotech thanked the Prime Minister for having taken Covaxin, and for the continuous support and motivation during its development. Pankaj Patel, chairman of Cadila Healthcare, thanked the Prime Minister for talking about the DNA-based vaccine in the UN General Assembly. Mahima Datla of Biological E Ltd said that the vision of the Prime Minister which helped the country attain the vaccination milestone. Dr. Sanjay Singh of Gennova Biopharmaceuticals talked about the importance of innovation and backward integration in the field of vaccine development. Satish Reddy from Dr. Reddy's Lab appreciated the collaboration between government and industry throughout this endeavour, while Panacea Biotec's Dr Rajesh Jain praised the continuous communication by the government throughout the pandemic. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya was also present during the interaction. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Srinagar, Oct 23 : The inaugural Srinagar-Sharjah flight was flagged off on Saturday by Union Home Minister Amit Shah from Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport. The flight, operated by Go First, took off for Sharjah at 6.30 p.m. from Srinagar and was scheduled to land in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) around 9 p.m. IST. The flight revives direct air link between the Valley and the UAE after 11 years. All passengers travelling to the UAE are required to carry a negative Covid test report obtained less than four hours before the departure of the flight. Passengers are required to report six hours prior to departure and the Covid test reports will be handed over to them in 30 to 60 minutes from the time of sample collection by the special lab set up by Go First at Srinagar airport. The flight was virtually flagged off by Shah from the Raj Bhavan. Go First, formerly known as GoAir, is the first airline to start direct international passenger and cargo operations from Srinagar. It will operate four flights a week between Srinagar and Sharjah. The airlines is offering a special ticket price of Rs 5,000 on the flight to Sharjah. "Having been in operation here for over 15 years, we at Go First share a special relationship with the region and are committed to its growth. "We are delighted to be the first airline to connect Jammu and Kashmir with the UAE and it bears testimony to our commitment to the region. "We believe that this connectivity will be pivotal in bilateral exchange of trade and tourism between the two regions", Go First statement said. The direct flights from Sharjah will offer seamless connections to Srinagar and beyond to Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu, Leh and Mumbai and vice versa. "Go First is the only airline appointed for the cargo movement of the horticultural, perishable and agricultural produce of Jammu and Kashmir Horticulture Products, a state owned company", the airlines said in a statement. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Chennai, Oct 23 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday further relaxed the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions allowing shops, restaurants and other establishments to function beyond 11 p.m. and also allowed contact and non-contact sporting events from immediate effect. In a statement issued here, the government also allowed use of swimming pools for therapeutic purposes from Saturday onwards. The government has allowed, from November 1 onwards, the reopening of schools for Classes 1-8 on rotational basis, 100 per cent occupancy in movie theatres, allowing cultural events in auditoriums, and operation of bars. Plying of inter-state buses (except to and from Kerala), including air conditioned buses with 100 per cent occupancy, has also been allowed. New Delhi, Oct 23 : Reiterating its demand for a separate flag and Constitution (Yehzabo), the National Social Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) on Saturday said that they will not be carried away by the "post solution narrative" which they consider a "well-laid trap" by the Central government. A statement issued by the Naga rebels said that when the formal peace talks resumed with the new Centre's interlocutor A.K. Mishra after a gap of nearly two years, much hype was generated that the final Naga solution was just round the corner and it may come as a Christmas gift to them. They further said that the pressing concern of the NSCN was again on these core issues, and the talks "failed to live up to all the hype as the Central government continued to indulge in political escapism on the very issues that had been holding up the road to the Naga solution". They also said that the Central government officially recognised the unique history and situation of the Nagas in 2002, the political interpretation was no less than the recognition of the political identity of the Naga nation. "Significantly, this put a new meaning to the Indo-Naga political talks that ultimately led to the signing of the historic Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015 giving due recognition to the sovereign identity of the Naga nation," they added. "Ironically, the Government of India is still pretentiously acting stubborn as the crucial rounds of talks that focused on the Naga flag and the Constitution are driven to hang in balance. The stalemate created is unfortunate," the statement read. Stating that the Naga flag is not just a piece of cloth to the Nagas but a feeling of pride which helped hundreds of Naga martyrs to sacrifice their lives by just seeing the flag flying high in the sky, they also said that it reminds them the courage and sacrifice of their freedom fighters that have brought them where they stand today. On the issue of the separate flag, the NSCN said it will take the stand to defend it to the last man standing and not succumb to the flattering "post-solution" offer. "The NSCN cannot drag the Naga people to make another blunder by falling into the trap of being machinated by the Government of India," it said. The rebel group also issued a statement on August 15, pressing their demands for the separate Constitution and flag. Soon after the transfer of Nagaland Governor R.N. Ravi, who was appointed as the Centre's interlocutor for the Naga peace talks on August 29, 2014, to Tamil Nadu, the peace talks resumed on September 20 in Kohima. The Central representative met the Naga leadership and invited them to visit Delhi for further rounds of peace talks. On invitation of the Centre, the senior leaders of the NSCN-IM including T. Muivah arrived in the national capital on October 6 to hold a further round of the talks with Centre to resolve the matter. Both, the Centre and the Naga leaders had indicated to be keen on resolving this long pending issue by the end of this year in an amicable manner. The NSCN-IM and the other outfits entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Centre in 1997 and over 80 rounds of negotiations with the Centre had been held in the past under successive governments. Kolkata, Oct 23 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is keen on her Trinamool Congress wresting Tripura and Goa from BJP in the Assembly elections scheduled next year, on Saturday said that she will make her maiden visit to the coastal state on October 28. Ahead of her first visit, the Trinamool Congress Chairperson called upon all individuals, organisations and political parties to join forces to defeat the BJP. "As I prepare for my maiden visit to Goa on 28th, I call upon all individuals, organisations and political parties to join forces to defeat the BJP and their divisive agenda. The people of Goa have suffered enough over the last 10 years," Banerjee tweeted. She reiterated that the Trinamool will form a new government in Goa. "Together, we will usher in a new dawn for Goa by forming a new govt that will truly be a govt of the people of Goa and committed to realising their aspirations! #GoenchiNaviSakal," she tweeted. Trinamool has already inducted former Chief Minister and 7-time MLA Luizinho Faleiro from the Congress. Faleiro, who is likely to be face of the election in Goa that is going for the election in 2022 - was appointed national Vice President of the Trinamool on Friday. "I'm humbled by your faith in me @MamataOfficial & party. All that I had expected was to fight the divisive forces of BJP alongside you. Thank you for giving Goans a voice at the national stage! This appointment has reaffirmed your affection, love & concern for Goa and Goans alike," Faleiro tweeted. Before going to Goa, Banerjee will go to north Bengal on a four-day visit to hold an administrative meeting at Siliguri and have a look at the on-ground situation of the flood-affected districts. She will go to north Bengal on Sunday and the same day, hold a meeting with the Darjeeling district officials, where apart from the flood situation, issues of development will also be discussed. She will also hold administrative meetings with the officials of the other north Bengal districts at the north Bengal state secretariat at 'Uttar Kanya' on October 25 and 26. Sources in the CMO said that the Chief Minister is also likely to review the flood situation of the north Bengal districts, but she will not go to Darjeeling this time. New Delhi, Oct 23 : The Pakistan government is considering imposing a federal tax on agricultural income to meet a demand by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and legal experts say it is possible without amending the Constitution, Express Tribune reported. The proposal has been discussed between Pakistan and the IMF and a draft of the legal amendment has also been prepared. Pakistan tax authorities have told the IMF that the legal amendment could be introduced in the 4th Tax Laws Amendment Ordinance. The sources said that during the review talks, a major demand by the IMF was to bring the agricultural sector under the federal tax domain. However, the two sides were unable to agree upon the memorandum for economic policies (MEFP). "The agricultural income can be brought into the federal tax net without a constitutional amendment," Federal Law and Justice Minister Farogh Naseem told The Express Tribune. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman and the Finance Adviser have already taken up the issue with the Law Minister, the report said However, it is unclear as to whether or not Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan would clear the proposal amid the increasing political and economic instability in the country. Under the 1973 Constitution, the federal government could not impose tax on agricultural income as the matter fell in the provincial domain, the report said. However, the provincial governments, over a period of time, shied away from the matter due to the influence of landlords, it added. The federal government in consultation with the law ministry has found a solution where the federal income tax can be imposed on the agricultural income by only amending the Income Tax Ordinance of 2001. They said the tax authorities were considering restricting the definition of agricultural income to only income from "crops" by amending Section 41 of the income tax law. Hyderabad, Oct 24 : World's tallest building Burj Khalifa in Dubai on Saturday night witnessed a unique show that celebrated Telanaga's Bathukamma, a colorful floral festival celebrated by the women folk in the state. Telangana Legislative Council member Kalvakuntla Kavitha who heads cultural organization Telangana Jagruthi and other leaders from the State were present at Burj Khalifa to witness the rare show. Kavitha, a former MP and daughter of Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, shared glimpses of the show with Netizens. The show was live across various platforms around the globe. Telangana Jagruthi made arrangements to play the Bathukamma documentary on the big screen for invited delegates and separately for the local people. The screening featured the map of India, map of Telangana, Chief Minister KCR, Bathukamma flowers, with specially composed song 'Alipoola Vennela' playing in the background highlighting the heritage of India and Telangana. The slogans of Jai Hind, Jai Telangana, and Jai KCR on the Burj screen echoed with tears of joy and pride among the viewers. The event was attended by MP Suresh Reddy, RTC Chairman MLA Bajireddy, PUC Chairman MLA Jeevan Reddy, MLAs Shakeel, Ganesh Gupta and Dr. Sanjay. Bathukamma, the symbol of Telangana culture and the State government's official festival, was celebrated from October 6 to 14. During the nine-day annual festival, women and girls sing and dance around specially arranged flowers. At the end of the festival, they immerse the specially arranged flowers called Bathukamma in local ponds. Ever since the formation of Telangana state in 2014, Bathukamma has been celebrated as the state festival. Telangana Jagruthi, a cultural and literary organization that was formed during the statehood movement for Telangana in India, has been working to preserve and celebrate the cultural heritage of Telangana. This year, the organization launched a Bathukamma Song Allipoola Vennela, which is already a superhit this festive season composed by music maestro A R Rahman, directed by ace Indian director Gautham Vasudev Menon and brought to life by a talented team of artists to add more to the festive season. Toyota Versus Ford Model Comparisons Alexander Toyota has added two detailed model comparisons to its website that will help drivers choose the best SUV or truck. The comparisons include a 2021 Toyota Tundra versus a 2021 Ford F-150 and a 2021 Toyota 4Runner versus a 2021 Ford Explorer page. Choosing the right vehicle for a driver comes down to what the they need from it. Whether its power and capability or towing and hauling capabilities, there are plenty of vehicles to choose from. Two of the top automotive segments for power and capability include the full-size pickup truck and the SUV. Both vehicles can offer the off-road capability a driver needs while the pickup truck specializes in being able to deliver the towing and hauling capacity required to handle the big jobs. Recently, Alexander Toyota, a SUV and truck dealership in Yuma, Arizona, has added two detailed model comparisons to its website that will help drivers choose the best SUV or truck. The comparisons include a 2021 Toyota Tundra versus a 2021 Ford F-150 and a 2021 Toyota 4Runner versus a 2021 Ford Explorer page. The 2021 Toyota Tundra versus 2021 Ford F-150 model comparison offers a closer and more detailed look at how both of these new truck models compare to each other in a variety of categories. Visitors to this comparison page will see what each model has to offer in terms of engine size, horsepower, torque and maximum payload. The 2021 Toyota 4Runner versus 2021 Ford Explorer comparison page shows shoppers what each new SUV has to offer in important categories like engine size, horsepower and torque ratings, fuel efficiency, MSRP starting price and many others things. With the information provided in this comparison page, shoppers will be able to make an informed decision when it comes time to buy. To learn more about how the 2021 Toyota Tundra and 4Runner compare to the 2021 Ford F-150 and 2021 Explorer, drivers are encouraged to visit the Alexander Toyota website by going to http://www.myalexandertoyota.com. Shoppers may also contact the dealership to ask questions, inquire about financing, schedule a test drive and to find out about current sales and specials by calling 928-344-1170 or by driving to 889 E 32nd Street in Yuma, Arizona. Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the lawsuit, against Front Porch Communities and Services, call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. The San Francisco employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a lawsuit against Front Porch Communities and Services alleging the company violated Labor Code 2699, et seq. seeking penalties for DEFENDANTs alleged violation of California Labor Code 201, 202, 203, 204, 210, 221, 226(a), 226.7, 246, 351, 510, 512, 558(a)(1)(2), 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 1198, and 2802. The lawsuit against Front Porch Communities and Services is currently pending in the Santa Clara County Superior Court, Case No. 21CV386663. To read a copy of the Complaint, please click here. According to the lawsuit filed, Front Porch Communities and Services allegedly failed to pay employees for all the time they were under Defendant's control. This, allegedly, includes the time Plaintiff and other Aggrieved Employees had to wait in line and submit to mandatory temperature checks for Covid-19 screening. To the extent that the time worked off the clock did not qualify for overtime premium payment, Defendant failed to pay minimum wages for the time worked off-the-clock in violation of Cal. Lab. Code 1194, 1197, and 1197.1. PAGA is a mechanism by which the State of California itself can enforce state labor laws through the employee suing under the PAGA who do so as the proxy or agent of the state's labor law enforcement agencies. An action to recover civil penalties under PAGA is fundamentally a law enforcement action designed to protect the public and not to benefit private parties. The purpose of PAGA is not to recover damages or restitution, but to create a means of "deputizing" citizens as private attorneys general to enforce the Labor Code. For more information about the lawsuit against Front Porch Communities and Services, call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is a labor law firm with law offices located in San Diego County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, Sacramento County, Santa Clara County, Orange County and San Francisco County. The firm has a statewide practice of representing employees on a contingency basis for violations involving unpaid wages, overtime pay, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and other types of illegal workplace conduct. ***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT*** Bob Mills Furniture - 11835 E Kellogg Drive, Wichita, KS 67207 The whole Bob Mills Furniture Family has been anxiously waiting for this day Bob Mills Furniture Co., based in Oklahoma City, OK., announces the Grand Opening of their newest store in Wichita, KS. Celebration festivities will commence with a ribbon cutting by the Wichita Chamber of Commerce on Friday, November 5, 2021, at 10 a.m. The new store is located at 11835 E Kellogg Dr, Wichita, KS 67207 within the One Kellogg Place retail development, at East Kellogg Avenue and Greenwich Rd, near Interstate 35 and Highway 54. This will be Bob Mills Furnitures tenth store and first ever in Kansas. The new furniture store features high-quality, high-value living room, dining room, bedroom sets and mattresses. For a full list of festivities, visit: http://www.BobMillsFurniture.com/Wichita Bob Mills Furniture is pleased to announce a $13,000 donation of new mattresses, box springs and mattress protectors to HumanKind Ministries of Wichita. HumanKind Ministries provides shelter, affordable housing and supportive services to those experiencing homelessness or poverty. Bob Mills says, Just like HumanKind, Bob Mills Furniture believes we can all Discover Better Living, but sometimes you just need a little lift of support and a helping hand. We hope this donation can give some comfort and aid to those in need in the Wichita community. Bob Mills, President of Bob Mills Furniture says, The whole Bob Mills Furniture Family has been anxiously waiting for this day. The showroom is gorgeous and filled with IN-STOCK furniture. Weve hired some outstanding new employees from Wichita. We have some exciting things instore for our Grand Opening. The first 100 guests each day will receive an exclusive gift valued at one hundred dollars, and because FREE furniture is always better, everyone can spin a wheel for a chance to win mattresses, furniture and a whole lot more. Mills continues, if you just cant wait, simply go to http://www.BobMillsFurniture.com/Wichita for a chance to win right now. Mills says, We believe that our customers deserve a better way to shop for new furniture, and we have several ways to ensure they feel comfortable and special! At Bob Mills Furniture, you will never be hassled by Shopper Stalkers. Those are the pushy salespeople that follow customers around everywhere. At Bob Mills, our Sales Hosts work in a commission-free environment, so they only help customers when they need help. I hear all the time how much our customers appreciate this kind of professional sales behavior, says Mills. Bob Mills Sleep Spa, located inside Bob Mills Furniture, offers the exclusive bedMATCH system, which takes 18 statistical body measurements along with thousands of calculations to find the proper support level you need while you sleep. Why guess when you can know the right mattress for you? Bob Mills Furniture employs more than 400 employees, many of them working for the company for more than 25 years. For a full list of open positions in Wichita, go to http://www.BobMillsFurniture.com/careers or email resumes to recruiting@bobmills.com. Bob Mills Furniture Co., L.L.C is celebrating its 50th anniversary and has remained under the same single ownership since Bob Mills started his store at just 23 years old in Oklahoma City, OK. Bob Mills Furniture has ten locations: Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, Temple, Waco, San Antonio, and the new furniture store in Wichita. The corporate headquarters are in Oklahoma City with a large distribution center in Fort Worth, Texas. ClickFunnels was featured in Newsweeks Most Loved Workplaces list for 2021, ranking at #37 among the top 100 companies recognized for employee happiness and satisfaction at work. Produced in collaboration with the Best Practice Institute (BPI), a leadership development and benchmark research company, the Newsweek list results were determined after surveying more than 800,000 employees from businesses with workforces varying in size from 50 to more than 10,000. Dave Woodward, the CEO of ClickFunnels, said in regards to this achievement, The quality of our culture is something weve been focussing on for a long time at ClickFunnels. Obviously, we want to attract top talent. But we also want people to feel free to share their ideas and do their best work once theyre inside our ecosystem. Its in everyones interest to keep our culture healthy to keep our people healthy and I think its one of the key things that makes ClickFunnels such a great company. Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief at Newsweek, points out, In the wake of the pandemic, business hit hurdles in terms of retaining and attracting employees but the companies that made this list are delivering the respect, care, and appreciation that it takes to create a positive workplace that nurtures talent. Methodology To identify the top 100 companies for the Newsweek ranking, companies were evaluated and scored as follows: 35 percent of the initial score was based on employee survey responses; 25 percent was derived from analysis of external public ratings from sites such as Comparably, Careerbliss, Glassdoor, Indeed and Google; and 40 percent came from direct interviews with and written responses from company officials. Newsweek then conducted additional research into every company on the list, as well as the top runners up, to determine the final list of 100 companies and their ranking. (The list includes both U.S. firms and companies with a strong U.S. presence that are based overseas.) About ClickFunnels At its core, ClickFunnels is online software for building high-converting websites and sales funnels. But its so much more than that. We help entrepreneurs generate leads, sell products and everything in between. Weve set out to make ClickFunnels an all-in-one service for entrepreneurs who dont want to use multiple confusing tools for different things. With ClickFunnels, you can build a website, generate leads, make sales, grow your email list, and create a brand. But our real bread and butter the thing that put us on the map and has changed thousands of entrepreneurs' businesses for the better is sales funnels. About Newsweek Newsweek is the modern global digital news organization built around the iconic, over 85-year-old American magazine. Newsweek reaches 100 million people each month with its thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in EMEA and Asia. About Best Practice Institute Best Practice Institute is an award-winning leadership and organization development center, benchmark research company, think tank, and solutions provider. BPI is the certifying body for Most Loved Workplace and conducted the original research to create the model and criteria for becoming a Most Loved Workplace. BPIs research proves that Most Loved Workplaces produce 3-4 times better customer service, employee performance, and retention than companies not loved by their employees. For more information on how to apply to become a 2022 Most Loved Workplace, go to: http://www.mostlovedworkplace.com Law Office of Blumenthal Nodrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the class action lawsuit against Letter Ride, LLC, call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. The San Diego employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action lawsuit against Letter Ride, LLC, alleging the company violated the California Labor Code. The lawsuit against Letter Ride, LLC is currently pending in the San Diego County Superior Court, Case No. 37-2021-00040893-CU-OE-CTL. To read a copy of the Complaint, please click here. According to the lawsuit filed, Letter Ride, LLC allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods, (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (e) failed to reimburse employees for required expenses, and (f) failed to provide wages when due, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code Sections 201, 202, 203, 226, 226.7, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct. The complaint further alleges Letter Ride, LLC committed acts of unfair competition in violation of the California Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 17200, et seq. (the UCL), by engaging in a company-wide policy and procedure which allegedly failed to accurately calculate and record all missed meal and rest periods by Plaintiff and other California Class Members. As a result of Defendant's alleged disregard of the obligation to meet this burden, Defendant allegedly failed to properly calculate and/or pay all required compensation for work performed by members of the California Class and violated the California Labor Code. For more information about the class action lawsuit against Letter Ride, LLC, call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is a labor law firm with law offices located in San Diego County, Riverside County, Los Angeles County, Sacramento County, Santa Clara County, Orange County and San Francisco County. The firm has a statewide practice of representing employees on a contingency basis for violations involving unpaid wages, overtime pay, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and other types of illegal workplace conduct. ***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT*** HP Change, a Winnipeg-based organization that facilitates programming between students & employers, announces that it has acquired digital learning program LinkedInForStudents.com effective October 2021. LinkedInForStudents.com, yet to launch, has developed a digital course, along with several other relevant digital tools & resources designed to provide students with a comprehensive system for achieving success on LinkedIn as they transition into the workforce. "In LinkedInForStudents.com, we have acquired a valuable solution for students to leverage the power of LinkedIn for career and mentorship purposes," said HP Change Founder and Managing Director, Scott Angus. Were about equipping students with a tool chest of resources for their career and community development - and this acquisition is a huge part of that. LinkedInForStudents.com is a project developed by Arman Iranpour, an entrepreneur and business development professional based in Toronto, Canada. The project, initiated at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic with millions of students studying & graduating from home, was initially just a collection of curated resources and sharing first-hand experiences of personal successes on LinkedIn. Within several months, the project flourished and the development of a more comprehensive program was underway. "With the right playbook and mindset, LinkedIn can be an astonishingly powerful tool for students, graduates and young professionals. Unfortunately, theres a real lack of education around how emerging leaders can leverage LinkedIn to fuel or progress in their careers," said Arman Iranpour, Founder of LinkedInForStudents.com. "Given our history of working together, I felt that this initiative would resonate deeply with Scott & his community and very quickly we were able to find alignment. HP Change truly understands the need for this category of education and is the perfect organization to expand the impact of the program going forward." At a time where opportunities for students to network in-person have been effectively non-existent, job markets remain competitive and workforce recruitment is becoming increasingly social/digital, now more than ever before students & recent graduates are looking for ways to stand out and attract meaningful opportunities. Students, more than ever, are realizing the power of building their personal brand, especially on online platforms like LinkedIn, says Angus. Were excited about integrating LinkedInForStudents.com into our offering as it aligns with our strategic vision - being a source for relevant, skill-building content. Weve always prided ourselves on uncovering the true needs of students and delivering practical solutions for them. This helps us do just that. HP Change plans to fold the digital learning program, along with its digital assets, tools and resources into its own programming and online education initiatives come 2022, enhancing the HP Change community experience. About HP Change: HP Change empowers emerging leaders to make the difference they want to make. By integrating employers into education in a better way, we're creating the environment for meaningful relationships to be built. Employers work alongside HP Change to provide valuable experience to students and reap the internal benefits associated with these experiences. To learn more, visit http://www.hpchange.com. About LinkedInForStudents.com: LinkedInForStudents.com is a digital program designed to help students better leverage the power of LinkedIn. The digital course (along with the included resources/tools) provides students with a comprehensive system for achieving success on LinkedIn whether that's building their network, finding their voice or advancing in their career through employment or promotion. To learn more, visit http://www.linkedinforstudents.com. Our goal is to continue offering insightful and useful articles on our newly developed blog page that will benefit our customers and other SharePoint users KWizCom, a global leader in the development of Microsoft 365 Forms, Workflows, SharePoint Calendar, and a plethora of other unique and innovative webparts, add-ons and applications for Microsoft 365 designed to enhance and expand Microsoft SharePoint, announces their SharePoint blog. After creating their blog in February of 2021, KWizComs blog page has gained significant popularity and visits. Our clients have given us great comments and positive feedback on creating and frequently publishing informative blog articles about SharePoint and Microsoft 365. Our goal is to continue offering insightful and useful articles on our newly developed blog page that will benefit our customers and other SharePoint users, advises Mo Mortazavi from KWizComs sales team. The blog of KWizCom Corporation blog contains a variety of articles, some of which are authored by SharePoint Consultants, Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVP), as well as KWizCom team members. Anyone with an interest in SharePoint, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams and similar topics in the related field, will benefit significantly from visiting this blog on a regular basis. You can expect to read articles on SharePoint list, SharePoint library, on how to create good SharePoint dashboards, the benefits of using Microsoft SharePoint, the fastest and easiest way to scan documents to SharePoint, how to bring back the good old Datasheet view in SharePoint 2013, 2016, 2019 and SharePoint Online, and many more. If you are more technical and would like to explore options on best replacement for Microsoft InfoPath, or an alternative to Power Apps, this blog is the right place to be. If you are still using SharePoint Designer or Power Automate, you can read articles on how to use them or the recommended alternatives. The product portfolio of KWizCom Corporation is comprised of over 70 no-code solutions all are available for a free trial. To get the free trial of the SharePoint web parts, add-ons and apps for Microsoft Office 365 that KWizCom offers, SharePoint users are invited to visit the companys website. Atlantic Honda offers a lease program on the new 2021 Honda Accord Atlantic Honda, located in Bay Shore, NY, is offering a limited-period lease offer on the new 2021 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T. As per the offer, customers can lease the midsize sedan for $339 per month for a period of 39 months. Honda enthusiasts are urged to contact the dealership at the earliest to benefit from this money-saving offer. The 2021 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T comes standard with a host of innovative features. Boasting 19-inch Alloy wheels and convenient interior features like push button start and Honda Sensing, the sedan offers an elevated driving experience. It features high-tech safety technologies and offers tons of benefits to anyone looking for a value-laden sedan. Eligible buyers are required to pay a $995 bank fee, tax, and tags at inception. Potential clients can find more information about the model by visiting the dealerships website. On the website, details about the ongoing lease offer on other Honda models at Atlantic Honda are mentioned in detail. Please visit the dealerships website to learn more about the offer. In case of any queries or concerns, interested buyers can contact the sales team of the dealership by phone, 631-892-7266 or visit Atlantic Honda in person at 1375 Sunshine Hwy., Bay Shore, New York 11706. Books on Pod with Trey Elling "Relax, kick back with a bourbon, hot toddy, latte or cocoa by the fire and get ready for an ear tickling thrill with one of these episodes from Books on Pod," says Books on Pod Host Trey Elling. Picture memories of campfire ghost stories. Flames flickering, smoke crackling, poking the fire with a stick, in the dead of night and then it was time. Time for heart racing, suspense-filled ghost stories leading to a crescendo that would make a person JUMP and scream at the end. Those times can be found once again, leading to the creepiest, scariest, cant stop listening, spine tingling stories, just in time for Halloween. Relax, kick back with a bourbon, hot toddy, latte or cocoa by the fire and get ready for an ear tickling thrill with one of these episodes from Books on Pod with Trey Elling: GORY DETAILS. Science writer and editor Erika Engelhaupt chats with Trey Elling about whether your dog would eat you if you died, the rise of maggot farms, how a blow fly's love of semen may compromise a crime scene, the violent tendencies of meerkats and dolphins toward their own, cannibals and a human's true nutritional value, fecal transplants, whether chlorine kills off urine in a pool, why clowns are so creepy, and misophonia a strong (and even enraged) reaction to certain sounds, such as dripping water, chewing, snapping gum, or pencil tapping. HURTS SO GOOD: THE SCIENCE AND CULTURE OF PAIN ON PURPOSE. Science journalist Leigh Cowart chats with Trey Elling about pain, what it is, why endorphins can make pain feel good, how MRI scans differ between the brains of masochists and non when dealing with pain, capsaicin the chemical that causes the hot spice in peppers, where is the line when purposeful pain goes from good to bad, and why discomfort is good for us. AMERICAN SERIAL KILLERS. Criminal justice history expert Peter Vronsky chats with Trey Ellington about American Serial Killers: The Epidemic Years 1950-2000, including common traits from these killers childhoods, Edmund Kempers mommy issues, serial killers bizarre moral lines, Jeffrey Dahmers unraveling, and whether the signs point to another murderous epidemic. About Books on Pod Books on Pod tells the stories behind the storytellers. Host Trey Elling conducts thoughtful, engaging interviews with authors about their books, allowing listeners to peek inside the minds of some of the worlds most fascinating writers, inventors, scientists, celebrities, chefs and experts on a variety of topics. Listen to these podcasts on Apple ITunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube and more. Follow Books on Pod on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and at BooksonPod.com. Weekly podcasts are broadcast on Tuesday and Thursdays each week. Don't miss the latest episodes by subscribing today! Denver-based Spear Security Inc. provides security support for business, public, and residential property. If pandemic-related factors are indeed to blame, then its reasonable to assume that this uptick in violent crime may continue through 2021 and into 2022. A September 27 article published by the FBI reports on U.S. crime trends in 2020, including an overall increase in violent crime. Among the featured points, aggravated assault increased 12.1% while the rate of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter offenses increased by 29.4%, one of the largest single-year leaps in history. Property crime, however, decreased by 8.1%. Denver-based Spear Security Inc. says that, while the FBI doesnt comment on the reasons for these trends in its report, the ongoing pandemic and resulting economic distress and emotional stress seem to be the driving factors, at least superficially. Spear Security says that if pandemic-related factors are indeed to blame, then its reasonable to assume that this uptick in violent crime may continue through 2021 and into 2022. That said, the company notes that this doesnt mean that companies and property owners should be sounding alarm bells and preparing for a tide of bad actors at their doors. Violent crime is still relatively rare in the United States with only about 388 violent offenses committed per 100,000 people and as the FBI report notes, property crime actually decreased last year, continuing a long-term trend. The Denver-based security company says that instead of hitting the panic button, companies and property owners can take the time to address their business and residential security needs. Spear Security notes that more often than not, bad actors of any kind try to avoid confrontation with authority figures. By posting a handful of security guards on a property, the chances of any kind of trouble usually plummet. Spear Security says this policy of deterrence is highly effective, but unfortunately, there are instances where more involved strategies have to be used. In these cases, de-escalation tactics are almost always the go-to play, the company notes, with highly trained security guards attempting to regain control of a situation through reason and the calm but firm promise of worsening consequences for perpetrators should they continue to cause any kind of disturbance. Spear Security says negotiating efforts very rarely fail, as it's usually clearly in the would-be perpetrator's best interests to comply, but it does happen. When it does, this is when it truly pays to have an exceptionally well-trained and disciplined security service at hand. The security company says a quality security service will try to ensure the wellbeing of all parties in a potentially dangerous situation, responding to potential threats responsibly and appropriately. Spear Security says in these situations, the end goal is always the same: restoring order as quickly and safely as possible. Ultimately, this preserves a good look for the property or company without unnecessarily putting anyone at risk, including the reputation of a business or residence. Readers interested in learning more about Spear Security Inc. or its services can visit the firms website at https://spearsecuritydenver.com/ or calling (303) 298-8373. The characters of Thank You, Mr. Nixon (Knopf, Jan. 2022), Gish Jens expansive new collection of superconnected short stories, are restless. They leave China for America and return, leave America for China and return, traveling between the two countries and cultures as if through a revolving door. Jen, like the second-generation Americans in her book, understands what it is to be hybrid, and the inherent tension that requires her characters to engage in frequent acts of translationlinguistic, cultural, and generationalwhether they wish to or not. Born on Long Island in 1955, Jen says she came of age at the height of multiculturalism, when I was supposed to be writing about my Chinese roots. But growing up in Scarsdale, N.Y., she learned more Yiddish than Chinesean experience she mined for her very funny second novel, 1996s Mona in the Promised Land, about a Chinese girl converting to Judaism. Once that was published, many people were convinced that I must be Jewish, Jen says over Zoom from an office at Harvard, her alma mater, where shes a visiting professor in English. So much so that I began to feel positively lapsed in the fall, when I failed to observe the High Holy Days. Since she first began publishing short stories in the 1980s (many selected for the Best American series), Jen has had a reputation for writing vivid, smart, often humorous portrayals of second-generation Chinese Americans. She has long been interested in, and has lectured and written about, hybridity, most recently in her 2017 nonfiction book, The Girl at the Baggage Claim: Explaining the East-West Culture Gap. Thank You, Mr. Nixon could itself be called hybrid: 11 stories threaded so carefully together that they become as interdependent as they are independent, almost novelistic. Jen calls the connectivity a very complicated network. In one sense the book is simple: the stories run chronologically, beginning with the title tale, a letter sent from heaven to hell. In it, a dead Chinese woman thanks the disgraced American president for what he unleashed on his 1972 trip to China. This missive sets the books dramas and concerns in motion (the symbiosis of capitalism and communism, for one), and introduces the two familiesthe Hsus and the Kooswhose various ties give the book its novelistic breadth. With stories, theres a suggestion that theres so much more than what we see on the page, Jen says. We catch a glimpse here, a glimpse there, we see theyre connected, but whoa, theres a big, big, big thing underwater that will probably take another century to understand. That leviathan is Chinas role in the world. Theres the country Jen herself experienced as a foreign expert in 1981, teaching English to coal-mining institute students whod never seen a refrigeratorand the country that became, one generation later, an economic and geopolitical powerhouse. Who could have seen the meteoric rise? Jen says, still awed by the change. I dont think the Chinese even saw it. Her stories trace that risewhat she calls, this kind of low-grade rumbling beneath the lives of her characters. By choosing to include in this book Duncan in China (from her previous collection, Whos Irish, published in 1999), Jen makes the Hsu family a lodestar, their presence seen or felt in every tale. (Second-generation Chinese-American brothers Duncan and Arnie Hsu move with particular fluidity between the U.S. and China.) Frankly, today, I was not going to be able to write a new story about that period that captured it as well as my old story did, Jen explains. I was there. The material looks so different in this context. Now we understand that it was just one step in this huge process. In these stories, globalization is both poignant and hilarious. Readers of Whos Irish will recall hapless young Duncans exploits as a foreign expert, clashing with his watchful boss and spending more time showing off his bathroom than teaching English. When he falls for an older student, a report is written and she vanishes, only to surprise him later with an offering that changes his life. The full impact of her gesture isnt felt until several stories later, in Amaryllis, about a single, middle-aged, mixed-race, second-generation Chinese American woman working for the Koos in Manhattan and caring for Duncan Hsus aging father in east Brooklyn. Mr. Hsus nomadic children and grandchildren have largely abandoned him. Lonely Amaryllis wants a connection but only finds it when she stops looking. Amaryllis is only four in the collections long and powerful second story, Its the Great Wall! Shes left with her Caribbean Sephardic Jewish grandparents while her parents take her Chinese grandmother, Opal, to China for the first time since she immigrated to America decades ago. As part of an organized group of mostly Western tourists, Opal tires of translating for the struggling guide, but her understanding of the guides heart helps her navigate the Peoples Republic in ways the others, including her own daughter, cannot. This makes possible a clandestine reunion with the family Opal left behind, an unexpected turn that takes the story in a crushingly poignant direction. The Hsus and Koos are intricately entwined in Rothko, Rothko, wherein Rich Lee, a broke creative writing teacher with a novel in a drawer hopes to profit from the forgeries of a talented Chinese artist, despite warnings from his lawyer wife, Arabella. In No More Maybe, the story that follows, Arabella is now representing a Chinese family whose visa status has lapsed; this tale, set during the Trump years, vividly evokes the rising anxiety of undocumented immigrants in America. And in the long, extremely funny Gratitude, a former student of Richs, Bobby Koo, tries to maintain the (8,000-mile) distance shes put between her and her parents. Unhappy with their number one daughter ghosting them, the Koos outsmart her: they plan to buy her apartment through a proxy (Duncan Hsus brother, Arnie), fly from Hong Kong to America, and surprise her at the closing. The reunion does not play out as theyd hoped. I felt a responsibility to get the details right, Jen says of the book, and many of the stories contain vivid details of a China that no longer exists; she pulled from extensive notes taken on a family trip in 1979 and her foreign-expert stint two years later. I was there, Jen says again. I was a witness, and I take that seriously. Her command of detail makes Thank You, Mr. Nixon authentic and engrossing; her vision makes it unique and vital. Ive been writing all these stories in this changing world that involve mainland immigrantsstories that 30 years earlier wouldnt have been possible, Jen says. Because there were no immigrants. They wouldnt have been heremuch less in law school. She throws up her hands and laughs. I am very, very, very lucky that my career has coincided with these changes. Mike Harvkey is the author of In the Course of Human Events and was the researcher/reporter for the bestselling true crime book All-American Murder. Putting well-known characters in new situations can give a classic new life, Liese Sherwood-Fabre says. She should know: entertaining and enticing are just some of the ways Publishers Weekly has described her Early Case Files of Sherlock Holmes series. BookLife spoke with Sherwood-Fabre about expanding on the adventures of one of the worlds most well-known literary figures. What sparked your interest in Sherlock Holmes? While I cannot pinpoint when I first met Sherlock Holmes, I do recall watching the old black-and-white Basil Rathbone movies after school. A lot of cartoon characters over the years have also sported a deerstalker hat and carried a magnifying glass investigating something. My first clear memory of reading a story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was The Captain of the Polestar in one of my public school classes. As a mystery fan from an early age, I read all the Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden books I could get my hands on. I was always drawn to the Sherlock Holmes character because of his application of scientific methods to solve problems. He was kind of a nerd, and I could relate to that more than to popular Nancy and Trixie. My interest in writing about a young Sherlock Holmes came one day while on the treadmill. I wondered about how the man learned to be the worlds greatest consulting detective. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle provided little in the way of this characters history or family. Both Sherlock and Mycroft had exceptional intellectual abilities, but someone had to nurture these traits. With Conan Doyle sharing so little on the man, I decided to provide it myself. To give it a twist, I chose his mother to be the major influence in his life. During the Victorian period, a woman with a mind as keen as her sons wouldnt have had the opportunities afforded the boys. A major outlet for her talents would have been through them, and, given Sherlocks personality, I created a sort of apprenticeship to her as he developed his methods. How does the writing process change when youre using another authors creations? Basing a work on another authors characters is, by definition, fan fiction. While the term is rather recent, dating back to the 1940s or 1950s, creating such tales is much older. Miguel de Cervantes wrote a sequel to Don Quixote because so many stories about the knight by other authors were circulating through Spain. In my mind, the term fan fiction implies that both the reader and writer have more than a casual interest in the character. In the case of Sherlock Holmes, he has a very old and well-organized fan base. Given Holmess popularity, an author does not approach the subject lightly. Moving forward with such a project involves keeping true to the spirit of the original Holmes. The base and heart of Sherlocks popularity wasand ishis ability to apply logic and science to solving mysteries, and this must be preserved, along with some of his well-known eccentricities. Because my work explores his early development, I do have a little more freedom. I began the series in his early adolescence, when his deductive skills are not as refined and he is still discovering himself. The goal, of course, is to bring him into his full form by the end. What advice would you give to someone who wants to continue another authors work? A writer who considers continuing another authors work must respect the original work and character. This approach includes reading the original works to understand the characters personalities and traits as well as the original writers voice. Research into the time and setting lends further authenticity to the work. Additionally, the writer needs to be aware of possible copyright issues. Contemporary works would still be under copyright, although some authors, such as J.K. Rowling, allow fan fiction if not for profit. Others, like Anne Rice, do not allow it under any circumstances. Most of the Sherlock Holmes tales are now in the public domain, but a few of the final stories cannot be referenced without permission from the Conan Doyle estate. Sequel writers must also decide how and where to share their work. For those without copyright issues, some publishers might be interested. Checking out other published sequels will indicate where to submit the manuscript. For those not in the public domain, some authors post their pieces on sites such as Archive of Our Own, Commaful, Fanfiction.net, Tumblr, and Wattpad. Because these sites restrict the type and subject of the work, any requirements should be thoroughly reviewed before posting. Once this foundation has been set, putting well-known characters in new situations can give a classic new life. This months thematic roundup of BookLife titles focuses on stories of horror, crime, and the supernatural. Folk Horror The Five Turns of the Wheel Stephanie Ellis ISBN 978-0-9965605-3-5 About the book: In this blend of folk horror and dark fantasy, two women decide it is time to put a stop to the horrors committed in the name of the Mother. Stalking the landscape of rural England are the sons of Hweol, Lord of Umbra. Creatures with a taste for blood and death, for centuries they have led the Dancefive nights of ritual proclaimed to be a celebration of Mother Nature. Liza and Megan, mother and daughter, fight back to protect the unborn and to weaken the power of Hweol. But will it be enough to destroy it forever? Author statement: I was raised in a remote rural pub, and the rural landscapes and folk have remained with me. I wanted to write in a world I knew but bring in something original, my own mythology and traditions, which in turn developed into an examination of how tradition can be used to manipulate and destroy. One aspect in particular in this book, the loss of a child through miscarriage, is my own very real experience, and still haunts me. When the Watcher Shakes Timothy G. Huguenin ISBN 978-0-9971474-4-5 About the book: John has given up his ordinary life to find wisdom traveling the country and enjoy the freedom of living as a nomad. But when he stumbles across a mysterious town tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains, walled off from modern society, he discovers a group of people who could use some freedom of their own. Are they a harmless religious sect, or is there something malignant beneath the surface? Author statement: When the Watcher Shakes was my first novel, originally published in 2016. The current edition was slightly revised and released in 2019 with fantastic new cover art by Ben Baldwin. Middle Grade Pleasant Grove Jason Price ASIN B08C21Y281 About the book: Twelve-year-old Agnes Goodwin lives in Pleasant Grove, a quiet small town with one peculiar feature: its enclosed by a glass dome. No one can leave. No one can enter. No one can survive beyond the dome. Until the day Agnes discovers a strange boy from the outside with a monstrous secret. Author statement: As I set out to write a novel dedicated to my grade-school daughters, I reflected on the stories that most impacted me, particularly as an adolescent: Steven Spielbergs Amblin films, the worlds conjured up by Rod Serling and Stephen King... stories that still resonate, as a parent who remembers the magic, wonder, and terror of being 12 years old. I Escaped the Salem Witch Trials Juliet Fry and Scott Peters ISBN 978-1-951019-17-4 About the book: Orphan girl Hannah True battles strange happenings, suspicion, and angry villagers when her town believes its under attack by witches in this gripping retelling of the Salem Witch Trials for todays young readers. Author statement: When I was 12, I heard the scary, tragic story of the 1692 Salem witch trials. How could girls turn against other villagers, call them witches, and condemn them to death? I read the trials original court records, trying to understand. Years later, that research came to fruition when I teamed up with Scott Peters to write a book to which kids could relate. Injustice and persecution often begin at home, in the schoolyard, in our communities. The name Salem means peace, yet fear and ignorance changed it into hell on Earth. A chilling, cautionary tale for Halloween. Murder Mysteries The Encanto (LA Fog #1) Arthur Swan ISBN 978-0-9965605-3-5 About the book: An ancient Mayan artifact, smuggled into Los Angeles, unexpectedly alters three lives in bizarre ways. Gray, an aspiring artist struggling to provide for his family; Claire, his insomniac wife; and Ashley York, a wealthy socialite striving to make it as a real actress, find their paths crashing together, their dreams and their very identities threatened. Meanwhile, Saul Parker, a detective and hobbyist magician who is self-conscious about his weight, strives to solve a strange case. Only Wayob, a mysterious chameleon-like killer, has a grasp on the dangerous power that has consumed his life and now infiltrates the others. Author statement: I hope that everyone will find something to relate to in The Encanto, especially people ready for a big change in their life. Maybe theyll even pause to consider whether the choices theyre making, will take them where they want to go. The Girl from Dark Dakota Bryan Devore ISBN 978-0-9852413-8-4 About the book: In Williston, N.Dak., nearly a year has passed since Annabel Hellers murder on Halloween. Now the lives of four strangers will be forever changed as Annabels ghost cries out for justice. But with only five days before the next Halloween, time is running out for all four to uncover the secrets of the small town and the lurking evil that threatens everyone in it. Author statement: Years ago, as an auditor, I was working late and alone in an old hospital in North Dakota. A storm was raging outside. As the night got later, I began to hear strange sounds around me. Then it felt like something unseen was in the room with me. My nerves were shaken. Later I learned the work room had once been an emergency surgery room and that, tragically, many people had died there over the years. Had I felt a spirit? This event inspired my ghost story. A Whisper Came Keith Yocum ISBN 978-0-9978708-8-6 About the book: When a womans body is found floating near the town of Chatham off Cape Cod, a young reporter stumbles onto a mystery that goes back centuries. Cape Cod has been the site of thousands of shipwrecks leaving the sandy shore littered with debris, legends, and ghost stories. Stacies editors encourage her to dig into Chathams quirky residents and write about the mysteries surrounding the old Monomoy Point Lighthouse. On a lark, she makes a nighttime visit to the lighthouse with a young charter boat captain and stumbles tragically into a dark mystery that forces her to question her sanity and the truth buried in a legend. Author statement: The story is based upon a visit to the Monomoy Point Lighthouse I attended. The tour guide mentioned as a joke that some of the researchers there thought the keepers house was haunted. Research of the area showed a long history of legends and ghost stories associated with a desolate seashore, and it was not hard to imagine a modern-day interaction between a legend and an intrepid reporter. Paranormal Blood Ad Infinitum Raven Belasco ISBN 978-1-64971-806-8 About the book: Blood Ad Infinitum is the third book in a dark urban fantasy series mixing horror, history, and blood-soaked romance featuring a snarky librarian heroine in an adventure like no other. The passionate origin story of the amr and a desperate fight throughout the centuries takes readers through England, the Middle East, and Russia and from the Neolithic era to the modern day. The newest and least powerful must decide who will lead them allbut will she pay the ultimate price for it? Author statement: This novel was always where the story arc of the protagonist, Noosh, was headed. As a first-time author of a series, it was amazing for me to watch the story take shape around it and to have fans who dont know whats coming up, and interact with them and be like, Oh, youre going to love what comes next! I love being a writer, but working on this third book made me fall even more in love with it all. Redeemer of Shadows (Tribes of the Vampire) Michelle M. Pillow ISBN 978-1-62501-801-4 About the book: Destiny brings them together, while powerful and dark vampiric forces conspire to tear them apart. Vampire Servaes, the Marquis de Normant, never asked for his dark gift. He has survived immortality with restrained anger against a master who stole life from him. Not to mention the foolish young ones who abuse their supernatural powers. Eternity seemed endless... until Hathor. Hathor Vinceti has never felt as if she belonged in the world around her, yet she never imagines more could be waiting for her. After moving to London to help an aunt, she uncovers a thriving underworld where bored vampires congregate to feed on deserving humans, each trying to outdo the others as they forge their monstrous reputations. What could be worse than immortal beings with nothing to do and forever to do it? Author statement: The idea of immortality and being superhuman often appeals to fiction readers, especially when confronted with our own mortality and weaknesses. Poetry Haunt: Poems Ryan Meyer ISBN 978-0-692-06998-1 About the book: Haunt, Ryan Meyers first collection of poetry, explores life through a horror lens, aiming to unnerve as it traverses themes of life, love, loss, fear, and more. Author statement: Haunt started as an independent study project I started when I was in college. It is rooted in real, human fears, but dipped in the supernatural. I was excited to tackle a genre not so common in poetry, something inspired by some of my favorite classic horror films, as well as music that contains horror themes. DEAL OF THE WEEK Broom Moves to Hogarth In a North American rights agreement, David Ebershoff at Penguin Random Houses Hogarth imprint bought three books by Sarah M. Broom. Broom won the National Book Award for Nonfiction and the NBCC John Leonard Prize for Best First Book for her debut, 2019s The Yellow House. She was represented by Suzanne Gluck at William Morris Endeavor. Hogarth said the three new titles are connected thematically and will use personal narrative, reportage, archival research, and cultural criticism to take readers on a collective journey. Broom will explore what it means to be a Black woman wanderer, mount an architectural survey of teeth and the infrastructure of the body, and finally, in returning home, will explore New Orleans through its history of Black homeownership. The first book under contract, which is currently untitled, is scheduled for 2025. Elstons Lie Seduces Dorman For her eponymous imprint at Penguin Random House, Pamela Dorman preempted North American rights to Ashley Elstons debut adult novel, First Lie Wins. The publisher said the book is set for summer 2023 and called it a stylish cat-and-mouse suspense story for fans of Laura Dave and Liv Constantine. First Lie Wins follows a woman who works multiple jobs for a mysterious employer under varied aliases. Sarah Landis at Sterling Lord Literistic represented Elston and has also sold the book in the U.K. (to Headline, in a six-figure preempt), Brazil, Germany, Greece and elsewhere. Ko Takes Jackie and Giselle to Riverhead Riverheads Sarah McGrath bought North American rights to Jackie and Giselle, by National Book Award finalist Lisa Ko (The Leavers). Ayesha Pande at Pande Literary Agency brokered the agreement. The publisher said the novel is both sweeping and intimate, beginning in the 1980s and moving through the 2040s. It follows three Asian American women in New York City who fight expectations to pursue creative and meaningful lives in a future radically different from the one they were promised. The publisher has not yet announced a pub date. Legacy Lit Buys Hyltons Madness Antonia Hylton sold Madness: Crownsville, the Search for Sanity in a Segregated Asylum, and the Legacy of Race in Mental Health to Krishan Trotman at Hachettes Legacy Lit imprint. The author, who is a correspondent for both NBC News and MSNBC, was represented by Johanna Castillo at Writers House, Eric Ortner of the Ortner Group, and Ethan Cohan of Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein & Lezcano. Castillo said Madness examines one of Americas only segregated asylums with surviving records and a still-existing campus. The titular Maryland hospital was in operation from 1911 through 2004. In the book, Hylton explores how the legacy of slavery and racist stereotypes of Black peoples bodies and minds ultimately paved the way to the criminalization and stigmatization of Black patients. Trotman acquired world rights in the deal, and the book is slated for fall 2023. Grove Nabs Book on 2020 Election Morgan Entrekin bought world rights to Mark Bowden and Mathew Teagues The Steal: The Attempt to Overturn the 2020 Election and the People Who Stopped It for Grove Atlantics Atlantic Monthly Press imprint. Grove said the title, set for January 2022, is a week-by-week, state-by-state account of this historic assault on our democracy. Bowden, who was represented by attorney Drew Bowden, has written 15 books, including the bestseller Black Hawk Down. Teague contributes to various magazines, including the Atlantic, and was represented by David Black at the David Black Literary Agency. On August 29, 1949 the Soviet Union tested its first atomic weapon, detonating the RDS-1 nuclear bomb. Spy intelligence played a huge role in the projects success, and the data gathered from the U.S. nuclear weapons program helped Soviet scientists to avoid mistakes. The nuclear arms race began over 60 years ago, and according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute today there are about 15,850 nuclear warheads shared by the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, and North Korea. An estimated 1,800 of the total warheads are on high alert. A blinding flash The Soviet Union entered the nuclear club on August 29, 1949 at exactly 7 a.m. when a blinding flash lit up the Semipalatinsk test site area, followed by a loud crackle of electric wires that quickly died out leaving only silence. The test of Soviet Unions first atomic bomb, the RDS-1, was successful. The nuclear arsenals of the United States and Russia The Soviet Union surpassed the United States in terms of total number of nuclear missiles in 1969, outmatching it by the total number of warheads in 1977. The American nuclear arsenal peaked at 31,255 warheads in 1967, while the Soviet arsenal reached its peak at about 45,000 in 1985. Currently, under the terms of existing agreements, Russia and the U.S. exchange data on the status of their nuclear forces twice a year, on March 1 and September 1. According to the latest data, as of September 1, 2014 Russia has 1,643 active warheads, while the U.S. comes a close second with 1,642 warheads. Engineers began working on the project in 1943 after Soviet intelligence agents in the U.K. acquired classified scientific information on nuclear energy. Several spies had also infiltrated some of the U.S. nuclear research facilities. The data on the American plutonium bomb obtained by our agents made it possible to avoid several errors during the development of the RDS-1 device, helping to reduce time and costs, Professor Valentin Kostyukov, head of Russias Research Institute of Experimental Physics in the city of Sarov, told RBTH. A security priority Since the early 1940s the U.S., the U.K., and the Soviet Union were racing to create a nuclear weapon. At the end of 1941, the American government allocated huge funds for nuclear research, and the result was The Gadget, an implosion-design plutonium bomb, detonated on July 16, 1945 in New Mexico as part of the Trinity test. Now was the time for a demonstration of power. The U.S. wanted the world, and the Soviet Union in particular, to see their newly acquired destructive capabilities. Japan, an ally of Nazi Germany, was selected as the target for the strike to end the Pacific War. On August 6, 1945 the U.S. atomic bomb, Little Boy, was dropped on Hiroshima. Three days later on August 9, Fat Man was dropped on Nagasaki. Hundreds of thousands of Japanese were killed in seconds, while others were doomed to a slow death of radiation sickness. Click to view the infographics The atomic bombing of the two Japanese cities was a shock to Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. The development of nuclear weapons promptly became one of Moscows top national security priorities. The USSRs best and brightest, including physicists Igor Kurchatov and Pyotr Kapitsa, began working on the project. A triumph of Soviet science and intelligence The data gathered by Soviet agents saved a lot of time. It was clear from the very beginning that many of the technical solutions implemented in the American prototype were far from perfect, said Professor Kostyukov. Which countries have nuclear weapons? Officially, eight states possess nuclear weapons. The Soviet Union conducted 715 nuclear tests from 1949 to 1990. The U.S. detonated more than a thousand nuclear devices from 1945 to 1992, and is the only country to have used such weapons in war. Apart from the USSR and the U.S., the U.K., France, China, India, Pakistan and North Korea are also recognized members of the nuclear club. Israel is believed to have nuclear weapons, but it refuses to say so officially. In total, more than 2,000 nuclear weapon tests have been conducted in history. Soviet scientists could, even at the initial stages of the project, offer better solutions both for the device as a whole, and for its individual components. However, the authorities wanted to get a functioning bomb reliably and at minimum risk. Kostyukov believes the decision to implement the American designs, which had already been proven functional, was the only reasonable way to proceed given the tense atmosphere. The general design of the RDS-1 replicated that of Fat Man, but its external shell and electronics were developed independently by Soviet experts. The work done by our scientists in the 1940s was a real masterpiece, considering how primitive their equipment was, said Vadim Simonenko, deputy scientific director of Russias Scientific Research Institute of Applied Physics in the city of Snezhinsk. This research revealed the path to understanding phenomena occurring at high energy densities, like thermonuclear combustion, novae, and supernovae. Peace through superior paperwork American officials were confident that Moscow would not be able to make a functioning nuclear weapon earlier than 1954, but the Soviet Union conducted its first successful atomic bomb test in 1949. The events that occurred at the Semipalatinsk test site put an end to the U.S. monopoly on nuclear weapons. The news about the Soviet atomic bomb shocked the U.S. Government. So, in July 1949 the Americans formulated a nuclear war plan, Trojan, calling for the atomic bombing of 70 Soviet cities. Had the Soviet Union not developed an atomic bomb, it would have eventually been destroyed or, at best, subdued by the United States, believes Alexander Vdovin, professor of Moscow State Universitys Faculty of History. In 1970, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons entered into force, with 190 states currently being signatories. In 1996, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, which has not entered into force due to non-ratification by some states. Only India, Pakistan and North Korea have conducted nuclear weapon tests since the adoption of the treaty. All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta. Editor's Note: This is an excerpt for the Book provided by Toby Harnden First Casualty: The Untold Story of the CIA Mission to Avenge 9/11 6:15 a.m. (GMT -4), September 12, 2001; Manassas Park, Virginia There was never any question in Mike Spanns mind that he would be part of Americas response to the Al-Qaeda attack on 9/11. He had left the Marines because the prospect of staff jobs and more training exercises failed to excite him. Mike was recently remarried with a baby son, and two daughters whose mother was gravely ill. No one would have criticized him if he had stayed behind. Shannon Spann briefly wondered whether it was right that he should go, before concluding that this was what her new husband had joined the CIA to do. For Mike, the choice between country and family was a false one. By protecting his country, he was protecting his family. In his application to join the CIA, Mike had written: I am an action person that feels personally responsible for making any changes in this world that are in my power because if I dont no one else will. Now, the country was experiencing a swelling patriotism, a yearning for vengeance, and an acknowledgment that there would be sacrifices. The self-indulgent complacency of the 1990s was over. There was evil in the world, and Americans had to be sent to faraway lands to stamp it out so it did not reach home shores again. Mike had always felt this way. Suddenly, America was a lot more like him. It was as if God had placed him on the earth for this moment. Mike had been incensed by 9/11. He had been inside the Special Activities Division in CIA headquarters that day. At 10 a.m. that day, the word EVACUATE flashed in red on every computer screen in the building. Mike, already enraged by the mass murder he had just witnessed, was now fuming that he was being ordered to desert his post. Why are we leaving when we can stay and do something? he asked colleagues. As Team Alphas departure for Uzbekistan neared, the Spann family Mike, Shannon, Alison, nine, Emily, four, and Jake, four monthsdrove down to Williamsburg for the weekend. They also visited nearby Yorktown, site of the 1781 British surrender and birthplace of American independence. The trip had been arranged long before, and Mike was not going to miss it. But the timeline for the team leaving was fluid, and hed been told the date could be moved up at short notice. No matter what happens, do not leave without me, he told Alex Hernandez, deputy chief of Team Alpha. For two days the Spanns took in the sights of colonial Williamsburg, the couple reminiscing about the times they had spent there while at The Farmalready that seemed like a lifetime ago. Unlike many military operators before a deployment, Mike had not detached mentally. Shannon felt he was fully presentgiving the girls piggyback rides, holding Jake whenever he could, and pushing the stroller, which he had dubbed the JTVJake Terrain Vehicle. Despite the steely image he projected at the CIA, Mike was an involved parent. Shannon was breastfeeding, and he encouraged her to pump milk so he could feed Jake from a bottle. He washed Jakes baby clothes and organized them in the nursery, blow-dried Emilys hair, read bedtime stories, and packed school lunches. Shannon had found that Mike, in the swing of being a single father before she met him, had a system for everything. Mike loved American military history, particularly the Civil War, and had told Alison that Ulysses S. Grant, the Union general and later US president, was one of his heroes. On Memorial Day of that year, with Shannon nearly nine months pregnant, they had taken the girls by Metro to visit Arlington National Cemetery. It was a sacred place to Mike, and a day to teach his children the importance of respect for Americas fallen. If Mike worried about the danger of the mission, he didnt show it. Meticulous to a fault, on the morning of October 5 he and Shannon went to a lawyers office in Manassas to sign his will. His main assets were a 1997 Geo Metro and a townhouse he had bought for $128,000 two years earlier. As a GS-10 officer in his third year at the CIA, his annual salary was $43,059. After a discussion with Shannon, Mike emailed their friend Amy, who had trained with them at the Farm. I dont mean to sound dramatic, he wrote. Im sure this will be a piece of cake, but if anything happens to me, I want you to be the one who tells Shannon. I dont want her to hear it from someone she doesnt know. America was at war, and the CIA was leading the campaign, but the reality hit Amy for the first time: people close to her might die. Mike believed there would be more American casualties, and that Al-Qaeda should be given no quarter. What everyone needs to understand is these fellows hate you, he wrote in an email to his parents. They hate you because you are an American. Support your government and your military, especially when the bodies start coming home. On the evening of October 5, Shannon Spann, with the three children in the car, drove her husband the forty minutes from Manassas Park to CIA headquarters. Before they left, she took a photograph of a smiling Mike standing outside their home on Lanae Lane, flanked by his daughters and clutching baby Jake to his chest with both arms. Mike was thirty-two, his full head of dark-brown hair already dusted with gray, on course to be silver by the time he was forty. The couple did not know how oftenor even whetherthey would be able to communicate. Shannon told him she would always trust that he was safe until she received definitive evidence otherwise. Alison, having seen the footage of 9/11, was beside herself that her father was going to the place where the terrorists had planned the attacks. He had explained to her that he couldnt tell the US government he was unable to go: What if every daddy said that? Who would there be to protect you? Shannon and Mike kissed and hugged, and she told him she loved him and was proud of him. She supported what he was doing and wanted him to succeed, she said, for the sake of his family and his country. Then, carrying his bags, he walked into the CIA headquarters building where they had both arrived as recruits just over two years earlier. Inside, a huge American flag had been hung in honor of the victims of 9/11. The automatic doors swished open and Mike, not looking back, disappeared into the lobby. 6:10 p.m. (GMT -7), November 22, 2001; Wawona, Yosemite National Park, California Something felt off about Shannons Thanksgiving Day phone call with Mike. She was with Jake, deep in the woods of Yosemite, an annual tradition for her family, who had rented the same cabin for the holiday since Shannon was two. It was still Thanksgiving in California, but it was 6:40 a.m. the following day in Afghanistan. Calling from the Turkish school on a satellite phone, Mike broke some good news. Team Alphas replacements were due to be in Mazar-i Sharif soon, and he expected to be back in the US in mid-December. He was looking forward to being home for Christmas and had decided to buy his daughters new bicycles. Shannon and Mike had spoken every few days since he had landed in Afghanistan. Others in Team Alpha talked to their families rarely, if at all, fearing it would distract them from their mission and the fewer details shared the better. The newly wed Spanns usually spoke when it was early morning in Afghanistan and dusk in the United States. They had kept a diary of thoughts for each other to share once they were together again. One thing has troubled me, Mike wrote on one occasion. Im not afraid of dying, but I have a terrible fear of not being with you and our son. . .I think about holding you and touching you. I also think about holding that round boy of ours...It would be cool to have a slow dance with you. During the Thanksgiving call, they did their best to keep their conversation light. Shannon reported that Jake, now five months old, was smiling a lot and had discovered his feet. The couple talked about the moon, marveling how they could see what Shannon called some little piece of the same despite being more than 7,000 miles and 12.5 time zones apart. There was nothing bad about the conversation and Shannon had no conscious foreboding, but it was as if her body sensed that she might never speak to her husband again. When Shannon put the phone down, she began to cry. 9:10 a.m. (GMT +4.5), November 25, 2001; Qala-i Jangi, Balkh province, Afghanistan Sixty prisoners had been brought out into the southern compound of the mud-baked fort by the time David Tyson and Mike Spann arrived from the Turkish school the next day. The Al-Qaeda captives were in two lines, kneeling or sitting in the dust and parched grass to the west of the Pink House. Their upper arms had been tied behind them, like chicken wings, with their turbans. Most of the prisoners were bearded, their hair long and unruly after their turbans had been removed, and they hailed from across the globe. Of the more than 400 captives, all were males of fighting age, with no boys or old men among them. Many wore a taqiyah, or Muslim prayer cap, to cover their head. Some rocked back and forth; others were motionless. It would soon become apparent to David that they shared no common languageand, though undoubtedly Al-Qaeda rather than Taliban, it was clear they had not fought as a unit. None of them was Afghan, and this foreign field appeared to mark the end of their jihad. Only the occasional wail or protestation could be heard above the larks singing in the morning sunshine. An uneasy calm had enveloped Qala-i Jangi, the Fort of War. This was a chance for the CIA to gain intelligence on Osama bin Ladens operations. David wore a gray Uzbek guppi over pale green pants and black boots. He had no rifle, but the 9mm Browning Hi Power pistol he had brought from Tashkent was strapped to his thigh beneath the guppi. With his scrubby beard and mix of clothing, he was a hybrid of Afghan and American. There was little doubt where Mike was from. He had grown a thin mustache, and over his black Columbia fleece was a rifle strap, attaching his AKMS to his back loosely so he could quickly swing it to his shoulder. On the waist of his jeans was his 9mm Glock 17. 10:50 a.m. (GMT +4.5), November 25, 2001; Qala-i Jangi, Balkh province, Afghanistan The last two men to be brought out of the Pink House were Uzbeks. One prisoner was an older man with a light beard and a two-panel white-and-gray shirt, the other younger and unshaven. Behind them a guard change seemed to be taking place, with three soldiers leaving their post and walking north toward the center wall as another three arrived, one of whom climbed the metal ladder to the roof of the Pink House. Two other guards were on the roof of an adjacent building, overlooking the north entrance to the Pink House, just inside of which the prisoners were being searched and their weapons piled up. The older prisonerheld by a guard with a turban wrapped around a turquoise taqiyahsaid he had come to Afghanistan from Pakistan. As the prisoner spoke, the guards head spun around at the sound of escalating shouts from the north entrance behind him. The filming stopped just as everything in Qala-i Jangi changed, and the videographer fled. The two doctors were at the aid station, twenty or so yards away, when they heard the shouts and a muffled grenade explosion, then shots from inside the Pink House. They hit the ground as all hell erupted around them. Mike Spann, about five yards away from the pair, swung around to face the source of the noise, raising his AKMS to his shoulder. Some of the eighteen prisoners still inside the Pink House were rushing out, straight at him. The doctors saw Mike shoot two or three of them with his Kalashnikov before a Qatari and others who had been sitting close to the Pink House stood up and jumped on Mike from behind, pushing him to the ground. Mike managed to pull out his Glock and fire one or two shots before he was overwhelmed, disappearing beneath a pile of prisoners desperately trying to seize his weapons. Mike Spanns comrade David Tyson, about forty yards from the Pink House, was startled by the commotion. Time slowed down as his brain processed what his eyes and ears were telling him. Weapons were being grabbed, grenades were exploding, and the area where Mike had been standing was a melee of bodies. David stared at the chaos, still not quite registering that this was a prisoner revolt. He drew his Browning pistol. The idea of running never crossed Tysons mind. As well as time slowing, he was conscious of experiencing a physiological transformation: he was losing his hearing and peripheral vision. Everything that was not relevant to his survival and that of his comrade was being screened out. He could see muzzle flashes, but he couldnt hear shots. He did hear one thing. Mike was yelling his name: Dave, Dave, Dave! It was as if Davids brain had filtered out the background cacophony to allow Mikes voice through. The yells snapped Tyson back into the moment and gave him purpose and directionliterally. Knowing where Spann was, Tyson began to move toward him, realizing that prisoners were in the way so he would have to head east and then turn left, to the north, to reach him. Probably no more than five seconds had elapsed since the initial shouting. Most of the guards had already fled. A young Arab prisoner with a pale face and jet-black hair came running directly at Tyson, who raised his Browning, and shot the man twiceonce in the abdomen, once slightly higher. Tyson registered the expression on the prisoners face at the moment of death: puzzlement, perhaps faint regret, that he had failed to kill the American. The CIA and resumed running toward the Pink House. He passed the two doctors, who were flat on the ground praying for the tumult to subside. They had seen Mike disappear under the pile of bodies Tyson got to the pile of writhing bodies and could see Spann at the bottom, recognizable by his fleece, jeans, and brown boots. Four prisoners were on top of Spann, including the Qatari. Tyson used his pistol to shoot each of them once in the torso, finishing with the Qatari, shooting him twice and then each of the others a second time. Somehow, David managed to grab Spanns AKMS rifle, which the prisoners seemed to have pulled from his comrade. He then kicked Spanns legs and feet hard two or three times. Mike, Mike, Mike! he shouted. There was no response or movement and there was blood. Mike Spann appeared to be dead, quite possibly killed by bullets from his own Glock after his assailants had wrested the pistol away. The CIA later concluded that he had died in the first minute of the uprising. Toby Harnden Author of First Casualty: The Untold Story of the CIA Mission to Avenge 9/11. Executive Summary The United States is planning to modernize its strategic nuclear deterrent for the first time since the Cold War ended over thirty years ago. The deterrent comprises three main components, or legs: land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), distributed in hardened silos throughout the northern Midwest; fleet ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) operating from two bases, one on each coast; and long-range bombers positioned at three air bases in the continental United States. These three legs are known collectively as the triad. This study analyzes the United States plans for modernizing the land, sea and airborne legs comprising its strategic nuclear force triad. This force has been charged primarily with deterring a nuclear attack on the United States, its allies, and security partners (extended deterrence), and mitigating the consequences should deterrence fail. Revisionist great powers China and Russia are both fully engaged in modernizing and, in Chinas case, expanding their nuclear triads. Another hostile nuclear state, North Korea, continues expanding its nuclear arsenal, as does Pakistan, whose nuclear program continues receiving support from its long-term sponsor, Beijing. By comparison, the United States has barely moved from the starting gate, as its modernization effort is in its early stages and will not be completed until the mid- to late-2030s, and only then if all goes as planned. When the U.S. triad of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, ballistic missile submarines, and long-range heavy bombers was formed three score years ago, it was as much the result of accident than design. The result, however, has been serendipitous, as each leg has strengths that offset the weaknesses of one or both of its sister components. Simply put, the combined deterrent effect of the triad is greater than the sum of its individual components. Each leg of the existing triad is rapidly reaching its expiration date. The land-based Minuteman III ICBMs were fielded roughly half a century ago, and Americas B-52 bombers predate the Minutemen. The Ohio-Class boats comprising the SSBN force were built roughly forty years ago and will need to be retired later this decade. Options for extending the life of each of these systems at less cost than replacing them have been exhausted. The Defense Departments plan calls for replacing the 400 Minuteman III missiles with an equal number of Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent missiles; replacing the 14 Ohio-class SSBNs with 12 Columbia-class boats; retiring the aging B-1 and B-2 bombers and replacing them with 100 or more B-21 bombers; upgrading the B-52 bombers air-launched cruise missiles with modern long-range standoff versions; and overhauling its nuclear command, control and communications systems. Despite the ongoing modernization and expansion of rival state nuclear arsenals and the success the U.S. triad has had in deterring nuclear war, the modernization effort has attracted criticism from some quarters, especially from those in the arms control community. Their ranks have been boosted by support from some current and former senior policymakers. Many express concerns that the modernizations price tag of $264 billion for the land-based version, and as much as $1.5 trillion overall during these systems life spans, places an excessive burden on defense spending in particular, and the Federal budget in general. Alarms have been raised over the risk that modernization will reduce crisis stability, thereby compromising deterrence. Skeptics also assert that the United States can achieve the triads traditional objectives equally well by moving to a dyad of submarines and bombers. Some believe that if the ICBM force must be maintained, it should be done by extending the life of the existing Minuteman force, not replacing it. Many critics assert that moving forward with modernization risks triggering an arms race. This assessment finds the critics arguments opposing triad modernization generally unpersuasive. Arms Race If there is an arms race, the United States has barely moved off the starting line. Russia and China are well along in modernizing their triads, while the Chinese are expanding theirs as well. Rather than pacing an arms race, the United States is in the position of playing catch up. Cost and Cost Imposition The programs cost is not trivial, but neither is it extravagant. The modernization effort will consume less than 4 percent of the defense budget at its highest point in the late 2020s and early 2030s. Overall, the Defense Department projects it will spend less than 10 percent of its budget annually on operating, sustaining, and modernizing the countrys nuclear deterrent. Critics of the programs cost tend to ignore the fact that a good strategy imposes disproportionate costs on rivals, making them less willing to pursue the competition, or to do so at a significant disadvantage. The triad modernization programs land-based missile force and long-range bomber fleet act to impose costs on both China and Russia. The GBSD force does this by presenting them with an unfavorable attack weapon exchange ratio of 2:1 or (likely) worse. Defending against the bomber force requires enemies to expend resources as much as an order-of-magnitude greater than those required to field and maintain the bombersand generally without success. Crisis Stability Concerns relating to crisis stability center primarily around fears that the ICBMs will be forced to assume a hair-trigger launch posture. This stems from their fixed locations, which are well known to enemies, and their short attack warning timeperhaps 20 minutes or so before the incoming enemy warheads arrive. Hence the assumption that these missiles must be launched on warning of an attack, requiring them to be on high alert, thereby increasing the risk of an accidental or unauthorized launch. This, however, misses the point regarding the land-based deterrents principal value: as a deterrent force, not a warfighting force. By imposing disproportionate costs on an attacker, reducing the incentive to attack, thereby enhancing deterrence. In brief, the land-based deterrents principal value rests in its ability to deter an attack, rather than being launched in the wake of an attackin deterring a nuclear war, rather than fighting one. More broadly speaking, the triads mutually reinforcing components, where each leg has its unique advantages that offset the shortcomings of the other two, greatly complicates an enemys planning and, in so doing, reduces the risk of war. Cutting Back to a Dyad Those promoting the concept of eliminating the triads land-based leg in favor of a dyad of bombers and submarines have not presented a compelling argument for why the land-based leg detracts from deterrence or that it is prohibitively costly. Nor have they explained how concentrating Americas nuclear eggs in a few submarine baskets strengthens deterrence. Nor, if the triads primary objective is to deter China and Russia, do critics explain why Chinese and Russian leaders believe modernizing their triads is important to ensure they possess a robust deterrent. The SSBN leg of the triad is currently the most survivable, at least those submarines on patrol at sea. Yet concentrating the United States nuclear forces in one leg of the triad assumes that in this age of dynamic technological advances, there will be no major advances in undersea detection technology or threats to SSBN command-and-control links. A Vastly Different Tomorrow? Many critics arguments against modernizing the U.S. nuclear deterrent are rooted in assumptions that the current competitive environmentdominated by the twin U.S. and Russian arsenals that are constrained by New START and populated by a handful of far lesser nuclear powerswill endure and remain in place at the time U.S. triad modernization is completed nearly twenty years hence. These assumptions are increasingly fanciful. Indeed, its far more likely that the strategic nuclear competition will have experienced several disruptive shifts by the mid-2030s. A Tripolar Nuclear Great Power Rivalry U.S. policymakers cannot discount the U.S.-Russian bipolar nuclear competition becoming tripolar, with China joining them in the first rank of nuclear powers. Evidence is growing that China is determined not to be a second-class citizen regarding nuclear arms. Exhibit A is its ongoing nuclear modernization and expansion program, which is projected to at least double Chinas nuclear arsenal by decades end. This would square with Chinas developing the DF-41 ICBM, capable of carrying ten warheads, and constructing over 100 new missile silos while fielding a separate road-mobile ICBM force. If a tripolar great nuclear power regime were to emerge, paritylong a key component of Russian-U.S. arms control agreementswould no longer be possible for each of the three nuclear giants. Correspondingly, establishing and maintaining a U.S. deterrent capable of providing an assured destruction capability against two comparably armed powers would prove challenging. Doing so while preserving todays level of deterrence seems especially daunting. Breakout There exists significant potential for breakouta relatively rapid and significant shift in the nuclear balance. China is unconstrained by New START and nothing precludes the Chinese from stockpiling missiles or warheads. The large number of missile silos now being constructed in China could house a few missiles, or many. Similarly, the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) could easily expand its mobile launch systems. The Russians have a new ICBM that can accommodate four MIRVs, and another under development that can be armed with ten or more. They also clearly have sufficient fissile material stocks to support a rapid expansion of their arsenal. Second-Tier Nuclear Powers If the New START agreement is sustained over time, perhaps even incorporating a Chinese strategic nuclear force, then lesser nuclear powers could be incentivized to expand their arsenals to enhance the value of their geopolitical alignment. If so, the United States could be confronted with establishing an assured destruction capability against Russia and China while having to address the threat posed by second-tier North Korean (and perhaps Pakistani) arsenals were they to align with China. If the New START regime were to collapse in the wake of a Chinese ascent to great nuclear power status, an arms race could ensue. If so, prospective second-tier nuclear powers would have far less incentive to expand their arsenals to the high triple digits, similar to the British, Chinese, and French Cold War-era forces, since they would exert only an extremely modest influence on the competition among the great nuclear powers. Multidimensional Strategic Forces Nor can U.S. policymakers ignore the emergence of multidimensional strategic arsenals, enabled by the growing number of non-nuclear precision-strike forces capable of attacking with confidence a significant number of strategic targets once reserved for nuclear forces. Moreover, as recent events suggest, cyber weapons also have the potential to hold at risk key elements of advanced states critical infrastructure. Non-nuclear hypersonic missiles should not be discounted either, which may come to exert a significant influence on the strategic balance. The Bottom Line Current circumstances strongly support triad modernization. Likely shifts in the character of the strategic competitionboth geopolitical and military technicalserve only to increase the value of proceeding. Indeed, given current trends it would, at the least, seem prudent to hedge against the prospect that some will quite likely play out. If so, the United States options for addressing such shifts in the threat environment would be greatly enhanced by maintaining a modern nuclear deterrent sustained by a healthy industrial base. Andrew F. Krepinevich, Jr. is a senior fellow at Hudson Institute. He also serves as president and chief executive officer of Solarium LLC, a defense consulting firm, and as an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security. In 1995 he founded the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA), where he served as its president until 2016. His service at CSBA was preceded by a 21-year career in the U.S. Army. Nancy Krcek Allen has been a chef-educator for more than 25 years and has taught professional and recreational classes in California, New York City and Michigan. Her culinary textbook is called Discovering Global Cuisines. The opening nights of the University of Georgia Performing Arts Centers 25th anniversary season will take place this Thursday and Friday. After a year and a half of online events with little to no audience members, two groups will perform live at Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall. Support local journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Contribute You are the owner of this article. Shad Festival fundraiser a first for the 50th: Organizers said chili cook-off, events drew several hundred to Depot Steven Roberts: Powell never forgot where he came from 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 Investigators are seeking the publics help in determining whether a series of October fires are linked. Theres an intriguing subplot to President Joe Bidens upcoming meeting with Pope Francis. The worlds two most prominent Roman Catholics will be celebrating a shared outlook on church teaching and vital social issues even as Biden faces unwavering opposition from many U.S. Catholic bishops over his stances on abortion and LGBTQ rights. Less than three weeks after Bidens visit to the Vatican on Friday, the American bishops will convene in Baltimore, with one of the agenda items inspired in part by conservatives who contend that Bidens support for abortion rights should disqualify him from receiving Communion. Though any document that emerges is not expected to mention Biden by name, its possible there could be a clear message of rebuke. This is way beyond embarrassing, said Massimo Faggioli, a professor of historical theology at Villanova University who recently authored a book about Biden and Catholicism. For some of the bishops, its an act of intimidation" toward Biden, Faggioli said. And they have a pope who is protecting a Catholic presidents access to the sacraments hes had to send a signal from the Vatican saying, We dont think this is wise. The pope upholds Catholic doctrine opposing abortion and same-sex marriage, but he has irked some conservative Catholics in the U.S. and elsewhere by emphasizing other issues that mesh with Bidens priorities protecting the environment, combating racial injustice and poverty, for example. The pope and Biden see eye to eye on many issues, Faggioli said. But they both are really embattled, facing very strong headwinds ... fighting against different kinds of ideologues. Biden is only the second Catholic president of the United States., after John F. Kennedy, and displays his faith openly, often wearing a rosary and attending Mass routinely. The devotion dates to childhood; he has expressed gratitude to the nuns who helped bolster his confidence while he struggled with stuttering as a schoolboy. Wherever there were nuns, there was home, he wrote in his 2007 memoir Promises to Keep. My idea of self, of family, of community, of the wider world comes straight from my religion. His faith was tested, but not weakened, after his wife and baby daughter were killed in a traffic accident in 1972. I never doubted that there was a God, but I was angry with God, he told The Christian Science Monitor in 2007. In that same interview, Biden conveyed why he considers himself a faithful Catholic despite his views on abortion. My views are totally consistent with Catholic social doctrine, Biden said. There are elements within the church who say that if you are at odds with any of the teachings of the church, you are at odds with the church. I think the church is bigger than that. Francis already has made clear he won't shun U.S. political leaders who support abortion rights. On Oct. 9 he met at the Vatican with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose abortion stance has drawn the wrath of the top Catholic in her hometown of San Francisco, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone. Cordileone has been urging the U.S. bishops conference to send a message to Biden, Pelosi and others that would move them in their conscience. They need to understand the scandal that is caused when they say they are faithfully Catholic and yet oppose the church on such a basic concept, he told The Associated Press in April. Under Catholic policy, decisions regarding exclusion from Communion are left to individual bishops. While Cordileone has discouraged Pelosi from receiving Communion in his archdiocese, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the archbishop of Washington, has made clear that Biden is welcome to receive Communion when he attends services there. Francis, asked last month whether Biden and like-minded politicians should be denied Communion, avoided a yes or no answer, saying bishops must minister to such people with compassion and tenderness. He warned that clerics shouldnt let politics influence decisions about receiving Communion. Abortion is not the only issue placing Biden in opposition to the U.S. bishops. He is a strong supporter of the proposed Equality Act, which would extend federal civil rights protections to LGBTQ people nationwide. The bishops say the bill, currently stalled in the Senate, would violate the religious freedom of churches and individuals opposed to same-sex marriage and various transgender-rights policies. The meeting this coming week will be Bidens first encounter with Francis since becoming president, but he has met him three times before: first when Francis was inaugurated as pope in 2013; later during the pontiffs 2015 visit to the U.S.; and in 2016, when Biden visited the Vatican for a conference on regenerative medicine, where he spoke on cancer prevention. Francis repeatedly reaffirmed his opposition to abortion in recent weeks, calling the procedure murder and defending the right of conscientious objectors to refuse to participate in it. He has likened abortion to hiring a hitman to solve a problem. Chad Pecknold, a professor of theology at The Catholic University of America, doubts that the pope will confront Biden over his support for abortion rights, but said many Catholics bishops included may wish that would happen. I think the Catholic faithful have a right to hope for this, and to express their concern for the soul of Mr. Biden," Pecknold said. The Biden-Francis visit could actually highlight the urgent need to unite around a clear and coherent view of how the bishops should respond to politicians who publicly hold the Churchs teaching in contempt while presenting themselves for Holy Communion, Pecknold added via email. Steven Millies, a professor of public theology at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, said the meeting will affect the debate over abortion and Communion in a way that will produce a lot of heat and very little light." He doubts Francis will see a need to discuss abortion with Biden. Its not going to get anybody anywhere, Millies said. On the other hand, theres a great deal to be accomplished by focusing on areas of aligned concerned and shared interest. When Kennedy became the first Catholic president in 1960, abortion was not the divisive issue that it is today. Not until 1973 was there a nationwide right to abortion, and Kennedy felt no pressure to take a public stance. Anti-Catholic prejudice was common as Kennedy campaigned. Some Protestant ministers questioned whether he could maintain independence from the Catholic Church. Unlike Biden, Kennedy enjoyed overwhelming support from Catholic voters, winning about 80% of their votes in 1960, according to researchers at Georgetown University. Biden was backed by about half of Catholic voters in the 2020 election. ___ AP News Researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York contributed to this report. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through The Conversation U.S. The AP is solely responsible for this content. A lawsuit challenging Gov. Ned Lamonts school mask mandate is headed to the Connecticut Supreme Court, five months after a lower court judge cited the justices own rulings as precedent to keep the requirement in place. The Supreme Court on Tuesday took over the case from the states Appellate Court, where the original appeal was filed after Hartford Superior Court Judge Thomas Moukawsher dismissed the lawsuit in May. The court did not set a date for oral arguments and attorneys on the case were told to abide by the previously set schedule for filing briefs. The lawsuit was filed more than a year ago by four Connecticut parents and the anti-mask group CT Freedom Alliance, arguing that Lamont and his then-education commissioner Miguel Cardona exceeded their authority by issuing the mask mandate, which the plaintiffs also described as dangerous and damaging, to the health and emotional well-being of schoolchildren. The plaintiffs are represented by two conservative state lawmakers Doug Dubinsky and Craig Fishbein along with high-profile defense attorney Norm Pattis. Dubinsky said Friday the justices essentially reached down and grabbed the case from the lower appeals court, before referring additional questions to his co-counsel Pattis, who could not be reached for comment. In a statement posted to its website this week, the CT Freedom Alliance welcomed the Supreme Courts decision to take the case while also asking its supporters to donate to the groups legal defense fund. This has taken far longer than we would have preferred, as our children are well into their second school year of muzzling, with a COVID shot mandate for schoolchildren looming on the horizon, the post read. A Lamont spokesman declined to comment on the case when reached on Friday. In his order earlier this year to dismiss the lawsuit, Moukawsher leaned heavily on the Supreme Courts previous ruling against Milford bar owner Kristine Casey, who challenged Lamonts executive order to close bars early in the pandemic. Moukawsher also noted that state lawmakers have repeatedly endorsed Lamonts emergency actions. There can be little doubt that between the Casey ruling and the General Assemblys action that principles and oversight exist and have been strengthened, Moukawsher wrote in May. This means this court must deem the governors actions within his rights under the constitution. In September, lawmakers voted again to extend Lamonts emergency powers until February, including the mask requirement in public schools. Despite waning case numbers, Lamont has said the requirement is necessary due to the lack of vaccine eligibility for children under age 12, as well as continued guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lamonts administration is being represented in the lawsuit by Attorney General William Tong, a fellow Democrat. Two attorneys in Tongs office, Darren Cunningham and Timothy James Holzman, are listed as those representing the defendants in online court records. The Connecticut Supreme Court is comprised of seven justices who were all appointed by Democratic governors. With the snip of a ribbon on a windy Monday afternoon, Tonix Pharmaceuticals officially has a research and development center for infectious diseases and its located in Frederick, right down the road from the citys municipal airport. Standing before the 48,000-square-foot facility, Dr. Seth Lederman co-founder, CEO and chairman of the 10-year-old biopharmaceutical company told the gathered crowd it makes him feel a little dizzy to think about the path that brought Tonix where it is today. Shortly after the coronavirus pandemic erupted, the management team at the company met with its board of directors and investors to discuss how it might contribute to the burgeoning fight against the unfamiliar virus, Lederman recalled. Everyone agreed that Tonix should plunge forward in the race to create a COVID-19 vaccine, he said. The company had been developing a live virus vaccine platform for several years that its leaders believed to be directly relevant to the new public health challenge playing out on a global scale. But because Tonix relied on outside contractors to conduct research and develop products, the company was outrun by other entities working on a vaccine, Lederman said. For Tonix to be competitive, Lederman said, its management team realized it would need to assemble its own internal capabilities to develop vaccine technologies. With this new center, we plan to expand our capabilities of our mission to contribute to the health, safety and security of America and the world, Lederman told the audience at Mondays ceremony. He later added, We have ambitious goals for our facility, and weve hit the ground running. Tonix acquired the building from Southern Research Institute earlier this month, Lederman said. The center planned to employ about 100 scientists, technicians and support staff will complement the work of the companys advanced development center, which is under construction in Massachusetts, and its commercial manufacturing center, which is planned to be built in Montana. The facility will initially be used to support the development of the companys vaccine, which Lederman said is projected to start being tested on human subjects during the first half of next year. Ultimately, however, the center will play an important role in helping the country be prepared for future pandemics, Lederman said. The pandemic has made us realize that the United States has been left dependent on foreign countries to make key ingredients in medicines and vaccines. It has also made us realize that moving high-tech jobs offshore has decreased the opportunities for our domestic STEM-educated workers, he said. The companys new center will help combat both challenges, Lederman said. And to further expand opportunities for Frederick County Public Schools students interested in pursuing studies in the STEM field, Lederman announced Tonix will donate $10,000 to the Michelle Shearer STEM Fund a scholarship offered by the Community Foundation of Frederick County. A line of government officials turned out to Mondays ceremony to congratulate Tonix and thank the company for choosing Frederick for its research and development facility. U.S. Rep. David Trone, a Democrat who represents Marylands sixth congressional district, remembers meeting with the National Institutes of Health director in 2015 and asking him to name his biggest concern. The directors response came quickly: a flu-like pandemic. We knew, yet we were not prepared, Trone said. Weve got to use this as a learning opportunity. I know Im preaching to the choir, but we must continue to beat the drum when it comes to guaranteeing government preparedness against future pandemic threats. The pandemic has made us realize that the United States has been left dependent on foreign countries to make key ingredients in medicines and vaccines. It has also made us realize that moving high-tech jobs offshore has decreased the opportunities for our domestic STEM-educated workers, he said. The companys new center will help combat both challenges, Lederman said. And to further expand opportunities for Frederick County Public Schools students interested in pursuing studies in the STEM field, Lederman announced Tonix will donate $10,000 to the Michelle Shearer STEM Fund a scholarship offered by the Community Foundation of Frederick County. A line of government officials turned out to Mondays ceremony to congratulate Tonix and thank the company for choosing Frederick for its research and development facility. U.S. Rep. David Trone, a Democrat who represents Marylands sixth congressional district, remembers meeting with the National Institutes of Health director in 2015 and asking him to name his biggest concern. The directors response came quickly: a flu-like pandemic. We knew, yet we were not prepared, Trone said. Weve got to use this as a learning opportunity. I know Im preaching to the choir, but we must continue to beat the drum when it comes to guaranteeing government preparedness against future pandemic threats. LITCHFIELD -- A New York woman facing sexual assault charges against minors in New Milford and her home state will take her case to trial. Kristen Rehm, 21, of Harrison, New York, appeared in Litchfield Superior Court Friday morning. She is accused of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in the child's New Milford home, and is facing five counts of first-degree sexual assault and five counts of risk of injury to a minor with sexual contact for incidents that occurred in June 2009. She has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. LONDON (AP) Prince Charles issued a warning to the world days before leaders gather in the U.K. for crucial United Nations climate talks, saying there is a dangerously narrow window to tackle global warning. The heir to the British throne said Saturday that the summit, which starts Oct. 31 in Glasgow, showed that after far too long, climate change and biodiversity loss are at last of paramount importance to the world. In a recorded message to the Saudi Green Initiative Forum, 72-year-old Charles a long-time environmentalist said the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted that human health, planetary health and economic health are fundamentally interconnected. We now have a dangerously narrow window of opportunity in which to accelerate a green recovery, while laying the foundations for a sustainable future, he said. Saudi Arabia, one of the worlds biggest oil producers, says it aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060. China and Russia have set the same net-zero date, while the United States, the European Union and Britain are aiming for 2050. Representatives of around 200 countries will gather in Scotland at the end of the month for the two-week U.N. climate conference, known as COP26. Organizers say it is one of the last chances to nail down carbon-cutting promises that can keep global warming within manageable limits. Alok Sharma, the British official serving as COP26 president, said getting countries to do enough to keep warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels the goal agreed on at a summit in Paris in 2015 would be really tough. Current emissions-slashing commitments aren't enough, and major polluters including China and India have yet to submit new carbon-cutting plans for the next decade. It was brilliant, what they did in Paris, it was a framework agreement, (but) a lot of the detailed rules were left for the future, Sharma told The Guardian newspaper. The question is whether or not countries are willing in Glasgow to go forward and commit to consensus on keeping 1.5C alive, thats where the challenge will be. ___ Follow APs climate coverage at http://apnews.com/hub/climate Lebanon, IN (46052) Today Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low near 30F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low near 30F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. While addressing an event in Guwahati, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat gave a lecture describing Indias current geopolitical situation with all its neighbours. Speaking about China, CDS General Rawat said that China's continuous support for Pakistan by providing military equipment to facilitate violence in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is a clear anti-India stand. He also said that Chinas repeated investments in Myanmar are an attempt to reduce Indias influence in the country, which is a threat to the North-Eastern states as they have strong ties with the country. CDS General Rawat began his speech naming China as one of the five countries projected to be Asias representatives in being an economic superpower. He said that China, India, Japan, Turkey and Indonesia will be on the list of the top ten economies of the world by 2030. He added that Chinas addiction to being a superpower is pulling them to invest heavily in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region through several belts and road initiative projects. Geographically, these locations are more suitable for Indians, however, General Rawat said, India sees huge geopolitical competition in the region by China in creating a favourable strategic posture to provide sufficient security to its overseas interests. India has had historically good relations with Myanmar and Bangladesh, however, General Rawat revealed that over the past few years, these two countries have been the largest recipients of military-grade weapons from the Chinese. Chinas continuous support to Pakistan and investment in other countries are a threat to India General Rawat also added emphasised the good relations that India has with Nepal and Sri Lanka, but over the recent years have received a tremendous influx of Chinese investments to build community projects and infrastructure. General Rawat warned that Chinas relations with Indias neighbours, specifically with Bangladesh and Myanmar is not in Indias favour as he added that theres a possibility of escalated military dangers threatening Indias territorial integrity. General Rawat implied that Chinas investment into Pakistan is a clear intent of their partnership but supporting state-sponsored terrorism in the Kashmir region is an obvious anti-India stand and a threat to Indias international interests. "Ghee ka intezam ho gaya" was the code word for explosives, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) claimed in its submission to Delhi's Patiala House Court hearing a terror funding case. The counter-terrorist task force also claimed that the word "khidmat", used by people involved in the case, is an "activity which is done by the people to the terrorists who have undergone terror training". The Court, however, stated that 'ghee' could not be taken to only mean explosives and discharged all four accused in the terror funding case on Thursday. The cipher on the basis of which this code has been deciphered has also not been disclosed before the court. Even the Special Public Prosecutor in his own submissions has stated that it could mean explosives or other substances. Therefore, the word ghee, even according to the prosecution, could not be taken to only mean explosives. thus, on the basis of this message, no grave suspicion can be raised linking accused Mohd. Salman to any terror activities, the court said. Mohammed Salman, Arif Gulam Bashir Dharampuria, Mohammed Hussain Molani and Mohammed Saleem, were arrested by NIA for allegedly receiving hawala money from Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), a terrorist outfit based in Pakistan. "FIF had been trying to attract a group of sympathizers and sleeper cells to create unrest in India by sending funds for anti-Indian and terrorist activities," the charge sheet said. The NIA had claimed that it had received intel that Salman was in constant touch with Mohammad Kamran, a Dubai-based Pakistan national, who was connected with FIF's deputy chief Shahid Mahmood. The charge sheet revealed that Salman was receiving money from FIF for anti-India activities. The NIA contended that two incriminating messages were recovered from Salman's phone that said "ghee ka intezam ho gaya hai, Bombay wali party bhi aayegi, unke hatho bhijwa denge (Ghee is ready, Bombay's party will come, we will send it through them)", "Kamran bhai bhi aaye hai dubai...aap khidmat mai the isliye apko nahi pata (Kamran has come to Dubai, you were in service, hence you have no idea)." The court noted that Salman is definitely using Ghee as a code word. However asserted, "on what basis the prosecution states the world 'ghee' is a code for explosives has not been specified." It added, the word 'Khidmat' means service and it could be any service. Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad contradicts top brass, admits 'terror under control in J&K' In a big admission by Congress, leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday asserted that terrorism was under control in Jammu and Kashmir. The former Chief Minister of the valley came to this conclusion after holding discussions with a delegation of Congress that comprised representatives from 10 districts and 40 constituencies. Read full story CDS General Bipin Rawat Calls Out China For Its Support To Pakistan-sponsored Terrorism While addressing an event in Guwahati, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat gave a lecture describing Indias current geopolitical situation with all its neighbours. Speaking about China, CDS General Rawat said that China's continuous support for Pakistan by providing military equipment to facilitate violence in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is a clear anti-India stand. He also said that Chinas repeated investments in Myanmar are an attempt to reduce Indias influence in the country, which is a threat to the North-Eastern states as they have strong ties with the country. Read full story 'Amit Shah's visit to boost J&K's confidence': CDS Rawat urges people to trust Indian Army Inviting people to trust the security forces and the army deployed to check terror activities in Jammu & Kashmir, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said people should not be afraid of the recent killings in the Valley, and certainly not fall prey to Pakistan's propaganda by leaving the Union Territory. Read full story ISKCON devotees protest in front of Bangladesh High Commission in London; seek govt action On Saturday, ISCKON devotees from across the globe staged peaceful demonstrations to stand in unanimity with the victims of the mayhem in Bangladesh. At least 500 members following the movement took part in a peaceful demonstration in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in London's South Kensington. The protestors demanded security and justice for the minority community, especially the Hindus residing in the nation. Read full story Param Bir Singh's mystery attorney files affidavit; 'Don't want cross-examination' As former Mumbai Police Commissioner continues to be missing, a mystery man under the name of Mahesh Panchal on behalf of Param Bir Singh submitted an affidavit before the Chandiwal Commission on Saturday. The mystery man claims that he is the attorney holder for Param Bir Singh, and has filed the affidavit in the capacity of the same. In the affidavit, Param Bir Singh has shown his unwillingness in being cross-examined. Furthermore, he has said that he has some 'personal difficulty' because of which he is unable to appear before the Commission. Read full story Odisha teacher's murder: BJP hits out at CM Patnaik for 'safeguarding' accused Minister Amid massive uproar over the sensational kidnap and murder case of a school teacher in Odisha's Kalahandi district, BJP national Vice President Baijayant Panda came down heavily on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for 'safeguarding' minister Dibya Shankar Mishra, who is allegedly linked to the case. The Opposition has accused State Home Minister Dibya Shankar Mishra of propping up the main accused Gobinda Sahu. Members of the saffron party hit the streets on Saturday, staging state-wide protests demanding Mishra's removal. Read full story Bihar's Mahagathbandhan in ruins: RJD asks Cong, "Why not contest all 543 seats alone?' Breaking its silence on Congress' announcement of polling on all 40 seats in Bihar in 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Mahagathbandhan ally RJD on Saturday asked, 'Why just on 40 seats, contest on all 543 seats'. Speaking exclusively to Republic Media Network, RJD MP Manoj Jha said that the regional party would in fact be happy if its ally is able to defeat the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and form its government on the centre. The statement comes after Congress called off its alliance with RJD in Bihar ahead of Bypolls in Bihar's Kusheshwar Asthan and Tarapur constituencies scheduled for October 30. Read full story Arvind Kejriwal set to visit Ayodhya on October 26 ahead of Diwali & Uttar Pradesh polls Ahead of Diwali and Uttar Pradesh assembly election, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is set to visit Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh on October 26 for 'Ram Lalla Darshan'. Earlier in March, Kejriwal had said that that his government will arrange for a free darshan for Delhi's senior citizens after the construction of the 'Grand Ram Temple' in Ayodhya. He had termed himself a 'Hanuman Bhakt' and explained the concept of 'Ram Rajya' founded on 10 principles. Citing most of his own government's schemes, Kejriwal had listed hunger-free, good education, good health facilities, free electricity, free drinking water, jobs, shelters for the homeless, women safety, respect for the elderly, and equality as the 'principles of Ram Rajya' - on which he claimed to have based his government. Read full story Baba Ramdev accuses Bollywood of 'glamourizing drug culture' amid NCB's drug bust probe Even as the NCB expanded the probe into the Mumbai cruise drug bust case, Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev on Saturday accused Bollywood of allegedly glamorizing and promoting drug culture in the country. Speaking to the reporters, the Patanjali co-founder expressed concerns over the youth, the common men of the country who consider the stars their role model and follow them blindly would get badly influenced by seeing them stuck in the drug cases, such as Mumbai's cruise drug bust case. Read full story NCB to probe Ananya Panday, Aryan Khan's accounts, finances of other accused: Sources In a key development regarding the Mumbai Cruise drug bust case, Republic Media Network on Saturday was informed by sources that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is now probing the finances of all accused related to the case. While the central agency has already recovered the accounts of the drug peddlers, it is yet to recover those of other accused, including Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan, sources informed. Also, the agency is going to look into the accounts of Ananya Panday, sources added. Read full story In a first, NASAs Hubble Space Telescope provided astronomers with an unprecedented view of a "doomed" star's explosion at least 60 million light-years away and becoming a supernova in real-time. In a statement on Thursday, 21 October, NASA stated that the latest phenomena can provide astronomers to develop a warning system for other stars that are about to explode. The US space agency said that like a witness to a violent death, the Hubble Space Telescope provided a comprehensive view of the first moments of cataclysmic demise. NASA said, Like a witness to a violent death, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope recently gave astronomers an unprecedented, comprehensive view of the first moments of a star's cataclysmic demise." "Hubble's data, combined with other observations of the doomed star from space- and ground-based telescopes, may give astronomers an early warning system for other stars on the verge of blowing up, it added. Get your ringside tickets ready! Hubble witnessed the first moments of a star's death after a supernova exploded inside the Butterfly Galaxies. This will help give researchers better insight into what was happening to the star just before it died: https://t.co/m2Np1Wsr7y pic.twitter.com/IpFXne0qdy Hubble (@NASAHubble) October 21, 2021 Ryan Foley of the University of California, Santa Cruz, the leader of the team that made this discovery, noted that the researchers used to talk about supernova work like they were crime scene investigators. During the same, Foley explained that they would show up after the fact and then used to work on it, in a bid to determine, what happened to that star. However, he noted that after the NASA Hubble capture, the situation is different because the astronomers now know exactly what is going on and they saw death in real-time. "We used to talk about supernova work like we were crime scene investigators, where we would show up after the fact and try to figure out what happened to that star," explained Ryan Foley. "This is a different situation, because we really know what's going on and we actually see death in real time." Supernova is in the interacting Butterfly galaxies NASA has explained that the supernova named SN 2020fqv is present in the interacting Butterfly galaxies which are located around 60 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. It was initially discovered in April 2020 by Zwicky Transient Facility at the Palomar Observatory in San Diego, California when the researchers learnt that the supernova was also being observed by NASAs Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). Since NASAs satellite also has the ability to detect an assortment of other phenomena, the astronomers swiftly trained Hubble and the ground-based telescopes on it. The combinations of all the observations gave the first holistic view of a star in the very earliest stage of destruction. Hubble probed the material very close to the star, called circumstellar material, mere hours after the explosion, said NASA. In the official release, the US space agency also explained that the same circumstellar material was blown off the star in the last year of its life. These observations helped the astronomers in understanding what was happening to the star just moments before it ultimately exploded. (IMAGE: @NASAHubble_Twitter) A new route through Belarus which has emerged for immigrants to enter the European Union (EU) has alarmed leaders of government and state while making the issue their top priority of discussion in the agenda for the summit on Friday. During the second day of the EU summit in Brussels, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel said while indicating the migration issue, This took up quite some time which is not surprising," Xinhua website reported. Numerous cases of "illegal migration" have been documented in Baltic nations, with severe efforts have been taken to halt the movement, which also included the construction of physical border walls. EU leaders demand physical fences on new migration route President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda called for the construction of a "physical fence" along the country's border with Belarus, which he claimed was "weaponizing" immigration. To respond to the problem which has arisen at the borders, he urged the European Council to take "decisive action." As per the Xinhua report, when the Lithuanian President was approaching the summit area, he informed the media, Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow. Maybe there will be three, four, five thousand migrants staying at the border at the same time or trying to cross the border in different places, Lithuania is among the 12 nations that are requesting the EU to fund the countries for building border initiatives to prevent immigrants from crossing through Belarus. Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, and Slovakia are the remaining countries asking for funds. However, on the other hand, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made it clear to European Union leaders that no EU resources would be provided to them for the installation of barbed wire and walls to secure EU borders. She said, "I was very clear that there is a longstanding view in the European Commission and in the European Parliament that there will be no funding of barbed wire and walls," Xinhua reported. European Commission President went on to say that it is an attempt to use the migration issue as a political tool against the European Union. She further added that the EU will continue to put pressure on Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko 's government and informed that new sanctions were being considered. Further, Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated on Monday that the EU bloc was prepared to impose measures against Belarus' national airline company in an effort to substantially stem the migrant influx. On the contrary, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has denied the allegations in the case of refugees fleeing the Middle East and reaching the EU through Belarus. (Image: AP) While Greece has hailed the renewed defense pact with the United States as a resounding vote of confidence from Washington, a former Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Kotzias on October 23, lambasted the country for striking such security arrangements with France and the United States. In an interview with the newspaper Nea Egnatia, published Saturday, Kotzias argued that the defense pact could spiral Greece into a conflict with Russia, China, and the Arab world, as he labelled the deal an "unconditional surrender on part of Greece. Criticizing the US-Greece Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA) and the France-Greece Defense and Security Agreement, the former Greek minister said that the country must instead opt for a multidimensional foreign policy that must boost diplomacy between the East and the West. It must not succumb to the US and undermine bilateral relations with Turkey furthermore, by believing that Ankara is a common enemy as Washingtons interests and priorities lay elsewhere, the diplomat stressed. Athens signed the MDCA with the US basis trust, but the question is, who is the enemy? Kotzias posed a daring question. "Are the Americans creating bases to strike the Turks alongside (Greece), or to prevent Turkey from inflicting insidious blows? No, they mean Russia," Kotzias told the Greek newspaper. He stressed that Greece must not provoke Russia and thwart bilateral relations with China. "(Greece) must hold an independent multi-dimensional foreign policy and be a mediator when the West and East are in conflict; to act as an arbiter. When you act as an arbiter and negotiate on behalf of others, when you promote your requests, everyone will listen to you," Kotzias statement to the paper read. Athens will be pulled into 'unwanted wars,' warns ex-senior Pentagon adviser Earlier, the 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 defense 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. "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," he told the news agency. Historians Xavier Aiolfi and Paul Villatoux, who managed to get their hands on a number of papers delivered from Adolf Hitler's bunker during that period, has cast new light on events that occurred in Berlin during the closing days of World War II, as per the report of Daily Mail. The letters, telegrams and personal possessions found by the historians include the Nazi dictator's final failed military order, which directed his armies across Europe to save Berlin despite the fact that most of them had been killed, as well as a declaration of his decision to commit suicide. In one telegraph, Hitler's private secretary Martin Bormann admits that things are messed here, while in another, Herman Goring, leader of the Gestapo and Nazi armed forces, attempts to take advantage of the confusion and seize control of the Third Reich, for which he was labelled a "traitor" and imprisoned. Aiolfi received a copy of Goring's infamous telegram from the son of Captain Michel Leroy, a French soldier who broke into the bunker at the end of WWII and held onto the papers until his death, according to Daily Mail. Seventy papers were discovered among a mass of furniture and broken things in Bormann's office by Captain Leroy, who was stationed in Berlin at the time. The scorched documents narrowly missed destruction, as the Nazis set fire to anything that may be taken by the Allies and used as evidence in war crimes trials. On April 25, just five days before his death, Hitler issued Bormann his final military order. He ordered the German army's remnants in Norway, Denmark and Latvia to retreat and succeed in the fight against Berlin. However, the plan was thwarted because enemy forces destroyed the military units. They included a Latvian army group that was helplessly besieged by Soviet troops until the war's end. Hitler left a will on April 29, 1945 On April 29, 1945, Hitler finally conceded the reality when it became evident that the Berlin rescue attempt had failed. He left a will that declared that he had chosen death over surrender, and the next day, Hitler shot himself alongside Eva, his wife who had taken cyanide. The couple's bodies were discovered next to each other outside the bunker. According to Daily Mail, Aiolfi said that the documents are "true witnesses to history." He explained that they are special because everything in the bunker was torched to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Soviet troops. Image: AP The authorities in a northern Italian town have been considering conferring the title of honorary citizen to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. The officials of the Anguillara Veneta are planning to give Jair Bolsonaro, the title of the honorary citizen as his great-grandfather was born in the town, reported Sputnik. The voting on granting the title of honorary citizen of Anguillara Veneto to Bolsonaro will take place in the town council on Monday, 25 October. As per the Sputnik report, Vittorio Bolsonaro, the great grandfather of Jair Bolsonaro, was born in Anguillara Veneta on 12 April 1978. He migrated to Brazil at the age of ten, where he changed his surname as per the local pronunciation. Speaking to Sputnik, Luciano Sandona, a member of the regional council of Veneta revealed that they were thinking of honouring Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. However, the proposal of giving the title of honorary citizen to Jair Bolsonaro has received criticism from leftist representatives in the Veneto region. Alessandro Bisato, the secretary of the regional organisation of the Democratic Party, called the proposal a "senseless insult" and added that the people of the town "do not deserve such stupidity", reported Sputnik. Vanessa Camani, a member of the Veneto regional council from the Democratic Party asserted that the proposal is "unacceptable", adding that the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is a "racist". Luciano Sandona told Sputnik that Bolsonaro has been a "controversial personality", however, he added that the allegations of Camani against Bolsonaro are "exaggerated". He emphasised that giving the title of the honorary citizen to Bolsonaro will relate the president of a large country with Anguillara Veneta town. Brazil President Bolsonaro denies any wrongdoing Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday, 21 October, asserted that charges recommended by a Senate report against him were "fantasies" that should be ignored, reported AP. The report presented on Wednesday alleged Bolsonaro committed crimes against humanity, among other proposed charges. The report also highlighted Brazils response to COVID-19 and the country having the worlds second-highest pandemic death toll, according to AP. It was the Brazilian President's first speech since the release of the report of the Senate committee's investigation that lasted six months. (Inputs from AP) (Image: AP) Scores of former flight attendants from the now-defunct Italian airline Alitalia stripped off their uniforms, on Wednesday, as a part of a choreographed protest against layoffs and salary cuts. The demonstration occurred in Central Rome and witnessed about 50 female ex-crew members appearing in their official uniforms and then stripping them down. Chanting We are Alitalia, all the demonstrators stood on the Campidoglio hill in their colour coded undergarments, according to a report by CNN. In addition, to pay cuts, the former employees also raised concerns about contracts of those retained by the airliners. As per trade unions, those currently working with the airlines are paid less. Speaking to CNN, one flight attendant reckoned that not have they lost money but also seniority. Under the new contract, they are not told where and when will they be working, they added. Once the flag-carrier of Italy, Alitalia operated domestically as well as to multiple popular inter-continental destinations. However, its business plunged dramatically over the years and it shut down on October 14. A new airlines-ITA-started flying the next day using some of the Alitalia aircraft and bought its brand. However, as the transition occurred, more than 7, 000 employees that once worked with the countrys largest airlines lost their jobs. Alitalia is being sold after being the flagship airline company of Italy for 75 years. The buyer company will only retain 3,000 of it's 10,000 employees, which triggered a very Italian protest of the flight attendant ladies ;) Enjoy!https://t.co/kLmIwhzIs5 Vallachian Rex - Soon to be Vallachian Tex (@VallachianR) October 21, 2021 Former Alitalia Employees Have Flash Mob Protest, Strip Off Uniforms https://t.co/fUDXXE2wDj pic.twitter.com/1PKKYOdDia Ben Schlappig (@OneMileataTime) October 20, 2021 Italy battered with protests Job losses and pay cuts are not the only issues that have triggered mass demonstrations in the European country. Earlier this month, residents flooded the streets in Trieste and other major cities, protesting against the governments new COVID-19 'Green Pass' rule. Italy recently rolled out an update mandating the European Union's COVID-19 passport Green Pass for the public and private sector workers. The government warned earlier that any employee found without a health vaccine certificate "will be suspended on the spot and will not be entitled to pay for up to five days. On Saturday, October 2, the Italian press reported that the anti-vax demonstrators are now widely condemning the Italian governments move, arguing that the rule infringes their freedom and civil liberties. The government, however, defended the mandate, saying that the step was taken to curb the coronavirus pandemic and avoid outbreaks driven by the hyper contagious Delta variant. (With inputs from AP) Image: AP Slovenia's Interior Minister Ales Hojs on October 8 denied the allegations that police used excessive force to curb the anti-government protest carried out for imposing the COVID passes rule. According to The Associated Press, accusations have been made that the police has been using water cannons and tear gas to control the anti-government protests. Hojs stated that the police force did the duty "very well" during the protest. Slovenia authorities deny using excessive police force Hojs has stated that the police performed their duty well. He added that an investigation "still" has been started into police actions. Ales Hojs said, "Police did their job very well during Tuesday's intervention," adding that they were "within their jurisdication,'' according to AP. Reportedly, around 25 protesters have been detained and several were injured. As per the AP report, this is the third time this month that the protests against COVID measures have been carried out in the country. The people have been carrying out protests against the COVID passes that need to be shown for going to work in all the state-run companies. The COVID pass in Slovenia means that people either have to be fully vaccinated or they must have taken the RT-PCR test. "The director of police has already ordered a commission in accordance with the law, which will investigate the legality and proportionality of all means used by the police in these protests," Hojs said. According to AP, security personnel used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the mob who were threatening to block roads as the European Union and Western Balkan leaders were arriving for the meeting. The clashes between protesters and security personnel led to chaos on the streets of Ljubljana. Several protesters were detained and many people were injured during the clashes. Protests in Slovenia Slovenia Police, on Wednesday, fired tear gas and water cannons to pacify a mob of thousands protesting against the country's anti-coronavirus measures in Ljubljana. According to a report by AP, police took action after around 10,000 protestors tried to block a major highway that connects the north of Ljubljana. Notably, this was the second such protest reported in Slovenia's national capital. The demonstrators, comprising mostly people who are against the use of COVID-19 vaccine passes, reportedly hurled bottles and other objects at the police. (With Inputs from AP) Image: AP In a key development, Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan said on October 23 that he had ordered 10 foreign ambassadors who called for the release of a jailed philanthropist to be declared persona non grata. The envoys, including the U.S., French and German representatives in Ankara, issued a statement earlier this week calling for a resolution to the case of Osman Kavala, a businessman and philanthropist held in prison since 2017 despite not having been convicted of a crime. Envoys of Netherlands, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway & New Zealand summoned Describing the statement as an "imprudence," Erdogan said that he had ordered the ambassadors be declared undesirable. "I gave the instruction to our foreign minister and said 'You will immediately handle the persona non grata declaration of these 10 ambassadors," Erdogan said during a rally in the western city of Eskisehir. He added, "They will recognise, understand and know Turkey. The day they don't know or understand Turkey, they will leave." The diplomats who also include the ambassadors of the Netherlands, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and New Zealand, were summoned to the foreign ministry on Tuesday. A declaration of persona non grata against a diplomat usually means that an individual is banned from remaining in their host country. Kavala, 64, was acquitted last year of charges linked to nationwide anti-government protests in 2013, but the ruling was overturned and joined to charges relating to a 2016 coup attempt. International observers and human rights groups have repeatedly called for the release of Kavala and Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas, who has been jailed since 2016. They say that their imprisonment is based on political considerations. Ankara denies the claims and insists on the independence of Turkish courts. The European Court of Human Rights called for Kavala's release in 2019, saying that his incarceration acted to silence him and wasn't supported by evidence of an offence. The Council of Europe says it will start infringement proceedings against Turkey at the end of November if Kavala is not released. The current U.S. ambassador, David Satterfield, was appointed in 2019. The nomination of his replacement, Jeff Flake, was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday. Image: AP Counterterrorism police killed nine alleged militants in a shootout during a raid in southwest Pakistan early Saturday, they said, and two soldiers and a militant were killed in a raid in the northwest overnight. A raid was conducted in the Mastung area of Baluchistan province, the provincial counterterrorism department said in a statement. Earlier in the week, a bomb attack killed a police officer and wounded 19 others in the same area. The statement said militants opened fire on police triggering a gun battle that left nine terrorists dead. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack but the bombing earlier in the week was claimed by the Pakistani Taliban. The statement said the raid also yielded nine Kalashnikov assault rifles, explosives and rocket-propelled grenades. In the northwest, two soldiers and a militant were killed in an exchange of fire during a security forces raid, according to a military statement. The raid took place Friday in Miran Shah, the main town of the North Waziristan tribal district bordering Afghanistan. The military statement said weapons and ammunition were seized during the raid. The security forces raid Friday came after two soldiers and two police were killed in a bomb blast earlier in the week during a search operation in Bajur tribal district, which also borders Afghanistan. Pakistan and Afghanistan share a 2,400-kilometer (1,500-mile) internationally recognized border known as the Durand Line, which was drawn in the 19th century when the British dominated South Asia. Kabul has never recognized the boundary. Before the Taliban came back into power in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan often accused each other of turning a blind eye to militants operating along the porous frontier. The Taliban's return to power in August apparently emboldened Islamic militants in Pakistan, where attacks on security forces have increased in recent weeks. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council on Saturday organised statewide protests in response to recent attacks on Hindus during and after the Durga Puja festival. The organisation conducted a demonstration in Shahbag, Dhaka, from 6 AM to 12 PM. Thousands of people participated in simultaneous demonstrations across the country, including Chittagong and Sylhet, reported Dhaka Tribune. Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JaSaD) leader Hasanul Haque Inu demanded the safety and security of the country's religious minority. He claimed that the recent attack was well planned to incite Hindu-Muslim communal riots. According to Bangladesh ISKCON General Secretary Charu Chanda Das, attacks on Hindu establishments were not new in the country and if the culprits of previous attacks had been brought to justice, the present attacks could have been avoided. Earlier, Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad (BPUP) General Secretary Nirmal Kumar Chatterjee claimed that only one guard was present at the temporary Puja location in Comilla on the night of the incident. He also stated that the electricity supply to the puja venue was turned off for a brief moment in the wee hours of October 13, the day incident reportedly happened. "The cause of the power outage is yet to be determined. Is there a formal investigation into the incident?" Chatterjee inquired as reported by Dhaka Tribune. As of now, 102 cases have been filed accusing as many as 20,619 people in various regions of the country in connection with the attacks on Hindus and disseminating rumours on social media, according to the police's official data. Bangladesh reeling under communal violence At least four persons were killed in police shootings during attacks on Puja venues in Hajiganj on October 13, whereas, two days later, attacks on Hindu temples in Naokhali took the lives of two more persons, reported Dhaka Tribune. On Tuesday, October 19, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, the Home Minister, said that officials have identified the perpetrator of the Comilla tragedy and that he will be arrested sooner than later, reported the outlet. PM Sheikh Hasina calls for strict action against perpetrators It is significant to note that Hindu villages in Rangpur's Pirganj Upazila were also attacked on Sunday night, October 17, after an alleged Facebook post offended Muslims' religious sentiments. According to the Dhaka Tribune, at least 20 homes were set ablaze in the incident. Meanwhile, the young Hindu man who reportedly uploaded the post was apprehended on the very next day, claimed the police. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has instructed law enforcement to take strict action against the perpetrators and also encouraged the Muslim community to exercise restraint. Image: ANI Ahead of UN climate talks in Glasgow, a Bangladesh official said that the country was preparing to present its climate prosperity plan" in order to lessen the effects of climatic change on the economy. The statement came from Bangladesh's special envoy to the Climate Vulnerable Forum, Abul Kalam Azad during an interview with the Associated Press on Saturday. Notably, world leaders, climate campaigners and activists from around the world are due to attend the UN conference, which was postponed by a year due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The global event will take place in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November. As Bangladesh is considered the most prone to climate change due to its geographical conditions, the government's special envoy said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had especially advised the officials to prepare a climate prosperity plan that suited both climate as well as country's economy. According to Azad, the plan would be focused on boosting renewable energy, making agriculture more resistant to climate shocks and finding solutions in nature, such as restoring mangroves to protect coasts from cyclones. "Hopefully, well be carrying this to COP26, requesting all vulnerable countries to have their own prosperity plans looking toward their own issues, own problems and own resources," said Azad during an interview with AP. Bangladesh economy thriving despite several climatic turbulence It is worth mentioning that nearly 160 million people are tightly packed into low-lying areas along the Bay of Bengal that make the country's major population live under a fear of flood, extreme weather and the loss of farmland to rising sea levels. During the interaction, the government's envoy said it would encourage other similarly vulnerable countries to draft their own plans. It is worth mentioning that Bangladesh has emerged as one of Asia's fastest-growing economies in the last six decades. According to the IMF figures, the country's gross domestic product (GDP) has increased from $6.2 billion in 1972 to $305 billion in 2019 despite facing multiple climatic turbulence. According to economic experts, the country has been foreseeing a double in size in terms of the economy by 2030. The country's goal is to become a higher middle-income country by 2031 and a developed one by 2041. However, with such a climatic condition, the country's dream has been a distant reality. "We live with nature ... we cant change our inhabitants, Azad said. The question now is how Bangladeshis could best continue living in the delta, he said. "To my understanding, there is no scope to fail. We must achieve. We must succeed," Azad said. It is worth mentioning that a research group that Australia was the worst climate performer among comparable developed countries. With inputs from AP Image; AP Protests are currently underway in more than 700 ISKCON temples across at least 150 countries today, against the brutal attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh. ISCKON members in cities like Melbourne, Washington DC., London, New York are staging peaceful protests to stand with the victims of vandalism. ISKCON had earlier decided to go on a global protest against such atrocities on October 23, Saturday. ISKCON in charge and spokesperson Radharamn Das had said earlier that the protests will be carried out in a peaceful manner across 150 countries. Protests are also underway in various cities across India like Bengaluru, Guwahati and Kolkata. ISKCON said that the message of the protests is that minorities of any religion and of any country should be protected. Prayers are being sung as part of the protest. Meanwhile, the protest will be carried out across ISKCON's 700 temples across the globe at the same time. ISKCON community, Hindu temples attacked in Bangladesh As per the reports, a mob of at least 500 people attacked the ISKCON temple during the Durga Puja celebrations. Two members of the temple died after sustaining critical injuries during the attack. Apart from that, a large number of people were also injured in the attack who were later admitted to the hospital. The Bangladesh Police had to impose section 144 to ensure that order was restored and more officers are deployed at the temple site. Furthermore, attacks were carried out on Puja venues in Hajiganj on October 13 and two days later, attacks on Hindu temples in Naokhali took the lives of two more people. The Dhaka Tribune revealed the true extent of the gruesome attacks on the Hindus. Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, the Home Minister, alleged that these attacks were carefully planned to destroy the religious harmony in the country. Image: Republic World China has been condemned for its ongoing atrocities in Xinjiang against Muslim Uyghurs and other religious minorities by more than 40 countries at the United Nations. As per Al Jazeera report, 43 countries signed the declaration expressing their worry about credible-based claims of re-education centres in Xinjiang. The countries demanded that China grant independent observers, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and her office, urgent, meaningful and unrestricted access to Xinjiang. The US and most European countries used the Human Rights Committee conference for the third time in three years to criticise China's practises toward the Uyghurs. The participation of multiple Chinese government entities in carrying out a repression campaign in Xinjiang province is detailed in a new paper released by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) on Wednesday. The Chinese state's systematic campaign to suppress Uyghur culture, identity and populations are revealed in an 82-page research report. It's the latest in a growing amount of evidence demonstrating widespread human rights violations in the Uyghur region. The report is based on previously unreleased material as well as local language sources, such as police records and budget documents scraped from Chinese government websites. The report emphasises Xinjiang's crackdown as a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, identifying a staggering number of offices and officials involved in the region's repressive tactics. A cross-party coalition of democratic MPs has called for democratic states to take immediate, concerted action to protect Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities in the Uygur Region. The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) said in a statement released on Wednesday that they propose that ASPI share the list of culpable officials identified in their report with IPAC, governments and other relevant entities so that sanctions can be sought when necessary. Beijing chastised around the world Beijing has been chastised around the world for detaining Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang, meddling with their religious activities and subjecting them to abuses including forced labour. Chinese authorities, on the other hand, continue to refute the claims. Recently, Wang Junzheng who was responsible for mass detention and suppression of Uyghur people in Xinjiang was appointed as the Chinese Communist Party Chairman in Tibet. (Inputs from ANI) Image: AP The new governor of a northwestern Iranian province found himself slapped in the face by an angry man during his inauguration Saturday, an unusual breach of security in the Islamic Republic during a ceremony attended by the country's interior minister. A motive for the attack in Iran's Eastern Azerbaijan province remained unclear, though it targeted a new provincial governor who once served in the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and reportedly had been kidnapped at one point by rebel forces in Syria. One report referred to it as a personal dispute. The new governor, Brig. Gen. Abedin Khorram had taken the podium in the provincial capital of Tabriz when the man strode out from offstage and immediately swung at the official. The video aired by state television recorded the gathered crowd gasping in shock, the sound of the slap echoing on the sound system. It took several seconds before plainclothes security forces reached him. They dragged the man off through a side door, knocking down a curtain. Others rushed up, knocking into each other. Later footage showed Khorram return to the stage and speak to the unsettled crowd, now all standing up. I do not know him of course but you should know that, although I did not want to say it, when I was in Syria I would get whipped by the enemy 10 times a day and would be beaten up, he said. "More than 10 times, they would hold a loaded gun to my head. I consider him on a par with those enemies but forgive him. Another man on stage shouted: Death to the hypocrites! That's a common chant used against exiled opposition groups and others who oppose the Islamic Republic. Others cried out that Khorram was a pro-supreme leader governor. Though Khorram said he didn't know the man, the state-run IRNA news agency later described the attacker as a member of the Guard's Ashoura Corps, which Khorram had overseen. IRNA described the attack as coming due to personal reasons, without elaborating. Later, the semiofficial Fars news agency said the man who slapped the governor had been upset that his wife received a coronavirus vaccination from a male nurse, as opposed to a female nurse. Khorram had been recently nominated by Iran's hard-line parliament to serve as the provincial governor under the government of President Ebrahim Raisi, a protege of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khorram had been among 48 Iranians held hostage in 2013 in Syria, later released for some 2,130 rebels, according to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based think tank that long has been critical of Iran. Iran had referred to those held as Shiite religious pilgrims. A State Department spokesperson at the time called it "just another example of how Iran continues to provide guidance, expertise, personnel (and) technical capabilities to the Syrian regime. The incident also comes amid anger in Iran over its precarious economic situation despite its support abroad for regional militias and others, including Syrian President Bashar Assad. Iran's economy has been hammered since then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers in 2018. In a first, since taking office, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett held an in-person meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi on Friday. During the meeting, both the leaders agreed to continue implementing the deconfliction mechanism that works to prevent Israeli and Russian troops from clashing in Syria, the Times of Israel reported. While Moscow has been actively involved in the Syrian conflict, Israel maintains a policy of neutrality, though it has several times targetted Iranian militias. Speaking to the Israeli daily, Housing Minster Zeev Elkin said that the talks revolved around avoiding armed conflict in Syria and safeguarding coordination mechanisms. During the very wide discussions, Bennett agreed on keeping the policies vis-a-vis Russia in place while also curtailing Irans influence in the conflict-hit country. The prime minister presented his world view on ways to stop Irans nuclear drive and Irans entrenchment in Syria, he said in a statement. It was decided to keep policies vis-a-vis Russia in place (regarding airstrikes in Syrian territory). Later, in a social media post, Bennett said that Israels relationship with Russia is very strategic, but it needs to maintain a regular and direct discourse. Referring to Russian military presence on Syrian soil, the zionist leader admitted that Moscow was a very important regional player. Russia entered the Syrian Civil war at the invitation of President Bashar al-Assad in 2015. After a few initial aerial strikes on rebel bases, it permanently stationed military troops in the country. In 2015, Russia and Israel set up a hotline in Syria to avoid accidental clashes. Soon after, the Russian Defence Ministry said that the hotline would facilitate mutual information-sharing on the actions of aircraft, amongst other things. While the current extent of coordination between both parties is ambiguous, IDF generally does not seek Russia permission before conducting an airstrike, according to the Times of Israel. Current situation in Syria The Syrian civil war ended in 2019 but the northwestern part of the country which includes the Governorate of Idlib and parts of Aleppo, Hama, and Latakia continue to remain under rebels. The northeast, meanwhile, is governed autonomously. Despite a withdrawal order issued by former US President Donald Trump, American troops continue to operate in the region in alliance with Kurdish rebels. Notably, while armed fighting has now ended, the government and militias continue to engage in a war of nerves and occasional assaults. Image: AP An attempt to smuggle weapons and drugs across Israel's border with Lebanon was prevented by IDF soldiers and Israel Police, as per the reports of The Jerusalem Post. Two firearms and 21 packages carrying roughly 9 kg of hashish worth around NIS 350,000 (around Rs 81 lakh) were seized in the raid, according to the IDF. The event is being investigated by the IDF and the police, with the potential that Hezbollah was involved being considered, according to the IDF. The IDF said in a statement that the potential that the smuggling attempt was done with the support of the terrorist organisation Hezbollah is being investigated. IDF concerned about increase in drug smuggling The IDF is concerned about an increase in drug smuggling and infiltration of migrant labour and refugees along Lebanon's northern border due to the country's economic crisis. In July, Lt.-Col. Raz Haimlich, commander of the Artillery Corps Fire Brigade 411th Battalion, warned the Jerusalem Post that the Lebanese economy is not favourable and that this can lead to things happening on the border. However, he also said that he believe the IDF's efforts will deter smugglers. Hezbollah has traditionally controlled the territory adjacent to Israel's border, and smuggling operations are unlikely to escape its notice. The terror organisation is known to fund its operations by selling drugs all around the world, including big quantities of hashish in eastern Lebanon. According to the Times of Israel, the IDF announced in June that it had arrested an Arab Israeli father and son who were suspected of smuggling a substantial amount of hashish and firearms into Israel from Lebanon, possibly on behalf of Hezbollah. 36 kilogrammes of hashish discovered in June 15 firearms, dozens of ammo magazines and 36 kilogrammes of hashish were discovered in the suspects' possession. The contraband was estimated to be worth NIS 2 million in total, according to the IDF. Despite the fact that the majority of illicit firearms in Israel are used for criminal purposes rather than terrorism, Israeli security agencies thought that at least some of the pistols seized in June were intended to be used in Hezbollah terror acts, according to the Times of Israel. Image: AP The US has been accused of promoting Taiwan's independence and exacerbating the situation in the Asia-Pacific region, by North Korea's Deputy Foreign Minister, Pak Myong Ho. The KCNA news agency quoted Pak who said in a statement that the US has recently "heightened military tensions" by proclaiming Taiwan's independence, despite the fact that Taiwan is a part of China. Earlier in a CNN town hall discussion, US President Joe Biden stated that if Taiwan were to be attacked by China, the US would definitely defend it, as per the news report on Thursday. North Korea's Pak also stated that this year alone, the United States sent a slew of warships into the Taiwan Straits under the guise of freedom of navigation. According to him, the US even sent a battleship from an ally to the Taiwan Straits to raise tensions. As the United States and its allies conducted military drills near the South China Sea, China dispatched almost 150 military aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers, near Taiwan. Chinese military aircraft bombarded Taiwan's identification zone During the day and at night, Chinese military aircraft bombarded Taiwan's identification zone, causing Taiwan to dispatch patrol planes to repel them. Taiwan is seen by China as a renegade province. Since 1949, when an opposition nationalist group escaped to the island during a civil war and established a government, the island has been governed separately from mainland China. North Korea has become increasingly critical of the US's broader security role in the Asia-Pacific region. Pak Myong also said that it is a well-known fact that US troops and military bases in South Korea are used "to put pressure on China" and that the US and its satellite states' massive forces, which are concentrated near Taiwan, can be committed to a military operation targeting the DPRK at any time, abbreviating the North's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. He claimed that the growing military deployment of US-led "hostile forces" in the region was based on a lame allegation that North Korea and China will cause problems in Taiwan and on the Korean Peninsula. Nuclear weapons are a guarantee of the Kim family regime's existence The question of relieving severe US-led sanctions against North Korea in exchange for efforts by the North to wind down its nuclear weapons development has paralysed nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang for more than two years. Nuclear weapons, Pyongyang believes, are the ultimate guarantee of the Kim family regime's existence, which has ruled Korea since the 1940s. (Inputs from ANI/ AP News) Image: AP/ Unsplash President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov on Saturday said the country will not host a US military base on its territory as Russias presence was enough. While speaking to reporters, Japarov said that Kyrgyzstan already has a Russian base in Kant. One base is enough for us, Kyrgyz President said, adding that the nation does not want to play cat and mouse with powers, hosting two bases. According to Sputnik, Japarov was responding to the question about the possibility of hosting a US airbase in the territory of Kyrgyzstan following the withdrawal of US troops in Afghanistan. It is to mention that after the US withdrawal from the war-torn southeast Asian nation, the White House was reportedly considering Kyrgyzstan as a location for its military base. The Russian airbase, on the other hand, was established in Kant in 2003 as part of the Collective Rapid Development Force. US confident of conducting operation in Afghan without any base Meanwhile, last month, US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Kenneth McKenzie, had shown full confidence in handling any operation against the Taliban, despite not having any base and soldiers on the ground. McKenzie told the Central Command that the United States has not maintained any agreement with the neighbouring Central Asian nations, still Washington can conduct missions using its distant bases in the region. He also added America is not dependent on any neighbouring countries. While speaking at the first congressional testimony on the tumultuous withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, General Kenneth McKenzie said, I have the ability to enter Afghanistan and to fly missions. It's a long haul but I have the ability to do that today. Obviously, it's a neighbouring country that's allowing us access [to Afghanistan], but we're not based in any neighbouring country. It is worth mentioning that McKenzie was briefing the US House Armed Services Committee after a series of incidents unfolded following the Taliban takeover on 15 August, and a bomb attack. Since the Taliban's conquest, lakhs of Afghan nationals have fled the war-ravaged nation and taken asylum in different countries. Lakhs of Afghans are still waiting for their turn to reach other countries. (Image: AP) President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov announced on Saturday that his government plans to send back 300 ethnic Kyrgyz families to Kyrgyzstan from Afghanistan. During a press conference, Japarov stated that around 300 Kyrgyz families are looking for a new home and they will undoubtedly be provided with the required assistance. According to the Kyrgyzstan President, this will begin next year, as per a Sputnik report. Thousands of ethnic Kyrgyz nationals live in Afghanistan's Pamir Mountains. During his April visit, the President stated that Pamir Kyrgyz's hardships have persistently plagued his thoughts. He also said that for a long time, he wanted to reintroduce them to their ancestral motherland, and now he is going to make it happen, according to Eurasianet. After the US military withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban took over Kabul after an aggressive and swift push over Afghanistan government forces. Nearly 200 Afghan students were safely evacuated from Kabul last week Last week, under an ambitious plan led by the American University of Central Asia and the Kyrgyz government, nearly 200 Afghan students were safely evacuated from Kabul, escaping the Taliban's tightening hold on education. According to the university, women account for over 60% of all undergraduate and graduate students. Jonathan Becker, interim president of the American University of Central Asia and head of the Center for Civic Engagement at Bard College, led a team that organised the evacuation operation, according to PassBlue. Students who meet the requirements at the Central Asian university can earn a College diploma. Meanwhile, they are part of a generation of successful, young Afghan students who have been lost to a country in desperate need of education, while they pursue training in arts, science and other professions in Bishkek. Prez Japarov asked about hosting a US airbase in Kyrgyzstan Meanwhile, on Saturday, when Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov was asked about hosting a US airbase in Kyrgyzstan, he responded by saying that Russia's involvement in the country is enough, emphasising the fact that one base is enough for them. He further stated that the country does not want to play cat and mouse with powers by hosting two bases, according to Sputnik. (With Inputs from ANI) Image: AP As India crossed a billion COVID vaccination mark, Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for achieving the remarkable feat. On Thursday, India became the second country, only after China, to administer a billion doses of coronavirus vaccine to its population. Following this, the Nepali leader penned a note to PM Narendra Modi saying that Indias rapid vaccination has not helped the residents but also bolstered COVID immunity in the region. Additionally in his tweet, Deuba also thanked PM Modi for supporting Nepals vaccination drive and its recovery from the lethal respiratory illness. Earlier this month, New Delhi sent 10 crore vaccine doses to Nepal as it resumed its Vaccine Maitri initiative. Notably, the government had frozen the 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative owing to the devastating effects of the lethal COVID second wave earlier this year. Congratulations to PM @narendramodi for administering one billion Covid-19 vaccines in India! This remarkable achievement will provide a massive boost in ensuring safety in the neighbourhood and beyond. Also, thank you for supporting Nepals vaccine drive and recovery. Sher Bahadur Deuba (@SherBDeuba) October 22, 2021 India administers a billion doses On Thursday, the Prime Minister visited Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital along with Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya as India clocked a billion vaccine doses. The Centre has planned multiple celebrations to mark this occasion including expanding its awareness campaign via announcements at airplanes, ships, metros, and at railway stations. Apart from this, the largest khadi tricolour will be displayed at the Red Fort on Thursday to mark the feat and the Archeological Survey of India (ASI), plans to light up 100 landmarks of India with the tricolour. Speaking about the road ahead, Mandaviya said, "After 100 crore doses are administered, we will go in mission mode to ensure that those who have taken their first dose take their second dose too to ensure they are protected against COVID-19". The Centre also informed that villages that have completed 100 per cent vaccination should mark the achievement by putting up posters and banners complimenting health workers for the same. Meanwhile, airline company SpiceJet said that it will unveil a special livery at the Delhi airport to celebrate the 100 crore vaccine milestone. As per COWIN portal, 75 percent of all adults have received the first dose of the vaccine and 31 per cent have been administered both doses. Topping the list of highest doses are Uttar Pradesh (12,08,84,032), Maharashtra (9,23,34,244), West Bengal (6,82,34,821), Gujarat (6,73,60,662) and Madhya Pradesh (6,67,91,915). (Image: PTI/AP) Chinese and Russian navies held their first-ever maritime patrol 'Maritime Interaction-2021' in the Western Pacific waters as the two countries sent a total of 10 warships under the Russian Pacific Fleet and six carrier-based helicopters for the military exercise in the Sea of Japan, and the East China Sea between October 17-23, the defence ministry for both Russia and China said in separate statements on Friday. Russia, China conduct Joint Naval Patrol The naval cooperation drills strictly abided by the international laws and did not enter the sovereign territorial waters of other nations, Chinas defence ministry stated. This operation is part of the annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian armed forces and is not targeted at third parties, it added. [Credit: Russian Defence Ministry] "The warships of the Russian Navy and the Chinese naval forces conducted the first patrol in the western Pacific Ocean from October 17-23," Russian defense ministry said in a statement. This joint maritime cruise aims to further develop the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation in the new era, enhance the joint action capabilities of both parties, and jointly maintain international and regional strategic stability, China stated in a release. The joint military exercise involved the tactical naval manoeuvring, anti-mine support of detachments, as well as conducted artillery fire at sea targets, with the actual use of weaponry as warships from navies of both countries sailed through the Tsugaru Strait separating Japan's main island and its northern island of Hokkaido. Japan strictly watched the military actions of Russia and China which, as per the experts, was aimed to counter the influence of the United States. The group of ships passed through the Tsugaru Strait for the first time as part of the patrol," Russia's defence ministry said in the statement. - - 17 23 2021 https://t.co/UF0c2tt4kP# # # # pic.twitter.com/Rs0PPF1k5F (@mod_russia) October 23, 2021 Furthermore, the Russian ministry added, that the tasks of the patrols were the demonstration of the Russian and Chinese state flags, maintaining of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and guardianship of the subjects of maritime economic activities of the two countries. Russia 'greater threat' than China, says US The United States had earlier stated that Russia is the source of a bigger security threat for Washington and Europe, instead of China. US under Secretary of Defence for Policy Colin Kahl said at the Lithuania-hosted Baltic Military Conference on Friday that Russia may actually represent the primary security challenge and added that the country is facing in military domain and certainly for Europe. As per the official release by the US Department of defence of the Pentagon, US stressed that Russia is an increasingly assertive adversary. Notably, Kahl said that China might be, in fact, just 'the pacing threat.' The US Under Secretary of Defence for Policy said, "Russia erodes transparency and predictability, uses military force to achieve its goals, supports proxy groups to sow chaos and doubt, undermines the rules-based international order through cyber and international activities and violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours. (Inputs from ANI) (Image: Twitter/@mod_russia) In the latest update to the use of Sputnik V's COVID-19 shot in Russia, the countrys health ministry has given the nod to administer the jab simultaneously with a flu shot. As per news agency TASS, the Russian health ministrys press service said in a statement on Friday, October 22, Russias Health Ministry has authorised simultaneous vaccination against COVID and influenza, as corresponding changes have been made to the instructions for the medical use of the Gam-COVID-Vac (Sputnik V) vaccine. The Russian Health Ministry also reportedly said that studies have revealed that when COVD-19 and flu vaccines are administered simultaneously, their effectiveness remains unaffected. The news agency quoted the press service saying, The combination of Sputnik V with the influenza vaccine has been studied in preclinical trials, showing no decrease in immunogenicity of both vaccines when they are administered simultaneously. When COVID and flu vaccines are administered simultaneously, the shots are injected to different parts of the body, for example, the left and right shoulders. COVD-19 spikes in Russia The Russian health ministrys amendment to Sputnik V usage guidelines came when on Friday, the country recorded a new single-day record of 37,141 COVID-19 cases. As per ANI, Fridays Coronavirus cases witnessed an increase from the previous record of 36,339 cases that were registered a day before. The cumulative total of COVID-19 cases in the country has been spiked to 8,168,305, according to the federal response centre. "Over the past day, 37,141 Covid-19 cases were confirmed across 85 Russian regions, including 3,397 cases (9.1 per cent) without clinical symptoms," the centre said, as per ANI, and added that the rate of increase grew to 0.46%. Notably, Moscow has the highest number of new Coronavirus infections in the country with at least 8,166 infections which are up from 7,897 registered on Thursday. In terms of COVID-19 cases, Moscow is followed by St Petersburg with 3,233 cases which were down from 3,280. On Friday, the response centre has also reported a new record of 1,064 fatalities linked to Coronavirus, bringing the national tally to 228,453. Image: AP/Unsplash (With ANI inputs) Since its beginning, the Syrian Civil War has left more than 3,80,000 people dead (till December 2020), obliterated historically significant cities, and left millions of others homeless. Released by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the aforementioned death toll did not encompass 205,300 people who are either missing or presumed dead-including 88,000 civilians who are believed to have died by torture in government prisons. While the situation is improving, at least 13.4 million Syrians still depend on humanitarian assistance, as per the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). What triggered the conflict? In 2000, a 35-year-old Bashar al-Assad succeeded to the Syrian throne after his father Hafez died while in office. In the subsequent, uncontested Presidential vote of 2007, he got re-elected with a surprising 97.6% vote. However, as years passed, Syrian residents became weary of his authoritarian rule and seemingly false vows to improve the devastating economic situation in the country. Notably, it was the same time when anti-government protests were expanding across the Arab world and had already led to the overthrowing of Egyptian and Tunisian dictators. In March 2011, a pro-democracy protest erupted in Daraa- a city located merely 13 kilometers from the countrys border with Jordan, as per BBC. As protests widened, so did the al-Assad regimes crackdown against what it deemed as foreign-backed terrorism. In a matter of days, the protesters took up arms, first to defend themselves and then to sweep the Syrian military from their cities. Foreign Intervention in Syrian Civil War After negotiations between the warring parties failed to guarantee peace, foreign powers stepped into the conflict, largely altering the dynamics of the Syrian Civil War. Soon reports of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar funding the rebel forces emerged. The United States, which has been so far apprehensive of supplying ammunition to the Free Syrian Army, stated a small-scale training program for a few vetted rebels, a report by Britannica said. Meanwhile, the Syrian troops were supported by Iran and the Lebanese militant group-Hezbollah. By 2012, Hezbollah fighters had become active participants in the war. As Islamic militants started to take centre stage, Al-Qaeda leader of Iraq Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in 2013, announced that he would combine his forces in Syria and Iraq forming the infamous terror group Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). It is worth noting that Russia entered the war in 2015 after al-Assad, a long-term ally of President Vladimir Putin formally asked him for support. What is the current situation in Syria? The Syrian civil war ended in 2019 but the northwestern part of the country which includes the Governorate of Idlib and parts of Aleppo, Hama, and Latakia continue to remain under rebels. The northeast, meanwhile, is governed autonomously. Despite a withdrawal order issued by former US President Donald Trump, American troops continue to operate in the region in alliance with Kurdish rebels. Notably, while armed fighting has now ended, the government and militias continue to engage in a war of nerves and occasional assaults. With the coronavirus contagion wreaking havoc, the Syrian economy has plunged manifold, with roughly 80 percent of the population living under the poverty line, stated the UN report. The pandemic has posed a challenging situation for countries all across the globe; however, for Syria, it has been a significant challenge with its economy and health care sector crippling due to the decade-long war-like situation. Image: AP Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar on Saturday said that Ankara had launched the procedure to purchase F-16 fighter jets from the United States. According to Sputnik, Akar said that the technical work had begun on the supply of F-16 aircraft, adding that the defence ministry is monitoring the process. The strengthening of Turkey also means strengthening the defence of NATO, the Turkish defence said. Earlier this month, Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said that the US had offered to sell F-16 aircraft to his nation as a return for its investment in the F-35 programme, from which Ankara was removed. It is to mention that Turkey had caused a rift with the United States after it bought Russias S-400 air defence systems. In response, Washington cancelled the sale of F-35 jets to Turkey, claiming that Ankara could leak military secrets to Russia. The US had reportedly even sent an official notification to Turkey about its exclusion from the production programme of the latest F-35 fighter jets. US-Turkey tensions Now, the latest statement from the Turkis defence ministry comes after Erdogan on 20 October said that Ankara is determined to get back funds the US owes to Ankara for the scrapped F-35s program in July 2019. Turkey paid $1.4 billion to the US in a deal to upgrade its fleet with F-35 jets which were never delivered as Washington stalled the contract over Turkeys Russian missile defence system S-400s purchase. Turkey is working on reimbursement for the F-35 payment," Erdogan said. However, in response to the Turkish minister, the US clarified this week that it has made no official financing offer to Ankara for the sale of F-16 warplanes. "We would refer you to the Turkish government to speak to its defence procurement plans. What I can say is the United States has not made any financing offers on Turkey's F-16 request," US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said at a White House presser. Furthermore, Price stressed that such defence deals such as the sale of F-16 fighter jets first needs approval from the US State Department and Congress, adding that the US Defense Department has been in consultations with Turkey on the blocked order of F-35 fighter planes but financing options for F-16 were not on the table. The Department of Defense does remain in consultations with Turkey on the F-35 programme. Turkish officials have publicly acknowledged their interest in purchasing F-16 aircraft. We would refer you to the Turkish Government to speak to its defense procurement plans, Price said. (Image: AP/Twitter) The United Nations (UN) has said that it is not only staying and delivering in war-ravaged Afghanistan but would defend the rights of women and girls. In a tweet on Saturday, 23 October, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the agency would continue to promote and defend the rights of females in the country and the officials will not stop until girls can return to school in Afghanistan. The UN head also called for women to return to their jobs and participation in public life. In Afghanistan, the @UN is staying and delivering, and will continue to promote and defend the rights of women and girls. We will not stop until girls can go back to school, and women can return to their jobs and participate in public life. Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 23, 2021 Guterres tweet came just days after he addressed the UN Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security on Thursday, 21 October. During his speech, the UN chief had echoed the same remarks while adding that the agency will uphold the rights of women and girls with engagements with Taliban de facto authorities. The UN chief also noted previously, And in Afghanistan, girls and women are seeing a rapid reversal of the rights they achieved in recent decades including their right to a seat in the classroom. The UN Secretary-General said, We need to fight back and turn the clock forward for every woman and girl. This commitment is at the heart of my report on Our Common Agenda, as well as my Call to Action on Human Rights. We want to fast-track womens full and equal participation in every aspect of life. This includes across peace processes and political transitions. Last year, women represented only 23 per cent of delegates in peace processes led or co-led by the United Nations. Even getting to this point required innovation, persistence and leadership. Sometimes I would say stubbornness. But were working to accelerate these gains, he added. UNDP announced peoples economy fund As UN continues to assist the war-torn country, it said on 21 October that in a bid to help vulnerable Afghans, the UN development programme (UNDP) has announced the launch of a peoples economy fund to provide access to cash to people in need. The agency said in a release that UNDP chief, Achim Steiner, told journalists in Geneva, The fund will tap into donations frozen since the Taliban takeover in August. Germany has already pledged $58 million of the more than $660 million required over the next 12 months. (IMAGE: AP) Amid speculation of Washington to send US troops to Uzbekistan, its Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov dismissed the reports and said there was no need to deploy the American troops in Tashkent, Sputnik reported on Friday. According to the reports, Kamilov's statement came during a press conference in the national capital, Tashkent. "Uzbekistan believes there is no need to deploy the United States military in the country. Today the reality is that there is no need for this," Kamilov said while addressing a press conference and added that, "Washington knows about it very precisely." Notably, the comments from the Uzbek Foreign Minister came in response to media reports that stated that the United States would send defence officials to Uzbekistan. Earlier in the second week of October, Politico-- a political journalism company based in Arlington County-- reported that the United States would send officials to explore the possibility of housing counterterrorist forces in the Central Asian country to monitor the threats emanating from Afghanistan. According to the Minister, the limits of the Tashkent-Washington interaction are determined in the agreements between Uzbekistan and the US. "And during many annual political consultations, during many serious meetings, the Americans were informed, and they practically all understand this and admit that the things you are talking about are absolutely unacceptable for Uzbekistan and they are practically not raised or discussed," Sputnik reported Kamilov as saying during the press conference on Friday. Top US Defense officials are in touch with Russia to use military bases According to Politico, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley, during a classified briefing held earlier in September, said that the Biden administration was in touch with the Russian government regarding the use of their military bases in Central Asia to conduct counterterrorism missions against targets in Afghanistan. It is worth mentioning that the Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Kenneth McKenzie, during the first congressional testimony on the tumultuous withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, showed full confidence in handling any operation against the Taliban, despite not having any base and soldiers on the ground. Further, McKenzie told US Central Command that American does not maintain any agreement with the neighbouring countries, still Washington can conduct missions using its distant bases in the region. (With inputs from ANI) (Image: ANI/AP) The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) penned a letter to the international bodies including, the UN and UNHRC, and demanded immediate action against those involved in the atrocities against the Hindu community in Bangladesh. According to the letter uploaded by the Hindu group on their microblogging post, they have addressed their grievances and demand to the heads of the United Nations (UN), United Nations' High Commission for Human Rights (UNHRC) and the European Union (EU). In the letters, the head of international affairs of VHP, Swami Vigyananand urged to set up an international enquiry commission and send a fact-finding mission to Bangladesh at the earliest. Also, the organisation demanded the international bodies to pressurise the Bangladesh government to ensure security, justice and compensation to the victims. Read the letter addressed to International bodies here: VHP demands exemplary punishment Notably, this comes after a mob of at least 500 people attacked the ISKCON temple during the Durga Puja celebrations. Furthermore, attacks were carried out on Puja venues in Hajiganj on October 13 and, two days later, attacks on Hindu temples in Naokhali took the lives of two more people. Meanwhile, Vigyananand also demanded the international bodies to pressurise the Bangladesh government to give exemplary punishment to the perpetrators of crime. He asked the UN body to direct the Sheikh Hasina government to take action against "proscribe criminal Jihadi organisations and repeal the Vested Property Act 2013". "The brutal killings of innocents, in more than 22 districts over the past 10-12 days, violate any notion of humanity. The "radical Islamists caused despair and terror" among devotees by forcibly entering places of worship during the sacred Durga Puja and "jubilantly vandalising and breaking icons of deities and destroying" shrines," read the letter. A dozen Hindus were "slaughtered", a thousand injured, horrifyingly, Hindu women and small girls were "raped" in front of family members and homes and businesses were looted and burnt as well. The police and law enforcement authorities were mute spectators, intervening too late to prevent the atrocities," added VHP in the two-page letter addressed to the top international bodies. US condemns Bangladesh incident Earlier on Tuesday, VHP demanded a fact-finding team of Indian parliamentarians be sent to Bangladesh for a probe into the recent incidents of violence against Hindu minorities. Amid rising protests in India and Bangladesh, US Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said that the US condemn the attacks. We condemn the recent violent attacks on Hindu temples and businesses in Bangladesh during the Durga Puja celebrations. Our thoughts are with the Hindu community as we urge authorities to investigate fully. Freedom of religion or belief is a human right, he had tweeted. (With inputs from ANI) (Image: ANI) Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday, October 21, that charges recommended by a Senate report against him were "fantasies" that should be ignored. The report presented on Wednesday, October 20, alleged Bolsonaro committed crimes against humanity, among other proposed charges, for bungling Brazils response to COVID-19 and contributing to the country having the worlds second-highest pandemic death toll. I am not going to discuss these peoples fantasies. I am not going to discuss this load of stupidity, Brazil's president remarked, during a live broadcast, AP reported. It was the Brazilian president's first speech since the release of the report of the Senate committee's investigation. The investigation by the committee lasted six months. Renan Calheiros, the report's rapporteur, asked for Bolsonaro's indictment on counts ranging from charlatanism and encouraging crime to misappropriation of public funds and crimes against humanity. Bolsonaros COVID-19 denial Bolsonaro has reportedly downplayed the pandemic's severity despite overwhelming evidence of its danger, for instance -- he has been seen defying social isolation measures by walking among crowds and shaking hands, and encouraging others to do the same; he has feuded with and fired health ministers since the beginning of Pandemic. AP reported, in an interview on March 27th, on being asked about the rising number of cases in Sao Paulo, Bolsonaro replied, "Im sorrysome people will die. They will die. Thats life. You cant stop a car factory because of traffic deaths." Governors of numerous Brazilian states chose to take matters into their own hands after Bolsonaro looked more interested in protecting Brazil's long-ailing economy and political future. Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, for example, had declared emergencies, stopped flights, constructed field hospitals, and even imposed harsh restrictions on citizen movement against the federal government's intentions. Bolsonaro, then, reacted furiously to the restrictions, claiming on March 22 in a television interview that the people will soon understand that they were duped by these governors and a major part of the media when it comes to coronavirus. Congressional panel blames Bolsonaro administration for COVID deaths The Congressional panel condemned the Bolsonaro administration of "reckless behaviour" and blamed it for half of the COVID deaths in the Senate report. The document, presented on Wednesday, discusses the government's "intention to immunize the population through natural contamination," according to CNN. It blames Bolsonaro and his party's lawmakers, including his three sons, for exposing Brazilians to a concrete risk of enormous infection. The report suggests that the incumbent President and 69 other politicians, including several former lawmakers, face criminal prosecution. It's worth remembering that the right-wing politician drew a lot of heat for downplaying the infectious sickness, which sparked a slew of protests around the country. The South American country has reported a total of 21,664,879 COVID cases, with more than 603,855 fatalities, according to the most recent John Hopkins University figure. (With inputs from agencies, Image: AP) In a shocking incident, a 25-year-old Indian origin girl who lived in California died in a shootout between two drug gangs in Mexico's Tulum, reported local authorities. The girl identified as Anjali Ryot, travelled to Mexico on Monday to celebrate her birthday on October 22. This incident took place in Mexicos Caribbean coast resort of Tulum on Wednesday, where Ryot was killed along with another tourist who was from Germany. According to Ryot's social media account, she was working at LinkedIn as a Senior Site Reliability Engineer since July 1. She was also an avid traveller and used to visit different corners of the world. The 25-year-old was quite active on her social media page and remained in touch with her followers through various posts. She was from Himachal Pradesh, India, and was living in San Jose, California. Mexico Shootout: Indian-origin travel blogger killed The second victim of the crossfire led by the drug gangsters was a German woman named Jennifer Henzfold. Three other tourists were also wounded in the shooting at a street-side restaurant. The incident happened on Wednesday night when Ryot, along with four other foreign tourists, was having dinner on the terrace of La Malquerida restaurant when suddenly four-man with heavy rifles started firing at an adjoining table inside the restaurant premises at around 11:00 pm, reported the Spanish newspaper, EI Pais. The prosecutor stated that two local drug groups that mainly sell drugs on the streets of Tulum got involved in a massive gunfight. The local authorities also found a letter signed by a drug gang that said the shooting "was a warning, so you can see we mean business. You either get in line or we are going to continue shutting places down like the Mini Quinta," which means the drug gang gave a clear warning to pay extortion money, reported the news agency AP. It is necessary to mention here that the drug gang based in Mexico's Tulum has a long history of crime and extortion, and this shooting indicates that the gang wanted to spread its influence over other areas as well. The incident, however, has instilled fear in the minds of foreign tourists and turned down the reputation of the beach town. A month ago, a similar incident happened where two men were killed on the beach in Tulum, leaving behind a third person injured. Meanwhile, Ashish Ryot, the brother of the victim, has urged the mayor of Tulum to ask local authorities for help to repatriate his sister's body. He has also asked to speed up the process of visa and other formalities so that he could enter Mexico to take her body back to India to perform the last rituals. (Image: Facebook/@Anjaliryot) (With Inputs from PTI/AP) With COP26 just a week away, the UK-president-designate of the climate talks has said that achieving a global climate deal in Glasgow will be harder than signing the 2015 Paris agreement. After being postponed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the COP26 will begin on 31 October. Over 120 world leaders - including Indian PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden - along with 25,000 delegates are expected to attend the event. According to The Guardian, Alok Sharma, who is the cabinet minister in charge of the UK-hosted talks, admitted that achieving a climate deal in three weeks will be really tough. The task would be to get nearly 200 countries to implement stringent cuts to their greenhouse gas emissions, that too in line with holding global temperature increases to within 1.5C of pre-industrial level, Sharma explained. The UK-president-designate said that what world leaders did in Paris in 2015 was brilliant. However, he went on to say that the 2015 deal was just a framework agreement, adding that a lot of detailed rules were left for the future. What were trying to her in Glasgow is actually really tough, Sharma said. COP26 is definitely harder than Paris on lots of levels, he added. But, on a positive note, Sharma said that the world leaders have an understanding that they need to deal with the climate crisis. It is to mention that under the Paris agreement, 197 nations agreed to limit global heating to well below 2C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to remain within 1.5C. However, the commitments they came up with were inadequate and eventually will lead to a catastrophic 3C rise, experts believe. Under the agreement, the government are required to return to the negotiating table every five years with more ambitious plans, but due to the unprecedented pandemic, COP26 was postponed to this year. Now, talks just over a week away, Sharma said that measuring all countries national climate plans against the 1.5C goal would be a key part of the Glasgow climate talks. He explained that if a countrys nationally determined contributions (NDC) are not good enough, they will have to come back to the negotiating table. Further, Sharma warned that the world would judge harshly any country seen to damage the chances of meeting the 15C goal. UK still awaiting NDC from China Moreover, as per the media outlet, Sharma noted that geopolitics has changed markedly since the Paris talks in 2015. He said that the stars were perhaps differently aligned back then, hinting at present relations between the US and China. Sharma said that he was still awaiting an NDC from China, which is the biggest emitter. Notably, in recent weeks, Chinese experts have downplayed the fears, pointing to the countrys increases in renewable energy generations. However, there have been questions over Chinas commitment to climate action, as the government signalled it could increase coal production in response to high energy prices. Doubts also remain over whether China will stick to a relatively unambitious goal of causing emissions to peak by 2030. It is worth noting that Chinas President Xi Jinping is almost certain to miss the talks. Image: AP The Conservative Party Conference was held in Manchester on Saturday, October 23 for the Conservative Friends of India, a group associated with the Conservative Party (CP). The conference was attended by the Co-Chairs of CF India, Cllr Reena Ranger OBE, and Cllr Ameet Jogia. As per an official statement released by the Conservative Party, the "Spectacular Conference Reception" was jointly held by the Conservative Friends of India and the Indian High Commission after 2 years. Many guests and parliamentarians attended the event, including the guest speaker, Gaitri Issar Kumar, the High Commissioner of India, the Chairman of the Conservative Party, Oliver Dowden MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak MP, International Trade Secretary Anne Marie Trevelyan MP, Health Secretary Sajid Javid MP, Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi MP, and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps MP, among other prominent guests. While addressing the event, the High Commissioner of India, Gaitri Issar Kumar, paid tribute to the "Living Bridge" that is the British Indian Diaspora. Issar lauded their efforts to strengthen relations between the UK and India. The High Commissioner also extended his gratitude towards the Secretaries of State, Ministers, and Members of Parliament for supporting India and the reception. The long-standing supporters who spoke at the event included CF India Patron Lord Rami Ranger CBE and Parliamentary Vice Chairs Padma Shri Award winner Bob Blackman MP, Minister for London Paul Scully MP and Theresa Villiers MP, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Saida Muna Tasneem, and London's former Mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey, among others. The chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said, "I love Conservative Friends of India. This is my home and I wouldn't be here without your support". Sunak appreciated the decade-long work of Lord Ranger and paid tribute to the Indian High Commissioner for his decades of work in enriching and making the Conservative Party a diverse political party. At the event, the Chairman of the Conservative Party, Oliver Dowden MP, thanked the Indian community for their support in contributing to the Conservative Party and Britain. During the event, the guests spoke on multiple issues, including the pandemic, COVID vaccination, India's bilateral relationship with the UK, and welcoming Indian students studying at British universities, as well as developing closer relations between educational institutions. The Conservative Friends of India group also hosted a dinner with Minister for International Trade Ranil Jayawardena MP, who has played a significant role in developing the road map for a free trade agreement between Britain and the UK. Image: ANI With Inputs from ANI US President Joe Biden, on Friday, held a telephonic conversation with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron wherein he discussed a myriad range of issues including security threats, their upcoming meeting amongst others. As per a readout of the conversation, both the leaders also reviewed their ongoing efforts to enhance stability and security in the Sahel region. Notably, last month, French troops neutralised the Islamic State (IS) leader Adnan Abou Walid al Sahraoui in Sahel. I enjoyed speaking with President Macron of France today. I look forward to meeting with him in Rome later this month to continue the conversation, take stock of the many areas of U.S.-France cooperation, and reinforce our shared interests and common values. pic.twitter.com/B1gvPcbtSL President Biden (@POTUS) October 22, 2021 Additionally, the swinging status quo in the Indo-pacific region was also brought to the discussion table. Notably, both Paris and Washington have opposed Chinas increasing military exercises in the South China Sea and called for increased cooperation in combating Chinese threats. During the long conversation, both the leaders also deliberated upon efforts to enable a stronger and more capable European defence while ensuring complementarity with NATO. President Biden looks forward to the meeting with President Macron in Rome later this month, where they will continue the conversation, take stock of the many areas of US-France cooperation, and reinforce our shared interests and common values as we take on challenges and opportunities together, the White House said. France calls back its US Envoy The phone conversation came days after France called back Philippe Etienne, its ambassador to the US, due to a dispute between France and Australia over a US submarine contract (AUKUS), according to a report by Sputnik. When French ambassador Etienne arrived at Dulles International Airport in Washington on 29 September, he refused to answer journalists' questions. It came after Australia abandoned a $66 billion submarine deal with France in favour of a collaboration with the US and the UK under the AUKUS trilateral security alliance. The decision was viewed as a "stab in the back" by France, which also summoned its ambassador from Australia. Following a phone call with United States' President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to send Etienne back to Washington. Recently, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian met with his American counterpart, Antony Blinken, to discuss the problem and said that restoring trust between the two countries "will require time and action." (Image: AP/POTUS/Twitter) There's an intriguing subplot to President Joe Biden's upcoming meeting with Pope Francis. The world's two most prominent Roman Catholics will be celebrating a shared outlook on church teaching and vital social issues even as Biden faces unwavering opposition from many U.S. Catholic bishops over his stances on abortion and LGBTQ rights. Less than three weeks after Biden's visit to the Vatican on Friday, the American bishops will convene in Baltimore, with one of the agenda items inspired in part by conservatives who contend that Biden's support for abortion rights should disqualify him from receiving Communion. Though any document that emerges is not expected to mention Biden by name, it's possible there could be a clear message of rebuke. This is way beyond embarrassing, said Massimo Faggioli, a professor of historical theology at Villanova University who recently authored a book about Biden and Catholicism. For some of the bishops, it's an act of intimidation" toward Biden, Faggioli said. And they have a pope who is protecting a Catholic president's access to the sacraments he's had to send a signal from the Vatican saying, We don't think this is wise.' The pope upholds Catholic doctrine opposing abortion and same-sex marriage, but he has irked some conservative Catholics in the U.S. and elsewhere by emphasizing other issues that mesh with Biden's priorities protecting the environment, combating racial injustice and poverty, for example. The pope and Biden see eye to eye on many issues, Faggioli said. But they both are really embattled, facing very strong headwinds ... fighting against different kinds of ideologues. Biden is only the second Catholic president of the United States., after John F. Kennedy, and displays his faith openly, often wearing a rosary and attending Mass routinely. The devotion dates to childhood; he has expressed gratitude to the nuns who helped bolster his confidence while he struggled with stuttering as a schoolboy. Wherever there were nuns, there was home, he wrote in his 2007 memoir Promises to Keep. My idea of self, of family, of community, of the wider world comes straight from my religion. His faith was tested, but not weakened, after his wife and baby daughter were killed in a traffic accident in 1972. I never doubted that there was a God, but I was angry with God, he told The Christian Science Monitor in 2007. In that same interview, Biden conveyed why he considers himself a faithful Catholic despite his views on abortion. My views are totally consistent with Catholic social doctrine, Biden said. There are elements within the church who say that if you are at odds with any of the teachings of the church, you are at odds with the church. I think the church is bigger than that. Francis already has made clear he won't shun U.S. political leaders who support abortion rights. On October 9 he met at the Vatican with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose abortion stance has drawn the wrath of the top Catholic in her hometown of San Francisco, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone. Cordileone has been urging the U.S. bishops conference to send a message to Biden, Pelosi and others that would move them in their conscience. They need to understand the scandal that is caused when they say they are faithfully Catholic and yet oppose the church on such a basic concept, he told The Associated Press in April. Under Catholic policy, decisions regarding exclusion from Communion are left to individual bishops. While Cordileone has discouraged Pelosi from receiving Communion in his archdiocese, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the archbishop of Washington, has made clear that Biden is welcome to receive Communion when he attends services there. Francis, asked last month whether Biden and like-minded politicians should be denied Communion, avoided a yes or no answer, saying bishops must minister to such people with compassion and tenderness. He warned that clerics shouldn't let politics influence decisions about receiving Communion. Abortion is not the only issue placing Biden in opposition to the U.S. bishops. He is a strong supporter of the proposed Equality Act, which would extend federal civil rights protections to LGBTQ people nationwide. The bishops say the bill, currently stalled in the Senate, would violate the religious freedom of churches and individuals opposed to same-sex marriage and various transgender-rights policies. The meeting this coming week will be Biden's first encounter with Francis since becoming president, but he has met him three times before: first when Francis was inaugurated as pope in 2013; later during the pontiff's 2015 visit to the U.S.; and in 2016, when Biden visited the Vatican for a conference on regenerative medicine, where he spoke on cancer prevention. Francis repeatedly reaffirmed his opposition to abortion in recent weeks, calling the procedure murder and defending the right of conscientious objectors to refuse to participate in it. He has likened abortion to hiring a hitman to solve a problem. Chad Pecknold, a professor of theology at The Catholic University of America, doubts that the pope will confront Biden over his support for abortion rights, but said many Catholic bishops included may wish that would happen. US President Joe Biden's administration has told the lawmakers that America is nearing a formalised agreement with Pakistan to use the latters airspace to conduct military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan. The US plans to finalise the agreement with Pakistan was reported by CNN citing three sources familiar with the details of the classified briefing with Congress members that took place on Friday, 22 October (local time). Citing one of the sources, the CNN report stated, Pakistan has expressed its willingness to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in exchange for assistance with its own counter-terrorism efforts and also to help in the management of its relationship with India. Another source reportedly said that the negotiations are still ongoing adding that the terms of the agreement are not yet finalised and can be subjected to changes. Fridays closed-door meeting of members of Congress came as the White House is seeking ways to ensure that it can carry out counter-terrorism operations against ISIS-K and other such outfits in Afghanistan especially when there is no US military presence in the South Asian country. It is for the first time in at least two decades that there is no ground presence of American troops in Afghanistan after the NATO withdrawal from the nation. US faces risk of Pak refusing entry to its airspace Presently, the US military uses Pakistans airspace to reach Afghanistan as part of the ongoing intelligence-gathering efforts. However, there is no formal agreement between the US and Pakistan as of now, that would further ensure continued access to the crucial piece of airspace that Washington needs to reach Kabul. The US media outlet has noted that the air corridor between Pakistan and Afghanistan might become more important after America resumes flight into Kabul to evacuate the citizens who still remain in the war-ravaged nation under the Talibans control. Additionally, CNNs third source informed that an agreement was discussed when US officials visited Pakistan. However, reportedly, it still remains unclear what Islamabad wants or how much Washington would be willing to provide in exchange. It is also pertinent to note that with no formal agreement in place between Pakistan and the United States, Islamabad has the power to refuse entry to Washingtons military aircraft as well as the drones destined to reach Afghanistan. (IMAGE: AP) The United States will be deploying three Island-class patrol boats to Ukraine in November, Oksana Markarova, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Washington informed on Friday. Ukraine's Ministry of Defense had announced earlier this month that two Island-class patrol boats would be delivered from the United States to Ukraine during the third quarter of 2021, with a third arriving by the end of the year. Citing the Facebook post of Oksana Markarova, ANI reported, Today in Baltimore, at the US Coast Guard base, the fifth crew of Ukrainian sailors was declared ready to serve on the Island-class patrol boat called Kubrak. Through the post, she went on to describe that six weeks of training and preparation with the finest US trainers will be followed by the shipment of three boats from Baltimore to Ukraine in November. She added that the two boats are currently serving the Ukrainian military. The ambassador also stated that this engagement demonstrates Ukraine and the United States' strategic defence collaboration, with a specific focus on the navy and the strengthening of Ukraine's abilities in the Black and Azov Seas. "At sea, on land and in the air, we are building up our defence capabilities and moving towards NATO standards," Markarova said. US-Ukraine ties The United States Coast Guard's Island-class boats are rapid patrol boats built for monitoring, patrolling, search and rescue activities in coastal waterways. Two of these boats were given to the Ukrainian Navy in September 2018. Following Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the US established diplomatic ties with the country. The Strategic Partnership Charter between the United States and Ukraine emphasises the significance of bilateral cooperation and calls for further collaboration in military, security, economy and commerce, democracy, as well as cultural exchanges. It also stresses the United States' sustained commitment to supporting further cooperation between NATO and Ukraine. 'Ukraine's accession to NATO would be extremely dangerous': Russian Minister Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko stated that Moscow has cautioned NATO by saying, any step closer to the joining of Ukraine in the club will have repercussions from the nation. According to the RIA news agency, minister Rudenko was questioned about the remarks made by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a trip to Ukraine earlier this week, in which he stated that Washington has backed Ukraine's desire to join NATO and that no nation could prevent such a step. Daily Sabah quoted the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister as saying, "Ukraine's accession to NATO would be an extremely dangerous step". (Image: @CENTCOM/@OMarkarova/Twitter) Slamming the escalating violence in Africas second-most populous country, Ethiopia after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered the launch of an offensive against Tigrayan rebel forces in the northern Tigray region, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price on Friday, Oct. 22, threatened sanctions on persons preventing a ceasefire in Ethiopia's Tigray. During a White House briefing on Friday, Price stressed that the US remains gravely concerned by the escalating violence, by the expansion of fighting in northern Ethiopia and in regions throughout the country. Further, in a telephonic statement, separately, he warned that the United States was absolutely prepared to take action under this EO [Executive Order] to impose targeted sanctions against those responsible for the ongoing crisis. Outlining the growing risk to the unity and the integrity of the Ethiopian state, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said at the briefing that the escalating conflict in the Tigray region, which PM Ahmed had said would be over in mere weeks in November, is now undermining the efforts that are critical to keep civilians safe and to deliver humanitarian relief to those Ethiopians in dire need. [Smoke from fires billows at the scene of an airstrike in Mekele, the capital of the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia. Credit: AP] We [US] have urged all parties to end hostilities immediately, and for the Ethiopian Government and the TPLF to enter into negotiations without preconditions toward a sustainable ceasefire, Price stressed. He emphasized that a ceasefire would be necessary to establish conditions for an inclusive and credible dialogue between the warring sides, and to find a political settlement to longstanding grievances that pushed the country into full blown conflict. .@SecBlinken and @UN Secretary-General @antonioguterres today discussed Afghanistan and the deepening humanitarian crisis in northern Ethiopia, where they considered opportunities to strengthen international collaboration to end the current hostilities. https://t.co/qekoYNNhJm Ned Price (@StateDeptSpox) October 22, 2021 Since the past 8 months, the Ethiopian-Tigrayan conflict has displaced close to 1.7 million, led to the deaths of thousands, and the region, as per the UN, has headed for a famine worse than one that claimed 250,000 lives in 2011 in Somalia. Earlier yesterday, the Ethiopian government launched an airstrike on a military base in the capital of the northern Tigray region, Mekelle, which it said was used by the TPLF. A UN plane was reportedly forced to abort a scheduled landing in Mekelle. Fighting also escalated in Amhara, a neighbouring region seized by TPLF where at least 500,000 have been displaced, sending the residents in Dessie into a panic. The area was reported to have run out of food stock three days ago. The widespread humanitarian crisis precipitated by the violent conflict in northern Ethiopia has rendered millions in need of humanitarian assistance helpless, and on the brink of famine. [AP Photo] US Prez issued an executive order on sanction last month On September 17, last month, US President Joe Biden had issued an executive order sanctioning Ethiopian officials and organizations involved in widespread violence, ethnic-based violence, rape and other forms of gender-based violence, and obstruction of humanitarian operations atrocities, and serious human rights abuse in the African country. Biden argued that the Ethiopian conflict constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, thereby declaring a national emergency to deal with that threat. The sanctions, although, were put on hold to see if the warring sides were willing to resolve the dispute. Fighting in northern Tigray, Ethiopia erupted in November 2020 after the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) launched an offensive on an Ethiopian military base, prompting a counter-attack from Ethiopia. On the eve of the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, police clash with protesters at the French embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Oct. 22, 2021. Protesting wives of jailed politicians were roughed up by police in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, while hundreds of exiles from the country rallied in Washington Friday, demanding that their government uphold the 1991 pact that ended war in the country and promised democratic freedoms and human rights. The Paris Peace Accords, signed by the United Nations and 19 countries on October 23, 1991, ended the Cambodian-Vietnamese War and helped rebuild a country ravaged by that conflict and the genocidal late 1970s rule of the Khmer Rouge, while also providing democratic rule with a constitution and elections. The accords also set up an international tribunal to try Khmer Rouge leaders for genocide and other crimes. The 20 women protesting at the French Embassy in Phnom Penh were demanding that peace talks host Paris pressure Prime Minister Hun Sen and his increasingly autocratic government to return to compliance with the accord. The Paris Peace Accords signatories promised to protect and strengthen democracy in Cambodia. But Cambodia has totally lost its democracy and pluralism, one of the women told RFAs Khmer Service. The 20 women were part of a group called the Friday Women, who often brave rough police treatment to protest for the release of their detained husbands and sons, victims of a sweeping crackdown on the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and most major players in civil society. Police -- who outnumbered the women five to one -- seized banners, pushed some of the women to the ground, and stepped on them to hold them down, injuring several. National Police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun refused to comment on the incident. Crushing a protest that should have been protected by the Paris pact is just the latest evidence that Hun Sens government has now diminished those guarantees to absolutely nothing, said Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia director for the New York-based Human Rights Watch. Basic civil and political liberties are endangered across the country and Hun Sen has reduced the Paris Peace agreement to a shadow of what it was supposed to be by creating a Cambodia that is neither democratic nor rights respecting, he said in a statement. In Washington, about 200 people gathered on Capitol Hill to commemorate the 1991 signing. They urged Hun Sen to respect the accords, but also called on the U.S. Congress to enact sanctions against Hun Sens regime. The election in 1993, held under the auspices of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), was contested by multiple political parties. The most recent election, in 2018, came a year after Cambodias supreme court beholden to Hun Sen banned the CNRP, and his ruling party won all 125 seats in parliament. Cambodia can no longer be considered a multi-party democracy, Sorpong Peou, a Cambodian scholar from Canadas Ryerson University, told a panel at the U.S. Institute of Peace, an institution funded by Congress. There has been the transition backward to a one-party democracy with elections held without any credible opposition parties in the last election, he added. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen signs 23 October 1991 in Paris the peace treaty which ended 21 years of civil war in Cambodia. Credit: AFP Ariel Eckblad, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict and Stabilization Operations, said the country had achieved notable economic and social development, but that much of the progress made under the accords had been erased in recent years. Rather than realizing the competitive multiparty democracy envisioned 30 years ago, today Cambodia is witnessing increased repression and democratic backsliding, she said. Speaking at the same Washington panel, Chum Sounry, Cambodias ambassador to the U.S. said Cambodia has been well on track, since UNTACs mission ended in 1993. He denied that the government restricts civil and political rights, saying, the space for a free political environment remains in Cambodia for citizens who respect the law. On Thursday, U.S. lawmakers announced a resolution blaming the mixed record of the Paris accords on Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sens violations of Cambodias Constitution and effective one-party rule since 1993. Sen. Ed Markey, a resolution co-sponsor, said the U.S. must lead work to halt the current assault on democracy by demanding that Prime Minister Hun Sen hold free and fair elections, drop politically motivated charges against political opponents, and respect Cambodias constitutional commitment to neutrality. A former Khmer Rouge commander who defected to occupying Vietnamese forces in 1977, the 69-year-old Hun Sen has ruled Cambodia since 1985, six years before Paris pact. In 1997, Hun Sen staged a coup against his coalition partner in the government established by the first post-war elections, Norodom Ranariddh, son of the late King Norodom Sihanouk. Adding insult to injury to many Cambodians who see him as the spoiler of Paris accords, the government issued a new 30,000-riel (U.S. $ 7.35) bank note to commemorate the accords, with images of Hun Sen and Sihanouk. The new Cambodian 30,000-riel note. International watchdog groups that monitor justice, corruption, civil liberties and press freedom all give Hun Sens government low marks. The World Justice Project, a Washington-based independent group that promotes rule of law, ranked Cambodia next to last -- ahead only of Venezuela -- in its global Rule of Law Index for 2021, while anti-graft watchdog Transparency International ranked the country 160th out 180 countries in its Corruption Perceptions Index for 2020. The U.S.-based Freedom Houses annual Freedom in the World index rated Cambodia not free, with dismal political and civil liberty rankings that tied it with Djibouti for 165th. And Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked Cambodia 144th among 180 countries in its 2021 World Press Freedom Index. Sophal Ear of the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University said Cambodia deserves equally dismal marks in implementing the Paris Peace Accords. It will provide for periodic and genuine elections. It will provide for the right to vote and to be elected by universal and equal suffrage. It will provide for voting by secret ballot, with a requirement that electoral procedures provide a full and fair opportunity to organize and participate in the electoral process, said Ear, reciting key Paris provisions. Cambodia is today further from these objectives than it was in 2013 or 1993. Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong. Satellite imagery shows work taking place on the southern tip Pearson Reef in the South China Sea on Friday. Vietnam appears to be doing new construction and land-filling on a remote reef it occupies in the disputed South China Sea, commercial satellite imagery shows. The feature in question is Pearson Reef in the Spratly island chain. Vietnam has occupied the reef since 1978 and has previously reclaimed about six acres of land there. Planet Labs imagery taken Friday, when compared with a picture from March, shows new work has been underway at the southern tip of the northern part of the reef. The difference is even clearer when compared with an image from June 2020, as presented in the slider image below. Satellite images taken about 16 months apart illustrate the expansion of a reclaimed feature on Pearson Reef. (Planet Labs) "That Planet image definitely shows a barge pulled up and what looks like plumes of sediment in the water, Greg Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank in Washington, D.C., told RFA. It is likely that they brought sand and backhoes in and are piling it on that southern edge of the island to expand it. Pearson has already been expanded by about six acres but all of that previous landfill was done prior to 2014," Poling said. This week, there have also been a number of ships in close proximity to Pearson Reef, satellite imagery shows. Each of them is about 50 to 70 meters in length, suggesting they may be supply ships. The Vietnamese government doesnt normally comment on such events, but according to AMTI, since 2014 Vietnam has modestly expanded many of the features it occupies in the South China Sea, according to AMTI. Researcher Ca Vu Thanh, former director of Vietnams Institute of Seas and Islands, said his country holds sufficient evidence of its sovereignty over the Paracel and Spratly islands. He was speaking to RFA in a personal capacity and not commenting directly on the development at Pearson Reef. Regarding the reclamation of features in the Spratly Islands, Vietnam has always made it clear that we adhere strictly to the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, as well as agreements achieved with China and other ASEAN countries, Ca said. Vietnam only carries out works to prevent erosion and landslides in order to protect the features but not to expand nor change the structures of islands under its control, he said. Named after a national hero The Spratlys, an archipelago of islets, cays and reefs in the southern part of the South China Sea, are subject to competing territorial claims by China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan and Malaysia. Pearson Reef is classified by AMTI as a rock, 300 nautical miles east of Cam Ranh in central Vietnam. In Vietnamese, it bears the name of Phan Vinh, after Nguyen Phan Vinh, a hero soldier who died in 1968 during the Vietnam War. The reef is comprised of two sand cays, Phan Vinh A and Phan Vinh B, or Pearson Reef 1 and 2. Each hosts a number of facilities, including a Buddhist temple, to serve the stationing of soldiers and a few civilians, according to Vietnamese media. They said the reef plays a very important role in the Spratly strategic defense belt for Vietnam. Vietnam has 49 or 51 outposts spread across 27 features, AMTI said, adding that there is evidence of reclamation at 10 of the features. China has been criticizing other countries, especially Vietnam, for their island building in the South China Sea. However, by 2016 Vietnam had created just over 120 acres of new land in the South China Sea compared to almost 3,000 acres created by China, AMTI said. Belarusian authorities have abolished mask mandates less than two weeks after they were introduced and a day after the country registered a record number of new coronavirus infections. The decision came after authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka dismissed the mask mandates and other measures to control the spread of COVID-19 as unnecessary. The mask mandates were introduced earlier this month amid a new wave of infections and required Belarusians to wear medical masks in all indoor public areas, including public transport and stores. Doctors who have been treating COVID-19 patients were shocked by the decision, especially after the country on October 21 reported 2,097 new confirmed daily infections, the highest number so far. Dr. Mikita Salavey, a leading Belarusian infectious disease expert in Minsk, sharply criticized the decision, describing it as "madness" amid soaring infections. "Clinics and hospitals in all regions of the country have been overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients and suffered shortages of oxygen and medicines," he wrote on Facebook. Lukashenka dismissed concern over the coronavirus as "psychosis" when the pandemic began and refused to impose any restrictions. His attitude angered many Belarusians and contributed to their outrage over the presidential election in August 2020 that handed Lukashenka a sixth term -- an outcome the Belarusian opposition and the West have refused to accept. In announcing the end of the mask mandates, Lukashenka said: "This is the advantage of a dictatorship -- whoosh, and a wrong decision is no longer valid." Opposition leader Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who moved to Lithuania after the 2020 election fearing for the safety of her family, said people in Belarus dont believe the government or official statistics. "Belarus faces the worst wave of the coronavirus, and its not ready for that," Tsikhanouskaya said during an online conference. Countries across Eastern Europe have experienced a surge of infections in recent weeks, prompting authorities in the region to announce a raft of restrictions. Russia has set several daily records for coronavirus infections and deaths in recent days, prompting President Vladimir Putin to order a nationwide week of "nonworking" starting on October 30. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reintroduced lockdown measures from October 28 through November 7 -- with all shops, bars, and restaurants due to close, except those selling essential goods. In Ukraine, government data on October 22 showed a record 614 new COVID-19 deaths in the past 24 hours, up from 546 the day before. Schools were shut in high-infection areas the same day, including the capital Kyiv, where a two-week holiday was announced. Latvia has begun a monthlong lockdown as the number of new coronavirus cases reached an all-time high in the country, while hospitals in Bulgaria and Romania feel the strain of a surge in COVID-19 cases. Elsewhere in the world, U.S. federal health regulators said that kid-size doses of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer/BioNTech appear highly effective at preventing symptomatic infections in children aged 5 to 11 and caused no unexpected safety issues. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted its analysis of data provided by the company ahead of a public meeting next week to debate whether the shots are ready to be approved for U.S. children in the 5- to 11-year age range. The review affirmed results showing the two-dose shot is nearly 91 percent effective at preventing symptomatic infection in young children. The agency will put the question of whether the vaccine should be authorized to its panel of independent advisers on October 26 and weigh their advice before making its decision. Parents are awaiting protection for younger children to stem infections from the delta variant and help keep kids in school. With reporting by RFE/RL's Belarus Service, AP, and Reuters Prime Minister Viktor Orban and joint opposition leader Peter Marki-Zay both held campaign-style rallies in Budapest on October 23, nearly six months ahead of an election that is expected to be closely contested. Tens of thousands of Orban supporters marched on their way to hear the prime minister give a speech devoted to the commemoration of the countrys 1956 uprising against Soviet domination. Organizers said they expected as many as 400,000 people to show up. In his remarks, the nationalist Orban referred to his governments often-tense relations with the European Union, saying the bloc speaks and behaves to usas if we were enemies. Brussels would do well to understand that even the communists could not handle us, Orban said. Were the David whom Goliath is better off avoiding. Meanwhile, several thousand opposition supporters gathered to hear a speech by Marki-Zay. Marki-Zay said the Hungarian people were tired of Orbans hate campaigns against migrants and LGBT people. People had enough in 1956, and they have had enough now, he said. Our basic goal -- for all of us, left and right -- is for Hungary to be a democracy, to be governed by the rule of law in a market economy and as part of the European Union, he added. Marki-Zay, a 49-year-old conservative mayor, won an opposition primary on October 17 to head a six-party opposition alliance in the general election expected to be held in April. Orban and his nationalist Fidesz party have won three landslide elections since 2010. But opinion polls show the opposition alliance running closely against Fidesz, and analysts says this could be the closest vote the country has seen since Orban was defeated in 2006. With reporting by AP and Reuters The new governor of Irans East Azerbaijan Province was assaulted during his inauguration ceremony by a man who rushed the stage and slapped him. The new governor, General Abedin Khorram, had just approached the podium on October 23 in the city of Tabriz when an unidentified man strode onto the stage and struck him without warning. Footage of the incident was broadcast on state television, which showed that it took several seconds for security forces to apprehend the assailant. Khorram later returned to the podium and told the audience that he did not know his assailant. The IRNA state news agency reported that the attacker was a member of the Ashura Corp of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and that the attack was a personal dispute. Those claims could not be independently verified. Khorram was among 48 Iranians held hostage in Syria in 2013. Iran claimed the hostages were Shiite pilgrims, while the United States said they were technical advisers to the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. He was appointed governor of the northwestern province by President Ebrahim Raisi on October 17. IRNA said a criminal case had been opened. Based on reporting by AP and AFP The U.S. special envoy for Iran says Washington has started to question whether Tehran is still willing to return to full compliance with a 2015 nuclear deal, which imposed significant restrictions on Irans nuclear activities in exchange for relief from crippling sanctions. We dont know if Irans intent remains to come back into compliance with the JCPOA as the U.S. comes back into compliance with the JCPOA, Robert Malley said in an August 24 interview with Hannah Kaviani of RFE/RLs Radio Farda, referring to the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He added that Washington is concerned Tehran could take a harder line in talks aimed at salvaging the nuclear deal, which former U.S. President Donald Trump exited in May 2018 while reimposing tough sanctions that have wreaked havoc on Irans economy. Tehran has reacted by gradually decreasing its commitments under the deal and intensifying its sensitive nuclear work, including production of weapons-grade uranium to 60 percent purity. U.S. President Joe Biden has said that Washington will rejoin the accord if Tehran first returns to full compliance. Malley said the two sides could still reach an agreement for a mutual return to compliance with the accord, adding that Washington is prepared to make difficult compromises. Washington and Tehran have conducted six rounds of indirect talks in Vienna aimed at reviving the deal. But the talks were put on hold amid a change of government in Iran and the coming to power of hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi, who has said he would seek a diplomatic solution to end the sanctions against his country. But what were saying is, if that remains Irans intent, it is our intent we should be able to negotiate in short order a mutual return to compliance in which the U.S. would reverse those sanctions that are inconsistent with the JCPOA and Iran would reverse its nuclear steps inconsistent with the JCPOA, Malley said in his interview with Radio Farda. He said the two sides had made substantial progress during the Vienna talks, while warning a tougher stance by Tehran would be a miscalculation. We made substantial progress in the six rounds of talks, but we hadnt closed all the gaps. And if Iran comes back with a more hard-line position, its going to be very difficult to close because we hadnt closed before, even under the preceding government. So our hope remains that Iran will come back with a realistic position. The United States has called on Iran to return to the negotiations. Speaking earlier this month, State Department spokesman Ned Price warned that "the opportunity to achieve a mutual return to compliance with the JCPOA won't last forever. Raisi called for a lifting of the sanctions during his inauguration speech earlier on August 5. The sanctions must be lifted, Raisi said. We will support any diplomatic plan that supports this goal. BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has rejected the idea of hosting a U.S. military base in his country, saying such a move would place Kyrgyzstan in a "cat and mouse" game in terms of its relations with Washington and with Russia. Japarov made the remark on October 23 during an annual press conference in which he answered questions from state and private media outlets as well as independent bloggers and freelance journalists. Answering a question about potential for a U.S. military base being reestablished in Kyrgyzstan for the first time in seven years, Japarov noted that the country already hosts a Russian military base at Kant in the Chui region. "One [foreign] base will be enough for us," Japarov said. "We do not want to play cat and mouse with influential countries by stationing two bases on our territory." A U.S. airbase had been opened at part of Bishkek's Manas Airport in December 2001 in order to support international troop deployments to Afghanistan and counterterrorism operations as part of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom. But U.S. operations there ended in 2014 after Kyrgyzstan's parliament voted that Washington should vacate the facility -- a move seen as being aimed at pleasing Bishkek's former overlord, Russia. Recent U.S. media reports have suggested that the U.S. military would seek to reposition some of its troops in Central Asia after its decision to withdraw from Afghanistan. Japarov spent about four hours answering journalists' questions at his October 23 press conference. He said border crossings between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have remained closed to Tajik citizens since April "to prevent any possible conflict" following bloody clashes that killed 36 Kyrgyz citizens and 19 Tajiks. More than 200 people were wounded in the violence. Hundreds of houses and shops were also burned down or damaged. "The borders will be open [for Tajik students and other Tajik citizens] after all delimitation and demarcation works are completed," Japarov told journalists on October 23. "Members of the intergovernmental commission will be heading to Tajikistan soon," the Kyrgyz president said. "They have been working constantly." When questioned by RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service about the persecution of political opposition figures by authorities in Kyrgyzstan, Japarov denied that there has been any political persecution in the country. Several former prime ministers and opposition politicians, as well as former President Almazbek Atambaev and several his associates, remain jailed in Kyrgyzstan over their alleged role in mass protests against Japarov's government in October 2020. Some face charges of attempting to seize government buildings. Others are accused of corruption. Japarov said all of those cases remain under investigation and await court rulings. Police in the northwestern Russian city of St. Petersburg have detained a doctor and four nurses suspected of issuing fake COVID-19 vaccination certifications. According to an Investigative Committee statement on October 23, the five work at a health clinic at the Pavlov State Medical University. They are accused of giving people paper and online certificates of vaccination while destroying the unused vaccines. The authorities said they were investigating 12 alleged cases, for which the medical workers purportedly received more than 100,000 rubles ($1,425). If convicted, the medical workers could face up to 12 years in prison. MOSCOW -- Russia has issued an arrest warrant for a former prison inmate who has admitted to releasing graphic video evidence of hundreds of cases of inmate torture by other inmates at the direction of prison officials. The Interior Ministry on October 23 issued the warrant without specifying the crime that the Belarus-born Syarhey Savelyeu is accused of. According to the prisoners rights NGO Gulagu.net, which published some of the videos and reported on their contents, Moscow intends to send documentation on Savelyeu to Interpol to seek his extradition. After leaking the videos, Savelyeu left Russia and is seeking political asylum in France. Gulagu.net founder Vladimir Osechkin told RFE/RL that his organization will forward all the materials it received from Savelyeu to authorities in France. He also said his group will ask Interpol to suspend Russias participation in the network until the countrys prison and judicial systems have been reformed and torture rooted out. Five senior prison officials have been fired since Gulagu.net published the videos earlier this month. As an inmate, Savelyeu -- an IT specialist -- helped operate a prison computer network that gave him access to the videos. Gulagu.net has said guards and other prison officials bribed or forced inmates to torture other inmates in order to secure false testimony. The videos purportedly show hundreds of cases of rape and other torture at Russian prisons and pretrial detention centers in several regions. In an interview with Gulagu.net, Savelyeu said he believes Russia will seek to charge him with disclosing state secrets. Russias Investigative Committee has opened seven criminal cases in connection with the leaked videos. International rights watchdogs have long charged that the judiciary system in Tajikistan is often used to punish perceived enemies of the government. There are, indeed, many cases in recent years to support those claims. And even when moved to gestures of mercy, the Tajik courts and state officials seem callous in their actions. The following are some of the most egregious recent cases. The Lawyer Buzurgmehr Yorov is a Tajik attorney who was detained in late September 2015 and shortly thereafter sentenced to 28 years in prison. In honor of Tajikistan marking 30 years of independence this year, an amnesty has been granted to some prisoners. Yorov had four years removed from his long sentence. The 50-year-old attorney had a reputation for defending people who had little, if any, chance of proving their innocence in Tajik courts. He defended members of the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRPT), a group that had been in a power-sharing agreement with President Emomali Rahmons government and was later seen by Rahmon as an impediment to his exerting greater control over the country. Yorov also defended fellow lawyer Fakhriddin Zokirov, who was the attorney of businessman Zayd Saidov. Saidov founded a new political party -- Tajikistan Now -- in April 2013 and was convicted in December that same year on charges of fraud, polygamy, and statutory rape, charges seen as politically motivated. Zokirov was arrested in March 2014 on forgery charges and was held for eight months before he received an amnesty. Saidovs second lawyer, Shuhrat Kudratov, was sentenced to nine years in prison on charges of fraud and bribery. His term was shortened after two rounds of amnesties. In early September 2015, there was an outbreak of violence near the capital, Dushanbe. The government said it was an attempted coup led by the deputy defense minister, who many years earlier had tenuous ties with the IRPT. The IRPT was quickly blamed, declared an extremist group, and banned. All its top members who were still in Tajikistan were arrested and sentenced to long prison terms. Yorov intended to defend some of the top IRPT officials and said in an interview on September 28, 2015, that one of his clients was being tortured. On September 29, Yorov was detained on fraud charges that allegedly dated back to 2010. Originally sentenced to 23 years, Yorov had five more years tacked on at two later trials. At one of those trials, Yorov was given two extra years for contempt of court for quoting 11th-century poet and polymath Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna. International rights groups condemned the entire process from the lawyer's detention to the court decision. The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention at the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights issued an assessment in June 2019 that said taking into account all the circumstances of the case, the appropriate remedy would be to release Mr. Yorov immediately, and to accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations. Yorovs sentence was reduced by another 6 1/2 years under an amnesty in 2019, so with the subtraction of another four years, and time already served, he still faces 11 1/2 more years in prison. That would mean he would be released when he is 61 years old. The Opposition Figure Mahmurod Odinaev is the deputy head of the opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP). The Social Democrats are now the only genuine opposition party still registered in Tajikistan. Odinaev is in prison, serving a 14-year term, though the recent amnesty shaved three years off that sentence. In November 2020, Odinaev posted a message on his Facebook page appealing to Dushanbe Mayor Rustam Emomali, the son of the Tajik president, to allow the SDP to hold a demonstration against increasing food prices. Odinaev disappeared on November 20, 2020. On December 5, the prosecutors office confirmed that he was under arrest. In late January 2021, Odinaev was convicted of hooliganism and calling for extremism based on his request to hold a protest rally. His son, Habibullo Rizoev, was a co-defendant. He was fined 58,000 somonis (about $5,000). In March 2021, another of Odinaevs sons, Shaikhmuslihiddin Rizoev, was convicted of hooliganism and attempted rape and sentenced to six years in prison. The 59-year-old Odinaev refused to sign the amnesty, saying he never did anything illegal and is wrongly imprisoned. Ordinaev added that he will only accept his immediate release and full exoneration. The Cast-Iron Teapot In mid-September 2021, four members of the IRPT who were imprisoned after the alleged coup attempt in September 2015 managed to get a letter out of prison in which they again professed their innocence and asked that their cases be reviewed in the presence of international experts. The four are Zubaydullohi Rozik, who is serving a 25-year sentence; Hikmatullo Sayfullozoda, who has a 16-year sentence; Rahmatulloi Rajab, serving a 28-year sentence; and Muhammadali Fayzmuhammad, who was sentenced to 23 years in prison. The letter was made public on September 16, the day the Tajik opposition in exile marks as the Day of Political Prisoners. Tajik officials were unmoved by the appeal. There was no official reaction from Dushanbe. At the end of September there were reports that the 70-year-old Sayfullozoda had been attacked early one morning while in a prison hospital. He had undergone heart surgery in June and has been housed in the prison hospital since shortly after the operation. There were concerns Sayfullozoda was being tortured in prison. The Justice Ministry released a statement on October 8 denying the reports of torture. The ministry did confirm that Sayfullozoda was attacked, but they claimed that the assault was by another inmate. And not just by any prison inmate, but a prisoner who was from the United Tajik Opposition, the IRPT-led civil war opponents of the Tajik government. According to relatives, the inmate came into Sayfullozodas room and hit him on the head with a cast-iron teapot. There were reports that another author of the letter, Rahmatullo Rajab, had been physically attacked. Relatives of Rajab said at the start of October that they heard someone attacked him with a knife. Some of his relatives went to Vahdat Prison to try to get more information. They could not see Rajab but were able to speak with him by telephone. They said Rajab denied he had been attacked but they added that he was very careful about what he said, and the relatives left with the impression that someone else was listening to Rajab when he spoke. Prison officials denied Rajab was being tortured while incarcerated. Tajikistans ombudsman, Umed Bobozoda, later visited Sayfullozoda, Rajab, and another imprisoned IRPT member, Abdykahhor Davlatov. Bobozoda said Rajab and Davlatov denied they were being tortured and Sayfullozoda confirmed he had been attacked but not by a prison guard. But no independent confirmation of any of these charges or reports has been possible, with all the information available coming from prison officials or the ombudsman. The Rights Defender Izzat Amon had lived in Russia since 1996 and nearly always dedicated himself to helping Tajik migrant laborers in Russia. In 2000, Amon helped establish the Center for Tajiks of Moscow and helped Tajik migrants in the Russian capital register with Russian authorities, find places to live and work, and offered advice and services for Tajik citizens facing legal problems. On the eve of the 2020 parliamentary vote in Tajikistan, Amon announced his intention to create a political party and take part in the elections. But he soon abandoned this idea due to the requirement that candidates must have resided in Tajikistan for 10 years prior to an election. Amon was at times critical of what he believed was the failure of Tajik authorities to stand up to the Russian government and defend the rights of Tajik migrant workers, whose remittances are essential to thousands of families in Tajikistan and whose work is needed in Russia where there is a labor shortage. Russian authorities detained Amon on March 25, 2021, and forcibly returned him to Tajikistan, where he faced charges of fraud connected to his work in Russia. On October 19, Amon was convicted of major fraud and sentenced to nine years in prison. One thing that these cases have in common is that nearly all independent observers, international rights organizations, lawyers organizations, and other witnesses of the trial processes and sentencing of these men agree that their rights were violated. RFE/RL Tajik Service Director Salimjon Aioubov contributed to this report A U.S. jury on October 22 found Ukrainian-born U.S. citizen Lev Parnas, a onetime associate of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, guilty of violating campaign finance laws during the 2018 elections. Parnas was found guilty on all six counts of federal election law violations that he faced, including illegally helping a foreigner contribute to a U.S. election campaign, making contributions in the names of others, and lying to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC). Prosecutors in New York City said Parnas used funds from Russian businessman Andrei Muravyov to make political contributions to candidates while lying about the source of the money. Parnas and his former associate Igor Fruman, a Soviet-born Florida businessman, were accused of soliciting funds from Muravyov to donate to candidates in states where their group was seeking licenses to operate cannabis businesses in 2018. Parnas also concealed that he and Fruman were the true source of a donation to a group supporting former U.S. President Donald Trump, prosecutors said. Another Muravyov associate, Ukrainian-born U.S. citizen Andrey Kukushkin, was on trial alongside Parnas. Kukushkin was pronounced guilty on just one of the criminal charges. The defendants' attorneys argued during the trial that the two men were not involved in campaign contributions but rather conducting business, including on behalf of an energy company and legal marijuana industry startups. After the guilty verdicts were announced, Parnas said he had never hidden anything. "I've always stood and tried to tell the truth," he said as he left the court. In his closing statement Parnass attorney Joseph Bondy characterized his client as a passionate proponent of marijuana legalization who was "in well over his head." He argued that Muravyov's money funded business operations, not campaign contributions. Bondy said he would be filing a motion to vacate the verdict "in the interest of justice." U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken denied a request from prosecutors to detain Parnas and Kukushkin. Oetken set February 16 as the sentencing date for Kukushkin but did not set a sentencing date for Parnas, who faces another possible trial on separate fraud charges. The trail has drawn attention because Parnas and Fruman helped Giuliani pressure Ukrainian government officials to produce political dirt on then-presidential candidate Joe Biden during the 2020 presidential election campaign. At the time, Giuliani was Trump's personal lawyer, and his association with Parnas and Fruman in 2019 helped trigger the first impeachment of Trump. Giuliani, who served as a U.S. prosecutor in the 1980s before he was elected New York's mayor in 1994, has not been charged with any crimes and denies wrongdoing. Fruman pleaded guilty in September to one count of soliciting a campaign contribution from a foreigner. Based on reporting by AP and Reuters Richmond, KY (40475) Today Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 27F with temps rising to near freezing. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 27F with temps rising to near freezing. Winds light and variable. Court records show that an assistant director unwittingly handed Alec Baldwin a loaded weapon and told him it was safe to use in the moments before the actor fatally shot a cinematographer A former city councilwoman who is consulting the City of Rocky Mount about plans to restore Unity Cemetery told the City Council the municipal Rutland, VT (05701) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 24F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 24F. Winds light and variable. 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 On Nov. 11, 1978, Simi Valley police arrested restaurant manager Craig Coley for the murder of his girlfriend and her 4-year-old son. Despite a solid alibi, no criminal record, questionable evidence and a public outcry over his innocence, Coley was convicted of the crimes. He spent 38 years and 10 months in prison before Governor Jerry Brown, citing DNA and other evidence, exonerated him on Thanksgiving Eve in 2017. Regaining his freedom was one form of justice for Coley, who is now 71 and lives in Carlsbad. Another came on Saturday when the city of Simi Valley announced a $21 million settlement with Coley over a civil rights case he filed last year. Coleys award is the highest individual civil rights case payout to an exoneree in California history and the fifth highest in the U.S. since record-keeping began in 1989, according to Jeffrey S. Gutman, co-director of the Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics at George Washington University School of Law in Washington, D.C. Advertisement Gutman has tracked exoneree awards over the past 30 years in collaboration with the National Registry of Exonerations, a project of the UC Irvine Newkirk Center for Science & Society, University of Michigan Law School and Michigan State University College of Law. Gutman said the current national average payout in successful exoneree civil rights cases is $304,000 per year served in prison. Coleys award is nearly twice that amount, and its possible he may receive more because he has filed a separate lawsuit against Ventura County, which prosecuted the case. Coley said Monday he is grateful that he will now have financial security for the rest of his life and the ability to travel and support causes hes passionate about. But the settlement doesnt make up for everything he has lost. When I was in, I lost my whole family other than two cousins, he said. Its a bitter thing to live with but its a reality. Its been hard to accept but Ive learned to live with it. You know, Ill never have any children, or grandchildren for that matter. So theres a lot more to life than just money. Simi Valley City Manager Eric Levitt said in a statement published on the citys website that the city chose to settle the suit rather than face a long court battle. While no amount of money can make up for what happened to Mr. Coley, settling this case is the right thing to do for Mr. Coley and our community, Levitt said, in the statement. The monetary cost of going to trial would be astronomical and it would be irresponsible for us to move forward in that direction. Coley said hed like to use some of his settlement to co-sponsor seminars for law enforcement agencies to teach the importance of proper evidence handling. Much of the physical evidence in his case was initially mishandled and then, for many years, misplaced, he said. Over the past several months, Coley has been speaking to groups of police officers about this subject alongside his best friend, Mike Bender, 63, of Carlsbad. While working as a Simi Valley Police detective in 1989, Bender came across Coleys case and realized a miscarriage of justice had occurred. Hounded by his superiors to drop the case, Bender instead quit his job in 1991, left town with 16 boxes of case evidence and spent the next 26 years fighting to get the case reopened. Bender, who is now national director of special investigations for ICW Group Insurance Companies, said that he couldnt be happier for Coley, who he described as grateful and relieved over the settlement. Now he can truly enjoy trying to make up for 40 years lost from his life, Bender said. Its a lot of money but he can do a lot of good with it. He wants to make changes in laws and regulations so nobody ever has to go through what he went through again. Craig Coley, left, with Mike Bender at Benders house in Carlsbad last year. (Bill Wechter / San Diego Union-Tribune) Coleys parents passed away while he was in prison, so Bender, and his wife, Cyndi, became his new family. Today, the men live a few miles apart and are as close as brothers. Coley calls Bender my rock and said hed still be in prison if not for Benders tireless efforts. He directed me. He guided me. Hes been my compass. He helped me reintegrate into some semblance of a home life, which has turned out much better than I ever dreamed of, Coley said, in December. The wheels of justice finally began turning in 2015, when Gov. Browns office agreed to investigate Coleys case. Then in 2016, there was a changing of the guard at the Simi Valley Police Department. Incoming police chief David Livingstone met with Bender, who handed him the 16 boxes of files. Then Livingston launched his own investigation with the Ventura County District Attorneys Office. DNA evidence, previously thought destroyed, was found and tested, revealing another mans sperm, blood and skin cells on sheets and clothing in the apartment. Witness testimony was also largely discredited. Livingstone and the Ventura DA filed a clemency petition in November 2017 and Brown signed the pardon two days later. On a Facebook page maintained by Coleys family, Craig Coley The Truth Set Him Free, Coley said that despite the announcement of the settlement, no funds have been distributed. When the money is paid after attorney fees, he has a team of professionals who will help him manage his financial future. A Navy veteran, Coley plans to do some charitable giving to veterans and childrens causes. But most important, he plans to use some of his money to push forward in his final fight for justice: the capture and conviction of the man, or men, who raped and strangled the woman he loved, 24-year-old Rhonda Wicht, and smothered her toddler son, Donald, in his bed. Coley said he is hopeful that as swiftly as his case was resolved this past year, the killer or killers will be brought to justice. This money is not about me, its about two people that horribly lost their lives and I paid the price for it, he said. My hope is that this is solved as soon as possible for the sake of their family, if nothing else. They went through a lot to come to terms with their deaths and now it has opened up again. I would love for them to have some finality when this is all resolved. Readjusting to life on the outside took time for Coley, who had to learn to operate a cellphone and computer. For the first seven months of freedom, he stayed with the Benders. To help him get back on his feet, the Benders started a now-closed Gofundme account that raised $79,000. Then in February 2018, the California Victims Compensation Board voted unanimously to award Coley $1.9 million, based on $140 for each of the 13,991 days he served behind bars. Its the highest award ever paid to an exonerated California prisoner. In California, exonerees are eligible to collect both a state payout and file a separate civil rights case. The highest-ever exoneree civil rights payout was $26 million, paid in 2007 to Peter Limone, who served 33 years for a murder he didnt commit. Other awards of $25 million, $23.7 million and $22 million went to exonerated prisoners in Illinois and New York. Coley ranks fifth, according to Gutman. The standard for proving a civil rights case is high. Of 2,065 exonerees recorded in the registry since 1989, just 824 filed civil rights cases and, of those, just over half received compensation, Gutman said. Some of the reasons cited in these claims for wrongful conviction are mistaken witness identity, false confessions, perjury, misleading forensic evidence and inadequate legal defense. But the most important factor is proving official misconduct. This can include officials withholding exculpatory evidence, pressure on witnesses to provide false testimony and submitting false forensic evidence, Gutman said. pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com She will stand tall, with a torch held high, on a hilltop in San Ysidro, overlooking the U.S.-Mexico border region. Inspired by the Statue of Liberty, the 40-foot-tall monument of Mary, mother of Jesus, will stand as a symbol intended to welcome immigrants and refugees headed to the U.S. The statue will go up on the hilltop parking lot of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where community members convened Friday to kick off a crowdfunding campaign to raise $1 million to build the monument. Inspired by the Statue of Liberty, the 40-foot-tall monument of Mary, mother of Jesus, will stand as a symbol intended to welcome immigrants and refugees headed to the U.S. Advertisement It will stand as a beacon of hope and encouragement for people engaged in the struggle of the migrant, said artist Jim Bliesner, who drew inspiration from immigrants across San Diego for the statues design. The $2 million project, spearheaded by nonprofit San Diego Organizing Project, already has received $1 million from the California Endowment, a private health foundation. The hope is to raise the next $1 million and build the statue by early 2019. Rendering of the Welcome the Stranger, a monument of Mary inspired by the Statue of Liberty. (Michael Ojeda) It will be named Welcome the Stranger. Bishop Robert McElroy, of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego, said the monument and its location will send a strong message about the border. It is a symbol and powerful reminder that for us, for us as people of faith, for us as America, the border represents not a line of separation, he said, but a line that unites us to Latin America. He said the statue will commemorate the past, the present and the future of the U.S. First, he said, it will be a reminder that the U.S. is a nation of immigrants who contributed to help build America. That gets lost in the current conversation so easily, he said. The statue also will represent hope for a brighter future for the waves of immigrants and refuges who one day will begin what McElroy described as an arduous journey to the U.S. The idea of the sculpture surfaced roughly a year ago. It was designed by Bliesner with input from community members who attended workshops, where they shared their ideas and personal stories. Most of the inspiration came from listening to members of the congregation and the community about how emotional this subject is. People were crying, people were telling their stories, Bliesner said. I couldnt help but take that away as the primary element in creating the piece. As ideas were generated, Mary emerged as a symbol of hope. Community members noted she fled with her family to Egypt as a refugee soon after the birth of Jesus. The statue incorporates several symbolic elements. The turgid, severe geometry of Marys robe, which has several perforations, represents the difficult trek immigrants embark on, while spots of color in the folds of her robe symbolize moments of kindness in their journeys, Bliesner said. The torch, he said, represents hope for a brighter future. LEED lighting within the statue will illuminate it at night. Seating and drought-tolerant landscaping will surround the base. As part of the fundraising campaigns kickoff, community members tied ribbons to a makeshift fence at the site where the statue will stand. The pink, orange, green and yellow ribbons had written on them the names of loved ones affected by the countrys immigration policies, including relatives who were deported or who are living in the U.S. illegally. San Ysidro resident Maria Elena Esquer, a parishioner at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, wrote the names of her two adult sons who live in Tijuana and are awaiting visas to visit her. I have a lot of faith they will come, she said. Carolina Ulloa wrote the names of her brother, who was deported 15 years ago, and her sister, who was deported 10 years ago. She, too, said she hasnt lost faith her siblings will be able to return to the U.S. For more information about the statue, visit welcomethestranger.us. Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com Phone: (619) 293-1876 Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez Industry experts also said in interviews Monday that under production protocols, nothing should have been loaded in the gun, and it should have been checked several times to ensure it was safe. There's no shortage of things to see in Seattle. The Space Needle from different vantage points, the various museums and of course, the flying fish at Pike Place Market are staples for visitors and residents alike. But what can you actually do in Seattle? What can you experience? Luckily, the city is fairly interactive even one of its biggest museums has rooms where you can play instruments with much to do. Sure, the Ballard Locks are fun to see, and the salmon climbing the fish ladder is entertaining. But did you know it's incredibly easy to take the locks? All you need is a boat. And while most cities on the water offer beaches and lookouts, Seattle allows you to sail across to different islands and Peninsulas for less than $10 if you're on foot. Click here for some of the best routes the Washington State Ferry system has to offer. Instead of just learning about the history of old Seattle at the Museum of History and Industry, visitors can walk under the city, through the old streets that saw the Seattle fire in 1889. For a list of 10 things we feel people must do and experience in Seattle, keep scrolling. And if we missed anything, let us know. 1. Throw an axe on Capitol Hill Genna Martin 2. Learn to play the drums and guitar, scratch records and more GRANT HINDSLEY/SEATTLEPI.COM 3. Don't look out on the water, be on the water JoeInSouthernCA 4. Walk underground Karl W. via Yelp 5. Ride through the locks Merrill Images/Getty Images MORE SEATTLE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS: This story originally appeared on the SeattlePI on Feb. 9, 2020 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. Two impulses seemed to tug at Ersie Joyner across the trajectory of his career in the Oakland Police Department: a determination to hunt down perpetrators, and an altruistic quest to help his community. The retired police captain, 52, was critically injured in a shootout with three assailants who robbed him Thursday, in the heart of a city where he grew up wary of the police, only to become a decorated law enforcement officer who would steer youth away from violence. He remained hospitalized at Highland Hospital on Saturday as police continued investigating the incident at a Chevron Station just off Interstate 980 near downtown Oakland. Surveillance video captured a harrowing scene: Three assailants ambushed and robbed Joyner as he pumped gas into his Porsche; Joyner pulled out a gun and shot two of the attackers one fatally before he was shot as the two jumped in their car and fled. Police have not made arrests in this case or identified the assailants. In a city jolted by gun violence, the incident stunned those who knew Joyner as a cop who had been so instrumental in fighting crime and counseling youth. Suddenly he had become a crime victim himself. Born and raised in East Oakland, Joyner joined the police force in 1991 with notions that he would change the corrosive relationship between officers and the communities they served, said Regina Jackson, CEO of the East Oakland Youth Development Center and president of the citys Police Commission. He told me the reason he became a police officer was because he didnt like police officers, Jackson said. He wanted to be the one who was more engaged and made people not dislike police officers. Joyner had a mission to set youth on the right track, Jackson said, and helped mentor teenagers at the East Oakland center and similar organizations. But he was also known for being aggressive and ambitious. After starting out as an undercover narcotics officer, Joyner eventually switched to the SWAT team. He cannily worked sources for information, including the location of parolee and rape suspect Lovelle Mixon, who killed four Oakland police officers and then died in a shootout with police in 2009. Hes from Oakland, hes well known in Oakland that brought a lot of credibility, said David Muhammad, a former Alameda County chief probation officer and criminal justice reform consultant who has worked closely with Joyner for a decade. At the same time, Muhammad recalls Joyner voicing regrets about his actions as a beat cop in the early 1990s. Mostly, Muhammad said, he had misgivings about the number of arrests he made as part of the so-called war on drugs. Mark Costantini/The Chronicle 2004 He rose up the ranks, becoming a lieutenant in 2006 and overseeing the homicide unit, where, according to a biography on his booking website for public speaking gigs, he supervised 373 homicide investigations and 30 shootings by police officers. From there, Joyner continued his ascent, promoted to commander in the Bureau of Field Operations in 2009 and then to captain in 2010. He came under scrutiny the next year, after he and another officer fatally shot two men they believed were headed to commit a murder. Prosecutors cleared the officers of potential charges, and the families sued Oakland for wrongful death, leading the city to pay a $75,000 settlement in 2016. Several law enforcement and city sources have said Joyner had a fraught relationship with court monitor Robert Warshaw, who for years has overseen mandatory reforms in the citys Police Department, stemming from a landmark civil rights settlement in 2003. Joyner himself had harsh words for the monitor in a 2020 interview with The Chronicle. Warshaw, for whatever reason, has treated the city of Oakland as his personal annuity, he said. Theres a saying, that if youre teaching a class and five people fail, they didnt study. If 20 people fail, you didnt teach. Even as he held a high position in the Police Department, he maintained ties in his community. Reygan Cunningham, who worked with Joyner for years, remembers marching with him through East Oakland, after the murder of 3-year-old Carlos Nava in 2011. I had never been out in the community with a cop where people came out of their houses to acknowledge him and say What up E, How you doing, Ersie? Cunningham recalled. In 2013, the department tapped him to head Ceasefire, Oaklands flagship violence prevention program that had limped along since its inception in 2007, viewed during that period as a low priority. Joyner steered it through a phase of expansion, in which the city beefed up staff and began its targeted interventions with suspected gang members. Joyner and other officers began doing custom notifications, in which they would visit potential recruits to the program as soon as they were released from jail, usually accompanied by a pastor. 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. He was never afraid, said Cunningham, who served as Ceasefires civilian program director until 2018, a position that required her to go with Joyner to visit the homes of people who had recently been shot. He was always like, No, these are my brothers, these are my people, Cunningham said. He would say, Folks got major issues with the Oakland Police Department. ... I got issues with them, too. And I understand that because Im a Black man who grew up in Oakland. Oaklands investment in Ceasefire appeared successful. A 2019 study by the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence found the city had cut its annual number of shootings and homicides nearly in half since 2012. That progress began to unravel after Joyner retired from the department in 2019, around the same time that other top leaders left creating instability in the program. As the city reeled from increased violence, abetted by the pandemic and economic shutdown in 2020, Joyner shifted to a new career in the cannabis industry. He described himself in interviews as a business owner and consultant, devoting the same fervor to cannabis that he once did to busting gangs and cracking homicide cases. Im a cannabis king, now, Joyner recently told The Chronicle. He complained about heavy taxes levied on the industry, calling it taxation without representation. Days ago, Muhammad spent a night hanging out with Joyner in Dallas after an airline canceled their connecting flight from Indianapolis. They had visited the city to discuss the model of violence prevention they had employed in Oakland, which the Indianapolis mayor is now seeking to replicate. We talked a lot about violence in Oakland, lamenting about the work we did there together for years, Muhammad said. By Saturday night, Oakland police were grappling with 115 homicides the last of which was the individual Joyner shot and killed. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan A unique research university focusing on the social sciences will emerge next year in East Oakland, nestled on 135 acres of shade trees, lawns and the Mission-style buildings of pioneering California architect Julia Morgan. The selective private school will be the 10th campus of Northeastern University, a Boston institution thats been expanding globally for a decade and attracting buzz and thousands of applications because it entwines academics with internships in high-profile companies and agencies, from NASA to Microsoft. But the July opening of that school means the end of another, Mills College, which has occupied the stately campus on MacArthur Boulevard since 1852. The 170-year-old haven for women and, more recently, gender-nonconforming students will vanish in an era of dwindling options for those seeking to learn in an environment largely free of male influence. Mills is one of only 37 womens colleges remaining in the country. Those embracing the transformation, including Mills President Elizabeth Hillman, call it a merger an alliance that will allow Mills mission to live on through Northeasterns umbrella network of campuses. I dont want to pretend that Mills students experience will be unchanged, Hillman said, referring to undergraduates who had expected to graduate from Mills but who will now, if they stay, receive a diploma from Mills College at Northeastern. Each Northeastern campus has an academic theme, and the new one in Oakland will emphasize womens leadership, social justice and equity, said Mary Ludden, Northeasterns senior vice provost. For us, the legacy of Mills is an unbelievable asset the legacy of womens leadership and equity, she said. A separate Mills Institute will not grant degrees. Its shaping up as a think tank on gender issues and racial justice, and could support women making career changes or who are the first in their family to go to university, Hillman said. As for the college, she said, well have different demographics. Mills graduate program of 370 students has long enrolled men. But its 450 undergraduates are women, two-thirds of whom identify as people of color and 58% as LGBTQ. The school lost 36% of its undergraduate enrollment from 2010 to 2020, and an additional 25% since its pending closure went public in March. Mills core problem has been enrollment, said Hillman, president since 2016. By contrast, Northeastern claims more than 19,000 undergraduates as of fall 2020, with 52% women and 35% categorized as minority. Despite its $56,500 annual tuition, the university says 75,000 people applied for 4,000 seats in this years freshman class. On Forbes 2021 list of 600 top American colleges, Northeastern ranks 76th. Yet not everyone at Mills is happy about the infusion of new students or the prospect of corporate connections the hallmark of Northeasterns experiential learning model. The planned metamorphosis has inspired outrage among employees who fear they will lose their jobs. Many alumnae are bereft that their nourishing mother alma mater in Latin is on her deathbed. And some students feel misled that the administration said Mills diplomas would be awarded through 2023, and then unapologetically shaved off a year. Im so mad at them, said Jenny Varner, 21, a double major in art history and history, who applied to only one college, Mills, to earn a degree at the school her mother graduated from. In an exasperated letter to the administration, addressed to All Whove Played a Role in This, Varner wrote that a degree from Mills at Northeastern is not the degree from Mills College that you owe me. She got no reply. Varner said the school has been unable to assure her that it will continue to offer the classes she needs for her majors, despite early assurances. Ive decided that I cant trust it, and I have to go to another school, she said. It seriously breaks my heart. Mills is believed to be the only single-sex college ever to get its board of trustees to reverse a decision to go coed, after student protesters occupied the campus for 13 days in 1990, initiating the reversal. No encore occurred this year. The union representing 400 staff and nontenured faculty rallied this month to demand transparency about their employment prospects. And the Alumnae Association of Mills College is waging a long-shot legal campaign to halt the changeover, an effort that failed to stop the schools from signing an agreement last month. Mills, which declined to provide a copy of the agreement, is countersuing. Photos by Yalonda M. James / The Chronicle Mills has always been a beacon, educating those with the least amount of access, whether the marginalized voice was a woman, a woman of color or transgender, said Alexa Pagonas, vice president of the alumnae associations board of governors, which contends that Mills has enough money and assets to survive, and should do a better at recruitment. Amy Osborne/Special to The Chronicle 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. From Northeasterns perspective, its integration with Mills is powering forward. All the schools campuses offer graduate degree programs, including its Bay Area sites in San Jose, focused on computer science, and San Francisco, which offers health sciences degrees. Mills will be the third campus with undergraduates. The others are the business and tech-themed Boston site, and London, which is focused on the melding of humanities and the digital age, said Ludden, who spoke from a building overlooking the River Thames. Northeastern and Mills will create new degrees that dont exist today, she said. Students can mix and match across campuses and work at any of 3,000 companies and agencies on every continent, including Antarctica, she said. To Michael Kirst, co-author of the 2017 book Higher Education and Silicon Valley, Northeasterns educational model is ripe for the times. Northeastern is a good fit for us because they forge links to employers in a more direct way than most schools do, said Kirst, former president of the state Board of Education and a Stanford education professor emeritus. But in serving the needs of many, say supporters of womens schools, the Bay Area will lose a critical asset for the few. Institutions like Mills have more relevancy today than they ever have before, said sociologist Maggie Nanney, an expert in womens colleges and visiting instructor at Hollins University. The closure of another womens campus comes as a huge loss to Mills students and staff, the historically womens college community, and higher education more broadly. Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov The Bay Areas recent wave of COVID infections, driven by the delta variant, is well into its decline. Cases are down by over 75% since their peak in early August, hospitalizations have waned, and were entering the moderate transmission category, where the CDC no longer recommends universal indoor masking. All of this is great news. Yet, having gone through a summer in which many of us thought COVID wouldnt surge again, followed by another surge in cases anyway, people are wondering what comes next. Now is a good time to look back at what we learned from delta and to study best practices from around the world in both preventing future hospitalizations and deaths, and getting our society back to normal. Lets start with the data: delta mortality in the Bay Area so far has been similar to a typical flu. Over a winter flu season, influenza leads to on average 10.95 deaths per 100,000 population, or about 860 deaths in the Bay Area. According to the California state COVID database, last winters surge accounted for nearly 4 times that many deaths in spite of extensive control measures, including stay-at-home orders and closures of bars, restaurants, schools and houses of worship. Thanks to widespread vaccination, however, the delta-driven surge that began in mid-June has resulted in 711 deaths, a much milder result (83% of typical annual flu deaths) despite taking fewer precautions against a more transmissible virus. In San Mateo and Marin counties, where vaccination rates are highest, the delta death toll has been only around one-third of a typical influenza season. If we control for season by comparing the mid-June to mid-Oct time frame in 2020 and 2021, our analysis found that cases were 40% higher this year but deaths were 40% lower. With the majority of the population protected by vaccines, COVID is becoming less deadly regardless of season. Vaccination prevents hospitalization and death with 90% to 95% efficacy, while vaccinated people who do end up in the hospital often have clear risk factors: they are older than 65 and have two chronic underlying medical conditions. Booster shots can now further protect those groups. Both Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Federal Drug Administration expert advisory panels have concluded the rest of us are already well-protected. The Bay Area populations immunity levels are clearly game-changing. And so, as a possible winter COVID surge approaches, we should be looking to other places with high immunity to learn how to move forward, rather than looking with fear at the impact on places with low immunity. The Bay Areas full vaccination rate (including non-eligible children) is similar to the 75% rate in Denmark, 74% in Norway and 68% in the Netherlands. Just as these highly vaccinated European countries dont set policy based on whats happening in Romania or Croatia, we here in the Bay Area dont need to be afraid based on what happens in Alabama or even in less-well vaccinated parts of California. Denmark lifted all COVID-19 restrictions on Sept. 10, Norway did the same on Sept. 25, and the Netherlands removed most restrictions the same day. (Of note, none of these countries recommended masking of children 12 and under at any point in the pandemic.) These highly vaccinated countries are recognizing the profound value of prioritizing normalcy, for children most of all. Data in the U.S. and globally has thankfully confirmed that although delta spreads more easily than earlier variants, it does not cause more serious disease in the children it infects. Unvaccinated children are still on average at even lower risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19 than fully vaccinated middle-aged adults, while the risk of serious disease in vaccinated children is essentially nonexistent. While the media was filled with nerve-wracking stories of full pediatric wards in other places, the highly vaccinated Bay Area experienced almost no pediatric hospitalization surge. It should also be noted that post-viral infection symptoms from COVID (often referred to as long COVID) in kids were found in controlled studies to be overwhelmingly mild, similar to those seen with other common infections and self-resolving with time. Promptly prioritizing a return to normal school (and normal life) reduces the harms of job losses, interrupted education and the physical, psychiatric and economic costs of ongoing restrictions. Armed with immunity, highly vaccinated countries are successfully dropping both masks and school contact quarantines without notable surges in child hospitalizations. This makes sense: Whatever quarantines and masks achieve in slowing COVID, it is certainly dwarfed by what well-prepared immune systems do. With vaccination rates exceeding 90% in many Bay Area high schools, risk is now very small, almost certainly lower than that of seasonal influenza. However, our updated COVID rules place fewer restrictions on adults in bars, restaurants, gyms, and offices than they do on our overwhelmingly vaccinated, very safe high school students. After 18 months of massive disruption to their education, and with the American Academy of Pediatrics declaring a national childrens mental health emergency, we should let our kids experience the normal life theyve needed so badly. Vaccines will soon be available for our younger kids, too. While we wait, we can also follow the examples set in other countries to make life as normal as possible for them. Current California guidelines require quarantines for those who come into contact with COVID, a highly disruptive practice that keeps healthy children out of school, in many cases repeatedly. Fortunately, rapid antigen tests can be used to prevent quarantines for children by testing exposed children every morning for a week. This has been demonstrated effective in the United Kingdom, and many school districts across the U.S. are avoiding excessive quarantines of students with Test to Stay programs. Treating every sniffle as a cause for quarantine is highly disruptive for families. Thankfully, other states and countries are showing us an alternatives that are much less disruptive than our current protocols. Lastly, its time to switch our focus away from COVID cases when making public health decisions and instead focus on severe disease. The Bay Areas delta wave didnt bring an unusual level of hospitalization or death. Other highly vaccinated places are adapting to this reality. After dropping restrictions, Denmark and the Netherlands have seen some increase in cases, but hospitalizations are similar to when restrictions were in place in early September and death rates have remained low and unchanged. In Norway, new cases and hospitalizations have continued to decline. In Germany, officials are switching from cases to hospitalizations as the metric for considering any future restrictions, and with 79% vaccinated the U.K. has remained open, despite sustained delta transmission and the emergence of a new variant, because severe disease levels remain manageable. Bay Area public health plans still hold the possibility of keeping restrictions in place based on cases alone. This should be updated to ensure we dont disrupt life based on disease levels that are flu-like or less. COVID isnt going away. Delta has the ability to replicate in the noses of people with immunity gained though vaccination or infection, so it and other COVID variants will spread in perpetuity. But that doesnt mean we dont have an endgame with the virus. Population immunity is already preventing unusual levels of serious disease. Just as we embraced the science of vaccination to get to where we are today, embracing other best practices from around the world can give us the freedom to move forward and reclaim our whole, unfettered lives. Tracy Beth Hoeg is a physician and an epidemiologist in private practice, affiliated with Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. Scott Balsitis is a viral immunologist and vaccine developer living in San Mateo County. Twitter: @TracyBethHoeg, @DrScottBalsitis Hundreds of students at Archbishop Riordan High School staged a walkout Friday during an all-school assembly that featured a prominent antiabortion speaker. About five minutes into the presentation, during which staff members patrolled the doors, students at the Catholic high school exited the theater and walked into the gym, since school rules dont permit them to leave campus. A few dozen of the schools more than 800 students remained in the theater for the entire presentation. The speaker, Megan Almon, works with the Life Training Institute, a program that focuses on teaching people who are opposed to abortion to persuasively defend their views in the marketplace of ideas, and sends its speakers to Catholic and Christian schools everywhere, its website says. The Catholic Churchs official stance is also antiabortion. The assembly comes on the heels of womens marches across the nation, including one in San Francisco, in support of reproductive rights as conservative states like Texas attempt to restrict abortion rights timing that was frustrating to Riordan parents and students. Almons speech also follows San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileones intensified public campaign to persuade House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a fellow Catholic, to renounce her support of abortion rights. Cordileone, who oversees the dioceses Catholic schools, including Riordan, is launching $50,000 digital ad in which he asks viewers to pray and fast as a sign of support, calling the effort the Rose and Rosary for Nancy Campaign. Some Riordan students were particularly upset that Almon was invited to speak during the schools first year as a co-ed institution Riordan had previously been an all-boys school. Claire Ibalio, a senior and one of the students who walked out, said she felt like inviting Almon negated the opinions of pro-choice students like her. Its just so frustrating, said Claire, who transferred to Riordan when Mercy High School, an all-girls school, closed last year. Its been so hard to go from an environment of female empowerment to someone telling me what I can and cant do with my body. Ashley Coleman, also a senior who transferred from Mercy, also describes herself as pro-choice, said she was as compelled to walk out when Almon began comparing the number of abortions in the U.S. to deaths in the Holocaust just a few minutes into the presentation. Not every student felt that way. One student who stayed for the presentation, but asked not to be idenfied, said she was happy to hear a perspective that she does not often get in her social circles. During the lecture, Almons talking points ranged from how embryos should be considered people and are no less valuable than the students in the room to how the logic of abortion compares to infanticide. Some parents, who learned of the assembly in an email the school sent Wednesday, were also disappointed in the choice to bring Almon to campus, feeling that she represents extreme views that shouldnt be shared with impressionable teenagers and that more context is needed when discussing the debate over abortion. I am really disappointed with Riordan, said Jon Bailey, whose daughter is a sophomore at the school and was part of the walkout. After researching the speaker whose name was not included in the original email to parents he said that he found her message, which focuses on arguing for the antiabortion stance, to be horrible and frankly harmful. Bailey added that he was incredibly proud of his daughter for standing up along with the other students of all genders who joined her. Some parents were also surprised by the move. For me, it was poor pedagogy, and it was poor decision making, said Judy Walgren, whose son goes to Riordan. Both were especially angry given that the speaker came during the first year that girls were allowed campus. 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 schools administration, however, argued that the speaker was part of its Catholic education. The assembly was an opportunity to come together in order to learn more about the dignity of human life. We recognize that members of our school community, whether they are Catholic or not, have different viewpoints on this topic, interim president Tim Reardon said in a statement. We appreciate that those with different views shared those respectfully today. We offered an alternative safe venue for students. The school also seemed to anticipate some resistance to the speaker, writing in an email ahead of the assembly to parents: The administration is aware that not all Riordan students are Catholic. We understand that we live in a society in which people have strong, disparate opinions about all the categories ascribed to this theme Our speaker will be here simply to explain the Catholic position, primarily with regard to abortion. We ask that all students listen respectfully to the speaker, who is nationally recognized for her work on this subject. Opinions on abortion range significantly among Catholics themselves. A 2019 Pew Research Center survey found that more than half of U.S. Catholics some 56% said abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 42% said it should be illegal in all or most cases. Still, the survey found, most Catholics favor at least some restrictions. And the schools argument that the presentation was in line with Catholic teaching didnt sit well with students and parents alike who said that politically, the issue is much larger than abortion. Walgren said that if the assembly was really about Catholic themes of the dignity of human life and not politics, then where are the speakers about the death penalty? Where are the speakers about how you should go out into the streets in the Tenderloin and wash the feet of the poor and destitute? Danielle Echeverria is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: danielle.echeverria@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DanielleEchev As a child growing up in St. Louis in the 1990s, Jesse Appleton relished his summers with his grandparents in San Francisco. They lived on Russian Hill and owned the Empire Theater in West Portal. The family would eat at the New Seasons restaurant and then catch a flick at the Empire. Appleton remembers seeing Apollo 13 in a packed house when it came out in 1995. My family has been involved in that theater for 100 years, said Appleton. Its been passed down through generations. I spent many a happy a summer there with my grandparents and went to the theater often. So when the longtime operator Cinemark broke its lease and permanently closed the theater in February, Appleton grew concerned. His extended family had decided to put the theater on the market, but he didnt want it to leave the family. Appleton got together with his brother and a friend to purchase it in July for $2.5 million. What they were not prepared for, however, was the condition of the place. The operator had shut off the utilities and removed not only the projection equipment, but also the screen and snack bar. They had pulled permits to replace the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, but the work was never done. There was a hole in the roof. On a recent rainy Thursday there was a mini homeless encampment in the theater entryway, with a tent and a collection of luggage. The place is a disaster, Appleton said. They just turned off the lights and never went back. They left a shell with seats and a leaking roof. It was sad to see it in its current condition. Cinemark did not respond to an email seeking comment. Appleton said he hopes the theaters next incarnation will include a movie theater, but that its too soon to say exactly what the mix of uses might look like. We are still trying to get our arms around it, he said. Meanwhile, West Portal residents and business owners say they are happy that the theater, which has been an anchor of the West Portal business district, is in the hands of someone dedicated to reviving it. The theater anchors the downtown area and patrons often combine a movie with a meal or trip to the Goodwill or West Portal Books. Its closure has left a jumbo-popcorn-size hole in the center of the retail district. The Empire has been a fixture in West Portal since 1925, said Katherine Petrin, a board member with the San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation. She said the group, which has helped save a half dozen threatened movie houses, would work with the new owners. We believe that a revitalized Empire cinema has great potential and we welcome the opportunity to work with community partners to renovate and reopen it. On Thursday afternoon at the Philosophers Club, a historic bar next to the train station, patrons recalled taking children and grandchildren to the latest Disney movies, often followed by ice cream. Eleanor Frangos, who has lived in West Portal for 55 years, would go there with her granddaughter, who is now 24. They would get a pedicure, pizza and stop in the Goodwill store next door. With the Empire gone, she goes to the Balboa Theater in the Richmond District. I dont like the big theaters they are taking over, he said. Joan Duddy recalled going to the Empire to see Love Story and Brians Song as a young teen in the early 1970s. It was the only place you could go if you wanted to hold hands with your little boyfriend, 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. For decades Philosophers Club owner Deb Sullivan had the scoop on the latest in Hollywoods offerings. Before and after the movies at the Empire, theatergoers would stop in the Philly to talk about the indie comedy they had just sat through or the superhero blockbuster they were on the way to. When Sex and the City came out, Id be making nothing but Cosmopolitans, Sullivan said, referencing the 2008 film adaptation of the TV series. Six ladies would come in and Id say, Let me guess, youre going to the movies and you want six Cosmos. Shelby Ash, who owns the Music Store across the street from the Empire, said he would love to see music added to the programming when the theater is reopened. Ash is a concert promoter who puts on bluegrass and country shows at the Plough & Stars on Clement Street and other venues. Id love to do shows over there if they start doing live music, he said. J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) A jury weighing the fate of fallen Silicon Valley star Elizabeth Holmes got its first chance Friday to listen to recordings of her boasting to investors about purported breakthroughs in a blood-testing technology. The technology heralded as a quantum leap in blood testing, however, later dissolved into a scandal that now threatens to send her to prison. The drama unfolded in a San Jose, California, courtroom with federal prosecutors playing a series of recordings from a December 2013 conference call that Holmes held with investors in Theranos, the company she started in 2003 after dropping out of college at 19 in hopes of becoming a revered visionary in the mold of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The audio clips of Holmes capped the sixth week of a high-profile trial revolving around allegations that Holmes duped sophisticated investors and major retailers with bogus promises about a Theranos device dubbed Edison. The company's machine was supposed to be able to quickly scan for hundreds of potential health problems with a few drops of blood taken with a finger prick. In the recordings, Holmes speaking in a husky voice that some critics said she adopted to sound more authoritative boasted about partnerships with big pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer that evidence in the trial has revealed didn't pan out. She also mentioned contracts that never materialized because Theranos couldn't get the Edison to work properly. The device's repeated failures disillusioned former U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis, a former Theranos board member ally who testified earlier in the trial. We could establish what has the opportunity to be the largest lab in the country, Holmes told investors in one of the clips played Friday. She laid out that ambition just a few months after Theranos had struck a deal to set up blood-testing wellness centers" in Walgreens stores across the country. But Theranos wound up in only 40 Walgreens stores. After investing $140 million in Theranos, Walgreens wound up ending the Theranos alliance in 2016, not long after a series of explosive articles in The Wall Street Journal and regulatory audits exposed chronic flaws in the blood-testing technology. Before everything blew up, Holmes raised hundreds of millions of dollars from a list of investors that included billionaires such as media mogul Rupert Murdoch, the Walton family behind Walmart, and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. The clips played Friday were recorded by Bryan Tolbert, an adviser to Dallas real estate developer Carl Hall, who invested $7 million in Theranos. The flurry of investments at one point valued privately held Theranos at $9 billion, including a $4.5 billion stake owned by Holmes. Now she is facing up to 20 years in prison if she is convicted in a trial that is scheduled to continue until late this year. As she has done throughout the trial, Holmes on Friday sat stoically alongside her lawyers while her voice filled the courtroom. She has yet to have a reason to speak during the trial, though her attorneys have signaled she make eventually take the witness stand to defend her actions as Theranos' CEO. Holmes, 37, has denied any wrongdoing, and blamed any misconduct on her former boyfriend, Ramesh Sunny" Bulwani, who was Theranos' chief operating officer. In court documents, Holmes' lawyers have asserted she was manipulated by Bulwani, a charge his lawyer has vehemently denied. Bulwani faces a separate trial next year. The jury that listened raptly to the recordings of Holmes was whittled down Friday when U.S. District Judge Edward Davila dismissed one member for an undisclosed reason. Originally composed of 17 people, including five alternates, the jury is now down to 10 men and four women. AURORA, Colo. (AP) A 16-year-old boy has died and another 16-year-old was hurt in a Friday night shooting in Aurora, police said. According to the Aurora Police Department, one teen was taken to a hospital after he was shot inside a vehicle in the area of East 12th Avenue and Ironton Street, 9NEWS reported. He later died. DORA, Ala. (AP) A rural Alabama town voted to offer its employees a $200 incentive to get the COVID-19 vaccine using federal pandemic relief money. Leaders in the Walker County town of Dora said they hoped the move would boost the vaccination rate in the city of 2,200, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Birmingham, the D aily Mountain Eagle reported Thursday. Mayor Randy Stephens, who is retired from the medical profession, said providing the vaccine bonus with federal funding is a really good idea. I understand some people are opposed to it. It wouldnt make any difference if we gave them $1,000. They wouldnt take it, he said. Opposition to vaccinations against the coronavirus has been persistent in some areas, particularly those with mostly white, conservative makeups. About 42% of the population is fully vaccinated in Walker County, roughly in line with the statewide average, according to statistics from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The city's 40 workers have until Dec. 31 to provide verification that they are vaccinated. Officials initially discussed an incentive of $100 per worker, but Council member George Sides Jr. said he didn't know if that was enough since some people have reactions to the shots. Good point, Stephens said. My son was on the couch for three days. The panel increased the incentive to $200. Booster shots aren't included, the mayor said. More than 818,000 people have contracted COVID-19 in Alabama, and more than 15,370 have died, according to the state health agency. MILWAUKEE (AP) Starting Sunday people in Wisconsin will have to dial local numbers using 10 digits the area code and the seven-digit phone number. Currently, people in Wisconsin can place a call to a number in the same area code without dialing the area code. CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) 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, The Southern reports. 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. RICHMOND, Va (AP) Former President Barack Obama offered a sharp rebuke of the Republican candidate for Virginia governor, Glenn Youngkin, as he encouraged voters on Saturday to support Democrat Terry McAuliffe in the closely watched race. Obama accused Youngkin of portraying himself as a friendly everyman while encouraging what Obama called lies and conspiracy theories about widespread voting fraud in the 2020 elections. Former President Donald Trump has continued to push the false narrative about election fraud, which fueled the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Either he actually believes in the same conspiracy theories that resulted in a mob, or he doesnt believe it but he is willing to go along with it, to say or do anything to get elected. And maybe thats worse ... because that says something about character," Obama said. Youngkin, a former private equity executive and a first-time candidate, initially made election integrity the centerpiece of his campaign and refused for months to say whether President Joe Biden was legitimately elected. He has since said that Biden was, and that there was not widespread fraud in last year's elections. Obama described McAuliffe the state's governor from 2014-2018 as an experienced, steady hand and told a crowd of what organizers said was 2,000 people gathered outdoors at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond that the Nov. 2 election would show the country and the world that were not going to indulge in our worst instincts. The former president said he understood voters are worn down, both from the country's divisive politics and the strain of the pandemic. But he said there's too much at stake to not cast a ballot. We dont have time to be tired. What is required is sustained effort," he said. Asked for comment, a Youngkin campaign spokesman called Obama's remarks false statements and accused The Associated Press of indulging the fantasies of the Terry and the left because they cant run on their failed record and radical vision for the future." The Youngkin campaign has said election security is a bipartisan concern and has tried to draw a comparison between the false claims of fraud today and the 2000 presidential election, when a Supreme Court ruling decided the winner and McAuliffe blasted the decision and said the election had been stolen. McAuliffe is seeking a return to office in the only state where the incumbent cannot serve consecutive terms. Less than two weeks out from the Nov. 2 election, polls show a tight race in a state Biden carried by 10 percentage points last fall. While New Jersey is also holding an election for governor on Nov. 2, its the Virginia race thats grabbed national attention as a possible indication of voter sentiment before next years midterms. Numerous Democratic elected officials including U.S. Reps. Donald McEachin and Bobby Scott, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and Gov. Ralph Northam also delivered remarks at Saturday's event. The officials cast the election as a choice between a proven leader and an extremist who would roll back progressive reforms implemented during the past two years of full Democratic control of state government, including an expansion of voting rights and abortion access, tighter gun laws and criminal justice reforms. Multiple speakers acknowledged the contest is close. We cannot take any chances, Northam said. Several speakers sought to tie Youngkin and his running mates to Trump. Glenn Youngkin is extreme. This guy is a fanboy for Donald Trump, said Jaime Harrison, chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Obama also visited Virginias capital to rally Democrats during Northams 2017 race for governor against Republican Ed Gillespie, who lost by about 9 percentage points. His visit marked the latest in a series of appearances by high-profile Democrats who have come to the state in recent days to press the case for McAuliffes candidacy. They include voting rights activist Stacey Abrams, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Vice President Kamala Harris, who told a crowd Thursday night, This race is tight. Biden, who campaigned with McAuliffe over the summer, is joining the Democratic nominee in northern Virginia on Tuesday. National Republican groups criticized McAuliffe on Saturday for the procession of high-profile surrogates. As Bidens poll numbers continue to tank, McAuliffe is going down with him and no amount of heavy hitter politicians will right the ship, said Maddie Anderson, a spokeswoman for the Republican Governors Association. Youngkin, who has generally steered clear of outside supporters in the final stretch, held a Saturday evening rally in suburban Richmond at the start of a statewide bus tour. Speaking to a crowd of what the campaign said was 2,000 people in a field next to a grocery market, he delivered a half-hour outline of his platform, promising to cut taxes, roll back red tape, ban critical race theory and roll out an expansive charter school program. He said the election offered a chance to change the trajectory of the state to one where the relentless pursuit of a better life, of prosperity is not burdened or blocked by self-dealing politicians. This thing is a toss-up, he said, and later predicted that he would win. Youngkin did not directly address Obama's harshest criticisms. But the former collegiate basketball player did crack a joke in reference to one element of Obama's remarks, saying that he had challenged the former president, an avid basketball fan, to a game of one-on-one. Trump has not campaigned alongside Youngkin, and Youngkin's campaign has not responded to questions from The Associated Press about whether he has been asked to. Trump has endorsed Youngkin multiple times and called into a rally organized by a right-wing radio host this month to exhort the crowd to vote for him. Even as schools have returned in full swing across the country, complications wrought by the pandemic persist, often falling hardest on those least able to weather them: families without transportation, people with limited income or other financial hardship, people who don't speak English, children with special needs. Coronavirus outbreaks in school and individual quarantine orders when students get exposed to the virus make it a gamble on whether they can attend classes in person on any given day. Many families dont know where to turn for information, or sometimes cant be reached. And sometimes, because of driver shortages, it's as simple as the school bus not showing up. Keiona Morris, who lives without a car in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, outside Pittsburgh, has had no choice but to keep her boys at home on days when the bus didnt arrive. Her two sons have missed about two weeks worth of classes because of such disruptions, she said. Taking her older son to school on the civic bus system those days would mean not making it home in time to get her youngest to elementary school, she said. I feel like theyre leaving my kid behind, Morris said. Sometimes, he feels like hes not important enough to get picked up. For some families, its a matter of not having the private resources to deal with breakdowns in the public education system. For others, language barriers or other communication issues leave them uninformed about things like programs that let students return to school despite virus exposures, as long as they test negative for infection. And while some students can keep up with school remotely during quarantines, others receive little to no instruction, or they lack internet or devices to connect. As districts seek solutions, they have to consider that disproportionate burden, said Bree Dusseault, principal at the Center on Reinventing Public Education at the University of Washington. If youre going to be using a test as a tool to shorten quarantine, then all students have equal and free and easy access to that test, she said. The first day the shortages affected her son's route, Morris did not see an early morning email notification that her son's bus would be canceled, and the two of them waited at the stop for a ride that never came. Staying at home has taken a toll on her kids, who are both more engaged when learning in person. On the days their bus was canceled and they had no access to the days lesson, the makeup work built up, putting them behind in class, she said. For her older son, she said, the transition to middle school and missing social aspects of being with peers have been especially hard. The effects of unpredictable stretches at home can mirror those of chronic absenteeism and lead to long-term harm to learning, said Robert Balfanz, a research professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education. The irregularity of your attendance is as important as the total amount you miss, Balfanz said. It lingers with you because you miss key moments of learning that everything else builds upon, and that can even lead to later frustrations. Some families have had more guidance than others in navigating unexpected, unstructured periods of learning at home. In Seattle, Sarah Niebuhr Rubins son was sent home for two weeks when he was identified as a possible virus exposure. Because the exposure counted as an excused absence, Rubin said her son received no live instruction and no consistent services for his reading disability, except for two sessions with specialists who went out of their way to meet with him. Without those services, she said, he struggles to complete work without constant supervision, which she could not provide while working from home. There really was nothing, Rubin said. When her son returned to the classroom, she said it felt like the school year was starting all over again. To minimize days out of school, some districts have implemented a test to stay option, where children can remain in school despite exposures to infected people as long as they continue to test negative for COVID-19. In Georgia's Marietta City Schools, students who are being tested go to a central location, where they are given a rapid antigen test in the parking lot. A negative test means they can go to school that day, while those who test positive are directed to quarantine. Roughly 30% to 40% of eligible students participate, Superintendent Grant Rivera said, and the district has begun to identify some barriers to access for families. Some cited transportation hurdles or time constraints, such as work schedules. About a quarter of families said they werent aware of the program, Rivera said. Parents are notified of the testing program when they learn their child is a close contact, and the district follows up with an email. When we make this initial phone call, theres kind of like input overload and shock of, What am I going to do about my kid and childcare and work? Rivera said. Were following up with an email, but in a district with a high ESL immigrant population, the email may not be understood by everybody in the family, or they may not be getting it. Rivera said he hoped to expand messaging through community partners, as well as through other methods like texting. The possibility of further disruptions keeps some parents on edge. For a while, firefighters in McKeesport were volunteering to drive children to and from school. Recently, Morris' children's bus has been on time. But she worries she and her son will be left waiting again. I have that worry in the back of my mind that its going to happen again, Morris said. And if it does, Im just going to be ready to pull my kids out of school and homeschool them, even though itll be more tough for me. ___ Ma covers education and equity for APs Race and Ethnicity team. Follow her on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/anniema15 ___ The Associated Press reporting around issues of race and ethnicity is supported in part by the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. MOUNT STERLING, Ill. (AP) Dot Foods had a problem. In early 2020, COVID-19 put the brakes on six decades of nearly constant hiring. When the pandemic eased and business buzzed again last spring, the company found that prospective employees, less willing to work, or at least having warmed up to doing it from home, weren't lining up like they used to. You can't work from your living room in your pajamas Dot's jobs are in-person, physical warehouse labor, packing pallets with the specialized orders the company's customers need. But the giant food redistributor, located in Mount Sterling, population 1,900, is piggy-backing on the post-pandemic phenomenon which is luring parts of the workforce from cities. But with its traditionally local employment pool more reluctant, Dot is looking farther and wider. It's dangling $1,500 to $3,000 in moving expenses if you pack up for western Illinois and a competitive wage at a company that boasts it's never laid off an employee in its 61 years. Dot Foods, still run by the family of founders Robert RT and Dorothy Tracy, is following a portion of the playbook for what some researchers call a Zoom town phenomenon, driven largely, but not entirely, by work-at-home conditions forced by the pandemic. Urban centers no longer dictate the geography of a job and some employees are trading in endless commutes and Got a minute? interruptions for more time at home and a slower, smaller lifestyle. There had already been population dispersal even before the pandemic, related to the the economic uptick after the Great Recession, said William Frey, senior fellow with the Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program. But pandemic-related migration could open the door to new growth opportunities in smaller communities. To qualify for reimbursement, prospective Dot employees must live at least 75 miles (121 kilometers) away from Mount Sterling and move within 45 miles (72 kilometers) of the city. A move of up to 500 miles (805 kilometers) warrants a $1,500 check, an amount that increases incrementally to $3,000 for anyone coming from more than 2,000 miles (3,219 kilometers). Since it launched in May, 40 of Dot's 248 hires qualified for moving reimbursement. But there are still 150 openings, a combination of a reignited economy and an admittedly high warehouse turnover. The physical labor isn't for everyone, said Ashley Ferguson, director of personnel for Dots Illinois warehouse. Others find jobs with shorter commutes. Referrals have always been our No. 1 source of candidates, but this year we were hiring more..., Ferguson said. We decided we need to have more strategies and different approaches to help people that might want to move to this area. It's far from a unique idea. Cities themselves have joined in the hunt in numbers that prompted pioneers of Angie's List last winter to launch MakeMyMove.com, which collates U.S. locations offering relocation incentives. How about $20,000 from Morgantown, West Virginia, $15,660 from Augusta, Maine or $12,500 to call Newton, Iowa home? Not since the Industrial Revolution have we seen such a massive reorganization of how people think about place..., said Evan Hock, MakeMyMove co-founder and chief operating officer. Instead of following jobs to cities, working remotely means working from anywhere, Hock said. But money drives migration as well. Respondents to a MakeMyMove survey last summer indicated that their reluctance to pull up roots Moving is expensive and it's risky, Hock said withers when there's a monetary incentive. The same mechanics that are driving remote workers to make moves would apply to any type of worker, Hock said. A lot of people are moving to find someplace thats more affordable, some people are wanting to move closer to amenities like the outdoors or to have a lot of land. For Aimie Logan, it was a combination of things that brought her to Mount Sterling last spring, but one thing is certain: She never dreamed of living outside Chicago, where she'd spent her entire adult life. Then, the pandemic forced the company where she worked to cut her hours. Logan, 37, lured west by a friend in the area and what looked like Dot's friendly work environment, decided she was ready for a change. And she got it. I live in an old farmhouse with a big yard and neighbors, you have to drive to them, but its great. A welcoming town, said Logan during a break from one of her four weekly 10-hour shifts in the frozen-foods warehouse. I never thought I would move out of the city. I liked the convenience. I liked the fast pace. Now I have a Dollar General and a gas station. I wouldnt trade it for the world where Im at now. Mount Sterling Realtors can attest. Courtney Newton has had inquiries in recent months from Arizona, California and Florida. Calls from the Dallas and St. Louis areas have come in to Lance Grady. Some are considering moving closer to family, at least one landed a job at Dot, another couple has new remote-work freedom and shopping for a hometown. The majority of the ones that I work with do not want to live in a busier area, Newton said. They want to live here because they like the peace and quiet, more rural theme, where everybody kind of knows everybody. WASHINGTON Federal regulators evaluated for the first time Friday the safety and efficacy of a coronavirus vaccine for children ages 5-11, saying that the benefits of staving off COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine generally outweighed the risks of the most worrisome possible side effects in that age group. The analysis came on the same day that the Food and Drug Administration posted data from Pfizer showing that the vaccine had a 90.7% efficacy rate in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in a clinical trial of 5- to 11-year-olds. The findings could add momentum for FDA authorization of the pediatric dose on an emergency basis, perhaps as early as next week, opening up a long-awaited new phase of the nations vaccination campaign. The agencys independent vaccine expert committee is set to vote Tuesday on whether to recommend authorization. In a briefing document posted on the FDA website, the agency said it had balanced the dangers of hospitalization, death or other serious consequences from COVID-19 against the risk of myocarditis. A rare condition involving inflammation of the heart muscle, myocarditis has been linked to the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, especially among young men. The overall analysis predicted that the numbers of clinically significant COVID-19-related outcomes prevented would clearly outweigh the numbers of vaccine-associated excess myocarditis cases, regulators wrote. As is customary before a vote of the FDAs advisory committee, the regulators took no stance on whether the new use of a vaccine should be authorized. If the FDA rules in favor of authorization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its own panel of vaccine experts agree, the 28 million children in that age group could become eligible for shots in the first week of November. Theres a lot of data to be encouraged by, said Dr. Kathryn M. Edwards, a professor of pediatrics in the division of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. She said the results exceeded the protection offered by the best flu vaccine and could eventually lead to the easing of restrictions intended to prevent elementary school children from contracting the virus. The Biden administration has been promoting the prospect of a pediatric shot, and many parents are eagerly awaiting the development. COVID-19 cases among those younger than 18 peaked in the first week of September, when nearly a quarter of a million cases were reported. But they have remained high, with more than 130,000 cases reported in the second week of October, the American Academy of Pediatrics said, accounting for a quarter of all cases nationwide. Fewer than 2% of those cases resulted in hospitalization, but that figure was based on data from only half the states, the organization said. Pfizer and BioNTech announced a month ago that their vaccine worked well for young children, but no comprehensive clinical data was released publicly until Friday. Children in the trial received two doses of 10 micrograms one-third of the adult dose three weeks apart. Researchers said that the dosage was safe, and that trial participants had seen only mild side effects. Of 2,268 children in the trial, twice as many were given the vaccine as received a placebo. Sixteen children who received the placebo got COVID-19, compared with three who received the vaccine. All of the COVID cases occurred in July or later, as the highly transmissible delta variant was spreading in the United States and globally, according to the company. The FDA said it could not determine whether the cases were caused by the delta variant. Pfizer said it had follow-up safety data for an additional 2,250 children, but only for a median of 2 1/2 weeks after they received a second dose. There were no cases of severe COVID among trial participants, and no cases of two rare heart conditions that have been linked to the vaccine in teenagers and adults, especially young males. But the trial was likely not big enough to detect whether those particular conditions myocarditis and pericarditis might appear with any frequency in younger children. Minor side effects in the study group generally occurred more frequently after the second dose, the FDA reported; the most common were pain at the injection site, fatigue and headache. The FDA modeled different scenarios with varying levels of viral spread to determine the number of symptomatic COVID cases, including severe ones, that would be prevented by the vaccine. They balanced that against the risks from myocarditis and pericarditis cases associated with vaccination. Even given a low rate of COVID infections, they said, the benefits of vaccination could outweigh the risks because the virus could lead to more serious health consequences than any side effects. Researchers looked at immune responses, comparing them with levels in adults who had received the vaccine. Pfizer then deduced that the protection afforded by the lower dose in children could be as substantial as that afforded by the higher dose in adults. That approach is particularly important in small trials. After the second shot, the children had levels of neutralizing antibodies that were at least equal to those of 16-to-25-year-old volunteers in another Pfizer-BioNTech trial. Although antibody levels are just one measure of the immune systems response, experts have said such a finding would indicate that one-third of an adult dose was the proper dosage for young children. Studies have shown that the risk of developing myocarditis or pericarditis from COVID-19 is higher than from vaccination. Still, some countries have recommended a single dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children 12 and older, offering less protection but possibly with a lower risk of side effects. Experts will almost certainly raise concerns about those side effects at the FDA advisory committee meeting, according to Dr. H. Cody Meissner, a member of the panel and chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Tufts Childrens Hospital in Boston. I certainly hope that were in a position to recommend this, because people are certainly waiting for it, theyre anxious to have it, he said. But our responsibility is to balance both risk and benefit. Vaccine experts have said that Pfizers lower dosing could mitigate risks. We always like to use the least amount of vaccine thats needed to generate an immune response, Edwards, the Vanderbilt expert, said, because its generally associated with fewer adverse events. Dr. Brian Feingold, an expert on heart inflammation in children at the UPMC Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh, said that if you just focus on myocarditis or other potentially rare things, youre probably still going to be left wanting more information. But we cannot consider a risk in isolation, he added. Risks from COVID need to be considered when you make a decision about whether this vaccine has greater net benefit. Edwards said that researchers and regulators were in a quandary. The more people that you enroll, the more time that it takes, she said. A lot of times, in order to really look at the data for very rare events, youre not going to be able to do that in studies until the vaccine is really used more broadly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which sets vaccine policy for the government, has scheduled a meeting of its advisory committee for Nov. 2 and 3 to consider the issue. Federal officials have said they intend to ship 15 million doses to the states immediately if regulatory and health officials authorize the move. The needles that administer the vaccine and the vials that hold it will need to be smaller for children who are still largely in elementary school. About 17 million adolescents ages 12 to 15 became eligible for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in May. Vaccine manufacturers continue to study the possibility of a vaccine for those aged six months to 5 years old. Only about 1 in 3 parents of 5- to 11-year-olds planned to get their children inoculated right away once a vaccine is authorized, according to polling by the Kaiser Family Foundation conducted last month. Another third said they wanted to wait and see how the vaccine affected children. But that same polling showed that reluctance among parents of teenagers had dropped in the months since vaccines became available to that age group. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) Republicans have succeeded this year in passing a range of voting restrictions in states they control politically, from Georgia to Iowa to Texas. They're not stopping there. Republicans in at least four states where Democrats control the governor's office, the legislature or both California, Massachusetts, Michigan and Pennsylvania are pursuing statewide ballot initiatives or veto-proof proposals to enact voter ID restrictions and other changes to election law. In another state, Nebraska, Republicans control the governor's office and have a majority in the single-house legislature, but are pushing a voter ID ballot measure because they have been unable to get enough lawmakers on board. Republicans say they are pursuing the changes in the name of election integrity," and repeat similar slogans easier to vote, harder to cheat. Democrats dismiss it as the GOP following former President Donald Trump's false claims that widespread fraud cost him the election. They say Republicans have tried to whip up distrust in elections for political gain and are passing restrictions designed to keep Democratic-leaning voters from registering or casting a ballot. Its depressing that this is the way that (the Trump) wing of the Republican Party thinks they have to win, instead of trying to win on issues or beliefs, said Gus Bickford, the Democratic Party chairman in Massachusetts. They just want to suppress the vote. A common thread among the Republican proposals is toughening voter identification requirements, both for in-person and mail voting. In Michigan and Pennsylvania, Republicans are trying to get around Democratic governors who wield the veto pen. Wisconsin Republicans say they also are considering such a strategy. In California and Massachusetts, Republicans are a minority in both houses of the legislature. In Republican-controlled Nebraska, the hang-up is an officially nonpartisan legislature where more liberal lawmakers can derail legislation that enjoys broad conservative support. The road to gain voter approval is uphill in California and Massachusetts, but there's a clearer path to success in the other states. The leader of the California effort, Carl DeMaio of Reform California, said his organization is pursuing a ballot initiative because Democratic lawmakers will never take up his group's proposals. That would mean theyre validating Donald Trump, and they have so much hatred for Donald Trump that they dont even want to acknowledge that theres even a problem here," DeMaio said. Trump's baseless election fraud claims aside, DeMaio said Trump's message is resonating with people who have had doubts about the election system based on their own experience, such as getting duplicate ballots mailed to them at home. Voter fraud is exceedingly rare, and when it's attempted is typically caught by local election offices. In any case, Democrats say voter ID laws will do nothing to prevent the little fraud that exists. Rather, it will serve only to force the elderly, poor and disabled to go to unnecessary lengths to get proper government-issued identification cards they may not have, they say. Despite Trump's false claims of a stolen election, his own Justice Department and scores of recounts have debunked them, and courts up to the U.S. Supreme Court have swept aside such assertions. The government's own cybersecurity agency declared the 2020 presidential election the most secure in U.S. history. No state legislature has produced evidence of widespread election fraud. Even so, at least 10 Republican-controlled states have enacted laws so far this year that toughen voter ID or signature requirements or pare back opportunities to register to vote or cast a ballot. Putting voter-related matters to a statewide vote is nothing new. In recent years, for example, voters in California and Florida restored felons' right to vote. In 2018, Michigan voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing people to register on Election Day and request absentee ballots without having to give a reason. The difference this year is Republicans using the process in an attempt to enact restrictions they couldn't pass otherwise. In California, Massachusetts and Nebraska, Republicans are trying to gather enough signatures to get their proposals on ballots in next years general election. In Michigan, Republicans are using an unusual provision in the state constitution to gather enough petition signatures so the GOP-controlled Legislature can pass a veto-proof voter ID bill. Among other things, the Michigan initiative would prohibit sending mail-in ballot applications to people who did not request them, with backers saying it sowed confusion and mistrust in 2020. Democratic leadership is out of step with their voters, said Jamie Roe, a Republican campaign consultant and strategist with the Secure MI Vote initiative. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, is preparing to veto similar legislation on her desk, telling reporters this month that there was not one scintilla of evidence of widespread voting fraud in last year's election and that Republicans are simply unhappy over Trump's loss. Our elections work. You dont like the outcome? Well, then you run in the next election and try to win and earn peoples votes not cut out a segment of people that cast their ballot as Americans and have a right to do that, Whitmer said. In Pennsylvania, which allows no direct access to the ballot for citizen initiatives, the earliest the Republican-controlled Legislature could put its election changes on the ballot through a proposed constitutional amendment is 2023. The Pennsylvania proposal is among several that would go beyond changes to voter ID. As Trump allies go state to state, pushing partisan reviews of last years presidential election, the measure in Pennsylvania would require election results to be audited by the states auditor general. It would require paper ballots to bear a watermark and be open to public inspection after an election is certified. The measure is awaiting a vote in the state House, perhaps as early as next week, before it can go to the Senate. Its sponsor, Republican Rep. Jeff Wheeland, said it will give back to the voters surety that their elections are safe and secure. Another Republican, Rep. Eric Nelson, said it would let voters address what many feel is a frenzy of mistrust in our current election system. Democratic Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, referring to Trump's loss in the battleground state, said the only reason the measure is coming up is because some are disappointed in the result of the election." Under the proposed initiative in California, counties would be required to do more to clean up voter registration rolls, evaluate wait times for in-person voting in every election and show how they will fix unreasonably long waits. In Nebraska, groups including Black Votes Matter and the League of Women Voters have joined forces to oppose the Republican-backed ballot initiative. John Cartier, director of voting rights for Civic Nebraska, said the initiative would violate Nebraska's constitutional protections for voting access. He said there has never been a single conviction for voter impersonation fraud in the state's history. Besides, he said, states such as Arizona and Georgia already have tough voter ID laws and people dont really trust the system there, Cartier said. So passage of a voter ID law doesnt do anything for trust. If anything, it hurts it. ___ Associated Press writer David Eggert in Lansing, Mich., contributed to this report. Follow Marc Levy on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/timelywriter. CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones is returning to North Carolina as a keynote speaker for the annual Writers Week event at UNC Wilmington in November. Hannah-Jones will discuss her award-winning work on The 1619 Project, a New York Times Magazine project that reframes the legacy of slavery and places the contributions of Black Americans at the forefront of the countrys history. The story she tells is both familiar and also absolutely groundbreaking, UNCW creative writing associate professor Rebecca Lee said. It surprised me that something that felt so intimate could also be telling the story of the nation. Lee helped organize the creative writing departments annual Writers Week events and worked to bring Hannah-Jones to campus. Many of our students are eager to hear her thoughts on writing, particularly writing that thinks so personally and so politically with such ease and power, Lee said. Hannah-Jones is a staff writer at The New York Times Magazine focused on racial injustice and is the Knight Chair in Race and Journalism at Howard University. She was recently recognized as one of Time Magazines 100 most influential people and earned a MacArthur Fellowship, known as the genius grant. Hannah-Jones and her work on The 1619 Project brought national attention to North Carolina this summer through her controversial tenure case at UNC-Chapel Hill. Hannah-Jones was set to join the UNC-CH faculty as the Knight Chair in Race and Investigative Journalism this fall. However, she turned down the job after a delayed vote by the UNC-CH Board of Trustees that some argued was rooted in conservative politics, particularly regarding The 1619 Project. The project is also frequently cited in the local, state and national debate over Critical Race Theory and how the countrys history is taught in schools. Hannah-Jones work and ramifications of her tenure case will be discussed in her conversation with writer John Jeremiah Sullivan at the Wilmington event. Sullivan is a writer whose work for The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker and other publications is often focused on Black history. Sullivan is also involved with the UNCW Office of Community Engagement and Applied Learning, which is helping host and pay for the event. The speaking event will shine another spotlight on race, politics and academic freedom at a UNC System campus. UNCW has faced its own racial and political issues on campus in recent years. UNCW Chancellor Jose Sartarelli, whos retiring after this year, was censured by faculty and criticized for his response to the nationwide social justice movement during the summer of 2020. Members of the universitys Board of Trustees have also debated issues of free speech surrounding political social media posts and the high-profile death of conservative UNCW professor Mike Adams. Hannah-Jones visit also comes during the commemoration of the 123rd anniversary of the 1898 Wilmington Massacre, when a white supremacist campaign led to the violent overthrow of Wilmingtons elected government. Leaders of the racist insurrection murdered at least 60 Black residents, torched the Black-owned local newspaper, sent thousands of Black people into hiding in swamps and woods and changed the city forever, The News & Observer previously reported. Lee said Hannah-Jones agile and brilliant vision into the past will be a blessing to this city as it attempts to grapple with, understand and atone for that time. Hannah-Jones will be speaking on Tuesday, November 2nd at 7:30 in Kenan Auditorium on UNCWs campus. The free event is open to the public and masks will be required. Tickets are available online and the event will also be streamed on Zoom. O'FALLON, Ill. (AP) A southern Illinois woman has been sentenced to four years in prison for defrauding a book-keeping client out of more than $1 million. Kathleen Dvorak pleaded guilty in May to wire and bank fraud and was sentenced Thursday in federal court in Benton, Ill. Federal prosecutors said the 61-year-old wrote large checks to herself from the victim's bank account and took cash when depositing checks into the victim's accounts. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) The new governor of a northwestern Iranian province was slapped in the face by an angry man during his inauguration Saturday, an unusual breach of security in the Islamic Republic during a ceremony attended by the country's interior minister. A motive for the attack in Iran's Eastern Azerbaijan province remained unclear, though it targeted a new provincial governor who once served in the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and reportedly had been kidnapped at one point by rebel forces in Syria. One report referred to it as a personal dispute. The new governor, Brig. Gen. Abedin Khorram, had taken the podium in the provincial capital of Tabriz when the man strode out from offstage and immediately swung at the official. Video aired by state television recorded the gathered crowd gasping in shock, the sound of the slap echoing on the sound system. It took several seconds before plainclothes security forces reached him. They dragged the man off through a side door, knocking down a curtain. Others rushed up, knocking into each other. Later footage showed Khorram return to the stage and speak to the unsettled crowd, now all standing up. I do not know him of course but you should know that, although I did not want to say it, when I was in Syria I would get whipped by the enemy 10 times a day and would be beaten up, he said. "More than 10 times, they would hold a loaded gun to my head. I consider him on a par with those enemies but forgive him. Another man on stage shouted: Death to the hypocrites! That's a common chant used against exiled opposition groups and others who oppose the Islamic Republic. Others cried out that Khorram was a pro-supreme leader governor. Though Khorram said he didn't know the man, the state-run IRNA news agency later described the attacker as a member of the Guard's Ashoura Corps, which Khorram had overseen. IRNA described the attack as coming due to personal reasons, without elaborating. Later, the semiofficial Fars news agency said the man who slapped the governor had been upset that his wife received a coronavirus vaccination from a male nurse, as opposed to a female nurse. Khorram had been recently nominated by Iran's hard-line parliament to serve as the provincial governor under the government of President Ebrahim Raisi, a protege of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khorram had been among 48 Iranians held hostage in 2013 in Syria, later released for some 2,130 rebels, according to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based think tank that long has been critical of Iran. Iran had referred to those held as Shiite religious pilgrims. A State Department spokesperson at the time called it "just another example of how Iran continues to provide guidance, expertise, personnel (and) technical capabilities to the Syrian regime. The incident also comes amid anger in Iran over its precarious economic situation despite its support abroad for regional militias and others, including Syrian President Bashar Assad. Iran's economy has been hammered since then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers in 2018. ___ Associated Press writers Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran, and Mohammad Nasiri contributed to this report. LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) A recent survey of Kentucky nurses found a quarter of those polled were likely to leave their jobs in the next year amid burnout and frustration, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported. The Kentucky Nurses Association found that 73% of the 850 licensed nurses polled earlier this month cited untenable patient loads and too few nursing staff as reasons for their dissatisfaction. Just over 40% cited insufficient pay. A quarter said it was likely or extremely likely they would leave their current positions in the next three months. Another 16% said they were likely to leave the profession all together. I dont want to leave the nursing field, but I cannot imagine being a nurse in five years with no change, one person wrote in the poll. In a Friday news conference to present the findings of the survey, nurses and leaders of state health care associations proposed that Kentucky allocate $100 million in federal pandemic money to address the nursing workforce shortage. They proposed using half of that money for retention bonuses to nurses who work in their local communities. They want $20 million used to improve graduation and licensure rates and for research on how to fill nursing jobs. Another $10 million would go toward paying retired nurses to help augment staffing. And the final $20 million would go to loan forgiveness for nurses who work in underserved areas. In all, they are seeking a quarter of the $400 million in federal dollars Gov. Andy Beshear is proposing to use for bonuses to front-line essential workers employed throughout the pandemic. The staffing challenge in nursing is not new, but the pandemic has pushed it to a crisis level, Kentucky Nurses Association Board President Donna Meador said Friday. At the rate of projected exodus, Kentucky will need more than 16,000 additional nurses by 2024, she said. Kentucky's roughly 88,000 licensed nurses comprise more than 53% of the states health care workforce. The pandemic has pushed many nurses to their physical and emotional limits, said Kristin Pickerell, director of critical care and emergency services at Norton Healthcare in Louisville. We started this pandemic with nurses being heroes it was really a rallying point for the public, she said. But in recent months, as the delta variant surged in Kentucky, its really kind of morphed into something different, she said, citing instances of violence against nurses in the hospital, all because of the pandemic and ones belief that (COVID-19) isnt real. ___ For answers to common questions about COVID, read the APs Viral Questions series at https://apnews.com/hub/viral-questions. MOORHEAD, Iowa (AP) 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. The Sioux City Journal reports that 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. Its important to me because there isnt anyplace like this, said Ehlers, who grew up three miles down the road and lives in nearby Soldier. Theres 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 historys 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. Its 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, its 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 its 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. Its 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 cant 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. Theyve heard stories of interracial marriages between Black and white settlers. Through the years, some white families didnt 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. Its something thats unique and I didnt want it to be lost, and I worried that in another 50 years it wouldnt 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 dont endure along with it. JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Mississippi lawmakers are tweaking a proposal to create a medical marijuana program, but Republican Gov. Tate Reeves has not said when he will call a special session to put it into law. A new version of a bill would allow larger growing facilities, restructure the excise tax on medical marijuana products and limit the state Agriculture Departments regulatory role, the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported. House and Senate leaders want to enact a medical marijuana program to replace an initiative voters approved in November. State Supreme Court justices overturned the initiative in May, when they ruled that Mississippis initiative process is outdated and unworkable. Republican Sen. Kevin Blackwell of Southaven recently sent the latest draft to other senators, and he said more changes are expected to ensure cannabis facilities would be blocked from receiving economic development incentives. This revised draft incorporates input from the Senate, House, and Governors office, Blackwell wrote in an email. A previous proposal had a $15-per-ounce excise tax on the product. An excise is any tax on manufactured goods at the point of manufacturing rather than at the sale. Proponents of medical marijuana and marijuana lobbyists advocated for a flat percentage rate, and the latest version of the bill has a 5% excise tax enacted on cannabis when a cultivator sells it to a processing facility or a dispensary. Dr. Matt Wesson, a retired ophthalmologist in Tupelo, said Thursday that he supports medical marijuana and disagrees with the excise tax, even if legislators change it to a flat 5%. This is a pharmaceutical product, and no other pharmaceutical product in the state is subject to an excise tax, Wesson said. EVART, Mich. (AP) The new owner of a bottled water operation in western Michigan said it won't use a state permit that would allow it to significantly boost water withdrawals. The previous owner of the Ice Mountain plant had received state approval to pump 400 gallons a minute from a well near Evart in Osceola County, a 60% increase. BlueTriton Brands recently told regulators that it would pump at 288 gallons a minute, a smaller jump. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korea on Saturday accused the Biden administration of raising military tensions with China through its reckless backing of Taiwan, and said that the growing U.S. military presence in the region constitutes a potential threat to the North. In comments carried by state media, North Korea Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong Ho criticized the United States for sending warships through the Taiwan Strait and providing Taiwan, a self-ruled island that China claims as part of its territory, with upgraded weapons systems and military training. The United States indiscreet meddling in issues regarding Taiwan, which the North sees as entirely a Chinese internal affair, threatens to touch off a delicate situation on the Korean Peninsula. Paks statement came a day after President Joe Biden told a CNN townhall event that the United States was committed to coming to Taiwans defense if it comes under attack from China. While that seemed to blur Washingtons long-held stance of maintaining strategic ambiguity on whether it would intervene if China were to attack Taiwan, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Biden had no intent to convey a change in policy. China and Taiwan split amid civil war in 1949, and although it maintains formal diplomatic relations only with Beijing, the U.S. remains committed by law to ensure Taiwan can defend itself from outside threats. North Korea has increasingly criticized the broader U.S. security role in the Indo-Pacific amid an intensifying competition with China, Pyongyangs major ally and economic lifeline. Last month, the North threatened unspecified countermeasures following the Biden administrations decision to provide nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. It is a well-known fact that the U.S. troops and its military bases in (South Korea) are in use to put pressure on China and that the huge forces of the U.S. and its satellite states, which are being concentrated near Taiwan, can be committed to a military operation targeting the DPRK at any time, Pak said, using an abbreviation of the Norths formal name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. He said the increasing military presence of U.S.-led hostile forces in the region was based on a lame assertion that North Korea and China would cause trouble in Taiwan and the Korean Peninsula. This reality proves that the U.S. is in its bid to stifle our country and China, both socialist countries, in order to hold on to its supremacy, Pak said. Nuclear negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have stalled for more than two years over the issue of relaxing crippling U.S.-led sanctions against North Korea in return for steps by the North to wind down its nuclear weapons program. Pyongyang sees the possession of nuclear weapons as the ultimate guarantor of the survival of the Kim dynasty that has run the country with an iron fist since the 1940s. Ending a monthslong lull in September, North Korea has been ramping up its missile tests while making conditional peace offers to Seoul, reviving a pattern of pressuring South Korea to try to get what it wants from the United States. Sung Kim, Bidens special envoy for North Korea, arrived in South Korea on Saturday for talks with allies on reviving negotiations with the North. Kim told reporters he expected productive discussions with South Korean officials during their meeting on Sunday, before leaving the airport without taking further questions. The Biden administration's pullout from Afghanistan underscored a broader shift in U.S. focus away from counterterrorism and so-called rogue states like North Korea and Iran. That is putting the focus on confronting a near-peer adversary in China, and part of that apparent strategy appear to be offering the North a resumption of talks without preconditions. But the North has so far rejected the idea of open-ended talks, saying that Washington must abandon its hostile policy, a term North Korea mainly refers to sanctions and U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises. BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) No. 218 joined a bike ride supporting Ahmaud Arbery's family after the young Black man was chased down and shot dead. No. 236 was a longtime co-worker of one of the white men charged in the killing. Identified in court only by numbers, both people were summoned to jury duty in the trial over Arbery's slaying. And after attorneys questioned them extensively about the case, the judge deemed both to be fair-minded enough to remain in the pool from which a final jury will be picked. An outcry over the February 2020 slaying of 25-year-old Arbery echoed across the U.S. after graphic cellphone video of the shooting leaked online two months later. With jury selection underway in the Georgia community of 85,000 where the killing took place, it seems increasingly likely that some of the jurors who are ultimately chosen will have preconceived opinions and personal ties to the case. The judge, prosecutors and defense attorneys have questioned 71 pool members since jury selection began Monday. After dismissing those with personal hardships or unshakable biases, 23 were deemed qualified to advance. Dozens more will be needed before a final jury of 12 plus four alternates can be seated. While questioning potential jurors, prosecutor Linda Dunikoski often told them the ideal juror would be a blank slate. In the trial over Arbery's killing, she noted, that is probably impossible. We cant get that because its been all over the place, Dunikoski remarked in court Thursday. The result has been a number of potential jurors kept in the pool despite coming to the courthouse already knowing a lot about what happened and the people involved. That's because they said they can decide the case fairly, based only on the trial evidence. Georgia law allows someone to serve on a jury even if they come to court with an opinion about the case, as long as that person expresses a willingness to keep an open mind, said Donnie Dixon, a Savannah defense attorney and former federal prosecutor. The operative question is: Is your opinion so fixed that you couldnt get a fair trial? said Dixon, whos not involved in the case. The reality is, who knows? But if they say those magic words, the judge may not disqualify them. Greg and Travis McMichael, a father and grown son, armed themselves and pursued Arbery in a pickup truck after spotting him running in their neighborhood. A neighbor, William Roddie Bryan, joined the chase and took cellphone video of Travis McMichael shooting Arbery three times at close range with a shotgun. Greg McMichael, who had recently retired after a long career as an investigator for the area district attorney, told police Arbery had previously been recorded by security cameras inside a neighboring house under construction and they suspected he had been stealing. He said Travis McMichael shot Arbery in self-defense after Arbery attacked him. Until now, the case has been driven by outsiders. The McMichaels and Bryan were not charged until the Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the case from local police. Greg McMichael's ties to the district attorney resulted in the appointment of outside prosecutors from metro Atlanta. Likewise, Superior Court Judge Timothy Walmsley from Savannah was assigned to preside. If a jury gets seated in Glynn County, where 1,000 jury duty notices were mailed, the case will ultimately be decided by people for whom the slaying hit much closer to home. Jury pool member No. 218, a retail worker who identified herself in court as a Black woman, wrote on her juror questionnaire that "a young man was shot due to his color and the three men that committed the act almost got away. She said in court Thursday that she had taken part in a bike ride to raise money for Arbery's family after the shooting. And while telling attorneys she could be a fair juror, she also said that based on what she knows now: I feel like they are guilty. Not everyone called to jury duty has been preoccupied by Arbery's killing. A self-employed woman said she refused to listen when her husband tried to discuss the case and said she goes out of my way not to read news or politics. She remains in the jury pool. Others have been disqualified for seeming too engaged. The judge dismissed a woman who said she believes she saw Arbery running near her home not long before he was killed. She described feeling emotionally connected to him, and followed pretrial court proceedings closely. No. 236 was kept in the jury pool even though she's known Greg McMichael for 30 years. She still works a clerical job for the Brunswick Judicial Circuit district attorney. Though she and Greg McMichael were not close friends, she said the two had "always just been around each other. The woman said she also got a close look at Greg McMichael's personnel file because she was tasked with redacting private information from it after news organizations requested copies. She told the judge and attorneys she did not have a strong opinion about the case. What little opinion she offered was not sympathetic. I dont understand why they took it into their own hands," No. 236 said. "Thats the only thing that disturbs me about that day. I would have called 911 and let the police handle it. If enough people summoned to the court house keep expressing strong opinions, defense attorneys could ask the judge to halt jury selection and move the case to a different Georgia county. Its the easiest time to get a change of venue," said Don Samuel, an Atlanta defense attorney who is not involved in the case. If half the people who are randomly picked are so biased they cant even sit as jurors, youre talking about a community thats saturated by pretrial publicity." HELSINKI (AP) Norways domestic intelligence agency says that such attacks as the one in the town of Kongsberg earlier this month are highly difficult to anticipate and prevent, and are likely to happen again in an open society such as Norway. This type of attack performed by a person on an impulse with simple means will happen again, Arne Christian Haugstoeyl, counterterrorism chief at the agency known by the acronym PST, said in an interview with the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten on Saturday. I think it forces a discussion about what risk we must live with in a democratic and open society." Five people were killed and three others wounded in the southern Norwegian town of Kongsberg on Oct. 13 as the suspect Espen Andersen Braathen, a 37-year-old Danish citizen, attacked his victims with a bow and arrows and unspecified stabbing weapons. How tragic the outcome will be in such cases in the future depends more on the police response time than on the degree to which an intelligence agency has managed to anticipate it, Haugstoeyl told Aftenposten. He added that it's not possible to guarantee that you can stop an attack beforehand. In 2017, PST notified Norwegian police that Andersen Braathen, who was on the agency's radar, had released a threatening video. Unfortunately, there are many people who make hateful and threatening statements, Haugstoeyl told Aftenposten. Every week we get knowledge about an incredible number of videos, comments, photos and posts that are rougher and more extreme than this video. He was hesitant when asked by Aftenposten if PST could have done something differently to prevent the Kongsberg attack and said he would wait for the conclusions of an ongoing independent investigation into the polices delay in capturing Andersen Braathen amid criticism that the response was too slow. Andersen Braathen has confessed to the killings and has initially been charged with five murders. Norwegian polices assessment is that the suspects apparent mental illness was the likely cause for the attack, while Andersen Braathens statement of being a convert to Islam had become a less important investigation line. Police said on Monday that the rampages victims were likely stabbed to death after Andersen Braathen had first used arrows to wound them. New York State Police seizures of marijuana plants have plunged this year as the state legalized possession of small amounts of pot and some local law enforcement agencies backed off efforts to root out marijuana crops, according to a published report. For years, state police have deployed helicopters to help local police and sheriffs spot and seize pot grown in large quantities. LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) Gunmen have attacked a prison in southwest Nigeria, freeing around 575 inmates, officials said Saturday. The third jailbreak in Africas most populous country this year raises more concerns about how safe detention facilities are in the West African nation where authorities have struggled to stem rising violence. A handful of security facilities, especially police stations, have been attacked in a similar manner in the past year. Olanrewaju Anjorin, a spokesman of the Oyo correctional center in Oyo state, told The Associated Press that the gunmen attacked the facility late Friday and an investigation into the incident which will reveal the extent of damage has begun. Francis Enobore of the Nigerian Prisons Service also confirmed the incident and said he was on his way to the attacked facility. Fridays attack is the third this year in Nigeria, where jailbreaks are becoming more frequent and police only capture a fraction of those who escape. Lagos-based online newspaper TheCable reported in July this year that at least 4,307 inmates had escaped from prisons since 2017, based on compiled media reports. In 2021 alone, more than 2,000 inmates were freed in two earlier jailbreaks: on Sept. 13 when 240 inmates were freed after gunmen attacked a detention facility in north-central Kogi state with explosives and on April 5 when at least 1,800 were freed in the southeast Imo state when another facility was also blown up. Most of the recent jailbreaks in Nigeria seem not to be connected although the attacks are carried out in a similar manner with the use of explosives. Authorities have managed to rearrest some escaped inmates, sometimes in neighboring states, while others return willingly. A good number of those who have escaped in such attacks are yet to be convicted and still awaiting trial. Nigerian prisons hold 70,000 inmates but only about 20,000, or 27%, have been convicted, according to government data. LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) Joseph Baca repeatedly told his wife, Loretta, two things one day he would own a radio station and win $1 million. He did both. After 42 years of first working and then owning KFUN-AM and KLVF-FM radio stations, the Bacas are ready to sign off. Loretta Baca will turn 75 this Saturday and her husband of 53 years will celebrate his 75th birthday on Oct. 29, the Las Vegas Optic reported. The station has been good to us, Joseph Baca said. It was a big risk and a big commitment, but owning the station was my dream. I guess I forced Loretta into it, he joked. We have always worked together and we live together (so we are with each other) 24/7, Loretta Baca added. The Bacas had planned for their sons Mike, 51, and J.R., 46, to take over the business. Mike Baca, however, has suffered with brain tumors resulting in five brain surgeries. J.R. Baca didnt want to go into the business alone. The couples daughter Annette, 50, also wasnt interested. Katharine Duke, owner of Duke Realty Group in Las Vegas, listed the broadcasting building and the surrounding four acres. KFUN went on the air 80 years ago on Christmas Day 1941. As for Loretta and Joseph Baca, they knew each other from West Las Vegas High School, graduating in 1965 and 1966, respectively. The couple began dating after meeting up at the Blue Light City teen dance club. They married on Feb. 25, 1968 and lived in Tucson, Albuquerque and Seattle before returning to Las Vegas in the mid-1970s with their three children. She got a job at First National Bank and he was hired at KNMX-AM in Las Vegas. About 18 months later, Joseph Baca began working at KFUN as a disc jockey, program director and in sales. Loretta Baca joined her husband as the office manager. I love radio, but I never liked working for someone else, said Joseph Baca, a former Las Vegas City Councilor. For 20 years, I would come in to open and say good morning KFUN, I love you and want to own you one of these days. After the former owner sold the station, Joseph thought hed lost his dream. Loretta said dont give up on your dream, he said. The new owner named Joseph Baca the manager, which turned into 15-hour days. To ease the workload, Loretta Baca joined the station. The couple eventually had the opportunity to buy KFUN. When given the chance to buy KLVF, the couple was in the midst of arranging the $1.2 million financing when Joseph Baca remembered to buy a lottery ticket. It was a Friday night. I had gone home and was watching the news and looked at the clock, he said. Id forgotten to buy a Powerball ticket. I grabbed a Hawaiian shirt, drove to the station and went home forgetting about the ticket. Three days later, he returned to the store and asked the clerk to check his ticket. I found out I had the winning ticket, he said about the $1 million prize. I think the girls were more shaken up than me. That was in 2008, on my mothers birthday, Aug. 8. They hope to find a buyer who will continue caring about the community because turning off the lights isnt an option. There is no way we will shut it down, Loretta Baca said. The history behind the station and the people still alive are a part of KFUN. I think more than anything it would be like closing a part of history. RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) Activists called on the international community Saturday to help reverse Israel's unprecedented designation of six Palestinian human rights groups as terrorist organizations, a label that effectively outlaws them. They said the decision amounts to an attempt to silence groups that have documented Israel's harsh treatment of Palestinians over the years. Some of the groups have close ties with rights organizations in Israel and abroad. Israel claims the targeted groups were a front for a small PLO faction with a violent history, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Israels terror label for the six groups, including some that receive European funding, appears to have caught the United States and Europe off-guard. Israel later insisted some Biden administration officials were notified ahead of time. The move against the rights groups comes at a time when efforts to negotiate the terms of a Palestinian state alongside Israel are hopelessly bogged down. For years, the U.S. and Europe have been engaged in politically less costly conflict management, rather than pushing for a solution, while Israeli settlements on occupied lands sought for a Palestinian state have continued to expand. Amid the paralysis, Europe, in particular, has invested in strengthening Palestinian civil society, an effort now seemingly being challenged by Israel's decision to outlaw well-known rights groups. The terrorism label would allow Israel to raid the groups offices, seize assets, arrest employees and criminalize funding and expressions of support. Rights groups in Israel and abroad have expressed outrage over the terror label. Palestinian activists said they are counting on international pressure to get the decision reversed. We hope that the International community will put enough pressure on Israel so that it will back down, Ubai Aboudi, head of the Bisan Center for Research and Development, one of the targeted groups, said Saturday. Aboudi said he was previously charged by Israel with being a PFLP member, but denied ever belonging to the group. Sahar Francis, the director of the prisoners rights group Addameer, told a news conference that she was grateful for the international statements of support, and that "we expect this campaign and pressure to continue in order for it to be fruitful. Addameer is also one of the targeted groups. Shawan Jabarin, who heads the veteran rights group Al-Haq, said Israel's designation came as a surprise and that the groups had not been given a heads-up. Two of the six groups said they would not be forced underground despite the uncertainty of their new status, An Israeli defense official alleged in a statement Saturday that the six groups operate as an organized network under the leadership of the PFLP. The statement claimed the groups serve as a lifeline for the PFLP through fund-raising, money laundering and recruiting activists. It also named several members of the rights groups who were later arrested as alleged members of the PFLP military wing. The small PLO faction has a political party and a military wing that has carried out attacks that killed Israelis. The PFLP is considered a terrorist organization by Israel and Western countries. The six groups have denied the allegations and have denounced Israels terrorism designation as a blatant attempt to squash reporting on rights abuses in the occupied territories, mainly by Israel, but also by the increasingly authoritarian Palestinian autonomy government. The U.N Human Rights Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory said Saturday that the reasons cited by Israels defense minister were vague or irrelevant, and denounced his decision as the latest move in a long stigmatizing campaign against the organizations. The European Union delegation to the Palestinian territories acknowledged financing activities by some of the rights groups. It said past allegations of the misuse of EU funds by partners have not been substantiated but that it takes the matter seriously and is looking into it. EU funding to Palestinian civil society organizations is an important element of our support for the two-state solution, it said Friday. The United States, Israels closest ally, said it had not been given advance warning about the decision and would seek more information. U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said Friday that we believe respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and a strong civil society are critically important to responsible and responsive governance. The other four groups targeted by Israel include Defense for Children International-Palestine, the Union of Palestinian Womens Committees and the Union of Agricultural Work Committees. The majority of the organizations target human rights violations by Israel as well as the Palestinian Authority, both of which routinely detain Palestinian activists. TAMPA, Fla. (AP) A 15-year-old boy is facing manslaughter charges for being suspected of shooting a 15-year-old girl, who later died of complications. The Tampa Bay Times reports police first found the girl with a gunshot wound and she told officers her friend had shot her and run away. CORONADO, Calif. (AP) A woman pretended she owned a Southern California home so a locksmith would make her new keys. Then police locked her up. Officers arrested a 43-year-old woman on suspicion of burglary Thursday night in Coronado, a resort city across the bay from San Diego. The brazen burglary was foiled when the real homeowner called Coronado police and said her neighbor noticed suspicious activity at the home. The homeowner was out of town, yet the neighbor saw the home's lights being turned on and off. Officers arrived and the neighbor a relative of the homeowner's gave them a spare key. But it didn't fit the front door's lock, and metal shavings and pieces of an old lock were on the ground nearby. As police walked around the home, they saw back doors open and a fireplace turned on as music played inside. After calling for a helicopter and a K-9 unit, officers saw someone moving around on the second floor in what was supposed to be an empty house with only one spare key. Police called out to the person inside, who came out a few minutes later and was arrested. The woman claimed there were two kids in the house, but a police search turned up empty. The woman told police the home was hers and said she'd called a locksmith earlier to change the front door's locks. No word if the burglar gave anyone a spare key. KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) A driver who crashed Friday evening into a tree in Kansas City, Missouri, was later found to have been shot, police said. Officers were dispatched at 9:15 p.m. to an injury accident. The man was unresponsive when police and emergency medical responders arrived at the scene of the crash, police said in a news release. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) Two Albuquerque police officers were found to have violated restraint procedures in the Easter Sunday death of a man with a genetic disorder who they were taking into custody after he was accused of punching a relative, a department official said. Danny White, 43, died of cardiac arrest while being restrained in a prone position, according to an autopsy released Wednesday by the Office of the Medical Investigator, the Albuquerque Journal reported. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The fall semester has brought the establishment of the new Center for Race, Indigeneity, Disability, Gender and Sexuality Studies (RIDGS) at the University of Minnesota. When the RIGS initiative was adopted in 2015 following student and faculty advocacy, conversations surrounding its intersection with disability emerged as time went on. This past year, these conversations contributed to the RIGS initiative becoming a University center and in turn, the RIGS faculty decided to formally incorporate disability into the new centers title, following advocacy from the Critical Disability Studies Collective. The new RIDGS Center will be headed by Director Keith Mayes, The Minnesota Daily reported. The reformation of the center around disability I think becomes an opportunity for students to understand that there are opportunities to communicate and share interests, research and other ideas about disability in that framework, said David Johnson, chair of the Universitys Disabilities Issues Committee. The Critical Disability Studies Collective (CDSC) was ultimately responsible for the incorporation of disability into the formal title and scope of the new center. The CDSC is really an organization thats working to enhance and foster an intellectual and academic community, in the Twin Cities and at the University of Minnesota, around complex understandings about disability, Angela Carter, the founding chair of the CDSC, said. We think of disability as a social, historical, economic and political category rather than a medical problem that an individual needs to fix or address. During her graduate studies at the University, Carter said the lack of disability community groups for students was the reason she founded the CDSC. My inspiration (for founding the CDSC) was really my own needs and recognizing my own needs as a disabled scholar, educator, organizer on campus, and feeling very alone both in my identity as a disabled person and disabled graduate student, and also in my work in critical disabilities studies, Carter said. I just didnt have that community that I needed. In 2015, a few of Carters friends and colleagues joined in the creation of the group. The following year, Jessica Horvath Williams, a postdoctoral associate in English, became a co-chair of the group. Carter and Horvath Williams worked together to make the CDSC an official affiliate of RIGS in 2017. We came under the umbrella of RIGS, Horvath Williams said. We needed a home, so we petitioned RIGS to join them. For the past four years, Carter and Horvath Williams worked alongside the other CDSC members to formally include disability in the title of the center. Last year, Angela and I, as co-chairs, with the permission of the CDSC, wrote a very long letter requesting our formal incorporation into RIGS, Horvath Williams said. And so RIGS is now RIDGS. Student groups and University committees across campus have voiced their support for the transition from RIGS to the Center for RIDGS this fall. I want to acknowledge that I am very happy to see disability as part of the conversation about diversity and intersectionality on campus, Johnson said. The Organization for Graduate and Professional Students with Disabilities (OGPSD) is also supportive of the formation of the new Center for RIDGS, but it has raised concerns over the potential failure to consult students with disabilities in the decision to transition from RIGS to RIDGS. One issue I have frequently advocated about is that, many times on college campuses, diversity, equity and inclusivity efforts include many marginalized populations, to their credit, but unfortunately all too often routinely exclude students with disabilities, said OGPSD President Ryan Machtmes. Machtmes added that although OGPSD was not consulted about this decision, it was a positive change and a step in the right direction for the University. I recognize that the University is actively making strides towards improving campus climate and accessibility for students with disabilities, Machtmes said. But of course, it does have a length to go before we can claim to be a truly accessible and welcoming campus for all individuals with disabilities. Additionally, OGPSD members hope to see the Center for RIDGS take on new initiatives, now that disability is formally included in its focus. Machtmes said he would personally like to see the establishment of a University disability studies program. Race and gender and sexuality and indigeneity, all of those things, are connected to disability in a very real-world way, Horvath Williams said. The argument of the Critical Disability Studies is that we cant talk about any of these things without talking and thinking through disability as well. Many students and faculty hope the CDSCs activism to get disability included in the RIDGS Center will foster conversations about the intersectionality of disability with other identities. The issue is to develop an understanding of these issues around disability across campus, trying to destigmatize disability and view it as a natural condition of life and living, Johnson said. NEW ORLEANS (AP) Men may have ruled ancient Greece, making all the important decisions about money, religion and war. But when those toga-swathed boys needed crucial advice, they turned to a woman. Three thousand years ago, Greek leaders made pilgrimages to the Oracle of Delphi, a priestess who was revered as the spokesperson of the gods. History forgets that at one of the centers of Western civilization, it was a woman pulling the strings. Thats the main idea behind artist Anastasia Peliass enigmatic sculpture located in a small park at the corner of Esplanade Avenue and Crete Street. The 8-foot-tall, three-legged, fiberglass shape is Pelias interpretation of the tripod chair that the oracle sat upon as she delivered her poetic pronouncements. Peliass tribute to the paranormal priestess looks a little like the Greek pi sign, one of the fundamentals of geometry. It looks a little like a horse and a little like an arrangement of bones, too. What it does not look like are the ostensibly heroic, abundantly masculine bronze and marble artworks that one often encounters in public parks. Peliass sculpture is meant to be an antidote to conventional monuments, like New Orleans recently removed Confederate statues, that keep alive parts of history that are better buried. To make the distinction clear, Pelias refers to her public sculpture as an anti-monument. Pelias pointed out that since the Oracle of Delphi was said to have been seated at the center of the universe, she placed her anti-monument in the middle of a circular, concrete pathway. The disk of earth around the sculpture will be stained a lush magenta tone, to lend an otherworldly effect, and strewn with laurel leaves, a symbol of Apollo, the god of prophecy associated with the oracle. Since the priestess was inspired by sacred vapors arising from the earth, Pelias said she plans to scent the site of the sculpture with custom-composed perfume. And custom-composed music will issue from hidden speakers. The Oracle of Delphi wasnt a lone priestess. Generations of women filled the role over the centuries. Speaking of the role of women, the title of Peliass sculpture, It was my pleasure, is meant to be a bit wry. According to ancient lore, the Oracle of Delphi was sometimes brought to the point of mental and physical exhaustion by her channeling of the gods views for the benefit of male supplicants. But, Pelias said, chances are the oracle remained poised and ingratiating, as has always been expected of women. Pelias said she likes the fact that the sculpture is located in the mini parks pastoral landscape, but shes also happy with the signs of the city that surround it, even the passing trash trucks and school buses. I love the SpeeDee as much as the oak trees, she said, referring to an oil change shop visible from the site. Pelias pointed out that the artwork, which was inspired by ancient Greek beliefs, is situated in what was a 19th- and early 20th-century Greek neighborhood. New Orleans first Greek Orthodox church was located just a few blocks away on North Dorgenois Street. I went to Greek school, Sunday school, church and my whole childhood there, Pelias said. Gazing around the picturesque neighborhood, Pelias said she hopes her new sculpture does not feel too incongruous. I want it to look like it grew here, she said. I dont want to inflict this on the neighborhood. Happily, based on the reaction of passersby so far, Pelias said, the current neighbors seem to be welcoming the new addition to the streetscape. The bicyclists, pedestrians and drivers have all smiled, she said. Peliass sculptural installation is part of Prospect.5, New Orleans international art festival that has taken place periodically since 2008. The array of 50 free exhibits, performances and outdoor displays opens to the public over the next three weekends and continues until Jan. 23 at scattered locations. For more information, visit prospectneworleans.org. HAMPTON, Va. (AP) When Faye Sobel did some online genealogy digging three years ago under her family name Sims she discovered the name Benjamin Syms, which took her on an unexpected journey. Syms was not a relative. But his story about endowing 200 acres and eight cows to start the first free school nearly four centuries ago in the Virginia colonies caught her eye. I read this little bit (and) I thought, Wow, this is neat. Why hasnt anybody talked about this man before? said Sobel, 76. As the honorary state president with the Virginia Society of the Colonial Dames 17th Century, Sobel was looking for a project the group could tackle. Its an organization for women who are lineal descendants of ancestors from one of the original colonies. Led by Sobel, the group began the task of gathering the documents to verify Syms story and present it to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, which oversees the designation of historical markers. Sobel, Hampton and NASA Langley officials memorialized the Syms Free School on Friday, recognizing his legacy with a highway historic marker. The event was closed to the public but was attended by more than three dozen members of the Colonial Dames society. The footprint where the Syms Free School once stood is on federal land now occupied by Joint Base Langley-Eustis. Its in a wooded area a stones throw from the perimeter of NASA Langley Research Center. Archeologists have found artifacts and writing slates and believe the school was built on that site. The historical marker, approved by the Department of Historic Resources in December, will be placed near the main NASA Langley gate at Commander Shepard Boulevard. The marker will be next to two others including one that commemorates the founding of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, or NACA, a predecessor to NASA. Syms recognized early that without an education, people were at a disadvantage, said Sobel, a Suffolk resident. Syms was an unmarried land owner in Elizabeth City County who could not read or write. He took first steps to establish a free school before he died and became a forefather of the American system of free education, Hampton History Museum curator Allen Hoilman told attendees. At that time, 70% of those who were not of the gentry were illiterate, Hoilman said He left a 200-acre parcel and livestock for the public to create, a free school to educate and teach the children of the adjoining parishes of Elizabeth City and Poquoson from Maries Mount downward to the Poquoson River, as stipulated in his will dated Feb. 12, 1634. Syms signed his will with an X, and left the bequest to fellow parishioners, museum historian Beth Austin said. The school did not officially open until 1649 and a teacher was paid using profits gained from selling the milk and beef, historians say. In 1805, the Syms Free school merged with the nearby Eaton Charity School, originally established in 1859 via a will from slave owner Thomas Eaton. Eaton bequeathed 500 acres, two slaves, buildings and livestock. The school reopened as Hampton Academy but burned down during the Civil War. It later reopened as the Syms-Eaton Academy, ultimately becoming Hampton High School. By 1852, Virginias General Assembly transferred the assets of the Syms and Eaton schools to the public treasury of Elizabeth City County to fund public schools. At that time, the total amounted to $10,706.55, Austin shared in an email. The Syms Free School is linked with the origins of public school education in Virginia, but a school in Massachusetts, the Boston Latin School began classes in 1635 and makes the claim as the oldest free public school in the country. A trust fund created from the Syms and Eaton donations has remained intact since the 17th century. It is used to support the Hampton public school system. The trust currently has a little over $50,000, according to Hampton schools spokeswoman Kellie Goral. Its not clear in what areas the trust has been used to support the public school system, but the divisions goal is to keep the trust intact in perpetuity, Goral said in an email. LONDON (AP) The British government tried Saturday to speed up the pace of talks to resolve post-Brexit trade troubles with the European Union, saying the two sides remain far apart and time is running out to bridge the gap. U.K. and EU negotiators have met in Brussels over the past week to try and resolve major differences that have erupted over trade rules for Northern Ireland. The talks move to London on Tuesday, and Britain says substantial gaps on the fundamental issues remain. The U.K. government said talks so far had been constructive but added that we need to see real progress soon rather than get stuck in a process of endless negotiation because the issues on the ground in Northern Ireland havent gone away. Northern Ireland, which is part of the U.K. and shares a border with EU member Ireland, remains inside the EUs tariff-free single market for goods, even though the U.K. left the 27-nation bloc at the end of 2020. That special status ensures there is an open border on the island of Ireland a key pillar of Northern Irelands peace process since the 1998 Good Friday accord. But it means a new customs border in the Irish Sea for goods entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the U.K., even though they are part of the same country. That has brought red tape for businesses, and caused problems with some goods reaching Northern Ireland. EU rules on chilled meats led to a brief sausage shortage, and now Britain claims that Christmas crackers festive noisemakers that are a holiday party staple are being prevented from reaching Northern Ireland. The new arrangements have also angered Northern Irelands British Unionists, who say the checks undermine Northern Irelands place in the U.K. and destabilize the delicate political balance on which peace rests. The EU accuses Britain of trying to renegotiate a legally binding agreement that it signed less than a year ago; some officials say it shows the U.K. government can't be trusted. The bloc has, however, agreed to make changes to the deal, offering to reduce checks on food, plants and animals entering Northern Ireland by as much as 80% and to cut paperwork for transport companies in half. Britain has welcomed those proposals, but also is demanding that the EUs top court be stripped of its role resolving any disputes over the agreement and replaced with independent arbitration an idea the bloc flatly rejects. Chief negotiators Maros Sefcovic of the EU and David Frost for Britain are due to meet in London at the end of next week to assess the talks' progress. Britain on Saturday repeated a threat to trigger an emergency break clause that lets either side suspend the agreement in extreme circumstances if there is no breakthrough soon. That would bring legal action from the EU, and potentially economic sanctions that could spiral into a trade war. Any such battle is likely to hurt the economy of the U.K. more than the much bigger EU. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney also warned that talks couldn't go on forever, and urged Britain on Friday to respond to the EUs willingness to compromise. I think the EU has shown a real appetite for compromise, and they have consciously avoided creating tension, he said. I cant say the same in terms of the British governments approach. I dont think it will be the case forever, that the EU will be in compromise and solutions mode. ___ Follow APs coverage of post-Brexit developments at https://apnews.com/hub/Brexit Hassan Ammar/AP WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. military says it killed a senior al-Qaida leader in an airstrike Friday in northwest Syria. Army Maj. John Rigsbee, a spokesman for U.S. Central Command, said in a statement that Abdul Hamid al-Matar was killed by a drone strike. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (AP) Uzbekistan's president, who has relaxed many of the policies of his dictatorial predecessor but has made little effort at political reform, is expected to win a new term by a landslide against weak competition in an election Sunday. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who took office in 2016 upon the death of Islam Karimov, faces four relatively low-visibility candidates who didn't even show up for televised debates, instead sending proxies who failed to engage in substantial discussions. Independent candidates weren't allowed. The other candidates talk about abstract things like strengthening social security, but they don't provide any details. They don't have a real program and they don't have to because they know who will win, said political analyst Akhmed Rahmonov. The only Mirziyoyev challenger who got significant notice in the campaign was Alisher Qodirov, with his proposal that Uzbeks working outside the country should pay taxes in Uzbekistan, a widely unpopular idea for the large share of the population that depends on remittances from family members abroad. Mirziyoyev openly disagreed with the proposal and some observers suggested that Qodirov, whose party is in coalition with Mirziyoyev's in the parliament, made it in order to channel votes to the incumbent. Under Mirziyoyev, freedom of speech has expanded compared with the suppression of the Karimov era, and some independent news media and bloggers have appeared. He also relaxed the tight controls on Islam in the predominantly Muslim country that Karimov imposed to counter dissident views. He also lifted controls on hard currency, encouraging investment from abroad, and he moved to patch up foreign relations that soured under Karimov. Mirziyoyev improved relations with world players such as Russia, China and the West, while also resolving conflicts with neighbors including establishing peaceful interaction with Afghanistan, said Andrey Kazantsev of the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Relations. Uzbekistan and Afghanistan share a 144-kilometer (89-mile) border, and Uzbekistan has consistently worried that conflict could spill over. The ex-Soviet republic's foreign minister became the first foreign official to visit Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country in August. ___ Uliana Pavlova and Jim Heintz contributed to this story from Moscow. DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) JaeAuna Brantley likes to round her hands up toward the sky and plie a true ballerina. When Usher or the Korean-pop group BTS plays, she cant help but slip in a little shake of the hips or show off her cartwheels. In her Des Moines ballet studio, JaeAuna, 7, said: I feel happy. On Oct. 6, dressed in her pink tights, black leotard, and ballet shoes, she reached for the barre next to her and proved she can touch her head with her toes. Watch what I can do! she cried. At the barre, JaeAuna stands tall and elegant. She performs the ballet positions, demi plies, releves, and passes . The King Elementary student is a Swan, a class of Black and brown kids taking free, year-long ballet lessons at Mainframe Studios through the nonprofit organization SEEDS. The SEEDS-sponsored program is one of several Des Moines programs centering Black and brown children in traditional, and traditionally white-dominated, ballet. When youre intentionally creating a space for movement, magic happens, Sarah Jae, co-founder of SEEDS, told the Des Moines Register. JaeAunas class, which began late September, makes Black and brown kids feel powerful and confident, Jae, 34, said. It strengthens community creativity and representation, and makes dance more accessible. Through dance, kids are taught about the intersections between movement, arts, culture, and tradition. Ballet Des Moines is also partnering with community organizations already working with children on arts programs including the Oakridge Neighborhood, the Gregory & Suzie Glazer Burt Boys & Girls Club, and Al Exito and just started hosting free dance workshops in October. With similar goals as SEEDS, Ballet Des Moines wants to share dialogue, to learn about other communities through their creative expression, said Beau Kenyon, the dance companys director of education and outreach. It becomes a true cross-cultural dialogue. We dont want to perform and just leave. We want to build authentic relationships and invest in our communities, Kenyon, 42, said. Jae and Kenyon have both seen the need in Des Moines for these types of programs, they said. Jae had to create a waitlist because of high demand, she said. With more funding, she hopes to expand dance programming. And Kenyon has felt so much enthusiasm from the kids and the community, he said Ballet Des Moines has plans to continue collaborating with organizations in the winter and spring. With more programs and partnerships on the way for both organizations, SEEDS, Ballet Des Moines and other community organizations are among a growing movement for movement in Des Moines. When asked what dance moves were Intisar Khoudis favorite, the 13-year-old responded with a sly smile and said nothing. But judging by the laughs, smiles, and creativity she poured into Oakridges Oct. 4 workshop with Ballet Des Moines, it seemed she could have answered the question differently. Dancers, artists: Dont be shy were going to get to know each other through how we move, said Stephanie Martinez, an Indigenous Latina and Chicago-based choreographer who led the October workshop with Jordan Colbert, an Oakridge youth success navigator. Martinez guided the kids through contemporary ballet movements that will be performed at her upcoming show with Ballet Des Moines called Kiss. Intisar meaning triumph in Arabic joined the few dozen kids as they moved their hips to the left and right with Martinez to the tune of the Black Eyed Peas Meet Me Halfway. She twisted and turned across the Oakridge community center gym, her arms fluid. And later in the workshop, the kids created their own choreography, combining the moves they had just learned with moves they had known through the many different cultures they embrace. (Oakridge is home to numerous immigrant and refugee families from all over the world. Intisar said her family moved to Des Moines from Sudan). It was pretty fun, Im not going to lie, Intisar admitted. When asked again if she has a favorite dance move, she did a 360-twist and said maybe. In October, Ballet Des Moines, along with Martinez, hosted a similar workshop with the Boys & Girls Club at Drake University and are planning future collaborations with the Latinx-centered organization Al Exito. With these programs, Ballet Des Moines and SEEDS want to help strengthen the arts that already exist in Des Moines communities. Were not bringing in arts and culture in our communities, because arts and culture already exist, said Jami Milne, 41, Ballet Des Moines creative director. Colbert, who helps the Oakridge kids get involved with the arts, said she has seen firsthand how children benefit socially, emotionally, and academically through movement and the arts. I wish people could see the great work were doing here, for our kids. For our community, she said. Its beautiful. Art, dance, and movement are essential to a childs development, because it allows them to experiment and play. Plus, creativity is the ultimate freedom where they can express themselves, Colbert, 37, continued. Dance has been inaccessible to many young people because it can be expensive, said Krisilyn Frazier, a hip hop dance instructor at the University of Michigans School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Membership fees, competitions, dance and recital clothing, and travel expenses add up. Which is why free programs like SEEDS and the collaborations with Ballet Des Moines are so important when it comes to breaking barriers in the dance community, Frazier said. They are the ones who are bridging the gaps, she said. Tara Washington, 29, was able to enroll four of her daughters in the Swan class. She didnt have that same opportunity growing up. For my kids to be able to do thisthats a good feeling, she said. It opens doors. JaeAuna had never been in a dance class before, said the girls aunt and caretaker, Deb Simmons, 47. If the Swan classes werent free, Simmons would not have been able to afford it. Its a beautiful thing in our community, a blessing, Simmons said. And the diversity in the program ... it shows you can be anything you want to be even a ballet dancer. Here, it doesnt matter what skin color you are. You just love, Simmons continued. Four months ago JaeAunas mother died of a sudden heart attack. Simmons now cares for JaeAuna and her five siblings. Ballet gives the young girl structure, Simmons said. It gives her hope. Every day she cries for her mother, but not at dance class, Simmons said. In 1977, anarchy was in the air. The Sex Pistols went to number one in the UK charts despite God Save The Queen being banned from the airwaves for gross bad taste, in New York, the Ramones released Sheena is a Punk Rocker and safety pins were hanging from ears and noses as a fashion statement. That spirit of punk also made its way to San Francisco, where, at the end of the Golden Gate Bridge during one of the biggest storms to hit the city in years, the Suicide Club was born. San Francisco saw a deluge of over three inches of rain on the second day of January that year, and at midnight, as intersections flooded and power failures spread across the city, four friends went to the foot of the bridge and took turns holding the sea wall chain tight as twenty-foot waves from the angry Pacific crashed over them. The waves would shoot up and they would fall down on top of you. If you werent hanging on it would suck you up, pull you out and you would die, early member John Law would later recall. They looked at it, figured it out, and took the risk. Despite the provocative name, the club was never about suicide. The moniker, like everything the secret society did in the next few years, was a joke. Born of the ideals of Dadaism humor, absurdity and anything that opposed harmony, was the goal that joke grew and grew and eventually birthed two corporatized mainstream events that now feel a million miles away from the spirit of punk: SantaCon and Burning Man. The society started as an experimental class at San Francisco State University named Communiversity. Their shtick included Pie of the Month Club, where students interested in a touch of anarchy could sign up for an allotted time period wherein they could be hit in the face with pies without warning. After a student was pied during lunch with their parents and a game professor got hit while teaching a class, the university put an end to the merriment. Shortly after they left the school, on that fateful night in the storm at Fort Point, the four founding members, Adrienne Burk, David Warren, Nancy Prussia and leader Gary Warne decided that they should rebirth the shuttered college club across the entire city. They wanted to recreate the exhilaration of staring death in the face in the storm more often, with more people. They named their secret society after the Robert Louis Stevenson story of three bored urbanites who would gamble their life at midnight. Warne initiated it by leaving a cryptic sign-up sheet in a bookstore where he worked. Have you ever explored a subterranean sewer at night with forty other people; climbed three stories on a swinging rope ladder to dine on the roof of a condemned building? The invite opened, before stating its purpose, or lack thereof. Events generally fall into three categories: Adventures, infiltrations, and stunts ... no WHY or PHILOSOPHY is attached. Tristan Savatier/Flickr Vision The societys exploits were not publicized anywhere, but through word of mouth and later recollections it was revealed over the years that the hijinks included busting into the Oakland sewer system and walking two miles in Victorian garb, turning corporate billboards into anarchist art installations, and scaling the Golden Gate Bridge and rappelling down the towers. A video shared by Law during a presentation in Croatia in 2015 shows old footage of the club members sitting atop a Bay Bridge tower at night taking in the view. The club was also responsible for creating the now-gone iconic defenestration building on Howard and 6th in SoMa, recognizable for the furniture stuck to its exterior walls. These pieces of furniture have taken it upon themselves to rid themselves of the slavery of their human captors, the videos narrator states. While these pranks highlighted the urban exploration goal of the club, other less exploratory adventures included entering a grown man into a most beautiful baby contest. There was no internet in the 80s, but if there was, the group would have likely gone viral every week. Or, if they had been interested in the mainstream they were attempting to subvert, they would have maybe created Jackass for MTV a decade before Johnny Knoxville and his pals started smashing each others genitals and snorting wasabi. Many of the clubs escapades havent dated well, like the time they rode a cable car pretending to be mental health patients. Club members were instructed in the clubs nooseletter to be as insane as they know how, and that their costumes should coincide with the diagnosis you choose. And while there was deliberately no political manifesto beyond mayhem, the club did infiltrate the American Nazi Party, long before Sacha Baron Cohen sang for the far-right militia. Like safety pin nose rings and Sex Pistols creative output, the secret society didnt last long. After five years of pranks, the Suicide Club fractured and quietly dissolved in 1982, due in part to everyone sleeping with everyone else, Law once said. Founder Gary Warne died in 1983, and the surviving members would go on to form the Cacophony Society, which had similar ideals of Dadaist cultural subversion, but were less secretive in their endeavors. Brant Ward/The Chronicle Their most known exploits include dressing as salmon and running upstream the wrong way during Bay to Breakers, and bringing the Burning Man festival to Nevada. Author Chuck Palahniuk was a member of the Portland arm of the Cacophony Society and based much of "Fight Club" on their exploits. The club was also responsible for creating the drunken San Francisco festivity that is SantaCon, originally named Santarchy. And while it may have intended to be an underground cultural moment, that Christmas pub crawl has spread across America and become about as subversive as St Paddys Day. As John Oliver put it, "it's not a magical occasion, it's a terrifying combination of binge drinking, public urination and trauma to small children." Now thats real mayhem. In this weeks roundup, higher demand and rising fuel prices are driving significant increases in airfares as the year-end holidays approach; Aer Lingus will resume service to San Francisco International; low-cost Canadian carrier Flair Airlines plans two new SFO routes in the spring; international news from Delta Airlines, Singapore Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Qantas Airways; Hawaiis governor says visitors are welcome again starting Nov. 1 as COVID caseload eases; JetBlue Airways schedules its new A220s for transcontinental service to San Jose; Alaska Airlines will drop some California routes next year; Delta unveils a big boost in New York City schedules; United Airlines sees a record year for international travel in 2022; Southwest Airlines' massive cancellations this month cost it $75 million; Southwest adds new perks for its Chase cardholders; and Los Angeles International Airport opens a giant state-of-the-art parking facility. As airlines report increasing consumer demand for flights over the year-end holidays, travelers are being warned to expect a surge in airfares not only due to higher demand, but also due to another big factor: the price of aviation fuel. Fares are already rising as the holidays approach, and United CEO Scott Kirby said this week that as fuel costs continue to escalate, fares are likely to get even higher. Higher jet fuel prices lead to higher ticket prices. Ultimately, well pass that through, he said in a CNBC interview. United Airlines Hopper, a booking app that analyzes changes and trends in airfares, said in a new report on holiday travel that domestic airfares for trips around Christmas are already back up to pre-pandemic 2019 levels at an average of $390 for a round-trip fare a 55% increase over 2021. The company said last-minute holiday travel will get even more expensive, with average round-trip fares jumping to $460 two weeks before Christmas and $510 in the last week before the holiday. In general, booking domestic flights three weeks in advance (or by Thanksgiving at the latest), should help travelers avoid the biggest price spikes, Hopper said. Other experts recommend booking even farther out like within the next couple of weeks. Hopper said the best available domestic fares are for outbound trips on Tuesday, Dec. 21. For the Thanksgiving holiday, Book no later than Halloween for the best prices, Hopper suggested. For Thanksgiving, travelers should expect domestic airfare of around $300 round-trip, which is up 23% from 2020 ($245) but down 11% from 2019 ($335). The average fare will jump to $400 for the week before the holiday and $500 for last-minute trips the week of Thanksgiving, the company said. Irelands Aer Lingus, which will resume East Coast service next month, has now set Dec. 12 for a return to San Francisco International Airport. The carrier plans to fly four days a week from SFO to Dublin, increasing frequencies to six days during the weeks before and after Christmas. Aer Lingus has also revealed starting dates for its new direct service to the U.S. from Manchester, England, which has been delayed for several months. The carrier will launch non-stop service between Manchester and New York Dec. 1, followed by Manchester-Orlando starting Dec. 11. Meanwhile, United Airlines has reportedly canceled plans to launch its own San Francisco-Dublin flights, which had been scheduled to begin March 26. United already flies to Dublin from its Newark hub. In Canada, the ultra-low-cost carrier Flair is heading toward domestic and international expansion next year, including new trans-border routes and the addition of San Francisco International to its route map. As it adds more 737 MAX jets to its fleet, Flair plans to begin new service from San Francisco to Edmonton on April 14 and from SFO to Vancouver starting May 17. Other new Flair trans-border routes will include Denver-Toronto beginning April 15, along with Nashville-Toronto and Nashville-Edmonton as of April 14. In other international route news, Delta has dropped three long-haul routes from its schedules, with no plans to bring them back: Los Angeles-Shanghai, Salt Lake City-London and Atlanta-Stuttgart. But Delta is adding service to Panama City, Panama, with plans to start flying there once a week from Los Angeles and Orlando on Dec. 18, as well as three times a week from New York's John F. Kennedy Airport on Dec. 20; Delta will also add a second Saturday flight from Atlanta to Panama City on Dec. 18. Singapore Airlines is due to return to Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) on Dec. 1, when it will resume service eastbound flights to Singapore via a stop in Manchester, United Kingdom. The flight will operate three days a week as a Fifth Freedom route, meaning passengers can book only the IAH-Manchester segment if they want. With the U.S. reopening to European travelers on Nov. 8, KLM said this week that it is expanding transatlantic service in its winter schedule, which starts Oct. 31. That includes increasing Amsterdam-Atlanta frequencies to 12 a week and Amsterdam-JFK to 11. The carrier will also serve Las Vegas and Miami three days a week, and will extend its summer Amsterdam-Minneapolis route through the winter with three weekly flights. Jae C. Hong/Associated Press Qantas has moved up the resumption of Los Angeles-Sydney and London-Sydney flights from Nov. 15 to Nov. 1, but they still wont be available to anyone except fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents of Australia. The Australian government continues to say that the resumption of international tourist traffic into the country is unlikely to happen before March of next year. In domestic travel developments, Hawaii Governor David Ige announced this week that a continuing drop in the number of COVID cases in the islands means that mainland visitors are welcome to resume trips, beginning Nov. 1. On Aug. 23, when new cases and hospitalizations were surging in Hawaii, Ige had asked mainland travelers to stay away from the islands, even though the government didnt impose any new entry restrictions. Still, his request was enough to spur a wave of cancellations that left Hawaiis hotels with thousands of empty rooms, after the industry rebounded sharply during the summer months. Hawaii still requires visitors to show proof of COVID vaccination or a negative test taken within 72 hours of departure if they want to avoid a 10-day quarantine upon arrival in the islands. Peter Unger/Getty Images JetBlue started taking delivery of new Airbus A220s earlier this year and has started flying them in the eastern half of the country. But next year, it plans to put the A220 into transcontinental service with flights from San Jose to Boston. JetBlues A220s have 140 seats in a 2x3 layout, including six rows with extra legroom, along with AC, USB-A and USB-C ports, high-definition seatback screens, 30 channels of DirecTV and its usual free Wi-Fi connectivity. JetBlue will introduce the aircraft on the SJC-BOS and Portland-Boston routes starting in September of 2022. According to a report in the Crankyflier.com blog based on schedule data from Cirium, Alaska Airlines will drop several routes from its summer schedule next year. That includes two major routes that it inherited from Virgin America Los Angeles-Chicago and LAX-Boston. In the Bay Area, Alaska will reportedly discontinue its San Francisco-Ft. Lauderdale, San Francisco-Tampa and San Jose-Paine Field (Everett, Wash.) routes. Other markets getting the axe include Anchorage-Kona; Palm Springs-Boise; Los Angeles to Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, Paine Field, and Tampa; Portland to Cancun, Ft. Lauderdale, Omaha, Tampa, and Tucson; San Diego to Cancun and Ft. Lauderdale; and Seattle to Belize. Drew Angerer/Getty Images In its latest response to the challenge of JetBlue and Americans new Northeast Regional partnership and to growing passenger numbers Delta said this week it is ramping up flight operations in New York City airports this winter. By next month, Delta said, its LaGuardia and JFK schedules will feature 100 more daily departures than they did this past summer a 25% boost in overall capacity. That includes restoring service to the New York areas 40 most popular domestic markets and adding more departures to key business travel destinations like Boston, Washington D.C., Charlotte, and Raleigh-Durham. Whats more, every Delta flight at JFK, LGA and EWR will now offer a First Class experience, due to the removal of smaller, 50-seat aircraft from all NYC markets, Delta said. At JFK, Delta will increase Paris CDG and London Heathrow service to twice-daily and Dublin departures to once a day starting Dec. 6. It will also add a second daily JFK-Tel Aviv frequency Dec. 18, and resume JFK-Lagos, Nigeria service three days a week beginning Dec. 7. Deltas JFK-Frankfurt flights will return Dec. 13, while service from JFK to Sao Paulo and Los Cabos resumes Dec. 19. While government entry restrictions have kept a lid on the recovery of international travel, United Airlines said this week it expects to see a rapid expansion of that sector in the months ahead. In its quarterly earnings report, the airline said that for 2022, it expects its international capacity to rise by 10% over pre-pandemic levels, while its domestic capacity will remain about the same as 2019. United cited the rebound in premium leisure travel, re-opening of European borders next month, continued recovery of business travel and early indications of loosening travel restrictions in key Pacific markets for its optimism. Expected flying at record levels to Europe, Latin America, India, Africa and the Middle East in summer 2022, will be enabled by the anticipated return of United's Pratt & Whitney-powered Boeing 777s to the fleet in 2022, United said. Those aircraft have been grounded since one suffered an engine failure over Colorado last February. The operational mess that hit Southwest Airlines schedule earlier this month also hit the airlines bottom line with a $75 million negative impact, due to thousands of cancelled flights and the resulting passenger refunds and gestures of goodwill, the company said this week. Those gestures were the payments of $100 to $250 per passenger that Southwest has been issuing as compensation for their disrupted travel plans. The airlines October revenues took another $40 million hit due to the lingering effects of the delta variant, which caused a temporary downward trend in bookings. In August and September, Southwest said, the COVID delta variant had negative revenue impacts of $100 million and $200 million respectively. CEO Gary Kelly conceded that Southwest tried to ramp up capacity too fast in the third quarter, when it didnt have the staffing to do so. He said the company has reined in our capacity plans to match current staffing levels and is actively hiring 5,000 new employees by years end. Capacity planning for 2022 will also be affected by more conservative staffing assumptions, the company said. To mark the 25th anniversary of its credit-card partnership with Chase, Southwest Airlines has come out with special promotions for new cardholders and extra benefits for existing members. New applicants for the consumer card can earn up to 100,000 Rapid Rewards points if they meet spending quotas, and business cardmembers can earn up to 140,000 points. New benefits for existing cardmembers include double points on local transit and commuting purchases, including ride-sharing; double points for spending on internet, phone, cable TV and select streaming services; and two annual EarlyBird check-ins (i.e. front of the boarding line). These are in addition to existing perks like bonus points on the card anniversary, bonus earning for spending on Southwest, and points on every purchase made with the card. Boarding1Now/Getty Images/iStockphoto LAX cut the ribbon on a $294 million state-of-the-art parking structure this week, saying that it is one of the most advanced economy parking facilities at any U.S. airport. The four-story LAX Economy Parking facility has 4,300 parking spots and offers advance booking, intuitive wayfinding to help drivers find a spot, and electric vehicle chargers. The new garage is the first piece of a complete modernization of the parking experience at LAX, the airport said. In the near future, all LAX parking structures, including those throughout the Central Terminal Area, will feature smart technology, which will create a more efficient and elevated guest experience. As of this week, users can book advance reservations at four garages in the Central Terminal area (2B, 3, 4 and 7) and at the Van Nuys Flyaway terminal garage. Online bookings are available at parking.flylax.com. Those who book a space in advance can get discounts of up to 70% off the drive-up parking price of $25 a day, LAX said. The new garage will eventually provide a direct link to the inter-terminal Automated People Mover system, currently under construction. Until then, dedicated shuttle buses will take parking customers to the Central Terminal Area. A moisture-rich atmospheric river swept into the San Francisco Bay Area Sunday morning and is expected to soak the region and kick up high winds into Monday morning. Heavy rain was already falling over the North Bay early Sunday and the National Weather Service reported just after 5 a.m. that a gauge on Mount Tamalpais has recorded 6 inches of rain in the last 12 hours. "It's bringing more rain than expected," Anna Schneider, a forecaster with the weather service's Monterey office, said Sunday morning. The central Bay Area was also seeing showers Sunday morning; the rain will intensify over the San Francisco Peninsula and East Bay into the afternoon. How much rain could fall and when? On Saturday, the weather service posted higher projected rainfall totals for the storm than previously forecast. The latest runs of the weather models showed the storm moving more slowly across the region Sunday into Monday than previous ones, potentially increasing the amount of time the storm will dump rain. North Bay Timing: Heaviest rain Sunday morning Projected rainfall totals: Highest peaks 8 to 11 inches, foothills 6 to 8 inches, valleys 4 to 6 inches East Bay and San Francisco Peninsula Timing: Heaviest rain at about 2-3 p.m. Sunday Projected rainfall totals: Higher elevations 4 to 6 inches, lower elevations 2 to 4 inches South Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains Timing: Heaviest rain starting about 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Sunday Projected rainfall totals: Highest peaks 5 to 7 inches, foothills and Santa Cruz coast 2 to 4 inches, Santa Clara Valley 1 to 2.5 inches Monterey and San Benito counties Timing: Sunday evening through early Monday morning Projected rainfall totals: Highest peaks along the Big Sur Coast 4 to 6 inches, coastal Monterey County 2 to 4 inches, interior Monterey and San Benito counties 1 to 2.50 inches "These times and totals are subject to change but the forecast confidence is increasing as models update," the weather service said. What are the biggest risks with the atmospheric river sweeping the S.F. Bay Area? The weather service issued multiple advisories warning of hazardous conditions. (Get the latest updates from the weather service on Twitter.) A flash flood watch is in effect for portions of Sonoma, Napa and Marin counties in the North Bay through 11 p.m. Sunday, the Santa Cruz Mountains 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, and parts of Monterey County 5 p.m. Sunday to 4 a.m. Monday. Heavy rainfall may lead to debris flows and flash floods in and near recent burn areas," the weather service said, warning of debris flows in areas of the North Bay that were torched by wildfires in recent years and the CZU Lightning Complex burn scars in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Officials issued a series of evacuations Saturday for several areas in San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties within the CZU burn scar. The Cal Fire San Mateo - Santa Cruz Unit is posting updates for both Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties on Twitter. An interactive map at community.zonehaven.com is being updated with the latest evacuation information. The storm is expected to hammer urban corridors south of the Golden Gate by roughly 2 to 3 p.m. this afternoon, the weather service said. The Highways 101 and 280 will see heavy rain on the Peninsula and Highways 880 and 680 in the East Bay. "Stay off the roads if at all possible today," the weather service warned. Also in urban areas, clogged storm drains could cause some flooding on streets and highways. A wind advisory is in effect for the North Bay from 2 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; in San Francisco, the East Bay and South Bay from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday; and in Monterey and San Benito counties from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday. Sustained southerly winds of 15 to 25 mph are in the forecast, with isolated gusts up to 45 mph, and up to 60 mph at the windiest spots. Trees could be blown down and power outages are possible. Large breaking waves up to 30 feet are in the forecast for west- to northwest-facing beaches from Sonoma County to Monterey County, including SF's Ocean Beach, Montara State Beach and Marina State Beach. The weather service has a high-surf warning in effect from 11 p.m. Sunday through 11 a.m. Tuesday. The biggest waves are expected Monday. You are now listening to the sounds of the New Generation. A podcast created for those who desire a new way of gaining information rather than reading a traditional newspaper. In our show we will discuss everything from sports, pop culture, politics, and local news. To stay up to date on our latest episodes every week be sure to follow us on your favorite podcast service. And dont worry, we keep it short. SHELTON David Eldridge says Mark Lauretti is not the only person who can run a city and keep taxes low. Now it comes down to convincing the voters. The retired Shelton police officer turned mayoral candidate calls himself a fiscal conservative. But while his stance on maintaining a low tax rate mirrors that of the 15-term incumbent, Eldridge states he will do so while reining in development, streamlining city operations and investing in education. He isnt the only person who can keep taxes low, Eldridge, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and a long-time employee at Sikorsky Aircraft, said about his opponent on Election Day, Nov. 2. We need someone dedicated to our residents, Eldridge added. Someone who will set better priorities, install better managers and practices, someone who will maximize resources for the betterment of the city. Eldridge admitted that, in the past he has supported Laurettis fiscal policies, but now believes Lauretti has been in office way too long and and allows the city to run on autopilot. I am committed to working day and night for the people of Shelton, Eldridge added. Eldridge, once owner of Annas Place in downtown Shelton, said, if elected, he would be busy on his first day. He said he would request the Board of Alderman approve a full financial audit of city finances, something he says is overdue. While my hope is a portion of good city employees will stay on, I will certainly be bringing in an all-star team to run the city, Eldridge said. There will be much-needed changes at the Police Department, and our emergency services departments will know I am there to support them, which in turn supports our residents. The era of wasteful tax dollar lawsuits will be over. Laurettis critics have often said his budgets do not invest in the school system. Eldridge says that will change under his stewardship. He said he is committed to holding the line on spending while making strategic investments in the schools. I will do all I can to eliminate pay-to-play sports, so all young people and families are not deterred from participating, Eldridge said. I will ensure grant funding opportunities support our classrooms, school safety, and the social and emotional well-being of our students are pursued. Our future workforce deserves better. Eldridge said the lack of appropriate school funding and the city-run bus companys problems with lack of drivers, missed routes and no line-item listing of costs has eroded parents confidence, something he intends to restore under his leadership. Truthfully, we should have never been in the student transportation business. It is a debacle, and we dont know the true costs of running this bus company, he said. There has been no transparency and line-item budgeting. We need to work toward turning these services over to the professionals through a competitive process and good negotiations, so we get the best deal for taxpayers. A major concern that no one speaks about, Eldridge said, is that some of the buses are nearing the end of their service life, yet no plans for purchasing new buses have been discussed. Eldridge said he would hire a professional grant-writer to secure state and federal money to augment the budget. The money for the new hire could come from money saved from streamlining the citys workforce. We need a full-time grant writer to ensure more money comes in and we continue to grow our grand list with a thoughtful and well-planned vision for our city, Eldridge said. Ultimately, Eldridge said his goal is to bring people together for the betterment of the city. He cited his campaign team as proof of his ability to unite people, with Republicans Jim Capra, a former alderman, and school board member Anne Gaydos helping run his campaign which is on the Democratic ticket. They believed in me and realized we need change and 30 years of our current mayor is enough, he said. They would have never work with my campaign unless they were certain I would keep taxes low. We need fresh eyes on our city operations, Eldridge said. Our bond ratings have tanked. Our education system is declining. We have poorly planned development throughout our city and proposed for our neighborhoods. We need new ideas and leadership. Someone who can work with people. 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. Silchar, (Assam) Oct 23 (IANS) Six Delhi-bound Myanmar nationals, including a woman, were detained by the Assam police at the state's border with Mizoram, police said. The six Myanmarese, aged 19 to 23 years, were arrested at Lailapur on the Assam-Mizoram border along Cachar district on Friday night from a car. They had planned to go to Guwahati and then to Delhi by train. A police official said that during the preliminary interrogation they confessed that they recently entered Mizoram from Myanmar's Chin state through the Champhai border and now they were going to Delhi via Guwahati in search of jobs. Police recovered Rs 40,000 in Indian currency from them and also arrested the Indian driver of the car they had hired to go to Guwahati. With this 46 Delhi bound Myanmarese have been detained in Assam and Manipur during the past 41 days. On October 1, 14 Delhi-bound Myanmar nationals, including a woman, were arrested by the security personnel at the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal. On September 12, 26 Delhi-bound Myanmarese, including 10 women, were arrested from a private lodge at Rehabari after they arrived in Guwahati from Mizoram. Since March, around 11,500 Myanmar nationals have taken refuge in Mizoram after the declaration of a state of emergency in Myanmar on February 1. Myanmar nationals, including Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar and from the refugee camps in Bangladesh, are often detained in different northeastern states after they illegally enter India in search of jobs or get trapped in human trafficking. Four northeastern states -- Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram -- share 1,643 km unfenced borders with Myanmar. Four northeastern states of Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Assam share a 1,880-km border with Bangladesh. Vast stretches of the Bangladesh borders with the northeastern states remained unfenced. --IANS sc/bg A senior official engaged with the crime department told India Narrative that Indian security authorities must take cognizance of the increased level of terror threats emanating from the shifting geopolitical dynamics in Afghanistan. While Pakistan continues to be on FATF's grey list what is worrying is that Turkey has also joined the bandwagon. FATF recently said these terror outfits "continue to pose a serious threat to international stability, security and peace." "We must also understand that Pakistan continues to be on FATF grey list. This must be taken as a serious warning.. there must have been enough reasons for FATF to conclude that Islamabad needs to continue remaining on the grey list," he said. The official added that while Pakistan has been on FATF's grey list since June 2018, the contours are different today with the return on the Taliban in Afghanistan. Another insider highlighted that the recent attacks on temples and Durga Puja sites in Bangladesh should serve as a wake up call for the entire South Asian region. "Global security threats are high and such attacks could be on the rise and the challenge for security authorities is to ensure such instances do not occur..they are aimed at destabilizing regional economic, political and social framework," one of them added. Meanwhile, FATF also said that since 2020, both ISIL and Al Qaeda have increasingly turned to new payment technologies to raise, move and deploy funds. "As a result, the use of virtual assets by terrorists remains a risk. In addition, the risk emanating from expansion of affiliates of ISIL and Al Qaeda has been increasing over the past years," the terror financing watchdog said. ISIL, for example, has about $25-50 million in reserves. These funds help the group to sustain some activities and to seek a potential resurgence. Also read: Africa could face a spate of terror attacks after Covid restrictions are removed: UN Security Council The FATF earlier said that the pandemic has led to an increase in crimes, including fraud, cybercrime, misdirection or exploitation of government funds or international financial assistance, which is creating new sources of proceeds for illicit actors. During the crisis, more than 60 million new accounts have been opened using digital onboarding, FATF Executive Secretary, David Lewis said earlier. However, what is worrisome is that not every digital ID is reliable. (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative 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! Shes one of Australias most famous modelling exports, as well known for her torso as her face. The model and businesswoman shared her beauty regime with Vogue online. Credit: At 57, Elle The Body Macpherson, who grew up in Killara on Sydneys north shore, continues to captivate the fashion industry while building her beauty empire as the founder of brand WelleCo. But it wasnt Macphersons good looks and enviable physique that set tongues wagging among the notoriously cliquey fashion and beauty industry last week. Emerald City was contacted by several leading fashion insiders that were surprised by Macphersons recent remarks about her ancestry. My eyes are almost black, thats the Aborigine in me, the mother-of-two stated during an online beauty tutorial for Vogue beauty secrets. Being seven generations Australian they dont reflect light the same way blue eyes do. The origins of the word normal come from the Latin normalis, which meant a right angle, he says. It was a carpentry term. It was just a practical term to keep things at 90 degrees, to show youve got a normal. With the benefit of hindsight though, I would put a question mark at the end of the title. He doesnt feel conversations about what is normal, about the pandemics long-term effect on people and life, can end for a while. It does churn up the emotions, he says. We have three members of our family who died of COVID-19. All had health issues, but they were in care homes. And then you realise this is the other reality of it. The overcrowded hospitals at full tilt, health care workers at their wits end. Not enough equipment, not enough masks. Saying goodbye to relatives where the nurse is holding the iPad up. So, youd say goodbye, the final goodbye to someone on a shaky iPad. Thats the tragedy of it. How do you even calibrate that anymore? Youre balancing all that with trying to sort of carry on. What is normal? Thats why I started to write this show. It started out as a reaction to the shock of whats happened in Britain, whats happened in America and generally around the world, the emboldening of populist strongmen in Hungary, in the Philippines. Now trying to find a way back to normal, its taking on a greater significance because, well, do we want that? Do we want to go back to that? In 2020 Bailey released a new book, Bill Baileys Remarkable Guide to Happiness, a collection of essays celebrating simplicity and clarity as a means to find joy. Months later, he won BBC TVs 18th series of Strictly Come Dancing with dance partner Oti Mabuse, becoming the contests oldest ever winner. In August, he became the first British comic to play the main stage at the Royal Opera House in London. Two weeks after this show, Baileys longtime friend, and fellow comic, Sean Lock died from cancer. The day his death was announced, an emotional Bailey held up his phone for a video call to talk about the devastating loss he felt. He was my dearest friend and weve known each other more than 30 years, he said. Weve known he was ill for some time but, even so, its still a shock when the day comes. He was a brilliant comic, he was a wonderful man, a very kind and generous friend and I miss him greatly. Bailey has always expressed himself, and his passion for humanity, nature, animals and protecting the planet, with honesty and heart. He remains furious about the UK governments handling of the pandemic, calling it catastrophic and the reason cases raged throughout the country. A criminally negligent government allowed this to happen, he says. The result is weve had the worst rate of deaths in Europe which is shocking really when you think were supposed to be a reasonably modern health service. Appalled by individual ministers negligence and lack of ethics, hes amazed at the lack of cabinet resignations and widespread public outcry. I was thinking about this today. Why is there not marching, protests in the street, people banging on the doors of Number 10? The only marches in London are people protesting about having to wear masks on their face, people protesting about a vaccine, people protesting about how they couldnt go to the pub. What? Bill Bailey has a passion for the natural world and his English home is a mini zoo. We cant ,I cant . But, you are, you are actually out and about. Pubs are open. Things are opening. What is it youre marching against? Then people go, Its like Nazi Germany, these lockdowns, like Nazi Germany. Yes, because of course, thats what the Nazis are known for, isnt it? Mild inconvenience. I think theres a deeply held patriotic deference to an incumbent government in Britain. Almost like a unitarian, common sense of, Its a time of crisis, nows not the time for politics. Nows the time to get behind the government, no matter how criminally reckless they are. He pinpoints Donald Trumps presidency for lowering the bar of expectation for elected representatives, for eroding trust in media organisations and information channels. In my lifetime, Ive never seen the like, he says. Government ministers blatantly lying, blatantly handing money over to their friends. Proper corruption. The kind of thing you would normally ascribe to tin-pot dictatorship somewhere. Not Britain. Not Blighty. This is happening here? Theres a kind of numbness to this behaviour. Like weve been bludgeoned into accepting it over the last few years from Trump and others. Maintaining the rage runs alongside Baileys lifelong passions for nature, exploring the world and rescuing animals. He and his wife, Kristin, became registered members of the British and Irish Association of Zookeepers and Aquariums, and their home is now a mini zoo of cockatoos, monkeys, chickens, snakes, chameleons, cats, geese and dogs. A keen exponent of the outdoors, he is out birdwatching, hiking, mountain biking, paddle-boarding and observing flowers. Like his hero explorer and forgotten co-discoverer of evolution by natural selection, Alfred Russel Wallace he is a prolific drawer of scientific illustrations of butterflies, moths, bees, insects and birds. He is also optimistic that, despite dire times, people have rediscovered their communal instincts. All those disaster movies about pandemics and viruses always ended up with the whole society unravelling and people ransacking everything and it all descends into anarchy. And the opposite is true. The opposite happens. People cleave together, people come together, people find ways to help others. This time in history has reminded us of how powerful those connections are. Its shown how much were reliant on them, how much they sustain us, how much they connect us to the past and bind us together. Our connections have been strengthened. Bill Bailey is at the Palais Theatre, Melbourne, from October 20-22, 2022, and the State Theatre, Sydney, from October 26-28, 2022; and the Coliseum Theatre, Rooty Hill, November 1, 2022. For a full list of dates go to billbailey.co.uk/live LIVE COMEDY IS BACK Easy Comedy At Home The live-streamed stand-up show that kept people sane through lockdown returns with MCs including Dave Hughes, Denise Scott and Geraldine Hickey. Comedians including Zoe Coombs Marr, Cal Wilson, Nath Valvo, Tommy Little, Tom Ballard and Claire Hooper, among a total of 15 stand-ups across the month, crack the wit at the mic. November 11, 18, 25. comedy.com.au/tour/easey-comedy Randy Feltface The purple puppet, back in the Big Smoke from country life, with all new jokes. November 25, Athenaeum Theatre; December 18, Comedy Store, Moore Park, feltface.com Geraldine Hickey - What A Surprise The superlative dead-panner, agapanthus-remover and winner of the 2021 Melbourne International Comedy Festivals Most Outstanding Show Award delivers encore performances of her trophy-winning work. December 7-9, Chapel off Chapel Ross Noble returns to the Australian stage in December. Credit:suppied Ross Noble - 2021 Comeback Special Master of improvisation, owner of thousands of obscure VHS cassettes, Noble returns to ponder getting a bean bag into an attic, the spirit in a spirit level and other off-the-cuff topics. December 11, Athenaeum Theatre; April 26-27, 2022, Glen Street Theatre; May 5, 2022, Sydney Coliseum Theatre, May 7, 2022, State Theatre, rossnoble.com The Australian governments preference for hitting net zero by 2050 now appears likely to become a firm commitment, with Morrison telling colleagues he plans to forge ahead even without the support of a small group of Nationals critics. But the 2050 target is just the price of admission, says Professor Frank Jotzo, director of the Centre for Climate and Energy Policy at the Australian National University; it is the lowest hurdle a nation can clear to be taken seriously at the talks. In Glasgow the focus will be on 2030 targets. Most observers now believe that Morrison will travel to Glasgow armed with evidence that Australia is likely to beat its 2030 target by a healthy margin, potentially bringing its reductions close to 40 per cent. Would such a projection satisfy Australias international peers? Not all of them, says Jotzo, also a lead author on the key climate reports prepared by the UNs Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Jotzo says Australia is already out of step with what many other nations have pledged. As Alok Sharma, the British cabinet minister who is president of the COP26 talks, puts it, the Group of 20 wealthy nations emit 80 per cent of the worlds greenhouse gas pollution and are the key to preventing catastrophic climate change. Among G20 nations, Australia has the second-highest per person emissions after Saudi Arabia and will be among the last to commit to net zero. It has among the weakest 2030 targets and will be one of the few not to increase them. Jotzo also notes that in having such high per capita emissions, Australia has greater opportunity for reductions. Ambitious federal policies to speed up the displacement of fossil energy, help industry invest in cleaner processes and equipment, accelerate the rollout of electric vehicles or even introduce motor vehicle emissions standards in line with global norms would have a huge impact on national emissions. Instead, he says, the government has a history of setting itself easy targets. As was the case with Kyoto, land-use changes and the deployment of renewables by households and state governments will account for Australias success in meeting its relatively weak 2030 goals, Jotzo says: Its like an athlete setting themselves the goal of running 100 metres in 35 seconds and then celebrating when he achieves it. Bill Hare, chief executive of Climate Analytics and a former IPCC lead author, agrees. Australias key international friends, the US, Britain and Canada, he says, have left political blood on the floor in their efforts to reach credible targets. If Australia marches in and says dont worry were going to beat our target they are going to say, well, why dont you put it into law? Why cant you match what we are doing? Not all observers are equally certain a projection, rather than a commitment, would be so poorly received. One of Australias former lead climate negotiators, Professor Howard Bamsey, believes if a projection was buttressed by a credible emissions reductions plan in line with net zero by 2050, it might be welcomed. But he adds: I just dont see how you get to [net zero by] 2050 without substantially beating the current 2030 target. On October 10, Sharma told The Financial Times he hoped Morrison would do more: Australia are our closest mates, and I want them to come to our party and sing the same songs - and that means making ambitious commitments on emissions reductions by 2030 and, obviously, a net zero target. Alex Scott, who heads a climate diplomacy and geopolitics team at the British environmental think tank E3G said that far from being seen as more ambitious, a projection would be regarded as breaking Australias Paris promise: The IPCC says we need to halve emissions by 2030. Australias current targets arent even close to their fair share and will be laughed out of the room. Loading Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor disagrees. Earlier this week, he emphasised that Australia had achieved a 21 per cent reduction on emissions since 2005. Now thats stronger performance than countries like Canada and New Zealand - big commodity exporters like Australia. Its stronger than the United States, he said. Its stronger than Japan. Its stronger than the OECD average. And its certainly stronger than China, thats seen emissions rise over 70 per cent in that time frame. Australias emissions accounting is the global gold standard. No other country offers more comprehensive or timely reporting. We prepare our accounts according to IPCC guidelines and they are reviewed annually by expert teams assembled by the UN. And even if the world does disapprove of whatever package Morrison can eventually secure from the Nationals and bring to Glasgow, does it really matter? By design the Paris Agreement lacks explicit penalties for a perceived failure to properly contribute. Jotzo and Hare argue that Australia aligning itself with a handful of nations reluctant to act rather than its traditional peers and friends has its own costs. The European Union has already declared it will introduce a tax on imports of carbon-intensive goods crossing its borders from nations without their own carbon taxes. The proposal would have little impact on Australia at present, but that will change if it is replicated more widely. And diplomatic issues have a tendency to be linked, even if not explicitly, says Hare. Australias closest strategic allies have declared climate change to be among their greatest concerns. How long will it be before the climate issue is raised in talks over other issues? Even aside from national self-interest, friendly nations are concerned that Australias positioning weakens the broader push for action. Loading Doug Sonnek, economic counsellor at the US embassy in Canberra, told the Herald and The Age that international concern about Australias stance went beyond the amount of emissions its targets allowed: There is also concern that in standing apart from an otherwise united effort by developed nations in pushing for action, Australia makes it harder for that bloc to urge more action from large developing major emitting nations such as China, India and Indonesia. Richie Merzian, director of climate and energy policy at the progressive think tank the Australia Institute, says that if the Australian position gives cover to other nations not to act, the Morrison government would share the blame for COP26 failing. Australia has risked and worn international opprobrium on climate in the past. During the last COP meeting in Madrid in 2019 Laurence Tubiana, a former French environment minister and architect of the Paris accord, called Australia a cheat over a dispute about another carbon accounting mechanism, so-called Kyoto carry-over credits. If you want this carry-over it is just cheating, she told The Financial Times. Australia was willing in a way to destroy the whole system, because that is the way to destroy the whole Paris Agreement. Way back in 1997, after the Kyoto talks in which Australia secured not only the Australia clause but an 8 per cent increase in emissions, then EU environmental policy spokesman Peter Jorgensen described the outcome as wrong and immoral ... a disgrace. Loading This time the stakes are higher. There is less time for the world to commit to more action. COP26s host, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has identified the talks as an epochal moment. Should they fail, he told the UN General Assembly in September, our grandchildren will know whom to blame. A website purporting to represent people from the Northern Territory who support fracking for gas in the Beetaloo Basin was registered by a former Liberal staffer in Sydney who now runs a digital marketing business. The slickly produced BackBeetaloo.com.au website appeared in early September alongside a Facebook account and a private Instagram account, and online experts say it bears all the hallmarks of astroturfing a term used to describe a fake grassroots campaign. Gas mining in the Beetaloo Basin in Arnhem Land in north-east Northern Territory. The website states: Our mission is very simple tell the federal and territory governments to unlock the Beetaloo Basin to benefit all Australians. Supporters are urged to use the hashtag #BackBeetaloo on social media and enter their details on the website to counteract the numerous activists from thousands of kilometres away from the Territory who are driven on depriving us from this once-in-a-lifetime economic opportunity. My dilemma, the non-binary dilemma, is to make my gender legible in a world that refuses to see it. The cumulative effect is exhausting. To be told, again and again, that non-binary people cant exist, that my gender isnt real, is like an unending sequence of paper cuts. Each cut is a minor irritant, easy to ignore. But with enough cuts, over time, youre reduced into one big open wound, bleeding all over the place. Loading But it doesnt have to be like this. We could acknowledge that gender is more varied than a crude binary. Alok Vaid-Menon, author of Beyond the Gender Binary, explains that the real crisis is not that gender non-conforming people exist, its that weve been taught to believe in only two genders in the first place. If the true crisis is the false belief in binary gender, the solution is to expand our imagination of what gender can be. In truth, people who are not men and women are not deluded or sick or dangerous; were part of the glorious variation of humanity. Although non-binary is sometimes derided as a new fashion, diverse genders have a long history. For instance, the recent study of a thousand-year-old grave in Finland suggests that the individual in question lived outside the gender binary. The presence of feminine and masculine objects in the grave, plus physical evidence from the skeleton, led researchers to conclude that it was a respected person whose gender identity may well have been non-binary. Diverse genders remain common in many cultures today. In North America, Indigenous cultures recognise two-spirit people who combine masculine and feminine energies. An estimated 168 Indigenous languages in the United States have terms to describe someone who is neither a man nor a woman. In Australia, First Nations people use the terms brotherboy and sistergirl to describe genders beyond the binary. Diverse genders are widespread elsewhere, including hijra in India, faafafine in Samoa, and ogbanje among the Igbo people of Nigeria. As Europe colonised the world, the binary came to dominate our imaginations. But gender diversity has always been here: called different things, understood in different ways, cropping up again and again wherever there are people. Its part of our humanity. Non-binary people arent counted, so our very existence is effectively erased by the state. My life, along with other gender diverse lives, is made inconceivable. We are reduced to shadow citizens, living outside the realm of the possible. So how many non-binary people are there in Australia today? The answer is that we dont know and thats part of the problem. The Australian census only asks about sex and doesnt collect data on gender identity, so there are no authoritative stats on the trans and gender diverse (TGD) population. Non-binary people arent counted, so our very existence is effectively erased by the state. My life, along with other gender diverse lives, is made inconceivable. We are reduced to shadow citizens, living outside the realm of the possible. On a more practical level, our absence from demographic data also means that TGD people cannot be allocated the funding and services we so desperately need. Because were not counted, our requirements for appropriate healthcare and specialised amenities can be overlooked. All in all, when youre non-binary, the world can feel a hostile place. All TGD people face stigma and prejudice, but its generally easier for our binary world to understand and accommodate those who transition from one side to the other. A male-assigned person who starts living as a woman, or female-assigned person who starts living as a man, can still be located within the gender binary that shapes our world. By contrast, non-binary people are sitting on the sidelines, thumbing their nose at the whole endeavour. In practice, this makes daily life an uphill battle. Although the entire TGD community suffer elevated rates of mental illness and distress, research suggests that non-binary people experience particularly poor health outcomes. A British study of trans youth, published in 2019, found that non-binary participants experienced significantly more anxiety and depression and had significantly lower self-esteem than the binary group. The study concluded that being non-binary in a binary world comes with greater barriers and feelings of discrimination Loading Non-binary genders are also associated with higher rates of self-harm and substance abuse, according to Australian research from 2020. The same study found that 70 per cent of non-binary people experienced depression, compared to 52 per cent of binary trans people. On almost every measure, non-binary people have a rough ride. This is not to minimise the very real struggles of binary trans people, but rather to acknowledge that non-binary folk experience unique challenges that stem from being at odds with the gender system that organises our world. But maybe that gender system is the real problem here? After all, gender norms and expectations are damaging to everyone, trans or otherwise. Women are told to be thin, but not too thin; pretty but not airheads, but not so smart they intimidate men. They must be sexy but not a slut. Confident but not aggressive, maternal yet not mumsy. Men are stifled by their own set of suffocating rules. They must be tough and strong, but not remote or aggressive; they should be a good guy but not a wimp who cries. A family man, but not a doormat. For everyone, the standards are impossible and impossibly narrow. Every day is a new test, an endless gender exam in front of a thousand judging eyes. The gender binary is set up for us to fail. For us all to fail, Vaid-Menon explains. Weve all been sold a pup. Loading Faced with this broken gender system, living outside the gender binary is an act of resistance. The good news is that more and more people are doing so. A poll of 15,000 Americans, released in 2021, found Gen Z has the biggest trans contingent of any generation to date. Nearly 2 per cent identify as trans, compared to 1.2 per cent of Millennials and 0.2 per cent of Baby Boomers. At a moment when the future can seem grim, this is a rare trend that gives me hope for the coming decades. Maybe one day, before too long, Ill be able to visit a public bathroom without stress, because the facilities will accommodate all genders. As we look forward to a world beyond COVID lockdowns, I envisage a time when everyone can go to the movies without worrying if theres somewhere safe to take a leak. All About Yves: Notes from a Transition (Allen & Unwin) by Yves Rees is out now. When Oliver Mason was growing up, he was told university would be a formative experience where he would make new friends and expand his worldview. For generations of young adults, the social connections made on campus often with people from different places, backgrounds and circumstances has been just as important as their education. But for Mr Mason and many other young people, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed that. Universities have been closed for much of the year but even when theyve been open the campus has functioned mostly as a place for undergraduates to visit once or twice a week, then leave again to hang out with their mates from high school. Oliver Mason, right, and Alex Falanga catch up while exercising in Picnic Point. Credit:Wolter Peeters Mr Mason, 19, from Picnic Point in southern Sydney, is a first-year student at the University of NSW, studying politics, philosophy and economics. Even before Greater Sydneys three-and-a-half-month lockdown, he was only on campus twice a week for tutorials while the rest of his coursework was online. Vaccine uptake expert Margie Danchin said while access remains a real issue for some groups with much lower overall coverage, including people with a disability, improved supply and delivery now meant hesitancy was more of an issue overall. Only roughly 8 per cent of the population are estimated to be staunch anti-vaxxers, leaving more than a million unvaccinated Australians who still may be able to be reached. In May, at the height of public concern about AstraZenecas rare side effect, the number of Australians who were either unsure or were unwilling to be vaccinated was at 35.55 per cent, according to the Melbourne Institutes vaccine hesitancy tracker. That has now dropped to 13.3 per cent, including 6.4 per cent who dont know if they will have the vaccination, suggesting their minds are yet to be made up. Associate Professor Danchin, who has been seconded to assist the Victorian Health Department to help reach those still yet to be fully vaccinated, said the key thing health providers needed to do when they talked to the very vaccine hesitant was to build trust and rapport. If theres any conflict, the conversation will be derailed in the first one to two minutes, Sydney GP Charlotte Hespe believes many of her patients are willing to engage with her because she wont tell them they are stupid or refuse to care for them. She will, however, respectfully disagree with them while addressing their fears. It was this approach that helped the NSW chair for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners put at ease a woman in her late 50s who had previously refused the vaccination, but had several illnesses, including multiple sclerosis, that put her at higher risk of dying from COVID-19. The woman told her she was afraid the vaccine would kill her, and she wanted to be alive in 10 years time. Dr Hespe told her bluntly that if she got the infection that could be it for her. After mulling it over, the woman returned later for her vaccine and now has two doses. When she recently called to inquire about her booster dose, she also revealed something unexpected. Loading She has this cohort of friends who are all complete anti-vaxxers, and she has got them all over the line [to get vaccinated] she basically said to them what Id said, and that resonated with all of them. Back in Melbourne, Mr Tassone has armed himself with some fallback phrases that he can confidently deliver to people who were unsure about vaccination, including the woman who attempted to bribe him. I said to her, I know this must be really hard for you, but Im here to help for any questions that you may have and to help you provide the evidence you need to keep your job. I dont want to argue about the order, whether its fair or not. I dont want to judge. Im just here to help. And then she rolled up her sleeves and said Lets just get this shit over and done with. There have been occasions where he hasnt given someone a vaccination because he didnt have informed consent, such as a man this week who had a panic attack in the clinic. Loading He was so agitated that in the end, I had to just guide him out of the pharmacy and say youre not ready, emotionally, mentally or physically; come back another time, he said. Other times hed be able to deliver the vaccine unconventionally, including another woman recently, who objected to the vaccines for religious reasons and was asking about the conspiracy theory that COVID-19 vaccines contain a magnetic tracking chip that connects to 5G. She was required to get the vaccine for work. Mr Tassone told her about his parents, who he said were also very religious, and suggested that by having the vaccine she could continue to do the Lords good work. She immediately just relaxed and said I didnt think of it like that. Wes Maljaars is one of the many foreign-born Australians planning a family reunion after the federal government decided to allow the parents of citizens and permanent residents to enter the country. Mr Maljaars from Killarney Heights on the northern beaches of Sydney has not seen his parents in The Netherlands for three years and is making plans for them to visit next month. He then expects his mother-in-law to visit in January and his father-in-law later in the year. Wes Maljaars and his wife Quin Rijnders and their daughter Elin are looking forward to a reunion with their Dutch family. Credit:Renee Nowytarger Well be like a hotel, he joked. Its awesome. Its that feeling when you go to bed, and youre excited because its another day closer to being reunited again. The NSW and Victorian governments have also announced fully vaccinated international travellers flying into Sydney or Melbourne will no longer have to quarantine from November 1, while Tasmania says it will follow suit from December 15. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size In the mid-1920s, the well-known South Australian war photographer, traveller and adventurer George Hubert Wilkins conceived the idea that it would be possible to fly a plane from the far northern reaches of Alaska across the top of the world and land in Norway. They said it couldnt be done and ... on his first two Arctic attempts were proven correct. But on his third, in 1928, things look more promising. Some 13 hours into their flight now, and completely lost in calculation, Wilkins is startled by a shout. There it is! Pilot Ben Eielson is pointing: slightly to the right and not far perhaps less than 32 kilometres away the rugged mountain tops of Grant Land piercing the clouds. It was a fleeting glimpse we had but served to stir deep emotion in our hearts. It is a significant moment. They are halfway across the Arctic. Hubert Wilkins and Ben Eielson preparing for their trans-Arctic flight in the Lockheed Vega plane in March 1928. The New York Times would call it an amazing victory of human determination and the journey would earn Wilkins a knighthood. Credit:University of Alaska Fairbanks The real flight of exploration was now over, but we still had 1448 kilometres to reach our goal. We headed straight for Spitsbergen by the suns position and the compass. Advertisement From now, every mile they travel is a mile closer to safety, not a mile further away from it, and they relax just a little at least as much as one can while attempting the impossibly improbable uniquely alone on the earth with no chance of rescue or respite. We were cheered immeasurably by the fact that our machine had performed wonders, our engine faithful every moment. Calmly content, I ... quickly summed up the situation. It was 38 degrees below zero in the open air, and we were 483 kilometres from the Pole. And at least they are now through the worst of the storm! They fly on calmly, Wilkins focusing on their course, Bens eyes on the prize of the far horizon and his ears keenly attuned to the hum of the motor. Just three hours later, there is another breakthrough, for again out to their right they see, on the far hazy horizon, what can only be the snow-capped mountains of North Greenland! With that sure fix, Wilkins adjusts their position on the map accordingly not far, for he is nearly bang on and they keep going. Hubert Wilkins takes a break wharfside at Deception Island circa 1928. Credit:Courtesy of Byrd Polar Research Centre, USA All else being equal, they now have just 965 kilometres and six hours to go, before they should be in the area of Spitsbergen. But will all else be equal? Advertisement When they are still some 354 kilometres miles away from Spitsbergen the high curling cloud masses ahead rise to a height that they cannot get above. And so Ben now starts to dart along selected lanes between the feathery masses, while Wilkins takes observations from the brief snatches of sun to determine their position. By estimating their speed and direction, with constant references to his watch, he is able to estimate their longitude. Travelling in this manner for an hour and a half the good news is that they know they must now be in the vicinity of Spitsbergen. The bad news, however, is that with that proximity comes the possibility of running into that islands mountains, obscured by the cloud they are still flying through. And if they fly over those mountains, the other danger is, we might be going too far inland, and would therefore probably have to journey over the mountains on foot to reach the settlement. The results of that summation are passed in a note for Ben: There are two courses open. We are above storm now. Down there we can land and wait until its over. Can we get off again? If we go on we will meet storm at Spitsbergen and perhaps never find the land. Do you wish to land now? Wilkins showing films to Inuit people in the Arctic, Christmas 1913. Credit:Byrd Polar and Climate Research Centre, Ohio State University. Ben thinks for a full minute before yelling his reply: Im willing to go on and chance it. Wilkins smiles. Of course you are, Ben. We are both born chancers. Advertisement And so they fly on, their light craft now drained of nearly all of its petrol, flung about by the storm. She leaped and bucked like a vicious horse, and to add to it all, fine snow and the wind made everything invisible. Everything loose in the cabin begins to tumble and rattle. Rattled they may be, but nerves give way to excitement when the clouds break and they see them! Suddenly two sharp peaks, almost needle-pointed, appeared beneath us. They must be ... the mountain tops of Spitsbergen! They have done it! Yes, those same mountain tops are in imminent danger of becoming their grave site but for the moment let them savour the flavour of their triumph. After all, it is no small thing to have made the impossible now possible and both men are near overcome with an elation tempered only by the terror that their reward might be a grisly death, just minutes from now. Yes, they have done what no human being has ever done in recorded history, and near completed the hardest, most dangerous, most improbable flight in history, but the final challenge might be the toughest of the lot to get this bird safely on the ground, or at least on the ice. Their task is clear: they must now make history and not disappear into it permanently. Nose down with the engine roaring as they descend, the storm continues to slap and thwack the Vega. Advertisement Eielson, never losing the upper hand, held and guided her splendidly around the rugged mountain tops. For all that, things remain ferociously difficult. The wind is so furious and freezing that it is not only turning sea- spray to ice but actually breaking up some of the icy surface below and sending small pieces of it smashing into their windscreen. It doesnt break, but visibility is shocking and CHRIST! LOOK OUT! it is only through Bens furious concentration and quick reflexes that they miss another mountain peak, which suddenly appears, by what surely must have been inches! This is madness, and Wilkins is quick to signal his pilot to immediately head back out to sea at once. It is only minutes later they can see the mountain they missed. Heading in once more, towards the island, and into the storm, much the same thing happens with another mountain that had been obscured by the storm! We were like an imprisoned bird beating against a window pane. The risks, great as they are, must be run. They head into the storm and towards land, Eielson flying entirely at Wilkins direction. The windscreen of the Vega is almost totally obscured with snow and frozen oil, but through the small patches of visibility they do have, the ice, land and sea, all look ... angry. The ice-strewn water and the wind were furious, while spray was whipped from the sea and filled the air. Over the land the snow drifted high and thick, and it was therefore impossible to judge distance. One way or another they have to get down, and quickly. Desperately looking left and right out the cabin windows, Wilkins sees it. Advertisement Planning Minister Rob Stokes has accused Inner West Council of lying about the future of Callan Park as a war of words intensifies over the state governments plans for a new agency to run Sydneys major parklands. Mr Stokes said it was outrageous for the council to use ratepayers money to fund a campaign based on false information about the future of the park. Inner West mayor Rochelle Porteous said the state governments parklands bill weakened protections against development in Callan Park. Credit:Louise Kennerley But inner west Greens mayor Rochelle Porteous said a bill to create a new parklands trust weakened protections against development in the park by permitting for-profit businesses, long-term leases and unfreezing zoning controls. There is nothing to stop a Starbucks or a McDonalds moving into Callan Park if this bill is passed, she said. Of course climate change technologies will change employment opportunities (Good News tries greener views, October 17). It was ever thus. In the 19th century, not that long ago, coal mines were worked partly by six-year-old children, who suffered under dreadful conditions. Eventually, child workers were banned but imagine the outcry from rich mine owners who had to pay adults a meagre salary. Slave plantations also saved their owners from paying wages until that too was abolished, despite opposition from churches, politicians and people who thought the old ways were the best. So, climate change costs can be absorbed and new technologies will arise. Nola Tucker, Kiama Bridget McKenzie was correct in saying that our global geostrategic situation has changed. With it must change our consumerist, parochial, ego-strategic mentality. Under the prevailing, largely western, capitalist economic system, the Earth, our only home, has suffered untold damage. Its time to adopt a less selfish, more collaborative, global approach. Choices have to be made that will involve sacrifice on the part of some, so that the common wealth of the Earth can be nurtured for the common good. Those of us who have destroyed, consumed and wasted too much for too long must adopt a simpler lifestyle if the human race is to survive. Meredith Williams, Northmead Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables is daunting, but must be embraced wholeheartedly. Successive Coalition governments have wasted years trying to avoid dealing with climate change. Had that same effort been put into reducing carbon emissions, alternate energy sources would be well established by now, and job training reading available for those facing redundancy in a declining fossil fuel industry. Graham Lum, North Rocks VAD empowers us Less than two years after he was released from Silverwater Prison, disgraced ex-Labor MP Eddie Obeid is back inside its four walls. The 77-year-old arrived at the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre on Saturday morning, sentenced on Thursday to three years and 10 months behind bars over his role in a conspiracy that involved then-mining minister Ian Macdonald committing acts of misconduct benefiting the Obeid family, who received $30 million. Eddie Obeid leaves his Hunters Hill home on Saturday morning. Credit:Rhett Wyman He was sensationally granted bail on Thursday after his lawyers flagged concerns about him contracting COVID-19 and dying at the Surry Hills police station, spending Friday night at the familys Hunters Hill home. He will certainly be maintaining his innocence, a supporter of Obeids told reporters outside the prison on Saturday morning. People who come before the courts for cocaine possession are far more likely to escape conviction than ice or heroin offenders, a phenomenon some lawyers and police attribute partly to an unfair disparity in how the drugs and their users are perceived. Proven cocaine offenders avoided a conviction being recorded in 62 per cent of cases that came before NSW local courts in 2020, compared to 12 per cent for offences involving amphetamines and 8 per cent for opiates, according to previously unreported data provided to The Sun-Herald. Cocaine users fare better in court compared to ice and heroin users. Some say this is unfair. Credit: Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research figures raise questions around the differing judicial handling of cocaine and illicit drugs associated with disadvantage, addiction and linked criminality notably ice, methylamphetamine in crystal form. More permissive attitudes towards cocaine are extremely unfair and a source of frustration for police, who warn that the increasingly popular and expensive party drug is a major source of funding for the violent cartels and organised crime networks that control the supply. NSW has recorded 296 cases of COVID-19 and four deaths as the NSW government has launched a new tourism campaign aimed at luring visitors back to the state. The new campaign, which will be rolled out on television and social media, shows people camping, enjoying the theatre or New Years Eve fireworks. The video encourages visitors to come to NSW, a place to feel free, to feel alive and most of all to feel new again. Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres will unveil the NSW Governments new tourism campaign. Credit: Edwina Pickles There is a bright future for our state, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said at the unveiling of the new campaign. We want our people to stay, we want the rest of Australia to visit and we want the world to come and feel and experience the best that NSW has to offer. As we open up to not just to Australia, but the rest of the world, I think the images in this campaign will drive the tourism economy here in NSW and take it to the next level. NSW recorded 333 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday 332 of which were locally acquired, with only one new case reported in quarantine. An unvaccinated woman in her 70s died at Hornsby Hospital overnight, while a man in his 60s who had been double vaccinated died at the Albury aged care facility where he was infected. His is the second death linked to that facility, NSW Healths Dr Jeremy McAnulty said in an update on Saturday morning. Across the state, 469 people have been hospitalised with 123 of those people in intensive care. From Monday, when students return full-time to Jamison High School, the power used to charge their laptops and light their classrooms will have been sourced from the solar panels on the schools rooftops. The western Sydney school is the latest to ramp up its renewable energy systems and use batteries and solar energy to help fuel its operations. Principal Glyn Trethewy said they turned on the system for the first time on Friday. Its been a great journey, to be making our contribution to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint, he said. Schools use power for the essential curriculum, but we also have large roof spaces. Jamison High School principal Glyn Trethewy with some of his students as they launched their new renewable energy system on Friday. Credit:Wolter Peeters About 1500 of the states 2200 public schools use some level of solar energy and a few, such as Wiley Park Girls High in western Sydney, source substantial amounts of energy from their 100 kilowatt solar panels. Others have smaller systems of about 5 kilowatts, which mainly supplement other power sources. It is extremely unusual for a Defendant in a civil case to be cautioned in this way and members of the Court had no prior experience of the principal witness in a case (as Mr Valmorbida was) being cautioned, they said. Before closing arguments his [lawyer] conceded ... Mr Valmorbida had indeed made fraudulent misrepresentations. The judges concluded Mr Valmorbida did not own the paintings, but used forged documents to suggest he did, and that he then used the paintings as collateral to get personal loans worth more than $10 million from major international art trading houses including Sothebys. Mr Valmorbida went on to sell the Basquiat and Condo works for $6 million each. The evidence in this case exposed the First Defendant, Mr Valmorbida, as a man who was serially dishonest, the judges said. Mr Valmorbida said in evidence in chief that not only was he a well-renowned art dealer, but that he had an extremely good reputation and a presence in the art world on both sides of the Atlantic. When he was cross-examined, he was revealed to be dishonest, evasive and accepted that he had both used and created false documents for the purpose of obtaining loans from four lenders on the footing that he owned artwork which, in each case, was largely not owned by him, the court found. Documents published from the civil case presided over by deputy bailiff Robert MacRae, sitting with jurats Robert Christensen and Elizabeth Dulake show Mr Valmorbida gave evidence that in flipping paintings, he had invoices altered by $200,000 on two occasions to deceive the buyers that they were paying cost price for works worth more than $1 million each, then pocketed the difference. Mr Valmorbida, the third generation of the migrant family that made a $500 million fortune importing Lavazza coffee, Sirena tuna and La Gina tomatoes to Australia, grew up in Melbourne and attended Xavier and Wesley colleges before moving to New York. Mary-Kate Olsen and Andy Valmorbida at a New York art show in 2009. Credit:Getty Images There, he forged a career as a multimillion-dollar art trader and impresario throwing grand pop-up exhibitions that toured through New York, London and Moscow. Mr Valmorbida initially focused on early street artists, notably reviving the career of Richard Hambleton, a forgotten contemporary of Basquiat and Keith Haring. Hambleton had fallen into obscurity, with his paintings selling for little more than a couple of thousand dollars before Mr Valmorbida hosted a show of the artists works during New York Fashion Week. Before Hambleton died in 2017 following a long battle with drug addiction, Mr Valmorbida bought the digital copyright for use of his works, some of which now sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld, artists Richard Hambleton and Andy Valmorbida. Credit:Getty Images The 2009 show, in New Yorks meatpacking district, was pulled together by Mr Valmorbida and his business partner, Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld, the son of Carine Roitfeld, a former French Vogue editor-in-chief and one of the most influential women in fashion. It was attended by Alicia Keys, Josh Hartnett, Mary J Blige and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. No stranger to the international party circuit, [Valmorbida] was the prime mover in putting it together and Giorgio Armani took a hand in producing the show, The Daily Beast reported at the time. A darling of the social pages often photographed with celebrities and art world luminaries, Mr Valmorbida has since hosted dozens of sponsored art events around the world. The New York Times in 2012 described him a young pop-up exhibitionist and cocky Australian-born art entrepreneur. The New York Posts take was Australian playboy. Andrew Valmorbida celebrated his wedding at Englands Blenheim Palace. Credit:Getty Images In 2014 he married socialite Zara Simon, daughter of Peter Simon, the retail tycoon behind 600 million British fashion empire Monsoon. The wedding was celebrated at Blenheim Palace, one of Englands largest houses and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in an occasion The Australian Financial Review described as the wedding of the year. Mr Valmorbida and Mr Hore settled the Jersey civil case privately after days of evidence, however the court chose to publish a judgment on September 30 regardless because it is very much in the public interest for a person with Mr Valmorbidas profile to have his dealings exposed. [He] sold a painting by Basquiat for $6 million contrary to the terms of the agreement with The Fine Art Group and without discussion with the Plaintiff or the Board of Directors of the Second Defendant, which owned the painting. The proceeds were paid into Mr Valmorbidas personal bank account. Model Gemma Ward and Andrew Valmorbida in New York in 2007. Credit:Getty Images Mr Valmorbida sold a painting by George Condo for $6 million which was owned by the Second Defendant without notice to the Plaintiff or the Second Defendant and had the proceeds paid to his personal bank account. Mr Valmorbida made several representations which he knew to be false to Falcon Fine Art, London, in January 2018 for the purpose of securing a loan in the sum of $6.5 million from them which was to be secured against paintings worth millions of dollars which he said were part of his art collection but in large measure were not. To resolve a debt to Mr Hore as part of an October 2018 settlement, Mr Valmorbida promised to pay in three instalments with money secured by seven artworks valued at $14.8 million. Mr Valmorbida pledged not to sell, assign, transfer, mortgage, charge or deal with the artworks until he had repaid the money by November 2018. In fact, the court found Mr Valmorbida had already knowingly sold two and retained the proceeds for himself and pledged four in favour of Sothebys in order to obtain funds from them, only leaving one unencumbered and unsold painting with a given value of $500,000. The judges noted their concern that Mr Valmorbida had attempted to disguise his tax residence. Loading Mr Valmorbida appears still to own companies in Jersey and has service providers looking after his interests. It is important that [the companies] know of the findings that the Court has made in this case. There were certainly significant concerns arising from the evidence in relation to Mr Valmorbidas tax status and his attempts, on the evidence of the Plaintiff (which we accepted), to disguise his tax residence. The court transferred the case papers to the Jersey Attorney General in July for his consideration as to whether or not they should be sent to the Director of Public Prosecution. While doing year 12 last year, Matt Boyte received a letter from a stranger. Dear School Leaver, it said in flowery cursive font. What would I write if I could have the opportunity to teach my younger self ... from the experience ... I have acquired over the years? The world ahead of him had many ways of viewing success, the letter said, other than simply academic achievement. Matt Boyte received an encouraging letter from a stranger when he was in Year 12 last year. This year he wrote his own letter to a Year 12 student, sharing his wisdom. Credit:Simon Schluter If you dont think you will get the score you are hoping for, or needing remember there are usually other ways that can get you back on the same or a similar track. You may even find in the future that by doing something different from what you had imagined ... you discover some even more exciting opportunities. As Victoria recorded 1750 cases on Saturday, it emerged that 29 per cent of those recorded in Melbourne on Friday were under the age of 19. Two-thirds were under the age of 40. Meredith Peace, Victorian president of the Australian Education Union, said using rapid tests would help keep children and teachers in classrooms to make the most out of the rest of the school year. Ms Peace said some teachers were effectively running dual classrooms with students in isolation at home while others remained in the class. That adds a huge amount of work and its disruptive, she said. Rapid tests are already being trialled at some government infrastructure projects and hospital emergency departments. The government does not plan on using rapid tests as a surveillance tool, because adding thousands of daily tests may only be of marginal benefit in detecting chains of transmission with PCR testing numbers still high. Rather, the government wants to use rapid tests in a targeted way to reduce the number of people being quarantined as outbreaks become more common but less dangerous in a highly vaccinated society. The CareStart COVID-19 Antigen rapid test is one of the products already approved for use in Australia. The use of rapid tests will also be key to kicking the CBD back into gear, according to lord mayor Sally Capp. Along with the Property Council of Victoria, she is pushing the state government to reinvigorate the CBD by allowing workers to remove masks at their desks and directing private and public sector staff to work from offices a few days a week. Self-testing kits that dont require medical supervision have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and will be available from November 1. Some are oral fluid tests, requiring people to spit into a tube, and others use a self-administered nasal swab. They will be available at pharmacies, convenience stores and online. The Victorian government has purchased 2 million and will use them in government-administered places like schools. The ability to easily purchase the tests will allow private organisations to use rapid tests as they see fit; for example, large CBD companies may allow workers to enter only if they have returned a negative result in the lobby, or an aged care home may use rapid tests to screen visitors. The quick-turnaround tests are used widely in Europe and North America. Rapid testing kits cost about $40 in Germany, between $6 and $40 in the US and between $8 and $13 from one Australian wholesaler. They work similarly to a pregnancy test, whereby a swab is placed in a solution to drip onto a paper and test for a result. Cr Capp said her council was in discussions with the state government about how rapid tests could be used to get more people into live events and also revealed a new round of CBD spending vouchers and a busker program would soon be announced. We see [the tests] as key in getting people back into the office, but also in potentially welcoming more people to events. If an event cap is 5000, could we make it 10,000 [with the additional safety provided by screening people]? she said. They are terrific because its technology thats well-used and understood, its relatively affordable, its accessible, its easy to use and gives immediate ratification on somebodys status. CBD office occupancy dropped to 6 per cent in September, its lowest level during the pandemic, with business groups and Cr Capp pushing the government to nudge workers to return to their desks this year rather than waiting until the start of the next working year around Australia Day. Opposition MP David Southwick urged the government to fast-track the return to CBD offices. Credit:Justin McManus The rules say work from home where you can [at 80 per cent]; we need it to say work from the office where you can, Cr Capp said, adding that survey data showed people were bursting to come back to the CBD but the normal 9-5, Monday-Friday model was a relic. The city environment is unique; its not replicable. We need to nurture it and repair it. City Christmas decorations will be put up two weeks earlier than the usual December date. Other events that will draw crowds before Christmas include the launch of Moulin Rouge! and Harry Potter theatre productions, Fashion Week, Music Week, the spring racing carnival and the Play On Victoria music concert supported by the state government. The opposition MP with responsibility for CBD recovery, David Southwick, urged the government to fast-track the return to CBD offices and said it was wrong that hospitality businesses could open but retail businesses remained shut. The CBD is on life support ... It is absolutely dead, he said at the Block Arcade in Bourke Street. Theres no plan under this government to rebuild the city. Victorian hospitality workers could be set for better wages, but customers may have to pay more for food and drink as businesses fight over a small pool of experienced bar and restaurant staff during Melbournes re-opening. Twenty months of closed borders has left the industry with a staffing crisis as foreign students and migrant workers left in droves. Last week, there was a 65 per cent increase in hospitality job ads from the week before, as Melbournes re-opening triggered a mad rush for workers. Bartenders are in hot demand in post-lockdown Melbourne. Credit:Wolter Peeters Of the 58,400 Victorian jobs listed on recruitment website SEEK as of Friday, over 6200 were in hospitality and tourism; around 1600 chefs or cooks, 1500 wait staff, 900 bar staff and 800 kitchen hands are all needed urgently. Pubs, bars and restaurants are offering workers their pick of shifts and roles and hourly rates in some cases over $40, costs a key industry body said would have to be passed on to patrons. Loading The original statement of claim against the vaccine mandate was filed in early October by casual relief teacher Belinda Cetnar and horticulturist Jack Cetnar, who claimed the policy contravened the Constitution, the Biosecurity Act, the Fair Work Act and the Nuremberg Code. The couple have been replaced as lead plaintiff by G4S corrections officer Simon Harding, who was placed on unpaid leave on October 15 after not receiving the vaccine. Mr Harding says he is not anti-vaccination, has received vaccinations as an adult and had his children vaccinated, according to an affidavit. However, I have consciously chosen not to take the COVID-19 vaccination at this present time because I am concerned about the potential short-term and long-term side effects and the current lack of long-term safety data. I am unable to provide informed consent, Mr Harding said in the affidavit. The father of three says he will lose his job if he remains unvaccinated. In total, 112 plaintiffs have joined the case, including 52 authorised workers, more than 20 employer groups and 17 healthcare workers. Several nurses, a police officer, a Department of Justice bureaucrat and a surgeon have sworn affidavits and are named as plaintiffs. Another plaintiff, Andrew Sticca has been employed as a biotech manufacturing associate with CSL since 2017 and has spent the past 18 months working on the production of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Mr Sticca is yet to receive a single jab of any vaccine because he claims they have not been rigorously tested, according to an affidavit. I have asked CSL to provide me with any data or reports available to them to inform my consent to have the vaccine. However, in substance, other than a generic letter dated the 11 October 2021, I have not been provided with any meaningful information or advice, Mr Sticca said in an affidavit. He was stood down by CSL on October 15, but continues to receive full pay. The only reason why I even contemplate taking the COVID-19 vaccine is under direct threat of losing my employment, which will result in my family not being provided for. I find it most upsetting that I am faced with such coercion, Mr Sticca said in court documents. The case will be led by barristers Marcus Clarke QC, Dr Jason Harkness and Vanessa Plain, who were involved in the recent challenge against NSW public health orders that restricted the activities of residents who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 which failed in the states Supreme Court on October 15. More than $100,000 has already been raised for the case via a GoFundMe page. Senior lecturer at Deakin Law School and former human rights adviser Dr Bruce Chen said the court would assess whether an appropriate balance was struck against the public health objectives and other human rights. Human rights under the Victorian charter are not absolute. They can be subject to restrictions which are reasonable, justified and proportionate in the circumstances, Dr Chen said. Dr Chen said the government is likely to have strong arguments in defence of mandates for health and aged care, given the exposure to vulnerable cohorts who have the right to life, and plausible arguments could be made regarding teachers. The mandates regarding other authorised workers might be more contentious, depending on the circumstances, Dr Chen said. The NSW Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to the mandate last week, noting it was misconceived or misplaced to directly rely on human rights because of the lack of a national or state charter in NSW, Dr Chen said. Dr Chen said generally speaking, there are stronger human rights claims in Victorian proceedings because of the existence of the state charter. Victoria University law lecturer Dr Bill Swannie said courts were often reluctant to interfere with decisions of government, particularly concerning public health issues. The question is whether the [public health directions] are demonstrably justified, and whether proper consideration was given to Charter rights in making the directions. Ultimately, this will depend on the evidence presented to the court. In a statement, a Department of Health spokesperson said: We stand by our plans to make vaccination a requirement for all essential workers, particularly those who cant work from home. Loading The revised court action in Victoria is expected to place further pressure on the Andrews government to release documents relating to the human rights assessments and health advice it received before introducing the vaccine mandates, which were requested by Liberal Democrats MP David Limbrick on October 5. Mr Limbrick told The Age that the government needed to answer questions about how vaccine mandates can be justified according to the Victorian Human Rights Charter. The government cannot complain about conspiracy theories if they refuse to tell the public how they make their decisions, Mr Limbick said. The only independent investigation into human rights during the pandemic so far was by the Victorian Ombudsman who found clear breaches of the charter during the lockdown of public housing towers in Melbourne last year. If we dont know the private interests of a politician, we have no capacity to judge whether those interests clash with their public duties. Its for that reason the Register of Members Interests exists, along with an obligation to update it when a members circumstances change. Its that tension between private interest and public duty that the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption is seeking to investigate in relation to former premier Gladys Berejiklian. Much commentary on Berejiklians case, including from Prime Minister Scott Morrison, has focused on how the ICAC has brought down a popular and competent premier. Loading That is exactly the point. If even someone of Berejiklians standing was open to influence (and the ICAC has not reached any conclusions on that), then surely it boosts the case for an anti-corruption commission rather than undermining it. Morrison and all of the ICACs critics have been struck rather silent as evidence mounts that Berejiklian was keen to have her secret boyfriends pet project funded, despite an overly optimistic business case and the advice of bureaucrats saying it was not worthy. The ICAC also proved its worth last week when former NSW Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid and his son, Moses, and former minister Ian Macdonald were sentenced to jail terms for their role in a crooked coal deal. The matter was first investigated by the ICAC after extensive reporting by The Sydney Morning Heralds Kate McClymont and former Herald journos Linton Besser and Anne Davies. But back to Porter and his secret donors. Last week, the Speaker, Tony Smith, reported to the House of Representatives that he believed it was reasonable for the powerful Standing Committee of Privileges and Members Interests to examine Porters declaration. If the matter had been referred quietly to that committee, it would have been a small news story that most voters wouldnt have noticed. But it blew up when the government marshalled its numbers to vote down a formal motion for Parliament to refer the matter to the committee. It started to look like a cover-up. The Labor opposition cried foul and Liberal MPs despaired at the new and different ways Porter, once seen as a prime minister-in-waiting, could find to embarrass the government. A fix was reached when Defence Minister Peter Dutton separately wrote to the Privileges Committee asking it to examine the matter. But Dutton broadened the issue to include internet crowd-funded money received by politicians for legal fees. His letter asked the committee to clarify for the benefit of all members the declarations required for all third-party donations, whether through crowd-funding or political parties, including those used for legal fees. Dutton said there were a number of other cases which are of a similar ilk. He instanced the Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, who crowd-sourced through GoFundMe her defamation action against former fellow senator David Leyonhjelm. A number of Hanson-Youngs donors, Dutton said, had used pseudonyms. He failed to mention that while donors can use pseudonyms on the GoFundMe website, their identity has to be disclosed to the recipient. Loading Hanson-Young said she had received 1800 donations, of which only eight were above the disclosable $300 threshold. Those, she declared. See what Dutton did there? By equating the two cases, which are very different, not least because Porter was a minister and therefore subject to higher standards, he broadened any smear. What might be seen as another example of this governments allergy to transparency, becomes a cross-party problem in the system. If voters believe that all their pollies are at it, they will at least punish them equally, or not at all. A pox on all their houses. Australian Christian Lobby boss Martyn Iles has boasted the Morrison government will include a controversial Israel Folau clause in its looming religious discrimination laws, in audio that has since been scrubbed from the internet. Mr Iles made the claim in an interview with Neil Johnson on Vision Christian Radio on October 18, but the recording which The Sun-Herald and The Sunday Age listened to on Thursday was no longer available on Friday through Apple, Google, Spotify or on the programs webpage. A link through TuneIn radio was present but no longer working. Other segments from the program, both before and after October 18, remain online. Martyn Iles of the Australian Christian Lobby. The much-delayed Religious Discrimination Act, which Scott Morrison promised to deliver before the last election, is expected to be introduced to Parliament in the final sitting weeks of the year. Leaked text messages reveal Nationals MP were fuming after details of their list of demands for agreeing to a net zero emissions target were canvassed publicly, before they had seen it, with one accusing the Prime Ministers office of leaking it. A series of messages sent by Senator Matt Canavan to his Nationals colleagues on Thursday night and Friday morning, leaked to The Sun-Herald and The Sunday Age by another MP, suggested a media story on Friday about the party wanting a socio-economic safety valve for the regions reads like it has been planted by PMO. Matt Canavan and his party leader Barnaby Joyce. Mr Canavan opposes the net zero target. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen It doesnt sound like our language - we dont say transition - lets make sure we dont get set up to accept the bare minimum, Senator Canavan wrote. The leaking of parts of the Nationals net zero demands, and discussion afterwards on the partys private message channel on the encrypted Signal app, comes ahead of a crunch Nationals meeting at 3pm on Sunday and as the Prime Minister prepares to fly to Glasgow on Thursday for the COP26 climate summit. The NSW government has nearly doubled the amount of contract money awarded to Indigenous businesses since last year by spending $173 million with majority-owned companies. More than $100 million of that figure was spent in the first six months of the year after the state government implemented its new Aboriginal Procurement Policy. NSW Finance and Small Business Minister Damien Tudehope said the policy has proved successful in growing Indigenous businesses. Credit:Nick Moir The policy aims to grow majority Indigenous-owned businesses by driving demand through government procurement of goods and services, with a goal to economically empower First Nations communities. Finance and Small Business Minister Damien Tudehope said he wanted to encourage more opportunities for Aboriginal companies. For our free coronavirus pandemic coverage, learn more here. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size I absolutely refuse to become a vaccination policeman, Stefan Roth says from the wheel of his delivery truck in Melbournes east. As a businessman, I will deliver my inventory to everyone, everywhere, whenever they want me, without discrimination, period. Stefan Roth is among business owners selling themselves as non-discriminatory. Credit:Eddie Jim Mr Roths food delivery business has been non-contact since the pandemic began. He takes orders online and leaves his cakes and sweets at the door of his buyers. Victorias COVID-19 jab mandate, enforced in almost all public settings from Friday, scarcely impacts his day-to-day operation. Yet Mr Roths Alpen Delicious is among many Victorian businesses advertising themselves as non-discriminatory, promising to serve customers regardless of their vaccination status as the state opens up. Im sending a message: if youre getting product from someone and theyre causing you grief because of your decision around the vaccine, there is an alternative, says Mr Roth, who says he received his first AstraZeneca dose last week. Advertisement The sole trader admits he is motivated in part by the prospect of securing extra business, through appealing to all segments of society. Equally, he admits his non-discriminatory stance could turn some customers off. But that is why I take all the precautions I do when I make a delivery. My approach is the same no matter how wary you are of COVID. As part of the national reopening plan, Victorians must demonstrate they have been fully vaccinated to enter pubs, shop at retail stores, and get a haircut or undergo a beauty procedure. Melbournes hospitality scene reopened on Friday, with proof of full vaccination required to dine-in. Credit:Darrian Traynor/Getty Images A non-discriminatory economy is emerging in response. Online directories allow businesses to state their credentials, and equivalent Facebook communities have also grown. A group specifically for the Mornington Peninsula has attracted almost 9000 members. Multiple businesses, in particular hospitality venues, have chosen to remain takeaway only on the principle of opposing discrimination. Many others, seemingly unperturbed by the threat of state government fines up to $109,000, have advertised their willingness to serve unvaccinated visitors despite the law. Advertisement Operators across the spectrum are offering their services: hairdressers, speech therapists, swimming instructors, jewellery makers, guitar teachers, solar installers, school tutors, yoga instructors, electricians, mixed martial arts gyms, lawyers and, like Mr Roth, delivery drivers. One Greek eatery pledged to continuing serving its loukoumades (Greek doughnuts) to all customers, irrespective of their vaccination status. Down the track, once this is all over, Id like people to know I stayed true to myself. Independent hairdresser Kaity Marsh No businesses planning to open to the unvaccinated were willing to speak publicly with The Age as they feared punishment. However, one beautician said she had been contacting clients to advise them her Melbourne salon would not be checking vaccination passports. I grew up copping abuse for my skin colour and I just refuse to enforce any kind of discrimination, she told The Age. Ive set up cameras in my store and if police want to fine me, Ill tell them Ill wipe my ass with it. Like Mr Roth, Kaity Marsh has listed her home hairdressing business on an all welcome directory, although she has no plans to open in the immediate future. Ms Marsh, 31, says she is hesitant to get the jab, and even more so to demand her clients be vaccinated. But financial reality is encroaching on her principles. She has hundreds of dollars in deposits she may have to return and will probably cancel a lucrative booking at a wedding next month. Advertisement Im not afraid to lose a client or have a discussion over this, she says. I decided to list myself as non-discriminatory because it sits well with who I am. Down the track, once this is all over, Id like people to know I stayed true to myself. Kaity Marsh is in a quandary as she juggles her principles versus her income. Credit:Chris Hopkins After sharing her position on her personal and professional social media pages, Ms Marsh felt the brunt of the polarised, emotional debate that swarms those who refuse to get vaccinated. Some customers have asked whether she can serve them and pretend they are friends visiting her home - allowed under the restrictions - while others, including her close circle, have attacked her. I have a vaccine booking for the end of next month, but Im waiting to see how everything unfolds. Really, Im hoping this mandate goes away. Premier Daniel Andrews insists it will not any time soon. He warned this week that restrictions for unvaccinated people would stretch well into 2022, at least until the Formula One Grand Prix in April. Its a more strident position than in NSW, where restrictions on the unvaccinated will be lifted on December 1. Advertisement Victorias authorised worker mandate is also the most wide-ranging in the country, estimated to apply to 1.25 million people including hospitality workers, teachers, police and state MPs. The Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines available in Australia are safe and extremely effective, including against the Delta variant of COVID-19. France and Italy are among the countries to have mandated vaccines for entry to indoor sites such as restaurants. So too, New York, where fines up to $US5000 ($6900) apply, predictably sparking fury from some customers who lambasted venues as promoting segregation a trend already appearing in Victoria. On the other side of the United States, an Italian eatery in California demanded proof of being unvaccinated for entry. We have zero tolerance for treasonous, anti-American stupidity, stated a sign at the door of Basilicos Paste E Vino. While such a sentiment is less widespread in Victoria, where more than 90 per cent of the population have received at least one dose, Grand Hotel Healesville publican Lisa McKay says her decision not to open to guests on Friday is supported by the large majority of her community. One problem is staff. Only one-quarter of the employees I need to operate the pub have been fully jabbed (as required by the state). Even if I had the workers, I wouldnt be opening yet, says Ms McKay. Advertisement Washington: US President Joe Biden has caused confusion by declaring the US would defend Taiwan if it was attacked by China, contradicting Americas decades-old policy towards the island. Bidens apparent gaffe, made at a CNN town hall, forced the White House to quickly clarify that the administration was not announcing any changes to its existing policy on Taiwan. President Joe Biden previously criticised George W Bush for saying the US would defend Taiwan if attacked militarily by China. Credit:AP China in response, reasserted, its stance toward the island Beijing considers a renegade province. Bonnie Glaser, one of Americas top experts on China, said Bidens comments were troublesome and potentially quite dangerous because of their potential to heighten tensions with Beijing, which reacted angrily to the remarks. ~ Two suspects arrested.~ PHILIPSBURG/MARIGOT:--- The TBO and RST have been conducting house searches starting early this morning as they investigate a case relating to the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE). The searches were conducted on the French and Dutch sides of the island. SMN News learned that the home of Chief Operation Officer Michel Hyman home was searched while the home of Rene Guishard was also searched, both of who have been arrested. Guishard is an employee of PJIAE that works at the Tower. So far no official information was released by the Prosecutors Office.SMN News will bring you more information as the story develops. A press release issued on Friday afternoon states the following:- On Friday, October 22, 2021, the Recherche Samenwerkingsteam (RST) arrested two people and conducted searches at two houses and at the addresses of two businesses on Sint Maarten under the supervision of the investigating magistrate. The arrests of M.H. and R.G. and the searches are related to an extensive investigation codenamed Mitte and is focused on fraud related to cleanup and repair works carried out at Princess Juliana International Airport after Hurricane Irma. The Mitte investigation is executed RST under the leadership of the Anti-Corruption Taskforce TBO of the Attorney-Generals Office of Curacao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. TBO focuses on a specialized approach to combat corruption and subversion of financial and economic crime. Additionally, the team investigates fraud, forgery and money laundering Gov. Andy Beshear (far left) presented members of the Horse Soldier Bourbon team with certificates designating them as Kentucky Colonels at Tuesday's groundbreaking ceremony. Among them, COO Scott Neil (far right), spoke with the Commonwealth Journal about the plans for Horse Soldier Farms. News spotlight Green Corps intern looks to create environmental change during her year in town 2021 Carleton College grad Sarah Shapiro is spending the next several months serving as the city of Faribaults Green Corps intern, helping the Community and Economic Development Department and Environmental Commission with projects that reduce air pollution and make Faribault more environmentally friendly. (Tom Nelson photo) Sarah Shapiro hadnt considered an internship with the Minnesota GreenCorps until an advisor at Carleton College mentioned it. (Tom Nelson photo) The city has already invested in electric vehicles as a way to cut carbon emissions. This charging station sits just outside City Hall. (Tom Nelson photo) In an effort to help the environmental challenges facing the world today, the city of Faribault has partnered with the Minnesota GreenCorps to participate in an 11-month internship program, which will run through summer 2022. The Minnesota GreenCorps program is coordinated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and aims to protect the states environment and train future environmental professionals. The internship program works with the federal AmeriCorps program and annually places 50 of those AmeriCorps participants in communities around the state to assist with environmental initiatives. The participants typically serve their internships from September through August, and the positions are funded through a grant by ServeMinnesota, AmeriCorps and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Sarah Shapiro, a 2021 Carleton College graduate in environmental studies, is Faribaults current GreenCorps internship. A conversation with one of her college advisors prior to her graduation last spring encouraged her to look into AmeriCorps and its connection with the Minnesota GreenCorps program. I knew that I wanted to get involved in an environmental career and try to make the world more environmentally friendly, Shapiro said. I was looking to explore a little bit more since I did not have a set career path in mind. So my academic advisor at Carleton recommended I look into AmeriCorps, and that is how I found out about GreenCorps. The GreenCorps internship seemed like a real good opportunity to have a little bit of time before going to grad school, while also getting experience in an environmental career. A resident of the Washington, D.C., area, Shapiro was involved with campus environmental organizations during her time at Carleton. Her connection with GreenCorps then assigned her to the internship in Faribault for 2021-22. With GreenCorps, there are four different focus areas, Shapiro said. Air pollution reduction, community readiness and outreach, waste and organics management and green infrastructure. I am part of the air pollution topic area here in Faribault. Pretty much everything I am doing in Faribault is something that is air pollution associated. City Planner David Wanberg said that Shapiro is assisting with work done by the citys Environmental Commission, which advises the City Council on environmental issues and opportunities in the city. She will be helping out with four major areas here in Faribault during her internship, Wanberg said. First is energy conservation in manufactured home communities and getting those residences up to speed in terms of energy conservation and help them save some money. The second part will be helping rental properties in the community integrate energy conservation practices. In both of these situations, the process will include scheduling free visits from Xcel Energys Home Energy Squads. Another area that Shapiro will focus on during the internship will be the citys efforts to grow its use of electric vehicles in the community. Over the next few months, I will be trying to help the city get electric vehicle charging stations, Shapiro said. This would initially include possible electric charging stations around City Hall in Faribault. The city has some electric fleet vehicles right now, but we would like to make Faribault a city that is a bit more electric vehicle friendly, and having charging stations at City Hall would be part of that, Shapiro said. The fourth area of focus that Shapiro has been working on this fall has been taking a tree inventory in the downtown area. Trees provide a lot of benefits to the city, Shapiro said. For my project, the tree inventory mostly focuses on air pollution reduction and sequestering carbon, but it is really important for energy savings and urban heat islands. So knowing what kind of trees we have and where future plantings could go are really important. We are also looking at the status of the trees we have, what kind of species and whether there are a lot of trees that need replacing soon particularly the areas of town where there are a lot of ash trees that could be threatened. In the past, Faribault has had an intern from GreenCorps, but this is the first time the city has had a GreenCorps intern work with the Community and Economic Development Department. Wanberg said the benefits provided by the citys association with the program are substantial. In addition, the cost to the city is minimal since the interns stipend is paid with funds supplied through AmeriCorps, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and ServeMinnesota. The citys obligation centers around providing office space in city hall for the GreenCorps intern. She (Sarah) is working out great and we are excited to have her here, Wanberg said. With a city like Faribault that has limited staff and resources, to have a program like this where the city doesnt have to pay the salary is super helpful. Sarah has done so much with these programs and has helped us do things we wouldnt have been able to do if she was not here and we are very positive about that. The program has been a plus for Faribault and it has also been a great starting point for Shapiro after her recent graduation from college. I definitely feel like I have learned a lot since I have gotten here, and I expect to learn a lot more in the future, Shapiro said of her time with the GreenCorps internship in Faribault. This has been good for me career building-wise. SPOILERS AHEAD! I believe there is something out there for everyone. It doesnt matter how crazy, twisted, and weird some content may appear: someone will be interested in watching it and will like it and cherish it. Its funny to see how, sometimes, the most unexpected kind of content can make a group of people happy, moved, entertained, at least. I may dislike the content, but in the end, it's all about the target audience. When it comes to American Horror Story, however, it can be hard for me, sometimes, to define who is expected to enjoy the show. A single season can shift from dark and scary to campy and over the top within minutes. Hopefully, unlike me, someone felt happy and moved after watching these last episodes of Double Feature. And I'm writing about episodes nine and ten, but also about Death Valley in general. What was the point of it? Four episodes, many main characters, two timelines, and to what purpose? "This is what the future holds, gentlemen. Do you want it or not?" (I'm fine, Val, thanks!) This part follows a story that is, intrinsically, a patchwork of every popular, crazy conspiracy theory related to aliens and the USA. The Moon landing was fake. Amelia Earhart was captured by aliens. John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe died because of the government. The creation of Area 51 is related to weird human experiments. The Reptilians were among us all this time. And many others. But the actual story is, in reality, simple. And I mean it, for real. Earhart, Monroe, Nixon, Mamie cheating on her husband with a robot, four students who are pregnant, and much more, they are all there, but none of this really matters in the end. As predicted, the perfect hybrid is born in 2021. Then, almost every character still alive is killed (only one human survives,) and the aliens' ultimate plan is revealed: they are about to destroy humanity, planning to repopulate the world. After all, humans are not taking good care of the planet, so the aliens deserve it even though that's not the point, I feel. After all, humanity could be gentle and sweet, but it would still be in the way of the aliens survival. But they are willing to share the Earth with the reptilians anyway, so maybe I got it wrong. Its supposed to be a journey through time and American History: we get to see the aliens arriving, the first contact with the government, the first negotiations, and how everything unfolded after. But honestly, the aliens are so powerful, so mighty, so godly, that it makes no sense it took decades for them to have a chance to conquer humanity. Why did they try to make a deal with the president? They could have just possessed his body, no one would notice. I mean, they can explode heads only by using their minds, and they are also good at possessing human bodies, not to mention their high-level tech. Plus, they can predict the future. Okay, they can do anything, anytime, anywhere especially when the plot needs to prove how helpless humanity is against them. Its hard to believe they needed any help. Also, what about letting some people go? Why was Earhart released before giving birth to the alien hybrid? And why in the present day the four students were abducted, impregnated, and brought back to the car, only to be kidnapped again a few days later? How does any of this fit their plan? Besides, my memory is not perfect, but these aliens cant be the same as those from Asylum. While the ones from season 2 appear to be thoughtful and morally grey, the aliens from Death Valley are just like humans they want to conquer, colonize, to rule everything. They want to survive and are willing to do anything to get it all, including destruction and killing. "I guess when you live forever, you run out of stories." Anyway, I cant say I enjoyed this last part of Double Feature. Just like the Red Tide finale, this was a rushed, sometimes predictable story. I know its supposed to be campy, this time they were clear about it from the very beginning. But they still made a lot of questionable choices along the way. Maybe it would be better if it explored only a few conspiracy theories, working on each of them properly. Or if the aliens were not that evil and not so powerful, meaning an actual conflict between humanity and them could happen with some room for complexity. If we got some time to know each character and connect and root for them, this part would be much better as well. The positive side of it all: I liked this cast a lot, especially Neal McDonough and Sarah Paulson as the Eisenhower couple, with an honorable mention to Leslie Grossman as Calico. The students' actors are also full of potential and deliver good scenes when needed, so I wouldnt be mad if they returned in the future, hopefully with a better story to tell. That's a wrap, folks. What about you? Did you like Death Valley? Do you think this Double Feature thing worked? Thanks for reading, and see you soon. TACOMA, Wash. (AP) Gunshots rang out across several streets during a shooting that killed four people in a neighborhood in Tacoma, Washington, authorities said. A search for a suspect or suspects continued Friday, and investigators have not yet said what led to the Thursday afternoon violence outside a residence on the citys east side in the Salishan neighborhood. Authorities havent released the names of the victims. But The News Tribune reports relatives confirmed Friday that 42-year-old Maria Nunez; her 19-year-old son, Emery Iese; Nunezs brother, 22-year-old Raymond Williams; and Williams 22-year-old girlfriend, Natasha Brincefield, died in the shooting. Police had released their ages and genders. Multiple family members spoke to the newspaper Friday, expressing grief and bewilderment over their losses. None knew why their loved ones would be targeted by an assailant. My mom was just so loving, Mary Nunez said of her mother, Maria Nunez. She was just so kind and always willing to help people. And my brother was just the most genuine, nicest, smartest kid. Police on Twitter Friday asked anyone with information about the shootings to contact the national Crime Stoppers hotline. The shooting started in the alleyway, Tacoma Police spokesperson Wendy Haddow said. It transitioned to the front yard of a residence, but it did all occur outside. Haddow said at least one victim was found in the street in front of the residence after the shooting around 4:30 p.m. The News Tribune reports a neighbor who heard the gunshots said she saw a man run away and get in a waiting black car, which drove off. It was multiple shots, Justin Jones told KOMO TV. I dont know how many shots exactly. As soon as we heard them, I was just down to the ground, making sure I got all my family down. Crime scene technicians and detectives blocked off several blocks to investigate. Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards and City Council member Catherine Ushka on Friday extended sympathy to the neighborhood and those affected. We know our police will diligently collect the facts of this case, they said in a statement. As we learn more, we as a community will find our way through this together. There have been 27 homicides in Tacoma so far this year, Haddow said. Last years 32 recorded homicides was the most since 1994, when there were 33. The city has a population of about 220,000. State Sen. John Yudichak, I-Swoyersville, called the latest development unfolding in the South Valley of Luzerne County a historic economic success story. He then grabbed a shovel and joined NorthPoint Development, county and local officials to break ground for the Tradeport 164 development on about 130 acres of former mine-scarred land off Front Street in Nanticoke and extending through Hanover and Newport townships. Brent Miles, a founding partner of Missouri-based NorthPoint Development, said a 1.2 million-square-foot warehouse will be constructed on the land in Newport Twp. and a 536,000-square-foot warehouse will be built in Hanover Twp. Miles said the warehouses will be built on speculation and he has not yet identified the companies that will occupy the buildings. He expects they will create e-commerce jobs with high wages. Wages have grown in this area a lot, Miles said. Most of the employers who will come here will most likely pay over $20 an hour plus benefits. Obviously, thats a really big deal for this community. In all, Yudichak said the development is expected to create more than 1,700 jobs and leverage more than $124 million of private investment. The buildings will occupy nearly 1.8 million square feet and are expected to produce nearly $1 million in annual tax revenue once operational, he said. Yudichak praised NorthPoint Development for helping to transform the lives of young families looking to build their future right here where they grew up in Northeastern Pennsylvania. There has never been a time in the history of Luzerne County where a high school graduate at Nanticoke or Hanover Area could literally walk down the street to find a job paying $20 an hour with full health benefits, Yudichak said. NorthPoint has previously constructed buildings on speculation and landed tenants like Chewy, Adidas, Patagonia, True Value, Spreetail and Thrive Market early in the process, Miles said. He expects the newest warehouses will be constructed by May of 2022 on the land that NorthPoint Development purchased from the Earth Conservancy. Yudichak said the 1.2 million-square-foot warehouse will be the largest development in decades in Newport Twp., which lost about 400 jobs when the State Correctional Institution at Retreat closed last year. The development was good news for Newport Twp. Manager Joe Hillian, who participated in the groundbreaking ceremony Thursday. He said he now sees the former mine-scarred land as a gateway to potential great economic growth. Todays event is another reiteration that our entire area is poised for the emergence of a myriad of new employment opportunities for its hard-working, well-trained residents, Hillian said. NorthPoint Development has invested more than $1 billion to develop more than 7.5 million square feet of industrial space throughout the area. A sign on the site highlighted the companys track record of creating more than 6,700 jobs in the area with a total of more than $121 million in annual wages. We have a track record of success, Miles said as bulldozers worked behind him. We invested in this community because this is a great place to invest. Miles said the areas logistics, access to infrastructure and labor are all important factors to the companies that lease buildings here. The construction of the South Valley Parkway was an absolute game changer, he said Weve been investing in Luzerne County for the last six years and we really believe that capital goes where capital is welcome, he said. None of this would have happened without the South Valley Parkway. 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Staff seems to be raising this remedy far more frequently now than in the past, he said. On one occasion, staff proposed clawing back an executives compensation after the issue with the company had been resolved, said one of the three other attorneys, adding that was highly unusual. The three attorneys asked to remain anonymous to discuss private matters. Reuters could not ascertain how frequently overall the SEC was proposing clawbacks in settlement discussions. But Allison Lee, a Democratic Commissioner who was a senior enforcement attorney with the agency from 2015 to 2018, told Reuters in an interview that the 2002 power has been underutilized. While Lee said she could not comment on enforcement probes over which she now has no oversight, she said of the power: Id like to see us ensure we are vindicating the recourse it provides for shareholders. Accountability Cracking down on corporations is a priority for Democrats who say the SEC has long been too soft on big business. I think that what was surprising, is we figured that this type of crime wouldn't necessarily be where the main tourist areas are, just because it's such a big part of the economy, Graham said. You would think that you would be very careful to make sure that you know the tourists feel very safe coming here. But there have been signs the situation was out of control months ago. In June, two men were shot to death on the beach in Tulum and a third was wounded. And in nearby Playa del Carmen, police stage a massive raid Thursday on the beach town's restaurant-lined Quinta Avenida, detaining 26 suspects most apparently for drug sales after a city policewoman was shot to death and locked in the trunk of a car last week. Prosecutors said Friday they have arrested a suspect in that killing. Crime has gone up a little with extortion, with drug sales to foreigners and Mexicans, the prosecutors office said in a statement about the raid. The administration of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has pinned its hopes on Tulum, where it has announced plans to build an international airport and a stop for the Maya train, which will run in a loop around the Yucatan peninsula. Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. CHICAGO All licensed day care workers in Illinois must receive COVID-19 vaccine shots by early January or undergo weekly testing for the virus under an order issued Friday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The mandate applies to more than 55,000 day care staff at nearly 2,900 day care centers, Pritzkers office said. Vaccinations offer life-saving protection for the people who receive them and make the community safer for the people who cant including the babies, toddlers, and young children not yet eligible for the vaccine, the Democratic governor said in a statement. By extending vaccine-or-test requirements to those who work at licensed day care centers, we are adding another level of protection for our youngest residents and preventing outbreaks in day care centers as more and more parents return to work. Day care staff must get either the first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine by Dec. 3, and the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine by Jan. 3, 2022. Any day care staff who arent fully vaccinated by Dec. 3 must undergo weekly COVID testing until they are fully vaccinated. For much of this countrys early history, women aborting a pregnancy was fairly common even openly advertised with little to do with morality or laws. It wasn't until 1873 that Congress passed the Comstock Act criminalizing contraception and abortion. But even then, women continued to seek abortions to end unwanted pregnancies, often resulting in serious injuries or death. For women born after Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision guaranteeing a constitutional right to abortion, that era may seem like ancient history. It's a history that may soon be revisited. In December, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider the legality of Mississippis 15-week abortion ban. That ruling could reverse Roe v. Wade. If that happens, 26 states are ready to ban abortion, according to Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights policy organization. In Texas, abortion rights have already shutdown due to a state ban that allows unaffected residents to file lawsuits and claim bounties on those who perform or help a woman obtain an abortion. When I've written columns about the impending legal decisions and ramifications of them, I hear stories from women who came of age before Roe, whose reproductive lives were restricted in ways many younger women cant fathom. The pre-Roe and post-Roe reality is a false dichotomy, in many ways. Back then, abortion was illegal but not for everyone, they say. Nowadays, it is legal not but not an available option for everyone who desires it. Across generations, there are commonalities that run through their experiences feelings of shame, secrecy and helplessness and the persistent streak of inequity. If the past is prologue, these experiences may offer a window of what might happen in states where abortion becomes completely inaccessible. As the women who shared their personal stories reminded me: Weve lived this history before. The doctor Dr. Frederick Joseph Taussig, a professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine, treated women whose bodies were broken from botched, back-alley abortions beginning in the early 1900s. He saw in those years how many women were suffering. ... There were so many self-inflicted abortions, and women dying from them, said his granddaughter Anne Taussig, who has spent the past year and a half researching his work. In 1932, Taussig and other doctors established a clinic in the Central West End, across the street from Left Bank Books. It was called the Maternal Health Association of Missouri. In 1936, a federal appeals court ruled that physicians had the right to distribute contraceptives to patients for medical purposes. The St. Louis clinic began providing diaphragms and spermicides. Initially, they could only dispense contraceptives to married white women. Taussig was a pioneer in the field in many ways. He traveled to Russia, where abortion was legal and took extensive notes on how the procedure could be performed safely. He published a book for physicians, Abortion: Spontaneous and Induced, which became a seminal text for decades. In 1943, the clinic changed its name to Planned Parenthood, as part of the national movement to increase access to birth control. We should not close our eyes to the direct effect of a burden of more children upon an already impoverished and unfed family, he wrote. Burdens that are safely carried out by one woman may readily undermine the health of another. The wife Earl and Anne Broden married in 1948 in Nashville, Tennessee. A year later, Earl contracted polio when his wife was seven months pregnant with their first child. The disease paralyzed him from the neck down. He spent nine months in an iron lung and was transferred to the Veterans Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Anne packed up and moved with their baby to be close to her husband. She cared for him for the next 30 years he spent in the hospital. But Anne knew she would have to find a way to provide for herself and their daughter, Cathy. She became a real estate agent in the 1950s, eventually owning her own business. She was in her 80s when she confided a secret she had harbored for nearly three decades. One of her work colleagues had raped her in 1955, she told Cathy. The assault resulted in a pregnancy. Anne, a practicing Catholic, faced an impossible decision. She could not bear the thought of breaking her husbands heart by telling him what had happened to her. A former Marine, now paralyzed, he would have blamed himself for being unable to protect her. She traveled to the Ozarks for an illegal abortion. She told her daughter she carried so much guilt for what she had done. If you were in the exact same position, would you make the same decision today? Cathy asked her. In a heartbeat, her mother said. Even though they had barely been married a year when Earl became paralyzed, Anne never wavered from his side. Mom and my dad were devoted to one another to his dying day, Cathy said. The nurse Ther Ab. Ann Marie Anderson wondered what that abbreviation on the Labor and Delivery board meant. It was scrawled next to a few patients names every few weeks. Anderson was in training as a student nurse at Jewish Hospital in St. Louis in 1970. She asked one of the experienced nurses during her obstetrics rotation about the unfamiliar notation. Those patients would be getting therapeutic abortions, the nurse informed her. Shocked by that response, she said, I thought that was illegal. She now recognizes how naive her question must have sounded. Despite state law outlawing the procedure, abortion was indeed a legal option for certain girls and women those whose families had the means to get doctors to say a pregnancy would be detrimental to their physical or mental health. In my brief experience, these patients were always white and always privileged, she said. It was a stark contrast to what she experienced in her clinic rotations, where they treated poor patients. She remembers a Black mother bringing in her pregnant 14-year-old daughter. The doctor told her daughter she had no choice but to carry the pregnancy to term. I can remember the mothers eyes swimming in tears. She was devastated, Anderson, now 71, said. She retired around 2000 after nearly 30 years of nursing. Even now, sitting on my patio in Kirkwood, I can remember how stunned I was at the inequity, she said. The college student Maureen Jordan, now 73, of Manchester, was studying at Michigan State University in the late '60s. One of her close friends became pregnant and sought an illegal abortion scheduled late at night. Jordan, along with her other friends, waited up to hear how it went. She received word that it was gruesome and extraordinarily painful. Her friend began running a fever and felt extremely sick. Friends persuaded her to go to a hospital in East Lansing. Doctors discovered she was infected and that the botched abortion had failed. She was still pregnant. She was just devastated, Jordan recalled. The hospital had a therapeutic abortion committee that ruled against completing the abortion. Jordans friend became suicidal. She was in anguish. Depressed and beside herself, she said. Someone got her case before the doctors committee at the University of Michigan hospital, which considered her high risk for suicide. They ruled in favor of allowing the procedure. That story stuck with me my entire life, Jordan said. It was pivotal to how she viewed the debate around life her friend had nearly lost hers. In 2019, Jordan joined the board for Planned Parenthood of Missouri and Southwest Region. Who would have known that I would be protesting again after 50 years, she said. The mother Love Holt began dating a year after her divorce in 2017. She became seriously involved with a man for several months. The relationship was on the brink of falling apart when they attempted to make up. They went to Mardi Gras together, and they took an Uber back to his place. They had been drinking during the day, and she passed out in bed next to him. She woke up naked and feeling as though he may have had sex with her. Obviously, this was not a consensual thing, she said to him. She dumped him and moved on with her life. Months later, she started feeling sick and began vomiting. She went to a clinic, where she learned she was 22 weeks pregnant. Oh my God, thats impossible, she said. How did I miss a whole five months of pregnancy? The Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis told her that after the mandatory 72-hour waiting period, she would be too far along to get an abortion under Missouri law. Holt called a clinic in Illinois, but she didnt have health insurance and couldnt afford the fee. She already had four children. How am I going to feed another kid when I cant even come up with $800? she thought. As she got further along in the pregnancy, the procedure would be twice as expensive. She became deeply depressed. Part of the horror was the feeling that each step of the way someone else had made decisions about her body for her against her will. Its already tough to decide to have an abortion, she said. Even though that was what I felt was best, I still did not have a choice. She was dealing with an unwanted pregnancy decades after Roe, but the abortion she wanted was still not an option for her. At 34 weeks of pregnancy, her liver began to shut down. Doctors induced her, but she could not get an epidural because of the babys position. After 26 hours of labor, she delivered a boy. He and I almost died, she said. She had decided to give him up for adoption, but a snowstorm delayed the prospective parents from arriving at the hospital. The next day, Holt decided to hold him for the first time. I cant see anyone else giving you the love you deserve, she said to him. She called the adoptive parents and said she was going to keep her son. Earlier this year she started a congregation that is part of the New Thought movement. She also advocates for reproductive rights. Its about more than protecting Roe v. Wade, Holt said. Whether or not someone can access abortion is about more than that. Its about how much money they have, whether they have health insurance, their race. The teenager It was the summer before her senior year at Mary Institute, and Anne Taussig, then 18, was on the phone waiting for news that could change her life. The test came back positive, the doctor said. You are pregnant. She was stunned into silence. She gazed out the window, the hair standing up on the back of her neck. Well, what did you expect? the doctor added. She was a straight-A student, headed to Wellesley College after graduation. She grew up in a wealthy family in Ladue. Abortion was not yet legal, but she knew she would not carry this pregnancy to term. I knew I would find a way out of it, she said. Her father said she could go to New York to have an abortion. She ended up miscarrying before her appointment. Taussig, now 70, living in St. Louis, says despite her privileged circumstances as a teenager, she remembers her desperation and panic as soon as she heard the test results. She knew she was no longer in control of her situation. That experience may have been part of the reason that she began researching her grandfathers legacy. Frederick Joseph Taussig died in 1943, long before Roe became law, years before his granddaughter, Anne, was born. The obstetrician who had devoted his career to womens reproductive freedom and health kept a sign posted in his surgery room. It read, SAVE THE MOTHER. 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. Any bills that are introduced will have to first win the endorsement of the House or Senates delayed-bills committee. The bipartisan panels both have five members and are controlled by the Legislatures GOP leadership, which will limit the introductions of bills. Republican Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner and GOP House Majority Leader Chet Pollert said they want to limit the sessions agenda to a handful of subjects. Chief among them is legislative redistricting, a mandatory political task that defines the areas state lawmakers will represent for the next decade. Also topping the list will be debate on how to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in federal coronavirus aid the state received this year. House and Senate appropriations committees are expected to finish prioritizing uses for the money next week, and forward the recommendations to the full Legislature for consideration. The North Dakota Constitution limits the Legislature to 80 days of meetings every two years, and this years regular session used 76 days. That means if the Legislature calls itself back into session, lawmakers will have to shoehorn the redistricting job and federal coronavirus aid spending into just four days. But the Missouri Ethics Commission rules on disclosure do, and thats where some questions arise. Thats because between the two PACs most closely associated with him, about $169,000 appears to be unaccounted for. In the last filing of 2020, in October, MO Majority ended the reporting period with $126,843.16, and Missouri Growth reported $103,949.90. Those numbers should then appear on the top line of the next ethics report, due in January of 2021. That report would document any money spent between October and January. Neither committee filed a January report, so, again, that number should carry over to the April report. That line item is important to the ethics commission because it tells regulators that one report properly connects to the other one, so all the money can be tracked. For example, Parsons last ethics report in 2020 shows $358,522 on hand, and his first report of 2021 starts with that same number. That is how the system is supposed to work. As former Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder used to say: Every dollar counts. There also are dozens of acres of immaculate green lawns statued with row on row of white marble slabs identifying the remains of tens of thousands of Americans from both North and South who are buried here. More than 35,000 lie in the National Cemetery, and more than 1,900 in the Confederate Cemetery. To reach the island, take the Moline entrance. Visitors must stop at the Visitor Control Center (open daily 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.) to obtain a free pass. Driving tour maps are available there, and all sites open to the public are on the map. Our first stop was at the Davenport House, which offers guided tours for $6. Genial and knowledgeable Bill Hampes, who said hes been leading tours here for 31 years, was our guide. Hes eager to share his wealth of history of the island, the colonel and the mansion. We were the only visitors on this occasion, and our tour lasted more than two hours. He explained that the government had acquired the island through a treaty with the Sauk and Mesquakie (the French called them Fox) Indians in 1804. In 1816, following the War of 1812, the U.S. Army built a series of western frontier peacekeeping forts, with Fort Armstrong, at the foot of the island, among them. Russia has had a hard time competing with Israel and the United States when it comes to UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles or drones), especially when it comes to specialized small UAVs called loitering munitions. These are smaller UAVs that can carry out aerial search for a target and, if one is found, the operator can have the UAV attack the target. In 2019 Zara, the UAV division of the Kalashnikov company, introduced the first of three models of its Lantset loitering munitions. All versions of Lantset are small, propeller-driven UAVs that send back a video signal to the operator and carry an explosive warhead. Initially Lantset came in two sizes. Lantset1 weighs 5 kg (11 pounds), can stay airborne for 30 minutes and carries a 1 kg (2.2 pound) warhead. Lantset 3 weighs 12 kg (26 pounds), can stay airborne for 40 minutes and carries a 3 kg (6.6 pound) warhead. In 2021 a KUB-BLA maritime version was introduced that had a delta wing design with a propeller in the rear. This naval model is small, being 1.2 meters (48 inches) long with a 950mm (37 inch) wingspan. Endurance is 30 minutes and explosive payload is 3 kg (6.6 pounds). This one has not been offered for sale yet but has been flight tested and is to be equipped with a guidance system that enables groups of KUB-BLAs to operate autonomously in a swarm to attack a target or targets. The Lantset 1 and 3 have been used in Syria several times since 2019 and were deemed successful enough for the Russian military place orders. The Zara loitering munitions have one major disadvantage compared to current Western models, they are non-recoverable. The Zara models cannot return, land and be reused like most Western models can. Because of this Lantset only expected to get orders from the Russian military because the export market is already crowded with similar and often superior, combat-proven, loitering munitions. Because of sanctions, Russia cannot buy the foreign systems, which is just as well because the foreign competition is formidable. Israel and the United States have been developing and using these systems for over a decade. In 2006 the U.S. developed the Switchblade UAV system and tested it in Afghanistan during 2009. This was very successful and the troops demanded more, and more, and more. Initially, Switchblade was mainly used largely by Special Forces and other special operations troops. In 2011, after years of successful field testing, the army ordered over a hundred Switchblade UAVs for troop use and since then has ordered over a thousand more. Switchblade is a one-kilogram (2.2 pound) expendable (used only once) UAV that can be equipped with explosives. The Switchblade is launched from its shipping and storage tube, at which point wings flip out, a battery-powered propeller starts spinning and a vidcam begins broadcasting images to the controller. The Switchblade is operated using the same video-game-like controller as the larger (two kg/4.4 pound) Raven UAV. A complete Switchblade system (missile, container, and controller) weighs 5.5 kg (12.1 pounds). Once launched out of its shipping container, Switchblade can move at about 100 kilometers an hour and stay in the air for 15 minutes. The hand-held controller displays the video and allows the operator to place the cursor over any point and get the GPS coordinates of that point. This can be used to call in air, artillery or missile strikes. Switchblade carries a small warhead with the same explosive effect of a 40mm grenade. Larger versions of Switchblade were developed and put to work, but the troops were satisfied with the original Switchblade. More troop friendly loitering munitions were developed in the West, and in 2019 Drone40 was introduced by an Australian firm that took note of several earlier 40mm UAVs and concentrated on characteristics that were most popular with the troops. Drone40 built on two decades of earlier efforts to produce a portable recon device for infantry and was facing troops in many countries who liked what they had seen so far, but were ready for something that was better. Drone40 looks like a longer 40mm tube-launched grenade. Grenade40 can be launched from the standard 40mm grenade launcher carried by infantry units. Once launched, or thrown, like a grenade, Drone40 stays in the air by extending four quad-copter type propellers. Using a form of UAV flight most preferred by the infantry, Drone40 can pause and hover to scrutinize areas or objects as well as enter structures, including caves. The hover ability is much more useful in built-up areas where you must look in windows or alleys. The recon Drone40 has 20-minute endurance and carries no explosives. Carrying explosives, Drone40 has a 12-minute endurance and explodes with the same effect as a regular 40mm grenade. If a recon Done40 finds a target the troops can either call in an air or artillery strike or, if the enemy is close enough, use their grenade launcher to fire 40mm high-explosive grenades. If the enemy is very close and comes into view, you can open fire using your rifles. The standard Drone40 weighs 190 grams (6.7 ounces) while the heaviest version weighs 300 grams (10.6 ounces). The heavier versions carry larger and heavier payloads like high-explosive or armor-piercing warheads. Heavier payload versions also carry a laser designator, electronic jammer or a smoke/flash grenade. The heavier models can remain in action for at least 30 minutes. The non-explosive Drone40s can be recovered and reused after a battery recharge and resetting the quad-copter propellers inside the 40mm shell. Some repairs may be needed depending on where and how the Drone40 came down. Currently Drone40s cost about $1,000 each but as more are ordered the price is expected to go down to $500. Israel has produced several loitering munitions and uses those as well as exporting them. For example, in 2021 the Skystriker was introduced. This is basically a small (35 kg/77 pound), very quiet propeller driven cruise missile with a two-hour endurance and capable of autonomous or operator controlled movement. Skystriker is launched from a catapult mounted on a vehicle. If Skystriker, with five to ten kg (11-22 pounds) of explosives on board, does not find a target it can return and land, using a small parachute, for reuse. In early 2019 Israel released a video from one of its Skystriker loitering missiles as it destroyed a Russian made Pantsir mobile anti-aircraft system in Syria. Earlier in the year an older Israeli loitering munition, the Harop (Harpy 2) had also destroyed a Pantsir system in Syria. In 2018 India ordered another 54 Harop (Harpy 2) UAVs from Israel. India already has 110 of these and is obviously pleased with their performance. India purchased 110 of them for about $910,000 each back in 2009, soon after Harop was introduced for SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defense) and other dangerous work. Harop had its first combat use during 2017 in the Caucasus. Developed in 2005 from the earlier (1990s) Harpy UCAV, the Harop improves on the original design by achieving better performance because it is a little longer with added outer wing extensions and a canard. Harop is 2.5 meters (8 feet, 2 inches) long, has a 3 meter (9 feet, 10 inches) wingspan and weighs 135 kg (298 pounds). Top speed is 185 kilometers (115 miles) per hour. Harop is a small hybrid design UAV that can either be used for reconnaissance multiple times or once as a cruise missile. Harop is a conventional small aircraft with a cranked delta wing and propeller in the rear. Harop is a UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) controlled by a remote operator and is capable of flying more than 1,000 kilometers or loitering for up to 6 hours while carrying a 23 kilogram (51 pound) high explosive warhead. It can be launched from an aircraft or from a sealed storage/launch container mounted on vehicles or ships. Unlike the original Harpy, which was primarily designed to operate autonomously on SEAD missions, the Harop was designed to either operate autonomously (like many UAVs) or under remote control. When operating autonomously it cannot be jammed and it is sent out to detect and home in on radar signals from specific types of enemy air defense radars. In this respect it is like the classic HARM anti-radiation missile, using an anti-radar homing system to cripple enemy air defenses. Unlike Harpy, Harop can also be remotely controlled. This enables the operator to find and select static or moving targets using an onboard vidcam or FLIR (Forward Looking Infra-Red) heat-sensing camera. While under remote control targets can be hit whether their radar is on or not. The remote-control operation uses line-of-sight communications that are effective at up to 150 kilometers from the operator. That range can be extended using another aircraft or UAV to relay the control signals farther. Even when sent out with a warhead Harop can return and land and be reused. Harop also has a stealthy design which, in addition to its small size and quiet engine, makes it very difficult to detect by radar or infrared (heat detecting) sensors. This stealth feature was meant mainly for SEAD missions because most air defense systems have sensors meant to detect approaching hostile aircraft. If these sensors detect an approaching unidentified aircraft the radar can be promptly turned off to avoid a HARM missile or other SEAD airstrike. Modern HARM missiles get around that by capturing the location of a radar signal and them homing in on where it came from, not the signal itself. India apparently plans to use many of its Harops against Pakistani or Chinese air defenses in wartime. Russia, Syria and Iran know from painful experience that Harop works quite well and more export orders may follow because of this. The original Harpy is still in use because when you need a SEAD capability you need as much of it as you can get. Harpy and Harop are inexpensive to maintain as reserve weapons, can easily be updated and are known to be effective. PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS), the leading data research platform and business intelligence tool for global corporate, academic, and government institutions, is pleased to announce the addition of PitchBook to its data offerings. PitchBook is the premier data provider for the private and public equity markets. A part of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, WRDS provides global corporations, universities, and regulatory agencies the thought leadership, data access and insights needed to enable impactful research. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211021005644/en/ PitchBook serves more 60,000 customers throughout the entire investment and due diligence workflow, to provide timely data and insights on global financial market trends. It tracks more than 3 million companies, 1.6 million deals, more than 300,000 investors, and is constantly adding new datasets and research to its platform. Leveraging its best-in-class data, PitchBook helps clients understand the nuances and complexities of opportunities in the market to inform investment and business developing strategies. University Research conducted using PitchBook data: Angel Investors Around the World, Douglas J. Cumming (Florida Atlantic University), Minjie Zhang (University of Windsor) How Resilient is Venture-Backed Innovation? Evidence from Four Decades of U.S. Patenting, Sabrina Howell (New York University; NBER), Josh Lerner (Harvard University; NBER), Ramana Nanda (Harvard University; NBER), Richard Townsend (University of California, San Diego) Venture Capital's Role in Financing Innovation: What We Know and How Much We Still Need to Learn, Ramana Nanda and Josh Lerner (Harvard University; NBER) WRDS is extremely pleased to offer PitchBook data to our users, said Robert Zarazowski, Managing Director of WRDS. A comprehensive view of a companys critical business decisions is integral to analysis for our researchersthey will value access to this detailed information. PitchBook has become an authoritative resource for investors and business leaders across the private and public financial markets, said Joanna McGinley, VP at PitchBook. Extending the reach of our data and insights to WRDS users, will increase understanding of the factors that impact dealmaking and performance, as well as provide greater transparency into the lifecycle of private capital markets. Along with best paper awards, research support, and the latest data available, WRDS is a leader in enabling impactful research. Through a first-of-its-kind collaboration with SSRN, WRDS is elevating the visibility of universities and researchers working across an array of fields. The WRDS Research Paper Series is a searchable repository of all papers submitted to SSRN that cite WRDS in their work, which will increase researcher visibility and build a specialized research base that will advance shared knowledge. In addition, the organizations have launched the WRDS-SSRN Innovation Award to honor rising business schools in North America, Asia-Pacific, and EMEIA. Learn more about how WRDS is driving impact. About PitchBook PitchBook is a financial research and information company providing transparency across capital markets to help professionals discover and execute investment opportunities and strategies with confidence and efficiency. PitchBook collects and analyzes detailed data on the entire venture capital, private equity and M&A landscapeincluding public and private companies, investors, funds, investments, exits and people. Founded in 2007, PitchBook has offices in Seattle, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, London, and Hong Kong and serves 60,000 professionals around the world. In 2016, Morningstar acquired PitchBook, which now operates as an independent subsidiary. About WRDS Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS) provides the leading business intelligence, data analytics, and research platform to global institutionsenabling comprehensive thought leadership, historical analysis, and insight into the latest innovations in research. WRDS democratizes data access so that all disciplines can easily search for concepts across the data repository. WRDS unique array of Services include access to a suite of Analytics tools and Learning Pathways providing curated, guided resources for Researchers, Instructors, and Information Professionals. Supporting over 75,000 commercial, academic, and government users at 500+ institutions in 35+ countries, WRDS is the global gold standard in data management, innovative tools, analytics, and research services all backed by the credibility and leadership of the Wharton School. About the Wharton School Founded in 1881 as the worlds first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With a faculty of more than 235 renowned professors, Wharton has 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Educations individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 100,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. For more information, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211021005644/en/ Media Contact: Robin Nussbaum Gold, Director of Marketing Wharton Research Data Services Rnuss@wharton.upenn.edu Source: Wharton Research Data Services OSLO, Norway (19 October 2021) - TGS, a global provider of energy data and intelligence, in a consortium with CGG and BGP, today announced the signature of a multi-client agreement with Staatsolie, the state-owned company leading the development of the energy industry in the Republic of Suriname. The agreement allows the consortium to acquire, promote and license multi-client seismic programs, including new 3D acquisition and legacy data reprocessing, in the shallow water acreage offshore Suriname. Surinames shallow offshore acreage includes three blocks recently awarded, and current open acreage is slated to be offered in a competitive bid round for 2023. The new seismic data from the consortiums multi-client programs will be instrumental in accurately delineating the prospectivity and potential of this underexplored area and is on trend with the recent material discoveries announced on the prolific block 58. Plans are in place to start acquiring the new 3D seismic data in the shallow offshore area from Q4 2021 with first products being made available during H1 2022. Kristian Johansen, CEO at TGS, commented: We are pleased to announce entry to Suriname to continue successful evaluation of the regions potential. With this exciting multi-client agreement, the consortium will play a key part in encouraging and enhancing future exploration in Suriname, ultimately helping our customers de-risk their investment opportunities. Sophie Zurquiyah, CEO, CGG, said: CGG brings its multi-client expertise and high-end imaging technology to this major new program that marks our return to the Guyana-Suriname basin after our successful campaign in the Stabroek block. The resulting exceptional data will bring new insight and potentially extend the trend of recent significant discoveries to the shallow waters of Suriname. Luo Junchao, President of BGP Offshore, commented, We are excited to be part of this innovative and pioneering consortium with TGS and CGG providing the industry with a world-class drill ready dataset. BGP Offshore will deploy its state-of-the-art 3D vessel BGP Prospector on phase 1 of this project. About TGS TGS provides scientific data and intelligence to companies active in the energy sector. In addition to a global, extensive and diverse energy data library, TGS offers specialized services such as advanced processing and analytics alongside cloud-based data applications and solutions. Forward Looking Statement All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. These factors include TGS' reliance on a cyclical industry and principal customers, TGS' ability to continue to expand markets for licensing of data, and TGS' ability to acquire and process data product at costs commensurate with profitability, as well as volatile market conditions, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the severe drop in oil prices. Actual results may differ materially from those expected or projected in the forward-looking statements. TGS undertakes no responsibility or obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements for any reason. For more information, visit TGS.com or contact: TICKERS: ARU; AUIAF Source: Streetwise Reports (10/23/21) A recent drop in Aurania Resources' share price due to the financings has created a buying opportunity, a Noble Capital Markets report noted. In an Oct. 22 research note, Noble Capital Markets analyst Mark Reichman reported that Aurania Resources Ltd. (ARU:TSX.V; AUIAF:OTCQB) closed two financings for total net proceeds of CA$8,688,289. Noble Capital rates Aurania Resources Outperform. Also, added Reichman, the company's shares "offer a compelling value" given the recent drop in their price. Shares were trading Friday at about CA$1.17 apiece, which compares to Noble's price target on Aurania of US$3 a share. Reichman noted that Aurania intends to use the new capital to continue exploration at and advance its Los CitiesCutucu project in Ecuador. The Canadian company intends to drill there throughout 2022 with two rigs. The analyst described the two financings. One was a marketed public offering, which yielded CA$6,903,450 million gross. This resulted from the sale of 3,835,250 units at CA$1.80 apiece. Each unit consisted of one common share and one common share purchase warrant with a CA$2.20 exercise price until October 21, 2026. The second financing was a nonbrokered private placement of 1,256,037 units, which generated CA$2,260,866.60 in gross proceeds. The terms and conditions were identical to those of the marketed public offering. Noble Capital rates Aurania Resources Outperform. [NLINSERT] Disclosures: 1) Doresa Banning compiled this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an independent contractor. 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Receipt of Compensation: No part of my compensation was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to any specific recommendations or views expressed in the public appearance and/or research report. Ownership and Material Conflicts of Interest: Neither I nor anybody in my household has a financial interest in the securities of the subject company or any other company mentioned in this report. The following disclosures relate to relationships between Noble and the company (the "Company") covered by the Noble Research Division and referred to in this research report. The Company in this report is a participant in the Company Sponsored Research Program ("CSRP"); Noble receives compensation from the Company for such participation. No part of the CSRP compensation was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to any specific recommendations or views expressed by the analyst in this research report. Noble has arranged non-deal roadshow(s) with investors in the last 12 months. 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TICKERS: EMO; EMOTF; LLJ Source: Streetwise Reports (10/23/21) Emerita Resources Corp. shares traded nearly 15% higher after the company reported step-out drill results from a hole at its La Infanta project in Spain that returned 8.2m of 2.5% Cu, 17.3% Zn, 8.7% Pb, 223.5 g/t Ag, 0.5 g/t Au. Clarus Securities advised in a research note Friday that it is maintaining its "Speculative Buy" rating and CA$4.50/share price target for Emerita's (EMO) shares and stated it sees significant resource expansion potential for the Iberia Belt West property. Base and critical metals explorer and developer Emerita Resources Corp. (EMO:TSX.V; EMOTF:OTCQB; LLJ:FSE), announced on Friday that "it has received complete assays for the first step-out drill hole from the Infanta drill program as well as the final in-fill drill holes." Research Analyst Varun Arora commented in a research note that "Emerita Resources' infill drilling has validated the historic resource of 0.8 Mt at 26.5% Zn eq and the ongoing step-out drilling is confirming the significant expansion potential." The firm indicated that its in-fill drill program has confirmed the historical strike data and will aid in completion of proper 3D modelling of the deposit which will help deliver fresh material for use in further metallurgical testing. Emerita Resources stated that both drills at La Infanta are now being utilized for step-out drilling beyond the existing known boundaries to expand the deposit. The company advised that starting from a depth of 59.4m, drill Hole IN018 intersected 8.2 m of 2.5% Cu, 8.7% Pb, 17.3% Zn, 223.5 g/t Ag and 0.5 g/t Au. The firm noted that hole IN018 is located 40 m west of the historical limits of the deposit. The company added that it drilled an additional step-out hole, IN023, approximately 50 m west of hole IN018. Emerita advised that that those efforts intersected two zones of massive sulfide and that it is waiting to receive the assays from the testing facility. The firm provided data from its final in-fill drill holes IN014, IN015 and IN016 which it said all intersected high grades of mineralization. The best reported in-fill results came from Drill Hole IN014, which starting from a depth of 84.7m, intersected 5.7 m of 2.4% Cu, 7.3% Pb, 13.4% Zn, 225.0 g/t Ag and 0.6 g/t Au. The company stated that work on the geophysical survey is scheduled to resume prior to the end of October. The firm indicated that it plans to mobilize additional drills to accelerate the pace of drilling of the Romanera Deposit, the El Cura and other regional targets and the new geophysical targets. Emerita expects that it will have a total of five (5) drills operating by year-end. The company's President Joaquin Merino, P.Geo., remarked, "We are excited by the progress to date and particularly to be moving the program into the expansion drilling phaseWe are systematically stepping out through the deposit to build the geological model that will meet the requirements for establishing a NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate." Earlier in the day, Clarus Securities Inc. Research Analyst Varun Arora, MBA commented in a research note that "Emerita Resources' infill drilling has validated the historic resource of 0.8 Mt at 26.5% Zn eq and the ongoing step-out drilling is confirming the significant expansion potential." The Clarus Securities report noted that that the initial resource at La Infanta was defined as having a 600 m strike length to a depth of 120 m. The analyst pointed out that "the geophysics and geological mapping is suggesting strong potential to more than double the strike extent and more than triple the depth extent." The analyst stated that several near-term catalysts if realized might provide cause for a re-rating of the company. These include Emerita being granted drill permits for the remaining Iberia Belt West (IBW) land package that includes the Romanera, El Cura and other regional targets. In addition, a favorable ruling in Aznalcollar criminal case would be a big boost for the company as it could possibly raise the firm's market cap by as much as CA$250-300 million. The report from Clarus stated that, "Emerita offers a rare combination of significantly de-risked, world-class polymetallic projects with excellent infrastructure on the Spanish side of the Iberian Pyrite Belt which is one of the largest volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) mining camps globally with numerous majors currently operating in the region." Emerita announced that, effective Friday, October 22, 2021, its common shares began trading in the U.S. under the ticker symbol "EMOTF" on the OTCQB Venture Market. Clarus Securities rates Emerita Resources Corp. as a "Speculative Buy" and has a 12-month price target of CA$4.50/share for its shares that trade under the symbol "EMO" on the TSX Venture Exchange. The analyst advised that the CA$4.50 target price does not reflect the value of the company's Aznalcollar public tender which is now in litigation in an administrative court in Spain. Analyst Varun stated that if Emerita receives a favorable ruling in the case and is awarded the project by the court, Clarus Securities would then raise its target price by CA$1.75/share to CA$6.25. In a separate news release, Emerita Resources Corp. (EMO:TSX.V; EMOTF:OTCQB; LLJ:FSE), announced that effective Friday, October 22, 2021, its common shares began trading in the U.S. under the ticker symbol "EMOTF" on the OTCQB Venture Market. The company explained that "the OTCQB is a U.S. trading platform that is operated by the OTC Markets Group in New York and is the premiere marketplace for early-stage and developing U.S. and international companies." The firm added that to be listed on the OTCQB, companies must be up to date on their reporting requirements and undergo yearly audits and certifications by management. The higher reporting standards provide greater transparency to investors and improve the flow of information, resulting in a better overall trading experience for investors. Emerita advised that its common shares will also continue to trade under the designation "EMO" on the TSX Venture Exchange. Emerita Resources is a natural resource company headquartered in Sevilla, Spain that is engaged in acquiring, exploring and developing mineral properties in Europe. The firm is primarily focused on exploration in Spain along the Iberian pyrite belt in the southern part of the country. In addition to its technical team based in Spain, the company has corporate offices in Toronto, Canada. Emerita Resources started the day Friday with a market cap of around $484.4 million with approximately 182.1 million shares outstanding. EMOTF shares opened 4% higher Friday at $2.2389 (+$0.0899, +4.14%) over Thursday's $2.1499 closing price and reached a new 52-week high price Friday morning of $2.4652. The stock traded between $2.2389 and $2.4652 per share and closed for trading on Friday at $2.47 (+$0.32, +14.88%). [NLINSERT] Disclosure: 1) Stephen Hytha compiled this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an independent contractor. He or members of his household own securities of the following companies mentioned in the article: None. He or members of his household are paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None. 2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: Emerita Resources Corp. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. 3) Comments and opinions expressed are those of the specific experts and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. 4) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports. 5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the decision to publish an article until three business days after the publication of the article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Emerita Resources Corp., a company mentioned in this article. Disclosures for Clarus Securities Inc., Emerita Resources Corp., Oct. 22, 2021 Clarus Securities Equity Research Disclosures Within the last 24 months, Clarus Securities Inc. has managed or co-managed a public offering of securities of the Company. Within the last 24 months, Clarus Securities Inc. has received compensation for investment banking services with respect to the securities of the Company. The research analyst and/or associates who prepared this report are compensated based upon (among other factors) the overall profitability of Clarus Securities and its affiliate, which includes the overall profitability of investment banking and related services. In the normal course of its business, Clarus Securities or its affiliate may provide financial advisory and/or investment banking services for the issuers mentioned in this report in return for remuneration and might seek to become engaged for such services from any of such issuers in this report within the next three months. Clarus Securities or its affiliate may buy from or sell to customers the securities of issuers mentioned in this report on a principal basis. Clarus Securities, its affiliate, and/or their respective officers, directors or employees may from time to time acquire, hold or sell securities discussed herein, or in related securities or in options, futures or other derivative instruments based thereon. Each Clarus Securities research analyst whose name appears on the front page of this research report hereby certifies that (i) the recommendations and opinions expressed in the research report accurately reflect the research analysts personal views about the Company and securities that are the subject of this report and all other companies and securities mentioned in this report that are covered by such research analyst and (ii) no part of the research analysts compensation was, is, or will be directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendations or views expressed by such research analyst in this report. Buy Photo Under Japans criminal justice system, it is prosecutors, not police, who are tasked with charging suspects with crimes. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan An American sailor has been accused of punching a Japanese security guard early Friday near the home of the U.S. Navys 7th Fleet. Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Taylor Merrick, 30, was arrested by Kanagawa Prefectural Police at 1:06 a.m. after the assault in Shinkocho, a district just southeast of the naval base, a police spokesman told Stars and Stripes by phone Saturday. The 68-year-old man suffered bruises to his face, the spokesman said, and Merrick was taken into custody on suspicion of causing bodily injury. Under Japans criminal justice system, it is prosecutors, not police, who are tasked with charging suspects with crimes following a police investigation. Police said Merrick, who is stationed at Yokosuka, was drunk and doesnt remember the assault, according to a report from the Kanagawa Shimbun, a local newspaper. Base spokesman Randall Baucom said he could not comment on Merricks assignment. The Japanese have primary jurisdiction on the investigation, and were cooperating fully with their investigation, he told Stars and Stripes by phone Saturday. We take all accusations of misconduct from our sailors very seriously. Its customary in Japan for some government officials to speak to the media anonymously. The former rebel commander once sat across a table from Secretary of State John Kerry. He signed the historic peace deal that ended Colombias 52-year internal conflict. (Jane Campbell/Navy) BOGOTA, Colombia The former rebel commander once sat across a table from Secretary of State John Kerry. He signed the historic peace deal that ended Colombias 52-year internal conflict. He accepted responsibility for kidnappings and killings by his guerrillas, apologized to the victims, became a member of a legal political party and was elected a senator in the countrys Congress. But to the U.S. government, Pablo Catatumbo is still a terrorist. Five years after the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia turned in its weapons and committed to peace, the United States continues to list the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Catatumbo and dozens of his former comrades remain specially designated nationals people connected to terrorism, drug trafficking or countries that have been targeted with sanctions by the U.S. Treasury. As a result, he was forced to step down as legal representative of his political party and to withdraw from a coffee start-up that helps former combatants reintegrate into society. U.S. officials in Colombia are prohibited from working with former FARC combatants such as Catatumbo and sometimes, from being in the same room with them. The impact is far-reaching. The FARCs inclusion on the State Departments list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations restricts U.S. officials from funding programs aimed at advancing the peace accords in which former combatants participate or benefit. The United States has poured hundreds of millions of dollars of aid to support the peace accords, but none of it goes toward a cornerstone program to incentivize replacement crops for coca the base ingredient of cocaine - or a formerly FARC-led effort to destroy land mines. During the peace negotiations in Havana, Obama administration officials said in 2015 that if the FARC met the criteria for delisting, the United States would seriously consider it, according to Bernard Aronson, who was the U.S. special envoy to the peace process. But five years after the accords were signed, U.S. sanctions continue to create barriers to the full reintegration of ex-FARC members, according to interviews with about two dozen former combatants, U.S. and Colombian officials and others. By keeping the FARC on the list, critics say, the United States could undermine the peace it vowed to support. Its a big contradiction, Catatumbo said. We signed a peace accord that the U.S. government backed. The U.S. gave a great deal of support to the war. They need to support the peace, too. The FARCs listing is now under review, according to the State Department. Each designation is subject to a review every five years, but the last time the department formally assessed the FARC listing was in April 2015. The process was delayed in part by the pandemic, a State Department official said. The U.S. Embassy in Colombia declined to comment. U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg told a Colombian newspaper in February 2020 that the FARC remained on the terrorist list because, as we know, there are some dissident groups still involved in narcotrafficking and violence. Juan Manuel Santos, the former Colombian president who in 2016 won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work negotiating the peace accords, said the United States should have taken the FARC off some time ago. He asked Washington to take the FARC off the list during the negotiations, he said, and expected it within two to three years. The FARC gave up their arms and complied with a justice system and to a peace process and theyre still on the list, Santos said. This is an outright contradiction. Implementation of the peace accords has stalled under President Ivan Duque, who has been highly critical of a deal many say was too generous to fighters who committed atrocities during the countrys conflict. At its peak in the late 1990s, the FARC, flush with cocaine profits, boasted nearly 20,000 fighters and controlled as much as a quarter of Colombian territory. The insurgents terrorized the country with kidnappings, bombings and other attacks. More than 220,000 people died and millions were displaced from 1964 to 2016. Catatumbo and other former members of the FARC secretariat have been charged by the postwar Special Jurisdiction for Peace with war crimes and crimes against humanity, kidnappings, murder, forced disappearance, torture, sexual violence and forced displacement. In a joint statement this month, they accepted responsibility for kidnappings and apologized to the victims and their families. The Special Jurisdiction for Peace has also filed charges against top Colombian military leaders for allegedly kidnapping and killing noncombatants and falsely labeling them as combat deaths. At least 6,402 Colombians were killed between 2002 and 2008 in the scandal known as the false positives case. Today, 13,000 former FARC combatants are trying to rejoin society. The United Nations estimates that 98 percent remain committed to peace. But 46 percent are unemployed, the United Nations said. In the past five years, 292 former FARC combatants have been killed as violence from dissident groups - those that have rejected the accords - has grown. Lawyer Diego Martinez represents the FARC before the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. If former combatants are unable to fully integrate into society, he said, it is easy for them to go down other paths in a country where illegality reigns. One adviser to ex-FARC combatants said that if the United States wants access to essential sensitive information such as drug-trafficking routes or arms purchases, it needs to be able to talk to the people who know these details best. Steve Hege, deputy director of the Latin America program at the United States Institute of Peace, recalled two important meetings about peace and security in which a former FARC member entered the room and U.S. Embassy staff members stood up and walked out. Hege said a meeting between the ambassador and former FARC commander Rodrigo Londono would be fundamental. It would send the message that this insurgency is over, he said. We dont agree with you, but we want you to participate. We want you to have candidates. And we dont want you to be killed. In late 2016, Aronson said, after the peace agreement was signed and Donald Trump was elected president, senior Obama administration officials discussed whether the FARC had met the criteria to lift the Foreign Terrorist Organization designation. But several obstacles stood in the way. The FARC had turned over its weapons to U.N. supervision, but they had not yet been destroyed. Officials were reluctant to make a major foreign policy decision so close to the transfer of power to a new administration. Basically, we ran out of time, Aronson said. The European Union removed the group from its list of terrorist organizations in November 2017. Its a question of keeping your word, Aronson said. Obviously, a formal analysis would have to be made, but based on the facts today, its hard for me to believe that one could make a credible case that the FARC should be designated as a foreign terrorist organization. A State Department official said its not unusual to wait several years to remove a demobilized terrorist group from its list. But if circumstances change, the department may delist a group before the five-year review. The Duque administration has not pushed the United States to remove the designation. The lists only restrict a few areas of support, which has left us with a very wide scope to work together on many other fronts of implementation, said Emilio Archila, Duques presidential adviser for stabilization and consolidation. He stressed that the decision is up to the United States, not Colombia. While U.S. support has been essential to the implementation of the peace accords, Archila wrote in an email, the leadership is our responsibility. It is a violation of federal law for any U.S. representative to knowingly provide a foreign terrorist organization with material support or resources, which can include financial services, lodging, transportation or advice. Lawyers for U.S. officials in Colombia have applied a strict interpretation of material support, even occasionally prohibiting U.S. Embassy or USAID staffers from buying a cup of coffee for a member of Comunes, the rebranded ex-FARC political party. A year after the signing of the peace accords, the U.S. Embassy requested waivers to the designation in two areas: prenatal and postnatal care for ex-FARC women who became pregnant; and education and vocational training for people recruited as children to be FARC soldiers. Some U.S. politicians and members of civil society have urged the government to go further. A congressionally mandated report from the Western Hemisphere Drug Policy Commission in December urged the United States to facilitate assistance to demobilized rebels in post-conflict zones. As Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Colombia this week, advocacy groups asked him to remove Comunes from the list. It creates the narrative that the only actor that has committed crimes against humanity is the FARC, said Gimena Sanchez-Garzoli of the Washington Office on Latin America, one of the groups that made the request. It takes away the state responsibility for all the crimes they committed. A year after the peace accords, an organization here announced a pioneering idea. In an effort to clear millions of square meters of land peppered with antipersonnel mines from Colombias war, a group called Humanicemos DH - Lets humanize - sought training for former FARC members in demining. It claimed to be the worlds first demining organization made up of former combatants after a peace process. But the only entity authorized to accredit demining efforts in Colombia was the Organization of American States. When the U.S. Embassy learned of the role of former FARC combatants, it asked the OAS not to grant accreditation to the group. The move upended some of the groups key partnerships and put its work at a standstill for years. The United States is one of the main funders of mine action in the world, said German Balanta, a technical manager for Humanicemos DH. But we have not received a peso from them because of who our bosses were. It took more than four years for the group to announce, this month, its first successful demining project. Twelve former combatants cleared a patch of land belonging to an Indigenous community - in a department once controlled by the FARC. A traveler presents his European Union digital COVID certificate at a Brussels airport, April 6, 2021. U.S. military bases in Italy are enforcing a new law requiring foreign national workers to have a printed or digital green pass to qualify for continued employment. (Christophe Licoppe) NAPLES, Italy Three U.S. military installations in Italy have completed initial health screenings of Italian workers to achieve compliance with a law designed to encourage people to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. The Italian decree, which took effect Oct. 15, requires all public and private workers to have a government-issued green pass to verify that they were vaccinated, tested negative for COVID-19 or recently recovered from the virus. Naval Support Activity Naples, Naval Air Station Sigonella and U.S. Army Garrison Italy all said this week that the green pass verifications for Italian workers employed by DOD were completed by the Oct. 15 deadline. Aviano Air Base did not respond to repeated requests for information. In the case of Italian contractors working on bases, all three installations are relying on the businesses that employ them to check for green passes. Italian employees who fall short of those requirements face an unpaid suspension until they can show compliance with the law. They do not lose their jobs, according to the decree. The law is the latest effort by Italy to increase restrictions for unvaccinated people. Previous provisions sought to make it harder for them to eat in a restaurant, go to a nightclub or visit other venues without showing a green pass, which verifies their health status. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccination card may be accepted by businesses as the equivalent of a green pass. Buy Photo Patrons and workers walk through the food court at Naval Support Activity Naples on Oct. 21, 2021. Three U.S. military bases in Italy, including Naples, completed screening of all local national workers last week to comply with an Italian law requiring all workers have a coronavirus health pass. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes) The U.S. military isnt screening American DOD civilians in line with the Italian laws October deadline. Instead, they are following a DOD policy requiring those employees to be vaccinated by late November. Typically, the bases have followed Italian laws and rules pertaining to COVID-19, differentiating only when DOD regulations or U.S. CDC recommendations are tougher. The garrison is preparing to enforce DOD guidance regarding U.S. civilian employees, who have until Nov. 22 to be vaccinated or get a valid exception, said Rick Scavetta, a USAG Italy spokesman. All the installations that responded to Stars and Stripes declined to say how many Italian employees did not have a green pass, but Scavetta said that very few people among the garrisons Italian workforce are still unvaccinated. However, he acknowledged that some employees may not have a green pass and as a result are ineligible to work. Similar to Italian employers, unvaccinated garrison employees depart the workplace until they get one or the other (vaccine or negative test), Scavetta said. A spokeswoman for NSA Naples said the base does not share information about the local national workers health status. The decree, which lasts through the end of the year, has broad support from Italians but has drawn scattered protests. At a sit-in at the port in Trieste on Monday, police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters, Reuters reported. About 15% of private employees and 8% of public employees in Italy are not vaccinated, Reuters reported Monday. The Italian Health Ministry reported Thursday that nearly 82% of the population 12 and older had completed the vaccination course. Italy recorded nearly 1.05 million green pass downloads Monday, according to the website thelocal.it. According to the memo, the postponement came at the recommendation of the national archivist, who said the pandemic has had a significant impact on the agencies responsible for reviewing each redaction in the documents. (Katie Lange/DMA) President Joe Biden has further postponed the release of secret government files related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, citing delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The files had originally been scheduled to be released by next week. They will now be released in two batches - one later this year and another in late 2022, Biden said in a White House memo Friday. According to the memo, the postponement came at the recommendation of the national archivist, who said the pandemic has had a significant impact on the agencies responsible for reviewing each redaction in the documents. The Archivist has also noted that making these decisions is a matter that requires a professional, scholarly, and orderly process; not decisions or releases made in haste, Biden wrote, adding that he agreed the agencies needed more time. Temporary continued postponement is necessary to protect against identifiable harm to the military defense, intelligence operations, law enforcement, or the conduct of foreign relations that is of such gravity that it outweighs the public interest in immediate disclosure, the president said. Biden said some documents will be released on Dec. 15 of this year, but not earlier out of respect for the anniversary of President Kennedys assassination, which took place Nov. 22, 1963. The remaining documents will undergo an intensive 1-year review and be released by Dec. 15, 2022. Under the 1992 John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act, all assassination records should have been publicly disclosed within 25 years - or by October 2017 - but postponements were allowed in instances that national security concerns outweighed the public interest in disclosure. The National Archives notes about 88 percent of the records have been released since the late 1990s. President Donald Trump in 2017 announced he planned to publicly disclose the remaining JFK files, only to delay the release of some of the files for national security reasons, setting a new deadline of Oct. 26, 2021. In 2018, Trump did end up authorizing the disclosure of 19,045 documents, about three-quarters of which still contained some redactions. Earlier this month, some members of Congress wrote to Biden urging him to fully release all of the JFK files, including 520 documents that remain withheld from the public and 15,834 documents that were previously released but are partially or mostly redacted. The letter was signed by Democratic Reps. Anna Eshoo of California, Steve Cohen of Tennessee, Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, Jamie Raskin of Maryland, Sara Jacobs of California, Joe Neguse of Colorado and Raul Grijalva of Arizona. Democracy requires that decisions made by the government be open to public scrutiny, the lawmakers wrote. Yet excessive secrecy surrounding President Kennedys assassination continues to inspire doubt in the minds of the American public and has a profound impact on the peoples trust in their government. Biden on Friday said the need to protect records has only grown weaker with the passage of time and that he agreed it was critical the U.S. government maximizes transparency. Almost 30 years since the Act, the profound national tragedy of President Kennedys assassination continues to resonate in American history and in the memories of so many Americans who were alive on that terrible day, Biden wrote. It is therefore critical to ensure that the United States Government maximizes transparency, disclosing all information in records concerning the assassination, except when the strongest possible reasons counsel otherwise. People hold signs with the image of Colombian businessman Alex Saab, who was extradited to the U.S., during a demonstration demanding his release, at the Bolivar square in Caracas, on Oct. 17, 2021. (Federico Parra/AFP/Getty Images/TNS) MIAMI (Tribune News Service) After a slowdown during the coronavirus pandemic, federal authorities in South Florida are accelerating their crackdown on foreign corruption in Venezuelas government and the diversion of hundreds of millions of dollars into the U.S. banking system. The latest target: Colombian businessman Alvaro Pulido Vargas, who has been charged in two massive money-laundering conspiracy cases accusing him of bribing high-ranking Venezuelan officials in exchange for billions of dollars in food-, medicine- and housing-supply contracts that were supposed to help the countrys poor, according to federal prosecutors in Miami. Pulido, 57, was charged Thursday as the lead defendant in a foreign corruption indictment involving Venezuelas food- and medicine-distribution program. Pulido, along with other defendants in his case, is believed to be living in Colombia or Venezuela. He has not appeared in Miami federal court to face the new conspiracy charge. Pulido is also a co-defendant with Colombian businessman Alex Saab in a separate 2019 indictment accusing them of paying kickbacks to Venezuelan officials to obtain inflated building-supply contracts for low-income housing projects. Saab, 49, who had been arrested last year in Cape Verde off the coast of Africa en route to Iran on a humanitarian mission for Venezuela, was extradited to Miami over the past weekend. Saab is close to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who mounted a campaign to block his prosecution in the United States. Both Pulido and Saab, along with others including Maduros three stepsons were hit in 2019 with Treasury Department sanctions over the food-and-medicine supply contracts. But Pulido is the only one of the two Colombian businessmen to be charged in the parallel criminal case. The case, unsealed this week in Miami federal court, centers on a Venezuelan state-owned food-and-medicine distribution program, Comite Local de Abastecimiento y Produccion (CLAP). The corruption network that operates the CLAP program has allowed Maduro and his family members to steal from the Venezuelan people, former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in 2019. They use food as a form of social control, to reward political supporters and punish opponents, all the while pocketing hundreds of millions of dollars through a number of fraudulent schemes. Two years later, Pulido is charged with four other defendants in the food-and-medicine corruption case, including Jose Gregorio Vielma-Mora, the former governor of the Venezuelan State of Tachira, who is accused of accepting bribes, and Pulidos son, Emmanuel Enrique Rubio Gonzalez, who collaborated with his father in obtaining the contracts and laundering the proceeds, according to the indictment. Pulido led a web of businessmen and companies that obtained contracts with several Venezuelan government agencies to import $1.6 billion in boxes of food and medicine by paying bribes to senior officials, including Vielma-Mora, according to the indictment filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kurt Lunkenheimer. The defendants and their co-conspirators knowingly inflated the costs of the contracts to pay the bribes and unjustly enrich themselves, the U.S. Attorneys Office says in a news release. The crux of the money laundering case: Co-conspirators working for Pulido in South Florida moved funds into and out of South Floridas banking system to promote the bribery scheme, the release says. Pulido and his co-conspirators, including some unnamed in the indictment, are accused of transferring about $180 million through the U.S. banking system to pay the government bribes and line their pockets. All five defendants, including Pulido, are at large in the food-and-medicine corruption case. No defense attorneys are listed for them on the federal court docket. Pulido is the latest suspect to be charged in connection with a series of corruption and money-laundering cases filed in the United States since 2017 that accuse dozens of current and former Venezuelan officials, business people and lawyers of stealing billions of dollars from Venezuelas government and its state-run oil company, PDVSA. 2021 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The fighting that nearly ended Deweys life began around midnight on April 16, 1952, when a grenade whizzed over his foxhole just as he ducked down to light a cigarette. Then came a second grenade, followed by an eruption of gunfire that would last until morning. As Dewey later put it, All hell broke loose. (Ken Scar/Army) Duane Dewey, who received the Medal of Honor for smothering a grenade with his body to save fellow Marines during the Korean War, and whose recovery from grievous injuries led President Dwight D. Eisenhower to quip, You must have a body of steel, died Oct. 11 at a nursing home in St. Augustine, Fla. He was 89. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society announced his death but did not give a cause. Only three Medal of Honor recipients survive from the Korean War, the organization said. The fighting that nearly ended Deweys life began around midnight on April 16, 1952, when a grenade whizzed over his foxhole just as he ducked down to light a cigarette. Then came a second grenade, followed by an eruption of gunfire that would last until morning. As Dewey later put it, All hell broke loose. Dewey, a 20-year-old Marine corporal who had grown up in the farmland of western Michigan, was defending an outpost near Panmunjom, a Korean village along the 38th parallel where military leaders would sign an armistice the next year. He soon realized that he and his 80-man unit of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division were far outnumbered, facing perhaps 700 Chinese soldiers. Taking charge of his machine gun squad, he unleashed a continuous barrage of fire, prompting a comrade to warn that he might burn out the barrel. When his unit was ordered to pull back and tighten its perimeter, he located a large rock that offered some cover, and continued directing fire before running off to search for ammunition. He had just returned when a grenade detonated behind his left heel, launching shrapnel into his left leg and buttocks and sending him to the ground. A hospital corpsman arrived to examine the wounds, and was taking off Deweys bloody pants when another grenade rolled next to them. Dewey later recalled that his first impulse was to throw the grenade away to save himself and his men, including an assistant gunner who was also being treated for injuries. But he was lying flat on his back, and worried he wouldnt be able to throw the grenade far enough. According to the Medal of Honor citation, he pulled the corpsman to the ground and, shouting a warning to the other Marines around him, bravely smothered the deadly missile with his body, personally absorbing the full force of the explosion to save his comrades from possible injury or death. In a 2011 video interview, Dewey recalled saying before the explosion, Hit the dirt, Doc, Ive got it in my hip pocket. His next words were, Get me the hell out of here, I cant take much more of this. Dewey was evacuated to a bunker full of wounded men, where he received a shot of morphine and spent the rest of the night wondering if he would bleed out or be shot by Chinese troops. American forces held out, and he was sent to a field hospital at daybreak, where doctors discovered that he had also taken a bullet in the stomach. He received a Purple Heart and spent more than four months in military hospitals. Awarding the Medal of Honor to Dewey in a White House ceremony on March 12, 1953, Eisenhower noted his body of steel, then added that if the grenade had been one of ours, it would have blown you to pieces. Dewey agreed. He often noted that he had been lucky to survive the blast, which put a good-size hole in his hip but missed his spine, and recalled that while he was bleeding in the bunker, he thought only of his wife, Bertha, and his infant daughter, who was born after he left for Korea. I didnt pray for myself, he told the Muskegon (Mich.) Chronicle in 2006. I prayed to God that shed (Bertha) find a nice husband . . . that shed find a good father for our baby. Duane Edgar Dewey was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Nov. 16, 1931, and grew up on a farm outside Kalkaska, Mich. His father struggled to find work before getting a job at a foundry in Muskegon, where Dewey went to high school. He dropped out at age 16 to live with relatives in South Haven, 60 miles to the south, where he worked at a farm and foundry before joining the Marines in March 1951. Dewey arrived in Korea that October and was discharged from the Marines the next year. Returning home to South Haven after receiving the Medal of Honor, he received a new, fully furnished three-bedroom home, built and donated by the community. He later worked at a piano factory, drove a school bus and ran his own office-machine repair shop before retiring in 1973, splitting his time between Michigan and Florida. His wife of 68 years, the former Bertha Bierhalter, died in 2020. Survivors include two children, Arline Broome of South Haven and Dwight Dewey of Durham, N.C.; two grandsons; and four great-grandchildren. Dewey often spoke at veterans events, traveling at times to conferences hosted by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Getting the award means a lot to me, he said in the 2011 video, before adding that each time he put it on he also thought about comrades who deserved the honor but never received it. I didnt do anything that somebody else in my position wouldnt have done, he said. Jerry Glenn Howell, 88, passed away on Monday, November 15, 2021 at his home in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021 from 5-7pm at Dighton Marler Funeral Home in Stillwater. www.dightonmarler.com. Changes to the SunCommercial's back end processing means the e-edition is getting a facelift. The biggest change is the e-edition, by default, is now presented in Text view. Bay of Plenty Ever thought of joining the civil construction industry? if so then this is your chance to get a foot in the door. We are... View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz When former Otumoetai College student Dale Kutia joined the Air Force, women were segregated from men, hardly any trades were open to them and their male colleagues were paid more. She wasnt even allowed to ride a bike. Now, after nearly 50 years of service, Warrant Officer Kutia is the longest-serving woman in the Royal New Zealand Air Force and is leaving after witnessing momentous changes. In 1972, after leaving college, the 17-year-old was the only applicant at the local RSA, where she passed her entry test. At the time, enlisted females joined the Womens Royal New Zealand Air Force and were only given a three-year contract rather than the 8-12 year contract offered to men. Jobs were limited to clerical trades, such as shorthand typists and data processors, and were paid 80 percent of the mens rate. Women were required to be single on enlistment. If they married or got pregnant, they were discharged. The six-week recruiting course was also more limited. We werent allowed to use weapons, so there was no rifle drill or ground defence exercise, says Dale. Instead we had a picnic at West Melton. They spent the time making bed packs and having blankets thrown on the floor if beds werent made properly. They also polished brass and their shoes. Following recruiting training, Warrant Officer Kutia began her Clerk General Duties course at Wigram, where they were finally allowed to mix with the males but only during the work day and not to socialise out of hours. A big shock was not being allowed to ride a bike because wearing a skirt meant it was unladylike. It wasnt until 1977 that were we allowed to ride bikes, she says. In 1983, Warrant Officer Kutia and her husband Richard, also in the Air Force, were chosen to be the first married couple to be posted together to Singapore. However, the posting was pulled because of the perceived unfair financial advantage they would both receive. So I chose to go on leave without pay and followed my husband, she said. After two years the pair returned to Woodbourne and Warrant Officer Kutia returned to work. She excelled at her trade and was awarded the Meritorial Service Medal for her role of looking after a $300,000 budget and turning a team in turmoil into an efficient unit. She was also heavily involved in recruiting on-and-off for about 12 years, shaping the face of the RNZAF. In 1997, she was the first person from the Air Force deployed to the Sinai in Egypt as an officer clerk. The posting had always previously gone to Army personnel. Later, she was chosen for a year-long deployment to Timor-Leste, where she was an advisor to the Timor-Leste Army. In the later part of her career she took on major projects that affected the entire Defence Force. She created a computer version to replace paper payslips, which would arrive weeks after pay day and generally ended up in bins. Relaxing in her Waipukurau home, Warrant Officer Kutia says looking back on her career it doesnt feel like 48 years has passed. The decision in 1977 to integrate the WRNZAF with the RNZAF was significant as it offered women so many more opportunities, she said. Over the years we started to have a voice, she says. Theres still work to be done, especially with leadership opportunities. Anyone looking for a trip with a difference should consider an expedition cruise of Fiordlands southern fiords. The trip, with Heritage Expeditions, caters for all levels of fitness and ability. There are long rugged bush hikes and shorter walks, with most involving mud and slopes. Theres also the option of zodiac cruises along the many rivers, or you can stay on the boat and enjoy the views from the comfort of the top deck. Fiordland is one of New Zealands most remote areas and a UNESCO World Heritage site. To get to our boat (no, not a ship) for the beginning of our cruise, we started our day with a helicopter transfer from Te Anau to Preservation Inlet, where the Heritage Explorer was moored. The weather was perfect for the flight up Lake Manapouri and across the Southern Alps, which in mid-September were covered with a sprinkling of snow. Then it was a swoop down and the helicopter landed perfectly on a small beach where Heritage Explorers skipper, Jim, and expedition crew were waiting for us. A short trip across the inlet and we all aboard our home for the next six days. The boat carries 18 passengers and six crew. In such a pristine area, all of our outer gear had to be inspected for seeds, dirt and any animals that might have hitched a ride. Our reward that night was a delicious dinner of hapuka created by French chef Seb. It was a taste of the scrumptious meals to come. Although remote, there were several crayfish boats around and the crew did a bit of bartering before 40 fresh crayfish were landed on the boat - more than enough for dinner the next night. The Southern Fiords is an area rich in history, wildlife and abundant virgin native bush, mainly beech trees, rimu, totara, tree daisy, rata and tree fuchsias. On the first morning we landed at the site of an old brick chimney in Preservation Inlet. The chimney was constructed in the early 1900s to extract gold and silver from one of the streams. The Tarawera mine was not successful and closed a few years later. Most of the remains were removed except for the brick chimney, which was restored in 2015 and is now a focal point for visitors. In the afternoon we followed the old tractor track to Puysegur Point to the lighthouse. This was home to three permanent lighthouse keeper families, but due to its remoteness it was automated in 1990. The buildings were bulldozed into the sea and all that remains now is the lighthouse and a few concrete slabs where the houses once were. The strong wind does not deter sand flies from making a meal out of visitors. Not being such an intrepid traveller, a sedate zodiac cruise along the Mulamula River was the option for the next day. It was a chance to see ancient untouched forest, waterfalls and many different sea birds, and we were not disappointed. That afternoon we left the calmness of Preservation Inlet and headed out to the wilds of the open sea for the four-hour trip to Dusky Sound. It was a bit of a rough ride, although expedition leaders Lindsay and Whitey reckoned it was a reasonably calm trip. Being Fiordland, the sunshine could not last and soon the rain appeared, which gave a whole new perspective on the scenery. There cannot be lush green rain forest without a lot of rain. Dusky Sound is where Captain Cook tied his ship, the Resolution, to a rata tree in 1773 so his men could rest and relax for a few months after a long voyage from Antarctica. The original rata branch has long gone, but there is one there that looks very similar. On the zodiac cruise around the smaller islands that afternoon we came across many of last years seal pups which, like all adolescents, were having fun in the water and checking out the beings in their colourful wet weather gear taking photographs. Other highlights were Luncheon Cove, where the first ship wreck in New Zealand occurred, and the house site of famous botanist Richard Henry, who saw the need to relocate native flightless birds to islands to save them from introduced pests in the late 1800s. The chimney from his house and the mound where he kept the birds for relocation can still be seen. Once again we ventured out into the open sea for two hours to the calmness of Dagg Sound, where the water depth drops to thousands of metres. With its steep cliffs and large rainfall, we were presented with a spectacular display of waterfalls. The last fiord we visited at the end of the cruise was at Doubtful Sound. With overcast skies and rain, it was a moody, enchanting, remote and beguiling part of New Zealand. We cruised up to the head of Doubtful Sound where we said our farewells, disembarked for the trip back to Te Anau by bus and boat and, sadly, back to normal life. Heritage Expedition cruises cater for those that want the luxury of good food, good wine, comfortable beds and good company, but also want to experience the wilds of New Zealand. A hot shower after a few hours out in the rain was always welcome. Lindsay and Whitey, the experienced expedition leaders, had an in-depth knowledge of the area and each evening would go over what we had seen that day and what to expect the next. Along with skipper Jim and engineer Karl, they were always on hand to help passengers on and off the zodiacs and nothing was a bother. This trip can be as strenuous or as relaxing as you want - its your choice. But dont forget the insect repellent! While the borders are closed due to Covid-19, now is a good time to explore New Zealand and all it has to offer, which is a lot. One of the beaches on the Marbella coastline. / sur With the numbers of visitors in high season recovering to pre-pandemic figures, Marbella could win new recognition that would enhance its image as a tourist destination. The town has been nominated for the 2022 Best Tourist Destination in Europe award, which is granted by the European Best Destinations travel website. The advantages that the prestigious award granted by this international brand would bring are significant. The promotion is estimated to be worth ten million euros, in addition to the diffusion on international media, such as Forbes, Vogue, Yahoo or Geo. The mayor, Angeles Munoz, highlighted the importance of this distinction for the municipality. "It is great news and will strengthen us as a destination for visitors with high purchasing power, influencers, media and tourism professionals" "We will be part of a list of twenty cities that will be promoted as unique and quality places," said the mayor. She added, "The goal of European Best Destinations is to publicise our continent as the number one destination in the world and we want to lead this campaign from Marbella, where we offer excellence, an enviable quality of life and first-rate tourist infrastructures." The European Best Destinations web portal is based in Brussels and was created in 2009 with the aim of promoting culture and tourism in Europe. It is associated with more than three hundred community delegations and the EDEN network, created by the European Commission. It has a potential audience of six million travellers and its work impacts more than 400 destinations in collaboration with tourist offices, through the creation of travel guides. Three times a year they organise competitions open to the public, including the Best Destinations of the Year award, for which the Marbella municipality has been nominated, and which bring together millions of travellers who vote for their favourite destinations. The title for best destination will be awarded through an online vote through the European Best Destinations website, which will take place over three weeks, from 20 January to 10 February 10 2022. "It will be a few days in which we will encourage all citizens and tourists to cast their vote to get Marbella to number one in this exclusive ranking,"said the mayor. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics, highlighted by the Tourism delegation a few weeks ago, the tourism sector has been reactivated during the month of August, with 51,443 visitors from other countries, as well as the 36,023 nationals. "It has been a month that has already recorded global figures very close to those of the same period in 2019," said the general director of the sector, Laura de Arce. 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. 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Stribog BHPian Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Chennai Posts: 682 Thanked: 2,994 Times re: Chennai > Sringeri > Goa > Mumbai route advice needed Quote: concorde24 Originally Posted by May I ask on the route which you regularly take for Sringeri from Chennai? I am planning for a trip and would help to plan. Chennai > Bangalore (approx 5 hours) Bangalore > Hassan via Nice road (3 hours) - stop at Hosyala Village resort for a lunch (somehow it has been tradition now in my family to halt here) Roads are brilliant ALONG this entire stretch, my last trip on this route was in Jan last year and I don't think I hit a single pot hole this entire 550 odd kms. You can stop at Shoolagiri also just out of Bangalore for food and just blast past Hassan, but I prefer a nice break around 8 hours into driving. The final stretch is the challenging one, roads are typically decent (but the odd pothole will crop up suddenly) and is also the ghat section. Hassan > Sringeri via Balehanour - about 2 hrs 45 mins to 3 hrs. If you leave by around 0530 AM from Chennai, you can reach Sringeri by around 1530-1730 (depending on how leisurely you drive). I tend to not trust the fuel pump in Sringeri (there is one BP and HP bunk there) so I fuel up in Hassan on my way up and back down. If you go in the period Nov - Feb, it is a lovely drive. If you wish though you can take small detours - like hit Halebidu after Hassan or take the longer Chikmaglur route. But these are not 'efficient' and the straight route I mentioned is the most optimum. if you are travelling with elders, then do a halt in Electronic city, breaking up your journey but then these are options you can best plan out knowing your own needs. Quote: narayans80 Originally Posted by Another point to mention, please take a PUC before you start from Madras. And carry all originals: DL, RC, Insurance, PUC. Its not just Bombay metropolis traffic that will be a challenge. Kolhapur-Pune bypass traffic is a huge factor, which can make/break travel times. If you time Kolhapur around 1230 pm, you should reach Pune bypass ~ 3 hours. At morning/evening peak hours, it can be as bad as 5-6 hours. Am not even considering peak travel days here. PUC? that is a new word for me, but seen it in Mumbai all the time, but thanks for the headsup will get this done before I leave. And originals? With digital locker I thought one needn't carry it but will anyways carry my originals as I will be moving to Mumbai and might as well have them with me. edit - Thanks Hayek, will do as you suggest as that seems to be the general consensus. Concorde, hit me up on DM if you need specific assistance on the Chennai > Sringeri route or even help in Sringeri. Been driving on this route by myself from 2004 on, and prior to that used to go with family, with dad doing the driving duties from the mid 90's on so am very familiar with it. All times including breaks.Chennai > Bangalore (approx 5 hours)Bangalore > Hassan via Nice road (3 hours) - stop at Hosyala Village resort for a lunch (somehow it has been tradition now in my family to halt here)Roads are brilliant ALONG this entire stretch, my last trip on this route was in Jan last year and I don't think I hit a single pot hole this entire 550 odd kms.You can stop at Shoolagiri also just out of Bangalore for food and just blast past Hassan, but I prefer a nice break around 8 hours into driving.The final stretch is the challenging one, roads are typically decent (but the odd pothole will crop up suddenly) and is also the ghat section.Hassan > Sringeri via Balehanour - about 2 hrs 45 mins to 3 hrs.If you leave by around 0530 AM from Chennai, you can reach Sringeri by around 1530-1730 (depending on how leisurely you drive).I tend to not trust the fuel pump in Sringeri (there is one BP and HP bunk there) so I fuel up in Hassan on my way up and back down.If you go in the period Nov - Feb, it is a lovely drive.If you wish though you can take small detours - like hit Halebidu after Hassan or take the longer Chikmaglur route. But these are not 'efficient' and the straight route I mentioned is the most optimum.if you are travelling with elders, then do a halt in Electronic city, breaking up your journey but then these are options you can best plan out knowing your own needs.Understood, most replies are warning me that this Kohlapur / Pune is the challenge, and even Mumbai can be managed.PUC? that is a new word for me, but seen it in Mumbai all the time, but thanks for the headsup will get this done before I leave.And originals? With digital locker I thought one needn't carry it but will anyways carry my originals as I will be moving to Mumbai and might as well have them with me.edit - Thanks Hayek, will do as you suggest as that seems to be the general consensus.Concorde, hit me up on DM if you need specific assistance on the Chennai > Sringeri route or even help in Sringeri. Been driving on this route by myself from 2004 on, and prior to that used to go with family, with dad doing the driving duties from the mid 90's on so am very familiar with it. Last edited by Stribog : 21st October 2021 at 16:25 . Turbanator Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 4,644 Thanked: 16,522 Times Re: Another BMW 6-cylinder diesel engine failure (N57) | What is happening? When we send our cars for service, these are connected to a smaller computer and based on the advice/ technical updates available, these are either hooked to the main server connected at the manufacturer's end or jobs are carried as described. Similarly, if any technical bulletins are available, those are checked and corrected, usually without a charge. If one is careful at the time of estimation and keep optional jobs out of the scope, the difference between the service costs at the dealership and outside will be very little and not worth the savings in my opinion. Coming to this issue, this car is out of warranty and not regularly serviced at BMW so asking them for any favours may not be fruitful. Best case, maybe some nominal discounts can be expected. But, I am sure, at least for BMW, if this car was serviced at the dealership, they would have supported much larger. Not fully but still appreciable for any meaningful consideration. Like in this case, OP was fully supported when the matter was escalated to the right people at BMW https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techn...ml#post5145924 (Engine Failure in BMW X5 | Highway Driven only for 1,30,000 km | EDIT: Being repaired under warranty) Regrettably, not many options for the OP here given the nature of the problem. I have gone through a similar issue with Superb many years back but at that time, Skoda dealership offered little better than market salvage rates and one of our directors just took the exchange offer. Due to the NGT rules, the age of this car is a real bummer for any meaningful repair. It's not a good idea to get regular services done outside on most of the German cars. Most of these have a lot of electronics and special requirements and if the owner is not fully aware or has control on the purchase of what goes in during the service, chances of lapses are very high. I have seen lookalike oil, filters, belts and whatnot. There are reputed garages where they have knowledgeable staff but they will never have access to anything closer to an Authorised dealership.When we send our cars for service, these are connected to a smaller computer and based on the advice/ technical updates available, these are either hooked to the main server connected at the manufacturer's end or jobs are carried as described. Similarly, if any technical bulletins are available, those are checked and corrected, usually without a charge.If one is careful at the time of estimation and keep optional jobs out of the scope, the difference between the service costs at the dealership and outside will be very little and not worth the savings in my opinion.Coming to this issue, this car is out of warranty and not regularly serviced at BMW so asking them for any favours may not be fruitful. Best case, maybe some nominal discounts can be expected. But, I am sure, at least for BMW, if this car was serviced at the dealership, they would have supported much larger. Not fully but still appreciable for any meaningful consideration. Like in this case, OP was fully supported when the matter was escalated to the right people at BMWRegrettably, not many options for the OP here given the nature of the problem. I have gone through a similar issue with Superb many years back but at that time, Skoda dealership offered little better than market salvage rates and one of our directors just took the exchange offer. Due to the NGT rules, the age of this car is a real bummer for any meaningful repair. Last edited by Turbanator : 24th October 2021 at 07:21 . TikTok has become an online avenue for activity sharing and viewing. The platform allows the users to upload short clips that could go viral or not. In some cases, other videos are inspirational, while some bring laughter to the audience. However, there are cases that people manage to do the most dangerous things on the app to go with the trend. Over the past months, many incidents of injuries and even deaths have surfaced online because of these viral challenges. To know what you should avoid doing on TikTok, here is a list of the challenges that should be banned on the platform. You can also know what ordeals they will cause to the individual. Dangerous TikTok Challenges and Their Ordeals Blackout Challenge There's no doubt that the blackout challenge or the fainting game will be included in this list. The task for the users is to choke themselves until they experience passing out for a few moments. In April, a 12-year-old boy from Colorado died after doing the challenge. He managed to stay in the hospital for nearly three weeks while on life support. Before that, a girl from Italy strangled herself with a belt. She was immediately rushed to the hospital but later died due to asphyxia. Coronavirus Challenge If you are a regular TikTok visitor, you might be familiar with a woman who went viral because of his challenge. Back in March, a strange challenge surfaced online involving Ava Louise, who was seen licking toilet seats inside an airplane. According to the participant, what she did was the so-called coronavirus challenge. Many citizens criticized her after saying that she could potentially acquire the disease. If she has COVID-19, there's a chance that she might infect someone. Silhouette Challenge At first, you will not notice any wrong with this challenge since this is just simply dancing to the music's beat. However, some hackers find a way to stain the reputation of this TikTok challenge. The silhouette challenge involves a woman who is shown as a silhouette under the red light. Although it's a creative form of trend, a privacy breach has ruined this challenge. There's a possibility that someone could see your naked body without consent while doing this challenge, as per Pop Inquirer. Enamel Remodelling Another TikTok challenge that attracted a lot of attention, especially to the dentists, is the challenge similar to enameloplasty. However, there's a catch with this activity. Instead of using the right tool, you will be instructed to reshape your enamel with nail files. An Instagram content creator who is an orthodontist said that those who do this challenge could suffer from tooth destruction. Smile Magic Family Dental co-founder Dr. Chad Evans said that it would result in irreparable damage to teeth. Improvised Vampire Fangs Some TikTok users have tried creating DIY vampire fangs for their teeth if there's a tooth filing challenge for the enamel. The twist here is the use of adhesives, nail glue, and even Super Glue. Besides the fact that they could damage your teeth once you attempt to remove these DIY fangs, the dentists warned the people that the nail glue is poisonous, New York Post reported. Read Also: [Viral Culture] TikTok Frozen Honey Challenge is Trending Now: How Safe is it Other Bannable TikTok Challenges Gorilla Glue challenge Face wax challenge erection cream for lip pout corn cob challenge skull breaker challenge pee your pants challenge poop challenge verbal abuse challenge dry scoop challenge milk crate challenge For other viral culture readings, check our article about the most trending TikTok Songs in 2021, as well as the Best Video-Based ARGs on YouTube. Related Article: [Viral Culture] List of TikTok School Challenges 2021: Why Are They Trending This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Joseph Henry 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) Apple's attempt to have at least two battery manufacturers build plants exclusive to the Apple Car has not pushed through, but the tech giant is hoping they will start up again. Apple Car Battery Vendors Two potential Apple Car vendors are having difficulty meeting the tech giant's production requirements. A new report claims that the main issue is manufacturing advanced lithium-ion phosphate or LFP batteries in the United States, and it will take a huge effort to complete it. Suppliers that were cited in the report are CATL and BYD. CATL is known as the world's main battery manufacturer for electric vehicles, according to Apple Insider. CATL is a Chinese firm, which complicates the matter even more. The company had difficulty sourcing staff in the United States suitable for assembling a product development team just for the tech giant. Also Read: Apple Car Head Leaves in Favor of Ford-the Fourth Exec to Depart the EV Project BYD has a plant in the United States already, so it makes sense that Apple pursues them. However, the company allegedly said it is unwilling to build a plant just for the Apple Car. The report on Oct. 22 from Reuters claims that both companies told Apple at some point in the past two months that they could not meet the tech giant's requirements. Since both companies told Apple that they would not be able to meet its high demands, the talks to be its vendors have stalled. Both companies are said to remain open to future projects with Apple. A representative from CATL sent a statement to Reuters regarding the issue. In the said statement, the company revealed it is evaluating the opportunity and possibility of manufacturing localization in North America. CATL is known to create a dedicated team for each of its customers. Apple Car's Development Since 2014, Apple has been working on the systems for its Apple Car, which is its very own physical passenger vehicle, according to 9to5Mac. One of the most anticipated projects that Apple revealed was Project Titan, which has undergone staff cuts, restructurings, and a change of direction to autonomous systems. Despite the issues, Apple continued to hire engineers, change its focus and create patents to pursue its goal of releasing a physical car. In 2020, Apple was reported to have moved its car division to the leadership of John Giannandrea, the chief of Siri. According to Reuters, Apple's car department has improved so much to the point that it now aims to create a consumer vehicle itself. The said improvement and progress line up with predictions, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo has previously predicted that an Apple Car could be launched sometime between 2023 and 2025. Kuo also recently stated that Apple was working with TSMC, its long-time supply partner, on a chip for its Apple Car. Apple has also talked to Magna International, a Canadian mobility technology firm, and is known for producing parts for vehicle companies such as BMW, General Motors, and Tesla. Apple is trying to get Magna International to manufacture its vehicle. However, those discussions had flamed out when Apple's car plans became unclear, and it began suffering from numerous setbacks. Related Article: Apple to Hire Veteran BMW Maker and EV Canoo Cofounder for 'Project Titan' Electric Car This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Sophie Webster 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Unsplash/ Christian Wiediger) Spyware US spyware companies will now have to adhere to a new rule set by the Department of Commerce to prevent the sale of hacking tools to Russia and China. US Spyware to Adhere to New Rules According to The Washington Post, the Commerce Department outlined the change in a press conference on Oct. 20, which requires companies in the United States to have a license in order to sell spyware and other hacking software to countries that are regarded as a threat to national security. The new rule is complex. If a company in the United States wants to export spyware to a government that poses a national security concern, the company would need to present a license. However, if the software is for cyber defense and it is not sold to anyone linked with the government, no license would be needed. Also Read: Fake Amnesty Anti Pegasus Antivirus Found to Actually be Sarwent Malware Companies will need a license to export hacking software and equipment to Russia, China, and other countries listed by the Commerce Department, whether for cyber defense or not. Gina M. Raimondo, the US Secretary of Commerce, said in a statement that the United States is committed to working with multilateral partners, according to The Verge. This is to prevent the spread of technologies that can be used for malicious activities that threaten the country's cybersecurity and human rights. The new US spyware rule will target tools and software similar to Pegasus, and it will take effect in 2022. The intrusive software, which NSO Group makes, was used by governments to spy on smartphones that belong to journalists and human rights activists. It can steal data from mobile phones and turn a device's mic unnoticed. Even though the United States is a member of the Wassenaar Arrangement, a voluntary export control regime that sets rules on the export of technologies considered dual-use, it is one of the last of the 42 countries to impose certain restrictions on the sale of hacking software. Security officials revealed that the United States took so long to create the rule because of its complexity. If it is done incorrectly, imposing limitations could prevent cybersecurity specialists from working with experts from other countries. The Department of Commerce allows 45 days for public comment and another 45 days to make changes before the new rule goes into effect, according to The Register. Pegasus Software The US spyware export rule will greatly affect the Pegasus spyware. The spyware is developed, marketed, and licensed to governments worldwide by the Israeli company NSO Group. It can infect billions of phones that run iOS or Android operating systems. The earliest version of the spyware was in 2016, and it infected phones through spear-phishing in which text messages or emails trick a target into clicking on a malicious link. Since then, the attack capabilities of NSO have become more advanced. Pegasus infections can be achieved through zero-click attacks, which do not require interaction from the owner of the phone in order to push through. These will exploit vulnerabilities, which are bugs or flaws in an operating system that the phone's manufacturer does not yet know about and has not been able to fix. Related Article: Pegasus Spyware Forced French President Emmanuel Macron to Let Go of His iPhone This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Sophie Webster 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Unsplash/ Christian Wiediger) Google ads Google has successfully slowed down European privacy rules, according to the lawsuit. The search giant stated in an internal document that it has successfully delayed the European privacy rules together with other tech companies. The legal filing was released on Oct. 22. Google Delayed Europe's Privacy Rules Before Google's meeting with other tech companies in 2019, the search giant mentioned that it had been successful in delaying and slowing Europe's ePrivacy regulation process. Google also revealed that it worked hand-in-hand with other tech companies. The new details were presented in an unchanged version of the lawsuit that was filed by Texas and 11 other states in the United States, which argued that Google had abused its power over complex technology that delivers online ads to its users. News organizations, including The New York Times, asked the court judge in the case to remove the corrections from the complaint. Also Read: Google Tests Security Options to Phase Out Cookies Used to Get User Info for Target Ads The details showed a rare look at how massive tech companies have lobbied against numerous regulations. In the past few years, lawmakers worldwide have proposed new laws to limit tech companies' market power, limit their use of consumer data, and set new rules to moderate all user-generated content. A spokesman for Google said in a statement that just because Attorney General Ken Paxton from Texas "says something, it is not true." The spokesman added that they are clear about their support for consistent privacy regulations around the world. The lawsuit cited a document written from an August 2019 meeting between five tech companies, including Apple, Facebook, and Microsoft, according to Tech Investor News. According to the complaint, Google was trying to circumvent privacy rules in the US Federal Trade Commission and Congressional law. European regulations have been the subject of numerous challenging negotiations for years. The company also expressed concerns about the actions of other tech companies connected to privacy debates. Earlier this year, Google has restricted ads from targeting users under 18 years old for their safety and security. Google stated that Facebook had issues aligning on their privacy goals and strategy and that the platform had prioritized victory over reputation over its commercial interest in the legislative debate. According to the lawsuit, Google was also concerned that Microsoft was toppling it over its privacy issues. In a document presented during the meeting, the company pointed out that a top Google executive, Kent Walker, had stated that Google should seek alignment with Microsoft. They would want to get as much intelligence as possible. Europe Push Against Ads Lawmakers in Europe are working on banning ads, and they are working on adding them to a new set of Internet rules. The rules were proposed last year but are now entering their last stretch of negotiations, according to TechCrunch. If Europe's privacy rule is passed, it could have implications for tech giants like Google and Facebook, affecting internet users. The move came after a series of concerns raised in the past few years pointed out how some ads use personal data to decide who sees which marking message. It can negatively impact people and businesses, and some are considered discriminatory and predatory as it targets vulnerable people and groups. Related Article: Browsers Want to Block Google FloC; Wordpress Calls Ad-Targeting Mechanism as 'Terrible Idea' This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Sophie Webster 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) used REvil's own tactic to shut down the hacking groups' leak site. This is a major turnaround since the ransomware group is one of the most notorious online criminals across the globe. This was shown when the official leak website of the hackers went offline. Because of this, many speculations about how the malicious actors' page was taken down started to appear. These include the theory of a former member going against the group. On the other hand, some experts claimed that law enforcement was the one that successfully breached the website. But, Reuters reported that the FBI, together with Cyber Command and Secret Service and other security agencies, were able to take down the Russian-linked hackers using their favorite technique, which is relying on compromised backups. FBI Using REvil's Technique According to ArsTechnica's latest report, the U.S. Justice Department was able to receive assistance from the U.S. intelligence agencies and the Pentagon since REvil is considered a national security threat comparable to terrorism attacks. Also Read: US-Based Candy Company Ferrara Suffers From Recent Ransomware Attack But, the FBI was still able to find a way on how to breach the system of these malicious actors. Involved security experts were able to acquire a universal description key from the hackers. The U.S. security agency said that they did not announce this information so that REvil would have no idea on what they acquired. Thanks to their efforts, REvil is now completely out of the picture. Since their one strategy was used against them, Allan Liska, one of the involved ransomware experts, described REvil's decision of using an old infrastructure as a "dumb" decision. Thanks to the efforts FBI and other cybersecurity firms, REvil is now ending its ransomware activities. In other news, another ransomware group linked to hackers of Colonial Pipeline has appeared. A REvil Member Also At Fault? 0_neday, one of the REvil members, said that their official leak website was breached by an unknown party. The FBI believed that he is also one of the hackers who restored some internal systems, which were already controlled by law enforcement. Because of this, the Federal Bureau of Investigation was able to detect them, allowing them to take down the international hacking group. For more news updates about REvil and other hackers, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: REvil Ransomware Group that Threatened Apple 'Mysteriously' Deleted Documents and Extortion Threats This article is owned by TechTimes Written by: Griffin Davis 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : GettlyImages/ Justin Sullivan) Donald Trump Jr. Former US President Donald Trump announced that he would launch a personal social media platform, but hackers gained access to it just hours after and posted images of expletives, defecating pigs, and more. Former President Trump's Social Media Account Hacked According to USA Today, the hackers are linked with the infamous group Anonymous, and the move was part of their online war against hate. The New York Times reported that by using a false account named "donaldjtrump," the hackers posted several photos of pigs, wrote profane rants against the CEO of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, and made a fake account for Steve Bannon, the former adviser of President Trump. The hackers also posted several memes from fake accounts for former President Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence, and others who were linked to the Trump administration. Also Read: Donald Trump Social Media App Features All Freedom, No Cancel Culture, Says His Former Campaign Manager Aubrey Cottle, a hacker affiliated with Anonymous, revealed that they had a fun time trolling the former administration. Cottle told numerous outlets that the group picked up clues after the site called Truth Social and made the app available for preorder on Apple's App Store earlier this week. Users were able to join a waiting list for its release, and hackers claimed that these pieces provided enough information to access the version of the platform. The hackers got access just hours after Truth Social was announced on Oct. 21. The app later barred new accounts and was immediately pulled offline. According to a Washington Post reporter, they were able to register and post under an account name "mikepence." On Oct. 20, Trump announced Truth Social months after he was banned from other social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. Trump was blocked from the social media sites after the pro-Trump riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6. Twitter has said that its ban on the former president is permanent. Earlier this month, President Trump filed a lawsuit against Twitter to get his account back, but to no avail. Facebook, on the other hand, said former President Trump could return in 2023. YouTube has stated that its ban on the former US president will be lifted after the risk of violence lowers. Trump stated in a statement that Truth Social and the Trump Media and Technology Group would stand up to the tyranny of tech companies. The platform is expected to be released nationwide in early 2022. Trump's Social Media in Trouble CNN has cited three reasons why it is believed that Trump's social media platform will not take off. Trump's social media platform is expected to rival Twitter. However, Twitter is a massive platform that has more than 200 million users. It is an already established platform and is used nationwide, while Trump's platform will only be accessible within the United States. Also, the conservative social space is already crowded and is not doing so well. Parler was groomed to be the Twitter for conservatives, but that was shut down by app stores last year as a result of the Jan. 6 riots. Lastly, Trump is no longer the president, and he is not running in any government position. He is still the most high-profile and powerful player in the Republican party. However, since his ban on numerous social media platforms, his ability to steer coverage has lessened, and his fan base has decreased. Related Article: Donald Trump vs. Mark Zuckerberg, Jack Dorsey, & Sundar Pichai: Former US President Is Suing Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter Over Alleged Censorship This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Sophie Webster 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Online gamers are the target of hackers' Microsoft-signed rootkit malware, which steals in-game purchases and other kinds of data. Online Gamers Beware: Hacker's Microsoft-Signed Rootkit Steals As per Gizmodo, cybercriminals are now using a rootkit called FiveSys, which suspiciously got a digital signature from Microsoft. It is worth noting that Microsoft's digital seal should supposedly validate that the program is not malicious. Thus, with it, cybercriminals could use the rootkit without any restriction due to the industry-standard mark that the tech giant awarded it. What's more, the malicious program now gives the cyber attacker "unlimited privileges" wherever it is installed. Gizmodo further noted in the same report that the hackers using "FiveSys" typically target online gamers to steal their in-game purchases by hijacking their credentials. However, given that the said rootkit provides much larger-scale access than merely stealing in-game purchases, the researchers from Bitdefender suggest that it could also be used to mine other sensitive data elsewhere. By the way, gamers usually sync their banking details with their profile as a means to purchase in-game items. So, with the Microsoft-signed rootkit, it also gets exposed to cybercriminal minds. Microsoft-Signed Rootkit FiveSys: Where Does it Come From? Meanwhile, according to the report of ZDNet, the distribution method of such malicious programs is still unknown. However, the researchers speculated that "FiveSys" is being bundled with crack programs online. On top of that, the researchers also revealed that the said rootkit originally came from China. Thus, most of its victims are Chinese online gamers as well. That said, the "FiveSys" rootkit has yet to make its mark in other territories than the Asian country. It also turns out that the campaign to spread the rootkit malware started way back in 2020. But it only saw a significant uptick during the summer of 2021. Microsoft-Signed Rootkit FiveSys: How to Avoid According to the director of the threat research and reporting at BitDefender, Bogdan Botezatu, the best way to counter such malicious software is to download programs from reputable sources. Botezatu further added that "modern security solutions" could also help in mitigating such attacks from rootkit malware and other similar counterparts. Read Also: Linux Hacked: Russians Insert 'Drovorub' Malware on Linux Computers That Interferes US Election, Reveal FBI and NSA Microsoft and Rootkit Malware As per the latest report of Redmond Mag, Microsoft has yet to issue a statement regarding the proliferation of a malicious program that the tech giant digitally signed. However, it is to note that this is not the first case that Microsoft signed a program that maliciously steals information on Windows users. In fact, last June 27, Microsoft confirmed that it signed a rootkit malware on Windows that goes by the name "Netfilter." Similar to "FiveSys," the previous rootkit malware also originated from China, bypassing not just the Windows Hard Compatibility Program but other data centers in the country as well. Related Article: Microsoft Accidentally Leaks 'Golden Keys' That Unlock Secure Boot-Protected Windows Devices: Oops? This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Teejay Boris 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NASA's Artemis 1 mission is set to launch its "mega-moon rocket," the Space Launch System, in early 2022 after successfully mounting the Orion spacecraft to it. NASA Artemis 1 Mission to Launch 'Mega-Moon Rocket' in 2022 As per the latest report of Space.com, NASA's Artemis 1 mission will be launching the first rocket to the moon since the Apollo mission way back in 1969. It is worth noting that the Space Launch System rocket was first scheduled to launch next month, or in November to be precise. However, NASA officials are now saying that the "mega-Moon rocket" is set to fly on Feb. 12, 2022. The launch of the Space Launch System rocket will be the first uncrewed mission around the moon under the Artemis program. 'Mega-Moon Rocket' Space Launch System Completes Stacking According to Gizmodo, technicians from NASA recently mounted the Orion spacecraft on top of the Space Launch System rocket ahead of its launch in 2022 to the Moon. Both engineers and technicians from the United States space agency successfully concluded stacking the "mega-Moon rocket" at the Kennedy Space Center of NASA in Florida. Gizmodo further added in the same report that the stacking process for the moon rocket started in early 2021. It turns out that the team behind the installation capped off the monumental milestone for the rocket just before midnight of Oct. 21 hits. For now, the Space Launch System sits inside the Vehicle Assembly Building of NASA as it waits for its launch in 2022. It is to note that it is the second spaceflight of the Orion, which sits on top of the "mega-Moon rocket." However, it will be the first time that the said spacecraft will go into deep space. Hence, the program manager of the Orion, Cathy Koerner, is "excited to watch Orion work in the environment it was designed for," she shared. Read Also: NASA Artemis Tests Space Suit Fabrics by Firing Ballistic Air Guns, Rocks, and Mock Meteorites to Test its Safety 'Mega-Moon Rocket' Space Launch System and Orion The moon rocket for the Artemis mission called Space Launch System or SLS is meant to initially fly NASA astronauts to the moon. However, it is also planned to launch crewed missions on Mars and other far-flung destinations in space. On top of that, the rocket will also be paired with the Orion crew capsule as part of the upcoming first mission of the Artemis lunar program of the space agency. Related Article: NASA Moon Mission 2024 Planned Date Now Being Evaluated? Rumors Claim Spacesuit and Other Challenges Could Delay It This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Teejay Boris 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Twitter has brought new features for Revue writers and users. According to the latest report, the social media giant will now allow them to sign up for a newsletter. Right from the tweet, they could now tap the subscribe button in a single click. Revue Newsletter Subscription on Twitter According to a recent report by The Verge, Twitter has previously rolled out a particular Revue feature wherein writers could highlight the newsletter on their profile. In the following month, in September, the Revue writers could finally use the feature. Before, subscribing to a newsletter could be tedious for some users. To do it, you first need to verify your email. Now, Twitter makes it easier for users to sign up through a subscribe button. If you have a linked email address to your social media account, you are only one click away from getting the subscription notice. There's no email confirmation here. At the moment, this feature can be accessed by web users. Revue is planning to release its dedicated version for iOS and Android in the near future, according to the company's tweet. Weve got big news. (Youre really going to like this.) Starting today, your followers can subscribe to Revue newsletters directly from Tweets in their timeline. This is already enabled for all Revue writers on desktop and mobile web, with iOS and Android to follow soon. pic.twitter.com/6eBxvGWyxH Revue (@revue) October 22, 2021 Twitter Acquires Revue Engadget wrote on its Oct.22 report that the tech titan bought Revue earlier this year. The social media powerhouse eyes are adding newsletter features to garner more followers on the platform. The fresh move of Twitter to add updates for Revue puts it in a better position over other newsletter services such as Substack. Some of them still stick to the traditional newsletter signup method, which is quite longer than the new one. Last month, writer Casey Newton posted on his blog that the Twitter audience has a big role in the popularity of Substack. Moreover, he said that after using the said feature for one year, Substack has only one way for Substack to thrive: it is through the posts on Twitter. "I wish I had other obvious avenues for growth, but to date, it really feels like it's Twitter or nothing," Newton said. Read Also: How to Turn on Twitter Safety Mode | Anti-Harassment Feature Previous Changes on Twitter Back in April, Twitter launched a live test for those who work on one of the largest social media in the world. The "Professional Profiles" aims to bring more business tools, especially for brand-focused workers. In short, the main target of this feature is the enterprises, publishers, and creators, to name a few. For the initial live test, the first subjects that underwent the experiment were the small businesses. At that time, Twitter said that it anticipated unveiling more of it in the next few months. Additionally, this feature would make your profile more professionally looking, especially for those who are running a business. Common information such as email address, contact number, and more will be posted on your main profile frame. In June, the tech firm announced that it would be charging $3 for users who want to undo their tweets. This feature is attached to the Twitter Blue subscription plan. Related Article: Twitter to Give Users a 'Heads Up' When Conversations are Getting Out of Control Before You Join This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Joseph Henry 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Image from Commons.Wikipedia.com) T-Mobile to Pay Off Up to $1,000/Smartphone for Users Switching | Limited to 5 Devices T-Mobile is now offering those that decide to switch allegiance from their previous mobile provider to the company a whopping $1,000. Of course, users won't switch everything as they will only be limited to five devices. T-Mobile to Pay Off $1,000 According to the story by SlashGear, in its own latest drastic bid in order to rake in new subscribers, T-Mobile will now reportedly be paying off any existing smartphones. This is assuming users owe not over $1,000 on their current contract. The whole promotion, of course, is reportedly contingent on switching from a users' existing carrier towards T-Mobile, which just recently launched the new offer. The promo reportedly works by the company dishing off the payoff funds on the user's prepaid MasterCard. Promo Covers Up to 5 Devices The promo reportedly went live on Oct. 22 and had only relatively simple requirements. The conditions include users bringing their smartphone to a certain T-Mobile retail store along with an image of the user's last phone bill. This is assuming that the user is eligible to have a smartphone; T-Mobile notes that they will pay off the device all the way up to $1,000 per smartphone with a limit of up to five devices. T-Mobile is now heavily emphasizing its 5G network. Application Process for T-Mobile However, users don't need a 5G smartphone to take advantage of the current promotion. The carrier reportedly details the different steps that consumers have to take in order to redeem the current promo. This includes ordering a SIM card, signing up for a new plan, and porting the phone number to the user's new account. From there, users will then need to submit a rebate in order to get the payoff funds. T-Mobile, in August, was investigating an underground forum for actually alleging a giant data breach. Read Also: FCC, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Other Telcos Can't Stop Robocalls From Appearing | Mitigation Plans Now Required! How to Get a Rebate To submit the said rebate, users will need to provide the company with their SIM card number and the image of the smartphone's payment plan with the former carrier. T-Mobile notes that the money to pay off the device's balance will then be sent within 15 days through a virtual prepaid MasterCard. T-Mobile is offering a number of different monthly wireless plan options, with the cheapest being its Essentials at $60/month. Users who would need faster mobile hotspot data and some other features will get the $70/month Magenta plan or even the $85/month Magenta MAX plan. A T-Mobile hacker says it only took a week to steal data while sharing that the carrier's security is awful. Whether or not this is a good deal entirely depends on the user, their own needs, and their existing plan. It was noted that the best benefit of the promotion is users will be able to get their device entirely paid off. This can add up to a significant amount, especially for those still early in their payment contract and using a pricey smartphone. Related Article: iPhone 13 T-Mobile Forever Upgrade Promo Allows You To Save Up To $800, But Here's the Catch This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Urian B. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Researchers have proposed a new way of dealing with near-Earth asteroids that threaten our planet. The proposed method is called "PI," which is an acronym for "Pulverize It." The method basically calls for the use of explosives in order to smash large asteroids into smaller pieces. These explosives can possibly be nuclear in type. While shattering asteroids does not mean that the smaller pieces can do no damage to Earth, the researchers argue that their damage is "negligible" compared to if the asteroid as a whole hits the planet. NASA is currently monitoring 8,000 near-Earth asteroids that are wider than 460 feet. Researchers Propose 'PI' Method Researchers have proposed a method called PI to defend Earth from the nearby asteroids that threaten it. The proposed method entails using explosives to smash these asteroids. According to a report by Space, the group of researchers who are proposing this method has posted their paper on the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Experimental Cosmology Group website. Per the report, PI "aims to smash large, potentially life-threatening asteroids into hundreds of tiny pieces by launching an array of 'penetrator rods' into the asteroid's path." These penetrator rods could have explosives in them that may even be nuclear to smash asteroids into smaller pieces. The Space report notes that the researchers acknowledge that the smaller pieces can still cause damage to our planet. However, they argue that "this damage would be negligible compared with the impact of a large asteroid." The PI method still requires testing to prove that it can work. Fake asteroids will likely be used during ground-based testing. Related Article: NASA Simulation Reveals How to Stop Texas-Sized Asteroid-What Protects Earth From Space Collisions? The Chelyabinsk Meteor Incident A relatively recent incident of a meteor hitting the surface of the Earth that was mentioned in the Space report is the Chelyabinsk meteor in 2013. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) describes the meteor as a "house-sized meteor" that exploded 14 miles above the ground in Chelyabinsk, which is located in Russia, on February 15, 2013. Per the Space report, the strength of the explosion was equivalent to 30 of the atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima back in World War II. 1,600 people were injured due to the explosion. Fatalities would have occurred the meteor exploded over a city instead of the broad area it blew up. Near-Earth Asteroids Per the Space report, there are around 8,000 near-Earth asteroids that NASA is closely monitoring. These asteroids have diameters that are wider than 460 feet. In comparison, the Chelyabinsk meteor was only 62 feet in diameter. According to the website of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, examples of near-Earth asteroids include 1036 Ganymed and 2005 YU55. Also Read: Japanese Hayabusa 2 Spacecraft Fires Into Near-Earth Asteroid: What Happened Next Shed Light On How Planets Are Formed This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isabella James 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : Unsplash/ Paul Hanaoka) COVID-19 vaccine Adobe has directed all of its employees in the United States to get COVID-19 vaccine shots. The software company gave its employees until Dec. 8 to comply, or they will be placed on unpaid leave. Apple is also one of the tech companies tracking the vaccination status of its employees. Facebook also requires all returning employees to be vaccinated with the new "No Vaccine, No Entry" policy. Adobe Employees Required to Get Vaccinated Adobe has cited President Joe Biden's executive order for all federal contractors to have their employees fully vaccinated as the reason behind its vaccine mandate, according to CNBC. Gloria Chen, Adobe's Chief People Officer, sent an email to its employees. The email stated that 93.5% of employees in the United States who responded to an internal company survey stated that they are already vaccinated. Adobe would consider religious and medical reasons as exemptions for those who can't get the vaccination, Chen stated. Earlier this month, IBM also told all of its employees in the United States that they must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 8 or face an unpaid suspension. Also Read: COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters Needed as Early as September With Pfizer. Moderna CEO Aims to Deliver By Year's End The White House recently announced sweeping vaccine requirements in a bid to reduce an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths caused by the Delta variant of the coronavirus. President Biden presented a six-part plan intended to get more people vaccinated in the country, allowing schools to reopen safely, increase COVID-19 testing, improve care for COVID-19 patients, and boost economic recovery. As part of Biden's plan, he announced a new requirement for federal employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine, with no option for COVID-19 testing. As part of the plan, the president announced a new requirement for federal employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine, with no option for regular COVID-19 testing. President Biden also signed an executive order extending the requirements to contractors working with the government, which affected more than 2.1 million employees. President Biden's new plan also includes directing the Labor Department to require all businesses with 100 or more employees to ensure that the employees are either vaccinated or tested weekly. Companies could be fined up to thousands of dollars per employee if they refuse to comply. Vaccine Mandates Could Cost Millions The United States is moving fast to implement sweeping mandates that will require employers to verify their employee's COVID-19 vaccine status or ensure that they are undergoing weekly testing, but it could end up costing them millions of dollars, according to Fortune. In September, President Biden called on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA to issue a temporary emergency standard that would require private companies with at least 100 employees to put vaccine mandates in place. President Biden's directive stipulated that, unlike federal employees and contractors, private companies could also give weekly testing options. The mandate is expected to affect 80 million Americans. OSHA can fine companies up to $13,600 per employee violation, but it may not have the resources to enforce the new mandate. The agency has more than 800 inspectors to cover 100,000 employers set to be affected by the new requirements, according to Reuters. The cost at play range from testing, paid time off, verification tracking, and the time needed from HR teams and business leaders to organize and manage the mandates. Related Article: Google Pay: Save Digital Vaccine Cards on Android, Show it to Local Establishments With API This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Sophie Webster 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : GettlyImages/ SOPA Images ) T-Mobile phone T-Mobile stated that it would delay the shutdown of Sprint's 3G network by at least three months to ensure that its partners have enough time to help customers transition to a new network. T-Mobile had originally planned to shut down the 3G network back in January, and now the company will shut it down on March 31, 2022. T-Mobile to Delay Shut Down of 3G A company's statement said that some of their partners have not followed through on their part in helping their customers through the change. Now, they are stepping up on their behalf, according to The Verge. The company's statement does not mention the partner by name, but the public assumed it refers to Dish Network. The two companies have tangled over T-Mobile's announcement it was shutting down Sprit's 3G network because of the impact that it would have on Dish's Boost Mobile consumers. Also Read: T-Mobile New 5G Phone Could be Cheaper than an AirPods Pro One of the conditions of T-Mobile and Spring Merger is that Dish acquires Boost Mobile. The acquisition happened in July 2020, with Dish taking Sprint's place as the fourth wireless carrier in the United States. After T-Mobile announced that it planned to shut down the CDMA network of Sprint, Dish chairman Charlie Ergen compared T-Mobile to the Grinch and later stated that the company was making every effort to migrate its customers. However, T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert wrote in a blog post that Dish was dragging its feet to upgrade its consumers to the 4G and 5G networks. The Department of Justice told Dish Network and T-Mobile in a letter that was sent in July that it had concerns about the shutdown of the Sprint 3G network. The department urged both companies to take all of the much needed steps to reduce the impact on customers who rely on the network, according to CNET. Pay Off to Users Who Will Switch T-Mobile is also offering to pay those who will switch to their service. The company is willing to give $1,000, but it will be limited to five devices. According to SlashGear, T-Mobile will be paying existing smartphones as long as users do not owe more than $1,000 on their current network contract. The promo works by the company dishing off the payoff funds on the user's prepaid MasterCard. It was launched on Oct. 22 and had simple requirements. The requirements include users bringing their smartphones to a T-Mobile retail store together with an image of the last phone bill. The company will pay off the device up to $1,000 per smartphone with a limit of five devices, and T-Mobile is pushing for the 5G network. Users do not need a 5G smartphone to take advantage of the promotion. The company detailed the steps that users have to take in order to avail of the promo. The steps include ordering a SIM card and signing up for a new plan. The phone number is then ported to the user's new account. Users will then need to submit a rebate to get the payoff funds. Related Article: T-Mobile Tops 5G Network Reliability, Speed, and Coverage: Report This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Sophie Webster 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Independent contractor, Chris Hazen of The Terra Firm, updated the San Miguel Board of County Commissioners Wednesday on potential participants in a grant program that awards landowners implementing water conservation and soil health practices. (courtesy photo) STONEWALL [ndash] Funeral services for Maple Hamilton, 78, of Stonewall, OK will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at the Stonewall First Baptist Church with the Apostle Gary Bruner officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Stonewall, OK. Mrs. Hamilton passed away in a Deni Bryan Duprees early affection for the French language took him from his native Iberville Parish to France and back to Lafayette, where last year he opened the doors of his own bookstore. Dupree and three business partners his husband of two years, James Colvin; and two of his LSU law school classmates, Endya Hash and Blair Boles opened Beausoleil Books a year ago, in the midst of the pandemic. He said its the first downtown bookstore since the 1970s. Later, they opened the adjacent Whisper Room, a wine, cheese and dessert bar, after COVID-19 precautions relaxed. So far, so good. Dupree said the four friends did not expect to see a profit during their first year in business and, thanks to COVID-19 and its Delta variant, theyve met expectations, he said with a laugh. But the first 12 months in business has also included a brisk holiday sales period last year, as well as a devoted downtown following that the friends hope to build into a burgeoning business. +13 Lafayette cemetery tour to provide deep look at Catholic burial traditions Lafayettes oldest cemetery will host a night tour on All Saints Day, a ready opportunity for people to learn about the ancient grounds and Ca Dupree grew up outside Plaquemine, a small city that lacked a bookstore. But he said he volunteered at his local library as a boy and worked in libraries through college. He earned a literature degree at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, and studied law in Lyons, France as well as LSU. His French studies began when he was a child and, as one of four business partners, his background allows him to guide the selection of French titles for sale in the store. In fact, the partners follow an unusual business model, with each holding influence in guiding book offerings from their own area of interest and expertise. Dupree, for example, fought for French titles in the store, not just classic French authors but contemporary ones, as well. The stock includes authors who write in French from Canada, Africa and Louisiana. +12 Welcome back: New Iberia to greet return of Beneath the Balconies on Sunday New Iberias 11th Annual Beneath the Balconies will return to East Main Street on Sunday after a two-year absence because of the pandemic. Inside info on doing business in Acadiana We'll keep you posted on the Acadiana economy. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Colvin is a science-fiction aficionado. Blair is a romance author as well as a romance reader and Hash makes sure there are plenty of young adults and social interest texts. Each weighs in with their own expertise to shape the stores stock. We try to have something for everyone, despite our size, Dupree said. Some people see the bookstores cozy size as a benefit. Large bookstores can be overwhelming to some people, and the store staff is accessible to customers, suggesting books and guiding customers through the store. Dupree said a surprise this year has been the robust response to childrens reading programs. Childrens books comprise the largest section of the store. +7 Erath memorial evokes memories of 8 storm victims, and one man's promise to honor them ERATH Its not the type of tragedy a small town can forget. When Hurricane Hilda swept through this town on Oct. 3, 1964, a water tower 125 The store and the Whisper Room also host poetry readings, author presentations and may branch out into music programs. A party to celebrate Beausoleil Books one-year is set for 7-11 p.m. Saturday at the Whisper Room. Party goers can dress as their favorite literary theme, character or author. There will be a books and pop culture trivia event at 7 and after party with themed cocktail and fun activities. Other events are listed on the store's website, https://www.beausoleilbooks.com. Beausoleil Books 302-A Jefferson St., is open from 11-6, Tuesday-Saturday and 11-5 Sundays. The Whisper Room is open 4-10, Tuesday through Thursday, and 4-11, Friday and Saturday. Jeska Carmouche was asleep when her uncle came into her room in the dark, early morning hours to relay the news: Her brother, the boy she helped raise, was dead. On July 10, 2020, Ja'Marcus Thomas, 26, was shot and left to die in the front yard of his ex-girlfriend's Sherwood Forest home. Carmouche says she can hear her uncle's voice to this day. "They got Ja'Marcus," she recalls him saying. "What do you mean?" "He's dead." Her heart races now as it did then. "I couldn't believe it," she says. Carmouche rushed to the crime scene, where her brother lay facedown on the ground. She said she saw three wounds where the bullets pierced his body. More than a year later, the Thomas case is one of scores still unsolved in Baton Rouge. 'Definitely a challenge' Murders have skyrocketed in Louisiana's capital since 2020 while the homicide clearance rate has ticked downward. That trend is reflected across the country but more sharply pronounced in East Baton Rouge. The parish this week recorded its 119th murder of 2021, surpassing the record high set last year. With more than 100 vacancies among the ranks of sworn officers, the Baton Rouge Police Department, which responds to the vast majority of homicides and nonfatal shootings, is stretched thinner than ever. +2 Deadly Baton Rouge shooting marks 7th murder in 8 days as parish surpasses 100 for the year With reports of two more deadly shootings Tuesday night and early Wednesday, East Baton Rouge Parish tallied its seventh homicide in eight day Baton Rouge city police, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies in the parish have solved about 49% of the 2021 murders so far, according to records maintained by The Advocate. It's a modest dip from preceding years, but a larger departure from the national average, which hovered around 60% before dropping to 54% in 2020. Thomas Hargrove a former investigative journalist who founded the nonprofit Murder Accountability Project in 2015 to provide a more accurate accounting of homicides in the U.S. said declining clearance rates speak to how law enforcement agencies nationwide are overwhelmed. "They lack sufficient resources to handle the caseload that they're receiving," he said. That's especially true for murders, which are among the most labor intensive cases to solve. +2 With BRPD over 100 officers short amid surge in gun violence, chief cites 'morale issues' After years of worsening staffing shortages, the number of sworn officers in the Baton Rouge Police Department has fallen to its lowest point "It is impossible for homicide detectives to do the necessary work if they're overburdened," Hargrove said. As a result, according to the Murder Accountability Project, more than 256,000 Americans have died in unsolved homicides since 1980. Clearance rates, meanwhile, have steadily fallen to the point that about a third of homicides in the country go unsolved and 5,000 killers a year get away with murder. The FBI recommends that departments responding to more than 50 homicides a year should have each detective handling no more than five cases at a time because higher caseloads can lead to lower clearance rates. Baton Rouge 'community street teams' aim to stop gun violence: 'you have to be in the trenches.' Instead of guns and handcuffs, a new team of Baton Rogue residents is relying on a different tool to try and halt the city's high and rapidly At the Baton Rouge Police Department, a team of 12 detectives is tasked with solving 94 murders from 2021 alone that occurred within city limits. Since three of those dozen officers are supervisors, that amounts to about 10 per detective caseloads well above the FBI standard. Baton Rouge police spokesman Sgt. L'Jean McKneely Jr. said the department lacks the resources to bolster staffing in the unit. He acknowledged the heavy caseloads and emphasized the importance of cooperation from witnesses and other community members to help detectives get the job done. "It's definitely a challenge," he said. "Our detectives are working hard. They're doing their best. But the act of solving homicides involves various factors, not just police." Tips from residents are extremely helpful, he said, and are thoroughly investigated. 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 lot happens behind the scenes that the public doesn't necessarily see," he said. "They can't arrest somebody off hearsay, but they absolutely look into everything." Making exact comparisons between clearance rates becomes difficult because cases often linger into other years before being solved. But Advocate records show the parishwide rate has typically remained above 50% over the past several years. It reached 60% in 2018, when the parish recorded 83 murders for the year. Even as gun violence surged in 2020, the clearance rate remained relatively high at 58%. While the Baton Rouge Police Department investigates all murders occurring within city limits, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office responds to cases in the unincorporated areas of the parish. Over the past few years, deputies have investigated between 12 and 20 homicides annually, with very high clearance rates: around 90%. Cases are considered cleared when an arrest has been made or when a suspect is identified but arrest is impossible, most often because the person has died. The newspaper calculates simply the percentage of murders solved in a given year. However, law enforcement agencies include in their clearance rate calculations any murders from past years that were solved in the current year, so their totals which the FBI compiles annually almost certainly skew higher. 'Another person dead' As time goes on without closure, some families of homicide victims say they feel frustrated by what they call a lack of communication on the part of police. Carmouche said the dearth of updates about her brother's case has only compounded their grief. She said they feel pushed aside, her brother one of hundreds of Black men in the United States whose murders remain unsolved. To take her mind off the pain, she tried to take matters into her own hands. She began raking through any possible clues, hoping to glean any bit of information to pass along to detectives. Carmouche said she's submitted several tips to the police. A few months after her brother's death, her family noticed someone was still using his name to file for unemployment. But she didn't hear back from police about whether the tip was relevant to the case. With seemingly no leads, Carmouche said she worries that his death will become just another statistic, "just another person on the news, another person dead." McKneely said Ja'Marcus' case is far from cold, adding that families of homicide victims are typically directed to the department's victim liaison, a position created within the past few years after a 2017 surge in homicides. But there's only so much police can share about an active investigation. "Our guys are working these cases to the best of their ability," McKneely said. "We don't disclose every detail we have." The silence from police can be tough to take. "It's one thing to still be working on it," Carmouche said. "It's another to have someone reach out to say, 'Hey, we haven't forgotten about y'all.'" +8 Baton Rouge's most murderous year on record: How gun violence surged amid pandemic Debra Ross was headed to her first Bible study of 2020 when she stopped home to change clothes and found herself walking into a nightmare: Her 'He looked brighter' Carmouche often thinks of the last time she saw Ja'Marcus. After a somewhat turbulent childhood, her brother who lived with her and her three children since he was 11 years old finally seemed to be on the right path. He loved his job as a restaurant cook and hoped to one day move out of Baton Rouge. On that final visit, Carmouche said Ja'marcus talked about wanting to take his 7-year-old nephew to a local amusement park. He also paid back a small sum of money he owed her something his big sister saw as a sign of newfound maturity. "He was like, 'You always give me some, I just want to give back to you,'" she recounts. Others noticed the change, too. "He looked brighter," Carmouche says. "He looked like he was finally coming to peace with his life." A few days later, he was gone. Melbournes Royal Childrens Hospital has again been identified as a COVID-19 exposure site. The level three recovery parent waiting room was listed as a tier-1 or close contact site on Monday, October 18 between 1.51pm and 3.40pm. A parents waiting room at the hospital has been declared a COVID-19 exposure site. Credit:Chris Hopkins In recent weeks, the neonatal intensive care ward at the hospital was also declared an exposure site, as was the cancer ward. Anyone who visited the parents waiting room during that timeframe now has to get tested for COVID-19 and quarantine for seven days if they are fully vaccinated, or 14 days if they are not. Victorian health authorities also identified a number of other new COVID-19 exposure sites on Sunday evening, including F45 Training and PRD Real Estate at Mildura. In Bendigo, Evan Shoes at Hargreaves Mall was declared a close contact exposure site, as was Queens Arms Hotel at Quarry Hill. In Latrobe, the Glengarry Hotel and Pub was declared a tier-1 site, as was Latrobe Leisure Centre Moe Newborough, and a landscape supplies shop and a restaurant in Traralgon. Life Church at Mooroopna, about 180 kilometres north of Melbourne, was also declared a tier-1 exposure site. Tony Abbott seems intent on dealing with China in the same way he once dealt with Malcolm Turnbull, Julia Gillard and raw onions. Things move around. The former prime ministers embedded conservatism, which he once harnessed in the cause of climate change and same-sex marriage denialism, to the detriment of Australia, is now pressed into service championing freedom and democracy and standing up for Taiwan against the might of China. Tony Abbott delivered a provocative speech in Taiwan, attacking China. Credit:Illustration: Andrew Dyson If only more did so. Abbott, 63, has moved from hosting Chinese dictator Xi Jinping on a state visit, signing a free trade deal, and being a true friend of China (2014) to earlier this month slamming the Chinese government as unreasonable and aggressive. Quite the pivot. And in defending Taiwan against China which wants to reclaim it, Abbott may just have found his Hamlet. Singapore: On the same day last year that Amanda Eu accepted her offer to study at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia announced it was closing its borders. That was quite anti-climactic, the 20-year-old Singaporean media and communications student said. Monash University student Amanda Eu is eager to meet her classmates in Melbourne. In the 18 months since then she has had to instead study remotely from her home in the south-east Asian city-state, one of more than 150,000 student-visa holders unable get to Australia to join their classmates. Now, with a quarantine-free travel arrangement between Australia and Singapore on the verge of being finalised, she may among the first wave of international students returning to the country. WUHAN, China Home of the Covid Plague, , Oct. 21, 2021 -- JIMU Intelligent, the global leading intelligent driving solution provider, has successfully raised CNY 200 million in a Series C1 funding round. This round was jointly led by Forebright Capital and SDIC Unity Capital, followed by well-known institutions such as AVIC Pingshan, Founder H Fund, MY Tsinghua Capital, UMC Capital and others. The capital raised will allow JIMU Intelligent to further increase its R&D investment in intelligent driving, connectivity and autonomous driving in specific scenarios, continue to expand its customer base, and accelerate the mass production of high-level intelligent driving technologies. In this round of funding, JIMU Intelligent has introduced top-level investment institutions, such as renowned Forebright Capital, SDIC Yangtze backed by State Development & Investment Corp., AVIC Pingshan, a subsidiary of China Aviation Industry Corporation, Founder H Fund, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Founder Securities, MY Tsinghua Capital backed by Tsinghua Strait Research Institute, and UMC Capital, an internationally renowned semiconductor group,etc. These new shareholders will promote the development of JIMU Intelligent with their industrial resources and capital. Since its founding in 2011, JIMU Intelligent has been committed to becoming an internationally competitive intelligent driving solution provider, providing global OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers with self-developed leading intelligent driving solutions based on multi-sensor fusion and domain controllers. Relying on the industry-leading technology and cost-effective advantages, JIMU's intelligent driving products have been applied in batches to around 100 models of nearly 30 OEMs globally. Up to now, JIMU Intelligent has won multiple passenger vehicle ADAS projects, supplying 80%+ head bus OEMs and 60%+ head truck OEMs in China, ranking top three in the market share of commercial vehicle L1-L2 solutions among Chinese companies. Thanks to its rich experience in mass production in the commercial vehicle field, JIMU Intelligent has opened the passenger car market since 2020, and has won a number of L1~L2 new energy passenger car projects. In terms of products, JIMU's L2+ domain controller will be completed by the end of this year. After this funding, the company will continue to actively expand the passenger car market, trying to enter the supply chains of at least five leading car companies in the next two years, and becoming a mainstream intelligent driving solution provider in the passenger vehicle field. In addition, JIMU Intelligent is actively exploring overseas markets. It has reached extensive and in-depth cooperation with many international top T1 suppliers, and has taken the lead in exporting intelligent driving solutions to Japan, South Korea and other automotive powerhouses. At present, the company's new series funding is progressing smoothly. Regarding this funding, Cheng Jianwei, founder and CEO of JIMU Intelligent, said: "Thanks to all our investors and customers for their recognition and support. We will actively grab the opportunities of the era of intelligent driving, make every effort to promote more technological breakthroughs and product innovations, and link industry ecosystem partners to create an intelligent driving enterprise with international competitiveness." SOURCE JIMU Intelligent Hello everyone, God is love. John 3:16 says: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him should not perish, but they shall have everlasting life. John 15:13-14 states: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for hi Up for debate: Live legislation tracker Check out the latest developments on bills pending before state lawmakers in four key topics. Vice President Kamala Harris, right, shares a hug with Democratic gubernatorial candidate, former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe during a rally in Dumfries, Va., Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021. McAuliffe will face Republican Glenn Youngkin in the November election. This is the temporary subscription pass for users returning from the Vision Data subscription process. Your subscription will be updated within 24 hours, after your information is verified. Please click the button below to get your pass. Vicky Klukkert | The Daily Star Zach Bender, left, holds the award the Brooks' Bottling Company received from the Association for Dressings & Sauces for the creation of Abby's Kitchen Organic Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing that Ryan Brooks is holding, Friday, Oct. 22. Click the image to the left and log in to get your exclusive reader perks. Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel answer readers questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures, the object and a closeup of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, The Daily Times, King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803 or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com. A gate of what is officially known as a vocational skills education centre is photographed in Dabancheng, in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China, on Sept. 4, 2018. (Thomas Peter/Reuters) 43 Nations Criticize Chinas Human Rights Abuses in Xinjiang More nations joined the rebuke of the communist Chinese regime at the United Nations on Oct. 21 over its human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in the far western Xinjiang region. We have seen an increasing number of reports of widespread and systematic human rights violations, including reports documenting torture or cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment or punishment, forced sterilization, sexual- and gender-based violence, and forced separation of children, Frances U.N. Ambassador Nicolas De Riviere read in a statement on behalf of the group at Thursdays meeting. The declaration was endorsed by 43 nations this year, after Turkey and other African countries including Liberia and Eswatini joined. In the joint letter, the 43 nations voiced concern about the severe restrictions on freedom of religion or belief and the freedoms of movement, association, and expression as well as on Uyghur culture. They also criticized the widespread surveillance targeting Uyghurs and members of other minorities. They called on the regime to allow immediate, meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang for independent observers, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and her Office. The Chinese regime and its supporters responded. Cubas envoy read another statement on behalf of 62 countries, including Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela, claiming those abuses are Chinas internal affairs. Beijings U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun dismissed all criticism as groundless at a news conference after the U.N. meeting, accusing the United States and other countries of spreading trite lies. In 2020, German Ambassador Christoph Heusgen read a similarly worded statement on behalf of 39 countries. In 2019, the United Kingdom read the first condemnation signed by 23 countries at the meeting of the General Assemblys Human Rights Committee. The international community has repeatedly criticized the detention of up to one million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in political re-education camps. The regime claimed the campaign is to counter terrorism. Despite the piling pressure, Beijing continued to denounce all accusations and said on Thursday that Xinjiangs door is always open. U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet has requested to examine the serious human rights violations in Xinjiang since September 2018, but the terms of her visit havent been agreed upon. Louis Charbonneau, Human Rights Watchs U.N. director, said this year marks the first time that all U.N. regional groups joined in calling for the violations in Xinjiang to stop and U.N. investigators to get immediate access. U.N. member states should establish an international commission of inquiry to formally investigate alleged crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and recommend avenues for holding those responsible to account. Farzana, 30, holds her one-year-old baby, Omar, at the malnutrition ward for infants of Indira Gandhi Children's hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Oct. 23, 2021. (Jorge Silva/Reuters) Afghanistan Heading Towards Collapse Faster Than Expected, Swedish Minister Warns DUBAIAfghanistan will shortly collapse into chaos unless the international community acts rapidly, Swedish and Pakistani ministers warned on Saturday. Afghanistan plunged into crisis after the hardline Islamist Taliban movement drove out the Western-backed government in August triggering the abrupt end of billions of dollars in assistance to its aid-dependent economy. The country is on the brink of collapse and that collapse is coming faster than we thought, Swedish development minister Per Olsson Fridh told Reuters in Dubai. He said economic freefall could provide an environment for terrorist groups to thrive, but that Sweden would not channel money through the Taliban, instead boosting its humanitarian contributions through Afghan civil society groups. Many countries and multilateral institutions have halted development assistance but increased humanitarian aid since August, reluctant to legitimize the new Taliban rulers. Pakistani Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry later told Reuters that direct engagement with the Taliban was the only way to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe, and called for billions of dollars of Afghan assets frozen overseas to be released. Are we going to push Afghanistan into chaos or are we going to try and stabilize the country? he said in Dubai. Engagement would also encourage the protection of human rights and the establishment of an inclusive, constitutional government, he said. Pakistan has deep ties with the Taliban and was often accused of supporting the group as it battled the U.S.-backed government in Kabul for 20 yearscharges denied by Islamabad. Swedens Fridh said the Taliban had so far failed to prove they had shed the oppressive policies that marked their previous period in power from 1996-2001. He also said conditions were not right for European countries to reopen embassies in Kabul. Instead, more diplomatic activity would take place in Qatar, an important interlocutor between the West and the Taliban. Fridh met Qatari officials in the capital Doha this week. But Chaudhry said it was time the United States, China, and other major powers set out a framework for formal recognition of Afghanistans new rulers and for the removal of United Nations sanctions on Taliban members, including some members of the new government. This, together with direct economic assistance, was the only way to avert instability, he said, adding: The watch on this bomb is already clicking. By Alexander Cornwell Arizona AG Requests Temporary Restraining Order in Bid to End Bidens Vaccine Mandates Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich filed an amended complaint Friday in an effort to end President Joe Bidens vaccine mandates. Brnovich asked the U.S. District Court in Arizona to grant a temporary restraining order and nationwide preliminary injunction as soon as possible to protect workers forced to take the COVID-19 vaccine or be fired. Once a vaccine has been administered, it can never be undone, Brnovich said in a statement. Today, I filed a complaint asking the court to put a nationwide stop to President Bidens unconstitutional and illegal COVID-19 vaccine mandates. https://t.co/cqOcCbxObw Mark Brnovich (@brnoforaz) October 22, 2021 The COVID-19 vaccine mandate is one of the greatest infringements upon individual liberty, federalism, and the separation of powers by any administration in our countrys history, he added. Brnovich became the first attorney general to file a lawsuit against the presidents vaccine mandates in September. The new complaint adds two new claims. First, Brnovich argued in the amended complaint that Biden does not have the legal authority to impose vaccine mandates on federal workers. In addition, the updated legal challenge alleges the vaccine mandate requirement violates individuals statutory right to refuse vaccines available under Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) from the FDA. In a Twitter post on Friday, Brnovich said, The COVID-19 vaccine mandate is one of the greatest infringements upon individual liberty, federalism, and the separation of powers by any administration in our countrys history. Brnovichs original complaint in September argued the vaccine mandates violated the Equal Protection Clause, favoring illegal immigrants, who are not required to receive the vaccine, over American citizens. The Arizona attorney general is not the only Republican leader to oppose the presidents vaccine mandates. Several conservative leaders have spoken out against the new requirements, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Abbott issued an executive order earlier this month to stop any entity in Texas from enforcing vaccine mandates. He also said he plans to call a special session of state lawmakers to enhance the order through passing a state law opposing mandates. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) also spoke against Bidens vaccine mandates this week. During a Thursday speech in Clearwater, DeSantis blasted the presidents COVID-19 vaccination requirements. Your right to earn a living should not be contingent upon COVID shots, the governor said. When the vaccines first came out, we worked very hard to provide it, particularly to our elderly, but we said from day one: we will make it available for all, but we will mandate it on none because ultimately we want individuals to make the determinations about what is right for them. I want a state in which people are able to maintain their livelihoods, earn a living, and provide for their families. And if the federal government or big corporations are hurting people, then we have a responsibility to step up and lead, DeSantis added. Tom West (R) founded Operation Transition Outside the Wire in August. Here, he speaks with one of his clients, Brendan Bosley, at the nonprofit's coffee production facility in Williams, Ariz., on Oct. 20. Proceeds from the sale of coffee go to support programs and services. (Allan Stein/Epoch Times) Arizona Nonprofit Gives Struggling Vets New Hope While Making Coffee Leave no soldier behindor out in the cold. Thats been the motto of former U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Tom West with each pound of roasted coffee hes bagged and sold as founder and president of Operation Transition Outside the Wire. Based in Williams, Arizona, the nonprofit was launched in August. Its main purpose is to help struggling veterans stay off the streets and move on to better things. Selling coffee is only a means toward helping veterans reach their destination, he said. Its really tough. Once youre out on the streets, the challenge is to get yourself back off the streets, West told The Epoch Times. According to endhomelessness.org, 37,252 veterans were experiencing homelessness in 2020 amid the pandemic caused by the CCP virus. The vast majoritymore than 90 percentare men, and half of them live outside of shelters. Shannon Francis of Operation Transition Outside the Wire in Williams, Ariz., shows a one-pound bag of branded coffee ready to go on sale. (Allan Stein/Epoch Times) West and his partner in the nonprofit, Shannon Francis, have both witnessed firsthand the plight of homeless veterans in California, as each morning, the veterans would gather outside of their coffee shop in Long Beach. Theyd be given a free cup of coffee and any other help they needed. That continued until early 2020, when the shop was forced to close due to the pandemic. We got rid of our coffee shop at the end of March and we got rid of everything, West said. The pandemic just wiped us out. West said he got to know many of the homeless veterans personally. It often began with a friendly: Hey, brother. Can you spare a free cup of coffee? Other veterans, however, were too proud to accept the couples help, because the military teaches you to be tough, he said. I was 17 when I went in. We see things we shouldnt have to. We see death. When we get back to civilian life, its the inverse of that. We have to figure things out for ourselves. Brendan Bosley, formerly of Michigan, served in the Air Force until his honorable discharge in late August, and he soon fell upon hard times. He and other local veterans receive critical support through Operation Transition Outside the Wire in Williams, Ariz., on Oct. 20. (Allan Stein/Epoch Times) West and Francis eventually decided to leave California for Williams, Arizona, a locale known for supporting veterans. The towns iconic Route 66 downtown district seemed the perfect spot to launch a nonprofit like Operation Transition, he said. The organization is currently undergoing major expansion on a 130-acre ranch, situated on the outskirts of town. Once its completed, the working ranch will host 25 large safari-style tents that will serve as homes for veterans and their families. There will also be a coffee roasting and distribution facility located on-site, a mess hall, educational labs, and a ministry setup, all nestled within a safe, structured environment. Operation Transition currently produces around 8,000 pounds of prime roasted Guatemalan coffeewhole bean or groundper month at the location. The organization ships to nine states. West said the goal is to increase production to 15,000 pounds per month and boost membership subscriptions to increase revenues. All proceeds go to support transitional programs and other forms of assistance for veterans, he said. West said each one-pound bag of coffee comes with an ornamental dog tag and logo for easy identification in participating stores. The price per bag is a $20 donation. Right now, Operation Transition is helping three local veterans and their families move from service to civilian life. Brendan Bosley of Owosso, Michigan, is among those receiving crucial support. He joined the Air Force in January 2019 and served as an analyst while stationed in Alaska, he told The Epoch Times. But when the number of analysts exceeded the demand, he was offered, and accepted, an honorable discharge in late August as well as a heartfelt Thank you for your servicesee you later. His situation has been dire ever since. The 29-year-old veteran said hes living out of a hotel room in Williams accompanied by his fiancee, his terminally ill mother, and two children from a previous marriage, and is almost out of money. His hope is to stabilize his situation and then look for a job. In my personal situation, Ive got a lot of needs, and everything is important, Bosley said. In my situation, I still need help. One day, Bosley noticed the big mural sign over the Operation Transition building that reads Freedom Is Not Free. Something told him to go inside. Operation Transition Outside the Wire Founder and President Tom West, a former Marine, explains how the nonprofit produces ground coffee using the Bellwether Coffee Roaster machine on Oct. 20. (Allan Stein/Epoch Times) There, he met West, who explained the many programs and services available for veterans. Now Bosley is getting the help he needs and is slowly putting his life back together, thanks to Operation Transition. Coming to this town was the best thing I could have ever done. It has literally been a life-saver, he said. West and Francis say Operation Transition seeks to address the dual problem of veteran homeless and suicide on a personal and local level. They see the crisis only getting worse as thousands of veterans face dishonorable discharge for refusing to comply with the militarys COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Francis says she hopes the government will wake up and do more to help out these men and women who have served their country. West said more than 27 veterans commit suicide in America every day on a battlefield of homelessness and despair. In the military, there is a saying no man left behind, and in these days, some men get left behind, he said. We are trying to prevent them from going down the wrong road. We are stepping up in the right way, giving veterans a sense of purpose, because having purpose is a big thing in the military. A paramedic, right, holds a test tube to be used for a blood sample during an antibody testing program operated by the West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, in Birmingham, England, on June 5, 2020. (Simon Dawson - Pool/Getty Images) Australian IT Firm Wins $30M Deal to Manage Welsh Health Data An Australian IT firm in Melbourne has been awarded a $30 million (15.9 million) contract to manage pathology data for the national health service in Wales in the United Kingdom. Citadel Health secured the deal, despite COVID-19 lockdowns and being on the other side of the world, by negotiating via video link. The deal will bring together the management of end-to-end patient testing for every discipline across Wales making it the largest and most inclusive single laboratory information management system in the United Kingdom, Citadel Health said in a statement. It will replace the current three separate systems with the Evolution vLab Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) software. The companys general manager Stephen Lynch said getting test results quickly and accurately was essential for clinicians and patients, to allow them to make timely decisions about treatments, and ultimately provide the best possible outcomes. Our cutting-edge technology provides a unified pathology workflows to help people now, and into the future, as new tests and services are developed to meet growing demands, he said. The IT system will take two years to build, replacing three current platforms in use in Wales. When finished, it will manage the data from more than 35 million tests carried out by the Welsh health service and will be the largest single lab information system in the UK, linking hospitals, labs, and GP clinics. This is something weve been doing for over 20 years in Australia, Lynch said. The Melbourne firm has decades of experience providing its services across the length and breadth of Australia, working in remote and regional locations. Pathology data and results underpin about 70 percent of all diagnoses in Wales, but the countrys growing and ageing population is putting pressure on health services. For clinicians and patients alike, getting test results as quickly and accurately as possible is essential to allow them to make timely decisions about treatments, Lynch said. The new system is expected to enhance clinical decision-making, laboratory operations, and quality of care across every laboratory, hospital, and GP surgery in Wales. It is also expected to improve the quality and speed of diagnosis for patients, reducing the need for repeat testing and giving patients access to the best pathology services available in Wales, wherever they are based. AAP contributed to this report. Austria's Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg arrives for an EU summit in Brussels, on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. (Olivier Hoslet, Pool Photo via AP) Austrian Chancellor Threatens to Lock Down the Unvaccinated if Cases Rise People in Austria who chose to not get a CCP virus vaccine face being locked down at home if the number of severe COVID-19 hospitalizations in the nation continues to climb. Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg announced on Friday that if the number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care units (ICUs) reaches 600, people who did not get a vaccine would only be allowed to leave their homes for specific reasons. Six hundred intensive care units represent one-third of the total capacity in Austria. There were 220 COVID-19 patients in ICUs at the time of Schallenbergs announcement. The pandemic is not yet in the rearview mirror, Schallenberg said. We are about to stumble into a pandemic of the unvaccinated. If the number of CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus cases in ICUs reaches 500, people who did not get a vaccine or have acquired immunity through prior infection would not be allowed to enter businesses like restaurants and hotels, Schallenberg announced. The announcement came after Schallenberg met with local leaders to address a rapid rise in CCP virus cases. The CCP virus is the pathogen that causes COVID-19. Austria boasts one of the highest vaccination rates in the world. More than 62 percent of its population are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, a higher proportion than in the United States. There were 228 infections per 100,000 people in Austria reported during the last 7 days, compared to 152 cases per 100,000 people the week prior. The number of daily new COVID-19 cases has been climbing steadily in Austria since early July. Austrias threat of a blanket lockdown appears to be one of the most stringent mitigation measures targeting the unvaccinated population that has been attempted. Russia will lock down people over the age of 60 for four months beginning Oct. 25. Some states in Australia have allowed only vaccinated people to return to work. The protection COVID-19 vaccines provide against spreading the Delta variant to others is relatively small and dwindles rapidly over the course of three months, according to a first-of-its-kind pre-print study by scientists in the United Kingdom published earlier this month. Twelve weeks after vaccination, vaccinated people were as likely to transmit the Delta variant as the unvaccinated, the study found. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) in the Statuary Hall of the Capitol building on the way to attending the State of the Union in Washington on Jan. 30, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Biden Abandoned Critical Mineral Reserves in Afghanistan While Thwarting Mining at Home: GOP Forum Republicans on the House Committee on Natural Resources held a forum on Oct. 22 to discuss how President Bidens exit from Afghanistan left massive, untapped reserves of rare earth metals, lithium, and other vital minerals in the Talibans hands, potentially opening them up to exploitation by China. Speakers said the Biden administration has simultaneously worked to hinder key mining projects in the United States, such as Minnesotas Twin Metals copper-nickel project and Arizonas Resolution copper mine, which would allow the United States to produce many of those minerals at home, thereby avoiding dependence on the Taliban or the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Its almost like its intentional, to stop U.S. production of these critical minerals and elements, said Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), the ranking Republican on the committee. His remarks were later echoed by Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.), who said that some of the environmentalist groups fighting mining we think are getting money from Russia, China, and other countries that are foes of ours. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), whose district includes the proposed site of the Twin Metals mine, spoke at length about the economic and security costs of relying on key minerals from abroad. For 15 years, scientists from the USGS [U.S. Geological Survey], at a taxpayer cost of right around $81 million, found [in Afghanistan] massive amounts of lithium, gold, platinum, iron, coal, uranium, and more, he said. We know what happens next. The Talibans neighbor to the east, China, will swoop in and shortly thereafter control all of these mineral resources. There is no doubt at our current pace, the United States will have to purchase those minerals from China for our electric cars, our windmills, our iPhones, and our solar panels. Northern Minnesota has these minerals. We could look to union miners to supply them from my district. We have 95 percent of Americas nickel, 88 percent of Americas cobalt, and over one-third of Americas copper. It should be easy. Discussing the possibility of the imminent Chinese mineral exploitation in Afghanistan, Joe Felter of the Hoover Institution said it was plausible, though not certain. It depends. The challenges and calculated risks of mining rare earths and other minerals are significant in Afghanistan, and they could outweigh the opportunities in the near- and medium-term, said Felter, who served in the Pentagon during the Trump administration. One notable exception, I think, is Chinas interest in getting increased access to lithium. Felter recommended that the United States reduce its reliance on Chinese or Chinese-dominated supply chains. Pressed by Stauber on where else the United States could source minerals, Felter said that almost any other country than China would be a better alternative before noting that Australia was a U.S. ally with significant mining capacity. Mary Hutzler, a distinguished fellow at the Institute for Energy Research, described the scale of the United States dependence on Chinese mineral resources for its renewable energy infrastructure, which dwarfs our past reliance on foreign oil before the United States achieved energy independence under President Donald Trump. Our reliance on China is about 80 percent for these minerals right now, where the high for us in 2001 on oil from the Middle East was 23 percent, she said. Were going to be four times as dependent on China as we were on the Middle East. Chinas competitive advantage in mineral processing and refinement stems in part from its reliance on cheap coal energy, which it is expected to expand, Hutzler said. She also said that environmental permitting has stymied many recent mining projects in the United States, with the second proposed lithium mine in the United StatesNevadas Thacker Passcurrently delayed by lawsuits. In response to questioning by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Hutzler said that Europes present reliance on Chinese magnesium for automobile manufacturing offers a cautionary tale. With Chinas crunch recently, they have closed 35 of their 50 magnesium plants. As a result, they are not exporting magnesium to Europe. Europe has only stockpiles to go through November. As a result, whats going to happen is their automobile industry will become a standstill industry. That could happen to us because of our dependence on China, Hutzler said. Tiffany was among those who focused on the human rights abuses accepted by those who rely on minerals mined or processed in China. He has introduced legislation aimed at preventing goods made with forced Uyghur labor from entering the U.S. market. We [Americans] are freedom-loving people. We do not accept that the Uyghurs should be enslaved, he said. Rep. Yvette Herrell (R-N.M.) asked Felter whether Chinese-mined or -processed minerals could be expected to rely on child labor, as in the mining operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We shouldnt expect anything different from China than their track record suggestsand its a pretty poor track record, Felter said. When youve got these foreign-owned businesses run by the state that dont have the same labor requirements we do, dont have the same health and safety and environmental requirements, really, the only way I see you stop that is to penalize those imports coming into our country, Westerman said. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) closed the forum by urging members to support his proposal, the Stopping Terrorist Mineral Trade Act, which would prevent the importation of minerals, or mineral-derived products, originating in Afghanistan. I know that my colleagues at this forum wish this important topic was something we could approach on a bipartisan basis, grounded in factual discussions focused on solutions. Unfortunately, our Democratic colleagues see all American mining as unnecessary, and are hellbent on seeing that it doesnt happen, he said. For some reason, they never can see the right mine or the right place in America for mining. A group of Venezuelans wait to be picked up by Border Patrol after illegally crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico into Del Rio, Texas, on June 3, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Border Patrol Arrests Shatter All Records at Southern Border Border Patrol agents apprehended a total of 1,666,167 illegal immigrants along the southwest border in fiscal 2021breaking all records since the agency was formed in 1925 (when 22,199 illegal aliens were arrested). An additional 294,352 were stopped after trying to enter at a port of entry without legal papers, bringing the total to almost 2 million (1,956,519) for fiscal 2021, according to new Customs and Border Protection (CBP) statistics. The CBP doesnt officially release the number of gotawaysillegal aliens who are detected by Border Patrol but evade capture. However, former CBP Commissioner Mark Morgan told a congressional Republican roundtable on Oct. 20 that the gotaway number hit at least 400,000 illegal aliens this year. The Biden administration has faced growing criticism for the crisis at the southern border, which started to ramp up a year ago in tandem with election rhetoric. The number of illegal crossings then shot up once Biden took office and promptly dismantled many of President Donald Trumps border security measures. In January, Biden paused deportations, stopped border wall construction, halted the Remain in Mexico program, repurposed Immigration and Customs Enforcement priorities, and reversed the ban on travel from terror-prone countries. In December 2020, Trumps last full month in office, Border Patrol agents arrested almost 74,000 illegal immigrants on the southern border. By July, that had almost tripled to 213,500. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is expelling most single adults under the Title 42 health directive policy issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in March 2020 that calls for immediate expulsion of all illegal immigrants and non-essential travelers. However, under Biden, the DHS stopped applying Title 42 to any unaccompanied children, most family units, and some adults. The administration has been faced with record levels of unaccompanied minors and family units entering illegallymost of whom are subsequently released into the United States. The number of unaccompanied children apprehended by Border Patrol in fiscal 2021 (146,925) exceeded last years total by four times. At one point in April, more than 20,000 unaccompanied minors were being held in Health and Human Services custody. The White House confirmed on Oct. 20 that it has been flying unaccompanied children from the southern border to New York in the middle of the night. It is our legal responsibility to safely care for unaccompanied children until they can be swiftly unified with a parent or a vetted sponsor, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said. And thats something we take seriously. We have a moral obligation to come to do that and deliver on that. She confirmed that unaccompanied children also are being transported to other parts of the country. Haitian Crisis September presented a new challenge for DHS when 15,000 mostly Haitian illegal immigrants formed a primitive encampment under an international bridge in Del Rio, Texas. The administration subsequently released at least 12,400 of them into the interior, with the expectation that they would check in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or turn up at their immigration court hearing. Tens of thousands more Haitians and other migrants are currently heading toward the U.S. border, according to reports. During the Haitian crisis, Border Patrol was forced to close nearby highway checkpoints, and state and local law enforcement surged to the bridge to provide security. In general, drug seizures at the border and highway checkpoints have been consistently lower in fiscal 2021 than in the past three years, with September hitting a low point. Other issues are facing the Border Patrol agency, with morale hitting an all-time low and agents facing a Nov. 22 deadline to get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine or be fired. Administration Response The Biden administration has been consistent in its response to questions about its handling of the border, saying its focusing on the root causes of illegal immigration and that its seeking a fair, orderly, and humane immigration system. Administration officials have avoided calling the border issue a crisis, but DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was caught on leaked audio telling border agents that the situation is unsustainable. A couple of days ago I was down in Mexico, and I said look, you know, if, if our borders are the first line of defense, were going to lose and this is unsustainable, Mayorkas said on Aug. 5, according to audio that a Border Patrol source leaked to Fox News. We cant continue like this, our people in the field cant continue and our system isnt built for it. On Oct. 21, Biden was asked by Anderson Cooper during a CNN town hall whether he plans to visit the southern border. I guess I should go down. But thebut the whole point of it is: I havent had a whole hell of a lot of time to get down, Biden said. Vice President Kamala Harris visited El Paso, Texas, in June, but was criticized for avoiding the two busiest sectors in the nation, also in Texas. Capistrano Unified Asks Newsom to Rescind Student Vaccine Mandate SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif.The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees recently voted 42 to send a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom asking him to rescind the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for K12 students. The motion, authored by Trustees Gila Jones and Martha McNicholas, drew large crowds of parents to the meeting on Oct. 20, where they spoke overwhelmingly against the mandate. The resolution noted that many parents would pull their students out of school over the matter, damaging their education and the school system. While we respect the right of parents to choose the most suitable educational program for their children, we believe the vaccine mandate will result in substantial numbers of families choosing to leave traditional in-person K-12 schools, thereby crippling Californias existing school systems, the resolution reads. While the Board of Trustees of the Capistrano Unified School District understands the goals of the governor and the [California Department of Public Health] to stop the spread of COVID- 19, we believe that the governors K-12 student vaccine mandate is ill-advised and in opposition to the educational and social-emotional goals of the State and the District. Trustees McNicholas, Jones, Lisa Davis, and Board President Judy Bullockus voted for it, with Trustees Amy Hanacek and Krista Castellanos voting against. We know that many [parents] will remove their children and homeschool or use some other alternative program that may not provide the kind of educational quality we believe we present in this district, Jones said. We feel that whether you are in favor of vaccines or not, the fact that children would be, in our belief, harmed by being removed from the district is something that needs to be brought to the states attention. Hanacek said she felt the resolution was purposeless and would not actually change anything. We are not addressing and representing a huge swath of this school district. This is really sad to me. And again, its not going to fulfill anything that you want at the end of the day, she said. I understood the integrity of the original resolution, the ideal way is to have students in our classrooms, and they are in our classrooms, which is excellent. But along the way, weve lost our way. And I think we are now not appealing to anybody or any voice. The resolution also pointed out California Department of Public Health data, stating that the California COVID-19 case rate for ages 17 and under is proportionally lower than any other age group. Mike McDermott, a parent of children in the district, said during the public comment period that he is pro-vaccine, but doesnt feel children should be forced to take it without parents knowing its long-term effects. We have a deep concern over this vaccine mandate and the continued masking of our children in our schools, he said. Im pro-vaccine, my wifes pro-vaccine, were both vaccinated, but Im not in favor of forcing our kids and my neighbors kids to get a vaccine just so they can receive a public education. Im very concerned about the risk versus reward, and that were essentially holding our childrens education hostage to meet some government mandate that does not continue their education. As a taxpayer, as a voter, and most importantly, as a parent, Im asking you to fight this mandate with all of your power as elected officials. Another parent said she plans to pull her children out of school if the mandate goes into effect. Im a health care worker who was forced to get the vaccine. I will not allow my children to get this vaccine, she said. I oppose strongly the vaccine for my children. I want my rights for my children, my choice to decide any of their medical procedures. As per the Constitution of the United States, we have the right of freedom of choice, and we will choose to pull our three children out of school if this becomes mandated. Caring for Our Environment: Too Important to Entrust to Environmenalists Commentary Any rational human being understands that poisoning our environment is short-sighted, stupid, and potentially suicidal. (Note: I try to avoid using the solecism the environment. Theres not, in any practical sense, a single environment on Earth. The environments in which various species of fish thrive are different from the environments of penguins which, in turn, are different from the environments of elephants, and so on. Indeed, there isnt a single environment for human beings either. Residents of Phoenix live in a different environment than residents of Brasilia, Beijing, or even Prescott, Arizona, not to mention the vastly different rural areas around the globe.) It may be difficult for some of us to imagine today, but for millennia, humans were ignorant and unthinking in their disposal of wasteboth human and industrial. As wealth production exploded in the 19th and 20th centuries, so did pollution. Humans bad environmental habitsspewing and dumping pollutants into or onto air, water, and landbefouled our environment and brought us to the brink of environmental catastrophe. Faced with an existential threat, there was an awakening. Millions of Americans realized that environmentally destructive habits had to be curbed. For generations, there had been visionary Americans who realized the importance of conserving natural resources and protecting our environment from ruination, but most conservationist efforts were concentrated in remote, largely unpopulated areas (think national parks, game preserves, and the like). However, by the 1960s, the pollution in heavily populated areas had become dangerous and impossible to ignore, so Americans demanded and procured sweeping reforms. A multitude of laws and regulations were implemented. Some mandated the remediation of existing pollution; others, reductions in new pollution. Many of the improvements have been remarkable. There could have been even more progress, but then an unfortunate complication gummed up the process: the rise of environmentalism. This -ismthis political ideology and movementoften promotes practices and policies that are harmful both to human beings and our natural environment. Many leading environmentalists have cynically co-opted the natural concern that Americans have for a healthy environment to advance a political agenda that has damaged both human and environmental welfare. As I learned in my own environmentalist days in the 70s, a significant portion of donations to green groups has supported various political causese.g., pro-abortion, anti-U.S. defense, pro-unionsthat have nothing to do with improving our environment. (Nothing against unions, unless they are forced on workers.) Today, leading environmentalist ideologues exploit the climate change issue, not out of concern for our environment, but for their primary goal of imposing socialism. Socialism is environmentally problematical in two ways: (1) the most lethal environment for human beings is poverty, and socialism impoverishes human societies (see Venezuela); (2) socialism has a horrible environmental track record that has been known for decades, making environmentalists advocacy of socialism obscenely perverse. Polluted water on the Yangtze River is shown in Chongqing, China, on March 28, 2007. (China Photos/Getty Images) Another defect of environmentalism is that many environmentalists shun economic rationality by disregarding costs. This, too, has been going on for decades. I can recall in the 90s an environmentalist being asked the perfectly sensible question, Can we afford to restore wetlands? The reply: We cant afford not to. You may regard the response as clever or cute, but it was an evasive cop-out. Even in a country as wealthy as ours, we cant afford to do everything that we might like to do, and so we have to economizethat is, to set priorities. Heres an economic truth that it makes no sense to ignore: We cant prevent or remediate pollution for free; if we could, all pollution would have been eliminated by now, because nobody really likes pollution. But in the real world, combating pollution costs somethingoften a lot. The only rational, responsible approach, then, is to assess those costs and decide how much we can afford. This collective decision-making process is complicated by the fact that those who are expected to bear the costs of anti-pollution measures (e.g., private companies and their customers) face different incentives than those (usually government bureaucrats) who oversee those measures and dont have to bear the costs. Bureaucrats can afford to be absolutist in their approach. For them, since pollution is bad, the more we eliminate, the better. But if the costs are too high, they can shut down important industries. Heres a specific example from the late 70s: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) commissioned consulting engineers to estimate the steel industrys costs of complying with air-pollution regulations. The engineers estimated that removing 90 percent of the pollutants in producing carbon steel would cost $0.26 per kilogram; removing 97 percent would cost $4.98, and eliminating 99 percent would cost $32.20. The EPAtasked with reducing pollution, but not having to pay for itwas inclined to impose the most stringent anti-pollution standard, and so they tried to keep the study secret. However, Pennsylvanias two senators succeeded in making that information public. A compromise was reached, setting a standard that led to a massive improvement in air quality without killing the crucial domestic steel industry. Check out this photo of the air in Pittsburgh during the 1960 World Series compared to this photo of the Steel City taken several decades later. Another way in which some combination of economic ignorance and ideological zealotry has rendered environmentalism perverse and destructive, both to humans and our environment, is the ideologys blatant hostility to affluence and the economic system that produces it, i.e., capitalism. Once again, this is perverse, because capitalist countries are both richer and less polluted than socialist countries. (This is depicted graphically by the Mises Institute.) This phenomenon is largely explained by the Kuznets curve, which describes how societies, upon reaching a certain level of affluence, can afford to spend money on environmental cleanup and preservation, and, in fact, they do so. In other words, wealth is the cure for, not the cause of, unhealthy levels of pollution. Perhaps most appalling and destructive of all the environmentalist errors is the branch of the green movement thats overtly hostile to human life, characterizing human beings as vermin, viruses, a cancer, and so on. I call these anti-life environmentalists green pagans for their willingness to sacrifice millions of human lives to achieve their green goals. Whats doubly perverse about these fanatics is that many of the environmental regulations and policies they favor come with heavy environmental costssort of a with friends like these, our environment doesnt need enemies situation. A few examples: Many of the greens who wail about CO 2 emissions are adamantly opposed to nuclear energy, which emits no CO 2 . emissions are adamantly opposed to nuclear energy, which emits no CO . Corn-based ethanol, a profitable boondoggle for those who produce it, requires the tilling of millions of acres of land, increases atmospheric ozone, and has a host of other negative environmental effects. The desire to preserve the spotted owl 30 years ago (which largely failed, not because of anything humans did, but because a larger species of owl moved in and wiped out its spotted cousins) not only caused many loggers to lose their livelihood, but also led to preventing sound forest managementa short-sighted policy that has come back to haunt the Pacific Northwest today with unnecessarily large conflagrations. The paper instead of plastic initiative (and Ill be the first to acknowledge that we have to do a better job of disposing of plastics properly) requires, at the production stage, greater energy consumption while causing significantly more air and water pollution. And then theres the environmentalist obsession with renewable energythings such as windmills that kill far more birds and bats than fossil fuel producers, that require elements the mining of which causes horrible pollution, and that are nightmares to dispose of when their all-too-short usable life is over (see Michael Moores Planet of the Humans video). Environmentalists also bear responsibility for the vast psychological harm unnecessarily and cruelly imposed on Americas schoolchildren. Yet their exaggerations about looming doom shouldnt surprise us. Theyve been twisting the truth for decades. Just look at their misleading fundraising hysterics, howling that Earth is teetering on the precipice of doom because pollution allegedly is getting worse and worse, when, in the United States in particular, pollution has been lessening. (Greens would counter with the argument that atmospheric CO2 has been increasing, which it has, but the classification of that life-giving gas as a pollutant is a matter of political shenanigans, not sound science. Toxic pollution of air and water has decreased.) We can all agree that the battle against pollution is necessary and must continue. While we should be grateful for progress already achieved and that pollution trends in the United States are moving in the right direction, the only responsible course is to maintain our commitment to a cleaner environment. This is a hugely important taskone far too important to trust to environmentalists. As long as environmentalists cling to their anti-human, anti-economic ideology, they will impede caring for our environment in a helpful, rational way. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Chicago Police Department Sending Workers Home If They Dont Get the Vaccine: Fireman Chicago city workers who are refusing the vaccine are being sent home without pay if they refuse to take the COVID-19 vaccines, a Chicago Fire Department (CFD) employee told The Epoch Times under the condition of anonymity. If they decide to take the vaccine later, they dont return to duty right away, instead they have to be processed by the citys HR office, and that could take a very long time, said the dishearted fireman. And if a member is off work for more than 30 days, then their insurance will get suspended and they will have no pay/insurance for an unknown period of time. He told The Epoch Times that initially, 80 to 90 percent of the Chicago Fire Department members were refusing the vaccine, but not anymore. The citys vaccination report from Oct. 18 shows that 564 people in the fire department remained unvaccinated and 1,333 people in the police department; with the police department having the lowest response rate at 64 percent, and the fire department second-lowest at 72 percent. The Oct. 18, 2021, Chicago vax portal report. (Chicago.gov) The majority is frustrated, he said. The City and the mayors completely bypassed the unions and just used her puppets to push it through, because the police superintendent and fire commissioner arent in the union and are considered rank exempt and are just doing what the mayor tells them to, the fireman added. More than 130 city workers filed a lawsuit hoping a judge would rule the mandates as unconstitutional, most of them from the CFD. He further noted that the crime in the city is through the roof, and claimed that the mayor is using her personal vendetta against the president of the police union, just Tuesday alone at least 21 police officers were sent home. The medics are short-staffed as it is and there are only 80 ambulances that cover the entire city of Chicago, the majority of those ambulance crews run 20+ runs a day and are getting mandated to come in on their off day to work another 24-hour shift. The average of runs for ambulances is about 2,5002,700 per day, he noted, and now that they are sending ambulance team members home, they will have even less capacity to respond to all sorts of incidents and accidents. So they are basically working 1 day on and one day off and the city is sending people home and short-staffing them more. He said that he worked with ambulances four years before he moved to the fire section. Last years heros who had to use paper bags to preserve out N95 masks and makeshift PPE [personal protective equipment] because of shortage[s], are this years villains, the fireman complained. He believes that there is a deeper problem behind the mechanics of the mandates: Its all money, if there are higher [percentage of] vaccinated city employees the city gets more funding from FEMA. He has a medical condition that would make taking the vaccine potentially dangerous and is the sole provider for his family. The Epoch Times reached out to the mayor of Chicago for comment. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping exchange documents during a signing ceremony following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on June 5, 2019. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AFP/Getty Images) China-Russia Cooperation: Not Really Allies News Analysis The relationship between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin is largely predicated on a common interest in countering the United States, but this does not actually make China and Russia allies. In the long term, it is unlikely that Russia desires to become a junior power in a global axis, dominated by China. Chinese state-run media Global Times ran an article headlined, China does not have allies, but has friends with partnership diplomacy. Chinas only official ally is North Korea. There are other countries that support the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) when it suits their interestssuch as Iran, Cambodia, Pakistan, and most notably Russiabut their goals and desires are very different, preventing China and Russia from becoming a unified block in the sense of the Soviet Block during the Cold War. In early October, a naval group of 10 warships from China and Russia sailed through the Tsugaru Strait, which lies between Japans main island and Hokkaido. Technically, the ships were in international waters, so no laws were brokenbut the message was clear. In recent times, the frequency of China-Russia joint military drills has been increasing. Many experts believe that current military cooperation between China and Russia is not the result of a true alliance, but just a shared stance against the United States. And, as global opinion turns against China, there appears to be a political distancing between the two. Economic cooperation has also increased, but is largely one-sided, with China paying. On the other hand, the fact that neither country needs to defend its shared border has given both countries more resources to spend on other strategic objectives. An extremely complex relationship, Russia has many of the same complaints with China that other countries have. Russia lost at least 200,000 citizens to COVID-19. The Kremlin has also been angry about the CCPs recruitment of Russian citizens as spies, as well as its use of Confucius Institutes for the purposes of propaganda and espionage. Just like the situation with Western media, Chinese media is permitted in Russia, while much of Russias media is banned in China. The CCP has, at times, turned its wolf warrior diplomacy against Russia, suggesting that enemies and supposed friends of the Chinese regime will be subjected to bully tactics. Russia has also been less than supportive of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly in Central Asia, where Russia has generally enjoyed the most power and influence. The BRI has already made the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) more or less obsolete. Xi has called China a near-Arctic power, infringing on one more domain where Russia has historically been the primary power. Chinas leader Xi Jinping (left) and Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev review an honor guard during a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Sept. 11, 2019. (Mark Schiefelbein/AFP via Getty Images) If China and Russia aligned too closely, a modern arms race, reminiscent of the Cold War era, could develop. The only surviving agreement limiting weapons proliferation between the United States and Russia is the New Strategic Arms Control Treaty (New START), which will expire in 2026. Dr. Luo Xi, research fellow at the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, warns that China could be drawn into a nuclear arms race between the United States and Russia. In 2020, China spent $252 billion on defense, a 6.6 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, Beijing plans to spend $209 billion in 2021. China and the United States are already fierce competitors in the global market for semiconductors, one of the critical technological inputs on which many 21st century weapons are dependent. China is expected to spend between $12.3 billion and $15.3 billion on chips this year. The CCP has published goals to modernize Chinas military and to supplant the United States as the dominant military force over the next two decades. As the United States already outspends China on defense, at a ratio of about three to one, China will have to dramatically increase its spending if it wants to achieve this goal. Getting dragged into a nuclear arms race between the United States and Russia would demand even more spending. It is believed that China is already expanding its nuclear arsenal at an accelerated pace. Officially, China has a no-first-use policy, focusing on strategies of absorbing an attack and then retaliating. To this end, the regime has been developing hypersonic missiles. Satellite photos have revealed the presence of hundreds of nuclear missile silos in Chinas northwestern Xinjiang region. A Pentagon report said that China was poised to double its stock of nuclear missiles. Russia is Chinas largest and most powerful friend, but based on historical evidence, it is arguable if Russia is actually an ally. Between the 1920s and 1940s, Joseph Stalin at various times flip-flopped his support for the Kuomintang nationalists to the Chinese Communist Party. In 1969, the two countries even fought a border conflict at the Battle of Zhenbao Island. True allies would generally be expected to have entered into some sort of defense pact, but Russia and China have no mutual defense treaties in place. Russia sells weapons to India and Vietnamand both have fought armed conflicts with China. Shortly after one of Chinas recent border skirmishes with India, Russia cancelled a deal to sell missiles to Beijing. India is a U.S. ally and a member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (the Quad), a U.S.-led China containment agreement. India has found it beneficial to cooperate with Russia on countering terrorism in Afghanistana relationship which has made Beijing and Islamabad nervous. Many experts such as Alexander Lukin, author of China and Russia: The New Rapprochement, believe that China-Russia relations has already reached its peak. For the relationship to intensify and reach the level of a political block, Russia would have to agree to being subordinate to China. While the political winds and alliances in Russia have shifted over the years, there is one thing that has remained constant: Russia is unwilling to be subordinate to anyone. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. China Unlikely Testing Hypersonic Missiles in Secret: Military Expert British media reported that China tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in August, and its performance caught U.S. intelligence services by surprise. However, a military expert raises questions on the authenticity of the sources. The Financial Times, a British media, on Oct. 17 exclusively cited five anonymous sources as saying that the Chinese Communist military launched a rocket carrying a hypersonic glide vehicle that flew in low orbital space and then cruised to its target. The test showed that China had made astounding progress on hypersonic weapons and was far more advanced than U.S. officials realized. Xia Luoshan, a military commentator and host of Epoch Times Military Affairs column, questions the veracity of five unnamed sources cited by the report. A typical anonymous source, obviously unofficial, which in the least does not convince us that it is true. In addition, the report does not say where the missile landed or what type of target aimed at, Xia said, For example, where the target was, whether the missile circled the globe and returned to the target area in China, whether the target was on the ground or at sea, it was fixed or moving, and so on. Absent such information, it is difficult to judge the truthfulness of the information and the actual capabilities of the missile, Xia said. The Financial Times quoted a Chinese security expert with close ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) military, saying that the weapon was developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA), a research institute under a state-owned company. The hypersonic glide vehicle was reportedly launched on a Long March rocket used for the CCPs space program. The CCP usually announces the launch of Long March rockets, but this time it apparently concealed the test, reported The Financial Times. On Oct. 18, the Chinese Foreign Ministry denied that China had tested hypersonic missiles, claiming just a routine test to verify q spacecrafts reusable technology. That was the CCPs usual response of course, the CCP does not want the outside [world] to know its actual situation, perhaps to create an impression of terror, Xia said. Assuming that the Financial Times sources are true, Xia continued, the missile looks like a large-size DF-17, a Chinese medium-range ballistic missile that might be able to travel longer distances if it is carried by a larger rocket to reach higher orbital altitude and speed. As quoted in three sources from The Financial Times, the missile missed its target by about two dozen miles. This is an outrageous error, said Xia. If it is carrying a conventional warhead, basically impossible to pose any real threat to the target. But if its a nuclear warhead, its a human self-destruct mode, and the CCP itself would invite a greater degree of a retaliatory nuclear attack, which would be tantamount to suicide. Xia pointed out that The U.S. typical UGM-133A Trident II ballistic missile can carry multiple W88 or W76 nuclear warheads with a range of more than 11,000 kilometers and a flight speed of 24 Mach (about 29,401 kph), with a circumferential error of only 90120 meters. The United States has also stealth bombers and fighters capable of carrying nuclear bombs that can penetrate deep into the interior to carry out precision bombings on the CCPs sensitive targets. Nuclear warheads can also attack targets underground with an accuracy of fewer than 10 meters, killing targets while minimizing damage to surrounding civilians and facilities, the military expert said. The British report said that the hypersonic weapons travel at five times the speed of sound and do not follow the fixed parabolic trajectory of ballistic missiles, making them more difficult to track. But that doesnt mean it cant be intercepted, it is possible to be intercepted during the cruise phase of flight, just less successful, said Xia, also indicating the U.S. intercontinental ballistic missiles have long been able to attack fixed targets with precision at over 20 times the speed of sound. Because the U.S. has not yet made any official comments about it there is no way for the outside world to verify [whether China tested a Hypersonic Missile]. Anyway, this is enough to attract the attention of the U.S. military, Xia said. The Pentagon did not comment on the report, but John Kirby, spokesperson of the Pentagon told The Financial Times, We have made clear our concerns about the military capabilities China continues to pursue, capabilities that only increase tensions in the region and beyond That is one reason why we hold China as our number-one pacing challenge. Coffee Shop Owner Builds Scarecrow Iwo Jima Flag-Raising Tableau for Festive Tribute to Military A coffee shop owner-operator in Georgia has been setting up scarecrows outside her establishment for a number of yearsnot to frighten off birds, but for a festive contest to raise community spirit. Kristy Foreman, 42, who runs Ellianos Coffee in Waycross, won that eventSwampTown Scarecrowsin 2015, with her scarecrow display depicting the Last Supper. Then, her creative endeavors were put on hold because of the pandemic. But this year, shes started againwith a patriotic theme in mind. I wanted to do something patriotic; no matter how it turned out, that was just on my heart; I just felt like we needed something positive, Kristy told The Epoch Times. And because I am grateful to be in the situation Im in. I have a great business, and Im so grateful. Kristys business of 15 years has been busy lately, and she hoped to give back by expressing her love for what made that possible. With a picture of what she wanted etched in her mind for years, the business owner envisioned the famous statue of Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima during World War II. This year, she made it happen. Enlisting the help of her dad, a handy fella (who knows welding), her mom (a creative genius), and 8-year-old daughter (who helped grandpa), plus helpful friends and employees, they set to work in her dads shop. A rebar structure made it strong and held the scarecrows in the poses Kristy envisioned; with thrift store clothes and boots and household trinkets, all spray-painted brown, they became soldiers complete with guns and grenades. Researching the historic flag-raising moment and old photos, positions were perfected. I just wanted that flag, Kristy said. Of course, I had no idea how we would make scarecrows stand up and look like I wanted them to. Even if we had the shadiest-looking little scarecrows, if we positioned them on a flagpole, people would kind of get what we were trying to portray. The night before the scarecrow displays debut on Oct. 1, they assembled everything outside Ellianos and thought it looked great; but Kristy was tired and wasnt sure how it would look in the day. The next morning, I got up really early the sun had just started coming up and was shining up onto my scarecrow display, she said. And I just started crying sitting in my car at the red light. Every morning, I see it and I literally almost tear up again, like its so moving. An official winner of SwampTown Scarecrows wont be declared until later this month, but customers are already showing their appreciation. The way people have reacted has been the best part of having that scarecrow sitting in front of my building, Kristy said. My parents are not vets, but so many of my family are, she added. I just think about how many opportunities Ive had and we just absolutely would not have the freedoms that we have if it wasnt for the service people who have sacrificed so much. 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 Join study partners, John & Jane as they explore the challenges to the evolutionary theory and why the Bible makes the most sense of the scientific evidence. This is an essential video for Christian students attending Junior High to College. Through the fun conversations of the actors, this program provides solid answers about creation, evolution, the fossil record, extinction, adaptation, natural selection, common ancestors, branching & homologous, and human evolution. Cant wait for more? Watch more Awesome Science content here now: awesomescitv.com/epochtv Want to purchase the DVD series or buy VOD? Click Here. Get 10% OFF every purchase now, enter this coupon code at checkout: EPOCHTV DEBUNKING EVOLUTION DVD Note: The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the producers, creators and presenters of Awesome Science do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Epoch Times. Debunking Evolution addresses topics related to evolution and invites conversation, thinking and analysis of current streams of thought discussed and taught in education circles today. 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 You May Also Like: Science Foundations Awesome Science The Heavens Declare Series Dino Hunter Series Flood Geology Series Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis waits to present a check to a first responder during an event to give out bonuses to them held at the Grand Beach Hotel Surfside on Aug. 10, 2021 in Surfside, Fla. DeSantis gave out some of the $1,000 checks that the Florida state budget passed for both first responders and teachers across the state. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) DeSantis Offers Florida Ports to Help Ease Supply Chain Pinch Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the ports in his state can act as part of a solution to ongoing supply chain issues. So we have capacity at all of our ports. Weve got capacity, and all of our ports can offer these businesses good incentives if they reroute their ships, he said during an interview with Fox News Tucker Carlson. Weve already had some ships rerouted. We expect to have more, but if youre going to sit off the coast for days on end, you might as well just bring it to Florida. Weve got great logistics on the ground that can get it to market. I think Florida can be part of the solution here. Unlike California, ports in Florida are always operated with 24/7 service, he said. Cargo ships sit backlogged outside the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif., on Jan. 12, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Clogged ports and global shortages of semiconductors and other key components have shut factories, crimped economic growth, and pushed supply chain concerns to the top of the to-do list for economic policymakers. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said in Brussels on Oct. 21 that supply disruptions are a huge concern, especially in the short term, as they are affecting everyday peoples lives. Much of the current problem is a mismatch of strong pent-up demand for goods fueled by coronavirus aid checks and savings built up during pandemic lockdowns against supplies constrained by production shutdowns, dwindling inventories, and shortages of workers. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen described the phenomenon as a very, very unusual shock that shifted spending away from services such as travel, lodging, and restaurants. Instead, weve been gobbling up goods and commodities like weve never seen before, Yellen told MSNBC in an interview that aired on Oct. 20. Cargo ships sit backlogged outside the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif., on Jan. 12, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) To alleviate the backlog at the ports, California recently started a 24/7 pilot program. White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters last week that Union Pacific Railroad, the second-largest railroad operator in the United States, would serve the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach with 24/7 service. The Long Beach port has activated a 65-acre vacant area within the complex to mitigate the supply chain issues, Long Beach Port Deputy Executive Director Noel Hacegaba told The Epoch Times. The newly mobilized land will serve as a temporary staging site for containers that have yet to be picked up by trucks. However, Hacegaba said the backlogs at California ports will likely last until next summer, as a record number of container ships continue to arrive. Reuters, Jack Phillips, and Drew Van Voorhis contributed to the article. A Tesla logo on a Model S is seen at a Tesla dealership in New York on April 29, 2016. (Lucas Jackson/Reuters) Dutch Forensic Lab Says It Has Decoded Teslas Driving Data LONDONThe Dutch governments forensic lab said on Thursday it had decrypted electric carmaker Tesla Incs closely guarded driving data-storage system, uncovering a wealth of information that could be used to investigate serious accidents. It was already known that Tesla cars store data from accidents, but the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) said it had discovered far more data than investigators had previously been aware of. The NFI said the decrypted data showed Tesla vehicles store information about the operation of its driver assistance system, known as Autopilot. The vehicles also record speed, accelerator pedal position, steering wheel angle, and brake usage, and depending on how the vehicle is used, that data can be stored for over a year. These data contain a wealth of information for forensic investigators and traffic accident analysts and can help with a criminal investigation after a fatal traffic accident or an accident with injury, Francis Hoogendijk, a digital investigator at the NFI, said in a statement. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Dutch lab said rather than seek the data from Tesla, it had reverse engineered data logsa process where software is deconstructed to extract informationpresent in Tesla vehicles in order to objectively investigate them. Who Is Responsible? The NFI investigated a collision involving a Tesla driver using Autopilot and a car in front of it that suddenly braked hard. The investigation showed the Tesla driver reacted within the expected response time to a warning to resume control of the car, but the collision occurred because the Tesla was following the other vehicle too closely in busy traffic. That makes it interesting, because who is responsible for the following distance: the car or the driver? said NFI investigator Aart Spek. The NFI said Tesla encrypts its coded driving data to keep its technology secure from other manufacturers and protect driver privacy. Car owners can request their data, including camera footage, in the event of an accident. Earlier this year, Tesla said it had established a site in China to store car data locally, as automakers came under growing scrutiny over how they handle information collected by vehicle cameras and sensors. Decryption Revealed More Data The NFI found that Tesla had complied with data requests from the Dutch authorities, but left out a lot of data that could have proven useful. Tesla however only supplies a specific subset of signals, only the ones requested, for a specific timeframe, whereas the log files contain all the recorded signals, the NFIs report said. By decrypting Teslas code, the NFI now knows more about what kind of data the carmaker is storing and for how long, allowing for more detailed data requests, Hoogendijk said. You cannot claim what you do not know, so its helpful that we now know what else is being stored, he said. Hoogendijk added this also applies to other carmakers, as investigators simply do not know how much and what kind of data manufacturers store and for how long. Tesla has remote access to the data, the lab said, which is periodically uploaded from cars and used by the company for product improvements or to fix malfunctions. The NFI said it had obtained data from Tesla models S, Y, X, and the mass-market Model 3 and shared the results at a conference of the European Association for Accident Research so that other accident analysts can use it. In August, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a formal safety probe into Teslas Autopilot system in 765,000 U.S. vehicles after a series of crashes involving Tesla models and emergency vehicles. To date, NHTSA has identified 12 crashes that involved Tesla vehicles using the advanced driver-assistance systems and emergency vehicles. NHTSA said most of the incidents took place after dark. By Nick Carey Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan looks up during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel following their meeting at Huber Villa presidential palace, in Istanbul, on Oct. 16, 2021. (Francisco Seco /AP Photo) Erdogan Orders Removal of 10 Ambassadors, Including US Envoy ISTANBULTurkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday that he had ordered 10 foreign ambassadors who called for the release of a jailed philanthropist to be declared persona non grata. The envoys, including the U.S., French, and German representatives in Ankara, issued a statement earlier this week calling for a resolution to the case of Osman Kavala, a businessman and philanthropist held in prison since 2017 despite not having been convicted of a crime. Describing the statement as an impudence, Erdogan said he had ordered the ambassadors be declared undesirable. I gave the instruction to our foreign minister and said You will immediately handle the persona non grata declaration of these 10 ambassadors, Erdogan said during a rally in the western city of Eskisehir. He added: They will recognize, understand, and know Turkey. The day they dont know or understand Turkey, they will leave. The diplomats, who also include the ambassadors of the Netherlands, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and New Zealand, were summoned to the foreign ministry on Tuesday. A declaration of persona non grata against a diplomat usually means that individual is banned from remaining in their host country. Kavala, 64, was acquitted last year of charges linked to nationwide anti-government protests in 2013, but the ruling was overturned and joined to charges relating to a 2016 coup attempt. International observers and human rights groups have repeatedly called for the release of Kavala and Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas, who has been jailed since 2016. They say their imprisonment is based on political considerations. Ankara denies the claims and insists on the independence of Turkish courts. The European Court of Human Rights called for Kavalas release in 2019, saying his incarceration acted to silence him and wasnt supported by evidence of an offense. The Council of Europe says it will start infringement proceedings against Turkey at the end of November if Kavala is not released. The current U.S. ambassador, David Satterfield, was appointed in 2019. The nomination of his replacement, Jeff Flake, was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday. European Commission's executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager delivers a speech during a debate on EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France on Oct. 19, 2021. (Ronald Wittek/Pool via Reuters) EU Competition Commissioner Warns of More Anti-Cartel Raids, Criticises No-Poach Deals BRUSSELSEU enforcers are planning a series of raids against companies suspected of illegal price-fixing, Europes antitrust chief warned on Friday, as she also sounded the alarm about competition in labor markets due to no-poach deals. The European Commission last week raided Europes largest pulp producers Stora Enso and UPM, and Metsa Board unit Metsa Fibre, the first in two years as the COVID-19 pandemic halted such actions. Companies suspected of taking part in other cartels should soon see officials knocking on their doors, EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said. And thats just the start of a series of raids that were planning for the months to comeyoull understand if I dont say exactly when or where theyre going to happen, she told a conference organized by the Italian anti-trust authority in Rome. Companies found guilty of taking part in cartels face fines as much as 10 percent of their global turnover. Whistleblowers are rewarded with immunity from sanctions while those who provide crucial information can get hefty reductions in their penalties. She said regulators may sweeten such so-called leniency deals with companies as the growth in private damages claims from customers deter many from sharing key data with enforcers. Vestager also criticized no-poach agreements between companies, saying that this could create a cartel, a sign that she may be mulling action. Individuals are directly affected when companies collude to fix the wages they pay or when they use so-called no-poach agreements as an indirect way to keep wages down, restricting talent from moving where it serves the economy best, she said. No-poach agreements, in which companies agree not to hire each others workers, and non-compete agreements, in which workers sign contracts pledging not to leave to work for a rival, have in recent years drawn criticism. By Foo Yun Chee A passenger wears a protective mask as he walks past the American Airlines ticketing desk at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport in Barcelona, Spain, on March 12, 2020. (Nacho Doce/Reuters) FAA Lacks Effective Oversight of American Airlines Maintenance Issues: Audit WASHINGTONThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lacks effective oversight controls to ensure that American Airlines corrective actions for maintenance issues address root causes, a government watchdog report said on Friday. The Transportation Department Inspector Generals office said in 171 of 185 of cases sampled, FAA inspectors accepted root cause analyses by American Airlines that did not identify the true root cause of the problem and the agency closed compliance actions before the air carrier implemented its corrective actions. The FAA said it agrees with many of the recommendations in the report and is taking steps to address them. American Airlines said it welcomed the report. We plan to work with the FAA to ensure we take positive action and continuously refine and improve our safety controls, an airline spokeswoman said. The report found that in one instance American flew an aircraft with an inoperable emergency evacuation slide for 877 days before reporting the non-compliance to FAA. American said it reported the slide issue as soon as it was discovered as part of its maintenance program that requires intentional slide deployments. It added it then worked with the vendor to develop an audit system. The report said that if American Airlines had categorized the slide as a more serious issue it would have prompted different corrective actions. The FAA did not evaluate whether Americans risk ratings adequately captured the level of risk for these findings, the report found. The report said ineffective root cause analysis and the associated corrective actions may have contributed to a number of repetitive non-compliances issues at American. Without verifying corrective actions, FAA cannot reasonably ensure that American Airlines is sufficiently identifying root causes and mitigating future maintenance non-compliances, the report added. The FAA, it added, could not verify whether the 73 percent of findings that American Airlines rated as low or very low were indeed low risk. It also said FAA inspectors were not adequately trained on root cause analysis or how to review airline risk assessments. By David Shepardson FDA Says Pfizer Vaccine Meets Its Criteria for Immune Response in Children Aged 5-11 Agency says statistical modeling suggests benefits outweigh risks of vaccine-related heart inflammation The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in a report on Friday that Pfizer-BioNTechs COVID-19 vaccine meets the agencys criteria for the immune response it generated in children aged 5 to 11; the agency also said that the vaccine would likely provide more benefits than risks in most scenarios. The FDA briefing document (pdf) was published ahead of a scheduled meeting of a panel of outside experts on Oct. 26. Members of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee are to vote on that day on whether they would recommend the FDA to authorize the shots. In the document, the FDA acknowledged results from Pfizer released earlier in the day that said the two-dose vaccine was 90.7 percent effective against the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus in a clinical trial of the children aged 511. Pfizers clinical trial was not primarily designed to measure efficacy against the virus. The trial compared the amount of neutralizing antibodies induced by the vaccine in the children to the response of older recipients in their adult trial. Based on those results, Pfizer-BioNTech said last month that their COVID-19 vaccine induced a robust immune response in the children. The FDA noted no new or unexpected side effects. Adverse effects in the Pfizer trial included sore arms, fever, or achiness. The FDA said the study wasnt large enough to detect extremely rare side effects, including myocarditis, a type of heart inflammation that occasionally occurs after the second dose. Benefits Outweigh Risks: FDA The FDA used statistical modeling to analyze whether the benefits would outweigh risks from the Pfizer vaccine for the young age group. It found that, over a 6-month period, the vaccine for children aged 511 provided more benefits than risks in six scenarios of varying COVID-19 incidence. The modeling looked at predicted numbers per million of preventable symptomatic COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and deaths. It compared those figures with predicted numbers per million of vaccine-associated excess myocarditis/pericarditis cases, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and deaths attributable to myocarditis/pericarditis. The model used assumes a vaccine efficacy of 70 percent against contracting COVID-19 and 80 percent against COVID-19 associated hospitalization, based on real-world data for ages 20+ years during circulation of the Delta variant. The FDA said its model conservatively assumed that the risk of myocarditis/pericarditis linked to the 10 g dose in children aged 511 would be the same as the estimated risk linked to the 30 g dose in those aged 1215 from Optum healthcares claims database. While benefits of vaccination were highly dependent on COVID-19 incidence, the overall analysis predicted that the numbers of clinically significant COVID-19-related outcomes prevented would clearly outweigh the numbers of vaccine-associated excess myocarditis cases over a range of assumptions for COVID-19 incidence, stated the FDA in its report. It noted that in one scenario where the incidence of COVID-19 is the lowest, there would be more hospitalizations from vaccine-related myocarditis/pericarditis than from COVID-19 for males and for both sexes combined. However, the FDA noted, in consideration of the different clinical implications of hospitalization for COVID-19 versus hospitalization for vaccine-associated myocarditis/pericarditis, and benefits related to prevention of non-hospitalized cases of COVID-19 with significant morbidity, the overall benefits of the vaccine may still outweigh the risks under this lowest incidence scenario. The headquarters of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seen in Silver Spring, Md., on Nov. 4, 2009. (Jason Reed/Reuters) Both the mRNA-based Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have been linked to rare cases of heart inflammationmyocarditis or pericarditisespecially in young men. Around 190 million people in the United States are fully vaccinated. Among them, more than 11 million children aged 1217 have received the Pfizer vaccine. Pfizer in early October formally asked the FDA to expand the authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine to children aged 511. If the FDA grants the authorization, it would be the first COVID-19 vaccine for the age group. Thereafter, a group of advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would meet on Nov. 23 to make recommendations to the agency on how the shots should be administered. Shots could then be available in the United States in early November. Vaccine manufacturers are immune from liability for any adverse reactions unless theres willful misconduct involved. Vaccine providers are required to report any serious adverse effects or vaccination administration errors to VAERS, hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The federal government has a countermeasures program that can compensate eligible persons who suffer serious injury from approved vaccines. But the burden of proof has proven a challenging process. Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Parents gather to express their concerns over vaccine mandates for students at the Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District building in Placentia, Calif., on Oct. 12, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times) Federal Judge in South Carolina Denies Restraining Order to Block Vaccine Mandates A federal judge denied a restraining order on Oct. 21 that would have blocked vaccine mandates for up to 125 city employees in South Carolina. Attorney Tom Fernandez and his firm Fernandez Law represented the plaintiffs, 100 of whom are first responders who filed a lawsuit against the cities of Charleston and North Charleston, Charleston County, and the St. Johns Fire District over the mandates. They felt that it was nothing short of government coercion to get the vaccine, Fernandez told The Epoch Times. We filed a lawsuit in state court alleging their constitutional protections. They did not want the vaccine. They believed it was their religious right to refuse it. They believed it was their right to free speech, right to privacy, and their right to bodily autonomy to not get the vaccine. Judge David Norton with the U.S. District Court in South Carolina said in a statement that it isnt the courts role to impose employer policies that would best strike a balance of the competing interests of a pandemic that has plagued not just this state or country, but the world, for almost two years. His points he made in his order yesterday were basically regurgitated nightly news talking points, Fernandez said. They had no facts. There was nothing substantiative. It was basically, COVID is an emergency and hospitals are full. There are no ventilators available, and that the ICUs have no more beds available. Fernandez said they presented to the court data from local hospitals that showed that COVID-19 infections are on a decline across the state and the nation, with less than half of the ventilators being used, and of those, only 7 percent were being used by COVID-19 patients. The judge chose those talking points over the constitutional protections of police officers and firefighters, Fernandez said. Initially, city employees were to be vaccinated by Nov. 5, but North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey extended it to Nov. 19 after the ruling. This is essential to provide a safe working environment for city employees and to deliver safe and efficient services to our citizens, Summey said. The city is hopeful that some plaintiffs, having read Judge Nortons order, may now wish to comply with the vaccination policy in order to retain employment. Many of the employees with whom Fernandez has spoken, he said, are standing their ground. We have mayors who think its only going to be a handful of police officers and firefighters who are going to be terminated, Fernandez said. They are going to suddenly find on day one that they are short a large percentage of their department. Ko Jong-hyun, 59, a clothing factory owner, checks newly made tracksuits inspired by Netflix series "Squid Game" at his plant in Seoul, South Korea, on Oct. 21, 2021. (Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters) High Demand for Squid Game Tracksuits Cheers S.Koreas Struggling Garment Sector SEOULThe Made in Korea green tracksuits and pink jumpsuits worn by characters in Netflixs global hit Squid Game have proven a pre-Halloween bright spot for a South Korean garment industry struggling during the pandemic. A 598-square-yard garment factory in the Seongbuk district of the capital Seoul was humming this week, green and pink thread flying off stacked spools off serger machines with loud knocking noises in a race to meet orders. A woman works on tracksuits inspired by Netflix series Squid Game at a clothing factory in Seoul, South Korea, on Oct. 21, 2021. (Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters) October is usually a slow month for the sewing industry, but thanks to Squid Game and Halloween, we are scrambling to stitch, factory owner Kim Jin-ja, 54, told Reuters. We are now sewing 6,000 teal-green tracksuits for toddlers and children. Kim says her annual sales of $1.27 million plummeted to a third of what she used to make after the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Most of her orders came from Japan but travel restrictions forced her to shut down in August and September. She now hopes orders will last past Halloween and sees better chances of renewed exports with Made in Korea labels. The South Korean garment industry had been in decline even before the pandemic with higher wage levels making it difficult to compete with China, Vietnam, or Indonesia. Of the 2,144 manufacturing businesses in Seongbuk, 70 percent-or 1,510are apparel companies, Seoul Fashion Textile Sewing Association chairman Oh Byung-yeol told Reuters. The two years of COVID have been a tough time for domestic fashion corporations, said Seongbuk Mayor Lee Seung-ro. [But] Squid Game, which has become a global sensation, has also made tracksuits popular domestically, leading to a flood of orders. A childs Squid Game tracksuit was selling for $25.50 in Namdaemun Market, the countrys largest traditional market where stock ranges from kitchenware to jewellery. A granddaughter of clothing factory owner Ko Jong-hyun leans on tracksuits inspired by Netflix series Squid Game at his plant in Seoul, South Korea, on Oct. 21, 2021. (Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters) A garment vendor in the market said he and others did not have enough tracksuits to meet soaring demand. Squid Game has been watched by 142 million households since its Sept. 17 debut, according to Netflix, the worlds largest streaming service, helping it add 4.38 million new subscribers. Many small business owners in South Korea recognized themselves in the cash-strapped characters of the wildly popular thriller, who vie desperately for a chance to win $38 million, exposing a debt trap that is all too familiar. By Yeni Seo and Sangmi Cha Pistols are offered for sale at Freddie Bear Sports in Tinley Park, Ill., on Oct. 18, 2012. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Illinois Supreme Court Rules Tax on Guns and Ammo Unconstitutional The Illinois Supreme Court ruled on Oct. 21 that two taxes on guns and ammunition in Cook County violate the states constitution because they affect law-abiding citizens Second Amendment right to acquire firearms for self-defense. Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis wrote in a 60 decision that the taxes violate the constitutions uniformity clause, while also pointing out that the revenue from the generated tax isnt directed toward funds or programs that reduce gun violence. While the taxes do not directly burden a law-abiding citizens right to use a firearm for self-defense, they do directly burden a law-abiding citizens right to acquire a firearm and the necessary ammunition for self-defense, Theis wrote in a 14-page opinion (pdf) filed on Thursday. Under the plain language of the ordinances, the revenue generated from the firearm tax is not directed to any fund or program specifically related to curbing the cost of gun violence, she noted. Additionally, nothing in the ordinance indicates that the proceeds generated from the ammunition tax must be specifically directed to initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence. The justice concluded that the case will be remanded to the circuit court for entry of summary judgment in favor of plaintiffs. In 2012, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved a $25 tax on the retail purchase of a firearm within the county. The countys Firearm Tax Ordinance was enacted in April 2013. A separate county tax was enacted in 2015, which added $0.05 per cartridge for centerfire ammunition and $0.01 per cartridge for rimfire ammunition. Americans who fail to pay those taxes are subject to a $1,000 fine for the first offense and a $2,000 fine for subsequent offenses. The trade group and gun-rights organization, Guns Save Life, challenged both taxes in a lawsuit against the county, saying they violate the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. A spokesman for Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle said on Thursday they are disappointed in the ruling and will work to determine the next steps. From NTD News A man watches a television report showing a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test, at a railway station in Seoul on Oct. 19, 2021. (Anthony Wallace / AFP via Getty Images) Intelligence Chiefs of US, Japan, South Korea Gathered In Seoul To Discuss North Korean Aggression On Oct. 18, intelligence chiefs of South Korea, the United States, and Japan convened in Seoul to discuss North Korean issues, aiming to bring Pyongyang back to the negotiating table through a flurry of diplomacy. According to the Korea Herald, a trilateral meeting was said to have been held between the head of South Koreas National Intelligence Service Park Jie-won, the U.S. director of national intelligence Avril Haines, and Japans cabinet intelligence director Hiroaki Takizawa on Oct. 18. It is unclear whether multiple meetings took place, as the report also suggested a meeting on Oct. 19. According to the Korea Times, U.S. national intelligence director Avril Haines met with South Korean national security director Suh Hoon at the Blue House over lunch on Oct. 18 to have extensive discussions about the situation on the Korean Peninsula and ways to enhance the Korea-U.S. alliance. Following North Koreas recent series of missile launches, Haines and Hoon shared their assessments of the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, according to the Blue House official. After conducting four missile tests in less than a month, North Korea is currently seeking dialogue with South Korea while denouncing the U.S. proposal for dialogue. Pyongyang has remained unresponsive to Washingtons overtures for dialogue. The denuclearization talks remained stalled since the no-deal summit between then U.S. President Donald Trump and the Norths leader Kim Jong-un in 2019. Japans cabinet intelligence director Hiroaki Takizawa made Seoul his first visit since Japans new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida took office earlier this month, potentially signaling Tokyos new policy direction on North Korea. The meetings between the United States, Japan, and South Korea officials could aim to strengthen the trilateral intelligence sharing between the nations to deter the growing North Korean missile threats. On Oct. 15, South Korean President Moon and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida held their first phone call and agreed to develop their ties in a future-oriented manner. Moon Jae-in Meets with US CIA Director Prior to the trilateral intelligence meeting, on Oct. 15, President Moon Jae-in held a meeting with the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director William Burns, where he emphasized the Korea-U.S. alliance as a foundation of the nations security. Moon and Burns had in-depth discussions on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the strengthening of intelligence sharing between the two nations. In Burnss first visit to South Korea since assuming office as the CIA director, he expressed his respect for Moons efforts to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, the Blue House stated. The close cooperation on intelligence between the two countries supports the solid bilateral alliance, South Korean presidential spokesman Park Kyung-mee said, further echoing Moons statement. ChinaNorth Korea Relations North Korea has always been backed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Lu Tianming, an overseas current affairs commentator, told The Epoch Times. Lu suggested that the CCP has always used North Korea to blackmail the international community indirectly and that North Koreas recent series of missile launches were likely meant to pressure the U.S. Navy in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, especially related to recent reports of U.S. special forces in Taiwan training Taiwanese soldiers. Lu also pointed out the Six-Party Talks have not made any meaningful progress as the CCP played the opposite role to its intended purpose. The Six-Party Talks refers to a series of negotiations involving China, North Korea, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the United States, aimed at resolving the North Korean nuclear issue. A man runs holding the Palestinian flag east of Gaza City near the Israeli border on Nov. 16, 2018. (Mahmud Hams/AFP/Getty Images) Israel Designates 6 Palestinian Organizations as Terrorists The Israeli Defense Ministry has designated six Palestinian civil society groups as terror outfits operating as part of a network run by the left-wing militant Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). The organizations are accused of funneling international donor aid to fund PFLP activities that include carrying out deadly attacks against Israelis. PFLP, part of the Palestine Liberation Organization, is considered a terror group by the United States and European Union. The declared organizations received large sums of money from European countries and international organizations, using a variety of forgery and deceit, said the defense ministry. The move by Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz has drawn criticism from the United Nations and human rights watchdogs. The six organizations are Addameer, Al-Haq, Defense for Children-International, the Bisan Research and Advocacy Center, Union of Palestinian Womens Committees, and the Union Of Agricultural Work Committees. Those organizations were active under the cover of civil society organizations, but in practice belong and constitute an arm of the [PFLP] leadership, the main activity of which is the liberation of Palestine and destruction of Israel, Gantzs office said in a statement. Addameer, which represents Palestinian prisoners in Israeli military courts, and Defense for Children-International responded to the designation as an attempt to eliminate Palestinian civil society. In a joint statement, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said that the terrorist designation allows Israeli authorities to shut down the organizations offices, arrest members, and seize assets in the West Bank. They may be able to close us down. They can seize our funding. They can arrest us. But they cannot stop our firm and unshakeable belief that this occupation must be held accountable for its crimes, Al-Haq director Shawan Jabarin, who is accused by Israel of being a PFLP member, said to The Times of Israel. The six organizations are some of the most well-known in Palestinian civil society and are the recipients of considerable international donations including those from the United Nations as well as the European Union among others. But the Israeli defense ministry accused the organizations of spending the funds to enlist activists for the Popular Front, promote terror activities in Jerusalem, and disseminate the groups ideology. The ministry added that the organizations directly employed senior PFLP members, including activists involved in terror activity. The United Nations Human Rights Office blamed Israel for the action saying that counter-terrorism legislation must not be used for curtailing legitimate humanitarian work and that these designations serve only to stigmatize the organizations. The Israeli announcement confirms what our research has shown yearsthis time six Palestinian NGOs were designated as terrorist organizations as part of the PFLP network. All are funded by European [governments] and deeply involved in political warfare against Israel, NGO Monitor said on Twitter, a watchdog that tracks anti-Israel groups. Ned Price, the U.S. State Department spokesperson, told reporters that they were not informed ahead of time of the Israeli designation, and he would consult with Israel for further clarification. Chinese leader Xi Jinping (front row, C) poses for a photo with a group of CEOs and other executives at the main campus of Microsoft Corp. in Redmond, Wash., on Sept. 23, 2015. Pictured are: (front row, L-R): Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, JD.com's Liu Qiangdong, Cisco's John Chambers, Alibaba's Jack Ma, IBM's Ginni Rometty, Xi Jinping, Microsoft's Satya Nadella, China's internet czar Lu Wei, Apple's Tim Cook, Tencent's Pony Ma, and Amazon's Jeff Bezos. (Ted S. Warren/Pool/Getty Images) Jack Ma Is a Typical Example of a Red Capitalists Fate News Analysis Common prosperity has been storming in Beijing since August. Many Chinese enterprise owners responded to the program enthusiastically with charity donations and pledged their allegiance to the Party through collective activities. When the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping demanded common prosperity, he was eyeing the excessive wealth of the Chinese billionaires and calling the program an essential requirement of socialism that will illustrate how China will strive to increase the income of those in the low-income group and expand the middle-income group. Observers recounted the fate of Chinese private sectors under communist rule since Mao Zedongs era; among the many loyal entities kowtowing to the Party just to survive, there are still tough ones holding up their dignity. Red Capitalists On Oct. 14, the regimes social media @XinhuaFinancial posted a picture of a group of Party member-entrepreneurs in a study session on Xi Jinpings ruling philosophy at a Party academy in Zhejiang Province. Prior to that, state media reported that more than 30 Party-affiliated Chinese entrepreneurs visited the memorial hall of the CCPs first rubber-stamp legislature meeting for a lesson on Xis ruling philosophy on Oct. 8. Although communism was founded as a party of the working class to counter oppression from the business class, the bourgeoisie; after the reform and opening up, the regime adopted former leader Jiang Zemings ruling philosophy of absorbing excellent entities of private sectors into the Party in 2001. Hu Ping, honorary editor-in-chief of online magazine, Beijing Spring, told the Chinese edition of The Epoch Times that since the reform and opening up, the CCP has actually adopted the approach of capitalism. Hu said, Jiang Zemin allowed capitalists to join the Party. Isnt that strange? Communism was supposed to eliminate the bourgeoisie. As for the state propaganda of the private sectors pledge of loyalty to the Party, columnist Wang He told The Epoch Times, Its a campaign for the movement of common prosperity, and probably many more follow-up activities will follow. The Effect of Common Prosperity Previously, The Epoch Times reported that following the crack down on internet giants and off-campus education institutions, Xis call for common prosperity in August was an alarm signal to Chinas billionaires. Chinese internet platform providers such as Tencent, Alibaba, and Pinduoduo pledged hundreds of billions of dollars in response to Xis common prosperity campaign. Chinese citizens wear face masks as they walk past a billboard reading Development and Prosperity during heavy smog in Beijing on Nov. 29, 2014. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) In a recent wave of charity work, Tencent again took the lead to provide a $7.8 million relief fund to Shanxi flood victims, followed by Chinese tech giants such as Ant and ByteDance. It was estimated that the Chinese tech firms collectively donated nearly $47 million in just two days. On Oct. 11, private property developer Wanda Groups founder Wang Jianlin announced that he and senior executives ranked vice president and above will to switch their vehicles to China Red Flag cars. Hu Ping said, Facing Chinas economic difficulties, Xi Jinping exploited the so-called common prosperity to harass private sectors, harvesting their wealth in the name of social responsibilities such as taxation and philanthropy. He said Xis goal is to keep a good name for himself. The private sectors charity was what Xi called, A people-centered development philosophy, and he called for efforts to achieve common prosperity through high-quality development. Hu said its part of Xis image game, His purpose is to build a society where only the Party has supremacy, only its leader is the greatest, and the Party is entitled to everything it sees. Wang He said that Xi coerces the Chinese rich to donate their wealth by labeling them the guilty rich, a political and social movement that the communists are all too accustomed to. He said, The purpose of the CCP is not to kill them. But he will enslave you like a blind-folded mule. Your sole existence is to make money for them. Philanthropic Entrepreneurs Fate in the Communist World In Nov. 2020, Xi Jinping said that the private sectors should take Zhang Jian, a businessman and educator in the late Qing Dynasty, as their role model. Zhang was a promoter of the transition from a dynasty to the Republic of China, a constitutional movement leader. He devoted his wealth entirely to found more than 20 enterprises and over 370 schools. Following Xis comment, the regime conducted a forum on Zhang Jians spiritual significance of the time, hosted by the CCPs united front department on Dec. 12, 2020. According to the state media report, Chinese entrepreneurs are obliged to follow the country to advance and retreat, share prosperity and disgrace, and undertake fate and destiny. What the state media failed to mention was how the CCP treated Zhang Jian. On Aug. 24, 1966, Zhang Jians tomb was destroyed by the Red Guards as one of the Four Olds. His granddaughter witnessed the ruin of his tomb. Even today, a true philanthropic entrepreneur is not appreciated by the communist regime. Sun Dawu, an outspoken Chinese billionaire, was sentenced to 18 years in prison on July 28. The owner of Dawu Group, one of the largest private agricultural businesses in northern China, was charged with provoking trouble and gathering a crowd to attack state organs. Chinese entrepreneur Sun Dawu at a feed warehouse of his Dawu Group in Hebei Province on Sept. 24, 2019. (Noel Celis/AFP via Getty Images) In 2000, Dawu Group had developed 16 factories with medical and education facilities to support the needs of 1,600 employees and their families. The hospital provided services to employees and local villagers at a cost of 1 yuan ($0.15) a month; a full medical examination, including ultrasound and blood tests, cost only $1.50; Dawu Group invested more than $4.7 million to provide schooling for students; and the average monthly room and board of a student was around $15. Hu Ping believed that the regime could not tolerate the powerful private sector outside the Party. Their influence must be suppressed. He used Alibabas Jack Ma as an example. Jack Ma, Chinas richest man, is also a Party member. In the China Financial Forty Forum in Oct. 2020, Ma said, China lacks an effective regulatory system which seriously severs innovation. It was generally believed that his criticism brought Xis retaliation; consequently, he disappeared for nearly a year. This April, when Alibaba Group saw its record high antitrust fine of $2.8 billion, it openly expressed gratitude to the regime. Hu Ping believed that the regime would not arrest Jack Ma, a symbolic figure of Chinese private entrepreneurs. The authorities will not knock down Alibaba; but may split and reorganize it. Ma will not be as active as in the past, the regime will allow him to make a public appearance to show that hes still alive. Hu added, Xis purpose is to grasp control of the private sectors. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. This photo shows Sally, a LINE character, on display at the entrance of the LINE Friends shop in Tokyo's Harajuku district on July 12, 2016. (Toshifumi Kitamura/AFP via Getty Images) Japanese Messaging App Admits to Sending User Data to China Japanese messaging app Line admitted it sent user data to China, exposing peoples personal information to the communist regime. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been collecting big datathe new key asset for global poweras part of its intelligence strategy, in its bid to control worldwide information and transactions. LINEs parent company, Z-Holdings, released a report on Oct. 18 stating some of the apps data was handled in China. They hadnt considered that the regime might access it, and neglected Japans economic security, according to The Register. A Special Advisory Committee on Global Data Governance prepared the report after it was divulged that LINE processed data in China and stored it in South Korea, reported, reported The Register. Chinese laws dictate that any digital information that a company holds must be turned over to the Chinese regime at its discretion. The CCP has been gathering data for years, with the purpose of becoming the worlds biggest source of data and transactions in order to control the rest of the world, according to James Gorrie, author of The China Crisis. As a world leader in digital technology and digital technology theft, Chinas goal is to be the worlds gatekeeper of all data and the ruler of cyberspace. Arthur Herman, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, says data is the new strategic commodity for global dominance. Through artificial intelligence, data can be turned into a coherent picture that can shape strategic and operational plans, and give an antagonist an unseen advantage by sometimes knowing more about his or her opponent than they know themselves, he wrote in an opinion article for The Epoch Times. Herman argues that if the CCP is allowed to amass data, it would have a strategic upper hand for the next century. Add in the possibilities of quantum computing as Chinas AI/ML accelerator, and were looking at a decisive gain for the Chinese communist regime that will be transformational not only for China but for humanity, says Herman. Z-Holdings officially integrated LINE in March 2021. The company also owns Yahoo! Japan. The company apologizes and says it recognizes the importance of being cautious about handling data that travels abroad, paying attention to other countries local laws, as reported by The Register. LINE was also accused of lying to its users about keeping data in Japan, as some of the information is stored in South Korea. The company vowed to be more transparent. Apart from being a messaging app, LINE also offers a payments service. The app has more than 85 million monthly users in Japan and the local government employs its digital services. LINE also operates in South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, and other Asian countries, with a total of 700 million users, though only 150 million actively use the app monthly, according to The Register. Princess Mako, the elder daughter of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, and her fiancee Kei Komuro, a university friend of Princess Mako, smile during a press conference to announce their engagement at Akasaka East Residence in Tokyo, Japan, on Sept. 3, 2017. (Shizuo Kambayashi/Reuets) Japanese Princess to Marry Commoner Next Week Despite Financial Dispute TOKYOJapans Princess Mako will marry a commoner in a subdued ritual on Tuesday after a four-year engagement plagued by scandal and media speculation, which has left the 29-year-old with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She will become an ordinary citizen after marrying Kei Komuro, a 30-year-old Japanese law graduate who lives in New York, in line with laws mandating female royal family members abandon royal status. Their Tuesday marriage will mainly consist of filing paperwork, then holding a news conference. While marrying out of royalty isnt uncommon in Japan, the lack of pomp for a royal wedding is. Mako even turned down the usual $1.3 million payment given to women leaving the family. An engagement first cheered by the Japanese people soon became troubled as tabloids reported a money scandal involving Komuros mother, prompting the press to turn on him. In the absence of clear explanations by the Imperial Household Agency (IHA), which runs the familys lives, the story spread to the mainstream press, usually scrupulous in royal reporting. The saga began quietly enough in 2017 when the two college sweethearts announced their engagement. Ill be happy if I can make a warm and comfortable family full of smiles, Mako told a news conference, with the loving looks they exchanged captivating the nation. But just months later, the tabloids reported a financial dispute between Komuros mother and her former fiance, with the man claiming the mother and son hadnt repaid a debt of about $35,000. Komuro has said the money was provided as a gift, not a loan. In 2021, he issued a 24-page explanation and also said he would pay a settlement. In February 2018, the marriage was postponed until 2020, ostensibly for more time to prepare. Six months later, Komuro left for Fordham Universitys law school, to return only three years later. The royal family should exist without troubles connected to money, the economy, or politics, said Akinori Takamori, a lecturer at Kokugakuin University in Tokyo. Morally, the Japanese people want them to be impeccable. Makos father Crown Prince Akishino told a news conference in 2018 that without solving the financial issue, the marriage couldnt take place, adding he and his daughter dont speak that often recently. He grudgingly gave in after Mako issued a statement saying marriage was a necessary choice in November 2020. Komuro returned to Japan in September as a Fordham graduate and employee at a New York law firm, but his casual ponytail caused a media frenzy as it was deemed disrespectful. He visited Makos parents earlier this week in a dark suit and tie, ponytail shorn. Tabloids still sniped he arrived late due to traffic jams. After their Tuesday marriage, Makowho has never had a surname or held a passport beforewill prepare to move to New York. Ordinary Japanese have mixed feelings, opinion polls show. As a father of daughters, I think it must be quite painful for her father to recognize an unblessed marriage, said Yoshinori Okabe, 63, a dentist. But Chiaki Kadota, 29, said it was a private matter: I personally think its better to leave them alone. Fumio Kishida, Japan's new prime minister, speaks during a news conference at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo on Oct. 04, 2021. (Toru Hanai/Pool/Getty Images) Japans New PM to Continue Quad Support, but Country Needs Stronger Military to Counter China: Experts Experts believe that Japans new prime minister, Fumio Kishida, will continue to increase Japans commitment to the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), but that greater efforts to strengthen Japans military will be necessary to secure the region from aggression by the Chinese regime. A key area of concern is the ability of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) to adequately carry out joint military activities with its allies in the Quad, the informal forum for strategic coordination between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States in the Indo-Pacific. American and Japanese alliance managers have boasted for years that the alliance has never been stronger, said Grant Newsham, a senior research fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies. One fairly asks: Compared to what? Except for their two navies, the U.S. forces and JSDF really cannot work together very well at all, Newsham added. This needs to be fixed. The push to build interoperability between nations forces, effectively allowing their militaries to work as a single joint unit in combat, has been a core focus of the Quad in recent years and is a central part of the allied strategy to mitigate adventurism by the Chinese regime, particularly with regard to the safety of Taiwanthe self-ruled island Beijing claims as its own and has threatened to take by force if necessary. Japans ground-based forces have not yet successfully built up that interoperable capability, however. Japans (Self) Defense of Taiwan Following World War II, Japans constitution was amended to allow for national self-defense forces while barring the buildup of an expeditionary military. Over time, Japans military policies slowly evolved to incorporate the defense of its allies as an extension of its self-defense. That evolution came to the fore in June, when Defense Minister Yasuhide Nakayama made comments that Taiwans continued de-facto independence and democratic governance needed to be protected to ensure Japans own national security. Since then, Japan announced funding for new missile and electronic warfare units across the Yaeyama Islands, some a mere 70 miles from Taiwan. Newsham said that the JSDF, for all its professionalism and technology, still lacked the joint capabilities needed to effectively win a war against a major power like China. Militarily, Japan has not yet addressed JSDF shortcomings and developed JSDF capabilities needed to allow JSDF to fight a war against a serious opponent, Newsham said. The Americans and Japanese apparently do not have a joint operational plan in the event something happens with Taiwan. Newsham added. There is also no joint Japan-US headquarters in Japan, or anywhere, where operations will be directed, or even peacetime training and exercises. Robert Eldridge, director for Northeast Asia at the Global Risk Mitigation Foundation and senior fellow at the Japan Strategic Studies Forum, also believed that the Kishida government would need to commit greater resources to tangibly increasing its defense of Taiwan if it hoped to successfully deter China. Japan is not doing enough to end Taiwans diplomatic isolation and preserve its safety and security, Eldridge said in an email. Speeches and comments are not enough. While they do send a message, it needs to be backed up. To that end, Eldridge commended Nakayamas comments on Taiwan, and hoped that the Kishida government would follow suit with greater diplomatic and military commitment, which he believed the Japanese people would favor. Japanese public opinion supports doing more, Eldridge said. Unfortunately, most politicians do not understand this and continue to act cautiously. A Time for Choosing A key issue at hand with the coming of the Kishida government, then, is how Japan as a democratic nation will build new capabilities from the successes of its involvement with the Quad. I think Kishida will keep things going on the current trend, Newsham said. But thats the problem. Japans defense is entirely inadequate, and without the Americans around the Japanese would be in big trouble. It would have no good options for taking on the Chinese aggressors, and no options at all that dont involve nuclear weapons. To that end, Newsham said that Japan ought to do more to build upon the lessons learned by the U.S. Navy and maritime elements of the JSDF during Quad military exercises. Further, given the goal of the Chinese regime to undermine the legitimacy and status of democracies everywhere, Newsham said that Japans example as a democratic nation in east Asia would be doubly effective once it improved such military capacities. Newsham said that at the end of the day Japan was one of the United States key allies, and that its dedication to democratic principles ought not be overlooked. Sure, we have some differences, but Japan is a splendid example of individual freedom, rule of law, and consensual government, Newsham said. So is Taiwan for that matter. A solidly linked US-Japan alliance with JSDF and US forces also solidly linked and able to operate together is, or will be, hugely stabilizing for the region and globally. Likewise, Eldridge said that Japans commitment to democratic principles demanded greater action, adding that the time to choose greater involvement and military responsibility was fast approaching. Japan and the LDP-led government as a whole, and Kishidas faction in particular, are historically committed to the democratic principles of the postwar, Eldridge said, referring to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. I would like to see Kishida do it more forcefully in the case of China, however. [Japan] needs to understand that the world as a whole, the region in particular, and its only formal ally, the United States, expects Japan to play a larger role, Eldridge said. Los Angeles City Council Bans Homeless Encampments in Specified Areas of 3 Districts As Los Angeles officials contend with how to address more than 66,000 homeless people living on the streets while keeping public safety a top concern, city councilmembers have moved to ban encampments in 54 specified areas across three districts. During a recent city council meeting, officials voted 122 to restrict sitting, lying, sleeping, or storing, using, maintaining, or placing private property, or otherwise obstructing the public right-of-way in the identified areas. Councilmembers Mike Bonin and Nithya Raman dissented, saying the council was rushing the policy without providing proper notice beforehand. I dont doubt that there has already been outreach to many of the locations that are before us today in these resolutions. I know a lot of council members did talk about the fact that outreach has been regularly happening, but we are being asked today to vote on 54 locations between these four resolutions, with no documentation for us or for the public that this step-by-step process that we just codified has been followed, Raman said. Why did we pass the street engagement framework if we werent going to stick to it? Bonin echoed Ramans concerns. As Roman articulated so well, there was an agreement about street engagements, and I think we need to live by that part as well, Bonin said. I am certain that a lot of work has been done, but it still isnt to the level of what we committed to as a body. And Im concerned about us losing the commitment to the street engagement strategy and not making sure that it is adequately resourced. According to city documents (pdf), the cost of posting signage to notify people of the impending enforcement could reach up to $2 million. The ban is one of the many policies passed since the debate over encampments began over the summer when fires, filth, and crime erupted from encampments in Bonins district on the Venice Beach Boardwalk and circulated headlines. It caught the attention of Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who deployed a team of officers to connect the homeless with housing resources and conduct cleanup efforts to clear the encampments by July 4. Bonin, who was critical of Villanuevas involvement, then allocated $5 million in budgeted aid to fund housing programs in his district and set up outreach efforts. Bonins move to fund outreach brought forth an outcry from residents who said they had tried to get his attention since the beginning of the year, to no avail. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, crime in Venice Beach skyrocketed this year. Prior to the removal of encampments, homeless-related robberies were up 260 percent, homeless-related assaults with a deadly weapon were up 118 percent, property crimes and area burglaries were up 85 percent, and grand theft auto was up 74 percent. The city also moved to clear encampments at Echo Park Lake over the summer, which caused an uproar among homeless-rights activists, resulting in days of protests. The most recent encampment clearing occurred on Oct. 15 in MacArthur Park as voters became increasingly worried about safety and cleanliness in public spaces. People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), a service provider for the homeless that conducts outreach and connects people to housing, partnered with city officials during various clearings of encampment congregations to offer resources to the homeless. It was several months that weve been doing outreach there, and really in the last, I believe, couple weeks ahead of this Oct. 15 closure, thats really ramped up engagement and outreach, and for the last two weeks we had been out there 24 hours a day between all of our outreach team members, PATH spokesperson Tyler Renner told The Epoch Times. So we really like to emphasize that we have been doing this for months, and the last couple of weeks have just been in concentrated effort to get the folks that were still there connected to shelter or housing, he said. The number of encampments erupted across the county during the COVID-19 pandemic when city officials rolled back sanitation and enforcement on tents pitched in public spaces to ensure homeless people had somewhere to reside during stay-at-home orders. For the other city council members, the ban on encampments is another step forward to ensure public safety. Most of the 54 areas in Councilmen Paul Krekorian, Joe Buscaino, and Bob Blumenfields districts that are targeted for clearing in the resolution are freeway underpasses and tunnels. Theres a residential area, and then on the other side of the 101 freeway, you have churches, synagogues schools, grocery stores, and people need to get from one to the other, and the underpasses are separated by a mile, sometimes a mile and a half, Blumenfield said. [Those are] important corridors to keep safe, clean and free of encampments so that they can be used for that, easy access. Back and forth over the years, residents have had to step out on the street to get to the other side of the 101 freeway. Homelessness is complex, theres no simple solution. Were all working to find solutions for the people living on our streets. Mayoral Campaign Headquarters Vandalized in Pittsburgh The campaign headquarters of Pittsburgh mayoral candidate and retired police officer Tony Moreno was vandalized early Friday morning on South Main Street in the West End neighborhood. A glass door was shattered and someone scrawled Pittsburgh police murdered Jim Rogers in red spray paint on the front windows. Neighborhood video surveillance shows two people approached the building in the 3 a.m. hour. One stood as a look-out as the other painted. Its just the lack of education in who I am and what I stand for, Moreno told The Epoch Times in a phone interview Friday morning. This is just political discourse. I believe we need change in our police department, and we need accountability. We need to address the problems that led to this death. It goes back to failed leadership. Rogers died in the hospital on Oct. 14, a day after a City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officer used a taser on him. His cause of death has not been released. A woman puts a bike in her yard with a sign, trying to sell it for $50. She cant sell it, so she puts a sign on for free, Moreno recounted his understanding of the incident. He goes in yard and takes it for a ride. A neighbor sees and calls police. When police arrived, he was sitting on the bike owners porch smoking a cigarette. Moreno surmises that he was probably waiting for the owner to come home to talk about the bike. Moreno was familiar with Rogers and had given him a packet of cookies during Little Italy Days. He was harmless, but he had some mental health issues, Moreno said. Video of the incident has been widely circulated. Nothing police did was outside policy of the use of force standards. Police did what they are trained to do and were even more lenient. But that doesnt mean the encounter went the way it should have. He said the officer should have called for backup and used his crises intervention training. Moreno used to teach de-escalation techniques in the departments crises intervention class. If there was good solid leadership in our police department, it would have been preventable. We have training and policy to instruct officers on how to look at 911 calls through a possible mental health lens, but it is not being enforced. Pittsburgh Mayoral Candidate Tony Morenos campaign headquarters was vandalized in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Oct. 22, 2021. (Photo Courtesy of Patty Poloka, Moreno campaign manager ) Moreno was a Democrat but switched to Republican to get on the ballot for mayor. He is running against Democratic State Representative Ed Gainey, who has not responded to The Epoch Times request for an interview. Gainey has had some issues with campaign finances through a Political Action Committee (PAC) called African Americans for Good Government, which funds his campaign. Moses Nelson is Gaineys campaign manager and PAC committee director, which Moreno says is a conflict. The PAC treasurer, Leeretta Payne, was charged last month with a misdemeanor count of failing to file campaign finance reports. Records show Payne failed to report checks totaling $60,000 from the Western Pennsylvania Laborer PAC, and there were disbursements from African Americans for Good Government through checks and ATM withdrawals that were not reported. In the criminal complaint on that matter, Payne told Allegheny County Police two things: first that she was the only person who controlled the distribution of funds for the African Americans for Good Government PAC, and that Moses Nelson, who is the PAC executive chairman, also disburses money from the PAC. Payne did not respond to a request for comment and Nelson could not be found. Ethically it is out of line for Moses Nelson to be part of Ed Gaineys campaign, Moreno said. You have all this money flowing around you, and you dont know anything about it? What kind of leader are you? He wants more information about the financial activity of Gaineys campaign but says he cant get his hands on the paperwork. On Friday, Moreno filed a lawsuit against the Allegheny County District Attorneys office and the Allegheny County Police Department asking for further documentation of the interview with Payne, search warrants, and any documents relating to Payne, Nelson, or Gainey in connection with the matter. Moreno says he filed Right to Know requests, but they were denied, so now he is going through the court. Ed Gainey has to sign campaign finance reports just like I do. He is responsible for his campaign finances, Moreno said. I am not able to obtain the search warrant that will show all the facts in this case. There is a cover up and people are hiding this. The residents of Pittsburgh deserve to know all the facts regarding people they are voting for. An employee at the District Attorneys office said the office cannot comment on the matter. Allegheny County Police Department did not respond in time for this report. When interviewed by WTAE about the matter in May, Gainey said he was unaware of the unreported transactions and had nothing to do with their finances. NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg attends at the start of the round table during the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Defence in Brussels, on Oct. 21, 2021. (Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP via Getty Images) NATO Will Concentrate on Countering the Chinese Threat for Next Decade: Stoltenberg NATO will concentrate on countering the Chinese communist threat as part of next decades new strategic approach, according to its secretary-general, as reported by The Financial Times. This comes as the Chinese regime has become more assertive in its ambitions of global dominance, having allegedly gained the upper hand in key warfare technologies, such as long-range and hypersonic missiles. In his interview with The Financial Times, NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said Chinas cyber capabilities, new technologies, and long-range missiles have already affected European security. This region faces global challenges: terrorism, cyber but also the rise of China. So when it comes to strengthening our collective defense, thats also about how to address the rise of China, he said. What we can predict is that the rise of China will impact our security. It already has. NATO, a political and military alliance of North America and the European Union, will adopt a new Strategic Concept during a summit next summer. The Strategic Concept will state the organizations direction during the next decade, which will focus on offsetting the Chinese regimes threat, unlike the version outlined in 2010. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has embraced a more belligerent and blunt discourse regarding its global dominance ambitions this year, which has spurred the West to reorganize to counter the regime. The CCPs shift in rhetoric coincides with Chinas nuclear expansion, advances in long-range and hypersonic missile technology, and the regimes increasing military pressure on Taiwan and the South China Sea. They have more and more high-range weapons that can reach all NATO allied countries, Stoltenberg told The Financial Times. They are building many, many silos for long-range intercontinental missiles. China launched a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in August, as stated in an investigative report by The Financial Times. The technology was described as a surprise to the U.S. intelligence community and highlighted Chinas weapon development progress. This year, the CCP has threatened to bring Taiwan into its fold through force if necessary, and experts believe it is making significant military advances toward invading the island. The CCP claims the island-nation as part of its territory, despite Taiwan being a self-governed democracy with independent military and currency. Taiwan is of high strategic value in a potential fight with the CCP. It serves as a barrier to the Chinese navy, keeping the keys between the East and South China Seas and [holding] the Peoples Liberation Army Navy within the first island chain. China gaining full control of the South China Sea is key to its nuclear strategy and would put the United States in great danger. The regime would be able to use it as a staging area for nuclear submarines to travel to the Midway Atoll, putting them within range of the East Coast of the United States. In addition, the communist regime has become a cyber threat and has been gaining influence in developing countries through its Belt and Road infrastructure projects. China is coming closer to us. We see them in the Arctic. We see them in cyberspace. We see them investing heavily in critical infrastructure in our countries, said Stoltenberg, according to The Financial Times. Chinese cyberattacks, which mainly aim to steal informationincluding state secrets and advanced technology from private companieshave recently become more sophisticated and harder to detect. Attacks became more targeted and calculated after the Chinese military was reorganized, and industrial espionage attacks were transferred to another organ of the Chinese regime, the Ministry of State Security (MSS), the intelligence, security, and secret police agency of the communist regime. In addition, the CCP has put enormous efforts into collecting user data, the new strategic commodity for global dominance which, aided by Artificial Intelligence could result in a coherent picture that can shape strategic and operational plans, and give an antagonist an unseen advantage by sometimes knowing more about his or her opponent than they know themselves. China has been providing enormous loans to developing countries through the Belt and Road Initiative and other financing programs. Many nations are unable to repay those loans, falling into a debt trap, which forces them to grant strategic assets to China in the long-term, putting nations sovereignty at risk, and allowing the regime to expand its influence and power overseas. Arthur Herman contributed to this report. New Australian Cancer Study Offers Hope An Australian oncologist is to conduct a phase II study in a bid to progress vital research into the treatment of ovarian cancer. Associate Professor Jim Coward has returned promising results with his work on targeting treatment-resistant stem cells to prevent cancer recurrence. Approximately 1,500 Australian women are diagnosed annually with ovarian cancer, which has the lowest five-year survival rate of all gynaecological cancers at 46 percent. Despite significant investment in early detection programs and therapeutic research, 80 percent of sufferers still face a high chance of relapse after initial chemotherapy and becoming incurable. Data from a phase I study led by Queensland-based Coward in his work with leading care provider the Icon Group, was published earlier this year. Utilising a new pool of research, he is looking at how cancer stem cells could be causing relapse. Survival outcomes in ovarian cancer are poor and sadly most patients will die with chemotherapy resistant disease, Coward said. Recent evidence suggests this may reflect the existence of ovarian cancer stem cells that remain dormant and resistant to existing treatment like chemotherapy. Our research has been investigating these stem cells and targeting these could provide the majority of women who are living with ovarian cancer hope of long-term survival. Findings from the phase I trial conducted across three sites in Australia as well as centres in the USA have already been published in Cancers and presented at a leading international research conference. The study was found to prolong survival in advanced ovarian cancer by inducing ovarian cancer stem cells death and making the cells more sensitive to standard chemotherapy. One of Cowards patients, Dawn Norris, was diagnosed with Stage 3C ovarian cancer in 2014. After several surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy she went into remission late that year. However, her cancer continued to return across the next three years with chemotherapy slowly becoming less affective. Dawn was running out of options and told her odds were not optimistic until Coward presented this clinical trial. When I was offered this trial, there was not a doubt in my mind. I thought, if this trial could help me in anyway, I was willing to do it, she said. I knew there was no cure but I always said that I wanted to live long enough to see my grandchildren grow up. Im now 70, still here and happily watching my five grandchildren live their lives. Without this trial I simply wouldnt be here. New Bat-Friendly Bridge Replaces Old Kentucky Bridge Home to Thousands of Endangered Bats A newly rebuilt bridge that doubles as a habitat for bats was completed in Kentuckyand as of August, some 1,100 endangered gray bats have moved in. Inspection of the once-dilapidated bridge in 2018 revealed cracked, flaking concrete and rusted steel; but also that the infrastructure had become a roosting ground for thousands of gray bats. The undersides of bridges often become bat habitats; the cracks between box beams can offer the same protection from wind and weather that caves do. Bats were finding cracks and crevices that were safe from wind, safe from predators, safe from rain, and it created an almost a cave-like habitat, said Andrew Logsdon, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) ecology and permitting branch manager. Posing a growing safety concern, the parallel box beam bridge needed fixing; meanwhile, the gray bats, already threatened by habitat loss, needed a break. So, looking to successful projects in Texas, KYTC worked with U.S. Fish and Wildlife, engineers, and ecologists to come up with a bat-friendly solution to replace some of that precious habitat in the form of a new bridge designthe first of its kind in Kentucky. Instead of waiting for 30 years of freeze, thaw, and weather to cause spawling and open up spaces between the once-snug-fitting box beams, from the outset, they predesigned 1.5-inch gaps in between each beam for the bats to gain access. We wanted to re-create those exact gaps but do it from the very first day the bridge was built and not have to wait for 30 years of deterioration, Logsdon said. But would the bats return to the brand-new bat-friendly bridge? That was the ultimate question; if we rebuilt this bridge to make it fully suitable for bat roosting, will the bats take to it? said project ecologist Drew Powell. After constructionbegun in January 2021, during the gray bats hibernation elsewhere in caves, completed in Marchthe team in June went to inspect the results, anxiously awaiting to see if the bats had returned. They were fortunate to observe 400 gray bats. Its nice to be able to help an imperiled species of bat that is heavily affected by construction, human interaction, as well as white nose syndrome. Its great to be able to aid in that, Powell said. Returning two months later, they saw the number had almost tripled and noticed bat pups, indicating the bridge was being used as a maternity colony. This bridge project is the first of its kind in Kentucky, using an innovative and collaborative approach to mitigate the effects of much-needed bridge repairs on an important endangered species, said KYTC secretary Jim Gray, WPSD reported. KYTC delivered a new bridge that is not only safe for motorists but is now providing habitat for an estimated 1,100 gray bats. 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 Families protest mask mandates before the Hillsborough County Schools Board meeting held at the district office in Tampa, Fla., on July 27, 2021. (Octavio Jones/Getty Images) National School Boards Association Apologizes Over Letter Comparing Parents to Domestic Terrorists The National School Boards Association (NSBA) has apologized to its members on Friday for a letter that was previously sent to the Biden administration in which the school board group compared parents accused of trying to intimidate educators to domestic terrorists. In a memo issued to NSBA members, the board said that on behalf of NSBA, we regret and apologize for the letter, which was sent on Sept. 29, urging President Joe Biden to take action to stop what it described as threats and acts of violence against school boards, teachers, and others involved in the public education sphere. There was no justification for some of the language included in the letter, the NSBA wrote. We should have had a better process in place to allow for consultation on a communication of this significance. We apologize also for the strain and stress this situation has caused you and your organizations. It added that the NSBA deeply values not only the work of local school boards that make important contributions within our communities, but also the voices of parents, who should and must continue to be heard when it comes to decisions about their childrens education, health, and safety. The memo comes as school board organizations in at least 20 states distanced themselves from the NSBA, citing disagreement over the way it has characterized concerned parents. Some have quit or moved to leave the NSBA. The NSBAs initial controversial Sept. 29 letter (pdf) claimed that some clashes between school board members and parents over issues such as masking policies, the critical race theory, among others, should be equivalent to parents engaging in a form of domestic terrorism. As these acts of malice, violence, and threats against public school officials have increased, the classification of these heinous actions could be the equivalent to a form of domestic terrorism and hate crimes, the organization wrote. Emails (pdf) obtained by Parents Defending Education last week disclosed that the NSBA was in touch with the White House and others in the administration before the release of the letter. In talks over the last several weeks with White House staff, they requested additional information on some of the specific threats, Chip Slaven, the NSBAs interim executive director and CEO, wrote in an email to NSBA board members just hours after the letter was released to the public. Most of the incidents the board included related to parents vigorously pushing back on controversial teachings or material and not incidents where any laws appeared to be broken. Several incidents did ultimately lead to arrests at school board meetings, including a father in Loudoun County, Virginia, who was upset his daughter had been raped and school officials allegedly acted to cover it up. Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a memorandum several days after the NSBAs letter, ordering federal officials to crack down on parents accused of threatening violence or trying to intimidate educators. Attorney General Merrick Garland gives an opening statement during a House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing of the Department of Justice at Capitol Hill in Washington on Oct. 21, 2021. (Greg Nash/Pool via Reuters) Garland, testifying to Congress in Washington, said he learned about the letter by reading about it in the news and had not been told by the White House to issue the memo. He said he was certain the White House communicated its concerns about the letter to his department and that that would be perfectly appropriate. On Oct. 21, Garland denied claims that the U.S. Justice Department would label parents as domestic terrorists, and parents who take issue with school board policies will not be investigated. The Justice Department supports and defends the First Amendment right of parents to complain as vociferously as they wish about the education of their children, about the curriculum taught in the schools, Garland said, the New York Post reported. That is not what the memorandum is about at all, nor does it use the words domestic terrorism or Patriot Act.' Jim Green, the executive director of Oregons School Boards Association, said in a statement on social media the board appreciates NSBAs apology over the controversial letter that was issued to the Biden administration. We appreciate NSBAs apology over some of the languages in the organizations appeal for protecting the safety of school board members, Green wrote. That doesnt mean the underlying issuekeeping volunteer school board members safe from threats and violenceisnt important. It is. But NSBA recognized that the wording it used alienated many parents, our vital partners in public schools. Its my hope with this apology that the national organization can learn from the experience and move on. Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. From NTD News Reactions to Alec Baldwins Fatal Shooting of Cinematographer Hollywood was shaken on Friday by news that actor Alec Baldwin had fatally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza while firing a prop gun on the Rust movie set in New Mexico. Following are reactions to the shooting: Alec Baldwin There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother, and deeply admired colleague of ours. Im fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred, Baldwin posted on Instagram. I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna, Baldwin wrote. Stephen Baldwin Asking for your prayers tonight friends not much can be said other than please pray for all involved in the wake of this tragic accident thank you, the younger brother, who also acts, produces, and directs films, posted on Instagram. Cate Devaney We analyzed the script late into the night and milked every ounce of possibility we could find, said the director who worked with Hutchins on The Mad Hatter and lived with her in a rented house during the shoot. We watched movies, cooked, drank lots of wine ,and took turns caring for our pet rat, Atlas. Im gutted, heartbroken, she said in a tribute to Hutchins on Instagram. You were a rising star and this never should have happened. I find a sliver of peace knowing you lived your life to the edges and soaked up the journey but its still so senseless. I love you, Halyna. Kay Oyegun My first gig as a director was with Halyna Hutchins, Oyegun, who worked with Hutchins on TV mini series A Luv Tale, wrote on Twitter. She was a calming presence and so creatively charged She loved her kid and her work so much. This is heartbreaking. Joe Manganiello Im in shock, actor Joe Manganiello, who worked on Archenemy with Hutchins, said on Twitter. I cant believe this could happen in this day and age gunfire from a prop gun could kill a crew member? What a horrible tragedy. @Brandon Bruce Lee Our hearts go out to the family of Halyna Hutchins and to Joel Souza and all involved in the incident on Rust, the sister of Brandon Lee wrote on Twitter. Actor Brandon Lee, the son of Bruce Lee, was killed in a similar tragedy on the set of The Crow in 1993 by a fellow actor using a gun loaded with blanks, but with part of a projectile lodged in the barrel from earlier use. Shannon Lee, who manages her brothers Twitter account, added: No one should ever be killed by a gun on a film set. Period. James Gunn The rules were changed after Brandon died, the director whose credits include the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise said on Twitter. Sadly, more rules will not help if the rules arent followed, which is usually how accidents happen on set. Producers, directors, actors & entire crews need to be hardcore about making sure all safety protocols are followed at all times My heart goes out to all of those affected by the tragedy today on Rust, especially Halyna Hutchins & her family. Elizabeth Tulloch Film & television crews work so hard and their safety needs to be ensured, the star of the Superman and Lois TV series said on Twitter. My heart breaks for Halyna Hutchins, her family, the Rust crew, and everyone affected by this horrific (and likely preventable) tragedy. SAG-AFTRA We will continue to work with production, the other unions, and the authorities to investigate this incident and to understand how to prevent such a thing from happening again, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said in a statement. The union represents movie and television performers and broadcasters. By Peter Szekely and Barbara Goldberg Texas State Troopers arrest two U.S. citizens who were transporting three illegal aliens to San Antonio, in Kinney County, Texas, on Oct. 20, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Texass Lucky Charm Operation Results in 21 Sex Offender-Related Arrests: Attorney General Twenty-one suspects were arrested for sex offender-related offenses during an operation in Texas earlier this year, Attorney General Ken Paxton announced on Oct. 20. Between August and September, the Houston Fugitive Apprehension Unit (FAU) participated in operation Lucky Charm which focused on the arrest of suspects who have failed to register as sex offenders and who had sex offender registration violation warrants originating from the Houston metro area. This operation, funded by the US Marshals Office, allowed Houston FAU investigators to work tirelessly to target sex offenders, the Office of the Attorney General said in a statement. The 21 suspects arrested were identified as William Nicks, Luis Ovall, Jimmie Culton, Richard Trahan, George Wynn, Felipe Ramon Corona, Kenneth Doyle Elms, Daniel Castillo, David Garcia, Ronald Peeples, Charles Wayne Sherrill, Garry Dwayne Davis, and Jonathan Kurt Young, all of whom are from Harris County. Stephen Jay Cooke from Matagorda County, Edgar Lee Walker from Angelina County, Randall Jay Perry from Hidalgo County, Jason Mathew Bulgier from Brazoria County, Larry Elton Clark from Galveston County, Garland Dwain Cavit from Dallas County, and Richard Filcher and James Dean Martin from Montgomery County were also among those arrested. Last week, one of the states top 10 wanted sex offenders was arrested in Canyon, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced. Cory Lee Reed, 30, was located and arrested by members of the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force, including DPS Special Agents, at his home address on Oct. 14. Dalhart PD assisted in the fugitive investigation. In 2010, Reed was convicted of two counts of sexual assault of a child following incidents involving a 14-year-old girl. He was sentenced to 10 years probation. In 2011, Reed was convicted of failure to comply with a sex offenders duty to register and received five years probation. But in 2012, his probation was revoked for Sexual Assault of a Child (X2) and Failure to Comply with Sex Offenders Duty to Register, and he received two eight-year sentences and a one-year sentence to be served concurrently. Reed was released on parole in March 2019. Reed is one of two of Texas Most Wanted now in custody following their arrests. On Oct. 13, one day prior to his apprehension, Alberto Mendoza, 21, of Dallas, was arrested by Dallas Police officers at a home on the south side, the Texas Department of Public Safety stated. Mendoza was added to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List on Sept. 7 and had been wanted by authorities since December 2020 for engaging in organized criminal activity and a parole violation. In 2016, he was convicted on four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and sentenced to eight years in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison. Mendoza was released on parole in November 2018. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles had also issued a Parole Violation warrant for his arrest on Dec. 23, 2020. The Disturbing Response to Chinas Hypersonic Missile Test Commentary Communist Chinas apparent test of a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile is highly disturbing. But perhaps even more disturbing is what the episode has revealed about how unserious and ill-equipped the United States appears to be in the face of a regime that is relentlessly pursuing hegemony. As the House Armed Services Committee reported last year, hypersonic weapons could help adversariesled by our greatest adversary, the Chinese communist regimedefeat missile defense systems and strike targets from significant stand-off distances. Such a capability, as recently displayed, could potentially allow China to execute a nuclear strike on any target on earth with near-impunity and very little warning, as an article published by The Warzone summarizes it. Others in these pages have compellingly argued this may well constitute a Sputnik moment. Legacy media outlets have been invoking the Cold War, too. Indeed, Beijing has been engaged in a massive military buildup stirring the worst fears of the 20th century. According to a 2020 Defense Intelligence Agency report, it has already eclipsed America in several critical areas. Hot War As Chinas military, economic, and technological might have grown, it has been acting more aggressively. If anything, the Chinese coronavirus pandemic has supercharged the aggression, with China seeing an opening to hit the world while its down. The hypersonic missile test is just the latest demonstration, coming on the heels of mass incursions into Taiwans air space, that Beijing is both testing the reflexes of its rivals and flexing its muscles. While Chinese officials constantly decry a Cold War mindset among Americans, and their Western enablers mimic this position, China has been engaged in a hot war by other means for decades. The hot war has taken the form of a dogged effort to not only dominate every strategically significant realmand therefore make every other power dependent upon and thus compliant with communist Chinabut to engage in a global campaign of infiltration and influence to subdue and, if needed, subvert would-be challengers. That so many in the United States parrot the CCP line is a reflection of this hot war. We have helped abet the CCP with our capital, our technology, and our naivete. The decades-long policy of engagement not only built China up, but allowed it to co-opt such a large, influential, and powerful cohort of American society that it may never have to engage in physical warfare against us to overtake us. We unwittingly turned up the heat in Chinas hot war by other means. Our ruling class is increasingly not only subservient to it but aligned with it. Now, with China having advanced as far as it has relative to the United States in its hot war, we find ourselves mired in a cold onea cold civil war. The contest between the Woke elite and Deplorable America consumes us, diverting our focus from external threats, and hampering our ability, if not eroding our will, to counter them. This is a coup for the CCP, particularly as the Woke hollow out our most vital institutions. Consider the militarys focus on purging conservatives under the guise of countering extremism, and broader left-wing domination of the national security apparatus; the coronation of an assistant secretary for health, who was responsible for a murderous nursing home coronavirus policy, as a four-star admiral with an emphasis on the secretarys transgenderism; and the pledge by the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff to tip off the Chinese militaryunder a China that he has said is not an enemyto any impending U.S. strike. Weak Response In terms of Cold War comparisons, we face an infinitely better positioned and stronger China than the Soviet Union ever wasyet our answer to it is substantially weaker. Consider the response of the Biden administration, and military and intelligence officials, to Chinas latest provocation. The first official statement from the Biden administration came from press secretary Jen Psaki. She stated that while concerned about the military capabilities that the [Peoples Republic of China] continues to pursue, the administration welcome[s] stiff competition. Would you welcome stiff competition from your greatest adversary rhetorically, or demonstrate with action overt or covert that there will be consequences to Chinese provocations, and any threats will be met swiftly and mercilessly? This isnt a call for reckless escalation, but for seriousness, and the need to plant seeds of doubt and fear in our adversariesdoubt and fear clearly lacking at present. Shortly thereafter, when asked about concern over a China equipped with hypersonic missiles, Psakis boss replied, Yes. Again, not confidence-inspiring for America, or fear-inducing for China. In a follow-up, Psaki told reporters that the White House had raised such concerns through diplomatic channels. Can you feel the shivers down Chinese leader Xi Jinpings spine? If America was so concerned about Chinas hypersonic capabilities, wouldnt the Biden administration be vowing to dedicate whatever resources necessary to rapidly enhance our missile defenses such that they could neutralize if not render moot the threat of these weapons? Wouldnt it more broadly be seeking to spur a massive qualitative and quantitative military buildup of our own as a further deterrent to Chinainstead of imperiling us with trillions of dollars in needless spending? The Biden Department of Justice snapped to attention almost immediately in response to a farce of a letter from the National School Board Association smearing concerned parents as potential domestic terrorists, and calling for law enforcement to be sicced on them accordingly. Where is the sense of urgency on the actual greatest threat we face? The responses of other national security and foreign policy officials only further underscore the urgency of the situation. Following Chinas test, Robert Wood, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Conference on Disarmament, told reporters, We just dont know how we can defend against that type of technology. Such a response is unacceptable. As is the response of the unnamed U.S. intelligence officials who found themselves surprised at Chinas advances. While it is possible these officials might have just not been in the know, or playing it coy, what would be the benefit of going on the record with these statements? History suggests they were more likely to have been read in, and truthful. Time and again, Americas national security apparatus has found itself blindsided by Chinas military developments over the last two decades. Biden administration Asia czar Kurt Campbell was telling National Public Radio in 2005, reflecting on studies he had overseen on Chinas military modernization years earlier, that China has exceeded, in every area, military modernization that even the far-off estimates of the mid-1990s predicted. Just this past April, we learned that America had been behind the curve in its understanding of Chinas nuclear production capabilities, which have put China well ahead of the pace necessary to double their nuclear stockpile by the end of the decade, according to the chief of Strategic Command Adm. Charles Richard. Meanwhile, this missile test comes amid the latest annual report, just out from The Heritage Foundation, on Americas military power. Its assessment? Our armed forces are only marginally able to meet the demands of defending Americas vital national interests. Any serious response from America would demand that we, one, develop more lethal and sophisticated weapons, and defenses against those of our adversarieson the assumption our enemies will advance and proliferate these and other catastrophic ones; two, rebuild our intelligence capability so we are never blindsided by the likes of communist China, and reorient it away from targeting Wrongthinking Americans; and three, further demonstrate our understanding of the China threat by decoupling from it in every strategically significant sector. And this is before we get into actively confronting China when and where necessary. Absent such a response, this hypersonic missile test will be looked back on as just one more episode in which the Chinese regime made its malign intentions crystal clear, and America shrugged. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Britain's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss waits to greet three Baltic Foreign Ministers to Chevening House in Sevenoaks, south of London, on Oct. 11, 2021. (Hollie Adams /pool/AFP via Getty Images) UK Cannot Be Strategically Dependent on China: Foreign Secretary Britain cannot become strategically dependent on China and must work with reliable partners on its critical national infrastructure, UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has said. Truss, who replaced Dominic Raab as UK foreign secretary in a reshuffle last month, is currently on a visit to India to discuss security and defence links with the South Asian giant. In an interview with The Telegraph, Truss said that Britain will continue to trade with China, but its important that we dont become strategically dependent. Asked about the involvement of Chinese state-owned companies in UK nuclear power plants, Truss said: I think its very important that we dont become strategically dependent and I think its important that we make sure that were working, particularly in areas of critical national infrastructure, with reliable partners. There are other areas like quantum, artificial intelligence, cyber security where we need to make sure the partners were innovating with are reliable and there is a bond of trust there, she was quoted as saying. Truss also stressed the importance of diversity in the UKs supply chains for pharmaceutical products, which she said was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic that was caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. She said the UK needs to build a network of liberty around the world with like-minded partners. Were winning the battle for economic influence for those countries that believe in free enterprise, that believe in democracy, as opposed to non-market economies which include China, she said. On the final day of her two-day visit to India, Truss will tour the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, which is taking part in a series of exercises with the Indian military. It is part of the carrier strike groups deployment to the Indo-Pacific amid heightened tensions with China in the region. The Foreign Office said Truss would be seeking to take forward work on the joint 2030 Roadmap agreed earlier this year by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on maritime security, cyber security, and counter terrorism. It reflects the growing tilt towards the Indo-Pacific set out in the UK governments Integrated Review of foreign and defence policy. Closer defence and security partnerships between the UK and India underpin deeper economic ties and make both countries, as well as the wider region, safer, Truss said in a statement. We need to protect our sea and trade routes and, operating from a position of strength, be hard-headed in defending our interests and challenging unfair practices. PA contributed to this report. Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak arrives at The Sun's Who Cares Wins Awards in London, Britain, on Sept. 14, 2021. (May James/Reuters) UK Finance Chief Rules out More COVID-19 Lockdowns Britains finance minister Rishi Sunak has ruled out more COVID-19 lockdowns, saying in a newspaper interview that there must not be a return to significant economic restrictions. In an interview with The Times of London published on Saturday, Sunak, the chancellor of the Exchequer, said that Britain is in a different phase of battling the pandemic due to the vaccine scheme and that the economy is the priority now. I think were just in a very different place to where we were a year ago because of the vaccine, he said. Theres this enormous wave of protection, and that changes things. Thats our first line of defence. Theres a range of options that are available, and those are not options that involve lockdowns or very significant economic restrictions, he added. The UK government lifted all CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus restrictions on July 19 in England. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK economy grew faster in August as the end of lockdown restrictions gave a boost to the service sector. UK government ministers have repeatedly rejected calls for the implementation of the so-called Plan B, a backup strategy that involves measures such as vaccine passports and mandatory face coverings in public places. Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng told the BBC on Oct. 20 that the return to normal life had been very hard-won and that the government doesnt feel that its the time for Plan B right now. He told Sky News that discussions of more lockdowns or restrictions on holidays are completely unhelpful. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday that further lockdowns were unlikely. Ive got to tell you at the moment that we see absolutely nothing to indicate that thats on the cards at all, he said on a visit to the vaccination centre in west London. Businesses, especially in the hospitality sector, are worried about new lockdown measures that might be imposed during the winter season. Industry body UK Hospitality warned on Saturday that businesses will not survive another winter of lockdown restrictions. Kate Nicholls, CEO of the group, told Times Radio, We have already lost 12,000 businesses. She said consumers will not go out and socialise if the government puts a work-from-home order in place. If you move towards vaccine passports, we know from Ireland and other places that they have affected footfall. We could be looking at a second winter where hospitality is running at half its revenue, she added. PA contributed to this report. Members of Amhara special forces stand guard on the Ethiopia-Eritrean border near the town of Humera in Ethiopia, on July 1, 2021. (Stringer/Reuters) UN Plane Aborts Landing as Air Strike Hits Ethiopias Tigray ADDIS ABABAAn Ethiopian government air strike on the capital of the northern Tigray region on Friday forced a U.N. aid flight to abort a landing there, the United Nations said. In neighboring Amhara region, people were fleeing intensified fighting. Humanitarian sources and the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), which controls the area, said a university in the regional capital Mekelle was hit by the air strike. Government spokesman Legesse Tulu said a former military base occupied by TPLF fighters was targeted, and he denied the university was hit. Reuters was not able to independently confirm either account. TPLF-controlled Tigrai TV reported that 11 civilians were wounded in the air strike. It was at least the fourth day this week that Mekelle had been attacked. The United Nations suspended all flights to Mekelle after a U.N. plane with 11 passengers had to abort landing on Friday. The flight from Addis Ababa had been cleared by federal authorities but was told by the Mekelle airport control tower to abort the landing, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said This is the first time that we had a flight turn around, at least to my knowledge, in the recent past in Ethiopia because of air strikes on the ground, senior U.N. aid official Gemma Connell, who heads U.N. humanitarian operations in southern and eastern Africa, told reporters in New York on Friday. The passengers were aid workers traveling to a region where some 7 million people, including 5 million in Tigray, need humanitarian help, she said. The flight safely returned to the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, Dujarric said. The Whole City Is Panicking The two sides have been fighting for almost a year in a conflict that has killed thousands of people and displaced more than two million amid a power struggle between the TPLF and the central government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa. The TPLF dominated the Horn of Africa countrys ruling party for decades before Abiy, who is not a Tigrayan, took office in 2018. The government has stepped up air strikes on the Tigray capital as fighting has escalated in Amhara, a neighbouring region where the TPLF has seized territory that the government and allied armed Amhara armed groups are trying to recover. Residents in Dessie, a city in Amhara, told Reuters people were fleeing, a day after a TPLF spokesperson said its forces were within artillery range of the town. The whole city is panicking, a resident said, adding that people who could were leaving. He said he could hear the sound of heavy gunfire on Thursday night and into the morning, and that the bus fare to Addis Ababa, about 385 km (240 miles) to the south, had increased more than six-fold. There are now more than 500,000 displaced people in the Amhara region, the National Disaster Risk Management Commission told Reuters. Seid Assefa, a local official working at a coordination centre for displaced people in Dessie, said 250 people had fled there this week from fighting in the Girana area to the north. We now have a total of 900 (displaced people) here and we finished our food stocks three days ago. Leul Mesfin, medical director of Dessie Hospital, told Reuters two girls and an adult had died this week at his facility of wounds from artillery fire in the town of Wuchale, which both the government and the TPLF have described as the scene of heavy fighting over the past week. Action4Canada founder Tanya Gaw speaks during a rally organized by longshore workers outside Transport Canadas offices in downtown Vancouver on Oct. 22, 2021. (Jeff Sandes/The Epoch Times) Vancouver Rallies Highlight Opposition to Vaccine Mandates, Unfair Media Coverage Longshore workers protest in front of Transport Canadas Vancouver offices Several hundred people gathered on a rainy afternoon in Vancouver on Oct. 22 as two different rallies were held to protest growing government COVID-19 vaccination mandates and decry the media coverage surrounding them. One of the rallies, which was quickly organized by a handful of longshoremen, took place in front of Transport Canadas Vancouver offices as a preemptive protest against an upcoming vaccine mandate not all workers feel comfortable with. Members from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) is expecting Transport Canada to announce on Oct. 30 an agreement with the Vancouver Port Authority where all employees who work on Port Authority land will have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. ILWU president Rob Ashton has asserted the unions opposition to a mandate, while illustrating how longshoremen have continued to work during the pandemic without any disruption to the supply of goods that come through British Columbias ports, and with no devastating virus outbreaks. ILWU Canada has concerns with the potential of mandatory vaccination policies and has reached out to the Government of Canada to meet and discuss the details of these new regulations, Ashton said in a statement on the unions website in August, after the federal government announced its plan to mandate vaccinations for federally regulated workplaces. We also have concerns that this mandate could potentially hand employers overreaching powers, with workers bearing the consequences. The ILWU represents over 7,200 longshore workers in B.C. Some longshoremen who spoke at the Oct. 22 rally talked about the pending crisis unfolding throughout North America with merchant ships stranded at sea because of poor policy and government interference, while others encouraged the crowd to be resilient and strive to keep their jobs and freedoms despite the pressure surrounding vaccine mandates. Tanya, Gaw, founder of the Action4Canada movement, generated some of the loudest cheers when she spoke passionately about standing up for Canadians rights. No doctor or provincial legislation can pretend that any measure can override the charter or other constitutional rights, she said. [B.C. Provincial Health Officer] Bonnie Henry has no power to be doing what shes doing. We need warriors, Gaw continued, because the government has waged war against us. Protesters hold signs during a rally outside the CBC building in Vancouver on Oct. 22, 2021. (Jeff Sandes/The Epoch Times) On the other side of Vancouvers downtown, demonstrators gathered outside the CBC building to protest the coverage of the pandemic. The keynote speaker was Polish-Canadian Leszek Szostak, also known by his pseudonym Joseph Conrad after the legendary Polish writer of the same name. Szostak, who has a following primarily in Poland of close to 150,000, discussed propaganda, and how he feels the media has unfairly used government talking points when covering the pandemic. While the CBC served as a backdrop to the protest, Szostak emphasized the issue was not only with that particular media outlet. Its not just Canada, its across the planet, he said. Entrepreneur Francois Naudi supports the reason for the rallies and made time to attend. I felt it proper to be here and enjoy the company of like-minded people that are fighting for our rights and our freedoms, and segregation [of the unvaccinated] doesnt seem proper for a lot of us, he said. We might be the small numbers being exposed to this, the ones that are prepared to risk it all and lose that paycheque, but Im here to support that choice. Allen Forrest, who attended both rallies, and emphasized his duty to also show his support, as well as highlight the information many cant access. They [government] are going to take everything away from people, Forrest said. If we dont stand up now and let people know that what the media is telling them is completely wrong, that theres an alternate side to this, theyre going to get their great reset. Its going to be really hard to reach some people because so many of them are into this Stockholm Syndrome where theyre defending their captors. But weve got to do everything we can to reach as many as possible. More rallies are scheduled in the coming weeks in Vancouver, including a solidarity rally for health-care workers on Oct. 26, and a stand for freedom rally co-ordinated by The Freedom Organization on Nov. 20. Warrant: Baldwin Didnt Know Weapon Contained Live Round SANTA FE, N.M.An assistant director unwittingly handed Alec Baldwin a loaded weapon and told him it was safe to use in the moments before the actor fatally shot a cinematographer, court records released Friday show. Cold gun, the assistant director announced, according to a search warrant filed in a Santa Fe court. Instead, the gun was loaded with live rounds, and when Baldwin pulled the trigger Thursday on the set of a Western, he killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Director Joel Souza, who was standing behind her, was wounded, the records said. The Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office obtained the warrant Friday so investigators could document the scene at the ranch outside Santa Fe where the shooting took place. They sought to examine Baldwins blood-stained costume for the film Rust, as well as the weapon that was fired, other prop guns and ammunition, and any footage that might exist. The gun was one of three that the films armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, had set on a cart outside the wooden structure where a scene was being acted, according to the records. Assistant director Dave Halls grabbed the gun from the cart and brought it inside to Baldwin, unaware that it was loaded with live rounds, a detective wrote in the search warrant application. It was unclear how many rounds were fired. Gutierrez removed a shell casing from the gun after the shooting, and she turned the weapon over to police when they arrived, the court records say. Halls did not immediately return phone and email messages seeking comment. The Associated Press was unable to contact Gutierrez, and several messages sent to production companies affiliated with the film were not immediately returned Friday. The films script supervisor, Mamie Mitchell, said she was standing next to Hutchins when she was shot. I ran out and called 911 and said Bring everybody, send everybody, Mitchell told The Associated Press. This woman is gone at the beginning of her career. She was an extraordinary, rare, very rare woman. Mitchell said she and other crew members were attending a private memorial service Friday night in Santa Fe. Baldwin described the killing as a tragic accident. There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. Im fully cooperating with the police investigation, Baldwin wrote on Twitter. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna. No immediate charges were filed, and sheriffs spokesman Juan Rios said Baldwin was permitted to travel. Hes a free man, Rios said. Images of the 63-year-old actorknown for his roles in 30 Rock and The Hunt for Red October and his impression of former President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Liveshowed him distraught outside the sheriffs office on Thursday. Guns used in making movies are sometimes real weapons that can fire either bullets or blanks, which are gunpowder charges that produce a flash and a bang but no deadly projectile. Even blanks can eject hot gases and paper or plastic wadding from the barrel that can be lethal at close range. That proved to be the case in the death of an actor in 1984. In another on-set accident in 1993, the actor Brandon Lee was killed after a bullet was left in a prop gun, and similar shootings have occurred involving stage weapons that were loaded with live rounds. Gun-safety protocol on sets in the United States has improved since then, said Steven Hall, a veteran director of photography in Britain. But he said one of the riskiest positions to be in is behind the camera because that person is in the line of fire in scenes where an actor appears to point a gun at the audience. Sheriffs deputies responded about 2 p.m. to the movie set at the Bonanza Creek Ranch after 911 calls described a person being shot there, Rios said. The ranch has been used in dozens of films, including the recent Tom Hanks Western News of the World. Hutchins, 42, worked as director of photography on the 2020 action film Archenemy starring Joe Manganiello. She was a 2015 graduate of the American Film Institute and was named a rising star by American Cinematographer in 2019. Im so sad about losing Halyna. And so infuriated that this could happen on a set, said Archenemy director Adam Egypt Mortimer on Twitter. She was a brilliant talent who was absolutely committed to art and to film. Manganiello called Hutchins an incredible talent and a great person on his Instagram account. He said he was lucky to have worked with her. After the shooting, production was halted on Rust. The movie is about a 13-year-old boy who is left to fend for himself and his younger brother following the death of their parents in 1880s Kansas, according to the Internet Movie Database website. The teen goes on the run with his long-estranged grandfather (played by Baldwin) after the boy is sentenced to hang for the accidental killing of a local rancher. Lee, son of martial arts star Bruce Lee, died in 1993 after being hit by a .44-caliber slug while filming a death scene for the movie The Crow. The gun was supposed to have fired a blank, but an autopsy turned up a bullet lodged near his spine. In 1984, actor Jon-Erik Hexum died after shooting himself in the head with a prop gun blank while pretending to play Russian roulette with a .44 Magnum on the set of the television series Cover Up. Such shootings have also happened during historical reenactments. In 2015, an actor staging a historical gunfight in Tombstone, Arizona, was shot and wounded with a live round during a show that was supposed to use blanks. In Hill City, South Dakota, a tourist town that recreates an Old West experience, three spectators were wounded in 2011 when a re-enactor fired real bullets instead of blanks. By Morgan Lee, Susan Montoya Bryan, and Cedar Attanasio What Can California Learn From Arizona? Commentary Driving from Orange County to Phoenix was bumper-to-bumper traffic of cars, SUVs, and semi trucks. It was the worst Id seen in 34 years of making the drive. I quipped to a friend in a text, Everybody is moving to AZ, TX, FL. It used to be said, Everything starts in California. Now its mainly harmful policies people are fleeing: The countrys highest taxes and homelessness rates. Crazed legislation and regulation. An attitude of expecting the citizens will put up with an endless series of abuses to live in great weather. But what if we really want to fix California? I would suggest: Emulate Arizona. Formerly little more than a desert, then a home for Rust Belt retirees avoiding winter blizzards, the Grand Canyon State has developed into a major economic force. In my previous article from Phoenix, I mentioned meeting a crane operator in my hotel working 85-hour weeks. I just met two more workers, this time with orange company t-shirts emblazoned with: W&W Steel Erectors. One was a white woman about 35, the other a Latino man about 40. I asked where they were from and what they were building. They said New York and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing plant. The project will take up to 10 years. I also mentioned TSM in my previous article, and that the construction cost will be $12 billion. This is the kind of plant we used to have in California. Apples early Apple II and Macintosh computers were made in Silicon Valley plants before moving manufacturing to the Peoples Republic of China. Although the workers were from New York, according to Dunn & Bradstreet, W&W Steel Erectors, LLC is located in Oklahoma City, OK, United States and is part of the Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing Industry. There are 160 companies in the W&W Steel Erectors, LLC corporate family. What can California do to begin attracting such jobs again? First, lets begin with taxes. As I noted in my previous article, Gov. Doug Ducey just signed a bill instituting a 2.5 percent flat tax. For California, economist Arthur Laffer has repeatedly proposed a flat tax of about 5.5 percent. That would be down from the top current rate of 13.3 percent, the highest of any state. It would raise the same amount of revenue. Whenever this proposal comes up, Democrats scream, But the rich should pay their fair share! But the rich dont pay any income tax share at all if they move to a low-tax state. They also dont pay property taxes, sales taxes, and business taxes in California. And they dont invest in businesses in California that employ middle-class workers such as those I met in Arizona. Second, cut the silliness. Thats the word used by Patrick Ptak, senior vice president of executive initiatives at the Arizona Commerce Authority, about the nonsense that goes on in California. (For reference, check almost any of my previous Epoch Times articles on such issues as Californias gun control laws that disarm honest citizens, Critical Race Theory (CRT) indoctrination, and excessive COVID-19 lockdowns and vaccine mandates.) To take just one example, Arizona has no requirement for a certificate to carry a concealed gun for anyone over 21 whos not a felon. By contrast, California has complicated rules dependent on the whims of local sheriffs. Ptak quoted Gov. Doug Ducey, who said, We are a state that still believes in common sense. Ptak also said even the states Democrats are pro-growth. A good example is Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. Along with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), shes holding up President Bidens Build Back Better scheme that would waste another $3.5 trillion because it costs way too much and would raise taxes. Housing is another irony between California and Arizona. Californias Democrats strongly favor open borders and maximum immigrationbut wont allow enough housing to be built to house all those new Americans. By contrast, Arizonas ruling Republicans are for strong border control, but favor building enough housing for anyone who comes there. If you come, they will build it. California should learn (or re-learn) that population is going to keep going up, so housing must be built. Even the slight population decline in California the past couple of years wont last long. Jerry Browns Era of Limits from the 1970s was more fictional than the planet Tatooine from the 1977 movie Star Wars. Ptak also mentioned how Arizona tries to be consistent in its business policies. We wont pull the rug out from under you, he said. That contrasts with the many irrational laws California passes each year, as I detailed in my Epoch Times series of four articles on some of the laws passed just this past year. Ive been in the private sector most of my life, and one thing businesses need more than any other is consistency of government policy. Thats the only way companies can plan for the future. A final suggestion from Arizona is to advance school choice. For starters, California needs to stop following the lead of the California Teachers Association in attacking charter schools. Charters are a key element to improving education for all students. Most recently, the Legislature passed and Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 101, which mandates CRT indoctrination in all California schools, including charters. But charters exist to avoid such bureaucratic, time-wasting nonsense. In Arizona, by contrast, parents are empowered here, Ptak said. To help minority students, instead of CRT, Arizona is improving choice for parents and students. Micro schools popped up during the pandemic in lower income areas. The state also has Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, which helps students who are disabled, or from military and Native American families, go to private schools, as well as get tutoring. Anyone can donate to such accounts to earmark help for specific students. Americas 50 states are called the crucibles of democracy. New ideas can be tried out in one or a few states, then, if they work, spread to other states. In recent years, California has dropped the innovation ball. It can pick it up from other states, beginning with the great ideas bouncing up in Arizona. Addendum: After checking out the developments in Arizona, I drove back to Orange County on the I-10. Traffic turned out just as thick going west as when I left to go east. Maybe a lot of people are still going back to California. I was happy to be back home and breathe the fresh, Pacific Ocean air. I guess Ill stay. For now. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Trucks line up to cross the border with the United States at Otay Mesa Commercial Port of Entry in Tijuana, Mexico on Jan. 22, 2018. (Guillermo Arias/AFP/Getty Images/TNS) When Truckers Voted to Unionize, Their Employer Retaliated With Illegal Layoffs, Judge Rules By Suhauna Hussain From Los Angeles Times Weeks after a group of port truck drivers voted to unionize, they opened their mailboxes to find termination notices from their employer. That letter was a violation of federal labor law, a judge ruled Tuesday in a decision that will reinstate the terminated drivers with back pay and interest. The drivers worked for Universal Intermodal, an affiliate of Universal Logistics Holdings, which operates several companies that transport freight containers and merchandise flowing through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. They are some of the busiest ports in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in recent weeks with a massive supply chain bottleneck causing gridlock at the Port of L.A. The group of about 30 drivers voted to join a local of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Administrative Law Judge Michael A. Rosas found in his ruling that the company was in violation of federal labor law on multiple counts. He said that the company unlawfully interrogated and fired two employees leading union efforts and that once workers at the facility unionized, it slashed their hours, closed the Compton facility where many of them worked, and laid off the unionized workers in order to punish them for organizing. The company laid off about 70 employees in total from facilities in Compton and Fontana, including workers employed by its Roadrunner and Universal Trucking subsidiaries. Rosas found in his ruling that the company laid off these other workers to crack down on future union activity by getting rid of all employee drivers who were or could be tainted by the union, and then moving forward with plans to hire new untainted employee drivers days after the layoff, the judge wrote. Judge Rosas today made clear that the Universal group of companies violated the law at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in a blatant effort to trample on employees fundamental right to form a union, Ron Herrera, the Teamsters port division director, said in a statement. We cannot allow any corporation, no matter how big, to ignore the law, especially as drivers work tirelessly to address the backlog at the ports and supply our community with the goods they need this holiday season. Universal Logistics Holdings did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Universal Logistics labor counsel John Ferrer disputed the allegation that the company closed the Compton facility in response to union activities, writing in a letter referenced in Rosas ruling that it made the decision to close the facility and lay off port drivers before the unions certification for legitimate business reasons. Labor costs were not a factor in the decision to close the terminal, Ferrer wrote. Richard Tatge worked for Universal Logistics at its yard in Fontana for almost two years. The San Bernardino resident connected with the Teamsters in August 2019 and began organizing his co-workers. At first, he had few complaints with the job, Tatge said in an interview in March. But the longer he worked the more he worried about the precariousness of his position. Grievances piled up. Tatge worked 10- to 14-hour days, the cost of medical insurance ate up a huge chunk of his paycheck and the company failed to cover basic truck maintenance. Tatge said turnover among supervisors was high, making it difficult for them to follow through and fix issues raised by drivers. It was very much like, If you cant handle the work, you need to leave,' Tatge said. We saw that happening, and we knew we didnt have much security in that job. Workers voted to unionize on Dec. 4, 2019. Two days later, the company decided to close its Compton facility. Drivers workloads were reduced, and shortly after, they received notices of termination. The laid-off drivers workloads were transferred to contracted truckers, also known as owner-operators. In late December 2019, the company solicited applications for employee port driver positions at a facility just four miles north of the Compton facility. The company did not offer those positions to laid-off workers, according to the ruling. Company and union representatives discussed a potential settlement of the unfair labor practice charges, but those discussions crumbled. At one point, the companys director of labor and contractual relations, Michael Vagts, sent a laid-off worker who was asking to be reimbursed for some gas expenses a $250 check along with a signed confidential settlement agreement and general release. The check paystub noted that the payment was for a National Labor Relations Board settlement. The worker did not sign the agreement or cash the check. A Teamsters organizer wrote to Vagts demanding he cease and desist from engaging directly with workers on a settlement agreement. Not only does this settlement agreement contain illegal provisions, but the attempt to require (a worker) to waive his vast array of rights for $250 is shameful, the organizer wrote. Signing such an agreement would have waived the workers right to more than seven months of back pay, the judge noted. Rosas ruling requires that Universal Logistics recognize the union within two weeks as the bargaining representative of all full-time and regular part-time port drivers working or dispatched out of the company facility in Compton. Universal Logistics is also required to bargain in good faith with the union regarding wages, hours and working conditions, and if an agreement is reached with the union, sign a document containing that agreement. The NLRB first charged Universal Logistics back in March with about 20 violations of federal labor law. The case was tried remotely via Zoom video conference in June. State lawmakers and labor advocates have sought to boost protections for truckerswho are often classified as independent contractors and therefore ineligible for basic labor protections, such as the ability to collectively bargain for wagesand crack down on misclassification of drivers. Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 338, written by state Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), that aims to hold retailers accountable when they contract with trucking companies that have repeatedly engaged in driver misclassification. Although workers at Universal Logistics sought to join the Teamsters for more comprehensive protections, another freight transportation company, XPO Logistics, filed a petition for an NLRB-administered vote to remove Teamsters representation from the workplace. Teamsters officials voluntarily backed out Wednesday rather than move forward with the vote, according to a news release from the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, which provided free legal assistance to the petitioners. 2021 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Clockwise from left: Calvin Chrustie, senior security and critical risk consultant at InterVentis Global; Anders Corr, author and publisher of the Journal of Political Risk; author and investigative journalist Sam Cooper; and Dean Baxendale, president of Optimum Publishing International, which hosted the panel discussion on Oct. 21, 2021. (Screenshot/The Epoch Times) Willful Blindness: Experts Weigh In on Money Laundering, CCPs Transnational Criminal Activity Investigative journalist Sam Coopers revelations of money laundering and communist Chinas involvement in transnational criminal activities on Canadian soil was the topic of a panel discussion on Oct. 21, with one expert saying that Ottawa should do a better job of keeping the public informed. Coopers book, Wilful Blindness: How a Network of Narcos, Tycoons and CCP Agents Infiltrated the West, details his investigation of suspicious money-laundering activities in Vancouvers casinos. Following the money trail, he uncovers the intricate connections between drug trafficking organizations in Canada, Hong Kong triads, and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The book reveals how these criminal activities fuelled the opioid crisis in Canada while driving real estate prices so high as to become unaffordable for many, and how the hands of law enforcement officials were oftentimes tied due to pressure from politicians. Cooper was one of the speakers at the panel discussion, which also included Calvin Chrustie, a senior security and critical risk consultant at InterVentis Global, and Anders Corr, an author and publisher of the Journal of Political Risk. The moderator was Dean Baxendale, CEO of the China Democracy Foundation and the president of Optimum Publishing International, which hosted the event. Cooper said that through access to confidential records, he learned that many suspects of transnational crimes attended the CCPs United Front Work Department meetings in Vancouver, where they rubbed shoulders with elite Canadian politicians. We could see so-called cash-for-access political donation activity there, we could see politicians that would seem to start to pick up the line of the Chinese state, he said. And this wasnt just my recognitionif we had been listening to Chinese Canadians and Hong Kong Canadians that have been sources for CSIS [Canadian Security Intelligence Service] for two decades, theyd be telling the very same story that I revealed, he said. Chrustie, an internationally recognized expert in transnational organized crime and covert money laundering operations, said that when he was the intelligence officer for the RCMP in British Columbia, starting around 2007 there was an escalation of violence in the province involving other gangs in concert with the Chinese triad networks. Not only were the triads activeand they had been for a number of years, a decade or two before that with the Big Circle gangsbut there was an emerging threat that was inclusive of the triads, and that was the Middle Eastern organized crime networks, the Iranian networks, he said. Cooper outlines in the book how the Big Circle Boys, a powerful transnational drug cartel with ties to corrupt Chinese officials, real estate tycoons, and industrialists, were able to gain influence over significant portions of Canadas economy due to decades of bad policy. Sam Coopers book Wilful Blindness: How a Network of Narcos, Tycoons and CCP Agents Infiltrated the West was released on May 20, 2021. (Optimum Publishing International) As for why the Canadian government seems to be ignoring this growing threat, Chrustie said that in federal institutions theres been a historical concern in terms of risk aversion in terms of educating the public in terms of what type of information we were in possession of, and sharing that in educating the public. Theres been a focus, hey, just investigate, just collect intelligence, he said. But as you do all those things if youre not educating the public in terms of whats going on its going to be a problem. On that front, he said, countries such as the United States, Australia, UK, and Israel where intelligence is part of society do better than Canada. In Canada, people can say theres laws preventing it, and Im sure theres impediments there, but we havent done a good job until I think in the last year or so actually having these public discussions about it. Chrustie said there are certain individuals as well as the media who downgrade the seriousness of the problems, something that was also evident during the Cullen Commissions inquiry into money laundering in B.C., at which he testified. I dont know if theyre doing any favours to anybody in terms of not bringing forward the real issues and sugarcoating the seriousness of the threat, he said. Parallels Around the World Corr described Coopers book as a tour de force of the links between the CCP and Chinese Communist Party gangs in Canada. What I want to impress upon folks is that what Sam has detailed very closely in his book, there are parallels around the world that have not been as closely detailed, he told the panel. What we see is a general pattern of Chinese Communist Party influence and utilization of whatever kind of bad actors, rogue actors, in the world that you see today, whether thats Russia, which is arguably a bad actor, a rogue state, North Korea, Iran. This is kind of the background, the global backdrop, he explained. I think what makes Sams book so important is that he goes into very deep detail in a way that we dont have other places but we really should. He said the CCP also supports the Taliban in Afghanistan, and with the terrorist organization now in power, Beijing has access to trillions of dollars worth of natural resources. The Chinese Communist Party has had a huge victory in Afghanistan. They were waiting in the wings for this, he said. Weve really made a huge blunder in Afghanistan, and weve handed the country to China basically. As the Chinese regime grows increasingly more aggressive politically and militarily, Corr warned that the world should not let its guard down. [China] is going to continue to rise, and the people who are claiming that its going to plateau for demographic reasons, I dont really think that theyre thinking about how the CCP is able to influence capital cities around the world to do things that are absolutely against their [own] interests, economically, militarily, and otherwise, he said. A large African elephant deftly stands on two feet as it reaches for tall branches with its trunk, at Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe. (Getty Images) Zimbabwe: Your Dream Safari From remote safaris to walking encounters with animals, Zimbabwe offers a wealth of options From the plane, it looks like smoke from a large fire in the distance. But as you get closer, you can see a giant crack in the earth releasing a cloud of spray that rises high into the sky. This is Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke that Thunders), widely known as Victoria Falls, one of Africas most iconic places and a U.N. Education, Science, and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site. The falls lie on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, where the Zambezi River widens to more than a mile and, like a curtain, its waters tumble over the long edge into a gorge as deep as 360 feet. The mists rush up out of the abyss soaking admirers. The water flows from the Zambia side, so the best waterfall views come from Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is enough of a reason to go to Zimbabwe, but the rest of the country offers a wealth of safari opportunities. The government protects nearly 18,000 square miles of natural habitat, about 12 percent of the nations total area. This commitment to conservation put them in partnership with neighboring countries, forming larger preserves that help protect animal migration routes. The Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, which includes Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, and Hwange, protects an area the size of France. Where to Go Charlie Slater of Remote Recreation plans customized safari-centric trips throughout Africa and beyond. Zimbabwe is very old school, he said. Their safari industry has missed the last 20 years commercializationwhich is a very, very good thing for people who want an authentic African safari, Slater said. Victoria Falls is often the arrival airport for travelers and the falls themselves create quite a welcome or farewellor both. Nearby Zambezi National Park offers safari experiences, and the river itself is popular for thrilling whitewater rafting tours. An hours drive from Victoria Falls is Hwange National Park, 5,657 square miles with grasslands where you can see lions, leopards, and hyenas, as well as large herds of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, giraffes, and zebras. Stay in a houseboat on Lake Kariba, which straddles the border, or try a safari in adjoining Matusadona National Park, where youll find the Big Five safari. Mana Pools National Park is part of the countrys second World Heritage Site. Situated next to the Zambezi in the north, the park and its floodplain maintain ecologically significant wetlands, where one can see abundant wildlife and more than 350 species of birds. Lions circle the watering hole at Chitake Spring each morning. You can go on canoeing and walking safaris there. Gonarezhou National Park and Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve are more remote and require a bush flight, but the payoff is great. Gonarezhou, meaning Place of Many Elephants earns its name with more than 11,000 of them, one of the highest densities of the gracious giants on the continent, while all the big cats are residents as well. In the Eastern Highlands, along the Mozambican border, the climate is cooler and mountainous, with a rolling green landscape rich with gorges, rivers, and waterfallsbest suited for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and birding. (Courtesy of Remote Recreation) (Courtesy of Remote Recreation) Go on Walkabout Zimbabwe is the best place for a walking safari, which is as it sounds: The traveler on foot in the bush meeting elephants or even lions in their domain. Looking up at a bull elephant, with a full appreciation for its enormity and power, is something youll never forget, and consider the adrenaline rush as you follow in the footprints of lions. Sounds like madness, but it isnt. Walking safaris are common and safe in Zimbabwe, a credit to the demanding training thats required for certified guides. It can take as many as five years to gain the requisite expert knowledge as a naturalist, as well as extensive training in driving, first aid, and handling weapons. Julian Brookstein has been guiding for 15 years, after a grueling training and testing period as a walking-safari guide. I can only walk the way I do in Zimbabwe. Other countries are either tamer walking or no walking at all, Brookstein said. Nothing compares to having a guide whose expert eye and bush sense puts you right on top of a pride of lions lazing about after a mealand not just to show you, but to tell you what youre looking at. Expert guides, such as Julian Brookstein (C), give invaluable insight. (Courtesy of Remote Recreation) The Perfect Combination Zimbabwe has only really come up on the general tourist radar rather recently, though it has so much to offer. The popularity of other destinations translates to a dozen safari jeeps encircling a pride of lions. Thats not the case in Zimbabwe. Now is the time to visit. Whether you book a luxurious private villa overlooking Lake Kariba, a tented camp inside a park, or something in between, it all comes with great Zimbabwean hospitality. Combine this with abundant wildlife and with some of the best guides on the continent, and you have yourself a most unforgettable safari. If You Go When to Go: May-October is dry and best for game viewing, but it gets hot in September and October. Victoria Falls is best at the end of the rainy season between April and May. August through December offers the best whitewater rafting. Give yourself about 10 to 14 days and try to visit at least three parks for three days, with morning and afternoon game drives. Packing: Pack lightweight, light-colored clothes, including fleece for nights, and use soft travel bags. Theyre better for jeeps and small planes. WESTLAKE, Texas (AP) Anna Salton Eisen found the old pictures of Jewish prisoners who survived the Holocaust in a folder her late father, George Lucius Salton, kept most of his life. The Texas woman recognized the names of some of the teens and young men from stories her father told. For three years, the baby-faced captives lived among the dead and dying in barracks and boxcars as Nazi captors moved them from Poland to France to Germany. But suddenly, the familiar names had faces. Seeing the faces of all of them really brought the story to life, said Eisen, who discovered the photos while moving her mother, Ruth Salton, 99, from Florida to the Dallas area this past summer. Eisen, 62, said she felt compelled to learn more about the confidants who had meant so much to her father, who died at age 88 in 2016. George Salton was 17 when the U.S. Army liberated the Wobbelin concentration camp in Germany on May 2, 1945. Over the next few years, the survivors scattered around the world. Most lost touch with each other. But 76 years after American soldiers cut down the barbed wire and fulfilled the prisoners impossible dream of freedom, Eisen set out to bring together the survivors loved ones. Thanks to the speed of modern technology, she succeeded. As Eisen began her research, she relied on names written in pencil on the picture backs or mentioned repeatedly in Saltons 2002 book, The 23rd Psalm: A Holocaust Memorial. As she combed through Nazi-era data, official documents, concentration camp lists and post-war records stored online through the Arolsen Archives at the International Center on Nazi Persecution in Germany, the Holocaust survivors daughter verified survivors names and dates of birth. Through Ancestry.com, Eisen explored passenger lists of ships that took Holocaust survivors to other countries, Social Security cards documenting name changes, and obituaries and family trees. Google and Facebook searches led Eisen to the children and grandchildren of her fathers friends, most of whom never knew until now the full story of what their loved ones experienced. Todd Nussen, a high school history teacher in Oceanside, New York, reacted with shock and excitement when Eisen texted him in late July to ask about his namesake grandfather, Tobias Nussen, who died at age 52 in 1973. Now I have details. Now I have facts, the 40-year-old educator said. As a result of Eisens research, family members of eight Holocaust survivors met for the first time on a recent Sunday. Some exchanged hugs and tears in person at a New Jersey hotel suite. Others connected via Zoom from Israel, Sweden and Texas. It just gave me the chills, Bobbie Ziff, 67, a resident of Jackson, New Jersey, said of the emotional gathering, which came together less than four months after the photos discovery. Ziff is the daughter of Tobias Nussen and the aunt of Todd Nussen. In America, her father built a new life and owned a Brooklyn, New York, luncheonette, Ziff said. He never talked about the Holocaust, but he often endured nightmares and screamed in his sleep. Pictured in another of the photos that Eisen found: Motek Hoffstetter. His daughter Aviva Findler, a retired high school teacher who lives in Tel Aviv, Israel, said her father, like many other survivors, refused to talk about the Holocaust. During the meeting, I found out he was very respected by his friends, which made me really proud and sad, Findler said. For much of his life, Eisens own father believed in keeping the past in the past. Fellow survivors did the same, not wanting to dwell on their rotten teeth or explain why they refused to waste even a single piece of bread. Its a wound, Ruth Salton said of what she and her husband of 63 years experienced growing up. We didnt want any of our kids to carry the stuff that we lived through. George Salton proudly served in the same U.S. Army that had rescued him. He earned degrees in physics and electrical engineering. He worked in a high-level role at the Pentagon and held an executive position in the aerospace industry. But eventually, his three children especially Eisen demanded answers about his childhood. With Eisens help, Salton recounted the details of his familys Holocaust experience in his 2002 memoir. Every day blended with the next, filled with hunger, sleepless nights, hard labor and the constant threat of beatings, selections, and executions, he wrote. For her part, Eisen is writing a book of her own, Pillar of Salt: A Daughters Life in the Shadow of the Holocaust, which is due out next April. She is cooperating with a filmmaker, Jacob Wise, on a documentary based on her fathers experience and its impact on the second generation. Eisen said the book title reflects her Jewish faith. I felt compelled to look back even though I was warned not to, she said, referencing the biblical account of Lots wife turning into a pillar of salt. It was not easy for me to bring these other families the truth. It was painful. But it was their story, and it belonged to them. Its important, she believes, to keep the reality of the Holocaust alive. Aaron Eisen, Annas 30-year-old son, is co-author of Pillar of Salt. My grandfather, when he would give speeches, would say that the Holocaust was incomprehensible, that we cant comprehend how this happened, said Aaron Eisen, who attended the New Jersey gathering. But I think over time we are beginning to comprehend, and what my mother is talking about, is that theres still so much to learn. As Ruth Salton approaches her 100th birthday, even she now understands the importance of telling the story, she said. That is the only way to carry on, she said. Im so happy that the children are interested. The children want to tell the story, and the children can now live and feel what we did feel all our lives. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through The Conversation U.S. The AP is solely responsible for this content. TAPACHULA, Mexico (AP) Over 2,000 migrants, mainly Central Americans, began walking out of a city in southern Mexico on Saturday where they have essentially been trapped. The migrants walked along a highway leading west and north toward the U.S. border, and pushed past a line of state police who were trying to stop them. There were minor scuffles and a small child suffered a slight head wound, but the migrants continued on their way. They made it only a few miles (kilometers) to the nearby village of Alvaro Obregon before stopping to rest for the night at a baseball field. Jose Antonio, a migrant from Honduras who did not want to give his last name because he fears it could affect his case, said he had been waiting in Tapachula for two months for an answer on his request for some sort of visa. They told me I had to wait because the appointments were full, said the construction worker. There is no work there (in Tapachula), so out of necessity I joined this group. He said he hopes to make it to the northern city of Monterrey to find work, adding We'll go on, day by day, to get as far as we can. Police, immigration agents and National Guard have broken up smaller attempts at similar breakouts earlier this year. Tens of thousands of migrants from Honduras, El Salvador and Haiti have been waiting in the southern city of Tapachula for refugee or asylum papers that might allow them to travel, but have grown tired of delays in the process. Unlike previous marches, the one that started Saturday from Tapachula did not include as many Haitian migrants, thousands of whom reached the U.S. border around Del Rio, Texas in September. In August, National Guard troops in riot gear blocked several hundred Haitians, Cubans and Central Americans who set out walking on a highway from Tapachula. Mexico requires migrants applying for humanitarian visas or asylum to remain in the border state of Chiapas, next to Guatemala, for their cases to be processed. In January, a larger caravan of migrants tried to leave Honduras but was blocked from crossing Guatemala. The marches are reminiscent, but nowhere near as large, as the migrant caravans that crossed Mexico in 2018 and 2019. KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) One person was killed and seven others injured Saturday in an explosion at a restaurant in a suburb of Uganda's capital, Kampala, police said. Police said in a statement that a bomb squad had been deployed following a serious blast around 9 p.m. local time. It said detectives would determine whether the explosion arose from an intentional act or not. 3 1 of 3 Shir Shah Hamdard Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Shir Shah Hamdard Show More Show Less 3 of 3 KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) A roadside bombing targeting a Taliban vehicle in eastern Afghanistan killed at least two civilians Saturday, including a child, Taliban and health officials said. Four others were wounded. Two bombs detonated as a Taliban vehicle was passing by, killing one child, district police chief Ismatullah Mubariz said, adding that no Taliban fighters were harmed. Elizabethtown, KY (42701) Today Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 30F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 30F. Winds light and variable. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Submit Here Prop gun fired by Alec Baldwin kills woman on set WORLD: US actor Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun that killed a cinematographer and wounded the director on a film set in New Mexico, US law enforcement officers said yesterday (Oct 21). accidentsdeath By AFP Friday 22 October 2021, 01:05PM Alec Baldwin. Photo: AFP The incident happened on the set of Rust in the southwestern US state, where Baldwin is playing the lead in a 19th century western. Halyna Hutchins and Joel Souza were shot when a prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin, the sheriff in Santa Fe said in a statement. Hutchins, 42, was transported to hospital by helicopter but died of her wounds, while Souza, 48, was taken by ambulance and is receiving treatment. Mr. Baldwin was interviewed by detectives, Santa Fe sheriff spokesman Juan Rios told AFP. He provided statements and answered their questions. He came in voluntarily and he left the building after he finished his interviews. No charges have been filed and no arrests have been made. The Santa Fe New Mexican published pictures of a distraught-looking Baldwin which it said were taken in the parking lot of the set after the tragedy. The paper said its reporter had seen the actor in tears after he had been quizzed by investigators. One photograph shows a man, presumed to be Baldwin, doubled over. A spokesperson from the production told The Hollywood Reporter the accident involved the misfire of a prop gun with blanks. The incident took place at the Bonanza Creek Ranch, a production location near Santa Fe which is popular with Hollywood filmmakers. Movie sets usually have stringent rules over the use of prop weapons, but accidents have happened. Most famously, Brandon Lee, the son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, died during filming of The Crow after being shot by a gun that was supposed to fire blanks. Baldwin co-produces the film and stars as Harland Rust, an outlaw whose grandson is convicted of murder, and who goes on the run with him when the boy is sentenced to hang for the crime. The 63-year-old posted a photograph earlier yesterday on Instagram showing him apparently on set, dressed in a period costume and with fake blood on his shirt. Back to in-person at the office. Blimey... its exhausting, he captioned the picture, which went online several hours before the incident. A joint statement by John Lindley and Rebecca Rhine of the International Cinematographers Guild said news of Hutchins death was devastating. The details are unclear at this moment, but we are working to learn more, and we support a full investigation into this tragic event. This is a terrible loss, and we mourn the passing of a member of our Guilds family, the statement, reported by Variety, said. Baldwin has been on television and in films since the 1980s. He starred in a number of high profile movies, including in The Hunt for Red October and two iterations of the Mission: Impossible franchise, and has also voiced animated characters in hits like The Boss Baby. He garnered new fans with his long-running portrayal of Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, a character that irritated the former president, but won Baldwin a Primetime Emmy. Rust also stars Jensen Ackles (Supernaturals) and Travis Fimmel, best known for playing Ragnar Lothbrok in Vikings. The Bonanza Creek Ranch where yesterdays incident took place has hosted productions including Hostiles, Cowboys & Aliens, 3:10 to Yuma, Appaloosa and Longmire. Thailand Pass starts Nov 1, refunds on COE bookings allowed PHUKET: The Thailand Pass system that will replace the Certificates of Entry (COE) required to enter Thailand will open for registration from Nov 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced. tourismCOVID-19economics By The Phuket News Saturday 23 October 2021, 08:30AM Those wishing to travel to Thailand who are scheduled to arrive in Thailand from 2 Nov 2021 onwards, can register in the Thailand Pass online system to travel to Thailand at https://tp.consular.go.th/ , said an announcement posted last night on the Phuket COVID-19 & Phuket Sandbox (Official Phuket information Center) official Facebook page, operated by the Phuket office of the Ministry of Interior. Those registered in the new system will receive a Thailand Pass QR Code to display to the airline and screening officers at the immigration checkpoint, the announcement read. From November 1, 2021 onwards, the website https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/ will close all CoE applications, the announcement confirmed. From 1 November 2021 onwards, the website https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/ will close all COE requests, it added. Those who have received a COE previously can use the COE that has already been received and request a refund directly from the travelers hotel, the announcement also confirmed. Children under 12 years of age who have not been vaccinated but traveling with parents who have been fully vaccinated according to the criteria are able to travel to Thailand from Nov 1 under the new conditions of no quarantine. However, just as with adults, they will have to wait for the results of their COVID test on arrival at the hotel they have designated as staying at for at least one night, or if they are entering the country under the Sandbox scheme, they must stay at their designated hotel in the Sandbox area where they must remain for their first seven days, just as their parents they are traveling with must do. The notice was marked as accurate as of yesterday (Oct 22). We cant go back to our old ways, Phuket marine industry cautioned PHUKET: Phukets marine industry has been cautioned against returning to pre-COVID business strategies following hard lessons learned in surviving during the pandemic. tourismmarineCOVID-19economicspollutionenvironment By The Phuket News Saturday 23 October 2021, 05:32PM The natural attractions around Phuket are beautiful again simply because their has not been the same number of visitors as before. The aim is to keep it that way. Photo: 5 Star Marine Shaun Stenning, CEO of 5 Star Marine, delivered the message while speaking as one of the panel of industry experts at the Joint Chambers Phuket Business Briefing Whats Ahead - Phukets Plan for Kickstarting the Economy, led by the Australian Chamber of Commerce, held at Boat Lagoon Marina on Wednesday night (Oct 20). Mr Stenning delivered three key points: a need to focus more on domestic travellers as a survival and growth strategy shifting away from over-reliance on international visitors; a need for clear coordinated rules for conducting tours to neighbouring provinces Phang Nga and Krabi; and a clear shift away from the volume of mass tourism of the past. Mr Stenning pointed out that 5 Star Marine made a big decision to maintain operations throughout the pandemic. We actually grew during the past 18 months, he said. Phukets marine industry needs to learn that we need a strong domestic base in tourism, Mr Stenning said. While pre-COVID almost 90% of his customer base were international tourists, throughout the pandemic the target market shifted to domestic visitors. We have been nearly full, out every day, but not Sandbox customers, he said. All that work that Phuket has done to make Phuket more accessible to the Bangkok market, I think that Phuket needs to do that moving forward, Mr Stenning noted. We cant throw that to the wayside once the international market returns. I think we need a steady approach. We can soften out that curve between the high and low season by using the domestic market. We as a marine tourism business are finding that domestic travellers are more likely to come out in the low season, so that might be a reverse way for us in the marine industry to survive as we move forward. We shouldnt go just chasing numbers from the internationals flights, but chasing numbers from the domestic flights as well, he added. RULE CONFUSION Mr Stenning noted that the hotel industry has had the COE (Certificate of Entry) to deal with, which has had enough problems already well reported. However, he pointed out, But we in the marine industry have had to deal with three provinces telling us what we can and cant do. Phuket only has three islands, Koh Racha, Koh Hei and Koh Maithon, that anyone actually wants to go to. So if you are stuck in Phuket and you cant leave the province without interacting with some other provincial order this becomes a nightmare for us to run our business. I have a full-time compliance officer. His job is to check the government orders every day and tell me what I can and cant do. What the Marine Director says I can and cant do. Sometimes a boat goes out and has to come back, he added. The order changed overnight and the publishing of that order was so late the night before that no one in the Marine Office knew about it until they actually picked up the paperwork and read it, he explained. As we move forward as a marine industry we really have to push as a body to say that the three provinces that border us, where all of the islands we visit lay, we have to work together. Mr Stenning highlighted one experience while visiting Phi Phi island in July. I had a COVID test so I could go, but when I came back Phuket officials would not accept the Phuket-issued COVID test. It makes no sense, he explained. The variety of government offices and agencies having their own COVID entry and compliance rules, often conflicting with one another, was a source of frustration and confusion, he noted. It creates a sense of being overwhelmed among tourists when we explain all about what they can and cant do. They think after they land in Phuket that the COE was the last hurdle. Its not. If you come out on a boat, thats the first hurdle. We have three more hurdles for you to jump through before you can actually leave the province, he said. I think as we move forward we really have to find a way as an industry, and with the provincial governments and tourism associations, where we can work with our bordering provinces and have to have a collaborative way to the way we operate rules. This would have helped the Phang Nga 7+7 Sandbox programme, this would have helped the Krabi 7+7 programme, but everyone was so confused with the rules that no one did anything, Mr Stenning noted. Mr Stenning marked that some progress has been made. That was before, now we have the Krabi rules brought in line with the Phuket rules, so its great that the government has caught up, he said. Of note, Phang Nga officials last week also brought their provincial entry requirements into line with Phuket. We just need to get the message straight with the consumer, and that is a big thing, Mr Stenning said. DEATH TO THE OLD WAYS We cant go back as a marine industry to what we were before, Mr Stenning cautioned. We saw what we did and what effect that had on the environment. You can see that in the before and after photos. Take a look at a before and after photo of Patong, of Khai Island, of Phi Phi Ley. All of these amazing destinations are amazing again, but they are amazing again because we werent allowed to go, Mr Stenning said plainly. So I think the better approach is coming to a more sustainable way in what we do. I understand that we all have got to make money. We all have to be profitable. We all have to be commercially viable. But in the same way we can do that, maybe either with less customers or less of a footprint. I know on our end, we are not there yet, but we are moving toward zero use plastic, we are going to have zero trash on tours. We have got to start organising beach cleanups, like at the Khai Islands. If we as an industry are out there using it, why arent we out there as an industry cleaning it? Mr Stenning challenged. The government has come out and said, Lets clean Phuket. Well, the Marine Dept and the marine industry has got to come out and say. Lets clean our islands Theres been no one out on those islands for 19 months now and theyre full of trash. If we continue to keep Phuket beautiful and the islands beautiful If we can do that, then the domestic market will remain interested. If the domestic market sees the international market return in a way that is not sustainable, they will not come because it is not beautiful anymore, Mr Stenning noted. Through the school of 19 months of hard knocks and trying to operate to keep our business afloat I think that among the fifth reinvention of my business and the fifth reinvention of how I market my products, the same with all my price points as well, what that has taught me is that if we can solve those three key things, I think we can get to a point where we can survive a pandemic again, because we can fall back onto these three mainstays of our industry, Mr Stenning concluded. Column: North Carolina Has No Place in Its Heart or Its Politics for Homophobia Today A steady light rain this evening transitioning to showers of rain and snow overnight. Low 33F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 70%. Tonight A steady light rain this evening transitioning to showers of rain and snow overnight. Low 33F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 70%. Tomorrow Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 47F. Winds light and variable. MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP) Writer and former Nicaraguan Vice President Sergio Ramirez announced Friday he will go live in Spain, after the government of President Daniel Ortega tried to arrest him and banned his latest book. The 79-year-old writer served as vice president during Ortegas first government from 1985 to 1990. But in the mid-1990s he distanced himself from Ortega, along with other intellectuals and former guerrillas. Ramirez retired from politics in 1996, but continues to be an important voice in the country. In September, Ortegas government issued an arrest warrant for him for acts that foment and incite hatred and violence. Ramirez had initially said he intended to live in neighboring Costa Rica. Ramirez said the government has seized copies of his latest novel, Tongolele no sabia bailar, and banned the book. In June, Ramirez said in an interview there was zero possibility of holding free elections in Nicaragua Nov. 7 and that opposition forces who participate would only be legitimizing Ortegas re-election. He said the 75-year-old Ortega had imposed a system of terror that prevents people from freely taking to the streets and that he will not tolerate any opposition electoral campaign. A lot of people are leaving the country in a massive way, like hasnt happened since 2018 and there is a lot of fear among people, Ramirez said. Nobody knows if theyre going to be the next one (detained by police), nobody knows whose house is going to be raided. On Thursday, Nicaraguas national police arrested two leaders of the countrys top private business association, just one day after a regional body called for the immediate release of political prisoners. A police statement said Michael Healy Lacayo and Alvaro Vargas, president and vice president, respectively, of the Private Business Superior Council, face charges including money laundering, acts that diminish the countrys independence and inciting foreign interference among others. The charges are similar to those lodged against more than three dozen people, including political and student leaders and seven potential challengers to Ortega in the Nov. 7 election. Those arrests began in May and all remain in detention. The latest arrests came after a resounding vote Wednesday by the Organization of American States Permanent Council that called for the release of political prisoners in Nicaragua and expressed serious concern about the upcoming elections. Ortega appeared to double down on his strategy of leaving no other influential power standing. Ortega has been ruling without interruption since 2007, after first coming to power following the ouster of dictator Anastasio Somoza in 1979. Ortega has maintained that mass protests against his government in 2018 were an attempted coup with foreign backing. At least 328 people were killed when the government cracked down on those protests. I typically see any number of flags when driving around the Riverbend. The overwhelming majority, of course, are Old Glory. Others represent a particular branch of the armed forces, or merely proclaim ones allegiance to a sports team. Confederate flags are few and far between, thank heavens. An occasional Gadsden flag, which was created during the American Revolution, but is now associated with the Tea party, hangs from a dwelling. While driving home a couple of weeks ago, I spotted two flags on poles that were attached to a house. One was the POW/MIA flag that was created in 1972 when our nation was still involved in the Vietnam War. Captured American military personnel were being held by the North Vietnamese at that time, while others had gone missing in action and their fate remained unknown. The POW/MIA flag today symbolizes our determination to make certain that all MIA Americans from every war are never forgotten and ultimately accounted for. The other flag was black, which puzzled me. From studying history, I knew that the black flag had traditionally been associated with some anarchist groups. I thought it highly unlikely, however, that anyone in the Riverbend would so blatantly proclaim their allegiance to such a radical ideology. I wrote about my discovery on Facebook and asked my friends for their take on this black flag. A couple of kind-hearted souls suggested that it symbolized mourning a recently-deceased loved one. Another person posted a photo featuring a can of Black Flag insecticide. No! I facetiously told him. I seriously doubt that this family is proclaiming its loyalty to a particularly brand of bug killer. Several friends wrote of the black flags significance in warfare. The person who best summed up this viewpoint posted, Black flags have historically been used to signify that no quarter will be given. When translated into modern language, this means that captured enemy combatants will be killed rather than taken prisoner. Some Americans have now found a civilian use for the black flag. In an Oct. 13 article for Daily Kos, David Neiwert wrote, Now, amid far-right protests against COVID-related vaccine and mask mandates, far-right extremists are unfurling their latest symbol: An all-black American flag with stars and stripes mainly visible through variations in material and shading. Neiwert observed that No quarter shall be given is the black flags traditional message and in the context of the building drumbeat of right-wing civil war talk, a deeply ominous one. People flying them are essentially signaling that theyre prepared to kill their liberal neighbors. Many Trump supporters have taken a shine to black flags and display them on their houses. Indeed, Trumpshop.net offers 3-foot by 5-foot black flags for sale at $29.95. These flags, the text assures us, are Perfect for Indoor or Outdoor Display at Home, Office, School, Business, and More! I cant imagine any school displaying such a flag, with the possible exception of the long-defunct Trump University. Neiwert wasnt exaggerating the ominous message these flags convey. The text also states, The All Black American flags have been used to mean that captured enemy combatants will be killed rather than taken prisoner. This columnist thinks that flying the black flag is a spectacularly bad idea for the military. A Facebook friend wrote that Sun Tzu would strongly disapprove of flying a flag that proclaimed no prisoners would be taken since it would inspire the enemy to continue fighting even after the battle was lost, thereby costing your side more, and needless, casualties. I agree. In an article for Upworthy, Tod Perry succinctly summed up why flying this flag is a bad idea for civilians as well. Displaying this flag on your home doesnt make you look tough. Instead, it shows that you have become irrationally afraid of people with different political beliefs and no longer believe in the spirit of American pluralism. Regarding ones fellow Americans as enemies is bad enough. Proclaiming that one is prepared to go to war with ones fellow Americans and kill them rather than take them prisoners is beyond the pale. Our nation has some serious healing to do. As Abraham Lincoln remarked in a speech delivered in Springfield on June 16, 1858, A house divided against itself cannot stand. John J. Dunphy is an author, the Godfrey 15th Precinct Democratic Committeeperson and recording secretary for the Godfrey Democrats. ALTON An operation by Alton Police executed a drug related search warrant Friday at a house in the 2700 block of Walnut Street taking one man into custody. Shortly before 8 a.m. about 10 police officers and detectives raided the house in a residential neighborhood off Seminary Street. Some of the officers were heavily armed with assault weapons. The Three Mile House, named so because it was located three miles outside of Edwardsville, was built in 1858 and was a local landmark until the home burned down in May 1985. The location has also long been rumored to be haunted by multiple spirits. The house saw multiple owners and multiple different functions in its time standing, serving as a tavern, grocery store, post office, inn, casino, restaurant and antique store, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. When the home burned down, reports said it was owned by Steve and Mitzi Ottwell of Alton. When the house burned down in 1985, it was the oldest building in Madison County, and had been listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to the work of one-time owners, Doug and Beverly Elliot. Rumors have spread about Abraham Lincoln once staying in the house, as Lincoln was a close friend of Joseph and Matthew Gillespie who lived on Main Street. However, as Carol Frisse, archival research assistant at the Madison County Archival Library, said, "that was never proven." Also not proven are the rumors that the Three Mile House may have been a stop on the underground railroad. One of the spirits rumored to haunt the house, Frisse said, is that of a runaway slave named Tom. Former employees and owners at the Three Mile House told stories of a slave named Tom who died and was buried at the site, according to the Post-Dispatch. The story goes that Tom was never given a proper Christian burial and roams the grounds still looking for a proper blessing needed to set his soul free. Employees never got explanations for being tripped when there was no one there, items disappearing without a trace, or about a face seen in a basement mirror. There are multiple other spirits said to haunt the location, Frisse said. "We have reports of the lady in black with a lilac perfume, a spirit called the Whistler and a little girl named Celia," Frisse said, after looking through the archival library's files. "We also have an Irish immigrant who possessed a man and gave him an Irish brogue." Altogether, there are said to be seven spirits at the location. Stories of the location being haunted began with the Elliots in the late 1970s, as the Elliots renovated the house. According to Haunted Illinois, there were small balls and sparks of light which flickered about in the building each night during the Elliots' ownership and the Elliots' younger daughter, Lynn, swore that dark shadows were chasing her about her room. The weird events continued and soon, the balls of energy, strange sounds and weird tapping and knocking noises became everyday events to the Elliots and they got used to them. Slowly, per Haunted Illinois, they were beginning to accept the idea that the Three Mile House might be haunted. The Elliots encountered numerous other things as they worked to turn the house into a restaurant, including moving furniture. Articles written about the restaurant at the time mentioned the ghosts, according to Haunted Illinois, which seemed to help business. All that remains today of the Three Mile House is a large, grassy mound and a few bricks. The location can be seen off Route 159 between Route 140 and Edwardsville. The site is on the east side of the road, directly across the street from a small cemetery. NEW YORK (AP) A Florida businessman who helped Rudy Giulianis effort to dig up dirt on Joe Biden in Ukraine was convicted Friday of campaign finance crimes, including funneling a Russian entrepreneur's money to U.S. politicians. Lev Parnas was on trial for more than two weeks as prosecutors accused him of using other peoples money to pose as a powerful political broker and cozy up to some of the nations star Republicans. One part of the case alleged that Parnas and an associate made illegal donations through a corporate entity in 2018 as they tried to jump-start a new energy company, including a $325,000 donation to America First Action, a super PAC supporting former President Donald Trump. Another part said he used the wealth of a Russian financier, Andrey Muraviev, to donate to Republicans in Nevada, Florida and other states, ostensibly in support of an effort to launch a legal, recreational marijuana business. Parnas, 49, was convicted on all six counts after about five hours of jury deliberations. The Soviet-born businessman had insisted through his lawyer that he never used the Russians money for political donations. He briefly closed his eyes and shook his head as the verdict was read. Ive never hid from nobody. Ive always stood to tell the truth, Parnas said as he emerged from the courtroom. His lawyer, Joseph Bondy, promised an appeal Parnas said it was not the end of the story. Im sad. But at this time, I just want to get home to my wife and kids," he said. A co-defendant, Ukraine-born investor Andrey Kukushkin, was convicted of being part of the effort to use Muravievs money for political contributions. He had also denied any wrongdoing. Kukushkin and his attorney left the courthouse without speaking to reporters. The case had drawn interest because of the deep involvement of Parnas and a former co-defendant, Igor Fruman, in Giulianis efforts to get Ukrainian officials to investigate Joe Bidens son during Bidens campaign for president. Giuliani remains under criminal investigation as authorities decide whether his interactions with Ukraine officials required him to register as a foreign agent, but he wasnt alleged to have been involved in illegal campaign contributions and wasnt part of the New York trial. The case did, though, give an up-close look at how Parnas entered Republican circles in 2018 with a pattern of campaign donations big enough to get him meetings with the partys stars. In order to gain influence with American politicians and candidates, they illegally funneled foreign money into the 2018 midterm elections with an eye toward making huge profits in the cannabis business," U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement following the verdict. Campaign finance laws are designed to protect the integrity of our free and fair elections unencumbered by foreign interests or influence and safeguarding those laws is essential to preserving the freedoms that Americans hold sacred. In addition to the $325,000 donation to America First Action, prosecutors said Parnas and Fruman orchestrated donations to U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, of Texas, and to other committees supporting House Republicans. Giuliani and Trump were sparsely mentioned during the trial, although a photograph featuring Parnas with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, was one of the first exhibits shown to jurors during closing arguments. DeSantis was among those who received campaign contributions that prosecutors said were traced to $1 million that Parnas and Fruman received from Muraviev, who has been involved in several U.S. cannabis ventures. About $100,000 of Muravievs money went toward campaign contributions in what Assistant U.S. Attorney Hagan Scotten called a conspiracy to secretly bring his wealth and corruption into American politics in violation of laws barring foreign donations to U.S. political candidates. The voters would never know whose money was pouring into our elections, Scotten said. Former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt, now a candidate for U.S. Senate, testified during the trial that a blustering Parnas suggested he could raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for him in 2018. He eventually came through only with a $10,000 check that Laxalts lawyers told him to reject. Bondy, representing Parnas, had called the allegations against his client absurd. He insisted in his closing argument that Muravievs money went toward supporting legal marijuana businesses looking to expand. Muraviev was not charged in the case. Kukushkins lawyer, Gerald Lefcourt, sought to portray his client as an unknowing dupe who was mocked behind his back by other participants as mentally challenged. Following the verdict, prosecutors asked for immediate incarceration of Parnas and Kukushkin, citing a risk of flight, but the judge allowed them to remain free on bail while awaiting sentencing. The charges against Parnas collectively carry the potential for decades behind bars, but any prison sentence would likely be measured in years, rather than decades. Fruman pleaded guilty earlier this year to a single count of solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national. He awaits sentencing. Another co-defendant, David Correia, also pleaded guilty and has been sentenced to a year in prison for crimes including defrauding investors in an insurance company that had paid Giuliani a $500,000 consulting fee. Parnas awaits a second trial in connection with that scheme. Giuliani barely factored in the trial, though a video of him with Parnas was among exhibits jurors could view during deliberations. The former New York mayor insisted he knew nothing about potentially illegal campaign contributions and has said everything he did in Ukraine was done on Trumps behalf and there is no reason he would have had to register as a foreign agent. Giulianis company and attorney didnt immediately respond to emails seeking comment on the verdict. ALTON Fred Dykeman recalls being in a hospital ICU bed, dreaming about the day that he would once again walk into the gym where he worked out for an hour a day, seven days a week. That was before the 80-year-old man from Godfrey wound up spending a month and a half in the hospital for COVID-19. Dykeman wasnt vaccinated against COVID-19. He didnt think he needed to be because he was so healthy. For his age, it was striking he had no underlying medical conditions and he was in excellent physical shape due to his commitment to working out regularly. It could happen to you, no matter how good you feel, no matter how well you take care of yourself, he said. Please get tested. Get vaccinated. Do whats necessary. You do not want to go through what I had to with any part of this. What he went through, starting in January of last year, was two hospital stays totaling more than 40 days. It began when he and his wife, Marilyn, decided to get tested at a public site. Neither had symptoms, but they were starting to get concerned because of rampant community spread. After a positive test result, his granddaughter, an OSF HealthCare nurse, gave him a pulse oximeter. Upon learning his levels had dropped dramatically, she rushed him to OSF Saint Anthonys Health Center in Alton. His oxygen level was in the 50s. A typical healthy person has a level of 95% or higher. He avoided a ventilator, but was given an oxygen mask. A self-admitted bad patient, Dykeman managed to be released but was readmitted two days later with a collapsed lung. He couldnt breathe and it was scary. He was lonely, too, but he was in no shape for visitors. I sure couldnt stand up, I couldnt sit up. I couldnt roll over, he recalled. It was an awful thing. I never dreamed Id be in that shape, but here I am and it was awful. In fact, Dykemans doctors told him it was a miracle he survived because the virus had ravaged his system. Recovery would be a big challenge. Physical therapy started in the hospital, then in a skilled nursing facility, then an occupational therapist visited in his home, followed finally by outpatient therapy for one hour, twice a week. They taught me how to chew, how to swallow, he recalled. It was an unbelievable thing. I never thought I would go through anything like that, but there I was and I kept working, working and working, and I still am today. That dogged, single-minded determination is what Dykemans physical therapist Debbie Fisher said makes Dykeman and wife some of the more memorable people shes met in her career. If theyre not engaged in the program and theyre not onboard doing what we say, it doesnt go anywhere, Fisher said. He was all in, his wife was all in and it was a treat. Fisher said with people recovering from COVID-19, she first assesses strength, balance and endurance and how theyre functioning now, compared to before they were infected. COVID-19 can affect multiple organs and systems in the body. The immune response triggers inflammation that can make previous problems worse. Fatigue is one of the biggest challenges. You sometimes dont know how they are going to respond to exercise until a couple of days after with some of the COVID patients, Fisher explained. So you have to take it slow, monitor how they go, and then progress them as they can tolerate and make adjustments along the way. Fisher said many of the people shes successfully put through rehabilitation come to her unable to do many of the day-to-day things they were always able to do. Its possible to have a stroke or pulmonary embolism after the initial COVID-19 diagnosis. Dykeman came to her unable to stand for more than a couple of minutes and he couldnt walk without a walker. After eight sessions and in-home exercises, including a walking program, he was able to build up strength and endurance. He progressed steadily and remarkably. The reformed challenging patient was released from rehab as a different person than when he came in. His blood pressure returned to normal levels, he was able to walk unassisted, except for occasionally using a cane, and his balance returned to an almost perfect score. I Want My Life Back But it wasnt easy. Dykeman started his physical therapy, feeling as others do post COVID-19 he was frustrated and depressed. Man, I just want my body back. I want my life back. Thats what you hear from them, Fisher said. I want to get back to how I was before. I didnt think this would impact me that much, so trying to keep them onboard in recognizing they cant just go back and get it all in one day, its going to be a long process of building up to their tolerance. And then finding that balance between doing and not overdoing. For Dykeman and other patients, Fisher recommended either they or people in their support system try OSF Silver Cloud, a behavioral health platform with a special module for COVID-19 that deals with mild to moderate depression, anxiety and stress. Fisher says OSF HealthCare has seen long-haul COVID symptoms in people coming to rehab for other issues. Many of the individuals shes helped wound up with heart-related issues that became apparent during rehab. If we have a patient coming in for shoulder or back pain, we ask if they had a history of COVID because we have to then have an increased awareness of whats going on with their circulatory system as were treating them for therapy. We look for increases in heart rate or drops in blood pressure, things like that. Dykeman is forever grateful to everyone who was a part of his care team, including the environmental services crew who cleaned his room. He recalls looking forward to seeing them during his long days in an ICU bed. Oh, and that dream of returning to his beloved Nautilus gym it came true. He tears up a bit when asked how it felt. Im getting a little emotional, he said, his voice cracking. But, I made it. I had to work so hard and I had so many people helping me. Ill never be able to thank all of them, but I did it and they helped me do it, and here I am doing so much better. Fisher was helping with in-hospital rehab for the early months of the pandemic and saw some patients at their worst. In August, she also contracted COVID-19 although she didnt need to be hospitalized. But, patients who have been through the ordeal of battling the virus hold a special place in her heart. The isolation they went through, the fear they went through, she recalled, they were just so alone and so weak and there was so much unknown that to see them go to that point, to see them at the point where they walking out the door and getting back to some semblance of their normal life, is fantastic. Its why we do the job honestly. GODFREY Lewis and Clark Community Colleges annual Art Faculty Exhibition is returning to the Hatheway Cultural Center Gallery this year. Its exciting for both students and faculty being back on campus and being able to host the Art Faculty Exhibition in person at Hatheway Gallery after months of virtual teaching and learning from home, due to COVID-19, said Fine Arts Program Coordinator and Gallery Director Angela Hung. Students and community members will have a chance to meet our talented art professors during the opening reception and see their amazing artwork. An opening reception will be held from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29. Guests will be required to wear masks and allow for social distancing during the event. The exhibition itself will run from Oct. 30-Nov. 24, with gallery hours from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Masks are required indoors on campus. This year, the exhibition will feature 10 faculty artists, including two new instructors who joined the Art Department in 2021, Hung said. This years artists include Hung, Associate Professor of Art Christopher Brennan, Graphic Design/Web Design and Development Coordinator Louise Jett and adjunct faculty Monica Dare, Jessica Forys-Cameron, Craig C. Hoffmann, Chris Day, Jody Jedlicka, Lilli Kayes and Bob Huber. Kayes and Huber are new to the college this year. Kayes is an artist, educator and naturalist from St. Louis. She earned an Master of Fine Arts in interdisciplinary arts and media from Columbia College in Chicago. Her work is a fusion of her love of the natural world and her passion for education. Joining the Fine Arts Department this year has been a truly rewarding experience, Kayes said. I feel honored to work in an educational community of artists of immense talent and kindness. For my first Art Faculty Exhibition, I selected a few of my most recent interactive sculptures. Im excited for the opportunity to share my passion for art, science and education with the Lewis and Clark community. Huber, formerly a Department of Art chair at Blackburn College, maintains a diverse body of artwork including large wheel-thrown pottery, figurative sculpture and drawing. His artwork is a celebration of craft and the inward transcendence of the human spirit, which he explores mostly through Biblical figures. Huber has an Master of Fine Arts in studio art, emphasizing figurative sculpture and drawing, from Fontbonne University. For more information about the show, including artists biographies, visit www.lc.edu/art-faculty. GREENVILLE At least seven Illinois school districts are among the 145 listed in a lawsuit filed this week by attorney Thomas DeVore over mask mandates and student exclusions from school, including in Edwardsville and in Greene and Jersey counties. Listed in the suit include Triad, Collinsville, Highland, Carrollton, Jersey, Southwestern, Staunton, Carlinville and North Macoupin school districts, as well as Jacksonville, Pikeland, PORTA, Schuyler-Industry and Pleasant Hill school districts, along with Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and its director Dr. Ngozi Ezike, and the state superintendent of education, Carmen Ayala. DeVore is a Greenville-based attorney. Jacksonville Superintendent Steve Ptacek said the lawsuit is not ideal, but hopefully will lead to a final answer from the courts on what is and is not allowed in terms of COVID-19 mitigations in schools, and whether the governors executive orders and the state health departments orders are legally binding. I think that its better that (DeVore) is doing a mass lawsuit against a group of schools, Ptacek said, which will end up minimizing each individual schools attorney expenses and really pushing this to finding a final resolution, instead of all these individual lawsuits against small districts that really have no statement throughout the rest of the state. I think many of us are just looking forward to it being answered, and I think that this process will provide that answer. The lawsuit, filed in Macoupin County, questions the authority of the governors executive orders and the ability of school districts to enforce mask usage and exclude students without local court orders from health departments. In the filing, DeVore argues that many courts already have ruled that exclusions need a court order. This court, as well as every other court in this state that has been presented this precise question, have all ruled excluding a child as an alleged health risk for being a close contact to a positive COVID case is unlawful absent an order of quarantine having (been) issued against the child by the local health department, the filing stated. Ptacek said the first thing he will address with the districts attorney is a request to have the districts removed from the lawsuit so the focus will be on the state agencies. Ptacek sent a letter to the governors office and the community expressing concern about the mandates and districts liability, having said districts are being made to enforce vaccines and masking, yet ultimately end up facing the lawsuits, even though the fault doesnt rest with the districts. I do think that this will end up being primarily defended by state agencies, which is where it should be, and that is what my letter to ISBE, the governors office and IDPH stated, Ptacek said. With numbers now decreasing in the district and community, Ptacek said, he understands the frustration and is concerned about stricter mandates that could be coming. The entire time Ive tried to keep out my own personal opinions on the virus, because Im supposed to represent everybody in the community, he said. We have just been staying in our lane, and that has been a theme since this began in March of 2020. Ill step out a little bit from it, not necessarily to give my personal opinion on whether the lawsuit should succeed or not, but I will step out and say that I do understand the concerns that people have with the limitations that are being put on our students in school when our numbers are continuously dropping. While the definition of an outbreak has been changed from just one incident to multiple cases, other changes impose more exclusion, including taking away the option of alternate diagnosis, by which a nurse can provide an alternate diagnosis instead of sending a student for a test and requiring a quarantine. Such requirements lead to the frustration, Ptacek said. I dont understand their decision-making on some of this, he said. We are talking about more kids being tested I understand the frustration. LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) Thousands of supporters of a banned radical Islamist party Saturday departed the eastern Pakistan city of Lahore, clashing for a second straight day with police who lobbed tear gas into the crowd, a party spokesman and witnesses said. The group began their journey Friday with the goal of reaching the capital Islamabad to pressure the government to release Saad Rizvi, the head of the Tehreek-e-Labiak Pakistan party. Rizvi was arrested last year amid demonstrations against France over the publication of caricatures of Islams Prophet Muhammad. WASHINGTON (AP) After months of talks, Democrats are edging closer to an agreement on what programs and policies to include in President Joe Biden's massive plan to expand health and safety net programs and combat global warming. The plan seems likely to include universal preschool, paid family leave and the continuation of a child tax credit that was increased earlier this year and applied to more families. Democrats are scaling back some investments or shortening the timeframe for when those programs would be up and running to fit within an approximately $2 trillion budget over 10 years, rather than the $3.5 trillion budget plan originally envisioned. Still, Democrats are hoping the programs will prove so popular that future Congresses will continue to fund them in the years ahead. It seems unlikely that any Republican will support the measure. Negotiations are fluid and the package is very much in flux. It also won't be possible to fully assess the details until legislative text is released. But here's where the bill stands so far, according to lawmakers and aides: A child tax credit increase would continue for another year. As part of a COVID relief bill, Democrats increased the tax credit to $3,000 per child age 6-17 and $3,600 per child age 5 and under. Limiting the program to one year would disappoint many of its backers, but they are hoping the programs popularity will move Congress to extend it in the years ahead. Budget hawks worry that a one-year extension is a budgetary tool that will lower the cost of the program on paper, but mask its true costs since lawmakers tend to continue programs rather than let them expire. Plans to expand Medicare to include dental, vision and hearing aids are being pared back. Biden said he likes the idea, but with Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona objecting, the proposal is a reach. Instead, Democrats, he said are looking at offering seniors an $800 voucher to access dental care as well as another program for hearing aids that Sinema may support. However, the vision care component, Biden said, has been harder to resolve and there is no consensus yet. Expanding Medicaid in about a dozen states and providing subsidies that reduce a participant's cost of Obamacare" plans are also still part of the mix. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the health insurance components in the bill would reduce the number of uninsured by about 3.9 million people over the next decade. Big boosts in Medicaid and Affordable Care Act plans would be partly offset by a 2.8 million decrease in employment-based coverage. The U.S. would join a long list of nations with a paid family leave program allowing workers to take time off for childbirth, to care for a new child or to deal with a serious health issue of a family member. But the 12 weeks of paid time off that Biden had proposed will likely be pared back four, he said. Universal prekindergarten for all 3- and 4-year-olds and child-care subsidies for poorer and middle-income Americans are still in. Bidens plan calls for parents earning up to 150% of the states median income (about $115,000 nationally) to pay no more than 7% of their income on child care, with the poorest families getting free child care. He has proposed a tax credit for as much as half of a familys spending on child care, up to $4,000 for one child or $8,000 for two or more children. Free community college is probably out, though Biden is looking to increase the size of Pell grants to help pay tuition costs. It's also looking like a program considered a cornerstone of Biden's plan to fight climate change is out, largely due to opposition from Manchin. That program would have offered grants to power companies that increase clean energy generation by 4% each year and fines for those that do not. Still, hundreds of billions of dollars are expected to be included for programs designed to help the U.S. meet Biden's goal of a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas pollution in 2030 from 2005 levels. EDWARDSVILLE A Granite City woman faces drug and other charges filed Thursday in two separate incidents. Katelyn E. Wense, 26, of the 1600 block of Wilson Avenue, Granite City, was charged Oct. 21 with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony; and two counts of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, both Class 4 felonies. Both cases were presented by the Granite City Police Department. According to court documents, on Aug. 24 Wense was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. On April 15, Wense was driving a Chevrolet vehicle when she fled Granite City police officers, reaching speeds in excess of 21 miles an hour over the speed limit and disregarding two or more traffic control devices. Bail was set at $25,000 for each set of charges. Other felony cases filed Oct. 21 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include: Timothy B. Warren, 43, of the 2700 block of Nameoki Road, Granite City, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. According to court documents, on Nov. 2 Warren was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $25,000. Curtis A. Ray III, 31, of the 2200 block of Edwards Street, Granite City, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. According to court documents, on Aug. 24 Ray was found to be in possession of less than 15 grams of a white crystallized substance having the appearance of methamphetamine, and being a look-alike substance. Bail was set at $15,000. Andrea P. Statham, 31, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged with two counts of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, both Class 4 felonies. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. According to court documents, on Aug. 11 Statham was driving a Cadillac when she fled from Granite City police officers, reaching speeds in excess of 21 miles an hour over the speed limit and disregarding two or more traffic control devices. Bail was set at $25,000. Wendell L. McCallister, 56, listed as homeless out of Highland, was charged with retail theft under $300 (second subsequent offense), a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Highland Police Department. According to court documents, on Oct. 20 McCallister took a pair of shoes valued at less than $300 from the Highland Walmart, 12495 Illinois 143. It was noted he has a prior conviction for theft out of Madison County in 2020. Bail was set at $15,000. EDWARDSVILLE Five zoning requests were among items approved by the Madison County Board at this weeks meeting. One request was to allow a rezoning for an recreational vehicles storage facility on Blackburn Road near Edwardsville. Dean Croft, on behalf of owner Thomas Linder, requested a 5.58-acre tract be rezoned to B-5, a planned business district, from A, agricultural, to operate a self-storage facility. The application cited large numbers of RVs purchased during the COVID pandemic. With the pandemic, local residents have purchased RVs and have upgraded their houses, which both result in the need for additional secure storage in the area, the application stated. Also approved were: Dale and Donna Shearer who requested a setback variance to construct a detached garage 30 feet from a property line, rather than the required 50 feet, at 5916 Dauderman Road, Alhambra. The area is zoned agricultural. Eric Owens, on behalf of Church of Christ, requested a special use permit to allow a church in agriculturally zoned property at 3536 Prince Road, Alton. Lanny and Alice Yates requested a zoning map amendment to rezone a 2-acre tract on Moro Road, Edwardsville, to A, agricultural, from B-4, wholesale business district. Scot and Jil Lehr requested a variance to allow a maximum of 10 horses on site instead of the five currently allowed at 11158 Lake Road, Highland. Also approved were three emergency appropriations: two for the Child Advocacy Center, a $135,224 grant from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and a $311,464 grant from the Child Advocacy Centers of Illinois, and the other appropriations for $500,850 for consulting and compliance review contracts related to the countys receiving $51 million in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan. The board also OKd the expenditure of $365,861 for equipment, installation and a three-year support agreement with SecureData Technologies Inc. for the IT Department. In other business, the board: Approved a $267,000 contract with First Collinsville Bank for a three-year contract for lock box and collector bank services for the treasurers office. The lock box and collector bank services deals with property tax payments made outside the treasurers office, and had been done by a local bank at no cost for many years. Several years ago banks started charging fees for the service. Approved a jurisdictional transfer of Governors Parkway from Illinois Route 159 to Troy Road to Glen Carbon. Approved a $37,505 contract with gWorks, a Nebraska-based company, to provide sewer billing software for the Madison County Special Service Area No. 1. Jack C. Taylor, 86, formerly of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 7, 2021. Jack will always be known as a hardworking and caring family man. He was an exceptional athlete, receiving 1954, high school All-State Honors in both football and basketball by the Courier-J SAM MONTALTO, Stonington, Boys Soccer, Senior; Montalto scored three goals including the 100th of his career in the Bears 4-0 victory over Plainville in the Class M state tournament. Montalto, who missed the first three games of the season, has 32 goals and nine assists this season. GIRLS & BOYS Soccer Team, Chariho; It wouldnt be fair to single out a player from either team, both of which captured Division II titles over the weekend of Nov. 12. The girls tied their game with Prout with 1:02 left in regulation and prevailed in penalty kicks. The boys scored the winning goal in the final two minutes of the second overtime to beat North Smithfield. ZACK TUCK, Westerly, Football; Tuck rushed for 150 yards on 29 carries in a loss to unbeaten St. Raphael in the Division II semifinals. Tuck has rushed for 1,533 yards and scored 19 touchdowns this season for the 7-3 Bulldogs. Vote View Results The dismantling of Britain's mutual sector has been one of the great acts of corporate vandalism of our time. The 'greed is good' ownership, which saw building societies and insurers rushing the fences to change their status, destroyed value and betrayed Victorian principles of thrift. Given this disturbing history of the noughties, which saw the security of savings compromised, one might wonder why any well-run mutual might want to change its status. That is precisely what the leadership of the venerable Liverpool Victoria, trendily renamed LV, is proposing to do by selling itself to private equity outfit Bain Capital. Life imitating Hollywood: 'Greed is Good' was Gordon Gekko's catchphrase in the movie Wall Street (pictured) In so doing, LV's chairman Alan Cook and chief executive Mark Hartigan are flying in the face of the tradition of reciprocal help in the mutual sector. The big surviving mutual lenders, such as the Nationwide and the Yorkshire, have bulked up over the years by offering a helping hand to smaller societies and continue to provide enhanced benefits to members through better savings rates and socially friendly mortgage deals. Bain Capital may be the most benevolent private equity firm in the world and willing to invest in the LV brand and colleagues. The idea that it will ever place the interests of LV's 1.16million policyholders above those of its private equity partners, debt providers and investors is cloud cuckoo land. Steve Schwarzman of Blackstone, just retired 'barbarians' Henry Kravis and George Roberts of KKR and Bridgepoint founder William Jackson did not become super-rich by their benevolence. If LV needed to bolster its capital and marketing to make itself more sustainable, the natural partner was mutual Royal London. It offered merger terms which would protect members' interest if not that of executives. One might have expected Cook, there to ensure fair play for policyholders, to have trimmed Hartigan's ambition and taken the safest route. Cook doesn't have a record of supporting the grassroots against the powerful. He was managing director of the Post Office when it began its unconscionable prosecutions of sub-postmasters for alleged theft. It turns out to have been one of the most flagrant miscarriages of justice of our time. Step in: City regulators at the Financial Conduct Authority and the Bank of England's prudential arm should step in and block the Bain Capital sale, Alex Brummer says As we report today, Cook and Hartigan have a cunning plan to make sure the Bain Capital deal will be approved by LV members. Under Articles of Association, some 75 per cent, of at least 50 per cent of voting policyholders, must approve the transfer. Getting 50 per cent of individuals, many of whom may find the details of the transaction complex, to vote on anything is difficult enough. To ensure the executive gets their way they will seek the permission of voting members to change the rules before going to court to lower the hurdles. This is a little like Donald Trump hoping the courts would hand him the 2020 election. The 50 per cent rule is there for a purpose. It is a protection against unwanted parties gaining control of a mutual to the potential detriment of policymakers. Financier Andrew Regan tried and failed with such a tactic when he sought to gain control of the Co-op in 1997. City regulators at the Financial Conduct Authority and the Bank of England's prudential arm should step in and block the Bain Capital sale. They need to halt a steamroller of rule changing and easy money in its tracks. Debt jeopardy If LV members want an insight into what private equity stewardship can mean, they should dip into the Competition & Markets Authority interim report into children's care. The study warns that increasing numbers of private-equity owned firms could leave the homes 'vulnerable to financial stress' and 'risk huge disruption to children in their care'. Control by private equity is rarely benign. High levels of debt force rushed and often harmful decisions. Promises made in the heat of battle can quickly turn to dust as the providers of loan finance tighten the noose. The debt-fuelled takeover of Asda by Mohsin and Zuber Issa was an inspiring tale of entrepreneurship. But the deal loaded the grocer with billions of pounds of loans. The debt mountain was to be whittled down by the 750million sale of the supermarket petrol stations. When sitting in a cave, resting after a hard day's hunter gathering, it would have been unlikely that I would have led a discussion group about current investment opportunities. However, there is a very good chance that at some stage I would have considered swopping some of my hunted and gathered assets for something that I needed. I might have considered agreeing to trade some furs for coal and timber, or even maybe that shiny gold-coloured stuff that had been dug out of the rock. Welcome to the first commodities market. Midas touch: Commodities have a broad reach from 'hard' assets such as gold and iron ore, through to 'soft' ones including orange juice and wheat What are commodities? Commodities have a broad reach from 'hard' assets such as gold and iron ore, through to 'soft' ones including orange juice and wheat. Generally these assets are consumable, in that they are used to make other things or to be consumed as food. This makes them an interesting asset as there is usually going to be demand for them, and we can often follow this in the news as they are affected by weather, transportation or even political issues. So what should we do? The picture conjured up of commodity investing is often that of men in striped jackets shouting at one another, as perfectly illustrated in the 1983 Dan Aykroyd-Eddie Murphy film, Trading Places. You don't have to do that! For the moment I will focus on the 'hard' commodities and will deal with gold and soft commodities another day, as they have some different characteristics you need to be aware of. Most investors can simply invest in a commodity fund, which will give you exposure to a range of them. This is a well-developed market, so you have a lot of choice. However, if you have a clear view on a specific asset like oil or gas, then you could invest directly into a single commodity like copper or iron ore, but you will obviously have less diversity. Which funds? There is a range of managed funds, but you must examine exactly what they are investing in as it will not be just the commodity price itself that will affect your investment, but also any political issues, like Russia's behaviour regarding its Nord Stream gas pipeline. And of course any currency movement will also have an effect as such assets are often priced in US dollars. For investments in natural resources including mining, oil and gas the JPM Natural Resources Fund covers all of those and is actively managed to take advantage of movements but will cost you 1.2 per cent per annum. For a cheaper route then, the passive ETF market can provide a good alternative but remember it is just a tracker of an index. Here the Invesco Bloomberg Commodity UCITS ETF fits the bill and has a management fee of just 0.19 per cent. Tin hats on, please. Justin Urquhart Stewart co-founded fund manager 7IM and is chairman of investment platform Regionally. The planned takeover of LV by American buyout barons faces a mounting backlash after it emerged bosses are plotting a controversial rule change to force the deal through. The historic insurer which was set up 1843 and was formerly called Liverpool Victoria has agreed to be sold to US private equity group Bain Capital for 530million. The deal would bring an end to mutual status for one of the country's oldest financial firms and leave it in the hands of foreign owners. But the takeover must be backed by LV members who own the company and bosses are planning a change in the rules to secure the deal, which has been branded 'reprehensible' by critics. Full of hot air: Chairman Alan Cook and an LV= car insurance ad CHAIRMAN BACK IN SPOTLIGHT AFTER POST OFFICE SCANDAL The sale of LV to Bain Capital has thrust the mutual's chairman Alan Cook into the spotlight once again. The 67-year-old was boss of the Post Office from 2006 to 2010, when the prosecution of sub-postmasters began. Under his watch the Horizon computer system was introduced. This system wrongly suggested money was going missing from post offices and led management to pursue the prosecutions even though doubts had been raised about its reliability. It led to 39 sub-postmasters wrongfully being found guilty of theft, in what a judge who overturned the verdicts in April described as one of the greatest miscarriages of justice. His tenure at LV began in 2017. He insists Bain's is the best option on the table. But his judgement has been questioned before he insisted the Post Office Horizon system was 'robust and fit for purpose'. He has never apologised. After the convictions were quashed, Gareth Thomas MP said: 'Cook has serious questions to answer.' The rules state any takeover must be voted on by at least 50 per cent of members with 75 per cent approval to pass. But chairman Alan Cook accepted it was 'frankly impossible' that so many members would vote on the deal. So bosses will ask those members who do take part to also vote to support dropping the requirement for a 50 per cent turnout. The move was condemned by industry experts and politicians who said the company is 'moving the goalposts' because it cannot win under the current rules. Mutual advocacy organisation Mutuo condemned it as a 'terrible idea' that does not represent members' interests. It said the voter turnout threshold is high specifically to discourage a deal like this. Managing partner Peter Hunt told the Mail: 'LV know they can't win a straight demutualisation vote according to their own rules, so they want to move the goalposts to make their asset-stripping plan work. 'The rule is designed to be high because demutualisation is always in the interest of a small number of people, not the majority. 'They will cart off the loot that's been made over centuries and they haven't contributed to it. 'There's so much money to be made out of this. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the leaders walked away with shares worth 10m individually.' Lord Heseltine said the flood of sales of British companies over seas was 'depressing'. He said: 'The process is doubly reprehensible when it has to involve changing the law to override the express intentions of those who vested the business.' MPs blasted the deal and demanded Cook and chief executive Mark Hartigan reveal how they will benefit from the sale. Gareth Thomas, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Mutuals, said the pair have refused to be 'transparent' about the takeover. He said: 'Some might say the fact the board is already determined to go to court to force through a change to the rules of their own articles of association speaks volumes about the motives behind their controversial deal with Bain Capital.' Group member Kevin Hollinrake MP called the rule change 'disgraceful' and said LV bosses are trying to pursue demutualisation 'by the back door'. He said: 'The business case for it [demutualisation] hasn't really been established and the suspicion is it's in the interest of the executives rather than the interests of members. 'It seems they are manipulating the situation to bring about their desired outcome that is not necessarily the best outcome for members.' Labour peer Lord Sikka said LV members should write to directors to oppose the rule change. But Cook said the board believes the sale is in the best interest of LV members. The company said the takeover by Bain protected jobs, offered an independent future for the brand and a good financial outcome for members. A spokesman said: 'Given the circumstances we face, the board firmly believes this transaction is the right thing to do for our members, our business and our people.' Speaking out: Baroness Wheatcroft Ministers have been urged to set up an inquiry into private equity's 'destructive' practices and tax affairs. In a debate in the House of Lords, peers called for regulation of the industry and an end to so-called 'carried interest' a controversial yet lucrative way that private equity partners pay themselves. The comments follow a spate of private equity deals in recent months including the takeovers of Morrisons, Asda, G4S and Aggreko. Highlighting a string of earlier buyouts that ended in disaster, Labour's Lord Sikka called for regulation of the industry. 'The typical business model of private equity includes high leverage, financial engineering, tax abuse, pension dumping, job losses and asset stripping,' he said. 'When will the Government commission an independent inquiry into the impact of private equity's destructive practices on all stakeholders?' Baroness Wheatcroft, a former Tory peer who sits as a crossbencher, attacked the tax breaks offered by carried interest. Private equity executives typically take bonuses by sharing profits from a fund and rather than being taxed as income, this so-called carried interest is subject to capital gains a rate of 28 per cent rather than 45 per cent. Wheatcroft said: 'Given the need of the Treasury to bring in extra cash, the treatment of carried interest is no longer sustainable.' Business minister Lord Callanan, however, warned that regulation could detract overseas investors from investing in the UK. 'We benefit in global terms from being an open and accessible economy,' he said. 'That brings in billions of pounds-worth of inward investment. We must be very careful not to send out the message that we do not welcome inward investment into this country.' 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. Will new variants of the coronavirus keep emerging? An Ethiopian government air strike on the capital of the northern Tigray region on Friday forced a U.N. flight carrying aid workers to abort a landing there, the United Nations said. Humanitarian sources and the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), which controls the area, said a university in Mekelle was hit by the strike. Government spokesperson Legesse Tulu said a former military base occupied by TPLF fighters was targeted, and he denied the university was hit. Reuters was not able to independently confirm either account. Tigrai TV, controlled by the TPLF-led regional administration that is not recognised by Addis Ababa, reported that 11 civilians were wounded in the air strike. It was the fourth day this week that Mekelle had been attacked. The U.N. suspended all flights to Mekelle after Fridays incident. U.N. global aid chief Martin Griffiths said the U.N. had not received any prior warning of the attacks on Mekelle and had received the necessary clearances for the flight. The incident raises serious concerns for the safety of aid workers trying to help civilians in need, Griffiths said in a statement, adding that all parties to the conflict should respect international humanitarian law including protecting humanitarian staff and assets from harm. The 11 passengers on board Fridays flight were aid workers travelling to a region where some 7 million people, including 5 million in Tigray, need humanitarian help, another U.N. official told reporters in New York. TPLF spokesperson Getachew Reda accused the government of putting the U.N. plane in harms way. Our air defence units knew the UN plane was scheduled to land (and) it was due in large measure to their restraint it was not caught in a crossfire, he said in a tweet. Legesse, the government spokesperson, rejected the TPLF accusation. I can assure you that there is no deliberate or intended act that put the efforts of UN humanitarian staff and their plan of delivering aid to the disadvantage (sic) group, Legesse said in a text message to Reuters. Ethiopian army spokesperson Colonel Getnet Adene did not immediately respond to requests for comment. PEOPLE FLEEING IN AMHARA The two sides have been fighting for almost a year in a conflict that has killed thousands of people and displaced more than two million amid a power struggle between the TPLF and the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmeds central government. The TPLF dominated Ethiopias ruling party for decades before Abiy, who is not a Tigrayan, took office in 2018. The government has stepped up air strikes on the Tigray capital as fighting has escalated in Amhara, a neighbouring region where the TPLF has seized territory that the government and allied armed Amhara armed groups are trying to recover. Residents in Dessie, a city in Amhara, told Reuters people were fleeing, a day after a TPLF spokesperson said its forces were within artillery range of the town. The whole city is panicking, a resident said, adding that people who could were leaving. He said he could hear the sound of heavy gunfire on Thursday night and into the morning, and that the bus fare to the capital Addis Ababa, about 385 km (240 miles) to the south, had increased more than six-fold. There are now more than 500,000 displaced people in the Amhara region and that number is growing rapidly due to the latest fighting, the National Disaster Risk Management Commission told Reuters. Seid Assefa, a local official working at a coordination centre for displaced people in Dessie, said 250 people had fled there this week from fighting in the Girana area to the north. We now have a total of 900 (displaced people) here and we finished our food stocks three days ago. Leul Mesfin, medical director of Dessie Hospital, told Reuters that two girls and an adult had died this week at his facility of wounds from artillery fire in the town of Wuchale, which both the government and the TPLF have described as the scene of heavy fighting over the past week. SOURCE: REUTERS ALBANY - The city's Veterans Day Parade will come back strong this year after the pandemic last year drastically limited the beloved event. City leaders and the Joint Veterans Committee said the parade will step off at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, which is Veterans Day, the day commemorating the armistice ending World War I in 1918. After being forced to limit last years gathering to a small wreath-laying during the height of the ongoing pandemic, the city of Albany is honored to once again host this important event to recognize our veterans and celebrate their service to our nation, Sheehan stated. The route begins at Ontario Street and Central Avenue. Participants will march east on Central Avenue, then east on Washington Avenue, ending at the corner of Washington Avenue and Hawk Street, east of the State Education Building. The building's steps will be the reviewing stand. In the event of severe weather, a ceremony will be in City Hall's rotunda. Masks will be required there if the event goes indoors. The American Gold Star Mothers and Families will lay a wreath at Our Lady of Peace in Memorial Grove at New Scotland and South Lake avenues at 9:30 a.m., before the parade. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The parade committee, made up of local veteran groups, will this year honor the veterans of the Global War on Terrorism, Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Any of these veterans marching this year will be leading the parade along with the Gold Star Families at the request of the American Gold Star Mothers and Families. We must remember that veterans of conflicts have a story to tell, many arent ready to tell it yet, but when they open up and talk - we must listen and support them, said U.S. Army 1SG (retired) Mark Rosenzweig, Joint Veterans Committee chairman. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A Minneapolis police officer has been charged with manslaughter and vehicular homicide for a crash in July that killed an innocent motorist while the officer was pursuing a stolen vehicle, a prosecutor announced Friday. Officer Brian Cummings was driving nearly 80 mph (129 kph) in Minneapolis with his siren and lights activated when his squad car slammed into another vehicle, killing 40-year-old Leneal Frazier, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said in a statement. The crash ended a chase that lasted more than 20 blocks, including through residential neighborhoods where the posted speed limit is 25 mph. Police are supposed to protect and serve citizens, and to act in a manner consistent with their sworn oath to do so. Officer Cummings actions deviated from his oath and his negligence caused the death of Leneal Frazier, Freeman said. During Cummings chase, Fraziers Jeep entered an intersection on a green light. According to investigators, the driver of the stolen vehicle narrowly missed Fraziers Jeep before the squad car struck it on the drivers side. An accident reconstruction report said the fatal collision "can be attributed to the Defendant for failure to operate his vehicle with due regard for the safety of other motorists. Mayor Jacob Frey said after Fraziers death that the city would review its pursuit policy, and that review was still ongoing Friday. A police spokesman said this summer that the policy was properly followed in the chase, but the complaint clearly suggested that prosecutors don't think it was by quoting directly from the policy: Officers shall not initiate a pursuit or shall terminate a pursuit in progress if the pursuit poses an unreasonable risk to the officers, the public or passengers of the vehicle being pursued who may be unwilling participants. Cummings' attorney, Tom Plunkett, said Cummings was pursuing a suspect in a violent carjacking and that the occupants had been on a crime spree, a practice that has unfortunately become too common in Minneapolis." The city's police union didn't immediately respond to a message. Frazier was the uncle of Darnella Frazier, whose cellphone video of Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyds neck was viewed worldwide and helped launch a global protest movement against racial injustice. Chauvin was convicted of murder and sentenced this year in Floyds 2020 death. The Frazier family, which had called for Cummings to be prosecuted in Frazier's death, welcomed the charges as a first step toward justice, according to their lawyers, Ben Crump and Jeff Storms. The Frazier family and our legal team are grateful for the charges brought against Brian Cummings for the reckless killing of Leneal Frazier," they said in a statement. We commend the Hennepin County Attorneys Office for having the courage to hold law enforcement accountable in this instance. No innocent civilian should ever lose their life because of unwarranted high-speed chases in residential neighborhoods. Both charges against Cummings carry a presumptive prison sentence of four years under state sentencing guidelines. Jail records show he was released on his own recognizance without bail required and has a hearing set for Nov. 9. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The department's policy manual allows pursuits for serious and violent crimes. including robbery, and flagrantly reckless driving that is life-threatening to the public." The complaint said the stolen vehicle was suspected in thefts from businesses that involved some limited use of force" but none involving weapons or resulted in injuries. Chases for simple auto theft are not allowed. Freeman made a fresh plea Friday for law enforcement across the state to change their pursuit policies, saying they don't do enough to protect human life. He said responses to previous criticism had been weak and ineffective. He said Minnesota agencies reported 40 fatal injuries resulting from pursuits from 2013-2020. This must stop, Freeman wrote. Pursuits must be reserved for only the most serious crimes and cases. The charges against Cummings came a day after former Minneapolis police Officer Mohamed Noor was resentenced on a manslaughter charge in the 2017 death of Justine Ruszczyk Damond, who was shot minutes after she had called 911 to report a possible sexual assault in the alley behind her home. They also came ahead of a Nov. 2 vote in which Minneapolis residents will decide whether to replace the citys police department with a new public safety unit. ___ Associated Press writer Gretchen Ehlke in Milwaukee contributed to this report. (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) James Colgrove, Columbia University (THE CONVERSATION) The ongoing battles over COVID-19 vaccination in the U.S. are likely to get more heated when the Food and Drug Administration authorizes emergency use of a vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, expected later this fall. California has announced it will require the vaccine for elementary school attendance once it receives full FDA approval after emergency use authorization, and other states may follow suit. COVID-19 vaccination mandates in workplaces and colleges have sparked controversy, and the possibility that a mandate might extend to younger children is even more contentious. Kids are already required to get a host of other vaccines to attend school. School vaccination mandates have been around since the 19th century, and they became a fixture in all 50 states in the 1970s. Vaccine requirements are among the most effective means of controlling infectious diseases, but theyre currently under attack by small but vocal minorities of parents who consider them unacceptable intrusions on parental rights. As a public health historian who studies the evolution of vaccination policies, I see stark differences between the current debates over COVID-19 vaccination and the public response to previous mandates. Compulsory vaccination in the past The first legal requirements for vaccination date to the early 1800s, when gruesome and deadly diseases routinely terrorized communities. A loose patchwork of local and state laws were enacted to stop epidemics of smallpox, the eras only vaccine-preventable disease. Vaccine mandates initially applied to the general population. But in the 1850s, as universal public education became more common, people recognized that schoolhouses were likely sites for the spread of disease. Some states and localities began enacting laws tying school attendance to vaccination. The smallpox vaccine was crude by todays standards, and concerns about its safety led to numerous lawsuits over mandates. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld compulsory vaccination in two decisions. The first, in 1905, affirmed that mandates are constitutional. The second, in 1922, specifically upheld school-based requirements. In spite of these rulings, many states lacked a smallpox vaccination law, and some states that did have one failed to enforce it consistently. Few states updated their laws as new vaccines became available. School vaccination laws underwent a major overhaul beginning in the 1960s, when health officials grew frustrated that outbreaks of measles were continuing to occur in schools even though a safe and effective vaccine had recently been licensed. Many parents mistakenly believed that measles was an annoying but mild disease from which most kids quickly recovered. In fact, it often caused serious complications, including potentially fatal pneumonia and swelling of the brain. With encouragement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all states updated old laws or enacted new ones, which generally covered all seven childhood vaccines that had been developed by that time: diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella. In 1968, just half the states had school vaccination requirements; by 1981, all states did. Expanding requirements, mid-20th century What is most surprising about this major expansion of vaccination mandates is how little controversy it provoked. The laws did draw scattered court challenges, usually over the question of exemptions which children, if any, should be allowed to opt out. These lawsuits were often brought by chiropractors and other adherents of alternative medicine. In most instances, courts turned away these challenges. There was scant public protest. In contrast to todays vocal and well-networked anti-vaccination activists, organized resistance to vaccination remained on the fringes in the 1970s, the period when these school vaccine mandates were largely passed. Unlike today, when fraudulent theories of vaccine-related harm such as the discredited notion that vaccines cause autism circulate endlessly on social media, public discussion of the alleged or actual risks of vaccines was largely absent. Through most of the 20th century, parents were less likely to question pediatricians recommendations than they are today. In contrast to the empowered patient/consumer of today, an attitude of doctor knows best prevailed. All these factors contributed to overwhelmingly positive views of vaccination, with more than 90% of parents in a 1978 poll reporting that they would vaccinate their children even if there were no law requiring them to do so. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Widespread public support for vaccination enabled the laws to be passed easily but it took more than placing a law on the books to control disease. Vaccination rates continued to lag in the 1970s, not because of opposition, but because of complacency. Thanks to the success of earlier vaccination programs, most parents of young children lacked firsthand experience with the suffering and death that diseases like polio or whooping cough had caused in previous eras. But public health officials recognized that those diseases were far from eradicated and would continue to threaten children unless higher rates of vaccination were reached. Vaccines were already becoming a victim of their success. The better they worked, the more people thought they were no longer needed. In response to this lack of urgency, the CDC launched a nationwide push in 1977 to help states enforce the laws they had recently enacted. Around the country, health officials partnered with school districts to audit student records and provide on-site vaccination programs. When push came to shove, they would exclude unvaccinated children from school until they completed the necessary shots. The lesson learned was that making a law successful requires ongoing effort and commitment and continually reminding parents about the value of vaccines in keeping schools and entire communities healthy. Add COVID-19 to vaccine list for school? Five decades after school mandates became universal in the U.S., support for them remains strong overall. But misinformation spread over the internet and social media has weakened the public consensus about the value of vaccination that allowed these laws to be enacted. COVID-19 vaccination has become politicized in a way that is unprecedented, with sharp partisan divides over whether COVID-19 is really a threat, and whether the guidance of scientific experts can be trusted. The attention focused on COVID-19 vaccines has given new opportunities for anti-vaccination conspiracy theories to reach wide audiences. [Over 115,000 readers rely on The Conversations newsletter to understand the world. Sign up today.] Fierce opposition to COVID-19 vaccination, powered by anti-government sentiment and misguided notions of freedom, could undermine support for time-tested school requirements that have protected communities for decades. Although vaccinating school-aged children will be critical to controlling COVID-19, lawmakers will need to proceed with caution. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/parents-were-fine-with-sweeping-school-vaccination-mandates-five-decades-ago-but-covid-19-may-be-a-different-story-168899. SCHENECTADY - Police are investigating a threat against Oneida Middle School that many students saw and began sharing on social media over the weekend. The threat warns of shootings at the school. The Schenectady City School District sent out an email and an automated phone call to parents, acknowledging the threat and asking caregivers to monitor their childrens social media. The Schenectady Police Department posted the threat on its Facebook page with an announcement that detectives were investigating. Detectives from our Youth Aid Bureau are actively investigating this threat and it is being taken very seriously, the department wrote. The department also offered two phone numbers to call to provide information, but one of them was out of service. The other is (518) 630-0911. While parents reacted online in shock, some immediately questioned the authenticity of the threat. The writer appeared to not be familiar with the school and its grade levels, they said online. The threat also included a description of Oneida as being in Schenectady New York, suggesting the writing was intended for a wider audience. The school district said school officials contacted police Saturday morning after seeing the threat online, and that city and State Police were investigating. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. If you have any information, please let us know. This also serves as a reminder to please monitor your children's social media usage carefully, wrote district spokeswoman Karen Corona. We will provide a update when we receive more information from the police. In the meantime, several parents responded to the police Facebook post by saying they would keep their Oneida students home from school Monday and one asked the district to go virtual until the person who made the threat was found. ALBANY Nationwide, advocates pushing to end certain civil protections for public officials are turning their attention to a New York bill. The shift comes after federal lawmakers gave up on police reform negotiations last month, and after two U.S. Supreme Court rulings siding with police officers this week curbed speculation that the tribunal itself was reversing course on its qualified immunity doctrine. Qualified immunity shields the actions of on-duty police and other public officials from constitutional violation allegations, unless a plaintiff can point to a past instance in which the same actions were found unconstitutional by the court. Albany legislators lobbied hard last spring to pass a bill that would strip public officials of the protection at the state level. They met resistance from the state troopers union, which worried the change would set an impossibly high standard for officers. Would-be political allies also pushed back, saying the change to federal law should come from Washington, D.C., among other concerns. Proponents of the bill who include progressive and libertarian civil rights groups say a federal shift is now out of reach. Were going to be focusing all of our public education resources and advocacy resources on New York and Illinois, to try to advance state-based solutions, said Edward Erikson, the director for the Campaign to End Qualified Immunity. The high-profile national coalition is co-chaired by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield of ice cream fame. Erikson added that New York makes sense as a national focal point, since it is huge and a state that people look to for leadership, especially in the Northeast. Johanna Garcia, chief of staff for state Sen. Robert Jackson, D-Manhattan, who sponsored the New York bill, noted the state had already been a flashpoint in the Black Lives Matter movement since 2014, when Eric Garner died from an New York Police Department officers chokehold and protesters began chanting his final words: I can't breathe. After the murder of George Floyd by police officer Derek Chauvin last year brought police misconduct cases back to the forefront of public debate, qualified immunity's detractors reemerged, arguing that it assured impunity for officers who commit misconduct. Some law enforcement officials joined the throng, including Brendan Cox, a former Albany police chief. It shocked the heck out of folks like me to see qualified immunity getting that kind of attention, because it can be a dry legal issue, said Robert Quackenbush, an attorney at the Legal Aid Societys Prisoners Rights Project. Still, at the end of last year the Supreme Court began issuing decisions that led onlookers to believe the judges would weaken or limit the doctrine they had cemented several decades prior. The case that first fueled that belief was brought by a prisoner, Trent Taylor, against corrections officers who had held him for six days in cells filled with human excrement. A Texas appeals court decided Taylor had been subjected to cruel and unusual punishment but that the officers who kept him in the cells were protected by qualified immunity, since the courts had never passed judgment on this particular treatment. The Supreme Court justices surprised experts across the country when, in November, they disagreed. Confronted with the particularly egregious facts of this case, any reasonable officer should have realized that Taylors conditions of confinement offended the Constitution. The court is indicating a change. And people are responding, UCLA law professor Joanna Schwartz wrote in The Atlantic in March, noting that Taylor had already been cited by lawyers and judges on dozens of occasions, including once by the Supreme Court. But in two excessive force cases last week, the Supreme Court sided with police officers. In Oklahoma, officers shot and killed a drunk, hammer-wielding man while trying to remove him from the garage of his ex-wife, where he still kept his tools. In California, a man was injured by an officers knee on his back prior to being placed in handcuffs. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. In both cases, justices said that it didnt matter whether courts ruled that the police officers involved had violated rights enshrined in the Constitutions Fourth Amendment. Since plaintiffs lawyers did not point to any past cases in which the arrests were similar enough, the Supreme Court doubled down on qualified immunity protections, saying that a reasonable official would not have known if their actions were against the law. Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter, D-Syracuse, who sponsored the state-level bill to end qualified immunity last session, said the courts decisions add fuel to her aim to curtail the doctrine to the furthest extent possible at the state level. The judgments came less than a month after negotiations between a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers working on police reform legislation fell apart, with Democratic and Republican representatives pointing fingers at one another for refusing to compromise. While an initial version of the police reform bill which passed the House in March would have ended qualified immunity, the clause was met with strong resistance among Senate Republicans. We didnt really have hopes for the federal government to come through on this, said Darlene McDay, who got involved in the statewide push in the spring after coming up against a qualified immunity defense in her own case against prison guards in Buffalo. Her civil complaint alleges the guards mistreated her son, leading to his death behind bars. In the week following the announcement of the Supreme Court, she and other New York advocates have been busy. Lots of different organizers who had been working on these issues on the federal level have now, even if they have a federal focus, shifted to supporting state-level action and have been reaching out in droves, said Katerina Siira, who volunteers as a coalition member alongside McDay. Siira said the flurry of calls theyve received from interest groups across the country since the recent Supreme Court decisions indicate the state Legislatures debate over qualified immunity may draw national attention in 2022. ALBANY Multiple investigations into preferential COVID-19 testing that former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's administration had provided for the well-connected including state lawmakers and their families have stalled, and individuals with intimate knowledge of the practice said they were never interviewed in connection with any of the inquiries. The agencies or panels that were alerted to the practice or had initiated investigations into it include the U.S. Attorney's office in Brooklyn, the state attorney general's office, the state Assembly's Judiciary Committee, and the Joint Commission on Public Ethics. The crux of the allegations, first reported by the Times Union in March, are that relatives and others with connections to Cuomo were given VIP treatment that included dispatching nurses to their residences or other locations to test them for coronavirus. In many instances, the test kits were rushed by State Police cruisers to the state-run Wadsworth Laboratory in Albany, where they received priority treatment that may have violated state law. State health Commissioner Howard Zucker was interviewed by the U.S. Attorney's office and FBI about a month ago, according to a person with knowledge of the matter, but it's unclear whether he was questioned about the VIP testing, in which he played a key role in directing many of those tests on behalf of Cuomo. The state ethics panel, the U.S. Attorney's office and the attorney general's office would not comment on the status of their investigations. The Assembly's Judiciary Committee, which initially tasked itself with investigating the priority testing and other controversies involving Cuomo, has largely dropped its inquiry into the preferential treatment, according to a statement Assemblyman David Weprin made to The New York Times in September. Earlier this month, Cuomo's attorney, Rita Glavin, sent a letter to the Judiciary Committee's chair, Assemblyman Charles D. Lavine, pointing out that "numerous state legislators including members of the state Senate and Assembly, and members of this committee received preferential COVID-19 testing for themselves, various staff members and family members." Glavin called on Lavine to publicly identify those members. It's unclear whether the lawmakers' access to priority coronavirus testing was a factor in the Assembly committee's decision to back away from that portion of their investigation. Lavine on Friday declined to comment, or to say if he had received a priority test. Hans Pennink/Associated Press A source with knowledge of the matter told the Times Union that lawmakers who received priority COVID-19 tests last year included Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and, locally, state Sens. Neil Breslin and Daphne Jordan, among others. A spokesman for Stewart-Cousins acknowledged the majority leader had been tested at the state University at Albany, where she had an appointment. The source with knowledge of the matter said that test was given priority treatment, including expediting the lab work. "To ensure the important work of the government continued, the majority leader got tested after a possible exposure or before a meeting with the governor, and this was always done at an existing testing site," said Mike Murphy, a spokesman for Stewart-Cousins. Breslin said he was tested last year after he learned a member of a camera crew that visited his Senate office had tested positive for the infectious disease. The senator said he arranged for the testing through Senate staff and was unaware that his test received priority treatment. Breslin added that he never asked Cuomo's office for assistance. "Im glad hes gone. I dont view what I did as (receiving) special treatment," Breslin said. "Theres bells that go off when you do something wrong; I didnt hear any bells." Jordan said she had contacted the governor's office last year for guidance before traveling to Florida to visit her mother. She said Saratoga County health officials gave her advice that contradicted the information she received from the governor's office, which was that she did not need to quarantine for 14 days upon returning from Florida because she was an "essential worker" and only needed to avoid large crowds. Jordan's office said as a precaution she went to UAlbany to get a second test, "just to make sure she was still negative and would not have to quarantine." "Sen. Jordan did not ask for any preferential treatment," her office said in a statement. "Given her role in the Senate, and her extensive interactions with the public, Sen. Jordan clearly understands the importance of public health protocols and she followed them every step of the way. Sen. Jordan followed the testing recommendations she was given, and certainly did not receive any of the types of door-to-door VIP service or State Police escorts of the type that have been reported in the press." Richard Azzopardi, a spokesman for Cuomo, said the legislators and attorney general's office have been "operating with one set of rules for themselves and one for everyone else." "The Legislature and the (attorney general's) office asked for and received help with testing for themselves, staff members and family only to express faux outrage when it was politically convenient and then stamped their feet over staff taking time off to volunteer on the book project when their staff does the same on their own re-election campaigns," Azzopardi said, referring to ongoing investigations into whether Executive Chamber staff helped produce Cuomo's COVID-19 memoir. "The hypocrisy is thick even by Albany standards," he added. Code words Recent interviews with nurses and health department officials who worked at major COVID-19 testing sites downstate last year, including at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle and Jones Beach State Park on Long Island, have revealed new details of the practice, including the use of code words when Department of Health officials relayed VIP test results to members of the governor's Executive Chamber. The department developed the system because officials concluded that by law only physicians or medical practitioners could inform someone if their test results were positive. But if they were negative, administrators and others were directed to reveal results to Cuomo's staffers using carefully worded code language. "The chamber controlled the priority list," said a health department official involved with the VIP testing, who spoke on the condition of not being identified. "If somebody from chamber called ... and says, 'I want the test results for Abraham Lincoln,' you could say, Nothing to worry about,' and the chamber official would understand that meant the result was negative for COVID-19." Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket/Getty Images But health officials said the chamber's involvement in facilitating the delivery of test results for VIPs and others may have violated medical privacy laws. Even Cuomo, they said, at times would be informed of and announce someone's test result before the person may have been notified. Sources with knowledge of the matter said Cuomo also would personally inform his relatives, including his brother, CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, of their results. The former administration's control and knowledge of the VIP testing program became more evident when a law enforcement official at a downstate testing site had classified his test as "priority" because he was going on vacation out of state and needed a negative test result to travel. The official "tried to hijack the system and made himself a priority," the health department employee said. "But he didnt understand all this stuff that happened in background, so when this priority test came through and it didnt match the approved list of priority tests, because we had to get permission from chamber, the whole thing kind of blew up." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. State troopers were deeply involved in facilitating the VIP testing, according to nurses and health department officials with knowledge of the secretive system. At some testing sites, people flagged as VIPs also would be allowed to drive to the front of lines so they could get tested quickly, and their specimen samples would receive a purple sticker indicating it should be given priority. People who worked at those downstate sites said they were sometimes unaware of who a VIP was, but would learn through news reports that some of those individuals were elected officials, high-powered businesspeople or media moguls. "The real VIPs had their specimens driven to Wadsworth," a health department official said. 'One and only' New York Chief Judge Janet M. DiFiore and her relatives were among the individuals who received priority COVID-19 testing last year. A public health nurse and several members of the New York National Guard were dispatched to DiFiore's private residence in Southampton on Long Island in August 2020 to conduct the testing, according to a person familiar with the matter. The test samples were transferred to a state trooper who rushed them to a state-run laboratory where they received expedited processing. A spokesman for the state Office of Court Administration has confirmed that DiFiore and her family members had been tested at her Southampton residence last summer. He said it took place after a young member of the judge's family had tested positive. "It was the one and only time," said Lucian Chalfen, a spokesman for the Office of Court Administration. The medical officials enlisted to do the testing included Dr. Eleanor Adams, an epidemiologist who graduated from Harvard Medical School and served as a special adviser to Zucker. Adams conducted testing on Chris Cuomo at his residence on Long Island, according to two sources. It may be a violation of state Public Officers Law for state officials to use government resources to benefit another individual, including a family member. No state officer, employee, legislator or legislative employee "should use or attempt to use his or her official position to secure unwarranted privileges or exemptions for himself or herself or others," according to Section 74 of the law. Others who were given priority testing included Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and his wife, as well as Patrick J. Foye, head of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Foye and Cotton both announced in March 2020 they had tested positive for coronavirus. Foye was tested after exhibiting symptoms, according to a spokesman for the MTA. Cuomo has denied knowledge of the preferential testing for his relatives, but officials familiar with the matter said the governor not only was aware of the testing but had directed it be done when it involved members of his family. Officials in the Cuomo administration said earlier this year the testing in those early days of the pandemic in March 2020 was not preferential, and they noted public nurses were being driven to private residences in New Rochelle the site of the state's first outbreak to test people who were symptomatic or who had been exposed to the virus. During that period, State Police troopers were largely being tasked with driving those samples to the Wadsworth Center laboratory in Albany, which was initially the primary testing spot for coronavirus. Another person familiar with the matter said the "sampling missions" had unsettled some of the high-level health department officials tasked with collecting the samples at private residences including Adams, who had previously worked in the health department's New York City regional office for the Healthcare Epidemiology & Infection Control Program. Much of the VIP testing took place in the early stages of the pandemic, at a time when many members of the public struggled to obtain coronavirus tests. blyons@timesunion.com Catholic Funeral Liturgy for Mary Casuccio will be at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church on November 23, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Interment follows at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Domico Funeral Home. The CEO of Irelands largest planned renewable energy project, the Silvermines hydro-electric station, has said that the planning process for the 650m development will commence in Q1 of next year. The project, which is backed by institutional and private investors, is very much on course for its 2023 planning application, according to CEO Darren Quinn, and still on target for 2028 commissioning. The planned 360MW hydro-electricity plant is set to be included again in Irelands electricity generation Projects of Common Interest (PCI) list compiled by the European Commission and, Mr Quinn stated that the project, together with similarly critical European infrastructure investments such as the Celtic Interconnector and Greenlink Interconnector, will increase the transmission grid capacity, thereby underpinning the many of objectives and actions needed in delivering the upcoming Climate Action Plan later this month. Silvermines Hydro, which is located just outside Silvermines village in North Tipperary, will generate electricity from a storage-based technology. Water from a higher elevation reservoir will be released to a lower reservoir, flowing through giant turbines and generating electricity at peak demand in the process. The water is pumped from a lower reservoir to the higher reservoir at night or during low electricity demand periods. The lower reservoir already exists at the site by way of an open-cast mine flooded to a depth of some 70m at the foot of the Silvermines Mountains. A cost-benefit analysis for the project has demonstrated significant societal benefits to Tipperary and Ireland. The project has the capacity to generate electricity to power 200,000 homes, but more importantly it provides a proven, secure and clean alternative to using fossil fuels, such as coal and gas in securing Irelands energy future over the next 20 to 30 years. Mr Quinn said that the pandemic did impede progress temporarily but momentum has been regained. Covid was a challenge and did impede progress with some exploratory work at the site. Ironically, the same period has seen massive advancement of the climate change agenda, which is underpinning the project even more than before. Couple that with our own energy shortages, the need for the Silvermines Hydro Electric Power Station is now an even greater imperative, he said. The development of a second pump storage facility in Ireland Turlough Hill in Wicklow being the first - was included in the Energy White Paper of 2015 and will support the upcoming Climate Action Plan as well, he stated. We are well down the road already with our project here and remain the only planned pump storage option in Ireland so, with the pressing need for more renewables and the energy challenges, the pieces are very much falling into place for the project. The good thing is that these pieces are completely aligned with our green energy transition targets, he stated. Mr Quinn cited our commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and believes this can be achieved given Irelands natural resources and by investing in and increasing the transmission infrastructure to facilitate the integration of the renewables. For example, weve got huge potential along the western seaboard with untapped wind resources and the key to unlocking these resources for Ireland Inc. is to continue the investment in critical transmission and storage infrastructure and by strengthening our electricity connection with our European neighbours, he said. New internal documents provided by former Facebook employee-turned-whistleblower Frances Haugen provide a rare glimpse into how the company, after years under the microscope for the policing of its platform, appears to have simply stumbled into the Jan. 6 riot For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Minnesota Public Radio News. For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, The Des Moines Register. Dakotas researchers look to take the steam out of streams [October 23, 2021] University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies Issues Whitepaper as Guide to Effective Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies is announcing the release of a whitepaper authored by Kimberly Underwood, Ph.D., MBA, university research chair of the University's Center for Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Research, and by Mark Slaven, Ph.D. Titled Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Both a Social and a Business Imperative, and produced in coordination with the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the whitepaper investigates how companies can help increase and promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices. The disproportionate impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on underrepresented groups, and the protests following the killings of individuals including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, have shone a light on the entrenched inequalities that continue to afflict and limit American society. These events have also put a new focus and energy on DEI and given businesses a unique opportunity to address and make progress on these issues. "The University of Phoenix is proud to partner with the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to present this white paper and be a catalyst for essential conversations necessary to support effective and sustainable changes within our DEI efforts," stated Peter Cohen, President of University of Phoenix. "Through the voices of leaders across the state of Arizona, this paper provides suggestions, strategies, and resources to assist businesses in furthering their DEI endeavors." The whitepaper is intended to serve as a guide for companies on how to create effective DEI efforts and examines how leading organizations have identified that diversity needs the benefits of inclusive practices in order to foster an authentic sense of belonging. The whitepaper findings were presented at an August 2021 panel by Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and University of Phoenix with APS and the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency. Read the full whitepaper, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Both a Social and a Business Imperative. About Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Since 1948, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber has been dedicated to promoting the health and prosperity of the state and national economy by serving as a vital link to the growing power and influence of minority-owned businesses and consumers as part of our state's increasingly diverse global marketplace. For more research publications, please visit www.issuu.com/azhcc. About the College of Doctoral Studies University of Phoenix's College of Doctoral Studies focuses on today's challenging business and organizational needs, from addressing critical social issues to developing solutions to accelerate community building and industry growth. The College's research program puts students in the center of an effective ecosystem of experts, resources and tools to help prepare them to be a leader in their organization, industry and community. Through this program, students and researchers work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace in real time. About University of Phoenix University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211023005001/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Hagens Berman: Consumers Sue Fiat Chrysler and Cummins for Defective Fuel Pump in Dodge RAM Heavy Duty Diesel Trucks Leading consumer rights law firm Hagens Berman today filed a class-action lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler (FCA) and Cummins on behalf of 600,000 owners and lessors of 2018 - 2020 Dodge RAM (News - Alert) Heavy Duty Cummins-equipped diesel trucks containing a defective CP4 fuel injection pump. The lawsuit filed Oct. 22, 2021, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan states that the defect poses an "imminent safety risk to the public," leaving vehicle owners at risk of sudden and unexpected engine shutoff while in motion. The lawsuit accuses the automaker and manufacturer of colluding to conceal the critical fuel pump defect and its safety risk. If you own or lease a 2018 - 2020 Dodge RAM 2500, 3500, 4500 or 5500 Heavy Duty diesel truck with a 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine, find out more about the lawsuit and your rights. "Fiat Chrysler has known about the defective design of the pump for more than a decade and left consumers driving ticking time bombs," said Steve Berman, managing partner of Hagens Berman and attorney representing affected truck owners. "No consumer would have purchased these vehicles had they been told the truth, and they deserve to be safe and compensated. Our hearts go out to those who have spent thousands, if not tens of thousands, to fix their truck. Shame on FCA." CP4 Design Defect The CP4 pump uses fuel for lubricating the interior cam, pumping cylinders and rollers. If the fuel used is not sufficiently lubricated - which most U.S. diesel is not - the cam and rollers wear against each other generating tiny metl shavings that disperse throughout the fuel injection system. The lawsuit says FCA and Cummins knew Bosch's CP4 pump design was incompatible with American diesel fuel. The release of metal shavings into the fuel system is catastrophic and the complaint states "failure can occur as early as mile one, as the fuel injection disintegration process begins at the very first fill of the tank and start of the engine, with pump components beginning to deteriorate and dispersing metal shavings throughout the internal engine components and fuel supply system." Failure of the fuel system causes sudden and unexpected shutoff of the vehicle's engine while in motion and an inability to restart the vehicle, presenting a substantial risk to consumer safety. Consumer Complaints A review of consumer complaints by National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's Office of Defects Investigation found that most stall/loss of power incidents occurred at speeds greater than 25 MPH and resulted in "permanent disablement of the vehicle." Owners of affected Dodge RAM trucks have reported: "With 20k miles the High-Pressure Fuel Pump blowup in middle of the freeway" "The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated." "2019 ram 3500 fuel injector pump went out on me pulling a 20k camper almost couldn't stop!" "I was driving on the freeway when the truck suddenly began surging the throttle. I began to make my way to the shoulder. By the time I was in the shoulder the truck lost all power." Costs to repair each vehicle are at least $10,000, and according to attorneys, Fiat Chrysler refuses to fix the trucks under warranty, blaming the issue on contaminated fuel. Additionally, owners of the affected trucks report that repairs are fruitless, as no repair will fix the issue as long as the vehicle is being filled with U.S. diesel fuel. Hagens Berman has filed seven class action lawsuits against Ford (News - Alert), GM and FCA concerning the dangerous CP4 fuel injection pump in other diesel trucks. Find out more about the class-action lawsuit against FCA for the CP4 fuel injection pump defect in its 2018 - 2020 Dodge RAM trucks. About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm with a tenacious drive for achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. Since its founding in 1993, the firm's determination has earned it numerous national accolades, awards and titles of "Most Feared Plaintiff's Firm," MVPs and Trailblazers of class-action law. More about the law firm and its successes can be found at www.hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211022005528/en/ WELLS FARGO INVESTIGATION INITIATED by Former Louisiana Attorney General: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Investigates the Officers and Directors of Wells Fargo & Company - WFC Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into Wells Fargo (News - Alert) & Company (NYSE: WFC). Already facing the fallout from an earlier series of scandals as well as an asset cap mandated by the Federal Reserve, throughout 2020, the Company disclosed a series of disappointing financial results due in part to continued deterioration in the Company's credit portfolio including taking increasingly massive provision expenses to account for expected credit delinquencies and significantly slashing its dividend. The Company has been sued in a securities class action lawsuit for failing to disclose material information, violating federal securities laws, which remains ongoing. KSF's investigation is focusing on whether Wells Fargo's officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to Wells Fargo's shareholders or otherwise violated state or federal laws. If you have infomation that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of Wells Fargo shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-wfc/ to learn more. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking to recover investment losses due to corporate fraud and malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California and Louisiana. To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211022005529/en/ [October 23, 2021] U Power ties up with Bosch to collaborate on Super Board technology SHANGHAI, Oct. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- U Power, a Chinese Smart EV technology startup, has recently entered into a strategic agreement with German multinational engineering and technology company Bosch, whereby the two companies will collaborate on intelligent vehicle board technology to support the development of U Power's "UP Super Board." At the same time, the startup has announced the completion of a Pre-A+ round of funding, led by Bosch's market-oriented investment platform Boyuan Capital. This investment was the third round of financing received by U Power since its inception five months ago and Boyuan Capital's first investment since being established. Bosch (China) Investment Ltd. EVP Xu Daquan said: "Intelligent electric vehicle development has entered a critical period with platform-level technology guidance and innovation on track to become a new focus for development. One of the key items to come out as a result of these technological advances is the integrated vehicle board that can meet both hardware and software demands for modularization and intelligence, a feature that can greatly reduce production cost and R&D time. U Power is a partner with the right R&D and manufacturing strengths to produce such a component. We are looking forward to working with U Power on furthering integrated chassis technology and supporting the development of China's itelligent EV industry." As the lead investor in U Power's Pre-A+ funding round, Boyuan Capital managing partner and CEO Zhu Lin said the value of traditional automotive supply chains has been changed with the arrival of intelligent automotive manufacturing. While many new players have entered the field, U Power has the right technology in place and therefore looks to be among the most promising. U Power's proprietary UP Super Board is a breakthrough product that can greatly empower car manufacturing as the sector enters a new stage, greatly shorten the time needed for R&D, and meet the rapid launch and diversified market needs of intelligent EVs in different scenarios. With its many years in its role as a Tier 1 auto supplier and a complete vehicle manufacturer now deeply ingrained in its DNA, the U Power team will bring to the table a whole new approach to intelligent vehicle R&D and a highly imaginative business model for the automotive business chain, alongside its market-leading chassis products, to further reduce costs and increase efficiency. The two companies, as a result of the collaboration, will have a huge head start as the era of intelligent electric vehicle unfolds. U Power, with its vast experience in manufacturing vehicles under multiple real-life scenarios, will reinvent the entire vehicle development process by moving to a modularization approach whereby the chassis is divided from the body. By redefining the fundamental approach, technical norms and supply chain, U Power's proprietary UP Super Board can be customized to meet different hardware standards and software platforms, increasing R&D and manufacturing productivity. The existence of the UP Super Board is expected to shorten R&D time to one year and reduce production costs by up to 60%. Today, China's intelligent EV industry is exposed to increasingly fierce competition between traditional vehicle makers, new car manufacturers and technology companies. Advances in vehicle modularization and intelligence have made possible the body-chassis-separated manufacturing model. Some international start-ups are already working in this area in collaboration with major automakers. In China, the concept of the "super board" remains fresh. It is an open secret in the industry that more than 50% of the bill of materials (BOM) cost of intelligent EVs is concentrated in the power chassis, opening the door to the creation of a new "species" like the super board. U Power founder Li Peng said there are many companies from diverse backgrounds that are eager to enter the mobility space, but what holds them back are the high barriers. U Power looks forward to seeing the UP Super Board technology create a level playing field for all those that seek to enter. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/u-power-ties-up-with-bosch-to-collaborate-on-super-board-technology-301407033.html SOURCE U Power [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 23, 2021] New Global Coalition Will Accelerate Tourism Industry's Transition to Net Zero HRH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman announces multi-country, multi-stakeholder coalition - Sustainable Tourism Global Center will support millions of stakeholders, including SMEs, travelers, governments, academia, NGOs and the private sector on the transition to net zero RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 23, 2021 /CNW/ -- The Saudi Arabian Government has launched the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC), a multi-country, multi-stakeholder coalition that will accelerate the tourism sector's transition to net zero emissions, as well as drive action to protect nature and support communities. Launched today by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the Sustainable Tourism Global Center will support travelers, governments, and the private sector, to ensure that tourism enables growth and creates jobs, while playing its part to achieve the climate goals laid out in the Paris Agreement, including contributing to keeping the world to under 1.5-degrees Celsius warming. With the global traveland tourism sector responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Saudi Arabia has prioritized urgent action to support this important sector in its transition to net zero. The Global Center will be the platform to bring all the knowledge and expertise; it aims to be the "north star" for the tourism sector as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and transitions toward a sustainable future. Globally, tourism supports more than 330 million livelihoods and pre-pandemic, it was responsible for creating one in four new jobs globally. Details of this coalition and the services it will provide will be formally announced during COP26. HE Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia said: "The tourism sector contributes to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions and this is expected to grow if we don't act now. Tourism is also a highly fragmented sector. 80% of businesses in tourism are small and medium sized enterprises who rely on guidance and support from sector leadership. The sector must be part of the solution. "Saudi Arabia, following the vision and leadership of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, is answering this vital call by working with partners - that prioritize tourism, SMEs and climate - to create a multi-country, multi-stakeholder coalition, that will lead, accelerate, and track the tourism industry's transition to net zero emissions. "By working together and delivering a strong joint platform, the tourism sector will have the support it needs. The STGC will facilitate growth while making tourism better for the climate, nature, and communities." HE Gloria Guevara, Chief Special Advisor to the Minister of Tourism said: "For years and years, multiple players across the tourism sector have been working on different initiatives to accelerate the race to zero but we have been working in silos. The impact of the global pandemic on the tourism sector highlighted the vital importance of multi-country, multi-stakeholder collaboration. And now, Saudi Arabia is stepping up to bring stakeholders together to make tourism part of the solution to climate change." Infographic - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1668358/Sustainable_Tourism_Infographic.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-global-coalition-will-accelerate-tourism-industrys-transition-to-net-zero-301407070.html SOURCE Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The level of local violence has declined since last year's record breaking murder count but still, overall, continues to trend upward over the past five years. Again, this is homicide #123 this year compared to 156 at this time last year and 124 the year before that . . . Here's the first report . . . Homicide 6200 block of North Topping This afternoon just before 3:30pm officers were called to the 6200 Block of North Topping on a Cutting call. When officers arrived they were directed to the rear of a residence, there and they located an adult male victim who had been stabbed. Officers summoned EMS to the scene to render aid. EMS declared the victim deceased here at the scene. Preliminary investigation indicates there was an altercation there in the yard of the residence between the victim and another male. That altercation led to the victim being stabbed. Responding officers placed a male subject of interest in custody for further investigation. Detectives are now canvassing for witnesses and crime scene investigators are processing the scene for evidence. Detectives are working with prosecutors at this time regarding the investigation and will eventually present a case file for consideration of applicable charges. Detectives are not searching for any other suspects in regard to this case. ################ Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news links . . . Kansas City police investigate homicide on North Topping Avenue SOURCE: KMBC Kansas City police said they are investigating a homicide Friday afternoon in the 6200 block of North Topping Avenue.Police said officers were called at 3:26 p.m. One dead following stabbing in Kansas City KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) --- One person is dead following a stabbing in Kansas City. The stabbing happened in the 6200 block of N. Topping Avenue, according to police. Officers were called out to the scene around 3:30 p.m. on Friday. No suspects have been taken into custody. KCPD said argument led to fatal Northland stabbing KANSAS CITY, Mo. - An argument between two men outside a Northland house ended with one of the men stabbed to death. Dispatchers told KSHB 41 News that around 3:25 p.m., officers were called to the 6200 block of N. Topping Avenue on a reported stabbing. Developing . . . The fading newspaper, quick hit TV news, pay-for-play prog blogs and a litany of subscriber services don't really inform residents of Kansas City about who REALLY runs this cowtown. And that's why even most avid newsreaders don't know that Bridgette Williams is one of the most powerful people Kansas City has ever seen. Let's respectfully note her accomplishments that are confirmed via her LinkedIn profile . . . Ms. Williams is best known for her years working in local labor. She capitalized from that service and earned the Executive Director position at the Board Of The Kansas City Heavy Constructors - The Heavies. Even better . . . Bridgette Williams also serves as the Executive Chair of the Kansas City Economic Development Corporation - The EDC. Foolish souls might have legitimate questions about THE APPEARANCE OF CONFLICT in those two high ranking positions but elected leaders like 4th District Council Lady Katheryn Shields and Mayor Quinton Lucas have SEEMINGLY FOUND NO FAULT. Ms. Williams is good buddies with Council lady Katheryn Shields and she's "cordial" with Mayor Q. And it's fair to assume that they know about her two seemingly contradictory leadership positions. And so . . . Voters in Kansas City must trust judgement of our betters at 12th & Oak. OF COURSE we believe everyone is pure of heart until proven otherwise. If these unimpeachable politicos see no problem, then that TOTALLY should merit the approval of average voters. In fact, in a recent expose of the EDC that was almost completely ignored by most of Kansas City . . . Ms. Williams barely rated a mention and escaped the controversy unscathed. The only thing we know for sure is that not everyone is convinced and we can expect Ms. Williams to earn greater notoriety very soon given her unprecedented cowtown power. To be fair, I'm sure local media playing catch-up to our blog community will be exceptionally fair, balanced and even complimentary. Developing . . . Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The Associated Press Health & Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Readers may email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com. Look for Cal Thomas latest book Americas Expiration Date: The Fall of Empires and Superpowers and the Future of the United States (HarperCollins/Zondervan). Veda Yowell, 90, of Clinton, passed away on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at IU West Hospital in Avon, surrounded by her loving family. Veda was born in Parke County on August 30, 1931, to Harry and Angeline Ladiha Crossley. She married her husband, Fred, on July 22, 1949, and together, they Plenty of the threads here about the new rules which will be in effect from Nov. 1. February is still long time away, so lots can change in the next couple of months. But I am sure that a negative PCR test will be one of the requirements even when you have had your jabs. FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) The two women seeking the lieutenant governor's office in Virginia next month are fond of touting their unconventional political backgrounds. One thing is certain: Whichever one wins will be making history. Either candidate would be the first woman as well as the first woman of color to serve in a post that frequently serves as a launching pad to the governors mansion. Half of the past 10 lieutenant governors went on to become governor. The two will compete for votes on the same day Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Glenn Youngkin will vie for the high-profile top seat on the ticket: the governor's office. In the lieutenant governor's race, the Republican, Winsome Sears, is a former Marine who immigrated to the United States from Jamaica as a girl and vaulted to victory in a crowded primary on the enthusiasm generated by a campaign photo of her posing with a military rifle. The Democrat, Hala Ayala, claims African, Hispanic, Irish and Lebanese ancestry. She frequently refers to her lived experience as a single mother who almost died in childbirth. Sears had a brief stint in electoral politics 20 years ago as a one-term delegate in the General Assembly, representing parts of Hampton roads. Her return to politics after a two-decade absence began when she served as national chairperson for Black Americans to Re-Elect President Trump. Ayala, on the other hand, was launched into public office by her organizing role in the resistance to President Donald Trump when he was inaugurated in 2017. Ayala won election to the House in November 2017 and quickly rose through the Democratic ranks to serve as chief deputy whip, helping to shepherd a raft of legislation into law after Democrats took control of the legislature in 2020, including abolition of the death penalty, the legalization of marijuana, and election reforms. Sears won the nomination by beating five other candidates, including two former Del. Tim Hugo from Fairfax County and Virginia Beach Del. Glenn Davis who were far more active in recent GOP politics. Ayala, in an interview, emphasized the role the lieutenant governor plays as a tie-breaking vote in the state Senate, where Democrats currently hold just a 21-19 advantage. When it comes to abortion rights, the lieutenant governor's post is even more important, she said, because the chamber is essentially divided 20-20 on abortion issues Democratic Sen. Joe Morrissey has voted against some legislation that would have expanded abortion rights in the state. Ayala noted that abortion rights could become a key issues in state legislatures across the country if the conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court weakens abortion protections. I am a firewall for reproductive health care, and empowering individuals to make their own choices about their own bodies, she said. Asked whether she believes abortion rights need to be expanded, she said she supports enshrining Roe v. Wade in the state Constitution. But she declined to say whether she would vote to eliminate Virginia's requirement for minors to obtain parental consent to get an abortion. Sears' campaign declined to make her available for an interview, responding instead with requests for a list of written questions in advance. She has also refused to answer questions about whether she has gotten the coronavirus vaccine, something for which Ayala has criticized her. Ayala supports vaccine mandates for state workers and mask mandates in schools, her campaign said. During the primary, Sears ridiculed mask mandates put in place by Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam, posting a video in which she pulled a mask off a cardboard cutout of Northam and stomped it into the sand, with the Virginia Beach boardwalk in the background. Sears may be the most unconventional candidate on the statewide ballot this year. She speaks in a stream-of-consciousness style and loves to tell the story of her first campaign for office, when someone superimposed her face onto a pornographic photo. I looked good!" she jokes to the audience. But the story is emblematic, she says, of the obstacles she faced as a Black Republican who was taking on an establishment that expects Blacks to vote Democratic. The other side wants to use the problems of the past to define us and we shouldn't let them, she told a crowd in rural Chesterfield County earlier this month. It is time for them to find another victim. ... Yes, we know that there are problems, but we can fix them. When she served in the legislature, she earned top ratings from anti-abortion and gun-rights organizations. She touted that record in her successful primary campaign, but has revised her website during the general election to remove those references. Ayala says Sears is too extreme. In ads, Ayala uses the same photo of Sears posing with a rifle that vaulted her to victory in the primary as a weapon against her. My opponent has shown she's not a leader, Ayala said. If somebody shows you who they are, believe them the first time. Election Day is Nov. 2. Images Sorry, there are no recent results for popular images. The dry season for 2022 is shaping up to be drier and warner than usual. By Jeff Murphy, October 22, 2021 Independence resident Phillip (Phil) B. Roberts, left, met recently with University of Central Missouri President Roger Best to discuss a $1 million gift establishing a scholarship in the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies. Although longtime Independence resident Phillip (Phil) B. Roberts only briefly attended the University of Central Missouri, he has never forgotten the impact the institution had on his life. He recently expressed his appreciation for what his higher education experiences have meant to him, and his desire to help students, through a $1 million gift to the UCM Alumni Foundation. This generous contribution will be used to establish the Phil Roberts Scholarship, benefitting students in the Adrian and Margaret Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies. University President Roger Best and other campus officials had the opportunity to meet with and thank Roberts when he presented his financial gift earlier this month. The way the award is structured, more than 20 students per year will benefit. Mr. Roberts demonstrated at an early age a willingness to work hard to achieve, Best said. Having personally experienced the Depression, he understands the impact that determination coupled with a college degree can create for the individual and has long shown a commitment to assisting students with making college affordable. We are privileged that he has chosen to support a countless number of UCM students through this perpetually endowed scholarship, and we look forward to honoring his legacy through these awards. Roberts grew up in the Kansas City area, and began his higher education in 1947 at UCM, and later transferred to Missouri State University in Springfield, where he completed a degree in finance and general business in 1950. He utilized his higher education as an entrepreneur specializing in transportation and logistics, and was a business owner and real estate investor. Roberts also served honorably in the United States Army, and attained his higher education on the GI Bill. Roberts credits his college experiences with much of his success, and has utilized his own financial resources to make a difference in students lives at both UCM and MSU. This includes providing a smaller gift in 1991 to establish a scholarship fund at UCM to aid physical education majors who plan to teach at the secondary level. He has also supported K-12 education, including through generous gifts of scholarships to students in the Independence School District. Mr. Roberts extremely generous gift to the Harmon College of Business will truly turn the dream of obtaining a business degree into a reality for generations of future UCM students, said Courtney Goddard, vice president of university advancement and executive director of the UCM Alumni Foundation. Mr. Roberts has worked incredibly hard his entire life to be in the position to now give back to the students of the University of Central Missouri. Our students will benefit greatly from his endeavors, as well as his belief that higher education can truly transform lives, as it transformed his. Jose Mercado, dean of HCBPS, emphasized the value of Roberts recent gift, noting it will further the growth of future leaders in their fields. We are so very grateful for Phil Roberts generosity and his support of the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies, Mercado said. This new scholarship will continue our efforts to attract talented students to our high-demand business and professional studies programs. HCBPS offers applied learning experiences to prepare students for a lifetime of success. A third consignment of military aid from the United States government has been delivered to Ukraine. Thats according to a tweet by the Ministry of Defense, Ukrinform reports. "The third final batch of additional foreign security assistance from the United States government for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, worth $60 million, including ammunition, anti-tank and high-precision weapons, medical equipment, etc., has arrived in Ukraine," the statement said. Deputy Minister of Defense Oleksandr Nosov, Commander of the Medical Forces Brigadier General Tetyana Ostashchenko, and Chief of the Main Logistics Department at the General Staff Mykola Shevtsov were at the Boryspil Airport to meet the cargo plane, the Defense Ministry reported. "Foreign security aid, worth $60 million, was made possible due to agreements reached during President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent visit to the United States. It has been provided in addition to the previously agreed $250 million," the report said. Nosov expressed gratitude to the American side for the delivered technical means that significantly strengthen defense capabilities of Ukraines Armed Forces in the face of Russias armed aggression. "Today we received another batch of assistance from the United States coming as a result of the agreements between the presidents of Ukraine and the United States, Volodymyr Zelensky and Joe Biden. This is a sincere, frank, and quick assistance to our military who will be able to utilize these means of medical and combat support on the front line, Nosov said. U.S. Embassys Defense Attache, Colonel Brittany Stewart, reaffirmed the unwavering support of the U.S. government, adding it is standing by its side in defending Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity in the confrontation with Russia. The United States is assisting Ukraine in building its Armed Forces, which includes logistical assistance and training both tactical and strategic, according to Stewart, who said the U.S. wants to see Ukraine on its path to NATO as a peaceful and free country. In turn, Lieutenant General Shevtsov noted that the latest aid batch includes high-tech military equipment and weaponry the Army was drastically lacking, as well as the necessary munitions. According to the official, the equipment received in previous shipments is already increasing the Armys capabilities in counter-battery and anti-tank combat, as well as reconnaissance. A consignment of Javelin anti-tank missile systems with ammunition arrived today. We also received ammunition for the NATO caliber weapons we have. The weaponry will be moved to the bases and depots, properly registered and handed over to our military for further use, including to the Joint Forces," Shevtsov said, emphasizing that these weapons bring Ukraine closer to NATO Allies. Brigadier General Tetiana Ostashchenko added that the cargo from the United States also includes personal protective equipment medical kits. She recalled that military medical training in the Armed Forces is pursued in line with NATO standards. "Undoubtedly, this PPE will be handed to certain military units, where it will save servicemens lives and health. In general, the United States has once again confirmed its status as a reliable and strong partner," Ostashchenko concluded. As Ukrinform reported earlier, on October 10 and 18, the previous two defense aid batches arrived from the U.S. In addition to the previously agreed $250 million in assistance, Ukraine received $ 60 million worth of medical supplies, weapons, ammunition, high-precision arms, and radar surveillance. 60 , , , . pic.twitter.com/4dgriozXTX Defence of Ukraine (@DefenceU) October 22, 2021 im Russia has orchestrated a gas crisis in Europe by using energy supplies for blackmail, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said. According to an Ukrinform correspondent, the head of state said this in comments to AFP. "We are witnessing an artificial crisis, which has a clear goal: to force Europe to give up its values," Zelensky said. He added that "there is a real gas aggression against the EU," which requires a coordinated response from EU members. According to Zelensky, the EU countries should cooperate with Ukraine in countering Russian blackmail. "Ukraine has something to offer its European partners. Existing capacities for pumping gas through Ukraine are enough not only to normalize the situation now but also to protect Europe from such price shocks in the future," Zelensky said. He recalled that Russia had repeatedly used similar gas blackmail against Ukraine. "Now it is Europe's turn to get themselves acquainted with the concept of gas war," Zelensky concluded. op The National Security and Defense Council instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to examine a possibility of supplying Europe with additional 55 billion cubic meters of gas a year at least. "The Cabinet of Ministers together with NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine and Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine set special conditions for the transportation of additional volumes of natural gas via the Ukrainian gas transmission system to the European Union in the amount of at least 55 billion cubic meters per year," Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov said at a briefing on October 22 following the NSDC meeting, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. He said that Ukraine could offer Europe additional volumes of gas in excess of those it pumped under a transit contract with Gazprom. Danilov also informed that the Government of Moldova had asked the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to provide assistance in gas supplies. According to the NSDC Secretary, Ukraine will consider this request. At the same time, Danilov clarified that gas could be transferred to Moldova free of charge for a certain period, provided it is returned in subsequent periods. Russia's gas monopoly Gazprom has reduced gas transit via Ukraine's gas transmission system three times since the beginning of this year. In September 2021, Gazprom booked only 4% of the additional guaranteed transit capacities which led to a reduction in the Russian gas volumes transported through Ukraine. In September 2021, the natural gas transit via the Ukrainian GTS to European countries totaled 3.257 billion cubic meters. ol Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba commented on a statement by Russian Foreign Minister Serhiy Lavrov who refused to meet with his counterparts from Germany, France, and Ukraine in the Normandy format. The comment came in Kulebas tweet seen by Ukrinform. A weak excuse. Allegedly, Putin never promised that a meeting of Normandy ministers would be held, only promising to instruct that authorities consider how it would be possible to get to such a meeting," Kuleba commented. Kuleba also noted that the Russians still fail to understand why no one believes their words anymore. As Ukrinform reported earlier, on October 11, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron called on Russian leader Vladimir Putin to make some progress on the issue of holding the Normandy Four summit. The interlocutors agreed to ask the foreign ministers to meet as soon as possible. Lavrov commented on Kyiv's statements about such meetings, saying even fiction is not enough to cover all this. They fantasize everywhere and every day. The Russian top diplomat also branded Ukraine's initiatives to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict "a stream of consciousness." Earlier, Dmytro Kuleba said Sergei Lavrovs statement about the Normandy Four foreign ministerial are a "spit in the faces" of France and Germany. Memo Normandy Four is a format of talks on Donbas settlement, created on June 6, 2014, involving Ukraine, Germany, France, and Russia. The last time N4 leaders met was in Paris, France, on December 9, 2019. im The United States does not peg the amount of financial support for Ukraine to progress in reforming the judiciary but recalls that its reboot is necessary to achieve the goals of NATO and EU membership. "The United States will always support Ukraine in its pursuit of transparency, reduction of corruption, and the fight against external threats. Therefore, we do not impose such conditions [do not peg financial assistance to the judiciary reform]. However, I would say that in order to achieve its own goals to boost foreign investment, to join NATO and the EU Ukraine will have to improve. In particular, it concerns the rule of law and the judiciary," Charge d'Affaires of the United States in Ukraine Kristina Kvien said on the air of Savik Shuster's Freedom of Speech TV program on October 22, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. She added that U.S. companies could not be forced to invest in the country until they felt confident in the Ukrainian judicial system. "When the American Chamber of Commerce conducts a survey, litigation is named the number one barrier. Therefore, I believe that the implementation of judicial reform is extremely important for the future of Ukraine and the achievement of its own goals," the diplomat said. On October 20, the article "Now is the Moment to Transform Ukraine" authored by Charge d'Affaires of the United States in Ukraine Kristina Kvien, Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Matti Maasikas, and Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ukraine Melinda Simmons was released, in which the diplomats officially reminded President Zelensky about the need to fight corruption in the courts and conduct judicial reform. ol The United Kingdom is ready in any situation to help those people in Ukraine who are interested in the successful implementation of judicial reform. British Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons said this on Savik Shuster's Freedom of Speech program, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. According to the diplomat, if Ukraine fails to implement judicial reform, this will stop investment. However, she said that even in the event of a failure to restart the judiciary, Britain will continue to support Ukraine. Simmons said she agreed with Charge d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv Kristina Kvien that this would also be a bigger problem for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations. She added that together with her colleague ambassadors, Kvien and Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Matti Maasikas, she took the opportunity to publish an article stating that now is the moment to reform Ukraine's judicial system as such moments are rare in any country. Simmons said that in this scenario there are those who are interested in the success of this process and "our task is to help them achieve this." Kvien, Simmons and Maasikas on October 20 published an article entitled "Now Is the Moment to Transform Ukraine" for the Ukrayinska Pravda news site, in which they officially reminded President Volodymyr Zelensky of the need to fight corruption in the courts and reform the judicial system. op The Verkhovna Rada will vote for the appointment of a new defense minister in two to three weeks. President Volodymyr Zelensky has already defined his candidate for this position. "I think that we will make up our mind [about the appointment of a new defense minister] in two or three weeks," Head of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction David Arakhamiya told journalists on October 22, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. It is unlikely to happen the next plenary week [November 2-5], he noted. At the same time, answering the question about who could become the new defense minister, Arakhamiya said that the President had already made the final decision. The lawmaker refused to reveal the candidate's name. Earlier, Arakhamiya said that the Servant of the People members would decide on the Cabinet reshuffles at a meeting of the political force. He did not specify which ministers' dismissals would be considered by MPs, but the media has been reporting the possible resignation of Defense Minister Andriy Taran in recent months. According to the Constitution of Ukraine, the Minister of Defense and the Minister of Foreign Affairs are appointed by the Verkhovna Rada on the proposal of the President of Ukraine. ol The sharp rise in fuel prices in Europe is caused by Russia, which this way seeks to accelerate the certification of their Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Thats according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba who spoke in an interview with the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM). According to the minister, everyone in the EU has witnessed today that Gazprom is exploiting its monopoly position in fuel supplies to o Europe: fuel prices have reached record highs, while European gas storage facilities, largely owned by Gazprom, remain empty. "Obviously, Putin couldnt wait and began a policy of gas blackmail, exerting pressure on Brussels to speed up the certification of Nord Stream 2 beyond the EU legal system," Kuleba said. According to him, this is a test of Europe's readiness to act in the event of Russia's use of gas as a weapon. Kuleba pointed out that the Ukrainian side has repeatedly warned European and American partners about such developments. The top diplomat noted that Ukraine has its own tragic experience and knows the cost of agreements with the Kremlin or guarantees they offer. "Therefore, we are consistently working with our partners, especially Poland and the United States, to prevent Nord Stream 2 from launching operations until a decision is made to overcome the security crisis, minimize the threat to peace and energy security in the region," the minister said. The only way to overcome the Kremlin's monopoly on gas supply is to demand "full compliance with the spirit and letter of the EU's Third Energy Package in the process of certification of Nord Stream 2," Kuleba said. He praised the fact that the Polish PGNiG oil and gas company will participate in the certification of the Russian gas pipeline. Kuleba stressed that preventing successful certification of Nord Stream 2 is a common task as the pipe fails to meet the requirements of the EU's Third Energy Package. im Ukraine cannot enter the temporarily non-government controlled territory to search for missing persons and hostages until international organizations get full access to all detainees. This was discussed at a regular meeting of the working group on persons gone missing in Donbas and military and civilian hostages at the President's Office chaired by Aliona Verbytska, adviser to the President's Commissioner for the Rights of Defenders of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports citing the press service of the President's Office. Human rights activists, in particular, pointed out the complete lack of access for international organizations to illegally detained Ukrainians in the temporarily occupied territories and the inability to provide hostages with the necessary medicines, products, and essentials. "Until international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), are granted full and unconditional access to all detainees, as agreed within the Normandy format at the Paris Summit on December 9, 2019, Ukraine has no chance to get to non-government controlled territory for searches. Therefore, in my opinion, cooperation with embassies and international organizations is the only way to make a difference and accelerate the implementation of the above agreements," Verbytska explained. The working group decided to ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrange a meeting with representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the OSCE, the UN, and a number of embassies. The Presidents Commissioner also noted that Ukraine appealed to international partners at the highest level to promote access to prisoners. In particular, this issue was on the agenda of the meeting of President Volodymyr Zelensky with U.S. President Joe Biden. In addition, it is noted that the implementation of the Normandy format agreements has been repeatedly discussed with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Ukrainian delegation submitted the lists of Ukrainians gone missing and prisoners of war within the UN Security Council. The President's Office informs that it was decided to prepare a number of proposals and appeals to relevant agencies for systematic resolution of problematic issues, and to hold the next meeting of the working group, involving the representatives of law enforcement agencies, central executive bodies, and relevant Verkhovna Rada committees, in December this year. ol A Russian citizen who earlier visited temporarily occupied Crimea has not been allowed to enter Ukraine at Kyiv International Airport, the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service has reported. According to the report, the Russian woman, 25, arrived from Spain. During the registration, the border guards established that she had illegally visited the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea in violation of the established entry and exit procedure. "The Russian woman, who turned out to be a poetess and author of various projects, has repeatedly published materials on Crimean issues and information about visiting the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. The woman said that she visited the peninsula last year and got there by train," the report said. Ukrinform learned from its own sources that the woman is Alisa Denisova, born in 1996, who published information about her stay in Crimea on the Russian social networking site VK. The Russian was not allowed to cross the state border and was banned from entering Ukraine for three years for violating Ukrainian law. Photo: State Border Guard Service The Global Affairs Canada has revoked its recommendation to refrain from traveling to Ukraine. According to an Ukrinform correspondent, the updated recommendation is posted on the ministry's website. Instead of the previous comprehensive recommendation not to travel to Ukraine, Canadians are now advised to "exercise a high degree of caution" when traveling to Ukraine. At the same time, the citizens of Canada are still urged to avoid all travel to Crimea, non-government controlled areas and vicinity in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as to avoid non-essential travel to government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The Global Affairs Canada's recommendations are not binding on ordinary Canadians but they do influence insurance and other services. The Global Affairs Canada has advised citizens of Canada to refrain from traveling abroad since last March, but this week began to soften its recommendations. ol The Government of Malta, judging by the updated list of countries whose citizens are banned from entering the country from this Thursday, has put Ukraine on the dark red list due to the epidemiological situation. As Ukrinform reports, the travel requirements are posted on the website of the Health Ministry of Malta. Ukrainian citizens vaccinated or unvaccinated are banned from entering Malta for tourism purposes from October 21. Applications for exceptional travel authorisations from dark red countries are to be made via the online form for Travel Authorisation To enter Malta, travelers need to obtain permission to enter, have a negative coronavirus PCR test, fill in a special form, stay in 14-day quarantine. In August, the Government of Malta recognized Ukrainian digital COVID-19 vaccination certificates. In July, Malta banned entry for all unvaccinated tourists. ol Laurel Demkovichs reporting for The Spokesman-Review is funded in part by Report for America and by members of the Spokane community. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspapers managing editor. (@FahadShabbir) By Hatem Hussein DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 23rd Oct, 2021) The UAEs recent election to the UNs Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the third time reflects the countrys "increasing international presence," the Vice-President of the European Commission for promoting our European way of Life said. In exclusive statements to the Emirates news Agency (WAM), Margaritis Schinas described the UAE as "a pole of power, influence and inspiration." Schinas is in the UAE to attend the events and activities of the European Union Honour Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, taking place on Saturday at the pavilions of the EU member states. "The outcome of the UNHRC vote is the culmination of the UAEs efforts to strengthen human rights and freedoms and is a testament to the importance the UAE places on human rights and in achieving sustainable development at both the regional and international level," he said. "The UAEs increasing international presence and the normalisation agreement with Israel show that the UAE acts as a catalyst towards increased stability in the region. The United Arab Emirates is undoubtedly a pole of power, influence and inspiration." Among other responsibilities, Schinas is entrusted with overseeing the integration of migrants and refugees. He believes that the international community will be able to continue to "count on the UAEs contribution" to the current Afghan refugee crisis. "The EU held a High-level Forum on providing protection to Afghans at risk on 7th October 2021, where we announced that we will put in place a specific, multi-annual Support Scheme for Afghans as our contribution to the global efforts," he said. "I am confident that the international community will also be able to continue to count on the UAEs contribution to offering legal, safe and organised pathways to Afghan nationals I think the UAE can be deeply proud of the work it undertook alongside its partners in the international community to assist the Afghan people on humanitarian grounds. "The EU has also been dedicating all its efforts to ensuring the quick evacuation of those in need, having managed to assist nearly 10,000 peoples evacuations under our Civil Protection Mechanism before the airport closed." However, the EU official expressed his concerns over the situation in Afghanistan despite all the international efforts. "The situation in Afghanistan remains of concern and requires a determined and concerted response to its many dimensions. It is clear that we cannot abandon people in immediate danger in the country. Journalists, NGO staff and human rights defenders are amongst those who are most at risk, women and children in particular. Evacuations should continue, as far as this will remain possible in the difficult evolving circumstances," he affirmed. Talking about Expo 2020 Dubai, Schinas said the event "offers the opportunity for people to reconnect and gives new perspectives through music, gastronomy, architecture and culture." This global fair, he continued, "allows us all to discuss and find solutions to the common challenges we face. As a global community, we need these opportunities to come together and build a common momentum to tackle imperative issues such as climate change. "In Europe, we know that global challenges require global solutions. And that is why we are here at Expo 2020; to contribute to meaningful conversations and partner up with world partners and people to tackle global challenges in a spirit of cooperation and co-creation." He commended the Emirati authorities for the "outstanding organisation of this first global post-pandemic event," saying that Expo "reflects this countrys ambitious vision and global aspirations." Schinas is optimistic and hopeful that the event will prove to be the beginning of going back to normalcy in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. "I do hope that this is a marker of the shape of things to come. Europe is the most vaccinated continent in the world and the UAE has had an extremely impressive vaccination programme with more than 85 percent of the population fully vaccinated," he said. "This is why the EU added the UAE to the list of safe third countries on 8th October, which should also facilitate travel to Dubai and visit Expo. We are happy that the UAE is advanced in the process of being linked to the EU Digital Covid Certificate as this can further facilitate mobility and it is so much needed to boost our economies and the tourism sector. "However, there is still a lot of work to ensure vaccines reach all corners in the world. The EU is leading the way and has already exported over one billion doses to third countries and we count on the UAE to team with up us in this endeavour." Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Oct, 2021 ) :NASA is aiming to launch its uncrewed lunar mission Artemis 1 in February next year, the space agency said Friday, the first step in America's plan to return humans to the Moon. The agency had initially hoped to launch the test flight by the end of this year, with astronauts set to walk on the Moon by 2024. It achieved a major milestone Wednesday when it stacked the Orion crew capsule atop its Space Launch System megarocket, which now stands 322 feet (98 meters) tall inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After further tests, it will be wheeled out to the launchpad for a "wet dress rehearsal" in January, with the first window for launch opening in February, officials told reporters on a call. "The February launch period opens on the 12th and our last opportunity in February is on the 27th," said Mike Sarafin, Artemis 1 mission manager. The next windows are in March and April. These potential launch periods are dependent on orbital mechanics and the relative position of the Earth with respect to the Moon. The mission duration is expected to be four to six weeks. NASA will also deploy small satellites, known as CubeSats, to perform experiments and technology demonstrations. Artemis 2 is then scheduled for 2023 and Artemis 3 for the following year, when humans will walk on the Moon for the first time since 1972. Both missions are now likely to be pushed back, however. NASA says the moonwalkers will include the first woman and first person of color to make the trip. The space agency is seeking to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon as well as use the lessons it learns to plan a crewed trip to Mars in the 2030s. - Selfies with the Moon - Orion first flew into space in 2014, launched by a Delta IV rocket, making two circumnavigations of Earth and testing its heat shield on re-entry into the atmosphere. But this time, NASA's Sarafin said, the capsule will travel much faster and the temperature will be much higher when it returns from the Moon. Artemis 1 has several objectives: to demonstrate Orion's ability to return from the Moon and operate in deep space where it is "much colder than in low Earth orbit," and to successfully recover the spacecraft, he added. The mission also plans to study radiation and take selfies of the capsule with the Moon in the background. Senior officials from Pakistan and Uzbekistan will meet with the representatives of the interim government of Afghanistan in the first half of November in Tashkent to discuss the construction of the Trans-Afghan railway, Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Sardor Umurzakov said on Saturday TASHKENT (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd October, 2021) Senior officials from Pakistan and Uzbekistan will meet with the representatives of the interim government of Afghanistan in the first half of November in Tashkent to discuss the construction of the Trans-Afghan railway, Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Sardor Umurzakov said on Saturday. Umurzakov led the Uzbek delegation in negotiations with the Taliban (terrorist group, banned in Russia) on October 16. "We agreed to continue with the implementation of this project. We are now planning to gather the heads of project offices from Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan in Tashkent sometime in the first half of November. The Afghan interim government confirmed they will appoint those responsible," he told a press briefing. A field expedition is expected to be organized in the near future to scout the locations where the future railway will be built in order to approve the final route, Umurzakov noted. The Taliban guaranteed the safety of the prospectors in the Afghan territory, he added. (@FahadShabbir) The National Highway Authority (NHA) Chairman Captain (r) Muhammad Khurrum Agha along with officers and stakeholders visited service areas and rest areas of Sukkur-Multan Motorway (M-5) in order to check the service delivery to general public/road users ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Oct, 2021 ) :The National Highway Authority (NHA) Chairman Captain (r) Muhammad Khurrum Agha along with officers and stakeholders visited service areas and rest areas of Sukkur-Multan Motorway (M-5) in order to check the service delivery to general public/road users. During visit, he checked that Deputy Commissioner (DC) approved rate lists of different items. He further instructed the Service Area operator to strictly follow the approved rate lists and no overcharging will be accepted in this regard, said a press release. The chairman had also taken public feedback regarding prices of edibles being sold at Service Area. The response of public was found satisfactory. Further, he directed the site staff and operators for proper upkeep of NHA assets. Chairman NHA also visited Traffic Operation Center (TOC) on Sukkur-Multan Motorway (M-5) at Taranda Muhammad Panah. A brief presentation was given to Chairman NHA regarding TOC by Haseeb Ahmed. He enquired about the different functions of Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and same were explained accordingly. Later, Chairman NHA paid a visit to historical monument "Bhong Masjid" and "Ganesh Mandir" at Bhong near Sadiqabad. Further, the chairman physically checked the proposed site of Bhong Interchange on Sukkur-Multan Motorway (M-5). NHA General Manager Sukkur-Multan Motorway (M-5) Naseem Arif briefed the Chairman regarding the necessity of this Interchange on M-5 with regard to said historical monuments. (@FahadShabbir) Prime Minister Imran Khan will attend the launching ceremony of Middle East Green Initiative Summit, being held in Riyadh. ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-Oct 23rd, 2021) Prime Minister Imran Khan has left for Saudi Arabia on a three-day official visit to attend the launch ceremony of Middle East Green Initiative Summit, being held in Riyadh. He is accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Energy Hammad Azhar and Special Assistant on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam. At the Summit, Prime Minister Imran Khan will share his perspective on the challenges faced by developing countries due to climate change. According to Foreign Office statement, the Prime Minister will have bilateral interaction with the Saudi leadership, with a particular focus on advancing economic and trade relations, creating more opportunities for the Pakistani workforce and the welfare of the Pakistani diaspora in the Kingdom. The two sides will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. An organization, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has released a new map of India showing not just Punjab but Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and several districts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh as part of Khalistan ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Oct, 2021 ) :An organization, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has released a new map of India showing not just Punjab but Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and several districts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh as part of Khalistan. SFJ is a US-based Sikh organisation that supports the secession of Punjab from India for creation of Khalistan. It was founded and primarily headed by lawyer Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. It was banned in India in 2019 as an unlawful association. The ban came after it started campaigns for a Punjab independence referendum in 2019 to carve out a separate Khalistan. The organization has been fighting a long peaceful legal battle against Indian government and politicians involved in 1984 deadly operation against Sikhs since 2011. SFJ had filed criminal and human rights cases in the US courts against prominent leaders of Congress Party (involved in Golden Temple Massacre). In February 2014, the organisation filed human rights violation case against then Indian PM Dr. Manmohan Singh (a Sikh himself) for his role as finance minister of India in 1990s accusing him of "funding crimes against humanity perpetrated upon the Sikh community in India". They also submitted a report to United Nations Commission on Human Rights on 1984 anti-Sikh riots. SFJ started organizing a campaign for 'Referendum 2020' for secession of Indian Punjab state from India. The campaign was delayed due to covid-19 pandemic. Sukhpal Singh Khaira, MLA of Punjab Legislative Assembly and the Leader of Opposition at the time, said, "Sikh Referendum 2020 was a result of consistent policy of bias, discrimination and persecution towards the Sikhs by successive governments in India". The new map clearly depicts that the area will be cut off from India and made the Sikh country "Khalistan". SFJ has designated areas that would be seceded from India for the establishment of Khalistan. In Rajasthan, far-flung Bundi and Kota have also been counted as 'Khalistan.' It has been claimed that these parts will be cut off from India. The map was released ahead of the organisation's effort to hold a world over non-binding peaceful referendum to gauge support for creation of Khalistan beginning next week (Oct 31st) in London, at the Queen Elizabeth Centre. The referendum is likely to gather huge support for the just cause and demands of Sikhs of India. Sikhs have been facing systematic persecutions and continuous exploitation at the hands of successive Indian governments. The movement itself is a big question mark on the secular face of India. The latest move by the organization fully supported by Sikhs all over the world is a clear sign of desperation of minorities in India to get out of the hold of highly biased and brutal Hindutva regime. The demands of Sikhs also exhibit that minorities of India now clearly understand that the future of their coming generations is at serious risk. The world community and international stake holders/organizations must take appropriate measures to avert the looming human catastrophe for Muslims and minorities in general and Kashmiris in particular. Bolivian President Luis Arce is highly likely to pay an official visit to Russia next year, Bolivian Foreign Minister Rogelio Mayta told Sputnik on Saturday MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd October, 2021) Bolivian President Luis Arce is highly likely to pay an official visit to Russia next year, Bolivian Foreign Minister Rogelio Mayta told Sputnik on Saturday. "Luis Arce wants to visit Russia in the context of our relations; this is the country we want to strengthen our ties with... (There is) a very high likelihood (of Arce's visit to Moscow in 2022 exists)" Mayta said. The Bolivian foreign minister noted that the bilateral relations have been rather positive throughout this year. Talks between the presidents and the foreign ministers have taken place, and the countries have an extensive common agenda. "Russia and Bolivia stand for multilateralism in settling serious issues of mankind. Regarding the pandemic, we agree with the position on the necessity to cancel patents (for vaccines) and to transfer technologies as the best way to overcome the pandemic," Mayta added. On Friday, Mayta announced that Bolivians prefer the Russian-made Sputnik V over any other COVID-19 vaccines, even though different choices are now available in Bolivia. (@FahadShabbir) Success at the upcoming COP26 climate summit is "definitely harder" than the 2015 Paris talks which resulted in a landmark accord, the British minister presiding over the gathering warned Saturday London, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Oct, 2021 ) :Success at the upcoming COP26 climate summit is "definitely harder" than the 2015 Paris talks which resulted in a landmark accord, the British minister presiding over the gathering warned Saturday. The October 31-November 12 gathering in Glasgow is the biggest climate conference since the Paris summit and is seen as crucial in setting worldwide emission targets to slow global warming. Alok Sharma, the British minister in charge of the talks, told the Guardian newspaper that getting nearly 200 countries to commit to the emission targets to limit global temperature rises to less than 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels was a daunting task. "What we're trying to do here in Glasgow is actually really tough," he said. "It was brilliant what they did in Paris" but "a lot of the detailed rules were left for the future," he added. "It's like, we've got to the end of the exam paper and the most difficult questions are left and you're running out of time "This is definitely harder than Paris on lots of levels." The task will be made all the more difficult as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin are not attending but sending delegations. More than 120 world leaders and around 25,000 delegates are expected in Glasgow. The Paris accord saw 197 nations agree to limit global heating to below 2 degrees but their "nationally determined contributions" (NDCs) -- national plans drawn up to implement the deal -- have been deemed inadequate. Strengthening those plans will be a key part of negotiations. "What we're potentially saying to countries is that if your NDC isn't good enough, you're going to have to come back to the table," said Sharma. He called on the world's biggest emitter China, whose fractious relationship with the West is another obstacle to agreement, to present its NDC. "They signed up to the communique in July that we negotiated in Naples, that all the G20 would come up with enhanced NDCs before COP -- I reminded them they needed to deliver on that," he said. UN chief Antonio Guterres said Thursday that the current climate situation was "a one-way ticket for disaster" as he stressed the need to "avoid a failure" at COP26. US Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver a speech at the fourth Paris Peace Forum on November 11 and participate at the Paris Conference on Libya the following day, the White House said in a statement on Friday WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd October, 2021) US Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver a speech at the fourth Paris Peace Forum on November 11 and participate at the Paris Conference on Libya the following day, the White House said in a statement on Friday. "The Vice President will attend and deliver a speech at the fourth annual Paris Peace Forum on November 11. She will also participate in the Paris Conference on Libya on November 12," Harris' spokesperson Symone Sanders said. During her trip to Paris, Harris will also meet with French President Emmanuel Macron. "They will discuss the importance of the transatlantic relationship to global peace and security and underscore the importance of our partnership on global challenges from COVID-19 and the climate crisis to issues affecting the Sahel and the Indo-Pacific," Sanders added. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov said on Saturday that his country intends to bring home 300 ethnic Kyrgyz families from Afghanistan BISHKEK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd October, 2021) Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov said on Saturday that his country intends to bring home 300 ethnic Kyrgyz families from Afghanistan. "There are approximately 300 families that wish to be relocated. We will definitely help them. This will happen next year," the president said during a press conference. Several thousand ethnic Kyrgyz live in the Pamir Mountains in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban's (terrorist organization banned in Russia) takeover of power in Afghanistan in August, governments have been evacuating their citizens from the country. On September 21, Japarov announced that Kyrgyzstan will provide humanitarian aid to the Afghan people and ethnic Kyrgyz. Latvian Finance Minister Janis Reirs proposed to consider cutting off state compensation payments for drugs for citizens who refuse COVID-19 vaccination RIGA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd October, 2021) Latvian Finance Minister Janis Reirs proposed to consider cutting off state compensation payments for drugs for citizens who refuse COVID-19 vaccination. "Maybe, the health ministry will finally propose something to limit those who have not been vaccinated? For example, we have approved 40 million Euros ($46.6 million) for payrolls for medical workers, only due to COVID-19. And I would like to say that many people receive, for example, compensated medicines, but they (these people) have not been vaccinated. But, maybe, we need this money to treat them, but not for compensation mechanisms?" Reirs said, the LSM news outlet reported. Over 700,000 Latvians are entitled to receive such government support, which costs the Baltic state over 183 million euros annually, according to the media. Patient organizations and associations of people with special needs in Latvia agree on the necessity of boosting motivation to get vaccinated. However, deprivation of compensated drugs would be inhuman, according to activists. On Thursday, COVID-19 related lockdown began in Latvia, which will be in effect till November 15. The containment measure will cost the country's economy about 200 million euros, Reirs estimated on Tuesday. Pristina's actions against Russian diplomats do not entail any consequences for their legal status as they are accredited with the UN Mission in Kosovo, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd October, 2021) Pristina's actions against Russian diplomats do not entail any consequences for their legal status as they are accredited with the UN Mission in Kosovo, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday. On Friday, the president of the self-proclaimed Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, said that she was "expelling" two Pristina-based Russian diplomats accredited to the diplomatic mission in Serbia over their alleged "harmful influence" in the region. "We assume that this attack by the administration in Pristina does not entail consequences for the legal status of the mentioned Russian diplomatic personnel. Under the international law and the UN Security Council Resolution 1244, fundamental for the Kosovo settlement, they are accredited with the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and have nothing to do with the structures of this self-proclaimed 'state'," Zakharova noted. The Russian Embassy in Serbia said earlier that it did not recognize Pristina's decisions and condemned the attempts to prevent Russian diplomats accredited with UNMIK from carrying out their legitimate activities as absolutely unacceptable. Pristina's move was described in the statement as "a provocation against Russian diplomats." Russian and Chinese warships conducted the first joint patrol in the Pacific Ocean, the Russian Ministry of Defense said on Saturday MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd October, 2021) Russian and Chinese warships conducted the first joint patrol in the Pacific Ocean, the Russian Ministry of Defense said on Saturday. "The warships of the Russian Navy and the Chinese naval forces conducted the first patrol in the western Pacific Ocean from October 17-23," the ministry said in a statement. The vessels traversed the Sea of Japan as part of the patrol and practiced joint tactical maneuvering, the statement read. Russia was represented by 10 ships of the Pacific Fleet, while five vessels took part in the patrol from the Chinese side. From October 14-17, Russia and China held joint naval exercise Maritime Interaction-2021 in the Sea of Japan. The crews worked out joint tactical maneuvering, anti-mine support of detachments, as well as conducted artillery fire at sea targets, among other things, according to the Russian military. (@ChaudhryMAli88) A UN humanitarian flight was forced to turn back and abort scheduled landing due to airstrikes in the capital of Ethiopia's restive Tigray region, Mekelle, the head of the regional office of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a press briefing on Friday UNITED NATIONS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd October, 2021) A UN humanitarian flight was forced to turn back and abort scheduled landing due to airstrikes in the capital of Ethiopia's restive Tigray region, Mekelle, the head of the regional office of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a press briefing on Friday. Earlier in the day, the United Nations suspended all humanitarian flights to Mekelle after its plane carrying 11 aid personnel received instructions to abort the landing and returned to the airport of origin in Addis Ababa. "A UN humanitarian flight that departed Addis Ababa this morning was first forced to turn back in the midst of its flight after airstrikes began in Mekelle," Gemma Connell said. "I can confirm that the government was informed of that flight,... and that the flight was supposed to turn back in midair." (@FahadShabbir) MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th October, 2021) The administration of US President Joe Biden is launching a new resettlement program that would allow American veterans with ties to Afghans to bring them to their home cities and help start new lives in the US, former Delaware Governor Jack Markell told CNN. "This is just an amazing opportunity to, frankly, do what our veterans have been asking us to do, which is provide a safe and dignified welcome to Afghans who served by our side in Afghanistan, and who now want to build their own lives here," Markell, a temporary point person overseeing the Afghan evacuee resettlement effort for the Biden administration, said. This is the biggest change to the US resettlement program since 1980, CNN said on Saturday, emphasizing that there are currently 55,600 Afghan evacuees at US military bases. Under the new initiative, groups of five individuals over the age of 18 will be allowed to apply as a so-called sponsor circle for Afghan refugees. They will need to pass background checks and commit to fundraising in order to support evacuees for up to three months, help them with housing, schooling for children, and accessing Federal benefits. The US military completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan at the end of August, in the wake of the Taliban (terrorist movement, banned in Russia) takeover of a large swath of the country, including the capital of Kabul. This ended the West's 20-year military presence in Afghanistan. Fearing reprisals from the militants, more than 3 million Afghans have fled their country since the Taliban takeover. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd October, 2021) A US jury found Ukraine-born businessman Lev Parnas, a former associate of Donald Trump's attorney Rudy Giuliani, guilty of taking part in a federal campaign finance scheme in the United States, CNN reported on Friday. The jury convicted Parnas for his role in a scheme with others to fund political contributions in the United States in exchange for political favors, the report said. Parnas faces up to 45 years in prison, the report said, but added that his sentencing date is pending. In addition, co-defendant Andrey Kukushkin was also convicted on two counts related to his role in the campaign finance scheme, the report said. Kukushkin faces up to ten years in prison, the report added. In October 2019, the US authorities charged Kukushkin and Parnas as well as David Correia and Igor Fruman with funneling $1 million in donations from foreign nationals to unspecified political campaigns in the United States, including making false statements and falsifying records to the Federal Election Commission. By carefully tracking COVID-19 data and policies in nations around the world, UT was able to send students abroad during the pandemic. This photo shows the Agrex grain elevator where a fired employee opened fire, killing one person and injuring two others before he was shot to death by another employee Thursday, Oct. 20, 2021 in Superior, Neb. SAN DIEGO - Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Bonsall, today announced the evacuation from Afghanistan of an American citizen who worked as a U.S. Army translator and his wife. "Today, we can celebrate another American family we have helped escape from Afghanistan,'' Issa said. ``But the celebration can't last too long because we have much work to do and hundreds of Americans to bring home to their loved ones.'' The former translator, Prince Wafa, traveled to Afghanistan to bring his wife home as the Taliban overran the Afghan National Army and retook control of the country this summer. On Aug. 31, the U.S. military officially withdrew from Afghanistan, ending a 20-year conflict that started shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Wafa, a small business manager in San Diego, said his wife would not have been able to leave their native country of Afghanistan if he had not traveled there himself. "I am so grateful to Congressman Issa and his team for their dedication and nonstop effort to help me and my wife leave Afghanistan and come home to America,'' he said. Issa pointed blame at the administration of President Joe Biden, which he claims ``abandoned'' Wafa and others like him. "Prince Wafa provided outstanding support for our troops and bravely served our country when we were in need,'' Issa said. ``This time, he risked all by returning to Afghanistan to bring his wife home. The Biden administration left them behind and we didn't rest until they were on their way home.'' Wafa contacted the U.S. State Department on Aug. 29 to ask for instructions on how to get out of Afghanistan shortly after arriving. He then contacted Issa's office. Issa's office has helped evacuate nearly 40 members of his district from Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power. Earlier this month, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a plan for Afghan refugee housing and resettlement. Supporting a proposal by Supervisor Joel Anderson, the board also directed the county to work with Congress to utilize frozen Taliban assets to pay for Afghan refugee resettlement activities. "East County, (which) I represent, has a large population of Afghans and others with Middle Eastern heritage,'' Anderson said after the board vote. "The actions taken today will help guarantee clear communication and coordination among government and nonprofits to provide the resources needed to protect these vulnerable individuals.'' According to Anderson's office, an estimated 58,000 Afghans are expected to arrive in the U.S., many of whom were forced to leave their homes without their possessions. While the exact number of Afghans resettling in California is unknown, it is likely that they will settle in communities where they have friends and families, according to Anderson's office. While the county doesn't have a direct role in determining how many Afghan refugees will resettle in the county, Anderson said it is critical to be ready -- through its Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs -- to handle the incoming refugees. The country is now under the control of the Taliban, and the U.S. Treasury Department froze the majority of $9.5 billion in Afghanistan government assets. Board chairman Nathan Fletcher, a Marine who was deployed to Iraq in 2004, said it was important for the U.S. government to keep its word to the Afghans who helped U.S. forces for 20 years. He added that before they step on U.S. soil, Afghans are vetted by numerous U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies, and later screened again by U.S. Customs officials. Copyright 2021, City News Service, Inc. Pharma giant Pfizer-BioNTech reportedly dictates the governmental vaccine deals it engages in. According to a consumer rights watchdog report, the company has the power to influence governments, supply chains, and consumers. The common theme of these contracts is that they consistently place Pfizers interests before public health imperatives, wrote Zain Rizvi, author of the report and a law and policy researcher at Public Citizen, a consumer rights advocacy group. The contracts offer a rare glimpse into the power one pharmaceutical corporation has gained to silence governments, throttle supply, shift risk and maximize profits in the worst public health crisis in a century, Rizvi states. So far, Pfizer has engaged in at least 73 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine agreements with national governments. The consumer rights organization obtained settlements arranged with nine countries: the US, UK, Albania, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Dominican Republic, European Commission, and Peru. Seven of the unredacted contracts were calculated to be worth more than 5 billion dollars. In addition, confidentiality clauses were included to prevent governments from making any public announcement concerning the existence, subject matter or terms of [the] Agreement or commenting on its relationship with Pfizer without the prior written consent of the company. Sharon Castillo, a spokeswoman for Pfizer, said that confidentiality clauses were standard in commercial contracts and intended to help build trust between the parties, as well as protect the confidential commercial information exchanged during negotiations and included in final contracts, The Washington Post reported. That opinion is not shared by everyone, however. Hiding contracts from public view or publishing documents filled with redacted text means we dont know how or when vaccines will arrive, what happens if things go wrong, and the level of financial risk buyers are absorbing, said Tom Wright, research manager at the Transparency International Health Program. For example, the covenant reached with the Brazilian government prohibits the government from making any public announcement concerning the existence, subject matter or terms of [the] agreement. Furthermore, at least four countries are required to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Pfizer from and against any and all suits, claims, actions, demands, damages, costs, and expenses related to vaccine intellectual property. Meaning Pfizer can use anyones intellectual property it pleasespractically without consequence. In countries like Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic, the government expressly and irrevocably waives any right of immunity which either it or its assets may have or acquire in the future to enforce any arbitration award, the report reads. For the first four countries, this may include immunity against precautionary seizure of any of its assets. For instance, in the case of the US, state assets might include assets consisting of foreign bank accounts, foreign investments, and foreign commercial property, including the assets of state-owned enterprises like airlines and oil companies. The pharma giant is also imposing stringent regulations on its clients regarding donating, selling, or buying vaccines from entities other than Pfizer. In the case of Brazil, violating these terms would mean an uncurable material breach of their agreement, allowing Pfizer to immediately terminate the agreement. Upon termination, Brazil would be required to pay the full price for any remaining contracted doses, the report said. Transparency International, a London-based advocacy group, argued that at least four contracts or drafts it examined went much further than other vaccine developers, with more of the risk onto national governments, and away from the developer, even if missteps are made by the developer or supply chain partners, and not just if there is a rare adverse effect of the vaccines. In short, the global community cannot allow pharmaceutical corporations to keep calling the shots, Rizvi told The Washington Post. He hoped that the Biden administration can step up and balance the scales. Editor's Note: When warring parties in Cambodia finally signed the Paris Peace Agreements in 1991 at a high-profile summit in France, Gareth Evans had already spent years working behind the scenes to make it happen. As Foreign Minister of Australia, Evans was a chief architect of what he has called one of the most complex peace settlements ever successfully conducted. Now a Distinguished Honorary Professor at the Australian National University, Evans sat down with VOA Khmer on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Agreements to discuss its meaning in the context of modern-day Cambodia, which he describes as a fully fledged autocracy, and how Cambodians can keep up their morale to continue working to secure the high-minded promises it was meant to achieve. VOA Khmer: Thirty years after the signing of this historical document, which aimed to end the civil wars in Cambodia and put in place democracy and human rights, what should be celebrated on this day? Gareth Evans: What should be celebrated is obviously the bringing of peace to Cambodia after years of terrible war, invasion, genocide, civil war, again in which, as we know, nearly two million people died, either through executed outright by the Khmer Rouge or died of malnutrition or died of disease. After years of sufferings and displacement, the peace process and the Paris agreements did bring peace to Cambodia, lasting peace. It has meant the return of hundreds of thousands, maybe 400,000 displaced people from the Thai border. It has meant the disappearance of the Khmer Rouge. It took some time, but it happened. It has meant the capacity of this issue, which was a running sore in regional diplomacy and, indeed, global diplomacy. to disappear as an issue of that kind. And it did create the conditions in which Cambodia could build a flourishing country and an economically stable country as well as a peaceful country for the future. All of that is to be celebrated. That is wonderful and that's still durable. But there's a very big but on the democracy and human rights side of the equation, where our hopes were also very high indeed, that the future would be a bright one for Cambodia. We have been profoundly disappointed. It's been a terrible record, starting with the 1993 election and Hun Sen's refusal to accept the outcome which the international community, unfortunately, did not push back hard enough against. The rest of the story we can talk about, but it's a very sad one. So it's a challenge, looking back 30 years to build on those foundations that were laid, but there's a big job ahead of us because the record has been very, very sad on those fronts. VOA Khmer: In a presentation you gave in 2012 you said that the glass is still only at best half full. In democracy and human rights terms, Cambodia still has a long way to go before it can stand proudly in the ranks of those nations who can credibly claim to fully respect both. Right now, some human rights defenders and democracy promoters have expressed their disappointments over the progress of the state of democracy and the respect for human rights in Cambodia. The trend has been backsliding in the last four years. In your opinion, what went wrong? Gareth Evans: Well, as I said in 1991 at the Paris Peace Conference, when as Australian foreign minister I was signing so proudly those accords, peace and freedom are not prizes which once won can never be lost. They have to be won again each day and you have to lay the foundations with a strong society, strong economy, strong democracy, and above all respect for human rights. That's what I said in 1991, and what went wrong is that that simply was not respected. The international community basically lost interest in Cambodia, believing that peace had been won; and Hun Sen steadily over time built what was an unstable democratic foundation at the beginning into a fully-fledged autocracy. Let's face it, that's what we now have, with the banning of political parties, the repression of opposition leaders, even violence, periodically, murderous violence. I mean human rights defenders have fought very very hard right from the beginning and it's a wonderful story; the story of their contribution has been wonderfully told in a book by Sue Coffey, now available in Khmer. The truth of the matter is we do have some very brave people within the country as well as in the diaspora who are continuing to work to expose what has gone wrong to get it out to a wider international audience and to keep the morale of Cambodians up, which is crucial for the longer term. You've got to stay optimistic about these things. So wheels do turn. Prime ministers go away and the wheels turn. But, you know, it can be very grueling to live with these situations and while they're happening, and it's not a happy situation at the moment. VOA Khmer: Cambodians overseas have been petitioning their governments who were signatories of the agreement, but there seems to be less action from their leaders. What advice do you have for them to help them get their voices heard louder? What should be done to address the remaining issues of human rights and democracy? Gareth Evans: Well, I don't think there is much chance of re-convening the Paris conference, which some of the activists have been arguing for for some time now. It's been 30 years since that conference was held. The circumstances have changed, people have other preoccupations. And moreover even if it was reconvened, the powers of such a conference would really only be to refer concerns back to the UN system and the UN system is already in a sense addressing these concerns through the Human Rights Council, through the special rapporteurs, which were established right at the beginning and still have a role. I think that the critical thing is just to keep drawing attention to what is happening within the country and how much of it is so unprincipled, so undemocratic, so unrespectable of human rights: to draw that attention to the international community to constantly use every forum that's available bilateral, regional, global, through the NGO organizations and through the activists to just bring to the attention of governments, sympathetic governments, those signatories of Paris, what is going wrong. I think it's very important that governments pass Magnitsky Acts, those laws which make it possible to impose sanctions, targeted sanctions, financial sanctions, travel sanctions, stopping the education in our countries of the children of the leadership. All those things can be very important. Australia has dragged its feet on that. Its a subject of discussion in the national parliament at the moment. Other countries have those laws on the books. They need to be enforced. They need to be enacted and enforced and I think if activists continue to add pressure, it will over time have its effect. Nothing's going to happen quickly. Nothing's gonna happen urgently. That's the unhappy reality, but I think you can be very confident about the future of the country because there is such a large cohort of young people in the country. It's one of the youngest countries in Southeast Asia in terms of the average age of the population. I think mid-20s, and you do have a really vibrant community as well as a vibrant diaspora around the world and it is that resource which you have to take advantage of. Ultimately, the solution for Cambodia's problems, I'm afraid, is going to have to come from within Cambodia itself. There's only so much that outsiders can do with so many other preoccupations in this rather volatile world at the moment, but I'm confident about the longer term. But the short term, it's going to be hard. VOA Khmer: The EU and US have applied sanctions targeting individuals close to Prime Minister Hun Sen and a partial withdrawal of the trade preferences over human and political rights violations. But PM Hun Sen hasnt seemed to slow down his crackdown on human rights defenders because of a strong backing from China. What else should be done? Gareth Evans: The China factor is obviously very important. It's been giving such strong financial support and political support to the Hun Sen regime. I think I've said quite often in my speeches and writing that unhappily, Cambodia today seems like a wholly owned subsidiary of China. It's jumping to the Chinese tune. It's completely in the pocket of China because of a huge indebtedness and huge body of investment and economic commitment by China in Cambodia. So, that's the reality we have to live with. That's working itself out in terms of divisions within ASEAN, which are not helpful in maintaining solidarity and it's a difficult story. But, that said, I think you know there are ways of building alternative forms of pressure. Because Hun Sen has that backstop of China, it's not going to be easy for economic sanctions or anything like that of the general kind to have an effect. But personally targeted sanctions on assets, on travel and so on, they can make a difference. They find that painful and hurtful over time and some pain is capable of being inflicted by other countries in the international community and I don't think we should stop short of applying that pain. It's going to take time. It's gonna take time and maybe it's going to have to wait until Hun Sen moves on. But you know that will happen eventually and that will be a big occasion for change within the country because I don't think anyone wants to see a family dynasty now being established there. VOA Khmer: Is there a positive future for Cambodia as it has moved closer and closer to China? Past experiences have shown that it didnt do well for Cambodia. What makes it different this time around? Gareth Evans: Well, obviously the pressure is going to continue to be there for Cambodia to maintain that very close relationship with China because it has a very high level of indebtedness, has a very high level of economic dependence and China has been very supportive of Cambodia politically. That dynamic is not going to change. What you have to do is establish another dynamic working alongside that and pushing in the other direction. What you have to push for is ASEAN solidarity for the other countries to call out human rights violations. Unfortunately, that has not been happening in recent years and other ASEAN countries have been going backwards in human rights and democracy terms Thailand, Philippines, obviously Myanmar. So, it's going to be difficult to counter that balance, that present reality that you described. Its going to be difficult but it's not impossible. You just have to continue working at it to stay optimistic, to keep the information coming out as to what is going on so that nobody can pretend they don't know about these violations the land rights violations, the freedom of assembly violations, the freedom of speech violations, the freedom of political party establishment violations and just the personal integrity, people being able to protest without fear of being killed. All of that stuff has to keep on coming out because people's attention waivers, dissipates over time. It's very hard to keep people focused with so many other things going on in the region and the world, but if that core group of unhappy people within the country and the core group within the diaspora continue to articulate the nature of the problems, the nature of the political environment, the unacceptability of it and continue to work to bring those concerns to the attention of sympathetic governments, then over time it will, I believe, have an effect. You can't stop because of frustration. Frustration has been building up now for 30 years and I understand it but there's no quick fixes. You just have to keep working away. VOA Khmer: In 2012, Cambodia chaired the regional group, ASEAN, but it didnt do really well. Next year Cambodia will resume chairmanship of ASEAN. Do you think ASEAN will be united or divided? Gareth Evans: Well, ASEAN is already very very divided. You see that over the South China Sea issue. You see it over the degree of willingness to take action of any useful kind in relation to Myanmar. There are real divisions and ASEAN is in danger of becoming irrelevant. ASEAN will continue to be very important as the kind of glue thats stopping countries of the organization from resolving disagreement violently. ASEAN continues to be an extremely important peace organization from that point of view, but that's a very limited point of view. ASEAN is also important from an economic cooperation point of view and other things that have happened to build ASEAN strength internally. But in terms of dealing with difficult human rights issues, dealing with the need to maintain solidarity in the face of external pressures that are building up, China's overreach in particular in the South China Sea, what I say about Australia's activity in the region is that as much as I love ASEAN and have worked with it so effectively including at the time of the peace accords, the reality is that the future for Australia, I think, lies in working with individual countries, Indonesia, Vietnam, you know, strong countries Singapore in its own way that do have competence and credibility and are capable of decent policy initiatives. Hoping for solidarity, so long as ASEAN maintains this unanimity rule, where everybody has to agree before anything is agreed, that's just hopeless. ASEAN isnt going to do anything useful at all when it comes to these difficult problems. It is going to have to adopt a majority voting rule and stop making it possible for spoiler countries, and Cambodia has become a big spoiler country, to stop that unanimity, that effective response, when difficult issues arise. VOA Khmer: Now on the Paris Peace Agreement: Looking back what could have been done to make things right from the start? Gareth Evans: Look, I think the Paris Peace Agreement is still a very good map for the future of the country. It did everything right in terms of bedding down the peace process, in terms of bringing the civil war to an end, and getting everybody signed up to the necessary things that had to happen. It was perfectly good in what it said about democracy, perfectly good in what it said about human rights, about the principles that were relevant and about the steps that needed to be taken and, of course, all those elements of the Paris Peace Agreements were in fact the key elements that were embodied in the Cambodian Constitution that was enacted after the 1993 election. So I think the road map was there. I don't think you should go back and say the problem lies with the Paris Peace Accords not doing this or not doing that. I think the Paris Peace Accords were fine. They touched every base. They drew the map for the future. What's happened of course is that internally that map has not been followed and there has been not enough international pressure. I think if you want to be critical of the Paris Peace players the real criticism needs to be directed against all of us for not reacting more strongly in the aftermath of that 1993 election. It was a brilliantly successful election. I've never been more personally moved in my life than watching those long long queues or grannies and little children and people even though they feared there would be Khmer Rouge bomb attacks and so on they lined up and there was something like 99% I think voting turnout. It was fantastic. But, what happened, of course, is Hun Sen, who expected to win the election, clearly did not. He kicked up a huge fuss, and the international community accommodated it. It allowed him to become equal Prime Minister and that gave him confidence to tear up so many of the other principles as he has done over the years ahead. So yes, we failed in that respect. It was not a problem with the language of the Peace Agreements themselves. So the language was fine, the map is still there. VOA Khmer: In your view, what should political parties and civil society organizations do to prepare a new generation of leaders to carry this task going forward? Gareth Evans: Well, obviously education is absolutely critical. The younger generation has to be made aware of the country's history, the terrible traumas that were there in the past and the way in which they were overcome through international cooperation and internal commitment to getting things right. That story has to get into their heads and they have to understand just the significance, obviously of democracy and human rights for their own future. How you do that inside the country at the moment with an education system that is dominated by a government that's very unsympathetic to human rights and democracy, is very hard. Social media is a vehicle obviously from the diaspora from outside getting in those messages, getting around to the younger generation as to what the issues are, and what the problems are and what the potential solutions are, but it's difficult and nobody pretends otherwise. But somehow, youve just got to keep on working away at educating the younger generation because the mood is there, the competence is there, the commitment is there. Cambodians have shown themselves to be an incredibly resilient people and incredibly courageous people and I just don't think they're going to tolerate indefinitely being denied their rights and it's just intolerable and the younger generation I think instinctively will get that, provided we can find the external community, the diaspora, provided civil society organizations, provided you can all find ways of just getting those messages through. So I mean people in my generation didnt really get social media and all the channels and so on that are available but your generation does and I think they're the messages that have to get through. VOA Khmer: If I may ask you a personal question, sir. What do you think of Prime Minister Hun Sen? He respected you so much at one point in the past? Gareth Evans: Well, I respected Hun Sen at one point. We were brothers. We called each other brothers. We went through a very difficult negotiation period when Australia initiated the whole peace process with Indonesia. We took it forward. I had many, many discussions with Hun Sen. He was a tough guy then, as he's remained, but then he saw the utility of working with countries like Australia and finding a solution and he was flexible and he delivered. He delivered, of course, because he was confident that in doing so he would have a permanent future as probably the leader of the country and as soon as he was disappointed with that election result, the rot started to set in. On this edition of Encounter, host Carol Castiel talks with Eric Farnsworth, Vice President of the Council of the Americas and the Americas Society, and Steve Hege, deputy regional director for the US Institute of Peace in Colombia, about the significance of US Secretary of State Antony Blinkens trip to Colombia and Ecuador and challenges in bolstering democracy, equitable economic growth, combatting corruption and mitigating irregular migration from Haiti and Venezuela. Afghan women leaders are calling on United Nations member countries to pressure the Taliban to keep their promises and allow women to work and girls to study. As VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports, girls are still banned from secondary school under Taliban rule in Afghanistan. Heightened Sino-Australian tensions over the new AUKUS agreement calling for the sharing of U.S. nuclear submarine technology with Australia, along with Chinas naval expansionism in the South China Sea, have left Indonesia with a delicate balancing act, analysts say. The AUKUS agreement, which sees Australia acquiring prized U.S. technology to build a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, is widely viewed as strategic deterrence by Washington and Canberra against Chinas aggressive naval expansion in the South China Sea. Lying between China and Australia, vast archipelagic Indonesia hosts strategic sea lanes linking the Indian and Pacific oceans and connecting the South China Sea with waters off northern Australia. Submarines may pass undetected through its deep-sea trenches. Indonesia responded to the AUKUS deal by expressing deep concern over the continuing arms race and power projection in the region in a restrained five-point statement issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry in September. The statement also urged respect for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which governs navigation through international waters. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Mahendra Siregar said Indonesia was worried that Australias acquisition of nuclear submarines would spur an arms race and regional instability. Affront to nonalignment The flexing of great power rivalry in Indonesias neighborhood is viewed as an affront to its long-held foreign policy of nonalignment and resolution of regional tensions through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-centered diplomacy and dialogue. They are very worried. Theres a genuine belief on the part of many Indonesians that they desperately dont want their backyard being a zone for conflict, said analyst David Engel, head of the Indonesia program at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. They think Australia might be deployed in what they consider to be their sea, and waging conflict from it. This is one of their concerns. In the event of a terrible conflict, its quite conceivable there would be conflict within their tanah air [homeland]. They dont want great power rivalry in their backyard. AUKUS also has exposed divisions within ASEAN, which Indonesia considers the appropriate forum for easing tensions. Engel said Indonesias leaders are especially alarmed because it undermines what they see as central to their whole strategy for preserving peace and stability. They dont want to be in a position where they feel ASEAN members are expected to choose between the U.S. and China. 'Murkying the waters' In addition, Gilang Kembara, a researcher at the Jakarta-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the AUKUS submarines deal was murkying the waters and raising fears of submarine accidents in Indonesian waters. Indonesia realizes it doesnt have the capability to clean up any mess that could occur from a malfunction or accident. The addition of nuclear-powered submarines is adding one more to the club. We already have India and China with the same capabilities, Kembara told VOA. Equally affronting to Indonesias closely held sense of sovereignty are last months incursions by Chinese coast guard and survey vessels along its northern maritime border. Just as Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi spoke of deep concern about the AUKUS submarines deal, the Chinese vessels appeared on Indonesias horizon and lingered for a month along its exclusive economic zone in the resource rich North Natuna Sea, close to a rig where undersea gas exploration was under way. Britain-based oil and gas producer Harbour Energy in partnership with state-owned Russian company Zarubezhneft is exploring the area, using a rented Malaysian submersible oil rig. Some observers say the survey vessel was mapping the seabed for hydrocarbon reserves. Its curious to see that at the same time as Indonesia put out its measured statement, the Chinese boats were surveying the seabed in the EEZ [Exclusive Economic Zone], and yet they were quiet, Engel said in an interview. There is certainly an increasing level of concern, especially from several civil society organizations. There is a level of mistrust in Chinas intentions, said Kembara, who specializes in strategic and security studies and maritime affairs. Suspected Chinese submarine drones have been found by fishermen in Indonesian waters three times in the past 18 months. The most recent find was in a maritime passage linking the South China Sea to Australia's northern city, Darwin, in December. Anti-Chinese sentiment Wedded to its nonaligned foreign policy and ASEAN-centered diplomacy, Jakarta is also desperate to avoid a repeat of past domestic outbursts of anti-Chinese sentiment. The government is trying to walk a delicate line. It wants to hold China to international standards, but its trying not to antagonize it to the point of causing a ripple effect in Indonesias social fabric, where negative sentiment could be bigger than we can contain, Kembara said. It would be worrying if the public starts [to channel] negative sentiment toward China because of our historical dealings in the past with the Chinese and how that would affect the social fabric. The government needs to use the right language, words which will not stoke nationalist sentiment, said Kembara. Theres a lot of homework to get the story straight, and we are trying to gauge what Chinas intentions are. Engel said while many Indonesians are extremely upset about the affront to Indonesian sovereignty and are quite understandably saying China has to stop, Jakarta cant risk scolding China over its incursions for fear of taking sides. Jamaican police have arrested a suspect in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, a Jamaican police source told VOA on Friday. The man, identified by Interpol as Mario Antonio Palacios Palacios, was arrested by the island's counterterror unit earlier this week after he entered the country without documentation, and he is still in Jamaican custody, the police source said. Palacios, a former Colombian military officer, is wanted by the Haitian National Police in connection Moise's killing. Colombia's police chief, Jorge Vargas, has been notified of Palacios capture, Agence France-Presse reported. The arrest warrant posted on Haitian polices official Twitter page on July 12 describes Palacios as "extremely dangerous." In one of the photos, he is wearing military attire. The Jamaican police source told VOA that Palacios had appeared in court and had been convicted of illegally entering the country. Interpol had issued a red notice for Palacios. Jamaican law enforcement worked with international partners, the official said, to determine Palacios identity. It was unclear whether Palacios would be extradited to Haiti, Colombia or elsewhere. The police source told VOA that would depend on "what mechanism, what's in place, what extradition agreement we have in place." More than 40 people have been arrested in connection with the death of Moise, who was shot and killed early July 7 at his private residence in a luxury suburb of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Among those in custody are 18 former Colombian soldiers, Haitian Americans and former Haitian National Police officers. A former Haitian Justice Ministry official, Joseph Badio, who is on the most-wanted list, remains at large. Moise's killing sparked outrage in Haiti and the diaspora. Former first lady Martine Moise, who was injured during the attack that killed the president and was later treated at a Miami-area hospital, appeared in court October 6 to answer questions. In an interview with VOA Creole as she was leaving the courthouse, Moise said she was willing to answer the judge's questions because she wanted the case to move forward. "I'm calling for justice. I will ask for it in the morning, at noon and at night until we get it," Moise said. She also appealed to anyone with information about the suspects wanted by police to contact law enforcement so they could be apprehended. Matiado Vilme contributed to this report from Port-au-Prince. The Myanmar militarys recent decision to release thousands of prisoners is due to international pressure, and not a real sign of change, human rights activists say. On Monday, the military government, officially the countrys State Administration Council, pardoned 1,316 people and dropped charges against 4,320 others that had participated in protests against the junta. The prisoners had been held after months of demonstrations and strikes to protest the February 1 coup in which the military seized power. But according to activists, the lenience does not reflect a change in the militarys approach. Khin Zaw Win, director of the Yangon-based NGO Tampadipa Institute, told VOA that releasing prisoners is part of the militarys strategy. Since the coup, theyve done this before, he said. Its quite a number, 5,000 plus the impression we get, its good, and some people are encouraged, but a general impression, its a re-run, a ruse, they have used many, many years, from pressure from abroad, such as a safety valve. What can they gain? A lot of blood has been spilt, and a lot of water has been passed beneath the bridge. Its not a sign that theyve become liberal. Its not a sign of change, they want to ease the pressure, he said. New York-based Human Rights Watch said the decision does not reflect a broader change in the militarys respect for human rights. The organization noted that the military claimed to have released 2,000 prisoners in June, but only 372 releases were confirmed in a report from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a monitoring human rights group based in Thailand. Local media also reported this week that at least 110 of Mondays released prisoners were re-arrested for other offenses. As for those who remain free, experts say they are not guaranteed their freedom long-term. Khin Zaw Win, who has been a notable political activist in Myanmar for decades, was jailed for 11 years under previous military control from 1994 to 2005 for seditious writings. I was released in 2005, and we didnt have to sign anything, he said, but added that prisoners are more vulnerable today. Thats really awkward. Now you can get arrested, released, re-arrested, he said. Political analyst Aung Thu Nyein believes those released could still be punished. The deferred charges - sentences would be added in case they violate the offenses again, he told VOA, adding that the militarys decision to release the prisoners is likely because the ASEAN Summit is drawing closer. It could be because of international pressure, partly ASEAN. The number of political prisoners is quite high and now the military can decrease the headcounts, he said. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a 10-member union and regional political group promoting economic and security cooperation. The bloc holds a biannual virtual summit for three days beginning October 26. In April a high-level emergency summit was held among ASEAN leaders to discuss Myanmar in the aftermath of the coup. Participants agreed on a five-point plan that called for an immediate end to violence and a visit by ASEANs special envoy to Myanmar to visit all parties concerned. But little progress has been made six months later. Erywan Yusof, ASEANs special envoy to Myanmar, called for a four-month cease-fire that he said was accepted but that was later denied by the military, Irrawaddy reports. An additional request was made by the special envoy to meet with the detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi, but that was also rejected. Military spokesman Zaw Min Tun told Radio Free Asia it was nothing unusual for this request to be denied given Aung San Suu Kyis mounting criminal charges. With relationships strained, and the virtual summit due to take place next week, ASEAN has decided to exclude Myanmar military leader General Min Aung Hlaing from the event, in a major rebuke to the armed forces. Instead, the committee will invite a nonpolitical representative for Myanmar. Aung Thu Nyein said the rejection means the military is facing "humiliation" over the matter, but there will be more opportunities for them to respond. I believe the military will not leave ASEAN, they will find a way through the crack of ASEAN leadership, possibly approaching Thailand, Vietnam, etc. For the ASEAN side, the summit is just one event, but I think they may be considering the follow-up of thousands of ASEAN official meetings during the coming year, he said. Myanmar Friday rejected the ASEAN decision to invite only a nonpolitical figure to the meeting. The Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a press release that Myanmar will not be in a position to accept any outcome of the discussions and decisions which are ultra vires and contrary to the provisions, objectives and cherished principles of the ASEAN Charter. Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, gained independence in 1948 from Britain, but most of its modern history has been governed under military rule. In February, the military removed the democratically elected government alleging electoral fraud during last Novembers general elections. The deposed government was led by Aung San Suu Kyi, who has since been detained and is facing a slew of criminal charges. The coup triggered a wave of protests and strikes against the military government. The armed forces have violently cracked down on the dissidents, leaving over 1,000 dead and thousands more still detained or wanted for arrest, according to the AAPP. The military government disputes the numbers. Myanmars ousted politicians and ethnic minority leaders have formed an opposition coalition known as the National Unity Government (NUG), which is protected by various peoples defense groups. They insist they are the legitimate administration in Myanmar and have called for a defensive war to fight back against the countrys national military. China wasnt on the agenda at this weeks NATO defense ministers meeting, but by the time the gathering concluded, the secretary-general had said the military alliance needs to respond to the challenges presented by Chinas rise. We see the whole global balance of power is shifting because of the rise of China, Jens Stoltenberg told reporters Thursday at a press conference in Brussels. China is heavily modernizing its military capabilities, including advanced nuclear systems and long-range missile systems," and "we see China coming much closer to us, not least in cyberspace, he said. And in response, the allies agreed to do more together." Without giving details, Stoltenberg said NATO would cooperate on a strategy involving areas such as artificial intelligence and technologically advanced weapon systems, relevant to the challenges posed by the rise of China. He said that applies not only to Europe, NATOs traditional focus, but also to challenges in the Asia Pacific, where the rise of China just makes it even more important that Europe and North America stand together in NATO. At their June meeting, the allies had agreed to strengthen their relationships with partners in the Asia Pacific, which include New Zealand, Australia, South Korea and Japan. The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not respond to VOA Mandarins request for a response to Stoltenbergs remarks. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Stoltenberg said that countering the security threat from the rise of China will be an important part of NATOs future rationale. NATO is an alliance of North America and Europe. But this region faces global challenges: terrorism, cyber, but also the rise of China. So when it comes to strengthening our collective defense, thats also about how to address the rise of China, Stoltenberg told the Financial Times. What we can predict is that the rise of China will impact our security. It already has. He pointed out that China has had an impact on European security through its cyber capabilities, new technologies and long-range missiles. Bruce Jones, director and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank, said Stoltenbergs remarks revealed an important shift of the military alliance. It's an important shift of NATO inside NATO, he told VOA Mandarin in a phone interview. There's been a debate about whether NATO should concentrate on Russia, Europe, or whether it should be part of a wider American reorientation towards China. He added that the statement from the secretary-general is a signal about the direction that he is going to go and that he has some support for changing the orientation. Stoltenberg said NATO will adopt a new strategic concept next summer, which will outline the groups strategies for the next 10 years. The current 2010 version does not mention China. In an interview with Politico earlier this month, Stoltenberg also stressed that NATO needs to strengthen its engagement with China. We don't regard China as an adversary or an enemy, he said. We need to engage with China on important issues such as climate change there's no way to reduce emissions enough in the world without also including China. New threat The 30-member coalition was established after World War II, and its previous focus was on Russia and terrorism. NATO first mentioned the threat from China in its 2019 summit communique. As China expands its influence globally in a more aggressive manner, NATOs concern about Chinas rise has grown. In a joint communique in June, NATO leaders accused China of rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal and being opaque in implementing its military modernization. Chinas stated ambitions and assertive behavior present systemic challenges to the rules-based international order and to areas relevant to alliance security, the communique said. Dan Hamilton, a senior fellow at Johns Hopkins University's SAIS Foreign Policy Institute and director of the postdoctoral program on The United States, Europe, and World Order, told VOA Mandarin that the 27 countries in the European Union are feeling Chinas presence in the region. China is the EUs No. 1 trading partner and the source of billions of dollars per year in direct investment, particularly in energy, according to a recent VOA Mandarin report. Beijings relations vary from one EU nation to the next, with east-central European nations such as Hungary and Serbia eager to engage while Western European countries are more skeptical. China is coming to us. Its about China being present in Europe as sort of a power that includes investments in defense-related supply chain, investments in ports, Hamilton said in a phone interview. In their June joint communique, NATO leaders expressed concern over Chinas military cooperation with Russia in the Euro-Atlantic region. China and Russia are collaborating more closely together, and that might affect the risk calculation each of them might take with regards to Western interests, Hamilton said. Russia might feel a bit more emboldened when it comes to issues like Ukraine or Belarus or military exercises if it feels China is supporting it, he added. Similarly, China might feel it has Russian support, then it might be able to be a bit more adventurous than otherwise it would ordinarily be. US-EU cooperation The change in NATO's view of China echoes that of Washington. The Biden administration believes that the competition between the West and China is a confrontation between democratic values and authoritarianism. But cooperation between the EU and the U.S. has encountered obstacles in the past few years. Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly questioned the value of NATO. Some European countries have proposed the concept of "strategic autonomy" and demanded a reduction in their dependence on U.S. military support. After Biden took office in January 2021, NATO and the White House resumed closer contact. Stoltenberg visited Washington this month, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin participated in NATO's in-person meetings Thursday and Friday. Jones, of Brookings, said that between the U.S. and EU, theres now a strong willingness to cooperate and counter the rise of China. People are willing to put a lot of energy and effort into making that alignment work, so although Europe has a question mark about this administration, and potentially about future administrations, these shared interests are greater than the uncertainty. Lin Yang contributed to this report. Pakistan stopped short Saturday of refuting media claims it is working out a deal for the use of its airspace by the United States to launch counterterrorism military missions in neighboring Afghanistan. The statement comes a day after CNN reported that Washington is nearing a formalized agreement with Islamabad for use of Pakistans airspace to conduct military and intelligence operations against terrorists operating on Afghan soil. Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said in a statement that no such understanding was in place. Pakistan and the U.S. have longstanding cooperation on regional security and counterterrorism, and the two sides remain engaged in regular consultations, Ahmad added. He did not elaborate further. The negotiations were continuing and the terms of the agreement could still change before it is finalized, the American news network said, citing three sources familiar with the details of a classified briefing U.S. President Joe Bidens administration gave Friday to members of Congress. Washington has been trying to work out an arrangement to enable the American military to conduct timely counterterrorism operations against the regional branch of the Islamic State group, known as Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-Khorasan), and militants linked to other terrorist groups in Afghanistan since U.S. and NATO troops withdrew from the country in August after two decades there. Islamabad has expressed a desire to sign a memorandum of understanding in exchange for assistance with its own counterterrorism efforts and help in managing the relationship with Pakistans archival India, according to the CNN report. Pakistans air and land routes played a crucial role in facilitating the U.S.-led punitive international invasion of Afghanistan 20 years ago to oust the then-Taliban government for harboring al-Qaida planners of the September 2001 terrorist attacks on America. Pakistani and U.S. officials acknowledge the American military still uses Pakistan's airspace for intelligence-gathering missions in Afghanistan, but they say a formal agreement needs to be negotiated for using the facility in the future. The foreign military withdrawal from Afghanistan enabled the Taliban insurgency to oust the Western-backed government in Kabul in August and take control of the country. But IS-Khorasan has since intensified attacks across the war-torn country, killing and injuring hundreds of Afghans, mostly civilians. The terrorist outfit carried out a suicide bombing outside the Kabul airport, where thousands of people had gathered to try to catch an emergency evacuation flight during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from the country. The blast killed nearly 200 people, including 13 U.S. service members. IS-Khorasan also has claimed responsibly for two mosque bombings earlier this month that killed and injured hundreds of worshippers, mostly members of the Afghan minority Shiite community. More than 170 Chinese Communist Party, government, military, paramilitary and hybrid administrative entities in China have participated in building and maintaining repressive governance of Uyghurs and other indigenous groups in Xinjiang since 2014, according to a report released this week. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute, an Australia- and U.S.-funded research group, said Tuesday in its latest Xinjiang report that after analyzing thousands of pages of Chinese-language sources, including leaked police records and government budget documents never before published, it gained insights into the methods used by the CCP to oppress Uyghurs and other indigenous communities in Xinjiang. According to the 82 pages of research, top-down administrative entities from Beijing to Xinjiang such as the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party led by President Xi Jinping in Beijing, to Xinjiangs neighborhood subdistrict committees responsible for local party control have operationalized governance techniques and bureaucratic structures with recent campaigns against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang. The crackdown against the Uyghurs has a striking resemblance to Mao-era political campaigns, the report said. [I]n addition to mass internment and coercive labor assignments, Xinjiang residents are also compelled to participate in acts of political theatre, such as mass show trials, public denunciation sessions, loyalty pledges, sermon-like propaganda lectures, and chants for Xi Jinpings good health. In doing so, theyre mobilized to attack shadowy enemies hiding among the people: the so-called three evil forces and two-faced people, the report added. Beijing says the three evil forces are terrorists, separatists and religious extremists among Uyghurs and other indigenous people in Xinjiang and two-faced people are officials who are not loyal to the Chinese Communist Party. The report says that Beijings top-down response to the perceived radicalization of Uyghur society and a systematic effort to transform Xinjiang and its indigenous inhabitants are found in the Counterterrorism Campaign and the Re-education Campaign in Xinjiang from 2014 to 2021. Hegemony at the grassroots The policies Beijing has implemented during the crackdown on the Uyghurs, according to the report, gave Xinjiangs neighborhood and village officials exceptional power to police residents movements and even their emotions, including triggering police action when a Uyghur teenagers social media posts about finding life hopeless were deemed a threat to stability. Xinjiangs community-based control mechanisms are part of a national push to enhance grassroots governance, which seeks to mobilize the masses to help stamp out dissent and instability and to increase the partys domination in the lowest reaches of society, the report said. Report fabricated On Tuesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin called ASPIs report fabricated and slanderous rhetoric. This discredited body lacks basic factual basis and runs against the professional ethics of academic research, Wang said. The reports it fabricated, including those lies of forced labor, are nothing but slanderous rhetoric without any credibility. On Thursday, 43 countries at United Nations called on China to grant the U.N. high commissioner for human rights access to Xinjiang, citing concern about human rights violations among Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in northwest China. "There are generalized and systematic violations of human rights, torture, forced sterilization, sexual violence and forced separation of children," France's U.N. Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere said on behalf of the 43 concerned countries. China's U.N. ambassador, Zhang Jun, dismissed the criticism as "groundless. "To the U.S. and a few other countries, let me say this: Your trite lies are totally unfounded," Zhang said. "Xinjiang enjoys stability, development and prosperity, and the Chinese people's life is getting better day by day. At least 20 people were killed and more than 40 wounded on Saturday when a moderate Islamist group clashed with Somali government troops over control of a town in central Somalia, according to witnesses and regional officials. The clashes started at dawn Saturday morning when government troops, who have been amassing on the outskirts of Guri-El, a central Somali town some 400 kilometers north of the capital, Mogadishu, attacked bases held by Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama'a (ASWJ) rebels. According to residents, both sides used heavy artillery, mortars, machineguns, and vehicle-mounted anti-aircraft guns during a fierce battle in the streets. Speaking on condition of anonymity, military officials from the opposing sides told VOA that both sides suffered fatalities. A senior official with the Somali National Security Agency, Col: Abdirisaq Mohamud Yusuf, told VOA that the regional commander of Somali's Danab Brigade, Abdiladif Feyfle, was among the dead. Danab or lightning brigadiers are U.S.-trained Somali commandos. I can confirm that three of our soldiers were killed and more than 10 injured during the fighting," Ahmed Shire Falagle, Galmudug's regional state information minister, told VOA's Somali Service. "I also know that a significant number of Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamaa militia were killed, although I cannot give exact number. Falagle also said government troops ultimately took control of the town and that opposing combatants retreated. We have driven the militia out of the town and now they are firing back from the outskirts, he said. But witnesses who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal said that government forces managed to hold control of only the police station, the district headquarters and several ASWJ administrative buildings. None of the two sides is in full control [of the town] yet," one witness told VOA. "We can hear heavy gunfire and shelling. The government soldiers are positioned at strategic bases at the heart of the town. VOA phone calls to several ASWJ officials went unanswered. A moderate Sufi sect, ASWJ previously assisted Somali government troops battling al-Shabab Islamist extremists, temporarily striking a regional power-sharing deal with the Somali government. Saturdays fighting followed a simmering dispute over ASWJ's representation in local, state and national government. Mogadishu has been denying the group's request to have power as an Islamic entity, saying its members should peacefully seek power through their respective clans. It also wanted the group's militia to be integrated into national forces. In February of last year, Somali troops seized towns previously under ASWJ control, including Guri-El. Earlier this month, the Islamist group took control of Guri-El unopposed after forcing Somali government troops to withdraw. In an interview with VOA Somali at the time, the groups chief, Sheikh Shakir, said it wants to take control of towns and regions to better protect them from al-Shabab extremists. Since then, tension has been building as government troops began amassing military reinforcement near the town. The U.N. said on Thursday over 100,000 people had been displaced in Guri-El because of the military buildup. Efforts to mediate differences by local elders and regional leaders failed, leading to Saturdays bloody battle. The fighting comes two days after Somalia's president and prime minister said they had struck a deal to speed up the countrys long-delayed election process and to end a simmering feud that threatened to plunge the Horn of Africa nation into a fresh crisis. The two men had been deadlocked over top security appointments and dismissals that were triggered by the mysterious disappearance of a female Somali spy who has long been declared dead by the countrys National Intelligence and Security Agency. Experts warn that continued political instability and renewed fighting with the moderate Islamist group could benefit al-Shabab. Abdiwahid Mo'alim Isaq has contributed this report from Galkayo. This story originated in VOA's Somali Service. Exhausted and trapped in a cold, "cruel" forest, Lebanese barber Ali Abd Alwareth said he regretted his weeklong bid to enter the European Union via the Belarus-Poland border. "It's miserable. Something that you don't wish for your worst enemy. A nightmare," the soft-spoken 24-year-old with Crohn's disease told AFP. Sitting cross-legged on a bed of pine needles and dead leaves near the border town of Kleszczele in eastern Poland, Abd Alwareth described being a ping-pong ball for the guards. "I tried crossing like five, six times, and every time I got caught and deported back to the border" by Poland, he said in English. Die here or in Poland The Belarusian side meanwhile refused to let him return to Minsk to fly home. Abd Alwareth said security forces told him: "You have only two choices: either you die here or you die in Poland. That's it." One of thousands of migrants, mostly from the Middle East, who have tried to penetrate the 400-kilometer (250-mile) border since August, Abd Alwareth said he left the financial crisis in Lebanon in search of a better life. The whole journey from his home region of Bekaa cost $4,000 and involved help from a Minsk-based company he found on social media. The EU suspects Belarus is masterminding the unprecedented influx of migrants into Poland as a form of retaliation against EU sanctions, but the regime has put the blame on the West. People in the forest Poland has sent thousands of troops, built a razor-wire fence and implemented a three-month state of emergency that bans journalists and charity workers along the immediate border area. A group of Polish mothers rallied near the border on Saturday to protest the pushbacks. "We feel for the people in the forest," said Sylwia Chorazy, one of a couple hundred protesters at the border guard facility in Michalowo, eastern Poland. "My sons asked me this morning, 'Mum, what if we too had to spend the night in the woods?' It's sad, incredibly sad," she told AFP. During his grueling time in the woods, Abd Alwareth said he drank water off of leaves, was too cold to sleep, and was once hit on the head by either the Polish army or police. Though exhausted and devastated, he said he understood that the border guards "are doing their job. They are protecting their country. We are illegal." Aid from activists On Friday, Abd Alwareth and his Syrian walking companions managed to get in touch with Polish activists, who met them in the forest with warm clothes and food as well as offering support when the guards arrived. His fate up in the air, Abd Alwareth hopes to receive asylum in Poland, or at the very least, to return to Lebanon. "OK, you don't want me here, you don't want me in Belarus. Just deport me back home. That's all I'm asking for," he said. "What is happening in the forest is cruel. ... I feel like a puppet. It was my decision, I came this way, but not to be treated like this," he added. "I refuse to die at the border. I just want to see my mum." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday he had ordered the foreign ministry to declare 10 ambassadors from Western countries persona non grata for calling for the release of philanthropist Osman Kavala. Kavala has been in prison for four years, charged with financing nationwide protests in 2013 and with involvement in a failed coup in 2016. He denies the charges. In a joint statement on October 18, the ambassadors of Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, New Zealand and the United States called for a just and speedy resolution to Kavala's case, and for his "urgent release." They were summoned by the foreign ministry, which called the statement irresponsible. "I gave the necessary order to our foreign minister and said what must be done: These 10 ambassadors must be declared persona non grata at once. You will sort it out immediately," Erdogan said in a speech in the city of Eskisehir in northwest Turkey. "They will know and understand Turkey. The day they do not know and understand Turkey, they will leave," he said to cheers from the crowd. The U.S., German and French embassies and the White House and U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Kavala was acquitted last year of charges related to the 2013 protests, but the ruling was overturned this year and combined with charges in another case related to the coup attempt. Rights groups say his case is emblematic of a crackdown on dissent under Erdogan. Kavala said Friday it would be "meaningless" for him to attend his trial as a fair hearing was impossible given recent comments by Erdogan. Erdogan was cited Thursday as saying the ambassadors in question would not release "bandits, murderers and terrorists" in their own countries. "Since there is no possibility of a fair trial under these circumstances, I believe participating in hearings and delivering my defense will be meaningless from now on," Kavala said in a written statement. The European Court of Human Rights called for Kavala's immediate release in late 2019, saying there was no reasonable suspicion that he had committed an offense, and finding that his detention had been intended to silence him. It issued a similar ruling this year in the case of Selahattin Demirtas, former head of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), who has been held in jail for nearly five years. The Council of Europe, which oversees the implementation of ECHR decisions, has said it will begin infringement proceedings against Turkey if Kavala is not released. The next hearing in the case against Kavala and others is due on November 26. The U.N. special envoy for Myanmar called Friday for that countrys military leader to step down and return power seized in a February 1 coup to the democratically elected government. I do not see a stable nor viable future for Myanmar under the leadership of the commander-in-chief and the Tatmadaw, Christine Schraner Burgener told the U.N. General Assembly committee that deals with human rights issues. If Senior General Min Aung Hlaing truly cares about his countrys future, he must step down and hand the Tatmadaws power over to the civilian government in line with the will of the people, she added. The Tatmadaw is Myanmars military. Schraner Burgener made the appeal in her final U.N. briefing. She will step down on October 31, after 3 years in the post. Headed for the abyss She has spent the last nine months dealing with the fallout from the military coup, which has mired Myanmar in chaos and violence. More than 1,100 civilians have been killed, thousands jailed and more than 250,000 displaced. The Tatmadaw claimed widespread fraud in the November 2020 election, which de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) won in a landslide. The military then detained Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other high-ranking NLD officials and began cracking down on initially peaceful demonstrations. The military has ignored international pressure to reverse the situation, and conditions have steadily deteriorated. Violence has spread across the country, and the NLDs National Unity Government has formed its own Peoples Defense Force. Myanmar is rapidly moving towards the abyss, and whatever sacrifice would be required of us now to pull it in a different direction will be a small price in relation to the monumental challenge we will be facing a few years down the line, the special envoy said Friday. Before the coup, 1 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance. Since February that number has skyrocketed to 3 million. Health and banking services are collapsing and joblessness is on the rise. Eve of another catastrophe Separately, the U.N. independent expert on human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, told the same U.N. committee that another catastrophe is imminent. I have received credible information that the junta is moving tens of thousands of troops and heavy weaponry into the northwest region of the country, ostensibly preparing to attack these local defense forces, Andrews said. He said internet service has been cut to the area and the military is employing tactics similar to those it used in its 2016 and 2017 attacks on Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state. We should all be prepared, as the people of this part of Myanmar are prepared, for more mass atrocity crimes, the special rapporteur said. He said that since the February coup, the military has engaged in probable crimes against humanity and war crimes. He also criticized opposition forces for what he said is evidence of human rights violations, including assassinations and indiscriminate killings of noncombatants. Andrews urged the international community to deny the Tatmadaw money, weapons and recognition, while continuing to send humanitarian assistance to the people. Myanmars U.N. ambassador, Kyaw Moe Tun, was appointed by the NLD government. The junta has sought to replace him at the world body, and next month the nine-member committee that makes decisions on representation at the United Nations is likely to take up the issue. In the meantime, Kyaw Moe Tun continues to speak for the Myanmar people. In the eyes of the people of Myanmar, the military is more like an occupying force, not a protector of the people like its supposed to be, he said. He said the people did not want to resort to violence but had to defend themselves, because the Tatmadaw is terrorizing people into submission. He said Myanmars people do not want to return to life under a dictatorship. Here is a fast take on what the international community has been up to this past week, as seen from the United Nations perch: Airstrikes target Mekelle The Ethiopian government launched a series of airstrikes this week on Tigrays capital, Mekelle, one of which forced a U.N. aid flight to turn around midair. New provocations from DPRK North Korea has continued to test-fire missiles, spurring the United States, Britain and France to call a U.N. Security Council meeting on Wednesday. Africa hardest hit by climate change A new U.N. climate report says the African continent is warming faster and to a higher temperature than other parts of the world, despite being responsible for less than 4% of the worlds greenhouse gas emissions. Human rights discussions The U.N. General Assemblys third committee had its annual briefings Friday from the special rapporteurs on the human rights situations in North Korea and Myanmar. News in brief UNICEF said Tuesday that 10,000 children have been killed or maimed in Yemen since fighting started in March 2015. That is the equivalent of four children every day. And that is the number of cases the U.N. childrens agency has been able to verify; the real number is likely higher. UNICEF said the numbers of women (71) and children (30) kidnapped for ransom in Haiti in the first eight months of 2021 have surpassed the totals for all of 2020. The overwhelming majority of abductees are Haitians and are taken in the capital, Port-au-Prince. The U.N. Security Council has set off on its first field mission since before the pandemic. The 15 members are heading to Mali and Niger through Tuesday. They are checking on Malis transition and discussing terrorism, the effects of climate change in the Sahel and other issues with leaders, civil society and U.N. country teams. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the U.N. Security Council separately welcomed the declaration of a unilateral cease-fire on October 15 by President Faustin Archange Touadera in the Central African Republic. That country has been trying to restore state authority after years of intercommunal violence and territory grabs by armed groups. Some good news The United Nations said a national house-to-house polio vaccination campaign in Afghanistan will resume November 8, after a three-year halt, with the support of the Taliban authorities. Quote of note Today, womens leadership is a cause. Tomorrow, it must be the norm, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Friday on the 21st anniversary of Resolution 1325, which demands the full and equal participation of women in conflict resolution, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction. Next week The G-20 meets in Rome ahead of a critical U.N. climate conference in Scotland in early November. On Tuesday, the U.N. General Assembly will hold its own pre-conference high-level session on delivering climate action. Did you know? U.N. peacekeepers are called blue helmets because of the color of their berets and helmets. There are more than 87,000 peacekeepers from 121 countries currently deployed in a dozen missions. Their missions are authorized by U.N. Security Council resolutions to protect civilians and strengthen security in post-conflict and fragile states. The U.N.'s World Food Program says thousands of destitute people in Cameroon's crisis-prone western regions are going hungry and their situations may become worse if the separatist crisis there continues. Chris Nikoi, WFP regional director for west and central Africa is visiting hungry community members most of them farmers chased from their farms by Cameroon's separatist conflicts who are pleading to be spared from fighting between the military and separatists. Hundreds of civilians in the town of Bamenda Thursday welcomed Nikoi in their English-speaking town in Cameroon's restive North-West region. Among those who came out was 59-year-old farmer Clifford Tayong. Tayong said he asked Nikoi to thank the WFP for the assistance the U.N. body has been giving people suffering as a result of the separatist crisis in Cameroons western regions. Tayong said besides rice and vegetable oil, the WFP gave him and his three children $60 in August. He said his family again received $80 from the WFP in September. Tayong said he used the money to buy school supplies for his children. He said he also bought two roosters and eight hens to start a poultry farm that will enable him to earn money and take care of his family. Tayong said he lost all his beans and corn when his one-hectare farm was burned down in the English-speaking Bafut Subdivision near Bamenda. He said the military accused him of giving food to separatist fighters and torched his farm. Tayong and many others who fled the separatist crisis recounted their suffering to Nikoi. They pleaded to be spared from the fighting and said they wanted to return to their villages. Nikoi said thousands of Cameroonians chased from their towns and villages by the separatist crisis are now very poor and hungry. "I can't help thinking about the women and the men and the stories about their farms being torched and to the point where the little dignity that they are able to retain in their lives is because of the monthly little assistance that they are having from the World Food Program, so I am living here proud of what we are doing to sustain people's lives," he said. Nikoi said famine looms should the separatist crisis persist and force farmers to stay away from their fields. He said the WFP is assisting 280,000 civilians in the English-speaking North-West region. Most of those receiving WFP assistance are displaced persons living with disabilities, pregnant women or people whose houses have been burned. Farmers say their farms, houses and plantations have been destroyed by both government troops and separatist fighters. They say separatist fighters torch houses and farms of people suspected of collaborating with government troops, while government troops destroy the properties of people suspected of supporting the rebels. Both the Cameroon military and separatists have always denied that their troops target civilians, their farms, plantations or houses. Cameroon Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Gabriel Mbairobe said farmers who return to their farms will be given seed and fertilizers at reduced prices. He said the military will protect displaced people who return to places where there is relative peace. The WFP reports that as part of its crisis response operations, it distributed 1,608 metric tons of food to 199,000 beneficiaries in Cameroon's North-West and South-West regions. The U.N. also reports that as part of its malnutrition prevention program the WFP provided 48 metric tons of specialized nutritious foods to 8,100 children aged 6 to 59 months and to 5,500 girls and pregnant women. According to the U.N., 4.4 million of the 25 million Cameroonians need humanitarian assistance, and more than 1.9 million were food-insecure between June and August. The separatist crisis has forced more than 750,000 people to flee their homes since the conflict erupted in late 2017, according to the U.N. Ongoing armed clashes, civilian casualties and the burning of houses, hospitals and other infrastructure are causing further displacement, suffering and hunger. Uzbekistan's president, who has relaxed many of the policies of his dictatorial predecessor but has made little effort at political reform, is expected to win a new term by a landslide against weak competition in an election Sunday. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who took office in 2016 upon the death of Islam Karimov, faces four relatively low-visibility candidates who didn't even show up for televised debates, instead sending proxies who failed to engage in substantial discussions. Independent candidates weren't allowed. "The other candidates talk about abstract things like strengthening social security, but they don't provide any details. They don't have a real program and they don't have to because they know who will win," said political analyst Akhmed Rahmonov. The only Mirziyoyev challenger who got significant notice in the campaign was Alisher Qodirov, with his proposal that Uzbeks working outside the country should pay taxes in Uzbekistan, a widely unpopular idea for the large share of the population that depends on remittances from family members abroad. Mirziyoyev openly disagreed with the proposal and some observers suggested that Qodirov, whose party is in coalition with Mirziyoyev's in the parliament, made it in order to channel votes to the incumbent. Under Mirziyoyev, freedom of speech has expanded compared with the suppression of the Karimov era, and some independent news media and bloggers have appeared. He also relaxed the tight controls on Islam in the predominantly Muslim country that Karimov imposed to counter dissident views. He also lifted controls on hard currency, encouraging investment from abroad, and he moved to patch up foreign relations that soured under Karimov. "Mirziyoyev improved relations with world players such as Russia, China and the West, while also resolving conflicts with neighbors including establishing peaceful interaction with Afghanistan," said Andrey Kazantsev of the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Relations. Uzbekistan and Afghanistan share a 144-kilometer (89-mile) border, and Uzbekistan has consistently worried that conflict could spill over. The ex-Soviet republic's foreign minister became the first foreign official to visit Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country in August. 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. Photo: Warner Brothers Dune director Denis Villeneuve has strenuously argued against Warner Bros./AT&Ts strategy to release Dune on streaming at the same time as it comes to theaters. Warner Bros. decision means Dune wont have the chance to perform financially in order to be viable and piracy will ultimately triumph, he wrote in Variety last year. Warner Bros. might just have killed the Dune franchise. To which WB seemingly responded, You dont want your movie to come out the same day on streaming as theaters? Dune worry about it! Itll come out the day before. Villeneuves sandworm opus debuted on the ad-free version of HBO Max on Thursday, October 21 at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT. Don't have HBO Max? When and how to release films digitally is becoming an extremely fraught topic for studios. The version on HBO Max is the films 2.39:1 aspect ratio, not the much-hyped, large-format IMAX presentation. And Disneys decision to release Black Widow on Disney+ along with theaters resulted in Scarlett Johansson suing the Mouse for breach of contract. And the simultaneous streaming strategy may have been part of why Christopher Nolan is taking his next picture to Universal instead of the WB. No word yet on whether Villeneuve is going to sic the Fremen on Warner Bros. If you subscribe to a service through our links, Vulture may earn an affiliate commission. A 15-year-old facing murder charges for an 18-year-olds shooting death in Huntsville is one of at least three fatal crimes in Alabama recently involving young people and guns. That violence has the group Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America very concerned. WAAY-31 spoke with the Alabama chapter's co-lead, Susan Kirkpatrick, on why the number is going up. "I think that our nation's young people have just undergone a terrible time in their lives," Kirkpatrick said. Multiple Covid-19 restrictions, along with economic distress, increased use of social media and even domestic violence in the home, are just some of the leading causes Kirkpatrick believes are behind all this violence. She said the ongoing pandemic has made it difficult for her group to get into communities to promote public safety measures. "We've continued to reach out through virtual meetings and so forth, but it's not the same as being able to go into the community," she said. Another issue is the lack of people using resources like gun safety classes or using a gun safety box to keep a gun out of a child's hand. The Madison County District Attorney's Office said this is becoming a serious issue for both the victim and offender. "Their life is gone. They're never coming back. But you also have another teenager, whose, their life is ruined too," said Tim Gann, chief deputy in the office. He said the increased gun violence in Alabama is disheartening especially when they have to prosecute a child. Gann said young people shouldn't have access to weapons, nor should they be killing others over nonsense. "They could have made something of themselves, and instead, they chose to get a gun and take someone's life," Gann said. "And then they're going to spend the next 30 to their life in an Alabama prison, and it's awful." Gann and Kirkpatrick told WAAY-31 they hope more people will use the resources at hand so there are fewer young people in jail or dead. Law enforcement agencies are gearing up for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. On Saturday, people can head to the Huntsville Police Department to drop off outdated or unwanted prescriptions. Multiple different agencies and organizations will be collecting medications from 8 a.m. until noon. It's as easy as driving by, dropping off unwanted medications and feeling a sense of relief knowing your unwanted prescriptions won't be contributing to the opioid epidemic. Medication disposal bin, located at Huntsville Police Department Medication disposal bin, located at Huntsville Police Department "Every day there, it's like there's a constant flow of calls between overdoses and some type of call that's dealing with opiates," said Sgt. Dequan Hyter with the Huntsville Police Department. HPD is receiving an overwhelming number of opiate-related calls. Hyter said it's increasing at an alarming rate. And this is not a new trend. "Just a few years ago, Alabama was the No. 1 state in the country, not in the best of ways," said Wendy Reeves, executive director of Partnership for a Drug-Free Community. "We wrote more prescriptions for opioids than any other place in the country." Nowadays, Reeves said, "you're really hard-pressed to find someone who has not been touched by the opioid epidemic." She said people often don't know what to do with their drugs after they have recovered from surgery. "Every time you have a surgery, you're going to be prescribed some kind of pain medication," Reeves said. "I hear from people all the time, 'They gave me all these pain pills, and I took one or I didn't take any of them,' so they need to get rid of them." That's why medication take-back events are crucial in making sure unwanted opiates don't add to the opioid epidemic. "A bunch of us ... work together to make this happen," Reeves said. "That is because it's so important in our community to get these drugs off the streets." More than 27,000 pounds of outdated and unwanted medications have been collected at community take-back events in Huntsville since the first event in 2010. For those who can't come to the event Saturday, there are more than 15 locations throughout Madison and Huntsville that can be visited any time of the year to get rid of medications, no questions asked. WAAY-31 is looking for answers to long delays in carrying out a death sentence in Alabama. Willie Smiths death by lethal injection Thursday night comes almost 30 years after he murdered a woman in Birmingham. The Madison County district attorney's office told us they understand people want to know answers. FILE - In this Oct. 10, 2017, file photo, the Supreme Court in Washington, at sunset. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE - In this Oct. 10, 2017, file photo, the Supreme Court in Washington, at sunset. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) A top prosector in the office told us the short answer is the appeals process, which helps ensure everyone gets treated fairly. It can cost taxpayers a lot of money to house death-row inmates, but the biggest expense involves the appeals aimed at making sure their sentence is just. "The cost is high," said Tim Gann, chief deputy for the Madison County DA's office. "The time that it takes to prosecute one of these cases, the time it takes to get it through the system is a factor, and look, if we're going to seek the death penalty and ask the state to extinguish someone's life, all these appeals are somewhat necessary so that we can ensure that the defendant is treated fairly." The DA's office said they're dealing with 30 capital murder cases at the moment. Gann said he understands, as a taxpayer, how irritating the process can be, but it has to stand to make it fair and keep safeguards in place for all parties involved. 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). Decatur, IL (62521) Today Mostly clear skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 34F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 34F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Its also worth noting that the reason that Democrats were able to extend health insurance coverage to millions of people a decade ago is that they made a choice to prioritize it. Ive spoken to many Congressional Democrats and White House staffers who agree that prioritization would be better, but members disagree among themselves as to which items should be prioritized, and nobody has enough clout to dictate an answer. Lurking in the background is a sense that the groups (Dem-speak for the constellation of progressive nonprofit entities that share funding sources with the party and come up with many of the actual policy proposals) would prefer a dozen half-loaves to three or four full ones. The Conservative rebel group has a de facto ally in a mighty Treasury that is suspicious of big spending projects with uncertain returns. Often it is right to be, but its caution can go too far. On the same day the prime ministers Net Zero Strategy promised that everyone in the U.K. will soon fly guilt-free in zero-emission planes, the Treasurys own Net Zero Review suggested 60 billion pounds ($82.6 billion) a year will have to be spent over the next decade to meet government targets. It warned that tax rises would have to underwrite this. Other emotions were at play as well, he added. What Id reentered in lockdown was . . . this other lockdown I had experienced, where the same thing had kicked in instantly this deep, all-prevailing sense of being unsettled. The ground beneath our feet had shifted. . . . It just seemed important to try to value and appreciate that with which you have been blessed to be part of and to have experienced, and to perhaps not only revisit it but try to understand, and hope that the act of sharing it would bring the possibility of bringing other people understanding as well. 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 But by Jan. 5, Pence was not sold on the plan, according to Peril. That evening, Trump called over to Giuliani and then to Bannon, who were both at the Willard at the time, according to the book, which reported some details of the events at the Willard that day. Trump told Bannon that Pence had been very arrogant when the two discussed the matter earlier in the day, the book reported. The following day, Eastman spoke at the rally on the Ellipse. How do you practice something you hope to never do? Its not like taking a pistol to a shooting range. Once a year, every Nike battery had something called SNAP: short notice annual practice. Given a weeks notice, one complete crew was selected from each installation and sent to a range in Texas. There, they had to set up everything including the missiles and the various radar units calibrate the equipment and fire a missile. Wilian says Maria didnt know she had delivered the baby. She had been in and out of consciousness for more than a month, unaware of much of what was happening around her. She was unaware of how her toddler was spending his days. She was unaware that her newborn shared his older brothers straight, dark hair. She was unaware that Wilian was trying hard to stay positive, even as he put his savings toward their bills and his days visiting a newborn he worried he might have to raise alone. When . . . you look ahead at the next four years, some of the most important issues of our day are being fought out in court: gun violence prevention, voting rights, womens reproductive rights, health care, Herring said in an interview. On all of those issues, my opponent is wildly out of step with where Virginians are. There could not be a clearer contrast between the two of us. After her arrival, Miyares said, she married and had children, and his family eventually moved to Virginia Beach when he was in elementary school. Miyares said he was a teenager when his father left the family. Miyares went on to earn his college degree at James Madison University and law degree at the College of William & Mary. When 20-year-old white nationalist James A. Fields Jr. sped his car into a crowd of counterprotesters, he killed Heyer and struck four of the plaintiffs, according to court documents. Marcus Martin needed surgery for a broken leg and ankle that he suffered when he pushed his fiancee, plaintiff Marissa Blair, out of the path of the car. Plaintiff Natalie Romero was directly hit by Fields, the blow throwing her against a parked car and causing her to suffer a skull fracture. In the aftermath, court documents say, Romero wanted to lie down and close her eyes, but worried that if she did, she would die. The chalkboard on an interactive Remembrance Wall at Union Station, where survivors and relatives of traffic crash victims post memories of their loved ones. (Bill OLeary/The Post) The District has recorded as many traffic fatalities by mid-November as occurred in all of 2020. A Turkish opposition leader suggested that Erdogans statements Saturday were in fact meant to deflect blame from economic problems of his own making, including the plummeting value of the Turkish lira. These actions are not to protect the national interests, but to create artificial reasons for the economy that he has destroyed, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the leader of the opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP), wrote on Twitter. MARY RUTH WAGLER The funeral for Mary Ruth Wagler was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, at First Mennonite Church, with Chris Raber, Gaylon Sommers and David Lee Stoll officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. It is not the first time the tourist board has taken a public stand against censorship. In 2017, the board approached several cities with a proposal to show large-scale ads featuring nude portraits by Egon Schiele, an early-20th-century Austrian artist known for his sinewy depictions of the human form. Kettner said the OnlyFans account is not a permanent solution, but rather a protest against censorship and a call for conversation. We want to draw attention to a certain thing, he said. We want to put it out there, to talk about the role of artificial intelligence, of algorithms. In 2017, the board approached several cities with a proposal to show large-scale ads featuring nude portraits by Egon Schiele, an early-20th century Austrian artist known for his sinewy depictions of the human form. Credit:OnlyFans Its not an anti-technology agenda that we have, said Norbert Kettner, director of the Vienna Tourist Board. But after the citys museums faced one case after another of social media sites taking down their posts, he said, We thought, What would be an alternative? What would be a channel where nudity is not an issue in and of itself? The social media platforms did not respond to requests for comment on the seeming contradiction of the rules and how they are enforced. We wanted to know how much can we, as a society, deal with nudity which was produced 100 or 110 years ago? Kettner said. Not much, as it turned out. Officials in England and in Germany deemed the images too explicit. In the end, the Vienna tourist board decided to use the rejection as an opportunity. The posters appeared across London, the German cities of Hamburg and Cologne, and New York City with certain body parts concealed by strips of text, reading: Sorry, 100 years old but still too daring today. Vienna is hardly the only city whose art has been censored online. Many artworks, from all over the world, have been incorrectly identified by AI as pornography. Facebook has taken down pictures posted by the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston (of Imogen Cunninghams photographs of nude bodies), the Philadelphia Museum of Art (of a painting by Evelyne Axell in which a woman is licking an ice cream cone) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (of a 1917 painting of a nude woman by Amedeo Modigliani). A teacher in France sued Facebook after the social network deleted his account after he posted an image of Gustave Courbets The Origin of the World, a 19th-century painting in which a womans vagina is the focal point. In 2018, the court ruled that Facebook was at fault but did not award any damages to the plaintiff. And in 2016, a politician in Denmark said she could not post a link to her blog on Facebook because the post included a photo of The Little Mermaid, a public sculpture in Copenhagen that apparently shows too much skin by the social networks standards. He is more familiar with the roughhouse mining and cattle industries but Australias richest man, Andrew Forrest, believes a film can change the world. I think it can, the billionaire mining magnate said from London. Awareness changes the world. Were going to give this a real crack: Minderoo Pictures executive producer Richard Harris (left) with Nicola and Andrew Forrest. Credit: Kate Geraghty We have a planet in the process of global warming. The awareness around it is making countries everywhere sit up and take notice - politically sit up and take notice. If youre not aware of the problem, you can sail straight into it. Forrest and wife Nicola have established a film and television production and funding company, Minderoo Pictures, with the aim of teaming up with filmmakers to inspire social change. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Nanni Moretti is furious. But then, he often seems to be furious during interviews; there was one, I remember, that was completely derailed when another interviewee in the same Cannes salon asked him if he could lower his voice a little. Mamma mia, he lived to rue that suggestion. This time, as I join a group of journalists asking the maestro about his melodrama Three Floors, he is railing against Netflix et al. Moretti is hardly the only person in Cannes reviling the dominance of streaming, but he may be the loudest. We are colonised! he roars. By a platform that has a narrative style, where they want to have their say on everything, on all choices down to the very last name in the casting. They want to look at the dailies and see all the footage youve shot before you edit it. And I refuse! I want to make personal films that will release theatrically. So, I say no! And I say no not as a filmmaker, as a producer or an exhibitor, but as a viewer! I want to discover other authors films and I want to do that in the cinema. It is a grand statement of intent, bearing witness to Morettis status as well as the strength of his conviction. For anyone whose memory of Nanni Moretti stretches back to Caro Diario (1993), the directors first international success, it is strange to see him now as an elder statesman of Italian film. Moretti has always starred in his own films. In the charmingly rambling Caro Diario, he zipped around Rome on a scooter, stalked Flashdance star Jennifer Beals and grumbled about children always answering their parents phones. Critics dubbed him the Italian Woody Allen. I want to make personal films that will release theatrically, says Italian film director Nanni Moretti, pictured in Rome last month. Credit:Elisabetta A. Villa Since then, he has moved more or less easily and sporadically, saying he only makes films when he has something specific to say between features and short films, between satires such as The Caiman (about the rise and rise of a politician very like Silvio Berlusconi) and intense dramas. He isnt a filmmaker on the scale of Fellini or Antonioni but, with major prizes at the Berlin and Venice festivals and eight films shown at the Cannes Film Festival one of which, The Sons Room, won the Palme DOr in 2002 he is bearing his generations standard. He is also a producer of clout and proprietor of Romes single independent cinema, the Nuovo Sacher. Both the cinema and the Sacher production company are named for his favourite cake. Loading There is no sign of this sort of whimsy in Three Floors, adapted from a novel by Israeli writer Eshkol Nevo and transposed, inevitably, to a bourgeois district of Morettis beloved Rome. There is no humour here at all, in fact, perhaps because the plot is so crammed with crises there is no room for laughs. At the centre of the story is a small block of flats; Three Floors reveals what happens behind the various residents smart front doors. The story is delivered in three episodes spaced five years apart. Things change during the gaps, generally calamitously people go to prison and get set free again, divorce, die or disappear and yet really dont change at all. People really relate to it its about getting up, waking up and turning up to life, says Knox, who encourages members, who are aged between seven and 70, to meditate, be kind and take time for themselves. Were open 52 weeks of the year. Christmas and New Years Day, well be there. We look at ourselves as very similar to AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). Theyre open on public holidays, theyre open at all times because there are people who need to go to those meetings and need to connect. Its a far cry from the fitness Knox grew up with, the fitness trend of 10 or 20 years ago, where the norm was to be yelled or screamed at and to flog yourself until you spewed. But, then something about fitness today has changed. And that is, its not just about fitness anymore. Its about self-help, its about rebirth. Its become, in many ways, the new religion. It is where many now go to find their community and connection, their affirmation and spiritual empowerment. My experience of Peloton for instance, whose devoted following has led to it being called cult-like and a stationary biker-gang, is one part happy clappy Hillsong, one part suffering and one part inspirational sermon: Turn your pain into power; What separates us from those who arent great is we execute on our goals; I like you, I believe in you; You showed up... thats cute, but its the input and output that matters, preach the highly-manicured, suspiciously sweat-free instructors. Karen Lawson, the country manager of Peloton, thinks part of the brands appeal is that it is a constant companion of positivity and support. I feel it myself it does bring you joy, and its not just the fact that youre exercising, she says. Its this feeling of strength and empowerment that somebody has your back, and theyre doing it with you. She also suspects that people are seeking the community connection that has been lost as a result of increasingly digitised lives. Besides, she adds, our expectations of exercise are different now we have more awareness generally around its influence on mental wellness. And with more Australians losing their religion (in 2019, 30 per cent reported having no religious affiliation, compared with 19 per cent in 2006), fitness brands are stepping in to fill the void. Having grown up in a religious household but no longer practising, Libby Babet, the founder of The Upbeat and former trainer on The Biggest Loser, discovered for herself that the sport and the fitness community could replace the connection she was missing. I can see how it is compared to religion, she says. It has become something sacred and meaningful to many people, something that gives people a purposeful pursuit and a like-minded community of people to connect with multiple times a week. We even have our temples and sacred places for you to visit whether thats a gym, or a running community, or hiking trails to seek out. The connection can be stronger at the studio than other places, Babet believes because its about a collective vibe, an uplifting spirit, creating a second home and improving your health and performance as a result. We dont comment on bodies and changes and reps, we focus on music and spirit and friendships. As with any religion, there can be a dark side too. In 2020, the cult-like US boutique fitness brand Soul Cycle was exposed for the toxic culture it was creating. A post-it note allegedly stuck on the studios office wall captured the unhealthy attitudes breeding within the business. It said: If riders start asking if they were on cocaine or say that they look like they had an eating disorder, it means that instructors are hitting their goal weights. A destructive focus on weight is nothing new in the fitness industry, but the trend has largely shifted towards something more nourishing and affirmative: something more than exercise. High-turnover, soulless fitness studios still exist, and people can get results from these classes, but it gets boring fast, Babet says: But belonging to a community, learning their language (in our case the weird and wonderful names of different dance conditioning and cardio moves, from the scorpion the showgirl) and becoming entrenched in the community so it becomes part of your life its just magic. For his part, Knox says receiving messages from people who didnt think they could run or who have been battling mental health issues and have found a form of deliverance in the dark with the run club, has ignited a spark: Ive found my calling: to help people reconnect and empower them. The ICACs sleuths have been following the breadcrumb trail left by dozens of emails, ministerial briefs, memos and memoranda across half a dozen government agencies, in relation to two of Maguires favoured projects. These were backed in different ways by the offices of Berejiklian and Ayres and then deputy premier John Barilaro. (Barilaro and Ayres are not under investigation, nor has it been suggested that they may have engaged in any wrongdoing). Daryl Maguire and Gladys Berejiklian. Credit:SMH The commission has labelled these projects case studies. Evidence this week has shown that senior public servants put hundreds of hours in assessing, re-assessing and trying to ensure proper processes were put around the projects to get them over the line, despite harbouring deep scepticism about their merits. Much of the focus thus far has been on the $5.5 million grant in 2016-2017 to upgrade the headquarters of the Australian Clay Target Association (ACTA) in Maguires then-electorate of Wagga Wagga. Also under the microscope is a multi-million dollar plan to develop a new home and recital hall for the Wagga Wagga-based Riverina Conservatorium of Music, which was also being pushed hard by Maguire. Evidence has pointed to Berejiklian and/or her office having a significant hand in progressing both projects. Yet Ayres, on Friday, was adamant that hed become a convert to the clay target shooters proposal on its own merits by mid- to late-2016, and strongly supported it going to the ERC for funding. Berejiklian has retained a legal team which includes two of the countrys top silks, Bret Walker, SC, and Sophie Callan, SC, to assist her cause. From the direction of Callans cross-examination of witnesses, it appears Berejiklian will mount an argument she was acting, in relation to the projects, in the interests of repairing the coalition governments standing in the regions rather than from a desire to deliver personal favours to Maguire. Several times Callan has referenced the Nationals historic loss of the seat of Orange to a Shooters candidate in a November 2016 election as one reason why the government might have been particularly attuned to regional sensitivities at that time. Berejiklians turn in the witness box is scheduled towards the end of next week, by which time the ICAC will also have heard from Barilaro (on Monday), Maguire (on Wednesday) and several more former ministerial staffers. Sophie Callan, SC, who is representing Gladys Berejiklian at the ICAC. Credit:Kate Geraghty The former premier has never wavered in her publicly declared conviction that she acted at all times with complete integrity. So Bairds words on Wednesday must have been hardest for her to hear. Not because of their force. He chose them with care. But because theyd come from the man shed succeeded as leader, a man who had supported her, who still describes her as a close friend, and who, like her, had once been entrusted with the task of being the foremost custodian of the governments standards of conduct. Its worth recalling Berejiklian was never an initial target of the investigation into Maguire, dubbed Operation Keppel. Loading The former Wagga Wagga MP first came to the ICACs attention during Operation Dasha, an earlier probe into the affairs of Canterbury Council, during which it emerged that hed been courting commissions for himself on property deals. In July 2018, evidence presented to Operation Dasha forced Maguires resignation, with Berejiklian publicly scolding him at the time for letting down the people of NSW, his constituents, and the Liberal party. Still, she did not declare her relationship. Indeed, there are indications they maintained contact into 2020. When Maguire was hauled before the ICAC on his own account a year ago, Berejiklian was still not a target. Much to the astonishment of her ministers, she survived the exposure of the relationship, which the public seemed to accept was a matter of being unlucky in love. She went on to drive the states massively successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign. But by September this year rumours were rife in political circles that the ICAC was now turning its attention to her. Some ex-staffers had been called in for secret compulsory examination. Bureaucrats had received summonses for documents. It was reported that Ayres and Barilaro had been summoned to attend private hearings. Berejiklian herself was examined by the ICAC in private on September 18, as the battle against the states Delta outbreak was at its height. Still no word of this leaked out, until the ICACs bombshell on October 1 that the investigation into Maguire would now be expanded to include her as well. Former NSW premier Mike Baird at the ICAC in Sydney on Wednesday. He said hed been incredulous to learn that the woman who in 2016 was his highly regarded treasurer was in a secret relationship with Daryl Maguire. Credit:Louise Kennerley Berejiklian was gone from her post almost within the hour. Several days later, Barilaro announced he was quitting too, for personal reasons. Outwardly, he and Berejiklian had worked well together through the states second lockdown, though bad blood between them lingered after last years koala wars between the coalition partners. Three days after Berejiklians resignation Barilaro quipped that the ICAC never asks a question that they dont already have the answer for. In mapping out the grounds for the commissions investigation into the former premier on Monday, counsel assisting, Scott Robertson, put sharp focus on the NSW Ministerial Code of Conduct, which he described as an applicable code for the purposes of the ICAC Act. It demands that ministers exhibit and be seen to exhibit the highest standards of probity in exercising office. It stipulates that a minister must not knowingly conceal a conflict of interest between their public duty and private interest and that the concept of private interest stretches to include personal connections. As well as examining Berejiklians possible breach of public trust in how she dealt with Maguires pet projects, Robertson said the ICAC would examine whether shed done anything to encourage Maguire in his allegedly corrupt activities, and whether she had discharged her obligation to report suspicions about his conduct. In the hearing room on Monday he aired a discomfiting excerpt from the videotaped recording of her answering the ICACs questions during the secret grilling on September 18. Five times he asked whether shed ever suspected Maguire of acting corruptly. Her first few answers were she didnt know, couldnt recall, was in shock, or wasnt sure. Finally, she answered, no. Robertson told presiding commissioner Ruth McColl an issue rises as to whether this Commission should accept that evidence. Michael Toohey, the first witness at the ICAC on Monday. Credit:Nick Moir Robertson also made much of the fact that Berejiklian had, over the course of her ministerial career, made other disclosures of personal connections between 2013 and 2019, including two cousins employed by the public service, and individuals shed known whod been appointed to government boards. But not a word of the Maguire connection ever passed her lips. Baird testified that during his time as premier, thered been a standing agenda item at the outset of each meeting of cabinet or cabinet committee for the declaration of ministers interests. He said hed been incredulous to learn that the woman who in 2016 was his highly regarded treasurer was in a secret relationship with Maguire, whom he described as prone to sometimes abusive conduct towards staff and officials. As Treasurer, Berejiklian held a powerful role as chair of the ERC, which debates and decides where government dollars get spent. On December 14, 2016, Berejiklian was in the chair as senior ministers debated the merits of the shooting clubs bid for a $5.5 million upgrade. She and Ayres offices had been instrumental in getting the project rushed onto the ERC agenda 11 days before Christmas, despite Bairds own department and other arms of the public service questioning the rush, and pointing out gaping holes in the business case. Michael Toohey, then a senior official in the Office of Sport, told the ICAC this week hed been given just one days notice to draft up the ERC submission unprecedented in his experience. The ACTA project had previously been rejected by the bureaucracy and remained a low priority right through until mid-2016. Tooheys boss, Paul Doorn, said the ACTA project was not only low priority but was in active competition to an existing government-owned Olympic standard shooting facility in Western Sydney, deemed a higher priority for an upgrade. Bairds adviser Blunden was horrified at the clay target association proposal, briefing Baird in a memo headed sometimes you gotta say WTF. He told Baird he should oppose it. Gladys and Ayres want it. No doubt theyve done a sweetheart deal with Daryl but this goes against all the principles of sound economic management, Blunden wrote. In evidence he clarified that he hadnt meant anything improper with the phrase sweetheart deal. But he said there was frustration at the lack of normal rigour being applied to the proposal, in particular the lack of a feasibility study, a sound business case and convincing benefit/cost ratio (BCR) analysis. NSW Deputy Liberal Leader and Jobs Minister Stuart Ayres leaves the ICAC on Friday. Credit:Kate Geraghty Ayres flatly rejected the notion of a sweetheart deal in the witness box on Friday, declaring it a fantasy. He also said he had no recollection of being warned about problems with the clay shooters business case. Baird said if Berejiklians relationship with Maguire had been known, he would have taken steps to ensure she was excluded from deliberations on the project. The ERC approved the ACTA proposal with the significant condition that the business case first be properly re-done, with funds to come not from the Office of Sport (which couldnt wait to be rid of it) but from a new regional development fund overseen by Infrastructure NSW. The clay target associations own business case had put the BCR over two, but an updated version in early 2017 put it at less than one. To meet ERCs conditions it had to achieve a figure on reassessment of one or more. Deputy secretary of the Department of Regional NSW, Chris Hanger, told the ICAC on Thursday, I was clearly of the impression that the Premiers Office and the Premier wanted that business case revisited. Hangers boss, Gary Barnes (currently head of the Department of Regional NSW) told the ICAC on Friday that the ACTA project seemed a bit different to others at the political level. He said staffers in the office of Berejiklian who by then was premier had given him the impression she had a special interest in this project. Barnes also expressed annoyance at the direct involvement of one of Barilaros staffers, Peter Minucos, in trying to improve the business case. Eventually, after more work in the bureaucracy the business case emerged with a BCR greater than 1, passing the eligibility test for funding. Loading Under questioning from Callan, Hanger said he didnt believe there had been any undue inflation of the number. He also agreed with Callan that Berejiklian had continued to support the conservatorium proposal after Independent Joe McGirr was elected to the seat of Wagga Wagga following Maguires resignation. One of Berejiklians former staffers, Zach Bentley, offered an interesting insight into his former boss during a secret interview with the ICAC earlier this year. Shes very good at silo-ing certain components of her life, Bentley told Robertson. But as Robertson told the commission towards the end of his opening address, there are circumstances in which a persons ordinary entitlement to privacy must be subordinated to their public duty. A twist in the search for four-year-old Cleo Smith, who police fear may have been abducted while camping in remote Western Australia, has led forensic police to shift their attention to her family home. WA investigators, who are now exploring whether she was stalked in the days before she disappeared, have forensically examined the family home for signs of a stalker. Cleo Smith with her stepfather, Jake Gliddon. Credit:Facebook Its been eight days since Cleo vanished without a trace from the familys shared tent at Quobba Blowholes campground, 50 minutes from where they lived in Carnarvon, more than 950 kilometres north of Perth. It has left Cleos mother, Ellie Smith, and stepfather, Jake Gliddon, devastated. Australia, says the billionaire entrepreneur Mike Cannon-Brookes, should be the winner of the decarbonised world, and were not going to be at the moment. Loading Both men are investing billions in renewables, so theyre not just theorising. Both say Australia has the potential to be the superpower of the decarbonised world, but that it must commit to a credible 2030 target of halving emissions, or better. Who would you believe about Australias economic future? Australias most successful entrepreneurs whove created multi-billion-dollar businesses from nothing? Or Barnaby Joyce, Matt Canavan and George Christensen? The question answers itself. So why is the Prime Minister pandering to the Nationals rump? He doesnt need to. His emissions plans do not need to be legislated so he doesnt need their votes. The main reason is the election ahead. By promising no further emissions action by 2030, he can present himself as unthreatening. And he hopes that Labor will pledge something more ambitious. If it does, Morrison will declare Labor to be reckless, a threat to coal mining communities, jobs, electricity prices, and so on. The time-honoured Coalition scare campaign. And why not? Its worked till now. Dont worry about the national interest. Second is another of Australias glaring national failures, the absence of a national anti-corruption commission. The Coalition, Labor, the Greens and key independent MPs all agree on the need for one. And there is plenty of scope for debate about the best design of one. But the governments proposal is a non-starter. No other party will support it. Because it is not offering a serious anti-corruption commission. It is offering a body powerless to investigate federal parliamentarians. This would make it worse than useless; it would make it a collaborator in tolerating corruption. And the governments plan would make it powerless to investigate most of the federal public service. The agency that Morrison proposes would hide corruption, not expose it, said Stephen Charles, QC, a former judge of the Victorian Court of Appeal and a director of the Centre for Public Integrity. It would be the weakest watchdog in the county, according to former NSW Supreme Court judge Anthony Whealy. Which is the whole point. Morrison doesnt want a real anti-corruption body. He wants a pretend one, a talking point to allow him to campaign as if he favours the idea. His true commitment to scrutiny of Coalition MPs was laid bare this week. The opposition called for a parliamentary committee to be allowed to inquire into the anonymous slush fund set up to give money to Christian Porter. It could have up to $1 million in it. Porter says he has no idea who gave the cash. He calls it a blind trust and most media reporting uses this name for it. It is not a blind trust. A blind trust is set up with your own money, but managed at arms length so you dont know where the money is invested. This is designed to avoid potential conflicts of interest. Loading Porters fund is stashed with other peoples money. Labor argued that its ripe with potential conflicts of interest and the Speaker of the House, the Liberals Tony Smith, agreed that there was at least the basis for a committee to consider it. But Morrison used the governments numbers in the House to block any effort to even debate whether to allow a committee to inquire into Porters fund. It was a new low in standards of integrity in Australian federal politics. Yet Morrison will go to the election claiming he favours setting up a national integrity commission. Like corflute, Morrisons definition of integrity is cheap and easy to cut to size. Third is the governments future commitment to protect Australians from COVID-19. We know there are new variants afoot in the world, and that, as it continues to mutate, there will be more. As Morrison said on Friday: This wont be the last pandemic we face. The way to tailor the existing vaccines for new variants is through mRNA technology, which allows swift gene editing. Both Pfizer and Moderna are made with mRNA techniques. The Morrison government said it would create a sovereign mRNA manufacturing capability in Australia. That was over a year ago. Its still dithering. Loading Fed up with waiting on Morrison, the governments of Victoria and NSW have both allocated funds to develop mRNA capacities in their own states. They have put the federal government to shame. This is a critical national health capability. Canberra was big on the announcement and left behind on the delivery. Fourth is economic revitalisation. Everyone from the International Monetary Fund to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, from the Australian Chamber of Commerce to Deloitte Access Economics, has pointed out that Australia is on track for economic enfeeblement unless it implements serious economic reforms. Josh Frydenberg may be secretly designing a sweeping plan for the economic renovation of the country. If so, its super secret. The word that stood out in the Deloitte report this week was complacency. The government will go to the polls trumpeting its genius as an economic manager. Indeed, Australia will be undergoing a strong bounceback from its COVID crash. Thatll last through the election campaign. Without real action, however, it will deliver Australia into a future of low wages growth, sub-par economic growth and permanent government deficit. Wilmington, DE (19810) Today Mostly clear. Low near 30F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low near 30F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Image Credit: Public Domain (via Wiki Commons) Abolitionist Quaker John Woolman changed the way people saw slavery. Today marks the 300th anniversary of his birth. TodayOctober 19, 2020marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of John Woolman, a humanitarian who played a central role in the abolition of slavery. I regard him as a John the Baptist on the issue, a man whose appearance laid the foundation for the anti-slavery movement. Woolmans story is not nearly as well known as those of Thomas Clarkson and William Wilberforce. Wilberforce, as a member of the House of Commons in London, introduced the bill to end the slave trade every year for 18 years before it finally passed in 1807. Clarkson and his single-issue think tank, the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade, had recruited Wilberforce and mounted a successful campaign to promote the cause. But when Clarkson and eleven Quakers sat down at a print-shop table to create the Society in 1787, it was the earlier John Woolman (1720-1772) whom they thanked for the inspiration. Because of the crucial role that Quakers played in the abolition movement, both in Britain and in America, we might think that these compassionate pacifists were always on the right side of the matter. Not so. Slavery was common, longstanding, and present on every continent but Antarctica in the early 18th century, including among Quakers. Even Africans were enslaving fellow Africans and selling their slaves to the highest bidders. So were certain tribes of Native Americans. Slavery was ubiquitous. John Woolman was born to a Quaker family in 1720 in Rancocas, New Jersey. Working as a clerk in a local small business at the age of 23, his employer requested that he prepare a bill of sale for a slave. A pang of conscience prompted Woolman to object. Slavery was inconsistent with the principles of Christianity, he insisted, but he nonetheless did as he was asked. That was the moment, a very personal engagement in the business of slavery, from which a life-long passion would grow. Three years later, a friend asked Woolman to write his will for him, including a provision for the transmission of ownership of a slave. Woolman not only refused, but he also convinced his friend on the spot to free the slave. Holding men and women in bondage, he argued, profoundly offended the ethics of Christianity, and imperiled the very soul of the slave owner. That same year (1746), Woolman undertook a three-month, 1,500-mile ministerial journey during which he preached sermons about Christianity and anti-slavery to Quaker audiences from New England to North Carolina. From a journal he kept faithfully (and is still in print today), we learn that wherever Woolman went, he practiced what he preached on the slavery issue. If he received lodging, food or other hospitalities from a slaveowner, he personally paid the slaves for any work they performed on his behalf. He would not use silver plates, cups or utensils because he believed they were the products of slave labor. He remonstrated with the slave owners, appealed to their consciences, and remarkably, persuaded many to liberate their slaves and denounce the institution of human bondage. In 1754, Woolman published a powerful and influential tract titled Some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes in which he declared, To suppose it right, that an innocent man shall at this day be excluded from the common rules of justice; be deprived of that liberty, which is the natural right of human creatures; and be a slave to others during lifeis a supposition too gross to be admitted into the mind of any person, who sincerely desires to be governed by solid principlesThat the liberty of man was, by the inspired Lawgiver, esteemed precious, appears in this: that such who unjustly deprived men of it, were to be punished in like manner as if they had murdered them. He that stealeth a man, and selleth him; or if he be found in his hand, shall surely be put to death. This part of the law was so considerable that Pauladds this, [that] it was made for men-stealers, [as in] I Timothy 1:10. Woolman died in England in 1772 at the age of 51 but he had planted so many abolitionist seeds on both sides of the Atlantic that within a decade, slavery among Quakers was history. Quakers became the first Christian sect to crusade for abolition. They were the earliest allies of Clarkson and Wilberforce, and the people whom both abolitionist heroes regarded as indispensable friends of the cause. John Woolman almost single-handedly shifted the Overton Window among Quakers, who then became the prime movers in shifting the Window for an entire nation. Britain ended the slave trade in 1807 and ended slavery itself in 1834. His efforts in America helped mightily toward the same end, though years later and after the unfortunate circumstance of civil war. What was once unthinkable (abolition) proceeded in the public mind to become simply radical, then acceptable, then sensible, then popular and finally policy. Ideas have consequences, as the work of John Woolman illustrates. On this tricentennial of his birth, let us celebrate the legacy of John Woolman! For additional information, see: Presentism Imperils Our Future by Distorting Our Past by Lawrence W. Reed An Open Letter to All Americans by Lawrence W. Reed Thomas Clarkson: A Moral Steam Engine That Never Quit by Lawrence W. Reed You Can Never Again Say You Did Not Know by Lawrence W. Reed Uniquely Bad, But Not Uniquely American by Kay S. Hymowitz Some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes by John Woolman The Journal and Major Essays of John Woolman, Phillips P. Moulton, editor A Near Sympathy: The Timeless Quaker Wisdom of John Woolman by Michael L. Birkel John Woolmans Path to the Peaceable Kingdom: A Quaker in the British Empire by Geoffrey Plank John Woolman, American Quaker by Janet Whitney Woolman Central and The John Woolman Memorial, websites devoted to keeping the Woolman legacy alive This article was originally published on FEE.org. Read the original article. WESTPORT Late October is often a time for people to turn to spooky stories and scary movies. This week, Sherwood Island State Park helped play home to both as crews started work on the film adaptation of Stephen Kings novella, Mr. Harrigans Phone, for Netflix. Crews were at the park a few days this week, and will be there a few more days between mid-November and early December, said Will Healey, a spokesman for the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The park has not closed to the public due to filming operations thus far, and the plan is to remain open throughout the duration of filming operations, he said. Its unclear which scenes the park will be used for in the film. Earlier this month it was announced the movie will also be filmed at Lockwood Mansion in Norwalk. The story, which was published last year, is about a young boy who purchases a cell phone for the elderly man he works for. The phone is buried with the man when he dies but communication continues beyond the grave in chilling fashion, according to the description on Kings website. The film stars Donald Sutherland and Jaeden Martell, from IT and Knives Out, according to the Internet Movie Database. It will be directed and written by The Blind Side and Saving Mr. Banks director John Lee Hancock. The films producers include Ryan Murphy, creator of American Horror Story and Glee, and Get Out producer Jason Blum, according to IMDb. It is set to be released sometime in 2022. Filming is set to start at the mansion next week and go through Thanksgiving. Healey said the movie company paid the associated application fee and also will be making a donation to the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Donation Account. The state also will be reimbursed for the DEEP Park and Environmental Conservation employees present during the filming. It doesnt appear the movie will be filmed in other parts of Westport, though the town is certainly no stranger to its television and film appearances. There have been several movies and/or shows set in Westport over the years, said Lynn Scully, Westports interim operations manager. Most recently there was a Netflix Christmas movie shot on Washington Ave., starring Treat Williams and Justin Hartley. B-roll for the shows American Housewife and Billions, which were set in Westport, have also been shot in town. Years ago The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants II was shot at the Westport Country Playhouse, she said. Westports involvement with the film and television industry dates back to the days of I Love Lucy, The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit and The Twilight Zone,said First Selectman Jim Marpe. We are proud to be home to many noted artists, writers, and actors. We are happy to have the production team in town and hope they will enjoy our fine restaurants and shops during their stay. If you know of local business openings or closings, please notify us here. New beauty studio, Glow Factory, opens at 1708 Washington Blvd. in Easton New salon, Mirror Beauty Studio, to open at 2002 Hanover Avenue in Allentown. Grand opening set for Dec. 3. A Red Wing shoe store will open on Airport Road in Allentown at the site of the former Zoup! restaurant. Paisley & Company Bath Boutique & Fragrance Bar in Kutztown reopens for in-person shopping Bitty & Beau's Coffee opens at 74 W. Broad Street in Bethlehem American Family Care opens urgent care center in the County Line Plaza, off of Route 113 near Souderton, Bucks County Charming Charlie, a women's contemporary fashion and accessories retailer, will return to the Outlets at Wind Creek. All Weather Selvedge Denim Co. (AW) opens at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley in suite 608, next to Evolve Salon & Spa. PrimoHoagies, the casual restaurant known for its gourmet hoagies, plans to open two restaurants in Stroudsburg. Laura McLain, executive director of the Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce, will retire at the end of 2021 after 21+ years of service. Thomas Ripsam has been named the new CEO of Martin Guitar. He succeeds longtime Chairman and CEO Christian Frederick Martin IV. . Owners of Tucker Silk Mill to open wine bar and garden in down Easton in early 2022. Kabinett will have a mostly Australian and German wine list, with light fare, and an outdoor patio overlooking the Delaware River. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke, impacting a person's ability to walk, to move and to speak. For most patients who survive, progress plateaus after six months of therapy, but now, a new brain-controlled breakthrough device is helping people regain the use of their hands, years, even decades, after their stroke. 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. Residents of the northern Mexico border city of Matamoros are recovering from a night of terror in which raging gunbattles left civilians diving for cover A former pastor accused of sexually assaulting two women inside a suburban St. Louis Catholic supply store, then killing a third when she refused his sexual demands has pleaded guilty 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. Willmar, MN (56201) Today Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 28F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 28F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. NEW ORLEANS (AP) The high school bands played, the costumed marching groups danced and float riders threw Moon Pies and beads to the thousands of people who turned out Saturday for New Orleans' first big parade since the onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic put the brakes on the city's signature brand of frivolity. Its better than Christmas," said Lacey Sanders, who is a member of the Pussyfooters marching club. "I have been waiting for this since April of 2020. After over a year where the coronavirus largely put an end to parades, the streets were lined with thousands of residents and tourists who came to watch the Krewe of Boo parade the first float parade since Mardi Gras of 2020. Krewe of Boo is a Halloween-themed parade that stretches from the city's Marigny neighborhood, through the French Quarter and into the Warehouse District. Riders on the floats dress up in Halloween-themed outfits and throw ghoulish and fun trinkets and beads to crowds that pack the streets. Crowds in sequined or glittery costumes lined the streets. Parents held costumed children on their shoulders. Members of the Rolling Elvi an Elvis tribute group that rides scooters took photos with each other. Students from the Lafayette Academy marching band warmed up while girls in a dance troupe practiced their moves. All would have been common sites during a regular year, but many were cognizant of how long it's been since the city has seen such an event. This is one of the best feelings in a very long time. Its so lovely," said Jordan Philebar, a New Orleans resident who was dressed as Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family as she rode a float along with four members of her family. Its lovely to feel slightly normal again. Mardi Gras 2020 was largely credited with contributing to the city becoming an early hot spot for the coronavirus. As the extent and seriousness of the pandemic became apparent, parades and music festivals were canceled. If the city can pull off the Halloween-themed Krewe of Boo parade safely, without a resulting uptick in COVID-19 infections, it will bolster Mayor LaToya Cantrells tentative plans toward bringing back the lavish Mardi Gras processions that fill city streets during the annual pre-Lenten celebration. This is a step towards the return of Mardi Gras next spring, Cantrell said in a Twitter post after announcing in September that the Krewe of Boo parade could proceed. What happens next depends on what we do right now!! On Friday, the mayor said unless there is a dramatic turn for the worse in our COVID numbers that Mardi Gras would go forward next year her strongest comments yet that the massive parades that accompany the yearly celebration would roll again. New Orleans resident Melanie Smith walked with her granddaughter along Elysian Fields Avenue on Saturday, taking photos of especially good costumes, and participating in something she hadn't been able to do for over a year. We miss it. Us locals, we miss it very much, and were just glad to be back, she said. She said she hoped that with the city's vaccination numbers continuing to rise the parade wouldn't result in more coronavirus cases. As part of Saturday's safety measures for Krewe of Boo, riders and marching group members had to be vaccinated, or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Also, health officials were out conducting a study during the parade to better understand coronavirus spread in large gatherings. About 40 health employees and volunteers were slated to be at the parade route to assist people in taking the survey and handing out goody-bags to those who take part. In keeping with the Halloween theme, the 40 dressed up as Dr. Anthony Fauci, the White House adviser and face of the federal pandemic response. Krewe of Boo was scrapped last year and this year's Mardi Gras was a subdued affair without parades and a largely vacant French Quarter. As vaccinations became more widespread and infections dropped, the city began loosening restrictions that had limited capacity at restaurants or music venues. In one of the last stages of loosening restrictions, officials announced in May that they would start to accept applications for parades and the smaller processions called second-line parades. The rise of the delta variant, which filled hospitals across the state over the summer, called into question the viability of parades. But in September, Cantrell announced Krewe of Boo would be allowed to parade. She credited work residents had done to slow the delta variant's spread. New Orleans resident Stephen Hawkins watched the parade with his family although as a longtime member of the Krewe de Lune, he knows what its like to parade as well. He said the krewe's dancers practiced throughout the pandemic outside and socially distanced but with no one to perform for. Now their time was here. He said everyone in their krewe was vaccinated but that it's impossible to say the same for the throngs of people crowded along the parade route. He said he hoped Saturday would lay the groundwork for Mardi Gras next year. Were looking forward to Mardi Gras 2022. This is the dry run, he said. ___ Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic. Winchester, VA (22601) Today A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low near 25F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low near 25F. Winds light and variable. When a tree dies, its artistic life has just begun. Thats the way renowned Winnipeg painter Wanda Koop sees it. Dead poplars that remain standing are front-and-centre in several canvases shes created during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have become part of her exhibitions in 2021 and those to come in 2022. "Seven shows planned that were cancelled. Now here we are a year later and everything is kicking in again," Koop says. "And Ive been in the bush for three months and now I have to strategize and figure out how Im going to navigate everything." photos by MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Wanda Koops ode to the afterlife of trees: They become a sort of a life force of the forest in a way. Birds and animals live in them and around them. The bush is her off-the-grid cabin south of Riding Mountain National Park. A place at the lake is a refuge for so many Manitobans but for Koop, its her studio. While her work-from-home location is more scenic than a basement guest room, it remains her office. She paints from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the summer, taking time away from the easel to walk her dog. The dead trees, the often-overlooked remnants of the forest, become metallic-looking pipes, with branches resembling human limbs in many of her new landscapes. "One of the things that has struck me, perhaps the most poignantly, is all the trees that die become these skeletal remains. It takes a long time for them to disappear. They become a sort of a life force of the forest in a way. Birds and animals live in them and around them," Koop says. "Our human skeletons get buried or disappear but this is one thing that remind us of the life cycle... that I find very touching." MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS New works are stacked in Koops Winnipeg studio, awaiting eager curators and art dealers from Canada, the United States and Europe. The larger finished works are perched on cabinets and lean against the wall of her Winnipeg studio, awaiting eager curators and art dealers from Canada, the United States and Europe who make the pilgrimage to the city to check out her work and include them in exhibitions or to hang on buyers walls. Creating the works can be a painstaking process, but the forgotten chore for artists begins when its time to transport the works to galleries. Sturdy crates become as critical as paint and canvas. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS "Ive been in the bush for three months and now I have to strategize and figure out how Im going to navigate everything," Wanda Koop says about returning to her Winnipeg studio. "The process of getting exhibitions out the door is major, its huge," Koop says. "Sometimes (curators) will come out in advance and we discuss what needs to be shipped, and then it all has to be photographed. If its going to the States, theres the brokers, the trucking companies, (the paintings) have to be wrapped for shipping and insured. "If theres 40 or 50 paintings in an exhibition its a great undertaking and if theres multiple exhibitions were working around the clock." While Koop, 70, has been considered one of Canadas foremost painters for decades she won the Governor Generals Award in Visual Arts in 2016 and has honorary doctorates from both the universities of Manitoba and Winnipeg her works continue to gain acclaim and fans around the world. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS One of the less well-known parts of the artist's life is the business end, which includes the preparing and shipping of work. Night Gallery, a Los Angeles exhibitor that represents Koop it also hosted a solo exhibition by another Winnipeg artist, Divya Mehra, in January was among dozens of arts organizations from around the world that took part of the annual Armory Show in New York in September. Koops 2020 painting Mirror Lake a blazing vertical yellow flash before a distant grey lakeshore was Night Gallerys signature painting in its online program that included six other artists from around the world. Shes also part of its presentation at the Dallas Art Fair in November, which begins a whirlwind of Koop exhibitions that include Toronto, Brussels and Oslo in 2022. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The dead trees around her cabin studio inspired much of Koops new work, sometimes appearing as metallic-looking pipes, with branches resembling human limbs. Koop would often attend most of her shows prior to the pandemic but she says the pandemic will likely keep her visiting only her solo exhibitions or group shows that are conveniently located. The COVID-19 threat is one thing. Travel, once taken for granted, has become fraught with chaos. She made it to New York to see the Armory Show in September but border delays and flight cancellations were frustrating, she says. Once she arrived though it was a positive experience to witness the City That Never Sleeps awakening. The trip was in stark contrast to visiting Los Angeles to see an exhibition there in October 2020. "I actually went to the opening, with COVID being less so here and it was a bit of a lull in Los Angeles," she recalls. "It was kind of terrifying, once I got going, I thought, Oh my God, what have I done, going out in the world? but the show went very well. And then I got here and it got really bad." While the pandemic has only affected the timing of her exhibitions take place and not her painting, she has noticed how its affected the world around her. Like many Winnipeg artists, she lives and works in Point Douglas, one of the citys rougher neighbourhoods. Shes lived and worked for years amid the areas struggles with poverty and prejudice, but says the pandemic has amplified crime and the systemic problems the area has faced for years. "We have a prowler pretty much every night, every second night," she says. "I get so frustrated because I dont think this needed to happen to this extreme. So now we have a huge meth problem, a housing shortage and theres nobody minding the fort." MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS "One of the things that has struck me, perhaps the most poignantly," Wanda Koop says, surrounded by recent paintings, "is all the trees that die become these skeletal remains." She remains positive about Winnipeg though, especially architectural and artistic changes at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Koop pretty much grew up there, thanks to the generosity of its former head, Ferdinand Eckhardt, who she remembers placing her in childrens classes year after year until she turned 14. Five years later, the WAG hosted her first exhibition. She was there in 1971 when Princess Margaret opened the gallerys building and a visitor and exhibitor ever since. One of her works was part of the gallerys award-winning 100 Masters exhibition, which marked the gallerys 100th anniversary. Koop founded the West Broadway organization Art City in 1998, which has encouraged many Winnipeggers, including Indigenous youth, to give art a chance. So shes thrilled with what the WAG has become, how Qaumajuq has so seamlessly become part of the original building and how the gallerys exhibitions have become part of Canadas reconciliation process, a way of closing the racial divide. "Its really exciting to actually see something evolve like that, something that weve never seen before, and it gives me hope for the future, big-picture future, and that we will be able to be one at some point in our lives." alan.small@freepress.mb.ca Twitter:@AlanDSmall If you value coverage of Manitobas arts scene, help us do more. Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow the Free Press to deepen our reporting on theatre, dance, music and galleries while also ensuring the broadest possible audience can access our arts journalism. BECOME AN ARTS JOURNALISM SUPPORTER Click here to learn more about the project. Justin Huntinghawk has two insights he often offers other Indigenous youth when it comes to money. Opinion Justin Huntinghawk has two insights he often offers other Indigenous youth when it comes to money. Dont do what he once did. SUPPLIED Justin Huntinghawk And listen to your elders. A lead facilitator for a free financial literacy program in Winnipeg, designed and led by Indigenous people for Indigenous youth, the 25-year-old recounts how he had just turned 18 and was poised to sign on the dotted line to purchase (and make monthly payments on) a Chevrolet Impala. "My grandma an elder gave me advice, saying, You shouldnt do that right away, just wait and see how your employment goes dont rush into things." Huntinghawk didnt listen. "When youre young, you think you know it all, right?" Its a financial life lesson he shares with other Indigenous youth in the long-running program called Money Stories at SEED Winnipeg, a non-profit offering financial support programs for at-risk, low-income individuals and newcomers. "Money Stories is really good at getting young Indigenous folks involved with their finances," he adds. He should know. Huntinghawk was also a participant where he not only learned about money management; he gained a deeper connection to Indigenous culture and his community. Equally important, Money Stories set him on a journey to become a leader in the community for other Indigenous youth. While he doesnt recommend other 18-year-olds finance the purchase of an automobile, he does want other Indigenous Manitobans, ages 15 to 30, to walk a similar path of self-discovery via Money Stories. Started about a decade ago, the eight- to 10-week program meeting for an hour each week is unique among financial literacy initiatives in that it connects economic education with traditional Indigenous learnings and culture. Even amid the pandemic, Money Stories has pressed onward, offered virtually online instead of in-person. In fact, the program is needed more than ever, says Pam Krasniuk, an Indigenous program developer at SEED, who helped develop curriculum for Money Stories now seeking participants for its next semester, starting Nov. 1. "Being Indigenous in 2021 is a challenge everyday," she says. "When you look at any sort of (socioeconomic) stats, we often rank the lowest." To that end, Statistics Canada data from 2017 show that three in 10 Indigenous children live in poverty in urban areas, and almost four in 10 Indigenous people are not able to pay an unexpected $500 bill with their own resources. "There are just so many challenges." Krasniuk adds the pandemic often exacerbated these problems for youth "not able to connect with and see other people their age." In lieu of face-to-face contact, many have relied on social media "to build relationships, and thats not always a good thing," she adds. Money Stories aims to offer a positive connection in these challenging times as it has for more than a decade for Indigenous youth to learn about their culture, money management and, more broadly, themselves, Krasniuk says. "Its an opportunity for them to share their own stories because we want to empower them to use their voice." Central to Money Stories are community elders who share their knowledge and experience on traditional Indigenous learnings and beliefs in relation to an overarching economic system created by a different culture. Traditional Indigenous economies were based on "bartering and trading for goods and services for the needs of our nations to survive" rather than a monetary system so pervasive in mainstream culture, Krasniuk says. As an example of how these world views differ, she points to an elder teaching that resonates with many participants: When you fish for one, you fish for all. "The way things used to be is if you fished in a lake, you took care of the water that sustained the fish," she explains. Yet that viewpoint is often at odds with our age of supermarkets where families can mostly only afford to shop for their own household. "Many of our traditional concepts and values have been lost over time, and thats sort of where Money Stories begins," she adds. Vern Dano is one of the Indigenous elders providing cultural insights for Money Stories. "As an elder or knowledge keeper, one of our jobs it to give youth an opportunity to talk about the challenges theyre having in their daily lives." In turn elders offer their own insights, tying them to Indigenous teachings and culture, while impressing upon participants that economic health is essential to overall well-being. "A lot of times young people borrow money and keep borrowing from the wrong place (i.e. high-interest payday lenders), so their personal infrastructure is being constantly weakened." Dano and other elders offer stories from their past about how they overcame similar challenges. That lived experience is coupled with that of peer facilitators like Huntinghawk. "The stories I share are what Ive been through from growing up and watching my mother manage money to how I got introduced to credit," Huntinghawk says. That brings him back to his story about purchasing his first car. "I couldnt keep up with the payments, so I ended up losing the careven though my grandma had warned me," he says. "So the takeaway to share with others is listen to your elders." Fact box: Money Stories, run by SEED Winnipeg Inc, is open to Indigenous youth (First Nation, Metis and Inuit) between ages 15 and 30. The next program starts Nov. 1. To register, email moneystories@seedwinnipeg.ca or 204-927-9935. Participants require internet access. We knew it was coming. Provincial officials announced in late September that they had found Palmer amaranth, one of the most aggressive weeds known to modern crop farming, growing in a field near Carman. The two plants were quickly yanked out of the ground, roots and all, and sent for testing to confirm their identity. Farmers in the area were advised to check their fields and remove any suspicious plants they found before combining, which could increase the spread. It was only a matter of time. I first learned about Palmer amaranth while covering a three-day field tour in Arkansas a decade ago, where the weed had evolved resistance to commonly used herbicides and was decimating fields of soybeans and cotton. The situation had reached the point where desperate farmers had given up on herbicides altogether and were hiring workers with hoes in a bid to salvage their crops. Its been moving across the U.S. and northward ever since, surfacing in North Dakota in 2018. What makes this particular weed such a game-changer is how quickly it evolves resistance to all forms of chemical weed control. That, combined with its ability to grow to the size of a Christmas tree and produce millions of seeds per plant per year, makes it the mother of all weed-control problems. Its arrival in Manitoba comes when farmers were already losing their battle to herbicide-resistant weeds. Data from the third round of herbicide-resistant weed surveys conducted in the three Prairie provinces since the early 2000s indicate a steady rise in the populations of weeds no longer controllable by multiple herbicides. A management survey conducted at the same time as the 2017 field survey concluded herbicide-resistant weeds are already costing farmers $13.36 per acre ($33 per hectare) or $530 million annually. When the problem first surfaced about four decades ago, herbicide manufacturers first responded with denial, then came up with new and different chemical modes of action. That was followed by crops modified to withstand non-selective herbicides so farmers could spray and kill everything but the growing crop. When the weeds overwhelmed those systems, they came out with herbicide products that stack several modes of action. The result? Weed species are increasingly resistant to multiple modes of action. Heres the thing. This isnt just about herbicides. In parts of the world where farmers hand-pull the weeds from rice crops, the weeds evolved to look like rice plants. This is about what happens when you apply simple solutions in complex systems. If you scan the list of threats to Prairie crop production, whether its weeds, diseases, fertility issues or the impacts of inclement weather, the root of all risks in modern farming can be traced to one fatal flaw in our approach: mono-thinking. Even though farmers might grow several crops on their farms, they typically grow one crop in the field at a time. Sure, they rotate their crops from field to field, but the types of crops they grow fit into the same seeding, planting and harvesting window. Most rely solely on herbicides for weed control, fungicides for disease and insecticides for problem insects. When playing dodgeball, standing still or following the same pattern of movement makes you an easy target. Increasingly, researchers are advising farmers to do more to change things up, all the time. That means using a mix of management, mechanics and products. It could entail some tillage, adding perennial crops, growing crops such as winter cereals that fall outside of the typical summer growing season, employing cover cropping to smother the weed populations or growing more than one type of crop in the field at the same time. There is no recipe. Farmers are increasingly called upon to do anything and everything to add diversity to their farming practices while still making a living. Its going to take every idea they, with the support of researchers, can come up with, and every tool industry can offer. The arrival of Palmer amaranth tells us were reaching a tipping point. We might already be there. The day is coming when mono-thinking in agriculture is as obsolete as summerfallow. Laura Rance is vice-president of content for Glacier FarmMedia. She can be reached at lrance@farmmedia.com LONDON (AP) Prince Charles issued a warning to the world days before leaders gather in the U.K. for crucial United Nations climate talks, saying there is a dangerously narrow window to tackle global warning. FILE - In this Oct. 19, 2021 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles greets guests at a reception for the Global Investment Summit in Windsor Castle, Windsor, England. Prince Charles issued a warning to the world days before leaders gather in the U.K. for crucial United Nations climate talks, saying there is a dangerously narrow window to tackle global warning. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, Pool) LONDON (AP) Prince Charles issued a warning to the world days before leaders gather in the U.K. for crucial United Nations climate talks, saying there is a dangerously narrow window to tackle global warning. The heir to the British throne said Saturday that the summit, which starts Oct. 31 in Glasgow, showed that after far too long, climate change and biodiversity loss are at last of paramount importance to the world. In a recorded message to the Saudi Green Initiative Forum, 72-year-old Charles a long-time environmentalist said the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted that human health, planetary health and economic health are fundamentally interconnected. We now have a dangerously narrow window of opportunity in which to accelerate a green recovery, while laying the foundations for a sustainable future, he said. Saudi Arabia, one of the worlds biggest oil producers, says it aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060. China and Russia have set the same net-zero date, while the United States, the European Union and Britain are aiming for 2050. Representatives of around 200 countries will gather in Scotland at the end of the month for the two-week U.N. climate conference, known as COP26. Organizers say it is one of the last chances to nail down carbon-cutting promises that can keep global warming within manageable limits. Alok Sharma, the British official serving as COP26 president, said getting countries to do enough to keep warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels the goal agreed on at a summit in Paris in 2015 would be really tough. Current emissions-slashing commitments aren't enough, and major polluters including China and India have yet to submit new carbon-cutting plans for the next decade. It was brilliant, what they did in Paris, it was a framework agreement, (but) a lot of the detailed rules were left for the future, Sharma told The Guardian newspaper. The question is whether or not countries are willing in Glasgow to go forward and commit to consensus on keeping 1.5C alive, thats where the challenge will be. ___ Follow APs climate coverage at http://apnews.com/hub/climate TORONTO - The bruising battle for control of Rogers Communications Inc. continued on Saturday, with the company claiming its recently ousted chairman intends to hold a weekend meeting with a slate of hand-picked directors and pre-emptively rejecting the outcome of any such gathering. Rogers Chair of the Board Edward Rogers attends the company's AGM in Toronto on Thursday, April 18, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young TORONTO - The bruising battle for control of Rogers Communications Inc. continued on Saturday, with the company claiming its recently ousted chairman intends to hold a weekend meeting with a slate of hand-picked directors and pre-emptively rejecting the outcome of any such gathering. The company issued a statement saying any meeting between Edward Rogers and the five people he tapped to join the company's board is both illegal and invalid. It's the latest salvo in an ongoing feud at the telecom giant, which found itself embroiled in turmoil this week amid media reports that Edward Rogers tried to replace the company's current chief executive officer among other changes to corporate leadership. "The proposal by Mr. Edward Rogers to hold a purported board meeting with his proposed slate of directors this weekend does not comply with laws of British Columbia, where Rogers Communications Inc. is incorporated, and is therefore not valid," newly minted board chairman John MacDonald said in a statement. "Accordingly, the purported board meeting and anything that may arise from such a meeting is also invalid. It is disappointing that the former chairman is attempting to act unilaterally without regard for the interests of the company and all of Rogers' shareholders." Edward Rogers insisted his board was legitimate in an emailed statement. "The new board and the company have important business to attend to and we will not engage in debates in the media with former directors," he wrote. "A meeting of the board will proceed as planned." Rogers statement offered no details as to when the meeting would take place or who would be in attendance. Edward Rogers, who was removed as board chair on Thursday but has retained his board seat, is seeking to assert control over the largely family-run company. The son of company founder Ted Rogers also remains as chair of the Rogers Control Trust, the controlling shareholder, which, along with Rogers family members, owns 97 per cent of Class A voting shares. The corporate sparring began after Edward Rogers unsuccessfully attempted to oust current CEO Joe Natale, appoint former chief financial officer Tony Staffieri to the role instead and replace other members of the leadership team, according to media reports. Multiple reports say the plan to replace Natale was blocked by other board members, including Edward Rogers' sisters and mother, and his attempt at shaking up the firm led to him being replaced as chairman. But Edward Rogers would not give up. In a news release late Thursday, he announced his plan to remove independent directors John Clappison, David Peterson, Bonnie Brooks, Ellis Jacob and MacDonald from the company's board. In their place, he named Michael Cooper, Jack Cockwell, Jan Innes, Ivan Fecan and John Kerr as the new directors. Hours later, the company fired back with a statement rejecting Edward Rogers' proposed candidates and asserting the board makeup would remain intact. MacDonald said the declaration was made after seeking legal advice. Natale offered public comment on Saturday for the first time since the saga began, issuing a statement reaffirming his commitment to both company shareholders and a proposed takeover of rival Shaw Communications Inc. Natale is widely viewed as the architect of the $26 billion deal, which is still awaiting regulatory approval. "We remain fully focused on successfully coming together with Shaw to deliver the next phase of Rogers' strategic growth and better serve Canadians in communities from coast to coast," Natale said in the statement. Edward Rogers said in his Saturday statement that securing approval for the Shaw deal would be one of the key areas of focus at his planned meeting. One of Edward Rogers' sisters also weighed in via Twitter, making clear her opposition to her brother's moves. "Unlike Ed I have no lawyers, PR spin firms, staff or media training. Dont need it," Martha Rogers wrote. "Im no one special, just a fairly ordinary woman put in extraordinary circumstances. Ted put me on the board as a check and balance to ensure nothing this insane occurs. This is for you Dad." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 23, 2021. Companies in this story: (TSX:RCI.B) OTTAWA - Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin is challenging a Federal Court judges ruling that struck down his request for reinstatement as head of Canadas COVID-19 vaccine distribution campaign. Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin leaves the Gatineau Police Station after being processed, in Gatineau, Que., Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021. Fortin is appealing after a Federal Court judge struck down his request for reinstatement as the head of Canadas COVID-19 vaccine distribution campaign. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang OTTAWA - Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin is challenging a Federal Court judges ruling that struck down his request for reinstatement as head of Canadas COVID-19 vaccine distribution campaign. The senior military officers legal team filed a notice of appeal on Friday, arguing Justice Ann Marie McDonald erred in her ruling last week that Fortin needed to submit a complaint to the military before bringing his case to court. The judge made numerous and grave legal errors in her decision, which Maj.-Gen. Fortin is asking the Federal Court of Appeal to overturn, lawyer Natalia Rodriguez said in a statement. Fortin has been fighting for reinstatement after he was abruptly removed as head of the vaccine rollout effort in May, five days before military police announced they had referred an investigation of alleged sexual misconduct to Quebecs prosecution service. The senior military officer, who previously served in Afghanistan and commanded a NATO training mission in Iraq before being assigned last November to lead the federal governments vaccine rollout effort, was formally charged with one count of sexual assault in August. That case, which relates to an alleged incident dating from 1988, is due back in a Quebec court Nov. 5. Fortin has maintained his innocence and in challenging his removal in Federal Court, accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other senior members of the Liberal government of having turfed him from the vaccine campaign for purely political reasons. During two days of court hearings last month, Fortins legal team argued that the militarys grievance system was the wrong venue for deciding whether his removal was appropriate, given the political nature of the decision. His lawyers also raised concerns about the military grievance system, citing a recent review by retired Supreme Court justice Morris Fish that found long delays and ultimately described the entire system as broken and in need of urgent reforms. But McDonald rejected those arguments, writing: In my view, the high-profile nature of Maj.-Gen. Fortins position and the allegations of political interference are not exceptional circumstances that allow him to bypass the internal grievance process. As for concerns about the grievance system, McDonald noted acting defence chief Gen. Wayne Eyre had instituted new orders to address the problems identified in Fishs report, adding any concerns about unnecessary delays were purely speculative. In challenging McDonalds decision at the Federal Court of Appeal, Fortins lawyers argue the judge made several mistakes in determining the grievance system was the appropriate forum for hearing the case. Among their arguments is that the grievance system was not designed to address decisions made outside the militarys chain of command, in this case by politicians. They also say the judge did not fully appreciate the time sensitivities around the case. Fortins lawyers are asking that the case be sent back to the Federal Court for a different judge to hear. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjans office declined to comment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2021. IQALUIT, Nunavut - The federal government is sending the Canadian Armed Forces to help with the water emergency in Nunavut's capital, and the work may include setting up a mobile water treatment plant. Residents line up to fill containers with potable water in Iqaluit on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. The city is set to provide an update today on the results of additional water testing. Its 8,000 or so residents haven't been able to consume tap water for 11 days after it was discovered to contain fuel. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Emma Tranter IQALUIT, Nunavut - The federal government is sending the Canadian Armed Forces to help with the water emergency in Nunavut's capital, and the work may include setting up a mobile water treatment plant. In a tweet Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had spoken with Nunavut PremierJoe Savikataaq and that the military will be deployed to Iqaluit to co-ordinate and deliver clean drinking water. The city's 8,000 residents haven't been able to consume tap water for 11 days, since it was discovered to contain fuel. Iqaluit mayor Kenny Bell said the military will help set up the mobile plant but he didn't offer details about how it would work. The military has sent three to five people to Iqaluit to assess where it could put the mobile plant, he said. "Right now, it's a little bit too early to say what they're going to do." In an email to The Canadian Press, a spokesperson for the Canadian Armed Forces said it is "working with federal and territorial partners to finalize the details on our support to the people of Iqaluit" and couldn't provide more information. Iqaluit residents had reported a fuel smell in their water as early as Oct. 2. But the city said regular testing, for things such as bacteria, had come back clean. On Oct. 12, workers opened a tank at the city's water treatment facility and smelled fuel. Tests later came back positive for high concentrations of fuel in that tank. Residents have been collecting water from the city's Sylvia Grinnell River and picking up free bottled water from distribution sites. The territory's chief public health officer, Dr. Michael Patterson, has said that the health risks to residents who drank the city's tap water are very low. At a news conference Friday, he said residents may still smell fuel in their water even though the city has bypassed the contaminated tank. When water is heated up or moved around, Patterson explained, the fuel smell becomes stronger even if the levels mean it's not dangerous to consume. The city said it's still in the process of flushing the contaminated water from its system and residents need to clean their home's water tanks. Flushing is expected continue into at least next week. The city had originally said the process would take about 48 hours, but that another round of flushing needs to be completed. Services at Iqaluit's hospital have also been affected, as medical tools cannot be sanitized with the contaminated water. Nunavut's health department said the hospital has so far postponed about 30 surgeries, eight urology cases and 28 dental procedures. It's still not clear how fuel got into the tank at the treatment plant. Amy Elgersma, the city's chief administrative officer, said an assessment found "no obvious cracks" in the contaminated tank. The tank was bypassed, but hydrocarbons are still being found in the water, particularly in the city's reservoir tanks, Elgersma said. "They are presenting as hydrophobic and they tend to remain on the surface, which means they can be removed directly from those tanks using a vacuum system," she said. Environmental assessments of the ground around the treatment facility are ongoing, she added. "We do suspect that contamination from the soil or groundwater from outside the plant has seeped into the water treatment plant," she said. Next steps will depend on thoseassessments, Elgersma said. The city said it is also in the process of installing a real-time monitoring station to detect fuel in its water. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2021. --- This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship. OTTAWA - Researchers say recent service cuts at Canada's national archives are making their work already hampered by COVID-19 even more challenging. A Government of Canada sign sits in front of a Library and Archives Canada building next to Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday Nov. 25, 2014. Researchers say service cuts at Canada's national archives are making their work already hampered by COVID-19 even more challenging. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - Researchers say recent service cuts at Canada's national archives are making their work already hampered by COVID-19 even more challenging. In a letter to Library and Archives Canada, the Canadian Historical Association urges the institution to reconsider reductions that have left its archival reading room open just three days a week. Historians say the move means researchers from across the country, including students trying to complete degrees, must scramble for coveted appointments to view paper file holdings in the Ottawa reading room. The historical association's letter allows that Library and Archives has doubtlessly struggled, like other organizations, to maintain employment and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the association says members are "gravely concerned" about the federal institution's limits on public access, which threaten the agency's core mission. In response to questions from The Canadian Press, Library and Archives says it is facing difficulties meeting client demands, meaning it has had to prioritize some services and reduce others. Justine Lesage, a spokeswoman for Canadian Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault, referred inquiries Friday to department staff, saying the minister's office was in "waiting mode" in advance of a new cabinet being appointed Tuesday. The Wednesday letter from the historical association is signed by president Steven High, a Concordia University professor, and past president Penny Bryden of the University of Victoria. "At a time when other institutions and businesses are slowly expanding their availability to the public, it seems that LAC has taken the reverse approach," says the letter, also posted on the association's website. "How is it possible to continue to make the case for the value of heritage and history when the key driver of their value the public is being kept out?" The previous system of registering for limited numbers of archival reading room spots, two weeks in advance, was difficult enough, the letter says. "Spaces for the week were snapped up by researchers within minutes of the portal opening, making research virtually impossible for people outside the Ottawa area." Nevertheless, the possibility of signing up for a maximum of 12 hours of research time a week was better than the complete lockdown of public access that had characterized much of the pandemic, the letter adds. "Researchers are desperate to get back to the Archives. The complete closure of the reading room in the summer of 2021, and the retrenchment rather than expansion of its services since then, however, is going too far." Library and Archives Canada acknowledged that the hours of service at some of its on-site locations have been temporarily reduced and that response times are longer than usual for most of its remote services. "Although these service standards are temporary and should not necessarily be viewed as the new normal, they provide a realistic approximation of our current level of service," the organization said. Library and Archives added it is "reviewing the allocation" of its resources. "However, addressing current backlogs and responding to service requests is currently our utmost priority." University of Toronto historian Robert Bothwell said delving into the past is a time-consuming slog through reams of archival papers, a task that is now even more drawn-out. "Academic budgets are just not made for this," he said. "I mean, we do subsidize our grad students, we do give them some financial help, but a lot of it they have to budget for themselves. So for these guys, it's just hopeless." Fellow University of Toronto history professor Timothy Sayle said a lack of funds limits the assistance or at least the timeliness of help that Library and Archives can provide researchers who are not in Ottawa, or those considering whether a trip to the Archives is worthwhile. Sayle noted the main gateway to the organization for these researchers is the "Ask Us a Question" feature on the institution's website, a tool he uses. "When the responses to my queries do come from LAC, they are excellent. But they do take months to arrive," Sayle said. "LAC staff clearly take these very seriously and work hard to answer them but my sense is there are very, very few people who can provide the answers to the questions that get asked." He tells master's students about the tool, but warns they are "unlikely to hear back in time for the results to be useful for the research they are doing as part of their degree." The federal information watchdog is conducting a systemic investigation of the ongoing failure of the national archives to provide timely responses to requests from the public for historical spy files. Information commissioner Caroline Maynard said earlier this year a chronic concern underlying the probe was Library and Archives' difficulty in vetting decades-old, but still highly classified, intelligence files for release. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2021. OTTAWA - The federal government dismantled Friday a Parliament Hill memorial for Indigenous children who never returned from residential schools. Visitors and tourists to Parliament Hill stand around the Centennial flame on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. A Parliament Hill memorial to Indigenous children who never returned from residential schools has been dismantled. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - The federal government dismantled Friday a Parliament Hill memorial for Indigenous children who never returned from residential schools. The memorial hundreds of pairs of children's shoes, stuffed toys, messages and other items sprang up spontaneously around the Centennial Flame last spring after the discovery of what are believed to be the remains of children in unmarked graves at several former residential school sites. A spokesperson for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada said many of the items were in an "advanced state of degradation." Megan MacLean said the department consulted with national Indigenous groups and the Tkemlups te Secwepemc and Cowessess First Nations, where ground-penetrating radar revealed hundreds of unmarked graves, about the protocol to be followed for removing the memorial. They advised that the removal should be directed by the Algonquin Anishinabeg First Nation on whose traditional territory Parliament Hill sits. "Working with the grand chief of the Algonquin Anishinabeg First Nation and with community elders it was decided that the items would be removed on Oct. 22, 2021, following protocol and under the guidance of elders," MacLean said in a statement. "Sacred items being removed will be entrusted to the elders. For the other items, depending on the degree of degradation, items will be either identified for donation, kept for educational purposes, recycled or disposed of in accordance with City of Ottawa guidelines." The government will work with Algonquin elders and leadership to determine where to donate appropriate items. For now, MacLean said everything is being "safely stored." She added that the government "remains committed to working with survivors, elders and other Indigenous partners, families and survivors to ensure that the steps taken are culturally sensitive." As caretakers of the land, the Algonquin Anishinabeg had a duty to remove the deteriorating gifts left on Parliament Hill, which had been soaked by recent rainfall, said Savanna McGregor, acting grand chief of the nation's tribal council. Were going to be doing a sacred fire with them at a future date once the items start to dry, she said in an interview. McGregor said some Algonquin elders and grandmothers were present while the memorial was being packed up, making sure it was done in a respectful way in accordance with Algonquin tradition and on behalf of other brother and sister communities. They objects were blessed in a ceremony before the memorial was dismantled, she added. Theyre not just items and they represent everything the trauma, and the hope and all of the emotions that come with the Indian residential school experience for our peoples, she said. It was very intense and were lucky to have a little one from our community with us. He totally helped to kind of guide and change the energy from total sadness to a lightness and some hope. The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami said it supports "efforts to protect the shoes and other items contributed by Canadians from deterioration, to identify an appropriate space to display some of these pieces in a respectful way, and to develop plans for a permanent memorial." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2021. MANITOBAS highest court has rejected a First Nations attempt for a judicial review of the provinces decision to go ahead with a hydro transmission line. MANITOBAS highest court has rejected a First Nations attempt for a judicial review of the provinces decision to go ahead with a hydro transmission line. The Court of Appeal dismissed legal arguments from Sagkeeng as it challenged the lower court decisions to reject its judicial review application in 2018. The band wanted the court to review the environment ministers decision to build the Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project. The hydro line construction was under appeal by five other First Nations and the Manitoba Metis Federation, but it ultimately became operational in June 2020, crossing Treaty 1 land in southern Manitoba, although not on reserve land. Sagkeeng didnt join the appeal process along with other First Nations. When their judicial review application was rejected as being premature because an administrative review process was available under Manitobas Environment Act, lawyers instead took the fight to the Court of Appeal. They argued the tribunal appeal process under provincial law carries the potential for bias because of its ties to the provincial cabinet. The Court of Appeal sharply dismissed Sagkeengs arguments and refused to delve into legal questions about Manitobas duty to consult First Nations. It decided the lower court had properly considered those arguments. The ruling was issued Oct. 21 by Justice Holly Beard and was co-signed by Justices Diana Cameron and Lori Spivak. Lawyers for Sagkeeng brought up issues of constitutionally protected Indigenous rights and raised concerns about systemic bias. They argued the appeal process under the Environment Act raises a "reasonable apprehension of bias" because the legislation gives power to the minister, who has close ties to the premier. They pointed to public statements and a tweet from then-premier Brian Pallister voicing his support for the hydro project. Allegations of institutional bias werent properly put before the appeal court, which doesnt retry cases, and only considers legal errors, Beard wrote in the decision, so the court didnt consider any of the allegations of bias on the part of the former premier. fpcity@freepress.mb.ca It has become nothing short of a national disgrace a list of Canadian military commanders accused of sexual misconduct that seems to get longer with each passing week. It has become nothing short of a national disgrace a list of Canadian military commanders accused of sexual misconduct that seems to get longer with each passing week. Its a crisis without precedent in the Canadian Armed Forces, as analysts say they have never seen so many high-ranking leaders in any military in the world swept up in scandal at the same time. Since early February, 11 senior Canadian military leaders current and former have been sidelined, investigated or forced into retirement, triggering a public backlash and division within the ranks. In some cases, senior officers have been pegged to replace a leader accused of misconduct, but have then faced their own allegations before assuming the new post. JUSTIN TANG / CANADIAN PRESS FILES On Oct. 12, Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin lost a court bid to be reinstated as head of Canadas COVID-19 vaccine rollout. On Oct. 12, Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin lost a court bid to be reinstated as head of Canadas COVID-19 vaccine rollout. He is facing a criminal charge of sexual assault. The next day, it was revealed that the installation of Lt.-Gen. Trevor Cadieu as commander of the army was postponed in September because he is being investigated following an allegation of sexual misconduct. On Oct. 15, it was reported that the head of military personnel, Lt.-Gen. Steven Whelan, had stepped aside during an investigation into an allegation of sexual misconduct. His predecessor in the role, Vice-Adm. Haydn Edmundson, went on leave in March and is also the subject of a probe into an allegation of sexual misconduct. This ever-widening crisis has engulfed Canadas last two chiefs of defence staff. On Jan. 14, Gen. Jonathan Vance officially stepped down as Canadas top soldier and handed the reins to Admiral Art McDonald. Less than a month later, on Feb. 2, news broke that Gen. Vance, the architect of the militarys campaign to stamp out sexual misconduct, was facing allegations of inappropriate relations with lower-ranked female staff. On Feb. 25, his successor, Adm. McDonald, abruptly stepped aside after reports he was being investigated by military police over an allegation of misconduct involving a junior female crew member aboard the warship HMCS Montreal in 2010. ADRIAN WYLD / CANADIAN PRESS FILES These accumulating accusations leave no doubt theres a well-documented toxic culture within the military, and an abject failure by the prime minister and Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan to curb a scandal that has soiled the reputation of Canadas military. These accumulating accusations leave no doubt theres a well-documented toxic culture within the military, and an abject failure by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan to curb a scandal that has soiled the reputation of Canadas military. "I think we have a prime minister whos identified as a feminist prime minister, but he and the minister of defence have zero credibility on this file," said Megan MacKenzie, the Simons Chair in International Law and Human Security at Simon Fraser University and leader of an international project studying sexual misconduct in the military. In August, the Forces turned down a former military members request for the RCMP to investigate her claim that a senior military leader raped her. The refusal came despite a report by retired Supreme Court Justice Morris Fish urging the military to surrender control of sexual assault investigations to civilian authorities until it reforms the way it deals with victims rights. The military has yet to hand over a single investigation to civilian police. Its clear the military is unable to stem this growing tide of misconduct, which means its time for the civilian criminal justice system, including the RCMP, to step in and handle criminal cases in the military. Its also time for the military to overhaul a vetting process that has become an insult to victims of abuse. Theres a longstanding joke in the military that states: "Hurry up and wait!" The victims of assault and misconduct in the Canadian Forces have waited long enough. "Can snakes get vaccinated?" Immunologist Julie Lajoie fielded numerous quirky questions from curious Grade 5 students during a virtual classroom visit at Ecole Riverside School this week. Lajoie welcomed each query, whether it was about her personal work as a scientific researcher, something informed by a myth about COVID-19 vaccines or, as in this case, an unexpected and unconventional curiosity. And that's the only one that stumped her. But after following up with a colleague, she reported back to the elementary class based in Thompson that jabs are not recommended for serpents. MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Fed up with all the misinformation about vaccines on her timeline, Julie Lajoie, an Immunologist and virologist based in Winnipeg who has studied HIV and the immune system for 20 years, put out a call on social media in the hopes of setting the record straight. "Some of the kids will actually go in their house and actually talk to their parents about what they learned today, and its going to make some discussion," she said, adding that is exactly her intention: to spread accurate, accessible knowledge about immunizations. Fed up with all the misinformation about vaccines on her timeline, Lajoie, who has a PhD in immunology and virology, and has devoted the last two decades to studying the immune system, put out a call on social media in the hopes of setting the record straight. Maybe, she thought, she could get to stubborn adults through their children. Some of the kids will actually go in their house and actually talk to their parents about what they learned today, and its going to make some discussion." Immunologist Julie Lajoie "To all teachers in Winnipeg, if you want the kids in your class (to) learn about the immune system and vaccine, Ill be happy to help. Maybe we can educate the new generation so their vaccine nonsense stop," wrote Lajoie, whose first language is French, in a tweet posted on Sept. 15. The research associate at the University of Manitoba volunteered to visit classrooms to present in French or English, either in-person or via Zoom. She was quickly taken up on her offer. MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS To date, Lajoie has talked to a dozen classes about both what its like to work in her field and how vaccines work. She has more visits scheduled during the academic year. To date, Lajoie has talked to a dozen classes about both what its like to work in her field and how vaccines work. She has more visits scheduled during the academic year. "There is so much (mis)information and people who dont know what is the truth or what is not true, and believe what they see because they dont have necessarily the basic understanding of the immune system or vaccine to make the right decision or to understand why thats not true so I started to get a little bit frustrated," she said. Lajoies goal is to equip students with, at the very least, a basic understanding about how the immune system functions, how vaccines work in partnership with it and how they are developed. Being a mother of two children under the age of five, she has plenty of experience synthesizing and delivering information in an age-appropriate way. This week, she likened what immune systems do for human bodies to the role security systems play in protecting houses. We want students to be able to make their own informed decisions, but we want them to have the tools to be informed and to have the proper resources available to them so the information theyre getting is credible and accurate. Teacher Karlyn Houndle Viruses, she told elementary schoolers, are not all that different from pirates. And vaccines provide immune systems with the "recette magique" (magic recipe) to defeat such pirates, she added. "As teachers, were not pushing any ideas on them," said teacher Karlyn Houndle, who hosted Lajoie for a discussion during a Grade 5 science unit on the human body. "We want students to be able to make their own informed decisions, but we want them to have the tools to be informed and to have the proper resources available to them so the information theyre getting is credible and accurate." Not only was Lajoies visit important because her students had access to a working expert, but Houndle said they also met a female STEM science, technology, engineering and mathematics role model. The teacher based in Thompson said she can answer only so many of the scientific questions her pupils pose; students primarily want to know when theyll be able to get immunized and when the pandemic will be over, she added. Pfizer-BioNTech applied to Health Canada earlier this week to have its COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in children age five to 11. Provincial officials have suggested a rollout could begin as early as late November. maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @macintoshmaggie Manitoba municipalities have a responsibility to step up and implement mandatory COVID-19 vaccination guidelines for their staff, says a rural councillor struggling to get a local policy off the ground. Manitoba municipalities have a responsibility to step up and implement mandatory COVID-19 vaccination guidelines for their staff, says a rural councillor struggling to get a local policy off the ground. Steve Axworthy serves in the Rural Municipality of Victoria Beach, which has a population of around 400 and sits about 100 kilometres north of Winnipeg. Hes been pushing for a resolution on developing a policy that would either require confidential proof of vaccination or regular testing for all local RM employees and volunteers since late September. He wasnt able to get it on the council agenda until Oct. 19s meeting, where he moved the resolution but no other councillor would second the motion for a discussion and vote to follow. "By not seconding the motion, all of those councillors essentially said, 'I don't want to be on the record with my with my position'... It's not acceptable," Axworthy told the Free Press on Friday. "Because during a pandemic, where we have a viable vaccine that can protect our employees and protect our community, they will not go on the record to say whether or not they're for mandatory vaccines or not. And it is their right to say that they're not for it, and thats fine, but you're elected to make a decision." Its a matter of liability, Axworthy said: the RM has a responsibility ensure the safety of both staff and visitors, and unlike the cities, its not unusual for a majority of civic staff members to have some face-to-face interaction with the wider community. "Whereas, let's say, in Winnipeg or Toronto or Vancouver, you would have very clearly defined front-line staff who are the only employees that are dealing with the local community. In a rural setting, because you don't have a large workforce, most of those employees at some point in the day or in a week or a month are going to have either short or extended contact with residents," he said. "So by bringing on a vaccine mandate... we're protecting our employees but moreso than that, we're protecting our residents." Municipality staff currently arent required to align with the provincial mandate requiring vaccination or testing for front-line staff who have direct ongoing contact with vulnerable people. While the City of Winnipeg has announced a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for front-line employees who have ongoing contact with vulnerable residents, many other Manitoba councils havent implemented similar policies. However, there is some burgeoning interest, according to Manitoba Municipal Administrators Association executive director Adrienne Bestland. "Its hard being the first one What were trying to provide our (chief administrative officers) and our councils was just information to make the decision thats best for them," she said. The association recently offered a webinar to RM council members to offer legal advice around the ramifications of mandatory vaccination policies, and how to go about creating such policies. It surveyed the approximately 100 municipal staff registered for the webinar on how likely their municipalities were to implement vaccination policies. Of the 64 that answered, 61 per cent said it was very likely or likely to happen. It hasnt been easy trying to put together what a vaccine policy for an RM would look like, St. Andrews Mayor Joy Sul said. Putting the decision in the hands of individual municipalities all but ensures room for legal loopholes and anger from constituents comparing the rules in different locations, she added. "(The province) mandates all the health rules, and that should include municipalities, it should be an equal playing field across the board," said Sul, who is fully vaccinated. The idea hasn't been brought forward to St. Andrews council but the mayor would be open to the idea. "I would support it. Its such a contentious issue but its a health issue," Sul said. Meantime, Axworthy wants Manitoba municipalities to view vaccine policies as an urgent matter of public safety. "Right now, rural municipalities are looking to say, 'We'll wait for someone else, we'll wait for someone else, we'll wait for someone else," he said. "But at the end of the day, what we're really risking is our employees getting COVID or dying and there's a greater fear of what happens if we lose one employee (over a vaccine mandate) than what happens if we lose one employee to the grave." malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: malakabas_ In the battle to overcome COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, we've largely dispensed with the carrot and are starting to use increasingly bigger sticks. Opinion In the battle to overcome COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, we've largely dispensed with the carrot and are starting to use increasingly bigger sticks. This week, the Board of Internal Economy, a committee that oversees operational issues for Parliament, said all federal MPs would have to be fully vaccinated to attend in-person sittings of the House of Commons. On the same day, Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough said Canadians who are fired for not complying with vaccine mandates may not be eligible for Employment Insurance. These are not isolated examples. From coast to coast to coast, governmental and private employers are laying down the law on vaccines in a desperate effort to contain a fourth wave of COVID-19. While debates over legality and morality may continue for some time to come, the architects of mandates continue to tighten the reins with one unambiguous truth: they work. Notwithstanding the often robust opposition, the global vaccination rate has been slowly inching upwards. A big part of that progress has been hard and fast rules that limit the movements and activities of unvaccinated people or threaten their jobs. That may seem harsh, but the social science is clear: most of the truly hesitant need to feel a bit of pain before they gain the confidence to get vaccinated. Moreover, the threats some made about walking away from jobs to avoid being immunized were, for the most part, bluffs. In September, two landmark opinion surveys of unvaccinated Americans came out suggesting widespread resignations were in the offing if vaccine mandates were not lifted. One, published in Scientific American, found 48 per cent would quit or look for another job. Anecdotally, it's hard to find evidence these threats were real. Regardless of industry or size of business, most employers that have imposed vaccine mandates have seen the overwhelming majority step forward and get the jab. This has been the case even for businesses demanding employees be fully vaccinated and do not offer a testing option. In Manitoba, 10,000 health-care workers had refused to declare their vaccination status in time for the Oct. 18 deadline. By the end of the week, only 178 had refused to get vaccinated or submit to testing, and were suspended. U.S.-based airlines were among the first large employers to demand full vaccination for continued employment. At the end of last month, United Airlines reported only 593 (or 1.5 per cent) of its 67,000 employees had refused to get vaccinated. Delta Airlines has set a Nov. 1 deadline for full vaccination, and when progress towards that goal started to flatten, it announced a $200-a-month penalty for any employee that held out. There are examples where vaccine mandates have not worked. In New York state, for example, there are private hospitals and nursing home networks have seen steadfast refusal among employees to get vaccinated, even under threat of suspension or termination. It was that scenario that convinced Quebec to delay its deadline for full vaccination for provincial health-care workers until next month. But are the mandates on their own the real reason people are getting vaccinated? Many vaccine-hesitant people claim they are not vehement anti-vaxx activists. Instead, they claim they are just fearful and although it's hard to believe, given the wealth of solid scientific evidence unclear about the safety of vaccines. Again, social scientists have been busy digging into the psyche of the unvaccinated to see which sticks work best in getting people over the anti-vaxx hump. Civis, a public opinion polling and analytics company in the U.S., recently released a detailed poll of 5,000 unvaccinated Americans to assess the impact of eight different kinds of pro-vaccine messages, from the use of "scary COVID statistics" to patriotism and more direct forms of inducement. The survey found the most successful message was it would help protect children. Close behind were "financial costs" of losing employment and "fear of missing out" on things such as live music, sporting events or being able to go into bars and restaurants. Least impactful were messages relying on vaccine safety, alarming statistics about the toll COVID-19 has taken or personal stories of people who were convinced to get the jab. What does it all mean? As big a stick as it is, social and economic restrictions and employment-related vaccine mandates do work. Even when there is an initial period of pushback, most people affected eventually agree to get vaccinated. That may not seem just or fair or right to some. But in a battle where even a small percentage of vaccine-resistant people can bring the health-care system to its knees, the stick has become an inevitable feature of the pandemic. dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) A roadside bombing targeting a Taliban vehicle in eastern Afghanistan killed at least two civilians Saturday, including a child, Taliban and health officials said. Four others were wounded. Taliban fighters inspect at the site roadside bombing in Jalalabad east of Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. A roadside bombing targeting a Taliban vehicle in eastern Afghanistan killed at least two civilians Saturday, including a child, Taliban and health officials said. Four others were wounded. (AP Photo/Shir Shah Hamdard) KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) A roadside bombing targeting a Taliban vehicle in eastern Afghanistan killed at least two civilians Saturday, including a child, Taliban and health officials said. Four others were wounded. Two bombs detonated as a Taliban vehicle was passing by, killing one child, district police chief Ismatullah Mubariz said, adding that no Taliban fighters were harmed. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack but the Islamic State group is active in eastern Nangarhar province, where it has launched frequent attacks targeting the Taliban. A local hospital official said two bodies and four wounded civilians were transferred to the hospital after the attack. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. Recently, IS has shown signs of expansion in Afghanistan, with attacks in the north, the south and the capital of Kabul. The group's ability to launch frequent attacks has cast doubt over the Taliban's ability to maintain security and stability in the embattled country. Last week, IS claimed responsibility for a deadly suicide bombing on a Shiite mosque in southern Afghanistan that killed 47 people and wounded scores more. It was the deadliest since the dramatic U.S. exit from the country, which allowed the Taliban to seize control of the Afghan capital. ___ Akhgar reported from Islamabad. Winona, MN (55987) Today Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 33F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 33F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Standardized testing results released Wednesday showed the coronavirus pandemics effect on student learning and participation last year in Wisconsin. Schools statewide saw losses in student proficiency in English language arts and math during the 2020-21 school year, which is in line with national trends, according to a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Results by district are available to the public at wisedash.dpi.wi.gov. In Baraboo, roughly 56% of students in the tested grades were not proficient in ELA or math, Forward Exam results showed. The test is given to students in grades three through eight and 10. Thats kind of alarming to me, District Administrator Rainey Briggs said of Baraboos ELA results, but I also understand where we were at the time of this assessment namely, dead-smack in the middle of the pandemic, so there were a number of students who did not take the test as well. More than 13% of eligible Baraboo students did not take the English test last year, much higher than the 0.7% who opted out in 2018-19 but consistent with the statewide nonparticipation rate. The Forward Exam was not administered in 2019-20. Council Member Josh Maas, who served on the former PFC with Culver, said Friday that the pair asked for the investigation to show the community the PFC did nothing wrong by posting the job externally. We just wanted to prove the truth, and we did, he said. I never doubted we did anything wrong, we followed the law to a T and we were never obligated just to hand the job to someone. We wanted a good, open fair competition because it is best for Horicon. When reached for comment Friday, Mayor Jim Grigg said he hadnt had the opportunity to read the investigations findings, but that sheriff did call to tell him no criminal wrongdoing was found. I told him we followed not only our city attorneys recommendation but the labor attorney and the attorney for the League of Municipalities recommendations, as well, rather than the police and fire commission, said Grigg. A new Horicon police chief has yet to be hired. Grigg said the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association has been contacted to ask for assistance with the interviewing and selection process. The next step is for the personnel and finance committee to pick three chiefs who volunteered to help and then either look internally or externally so we can finally get a police chief, he said. Follow Kelly Simon on Twitter @KSchmidSimon or contact her at 920-356-6757. 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. This letter is in response to Robin Voss protests about being ordered to share public documents with the voters of Wisconsin. It is not surprising that Vos would be upset by such an order, which runs counter to all of his behaviors in office. Its been apparent for some time that Vos is concerned with agenda of the very wealthy donors and the concept of serving all citizens of Wisconsin is completely foreign to him. Although there are hundreds of examples, one only needs to cite a current situation: investigating the recent election at a cost of $700,000 taxpayer dollars. This, despite Voss statement that he believes Joe Biden was legally elected president. Vos you should ask voters who work for a living about what their work entails. Ask them about their work environment, the physical and mental demands, the hours required and how taxes impact their lives. You may want to inquire about health care costs, including pharmaceuticals and the cost of higher education as well as the affordability of childcare. Most importantly, ask why, as working citizens, they feel entitled to view public documents that impact their lives and for which they pay with their taxes. You may find the responses are different from your sponsors who dont pay taxes. Actor Brandon Lee died in March 1993 after he was shot in the abdomen while filming a scene for The Crow. Money and safety issues, including severe burns suffered by a construction worker, already had plagued the production. A makeshift bullet was mistakenly left in a gun from a previous scene and struck Lee during a scene that called for using blank rounds. OSHA fined the production $84,000 for violations found after Lees death, but the fine was later reduced to $55,000. After the fatal Rust shooting on Thursday, an account run by Lee's sister Shannon tweeted : No one should ever be killed by a gun on a film set. Period. Camera operator Sarah Jones was run over by a train in February 2014 during the filming of a Gregg Allman biopic in rural Georgia. The death of Jones, 27, and the injuries of other crew members hit by pieces of a metal bed frame that was on the train tracks as part of the production, put a heightened industry focus on film set safety. The crew filming Midnight Rider did not have permission to be on the tracks but were not expecting a train while filming the bed scene. Prosecutors filed criminal charges against the films director, who pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and criminal trespassing charges. He was sentenced to two years in jail but released after a year and fined $74,900 by OSHA. Jones' parents created a foundation dedicated to improving safety on film and television shoots. Wisconsin residents with increased risk of exposure or transmission of COVID-19 can now receive Moderna and Johnson & Johnson booster doses in the state, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced Friday. The health departments recommendation follows new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that also allows individuals to get a booster dose from a different company than was provided in their initial vaccination. Dr. Ryan Westergaard, chief medical officer with DHS, said the new guidance does not recommend that individuals seek out a booster dose from a different company than the one that provided their initial vaccine, but does allow for the mixing and matching of doses. He added there is no evidence that any specific combination of vaccine doses is more effective than others, while clinical data has shown that all three doses have been used in some combination successfully and safely. Alec Baldwin has made his first public statement since a fatal shooting on the set of his new film on Thursday. "There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours," Baldwin tweeted on Friday. "I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna." The actor was in New Mexico filming "Rust," which he's starring in and producing. Baldwin discharged a prop firearm on the set that resulted in the death of Halyna Hutchins, 42, the film's director of photography, according to investigators. Director Joel Souza, 48, was also injured and transported to Christus St. Vincent's Regional Medical Center by ambulance for care. Affidavit: Baldwin handed what was said to be 'cold gun' A search warrant issued by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office and obtained by CNN affiliate KOAT revealed that Baldwin was handed one of three prop guns by assistant director David Halls that were set up in a cart by an armorer. Halls handed the gun to Baldwin and yelled "cold gun," meaning the gun did not have live rounds, the affidavit states. The gun fired by Baldwin hit Hutchins in the chest and wounded Souza, who was behind her while rehearsing a scene, in the shoulder. She was pronounced dead at a hospital after being transported by helicopter. The investigator says in the affidavit that the assistant director did not know the gun had live rounds when he handed the gun to Baldwin. The affidavit asked to seize all firearms and ammunition, cameras and computer equipment and the clothes worn by the actors at the time of the shooting. Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Juan Rios told CNN earlier Friday that the search warrant request was granted. Crew members had safety concerns, reports say According to the Los Angeles Times and other media outlets, several crew members quit the production due to concerns over conditions and safety issues -- including gun safety procedures -- and Covid protocols not being followed before the shooting. "The safety of our cast and crew is the top priority of Rust Productions and everyone associated with the company," Rust Movie Productions said in a statement obtained by Deadline. "Though we were not made aware of any official complaints concerning weapon or prop safety on set, we will be conducting an internal review of our procedures while production is shut down. We will continue to cooperate with the Santa Fe authorities in their investigation and offer mental health services to the cast and crew during this tragic time." CNN has made multiple attempts to reach Rust Movie Productions for comment. The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office said the investigation "remains open and active" and no charges have been filed. 911 caller: 'We were rehearsing and it went off' In a 911 call obtained by KOAT, a crew member explains to the operator that help is needed for two people that had been "accidentally" shot on set at the Bonanza Creek Ranch. "We need some help a director and a camera woman have been shot," a woman tells the 911 operator. The woman also explains what had occurred before the prop firearm went off. "I was sitting, we were rehearsing and it went off, and I ran out, we all ran out," the woman told the emergency operator. Authorities to execute search warrant Authorities will be carefully combing the property where the movie was being filmed this weekend. Deputies are maintaining a security perimeter around the scene of the shooting, Rios said later. There were no deputies on set at the time of the shooting, but the sheriff's office was aware the production was using prop guns, he added. The New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau announced it is also investigating the shooting. Prop gun incidents have led to previous deaths Production accidents, despite safety measures, have happened before. While filming the movie "The Crow" in 1993, actor Brandon Lee, the son of Bruce Lee, was killed in a prop gun shooting accident. Even blank ammunition can be deadly if fired at close range. In 1984, actor John-Eric Hexum was playing around with a gun on the set of "Cover Up: Golden Opportunity" and died after putting the gun to his head and pulling the trigger. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. - New Hartford Fire Department celebrated its 120th anniversary. State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-47 commemorated the anniversary and National Fire Prevention month by presenting a resolution. Scott Nicotera, New Hartford Fire Department Chief, said the support of the community is what helped the fire department persevere. Nicotera said, "We're very fortunate to have a community that is involved and supports the department in the way that they do and we're always appreciative of their help." New Hartford Fire Department is made up of 64 volunteers. A Minneapolis police officer was charged with manslaughter for allegedly crashing his squad car into a vehicle during a high-speed chase earlier this year, which resulted in the death of an innocent man, authorities announced Friday. Officer Brian Cummings has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and criminal vehicular homicide in connection with the crash that killed Leneal Frazier, a 40-year-old Black man, who was not being chased in the pursuit, according to the criminal complaint filed by the Hennepin County District Attorneys' office. "Police are supposed to protect and serve citizens, and to act in a manner consistent with their sworn oath to do so. Officer Cummings' actions deviated from his oath and his negligence caused the death of Leneal Frazier," Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said in a statement. Cummings current status with the police department was not immediately clear. The union representing Minneapolis police officers and the Minneapolis police department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The fatal crash has prompted Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to initiate a re-review of the city's police pursuit policy after it was previously updated in 2019. "The State is handling the investigation, and our local government will be cooperating fully to help ensure a transparent process," Frey said in a statement in July. "We updated the department's pursuit policy in 2019 to make it far more restrictive and will again be reviewing that policy, independent of the investigation." "The violence our city is experiencing is a public health crisis, and we will continue our work to treat it as such that means both just and equitable law enforcement and safety solutions beyond policing," the statement continued. During a press conference Friday afternoon, Freeman said he has been "very concerned about pursuits in this state for a number of years. The county attorney charges and prosecutes cases. I don't necessarily set the policy of police departments or other entities." "But sometimes the policies are so poorly done that I need to get involved," Freeman continued. "I've tried to, informally and behind the scenes, get involved behind the scenes to improve the policy and it simply has not worked. So it is time, in this case, which is as egregious as anyone I've seen, to do something about it, and I have." Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and attorney Jeff Storms, who are representing the Frazier family, released a statement Friday, saying they are "grateful for the charges brought against Brian Cummings." "No innocent civilian should ever lose their life because of unwarranted high-speed chases in residential neighborhoods," the statement reads. "This case shines a light on how far we have to go in the pursuit of safe and just policing in America. High-speed pursuit policies in Minneapolis and across America must be better written and stringently enforced to protect innocent civilians." Cummings, 37, was responding to a stolen vehicle report in North Minneapolis in the early morning on July 6 when he spotted a black Kia Sportage matching the description of the vehicle "suspected to be involved in thefts from businesses," the complaint reads. The officer attempted to make a traffic stop, but the Kia sped away and a chase was initiated, according to the complaint. Cummings' squad car had sirens and lights activated as he pursued the car for more than 20 blocks -- including residential neighborhoods -- at speeds "approaching near or at 100 mph," according to the criminal complaint filed Thursday. Cummings was driving at approximately 90 mph as he approached an intersection in an area with a 25 mph speed limit, according to the criminal complaint. Frazier, who had a green light, then entered the intersection in his Jeep and had a "partially obstructed view of traffic coming from the south" due to an apartment building on one corner of the intersection. The Kia Sportage ran the red light and entered the intersection at roughly 100 mph, and it "narrowly missed" Frazier's Jeep. However, as Cummings pursued the suspect, he ran the red light at approximately 90 mph and crashed Frazier's car on the driver's side, the complaint says. The accident was reconstructed after the crash with the technology in Cummings' squad car and surveillance video in the area, revealing the officer was driving at roughly 78 mph when he hit Frazier's Jeep, which was going 25 mph "at the point of impact," the complaint says. Frazier died at a nearby hospital as a result of his injuries. The reconstruction found the collision "can be attributed to the Defendant for failure to operate his vehicle with due regard for the safety of other motorists." According to the Minneapolis Police Department's pursuit policy, officers "shall not initiate a pursuit or shall terminate a pursuit in progress if the pursuit poses an unreasonable risk to the officers, the public or passengers of the vehicle being pursued who may be unwilling participants." Officers must always "be aware of the inherent danger to the public and to themselves in vehicle pursuits or emergency responses," the policy states. In a memo, Freeman urged an overhaul of police pursuit policies in Minnesota, saying they are "inadequate and do not do enough to protect human life." Vehicle pursuits allow officers to initiate "dangerous pursuits in situations where it is simply not critical for public safety to pursue wrongdoers at high speeds" and they cause serious injury or death of suspects and innocent bystanders, Freeman wrote. Last year, there were 3,109 reported pursuits, and roughly 8% of those were initiated due to a felony offense, according to the most recent Uniform Crime Report for Minnesota. There have been 40 reported fatal injuries for people "involved in, or affected by, pursuits" from 2013 to 2020, according to Freeman's memo. Minnesota has had several incidents where innocent bystanders have been injured or killed due to high-speed police vehicle pursuits. In 2018, Minnesota State Patrol troopers chased a driver, who fled from an attempted traffic stop, into a residential neighborhood and then into a playground, resulting in "two young children suffering life-threatening injuries and a third young child suffering less severe injury," according to Freeman's memo. Last year, three teenagers who were riding in a stolen vehicle were killed in a crash after they were being chased by Minneapolis police officers, the memo says. "It is unacceptable that most police pursuits are initiated because of something other than a felony offense," Freeman's memo reads. "Police departments must reserve pursuits only for cases involving violent felony offenses." The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, chairs a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 22, 2021. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] JINAN, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday urged notable progress in ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). 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 symposium in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. Xi called for unremitting efforts to ensure that the Yellow River will always benefit the Chinese nation. Despite new progress, there are still major problems and difficulties facing ecological conservation and high-quality development of the basin, Xi said. He said provincial-level regions along the Yellow River should stick to putting the environment first and being committed to green development. Calling attention to water safety risks and the profound impacts brought by climate change, Xi said the capability to deal with disasters must be improved to better protect people's lives. Local officials were urged to put overall interests above everything else when dealing with major issues and bear in mind the long-term goal to avoid the short-sighted pursuit of quick payoffs, Xi said. He also demanded a stable supply of coal and electricity to ensure smooth economic and social order. Xi stressed the implementation of major tasks for promoting ecological conservation and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Accelerated efforts should be made to put in place preventive measures against natural disasters, he said, while urging meticulous utilization as well as strict and careful management of water resources. Better work should be done to control soil erosion and desertification in the upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River, and strengthen coordinated environmental overhaul of the lower reaches' waterways and flood plain, Xi said, adding that biodiversity in the river delta should be enhanced. He also called for expediting the creation of a new pattern of protecting and utilizing national territorial space. Xi pointed out that the CPC Central Committee had made a comprehensive plan on promoting ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin and the key lies in implementation with unified thought. He encouraged market entities and social forces to take an active part. Some regions of the Yellow River basin suffered rare flooding in recent months, Xi said, calling for effective measures in post-disaster reconstruction, and in particular, efforts to help the people in need. Attending the symposium, Vice Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, underlined the need to study Xi's speech and instructions to ensure the implementation of all major tasks of ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin. Xi conducted field research before convening the symposium. On Wednesday afternoon, he inspected the estuary of the Yellow River where he said solid progress in protecting the river is an important task of state governance. At a national-level nature reserve, Xi said that the nature reserve of the Yellow River Delta plays a key role in ecological conservation. He encouraged building a national park of the river estuary. When visiting the Agricultural High-tech Industrial Demonstration Area of the Yellow River Delta Thursday, Xi said the comprehensive use of saline-alkali soil is of strategic importance to national food security. Visiting a residential community of relocated residents, Xi called for coordination in relocation settlement, industry development, employment, and the provision of public facilities and community services. Xi later visited a research institute in the Shengli Oilfield. "To meet the core demand of oil and gas is an important task for us," he said, adding that exploration must be boosted to improve self-reliance capacity. Resources should be pulled together to achieve breakthroughs in core and key technologies and promote cleaner and more efficient development and use of energy, Xi said. When visiting a drilling platform in the Shengli Oilfield, Xi extended sincere greetings to oil workers as this year marks the 60th anniversary of the discovery of the oilfield. Xi also fully acknowledged the work of the province since the 19th CPC National Congress and urged Shandong to continuously improve people's living standards and promote common prosperity. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, chairs a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 22, 2021. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, chairs a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 22, 2021. [Xinhua/Li Xueren] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Agricultural High-tech Industrial Demonstration Area of the Yellow River Delta in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2021. After the visit, Xi on Friday chaired a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Agricultural High-tech Industrial Demonstration Area of the Yellow River Delta in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2021. After the visit, Xi on Friday chaired a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Li Xueren] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, checks the growth of soybeans while visiting the Agricultural High-tech Industrial Demonstration Area of the Yellow River Delta in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2021. After the visit, Xi on Friday chaired a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. [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, speaks to staff while visiting a research institute of oil exploration in the Shengli Oilfield in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2021. After the visit, Xi on Friday chaired a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Li Xueren] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a drilling platform in the Shengli Oilfield in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2021. After the visit, Xi on Friday chaired a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. [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, speaks with workers while visiting a drilling platform in the Shengli Oilfield in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2021. After the visit, Xi on Friday chaired a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Li Xueren] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a research institute of oil exploration in the Shengli Oilfield in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2021. After the visit, Xi on Friday chaired a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, speaks with workers while visiting a drilling platform in the Shengli Oilfield in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2021. After the visit, Xi on Friday chaired a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, speaks to staff members while visiting a research institute of oil exploration in the Shengli Oilfield in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2021. After the visit, Xi on Friday chaired a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Li Xueren] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, checks equipment while visiting a drilling platform in the Shengli Oilfield in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2021. After the visit, Xi on Friday chaired a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Li Xueren] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, checks equipment while visiting a drilling platform in the Shengli Oilfield in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2021. After the visit, Xi on Friday chaired a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Li Xueren] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community of relocated residents in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2021. After the visit, Xi on Friday chaired a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with local residents while visiting a residential community of relocated residents in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2021. After the visit, Xi on Friday chaired a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Li Xueren] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, chats with the Xu Jianfeng family while visiting a residential community of relocated residents in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2021. After the visit, Xi on Friday chaired a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Li Xueren] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves while visiting a residential community of relocated residents in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2021. After the visit, Xi on Friday chaired a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Li Xueren] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community of relocated residents in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2021. After the visit, Xi on Friday chaired a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Li Xueren] Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a residential community of relocated residents in the city of Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 21, 2021. After the visit, Xi on Friday chaired a symposium on ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. [Xinhua/Li Xueren] (Source: Xinhua) 94 year old Woodward, OK resident passed November 17, 2021. Services Saturday November 27, 2021 at 10:00 am at the Vici Church of the Nazarene and burial following at Sunnyside Cemetery, Vici. Shaw Funeral Home of Vici Copyright 2021 AccuWeather. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Calls for train services between London, Chester and North Wales to return to pre-pandemic levels Calls have been made for the frequency of direct train services between London Euston, Chester and North Wales to be restored to pre-pandemic levels. The Growth Track 360 partnership is seeking assurances that Avanti West Coast will be moving as quickly as possible to restore direct services that run throughout the day. Avanti took over the running of long-distance train services in North Wales from Virgin in 2019. Direct services between the region and London were then lost due to the collapse of demand for rail travel arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. Business and local authority leaders from North Wales, the Wirral and Cheshire West and Chester, who make up the Growth Track 360 partnership, say there is concern at the slow pace of returning to the full-service patterns. There are currently two direct services a day between London Euston and Holyhead. Leaders of The Growth Track 360 group said there was a lack of consultation by the train operator with local stakeholders on both the original cessation and the post-Covid recovery of services. Growth Track 360 Chair and Leader of Cheshire West & Chester Council, Councillor Louise Gittins, said: We are asking Avanti West Coast to outline their plans to recover the high level of intercity rail services that our region enjoyed prior to Covid 19 and set out when we can see an increase in services from two direct trains a day. We also want a commitment to consult local authorities and other stakeholders in the region on their next set of timetable plans. Growth Track 360 Vice Chair and Leader of Flintshire Council, Councillor Ian Roberts, said: Cheshire and North Wales benefited immensely from improvements provided towards the end of the Virgin franchise with an hourly direct train from Chester to London and services running to and from North Wales two-hourly. Direct links were thus provided to the university city of Bangor, the gateway port to Ireland at Holyhead and leading tourism destination Llandudno. There was also a train from Wrexham which joined at Chester and returned at night. Restoring these trains is very important to the credibility and marketability of our region to investors and tourists. Avanti West Coast has been approached for a comment. Senedd Committee UK Government must respect the role of devolution in tackling climate change The Senedds Climate Change Committee has voiced serious concerns that the UK Government gave the Welsh Government no prior warning before publishing its Net Zero plan this week. When questioned by the Committee, Welsh Government Minister for Climate Change, Julie James MS, revealed that the UK Government gave her department effectively no information before the publication of the UK Governments Net Zero plan on Tuesday. The Minister told the Committee that her department received the report at 12:01am on the morning of publication. Llyr Gruffydd MS, Chair of the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, said: The threat of climate change requires the co-operation of governments across the globe to work together. Its hard then to believe that the UK Government would withhold information from their counterparts in the Welsh Government before the publication of the Net Zero plan. The Welsh Governments request to view the document before publication was perfectly reasonable, yet the UK Governments response goes against the spirit of co-operation. The UK Government must respect the role of devolution in tackling climate change. I hope that the commitments to engage with devolved governments set out in the strategy will prove to be fact and not fiction. Minister for Climate Change, Julie James also informed the Senedds Climate Change Committee that her meeting with UK Government Minister State for Energy, Clean Growth and Climate Change on Monday 18 October, in which she was told of the upcoming Net Zero plan, was only 15 minutes long. (Photo: Flickr/ Nick Humphries) Wrexham cyclists smash target on 250-mile bike ride for disadvantaged children A group of spirited cyclists completed a gruelling 250-mile journey through the mountains of North Wales to raise money for Wrexham Sounds. Participants in the epic VELO 21 challenge have already surpassed their 15,000 target for the social enterprise, a music studio for disadvantaged youngsters. Starting at the revamped Rhosrobin site, chairman Chris Lloyd and the group were given a celebratory send-off by crowds of well-wishers, including Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Ronnie Prince. The route took them around North Wales and through Snowdonia in all weathers, averaging more than 60 miles per day. Proceeds will help pay for instruments and equipment that will transform the lives of young people through music. I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the riders, to our support crew and everyone who got behind us over the four days and the run up to this challenge, said Chris. It was a very tough but enjoyable adventure with lots of twists and turns; we experienced some of the most beautiful parts of the region and, most importantly, have raised a lot of money for the studio. He added: We look forward to unveiling Wrexham Sounds and are busy behind the scenes forming new partnerships, building on existing ones and readying the revamped building for a very exciting future. Formerly Vic Studios, the not-for-profit organisation moved from the towns Hill Street to Rhosrobin in the summer, having been closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As well as children and teenagers who will be referred via a range of local agencies and educators, there will be sessions for pupils unable to access music lessons at school from rap and acoustic guitar to woodwind, drums, DJing and more plus related activities for toddlers and infants. Cllr Price congratulated the team at Wrexham Sounds including directors Dave Gray and Caroline Richards, and general manager Olivia Gallagher and said the resource will be pivotal in improving access to music and education for children across the area and beyond. It was great to be invited to Wrexham Sounds and to hear about the young people being given the opportunity to learn to play musical instruments, he said. For a young person this can be life changing in terms of confidence building, making new friends and just the absolute pleasure one gets from playing musical instruments. Well done to you all, and especially the cyclists who put in such a huge effort on their fundraising challenge its a great achievement. For more information or to join the team at Wrexham Sounds as a freelance tutor or volunteer, visit www.wrexhamsounds.org and follow them on social media at @wrexhamsounds. To donate to VELO 21, visit the website: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/christopher-lloyd-1 The State Department informed congressional staff Thursday that it is in touch with 363 US citizens in Afghanistan, 176 of whom want to leave. Maxar satellite imagery of the tarmac at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan. In his Downing Street press briefing Wednesday, Conservative Health Secretary Sajid Javid dismissed warnings made by health professionals that the National Health Service (NHS) is being overwhelmed by the surge in infections and hospital admissions from the pandemic. Javid declared, We don't believe that the pressures that are currently faced by the NHS are unsustainable. Britain's Health Secretary Sajid Javid speaks during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021. (Toby Melville/Pool Photo via AP) This was an arrogant response to appeals made by health managers represented in the NHS Confederation in a statement released the day before. The confederation wrote, The NHS is seeing worrying increases in coronavirus cases in its hospitals and the community at a time when it is preparing for a busy winter period, its staff are close to burnout, and it is being expected to recover many of its services that were disrupted by the pandemic. Javids brazen statement rejecting even minimal mitigation measures contained the phrase of learning to live with virus twice. It came after the death toll from the pandemic in the UK in the previous last 24 hours had climbed to 223, the highest since March 9. British Medical Association (BMA) chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul has described Javids refusal as wilfully negligent, stating, The Westminster Government said it would enact Plan B to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed; as doctors working on the frontline, we can categorically say that the time is now. By the Health Secretarys own admission, we could see 100,000 cases a day and we now have the same number of weekly Covid deaths as we had during March, when the country was in lockdown. The rejection of even the minimal measures contained in its own Plan B policy, mandatory face masks, remote working and vaccine passports, confirms that the government will not abandon its policy of letting the virus rip, no matter what the cost in human life. The reckless actions of the health secretary are openly backed by the most frothing sections on the political right-wing, representing the interests of big business. They are demanding no more lockdowns or public health measures that would impinge on their profits, regardless of the rate of infections and death. Javids actions are viewed as a necessary exercise in facing down opposition from the public and within the health care profession to establish the new normal of living with the virus. In an article in the Daily Telegraph, The NHS isnt facing another Covid crisis and Sajid Javid knows it, Fraser Nelson, editor of The Spectator magazine, wrote, This will be the first cold season in which Britain learns not how to suppress the virus, but how to live with it. To bring back restrictions in a fully vaccinated nationand one not facing an emergencyrisks ushering in a new way of life. These would be new rules not for a pandemic, but for winter. Were about to test the new normal. The article is replete with a cartoon portraying doctors and nurses as a baying mob surrounding Javid under the caption, Unsustainable Pressure. But the fact is that the Labour Party is just as set against containing the pandemic as the Tory right-wing. In parliament, party leader Sir Keir Starmer described calls for a plan B the wrong focus The question we need to ask is why is plan A failing? He called like Johnson and Javid for an exclusive focus on vaccinations. It is the claim that the situation in the NHS is manageable that is stuff of satire, with grave real life consequences. It is graphically refuted by the crisis in Accident and Emergency (A&E) units and the ambulance service around the UK. Last weekend the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) reported that every ambulance service in the country was the highest level of alert. Black Alert or OPEL4 is triggered in situations in which comprehensive care cannot be provided and patients are at risk. The AACE revealed that hours lost to ambulance services due to hospital handover delays of more than an hour had increased from 4,700 hours in April 2021 to more than 35,000 hours last month. NHS workers are turning to social media to highlight the crisis denied by the government. On Twitter a student paramedic posted a photograph of rows of ambulances lined up outside an A&E in Oxford waiting to transfer patients explaining that she was 23rd in a queue of 25. Her message was Its not even winter. Help. This was retweeted by a doctor adding, These 25 ambulances are unable to attend 999 calls because the hospital is fullso they sit trapped outside, their sick patients unable even to enter [Emergency Department]. The doctor received a tweet with a video showing similar queues at another hospital with the message, Same at Portsmouth. Last Monday, a woman suffering from a cardiac arrest died in the back of an ambulance after waiting more than two hours for handover to A&E at James Paget Hospital in Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk. There were 14 ambulances queuing outside the hospital on that afternoon. A major factor causing the delays in handover at A&E is the shortage of hospital beds. The NHS is already surpassing safe thresholds of bed occupancy even before Winter and the onset of the flu season. The Independent reported that hospital beds across England had reached 91 percent occupancy last Friday. Anything more than 85 percent is deemed unsafe. The stress on NHS staff is taking a heavy toll on their mental and physical health. The results of an inquiry conducted by the cross-party Health and Social Care Committee published in June over workforce burnout in the NHS and social care noted the covid-19 pandemic had increased workforce pressures exponentially. 92% of trusts told NHS Providers they had concerns about staff wellbeing, stress and burnout following the pandemic. Ambulance crews are reporting having to work hours beyond their 12 hour shifts and often missing breaks. The main health union Unison reported examples of emergency call rooms overload. At one service there was a backlog of 400 calls and in some instances emergency call handlers starting shifts with ambulances needed at over 100 incidents. In some cases this has involved a 24 hour wait for an ambulance. The Johnson Conservative government is driving the NHS over a cliff in pursuit of its herd immunity strategy and can rely on the trade unions and Labour Party to pose no opposition. We encourage NHS workers to attend the WSWS-hosted w ebinar this Sunday, How to end the Pandemic. This is part of a globally co-ordinated fight back by the working class against the murderous policies pursued by the ruling elites around the world. A scientifically enlightened policy to end the pandemic requires a social force to ensure its implementationthe political action of the working class to defend lives not protect profits. The World Socialist Web Site spoke to workers intending to join the How to end the pandemic webinar on Sunday to discuss how to end the current COVID-19 pandemic as it resurges across wide areas of the planet. Peter, a senior health care worker at a hospital in north west England, said, I support the call for science to be used in the interests of the vast majority to wipe out COVID-19. Principled epidemiologists and scientists have made the case for the successful eradication of the virus not in years but weeks and months. Workers cannot live in a cycle of preventable death and illness and indifference. Trade unions leaders say nothing as workers are forced back to work and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer was the staunchest advocate of sending children back to schools. The call for the building of an International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees is already gaining momentum and it is these committees, independent of the nationalist trade unions and leaderships, that are leading the fight back. Its great to see David O'Sullivan taking part as a representative of the rank-and-file of London bus drivers. Dave was sacked and victimised for standing up for these scientific truths and political principles, and for calling for the protection of life over the bus companies profits. COVID-19 can be eradicated. But it will take the political struggle, life over profit, and armed with a scientific programme against herd immunity and limited mitigation, to achieve this goal. Eradication is possible but can only be achieved through a scientific and political struggle. The scientists now stepping forward have shown not only great principle but great courage and will be supported strongly by workers the world over. Dr. Michael Baker, Dr. Gurdasani, Dr. Gasperowicz, Dr. Feigl-Ding and the others participating in the webinar, including the courageous school strike organiser Lisa Diaz, are gaining more and more support from the international working class because they speak the truth, and they place human life above all other interests. Helena Helena, who works as a civil servant, said, I will be attending the meeting because its vital that we develop a global approach to tackling the problems of Covid-19 among our communities. In the UK, parents are being told that they must send their children to schools where Covid is rife among students and no mitigations are in place. As a society, many have been brainwashed into believing that the pandemic is over. The media are no longer reporting on the steady increase in cases, hospitalisation and deaths. I want to play my part in making sure that those of us who care take a strong and coordinated approach to raising awareness of the realities of Covid and its impact on all of us. Michelle from Wiltshire, England said, I want to hear from eminent scientists who do not agree with the current UK rhetoric of living with the virus. Its not acceptable to allow children to get infected. As a science teacher, currently out of the profession, I have an interest in the scientific debate about the coronavirus pandemic. With the media pushing the back to normal message and how we must learn to live with the virus, it is no wonder that UK citizens choose not to wear a mask. The government in parliament have also reinforced this message with no mask wearing. And now, with unnecessarily high case rates our National Health Service is at breaking point and shockingly still no leadership from government. Just guidance. Meanwhile parents like myself have the agonising choice of sending our children to school where there are no mitigations, mask wearing, improved ventilation, or to keep them home and be bullied for non-attendance, face threats of fines or prosecution. It is schools legal responsibility to ensure health and safety of children. However, how can they implement a mask mandate for unvaccinated children against the lack of mask wearing amongst adults? I find it particularly divisive that there is no more isolation of close contacts and schools are refusing to inform parents of cases within a class. As a parent I don't know what more I can do but write to headteachers, public health leaders, my MP, to push for greater mitigations, and to take part in the SchoolStrike2021. James, a probationary teacher from Manchester, explained, The situation is surreal. All this sickness and mortality is normalized. The UK has one of the highest infection rates. I go in schools and the places are packed, no masks. Im enjoying the job, but its depressing to enter the profession you really care about and see its current state. Kids have really struggled, theyre out of their routine, theyre struggling with mental health. Most teachers are doing all they can. It feels like were being attacked from all angles from the Tory party, and the cherry on the top is the pay freeze. Weve put in our heart and soul, working during the pandemic, at the expense of our own well-being, and what do we get in returna pay cut! Online, Su, a mother of a teenager with Downs Syndrome in a special school, wrote, Value information from the scientists. UK schools very few mitigation measures and high levels of Covid19. Thank you to all the scientists taking part. Marion wrote, Because I cant stand this Tory government, they are tearing everything apart, and causing so much damage. Kate says, We need a global response to the pandemic, something which is not ever discussed in the mainstream media. Kate wrote that she was attending, Because I want to see an elimination strategy adopted in the UK and more people to understand that scientifically, it's possible, desirable and the only real way forward. Ann said, I need to keep up with my knowledge so that I can challenge people spreading misinformation regarding the vaccine and the virus. Marlyn explained, I don't want a world of threats and risk. That's the world we live inawful, barbaric. I want to know the arguments as to how we can eradicate COVID and be able to persuade friends. Sarah was, Looking forward to hearing from experts on the subject as there is too much misinformation out there in the media. Shiromi commented, This pandemic has been such a menace to this whole world. So I am really interested how it can be eradicated forever. Sean was Concerned for my grandchildren and the world they will inherit due to my lacking of trust in the political leaders utilising the pandemic to further their wealth and wield their power. Daniella said, Children are dying from a preventable disease and theyre the most innocent in society and the least protected. Amy wrote, I support the work done by WSWS & Safe Education For All campaigning to protect children, families, and communities. Looking forward to listening to all the speakers at this event. Claire was attending, Because I am firmly behind this initiative, and have also been working in the UK with SafeEdForAll [Safe Education for All], The Hive and F4VL to achieve this. Jane Hale wanted To get the facts from people I trust. Sophy said, My choice is to keep shielding behind four walls (not psychologically or financially practical long-term as Im only 40!) or risk my life in a society where very few people are wearing masks or being socially responsible. I fear for the future of myself, my family and my fellow citizens. Some of the people you have on this panel have been part of helping me feel like we havent been completely forgotten. Mohammed wrote, I want to do as much as possible and learn more on what I can do to educate more people on the truth. Celia explained, I greatly respect the contributors to this event and feel helped by their expertise and honesty. Graham is Clinically Extremely Vulnerable, Housebound, determined to promote eradication as the only egalitarian solution. Katie explained, I'm a parent of a primary age child who is now being non-educated due to the lack of safety mitigations in school. Emmy wrote, Our Clinically Extremely Vulnerable and Clinically Vulnerable have had their human rights breached and abandoned by this Government. Fighting 4 Vulnerable Lives are fighting for our most vulnerable in society, social deprivation pre-pandemic was devastating lives, now it's criminal! Scott said simply, We have to fight to eradicate the virus! Register for the webinar here, invite your co-workers, friends and family and promote the event as widely as possible on social media. Heaven Hill strikers, (source UFCW) After Kentucky Heaven Hill distillery workers walked picket lines day and night for five weeks, they have been given little more than 24 hours to make a decision on a union-backed tentative agreement (TA). The first and most important step is for workers to demand adequate time to study this new agreement. That would require at least one solid week of meetings to read and understand what the United Food and Commercial Workers 23D negotiating committee has pledged workers to endure over the next five years. How can anyone forget what they brought the first time? According to some reports the TA is little more than the first agreement with a few clarifications from the company. Neither union nor company officials will say what is in the agreement, according to a report early yesterday afternoon by the Louisville Courier Journal and one television station. A statement from Heaven Hill, located in Bardstown, Kentucky, said the UFCW 23D negotiating committee provided their full recommendation for the new agreement, WHAS11 News reported. The agreement continues Heaven Hills long-standing commitment to its team members with industry-leading health care, wage growth and increased schedule flexibility, the statement says. Matt Aubrey, president of UFCW 23D, said Friday the union has reached a fully recommended tentative agreement with Heaven Hill on a five-year contract, the Courier Journal reported. With the strong support of the Bardstown community, these hardworking men and women have been standing together for more than a month to protect these good Kentucky jobs that their families have counted on for generations, a fawning Aubrey said. Heaven Hill workers will make their voices heard tomorrow when they vote on this tentative agreement. Heaven Hill spokeswoman Lauren Cherry also said in a statement Friday that the contract 'continues Heaven Hills long-standing commitment to its team members with industry-leading health care, wage growth and increased schedule flexibility.' But whats the rest of the story? Whats in the TA? Its unclear what the contract entails, the Courier Journal reported. When The Courier Journal requested a copy, Cherry said: I dont have anything more to share at this time, but will follow up when I do. A union spokesman did not immediately reply to an emailed request for a copy of the contract. More than 400-plus workers at one of the richest and largest Bourbon whiskey distilleries in the world went on strike September 10 after rejecting the first proposed five-year agreement by more than 96 percent. That was rejected in great part because Heaven Hill ($500 million in revenues for 2020) wanted to require new workers to abandon traditional workweeks of Monday-Friday for five-day weeks that would eliminate traditional weekends. Heaven Hill workerscorrectlyput no faith in the companys later pledge not to demand non-standard workweeks of veteran workers. As the old saying goes: Give them an inch and they will take a mile. Workers also faced a contract deal that eliminated a cap on health insurance premium increases, made cuts to overtime pay and major changes to work schedules that could mean weekends or forced overtime. When members of Local 23D faced hostile company-written court injunctions, the union dragged its feet. It did nothing to expand the strike. When they lost health care benefits for themselves and their families the union went hat-in-hand to the company to ask for goodwill and did not reach out to workers in other distilleries for common action. They made no attempt to link the fight of Heaven Hill workers with workers already in struggle around the US and world. When Heaven Hill workers saw their jobs being given away when the company hired full time replacement workers, i.e., scabs, the union made no effort to mobilize opposition, merely complaining of unfair labor practices. As though any other behavior could be expected on the part of management of a multimillion-dollar corporation. The UCFW has resorted to pathetic moral appeals, begging the company to return to the bargaining table, the WSWS declared at the time. The company, for its part, is adamant about imposing its demands and its last, best and final offer. The Heaven Hill workers are not alone. A wave of strikes is sweeping across the United States and the world. Separated and isolated, each strike can be picked off and defeated. United, workers create a powerful force. The World Socialist Web Site strongly advises workers to reject any attempt to blackmail them into a rushed vote. There should be no vote until all workers have had the chance to review, critique and debate the proposed contract. To win the strike and obtain a decent contract, workers must take matters into their own hands through the building of a rank-and-file strike committee independent of the UFCW. The committee should demand the rejection of any contract that does not meet workers basic demands and fight to spread the strike by linking up with other workers coming into struggle such as striking John Deere workers and Dana auto parts workers. A guest lecture by Dorian S. Abbot, an associate professor of geophysics at the University of Chicago, was cancelled by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on September 30 after a group of faculty and students accused the professor of causing harm by opposing aspects of affirmative action and diversity programs. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (mit.edu) Abbot was scheduled to speak on October 21 in a featured public lecture entitled, Climate and the potential for life on other planets, when he was informed by the head of MITs earth, atmospheric and planetary sciences department, Robert van der Hilst, that the program had been terminated. In videos and published comments, Dr. Abbot has argued against aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in academia where group membership is a primary aspect of a candidates evaluation. Abbot has also said that treating people as members of a group rather than as individuals is repeating the mistakes that made possible the atrocities of the 20th century. In responding to questions about the cancellation, MITs van der Hilst said, Besides freedom of speech, we have the freedom to pick the speaker who best fits our needs. Words matter and have consequences. In the face of a widespread public backlash against the decision, MIT President L. Rafael Reif sent a mass email on Tuesday defending van der Hilst and stating that controversy around this situation has caused great distress for many members of our community, in many quarters and that faculty members, students and young alumni have suffered a tide of online targeting and hate mail from outside MIT. Reif claimed that van der Hilst had determined that his department, could not host an effective public outreach event centered around Professor Abbot and there is no doubt that this matter has caused many people inside and outside our community to question the institutes commitment to free expression. Some report feeling that certain topics are now off limits at MIT. The MIT administration decided to offer Abbot the opportunity to deliver his lecture to fellow scientists but not the general public. Despite his defense of the blatant act of censorship, Reif then asserted, Freedom of expression is a fundamental value of the institute. Abbot had been planning to deliver the MIT annual John Carlson Lecture on climate change to a public audience since 2020. Upon the cancellation, Robert P. George, director of Princetons James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions, invited Abbot to deliver his lecture there on the same day as previously scheduled at MIT. Dr. George said, MIT has behaved disgracefully in capitulating to a politically motivated campaign. This is part of a larger trend of the politicization of science. The New York Times, a consistent proponent of the identity politics that has become a core principle of the Democratic Party, quoted Phoebe A. Cohen, geosciences professor and department chair at Williams College, who supports MITs decision to cancel Abbots lecture. Cohen said that a university should not invite speakers who do not share its values on diversity and affirmative action. The Times reported that Cohen also said she was not enamored of MITs offer to let him speak at a later date to the MIT professors. Cohen went on to say, This idea of intellectual debate and rigor as the pinnacle of intellectualism comes from a world in which white men dominated. In August, Abbot wrote, along with associate professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business Ivan Miranovic, a comment that was published by Newsweek entitled, The Diversity Problem on Campus. In their opinion piece, the professors criticize DEI as a new regime at American universities that is enforced by a large bureaucracy of administrators. Abbot and Miranovic picked apart the discriminatory methodology of DEI, writing, Most importantly, equity does not mean fair and equal treatment. DEI seeks to increase the representation of some groups through discrimination against members of other groups. Furthermore, they wrote, The underlying premise of DEI is that any statistical difference between group representation on campus and national averages reflects systemic injustice and discrimination by the university itself. The professors further elaborated on their critique of DEI and likened its promotion of racial and ethnic identity to Nazism, Ninety years ago Germany had the best universities in the world. Then an ideological regime obsessed with race came to power and drove many of the best scholars out, gutting the faculties and leading to sustained decay that German universities never fully recovered from. We should view this as a warning of the consequences of viewing group membership as more important than merit and correct our course before it is too late. The decision to cancel Abbots lecture because of his views on affirmative action establishes a precedent where any professor or lecturer can be blocked from speaking on any subject if they do not accept the dominant narrative, particularly as it relates to racial and gender politics. The cancellation of Abbots lecture followed the move by the University of Michigan to legitimize charges of racism against renowned composer Bright Sheng for showing the 1965 film version of Othello starring Laurence Olivier, who plays the role in black makeup. Sheng was pressured to remove himself from a class on undergraduate composition. After a public backlash, the University of Michigan this week announced it was dropping an investigation into Sheng for alleged violations of the universitys policy relating to equity and civil rights. However, there has as of yet been no apology issued to Sheng, and he has not been reinstated to his class. In this Oct. 18, 2021 photo, the Supreme Court is seen in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) The Supreme Court refused to block the unconstitutional Texas abortion ban for the second time on Friday. The court has decided to defer a request from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to place the law on hold. Arguments are set to be heard on November 1 on whether the DOJ has the right to challenge the Texas law in court. The 6-3 conservative majority of the Supreme Court has evaded the constitutional violations of the Texas abortion ban since it was signed into law two months ago. This has been conducted on the flimsy ground that the Supreme Court should not rule on a case while lower courts are still debating its legality, and because the Texas law has an unprecedented form of legal enforcement for its abortion ban. The Texas law bans all abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, at around just six weeks into pregnancy. Six weeks is well before an embryo may be scientifically considered a fetus, and is considerably before most women even know that they are pregnant. Reports from womens health providers show that abortions in the state have dropped by 80 percent since the law went into effect. Republican-led states have attempted to pass similar laws in the past, all struck down by the Supreme Court for violating the 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade. However, this new law does not have direct government enforcement. Rather, it bars state employees from enforcing the law as a crime and instead passes enforcement on to private citizens, who are encouraged to take vigilante action and sue women and womens health care providers for receiving or providing an abortion. Because the state government has shifted enforcement into civil courts, anti-abortion advocates and far-right judges have argued that the Department of Justice cannot sue to obtain a court order preventing enforcement of the law. If the Supreme Court rejects the arguments of the DOJ and allows the Texas law to remain in effect it will effectively be a soft overturn of Roe v. Wade. While still in effect, Roe will be circumvented by additional laws in states across the country employing similar tactics, using civil law to enforce a criminal ban on abortion rights. Federal District Judge Robert Pitmanwho temporarily blocked the law for two days before the higher ruling of the Fifth Circuit Court reimposed itwarned that Texas had deliberately circumvented the traditional process and had drafted the law with the intent to preclude review by federal courts that have the obligation to safeguard the very rights the statute likely violates. This form of constitutional loophole would not only have dire consequences for womens reproductive rights, but for democratic rights in general. If the law is allowed to remain in effect then no decision of this Court is safe, warned the DOJ in a statement released Friday. States need not comply with, or even challenge, precedents with which they disagree. They may simply outlaw the exercise of whatever rights they disfavor; disclaim state enforcement; and delegate to the general public the authority to bring harassing actions threatening ruinous liability. Texas should not obtain a different result simply by pairing its unconstitutional law with an unprecedented enforcement scheme designed to evade the traditional mechanisms for judicial review. Issuing similar warnings, the DOJ released a statement Friday urging the Supreme Court not to entertain arguments from anti-abortion proponents arguing for the overturn of Roe v. Wade and the 1992 case Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which upheld the right of women to an abortion up to 26 weeks into pregnancy. Despite the risk to abortion rights nationwide, the Biden administration has done nothing but offer empty words of concern. Just as the Democrats have abandoned any defense of voting rights as Republican state legislatures restrict voting access across the country, they have offered no solution beyond the mercy of the courts in the defense of abortion rights. Nearly 50 years since Roe v. Wade, the Democratic Party has made no concerted effort to codify abortion rights in law. In fact, abortion rights have been consistently put under attack by reactionary politicians who have imposed more federal restrictions on abortion than there have been protections. The mass protests that took place on October 2 against the attacks on abortion rights demonstrate the overwhelming support among the population for the defense of the right to an abortion. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets determined to demonstrate their commitment to defending democratic rights. The same cannot be said about the Democratic Party-aligned leadership of these protests. They have consistently worked to channel mass outrage over attacks on abortion behind the electoral campaigns of the Democrats, who have cynically used abortion as an electoral crutch for decades. A genuine defense of abortion rights cannot take place through the Democratic Party or the courts. In the Supreme Courts decision to defer a ruling on the Texas abortion ban, only Associate Justice Sonya Sotomayor expressed any dissent. In her dissension she wrote: For the second time, the court is presented with an application to enjoin a statute enacted in open disregard of the constitutional rights of women seeking abortion care in Texas. For the second time, the court declines to act immediately to protect these women from grave and irreparable harm. Other justices appointed by Democratic presidents held their tongues, potentially swayed by the promise to hear arguments on November 1. Until then the working-class women of Texas will be forced to live under a draconian law in blatant violation of the Constitution. Looming in the near distance is another scheduled hearing on Mississippis anti-abortion law, which attempts to ban abortion after 15 weeks, on December 1. In this case, the state of Mississippi is asking for the Supreme Court to repeal Roe directly. There is a real potential that the conservative majority may use either law as a justification to overturn Roe v. Wade, in one of the greatest rollbacks of democratic rights in the United States in the 21st century. The World Socialist Web Site recently spoke with historian Dr Mark Cryle, honorary research fellow at the University of Queenslands School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry. Dr Cryle is the author of a 2015 PhD thesis, Making the One Day of the Year: a Genealogy of Anzac Day to 1918, which analysed the first three commemorations in Australia of the bloody Allied operation in Gallipoli, Turkey that was launched in April 1915. The discussion was prompted by recent remarks by the federal education minister, Alan Tudge. He complained that a draft national school curriculum allegedly failed to present Anzac Day as the most sacred of all days in Australia and depicted it as a contested idea instead of ensuring that students accept the official commemoration uncritically. Tudge added that without such an approach, young people are not going to protect [Australia in war], as a million Australians have through their military service, and 100,000 people have died in the protection of those things, into defending them. Mark Cryle In other words, the WSWS noted, children must have Australian nationalist and exceptionalist myths drilled into them so that as young adults they are ready to fight and die defending the nation against foreign enemies (see: Australian education minister demands militarist school curriculum). Dr Cryles research detailed the militarist motivations that drove the first Anzac Day commemorations, and outlined the distrustful and hostile response these received from many working class people. This historical record is deliberately concealed by the Australian political and media establishment, as a necessary aspect of its promotion of Anzac Day as an unchallengeable and sacred part of the national calendar. Patrick OConnor: Thank you for speaking with the WSWS. Your research places the origins of Anzac Day within the context of efforts prior to World War I to establish an agreed upon day of nationalist celebration in Australia. There were issues with thisno-one at the time could agree what date Australia Day ought to be marked, and the anniversary of the 1901 federation fell on New Years Day so wasnt considered suitable. Then there were other days promoted by different figures, some of which Id never heard of before reading your workTrafalgar Day, Wattle Day, Empire Day. Can you talk about this searchwhat was the new ruling elite within this dominion of the British Empire searching for prior to 19151916? Mark Cryle: Trafalgar Day and Empire Day both came very specifically out of a need to boost notions of the munificence of the British Empire. They were constructed and inventedBritain didnt really have a national day, unlike the classic French Bastille Day and the American Independence Day. So these ideas for a national day in Australia were invented to boost commemorations around the Empire. In essence it was a political move, because there was a growing fear of socialism, which talked about an international brotherhood and questioned nationalistic ideas. There was a sense that it was important to boost patriotism. I read a few letters to the Brisbane Courier in March of 1914, where theyre raising, we need a day, we need a day to commemorate. And in a sense what actually happened is that Anzac Day, over a period of decades, became that day. It wasnt necessarily that day in 1916 or even 1918. Anzac graves at Gallipoli (Credit: Aussie_mobs/Flickr) PO: You emphasise that there was not any individual inventor of Anzac Day, nor one moment or decision that began the commemoration. Numerous different calls emerged shortly after the Gallipoli landing for the event to be marked each year across the country. At the same time, however, in your thesis you argue that the drive to establish an annual Anzac Day was not a movement from below, explaining, The messages delivered from speakers podiums, pulpits, classrooms and newspaper columns came clearly from above. They dovetailed with the interests of ruling elites who sought to pursue the war with the utmost vigour. MC: When I went looking for the papers of Queenslands Anzac Day Commemoration Committee one might reasonably have expected to find them in a government archive, but they werent. They were tucked away as part of a subset of another organisation, the Queensland Recruiting Committee. Again, one would have expected to find this in a state or federal government archive or perhaps within the army, but the Queensland Recruiting Committee actually launched itself in May 1915 without any government support. In fact, there were no government members, it was a group of private citizens. I suspect the reason for this is because in May 1915 in Queensland, a Labor government comes to power for the first time in the state, so youve got a number of conservatives who are very concerned about the willingness of the Labor government to support the war effort. As it was, their fears were entirely unfounded and the government was very supportive of the war. Its in the archives of the Queensland Recruiting Committee one finds the minutes and all the papers of the Anzac Day Commemoration Committee. You need to appreciate that then Anzac Day commemorations are not something that is ever divorced from the idea of pursuing the war. It is not unreasonable to look at Anzac Day today and be concerned about elements of militarism, masculinism, and nationalismbut you need only look at its origins to see that thats all there, in fact thats what its about. Enlist Now!The first Anzac Day parade in Brisbane 1916 (Credit: State Library of Queensland) PO: The Commemoration Committee in Queensland played a significant role in organising and formalising the first Anzac Day in 1916. The head of that committee was a man named David Garland. Can you speak about his role? Your thesis quotes one of his war sermons: Look first to our faults, our national sinssuffragettes and strikers; selfish lovers of ease and luxurya distinct forgetfulness of God and consequent failure of duty. MC: Garland was an Anglican clergyman and also the secretary of the Recruiting Committee. If you have an opportunity to look at a photograph of the first Anzac Day commemoration in Brisbane, which went down the main street in April 1916, youll see theres a big banner hanging off the Post Office that says Enlist Now. So you need to understand that this is about recruiting Garland is a hard-core Puritan. He shares a very powerful idea that prevails within the Protestant clergyessentially that Australias going down the tubes and theres too much indulgence. Garland talks about strikers and suffragettes, well you can see where his politics arehes a hard-core right winger, even for those times. On the other hand, hes highly energetic, hes very well organised, and he does an enormous amount of work to present a version of an Anzac Day commemoration which pulls together different elements. So hes a major figure. PO: The 1916 Anzac Day event organised by Garland and the Commemoration Committee included the adoption of four resolutions: the first was a pledge of loyalty to the king, the second, celebration of Anzac soldiers heroism and sacrifice, the third, sympathy for those whod lost loved ones, and a final one that urged everyone eligible to enlist in the military. That was very much the tenor of Anzac Day right from the outset wasnt it? MC: It was. Numbers one and four seem to have been excised now, people dont talk about those aspects. But if you ignore this contextualisation then thats a disservice, you dont really understand whats going on. Resolutions one and four are very much part and parcel of what the Anzac Day commemorations are. PO: I thought it was quite powerful the way you counterposed the ideological priorities of the Anzac Day organiserscelebrating the Empire and boosting the war effortwith the reaction of ordinary people at the time. Very large crowds of people gathered for the first Anzac Day events in 1916, tens of thousands in each major city, many of whom had lost family members, friends, and colleagues not just at Gallipoli but in other battles as well. There was a mass outpouring of grief, as well as shock at the sight of some of the wounded veterans. Can you please speak on this? MC: Sure. In part the commemoration was produced to manage public grief. Only two soldiers bodies were ever repatriated, one being the unknown soldier and the other Sir William Throsby Bridges, senior Australian commander of the Anzacs, who was killed at Gallipoli in May and buried in Melbourne in September. There were no graves for the loved ones of every other dead soldier to grieve at, and many of them were still listed as missing so their final fate was unknown. There also had been a mythologising of what a war wound looked like. There were images produced of brave looking men with clean white bandages over their heads, holding up their guns and fighting. But the reality of the wounds was horrific. And its the first time that many people saw the damage done by fighting in industrialised war. It was paraded on the streets, and in some ways the whole thing backfired, because people were horrified by what they saw. The returned soldiers were totally traumatised by the experience. At a commemoration in Toowoomba, Anzac Day organisers initially fired a volley but they had to stop doing that because when the men heard the gunfire they couldnt handle it, they became incredibly distressed. So there was a clear indication that people were gathering for a funereal occasionand that doesnt quite match with the image of proud soldiers marching along, saying enlist now. By 1918, the recruiters were saying forget about recruiting on Anzac Day, it doesnt work. PO: You wrote: Anzac Day was an occasion for the articulation of an unmitigated and definitive political and moral binary. Fighting for the nation and the empire was virtuous and noble. Not doing so was cowardly, selfish, indulgent and immoral. There were no grey areas and little space discursively for consoling the bereaved or managing the grief of any whose ideological position was not firmly aligned with the pressmen, preachers, teachers and politicians delivering the judgements. Anzac Day in 1917 and 1918 was thoroughly appropriated by the forces of pro-war loyalists to pursue their own ends. Can you speak further on this? MC: The stats show that somewhere between 30 and 35 percent of eligible men between 18 and 40 or so actually volunteered. So that means you had 70 or 65 percent who didnt. By 1917 Anzac Day was an event for the faithful and the faithful only. If you had any doubts about the war, then you had no place there. There was no place for ambiguity at these events. PO: If we look now at the second Anzac Day events, April 1917, clearly there had been very significant military as well as political developments in the previous twelve months. You noted that on the Western Front alone, Australian forces suffered more than 120,000 casualties, including more than 15,000 deaths. The countrys total population at the time was just under 5 million. MC: The losses were just horrific, at Fromelles and Pozieres in particular. That was all much more horrific than even the losses at Gallipoli, which were bad enough. Nearly every family had been touched by these experiences, and so there was national grieving. A lot of historical accounts focus on the first Anzac Day so I thought it would be interesting to look at the second and third. Contrary to any assumption that it just carried on as before, in fact the numbers of people involved really fell away in 1917 and 1918. At the end of 1916 there was a major conscription plebiscite, and another one in 1917 [that were both defeated]. These are incredibly divisive, the country is torn apart. There is war weariness, people are sick of it. They just want their loved ones home. It was supposed to have been over by Christmas 1914. People are having their own private commemorations; theres talk within the union movement of workers organising their own small gatherings. Theyre avoiding the official commemorations because theres an enormous amount of high-powered rhetoric about sacrificing for the Empire that people dont want to hear anymore, theyre sick of it. The great irony of the call, lest we forget, is that that is exactly what most of the soldiers who came back were trying to do. PO: Can you speak more about how different working-class communities held their own private commemorations and rejected the official events? MC: I was interested to look at areas like Broken Hill, other big mining towns, areas around Port Adelaide, Port Melbourne, and Fremantle, to see how Anzac was marked in these very working class, Labor dominated, communities. There were complaints about the appalling turn out at official Anzac Day eventsthese didnt have much attraction in these communities, it was pretty obvious. There are images of the Brisbane 1917 commemoration and there are no throngs of people packing in around it. People had worked out that it wasnt a good way to grieve I think. PO: The leadup to the third Anzac Day commemoration involved further mass death in the war157,000 Australian casualties including 19,000 deaths between April 1917 and April 1918. At the same time there had been a very significant three-month long general strike in 1917 triggered by railway workers in New South Wales, and also the far-reaching impact of the Russian revolution. January 1919 newspaper report on Queensland teachers meeting discussing Soviet government appeal to educators. MC: On the impact of the Russian revolutionyou had a militant left in Australia that believed that this was doable. I was reading about a teachers union meeting in Brisbane in January 1919, which reproduced a Soviet document from the Commissar for Education Anatoly Lunacharsky, on the new role that teachers should have in society. I remember thinking that this was not a very militant union, but it shows that these new ideas are being widely considered. There is a growing militancy in the left. The Labor Party is torn apart by the conscription plebiscites and its trying to shore up a position, but the industrial left becomes much stronger and increasingly divorced from the political left, the Labor Party. So you have this militancy within the union movementyou can imagine what the conservative recruiters were saying about that. So you had this incredibly divided society. You had increasing rents and rising prices, working class people and the poor are increasingly disadvantaged. Theres a lot of material in the left wing press about the capitalist war profiteers. Society is being torn apart by the experience of war, and there are great fears in Britain of the same thing happening. This is the great rise of the international working class that had been feared since the 1880s and 1890sand in Australia likewise there was fear that this could actually happen, working class revolution here. PO: Were having this discussion after the new AUKUS military alliance has been developed by the United States, Britain, and Australia, which is clearly directed against China and heightens the danger of a devastating nuclear war. What lessons do you think can be drawn by people seeking to oppose militarism and war today through a review of the history of the first Anzac days? MC: I think it brings us back to the idea that militaristic efforts and the rush to war are often a response to domestic political issues. The first country to mobilise in 1914 was Russia, which was fraught with domestic problems, and there was a clear sense from the Tsar and his advisors that a good war would settle this down. So theres a way in which the threat of an enemy defuses domestic problems, at least temporarily. If we consider Australia nowwith COVID issues, climate change, and a bunch of other significant domestic issuesif we beat up the Chinese issue, then peoples attention will be diverted from other matters. I cant help but be a little bit cynical about that. But historically, if you look at the rush to war, it is often a way to divert attention away from domestic political issues. In the case of 1914, with the rise of socialism in Russia and Europe, there was a sense that nationalist values needed to be reasserted. PO: I think that the ruling classs fear of socialism is not only a matter for 1914 but again now in 2021 and beyond. Thank you very much for discussing these important historical and political issues with the World Socialist Web Site . A coalition of over two dozen press freedom and human rights organisations has called on the Biden administration to drop all charges against Julian Assange. This is ahead of a US appeal that will be heard next week, challenging a British court decision that blocked the WikiLeaks publishers extradition. Julian Assange The statement, delivered last week to Bidens Attorney General Merrick Garland, reflects the widespread popular opposition to the attempt to prosecute Assange in the United States for exposing US-led war crimes, surveillance operations and global diplomatic intrigues. It also expresses the increasingly crisis-ridden state of the US campaign against Assange, which is widely viewed as an assault on core civil liberties. This is even more so since revelations last month of gangster-like plans by the Trump administration and CIA to kidnap or kill the Australian journalist while he was a political refugee in Ecuadors London embassy. Signatories to the letter include the American Civil Liberties Union, Amnesty International, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Reporters Without Borders and the Knight First Amendment Institute, along with 20 other well-known advocacy organisations. The same coalition appealed to the Biden administration to end legal action against Assange shortly after Bidens inauguration, but the request was rebuffed in another demonstration of the bipartisan character of the assault on Assange, WikiLeaks and democratic rights more broadly. The Democrat administration has not only continued the vendetta against Assange, but has played the lead role in crafting an appeal aimed at securing his dispatch to the US and life imprisonment. The latest statement warns: [T]he proceedings against Mr. Assange jeopardize journalism that is crucial to democracy. In our view, a precedent created by prosecuting Assange could be used against publishers and journalists alike, chilling their work and undermining freedom of the press. The signatories note: [J]ournalists routinely engage in much of the conduct described in the indictment: speaking with sources, asking for clarification or more documentation, and receiving and publishing official secrets. News organizations frequently and necessarily publish classified information in order to inform the public of matters of profound public significance. The organisations involved in the initiative note that they were motivated to restate their call for an end to the prosecution of Assange with even greater urgency, in light of a recent story in Yahoo News describing alarming discussions within the CIA and the Trump administration before the indictment against Assange was filed. The Yahoo News story only heightens our concerns about the motivations behind this prosecution, and about the dangerous precedent that is being set. The Yahoo News report, published late last month, reviewed in detail discussions within the Trump administration and the top levels of the CIA, about taking extreme measures against Assange in 2017. Based on interviews with more than 30 former US officials, the story outlined the frenzied response of the government and the intelligence agency to WikiLeaks publication of Vault 7, a vast trove of leaked CIA documents. The documents exposed the agencys vast cyberwarfare capacities, including its extensive use of malware, and capabilities to place tell-tale markers on its own hacks, aimed at ascribing them to foreign powers such as Russia and Iran. Vault 7 demonstrated that the CIA was engaged in mass surveillance, including through smart phones and televisions, and was discussing the development of capabilities to remotely take over the computing systems of modern cars. The apoplectic response, spearheaded by then CIA director Mike Pompeo, rapidly involved discussions about illegal actions against Assange. These included meetings, involving Pompeo and Trump, about the prospect of kidnapping Assange from the Ecuadorian embassy, instigating a shoot-out in London if he sought to flee the building and even assassinating the WikiLeaks founder and his European-based colleagues. The discussions were not of a hypothetical character. The statement, delivered last week to Bidens Attorney General Merrick Garland, reflects the widespread popular opposition to the attempt to prosecute Assange in the United States for exposing US-led war crimes, surveillance operations and global diplomatic intrigues. Employees at the building have testified that discussions about poisoning or allowing for Assange to be violently removed from the embassy, filtered down to the ground level, involving UC Global staff. In a recent interview with the Guardian, Assanges fiancee Stella Moris outlined the impact of the UC Global operation. She noted that with pervasive spying, the placement of restrictions on Assanges communications and visitors and dirty tricks operations, including an attempt to secretly take DNA from one of Assanges children, the security firm and its American paymasters had effectively created a black site in the middle of London. Complete lawlessness. The Yahoo News revelations exposed not only the criminal character of these extra-legal operations, but also the quasi-judicial attempt to prosecute Assange. The indictment against Assange was prepared amid the discussions about assassinating him, with Yahoo reporting that it was in part motivated by concerns from within the Justice Department that there be charges if Assange were brought to the United States, i.e., kidnapped by the CIA. The Biden administration has said nothing about the extraordinary criminality of the actions taken by its predecessor, with its spokespeople instead directing media inquiries about the reports to the CIA. Pompeo has issued weak denials of the worst of the allegations, while stating that pieces of the Yahoo story are true and calling for the former officials who spoke to the outlet to be prosecuted for speaking about classified activity. In a belated attempt at damage control, Democratic Party representative Adam Schiff stated that the US House Intelligence Committee was seeking information on the reports about the Trump-CIA plot against Assange. He claimed to have been completely unaware that anything was afoot, despite serving as the ranking Democrat on the intelligence panel in 2017. The professions of ignorance have no credibility, given that the Democrats embraced Pompeos description of WikiLeaks as a non-state hostile intelligence organisation, a designation that placed the publishing organisation in a category akin to terrorists or hostile spies. In 2017, the Senate formally included the description of Assanges media outlet in its annual Intelligence Authorization Act, with the overwhelming majority of Democrats voting in favour. The Yahoo report follows the revelation by Icelandic weekly Stundin that Sigurdur Siggi Thordarson, a key witness in the US indictment against Assange, admitted that almost all of his testimony consisted of lies proffered in exchange for immunity from US prosecution for fraud and other criminal activities. Taken together, the information demonstrates that the case against Assange should have been thrown out of the British courts as soon as it was presented. Despite this, the UK High Court granted US prosecutors the right to appeal an earlier judgement blocking Assanges extradition. That earlier verdict, in a District Court, upheld all of the substantive arguments of the prosecutors, including the right of states to pursue journalists for exposing material that they deem to be classified. It ignored the explicit ban on extraditions for political offenses contained in the British-US extradition treaty. Instead, Judge Vanessa Baraitser ruled that Assanges extradition would be oppressive, given the draconian conditions in US prisons and the likelihood that he would commit suicide. In light of the Yahoo reports, it appears likely that Baraitsers ruling was motivated by fears within the British state apparatus of the widespread opposition that would ensue were Assange to be killed by the American authorities after having been extradited. Despite the complete exposure of the US case as a frame-up and a dirty-tricks operation, the record of the British judiciary means there can be no confidence that it will reject the US appeal when it is heard on October 27 and 28. The recent revelations have again demonstrated that the pursuit of Assange is linked to broader political issues, including a turn to authoritarianism by governments around the world, in response to mounting social and political opposition. The Trump officials who plotted Assanges murder and kidnap and initiated his prosecution would go on to lead a fascist coup attempt on January 6. The Biden administration is proceeding with the discredited legal case, as it pursues let it rip pandemic policies in the interests of the corporate elite, and ratchets up preparations for a catastrophic war against China. The record has demonstrated that the fight for Assanges freedom and the defence of all democratic rights can only go forward through the building of an independent political movement of the international working class against war, inequality and authoritarianism. Two events yesterday summed up the acceleration of corporate-driven efforts by all Australian governments to herd the population into living with the deadly COVID-19 Delta virus despite continuing record numbers of infections and deaths. Pedestrians walk away from the central business district in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) The first was the Victorian state Labor Party governments ending of Melbournes already limited lockdown. This was labelled a UK-style Freedom Day by the media and accompanied by wall-to-wall coverage of what appeared to be small numbers of people celebrating at the stroke of midnight yesterday morning. There was no such coverage of the thousands of workers, parents and students who are deeply concerned at the risks to their health and lives, particularly as all schools are reopened in the state by November 5, just after vaccinated international travelers are permitted to arrive without quarantining. The second event occurred at Sydney airport. Alan Joyce, the boss of Qantas, one of the countrys biggest companies, staged a media conference to announce faster plans to restart an entire range of international flights from November 1. Standing behind him, grinning, were Prime Minister Scott Morrison and New South Wales (NSW) Premier Dominic Perrottet. Morrison and Perrottet nodded happily as Joyce outlined, in interminable detail, his companys speed-up of its schedule to resume extensive international and domestic flights. The pair were later given time to express their appreciation for Joyces extended sales pitch. Taken together, the two events and the saturation promotion of them by every media outlet, including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, demonstrated the total subservience of the countrys governments, both Liberal-National and Labor, to the financial elites determination to fully reopen the economy at breakneck speed so that unrestrained profit-making activities can be resumed. Almost simultaneously with the Qantas event, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said his government would match Perrottets administration in NSW by allowing overseas arrivals from November 1, with no hotel quarantine and no isolation at home, even though Victorias population is suffering by far the highest infection rates since the pandemic began last year. Andrews also said 5,500 people would be allowed to attend next weeks Derby Day horse races, another potential super-spreader event. That is on top of his government sponsoring a music concert of 4,000 people tonight and allowing 10,000 people to be at the Melbourne Cup race on November 2. Even as Andrews jumped to outdo Perrottet, his government said 16 deaths had been recorded in the previous 24 hoursthe highest daily total for any Australian jurisdiction so far this yearand more than 2,200 new infections, the third highest daily toll yet since the start of the pandemic. In neighbouring NSW, where the Delta outbreak began in June, the daily infections have begun to rise to near 400 after Sydneys partial lockdown was ended last week. Moreover, the official figures in both state are likely to understate the true numbers, because testing levels have dropped amid all the government and media hype about Freedom Day. Today, just 64,118 tests were reported in the previous 24 hours in NSW, which has a population of 8.2 million, and there were only slightly more, 73,000, in Victoria, which has 6.7 million people. Todays editorial in the Australian Financial Review, the voice of big business, expressed appreciation for Andrews abandonment in recent weeks of any effort to eliminate the virus. It said Melbourne was reopening with over 2,000 cases and 16 fatalities, which would have been considered disastrous only weeks ago. The editorial also noted that the states reopening had been supercharged by the early return of Qantas flights to overseas cities. Face-to-face teaching in Melbournes over-crowded and ill-equipped school classrooms is being resumed in such dangerous conditions despite there being less than seven weeks to go in the final term of the year, in order to ensure that all parents can be pressured into returning to physical workplaces as well. These moves also mean that the pandemic will soon take hold in other Australian states and territoriesQueensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territorywhere the Delta variant has been contained and eliminated, aided by border closures. Importation of the Delta variant into every Australian jurisdiction is now inevitable, the modelling consortium led by the Doherty Institute said in updated infection scenarios released last month. If the states and territories failed to maintain optimal test, trace, isolate and quarantine measures, the update warned that, even with low initial seeding of cases, there would be 750,000 symptomatic infections in a six-month period. Of these people, 27,000 would end up in hospital, 4,358 in intensive care units and 4,108 would likely die. This points to the reality of the Doherty modelling, on which all the governments have agreed, via the bipartisan National Cabinet, to end lockdowns and most other safety restrictions once the national double vaccination rate reaches 80 percent of those over 16. That is about 65 percent of the entire population, leaving nearly 10 million people unprotected, including all children under the age of 12. At present, the national vaccination rate remains just over 70 percent, with some states lagging way behind, largely because of protracted delays in the shambolic vaccination rollout. Yet the federal, Victorian and NSW governments have cast aside even the homicidal roadmap adopted by the National Cabinet in order to meet the demand of the corporate boardrooms to accelerate the process. That demand was underscored by an article in the Financial Times, the London-based voice of international finance capital, in late September, which reported: Increasingly fed up with COVID-19 lockdown policies, and a failure to rollout vaccines that would allow the economy to open up, the leaders of many of Australias biggest companiesincluding BHP, Macquarie and Qantashave said the nation will have to learn to live with the virus, as many other countries have done. Numbers of health experts, as well as doctors, nurses, paramedics and other health workers, have expressed concern about the likely outcomes, with chronically underfunded public hospitals already barely able to cope. Ramping of ambulances, waiting for hours outside hospitals while trying to treat their COVID-infected patients, has become commonplace. The number of people in Victorian hospitals with COVID-19 currently sits at 770, with 144 of those receiving intensive care, and 90 requiring ventilation. There are now 469 people in NSW hospitals with COVID-19, 123 of whom are in intensive care units. Ordinary working-class people are also opposed to the stampede back into schools and workplaces. They are the ones most likely to suffer serious infections and deaths. A recent study reported that during the first year of the pandemic there were almost four times as many COVID deaths recorded for people in the lowest socioeconomic group compared with those in the highest. In a rare media report of such concern, University of NSW Sydney senior lecturer in the faculty of medicine and health, Ben Harris-Roxas, told the Saturday Paper there was a heightened state of agitation for many people amid the uncertainty of the transition to a new COVID normal. The Andrews Labor governments pivotal part in this deadly program shows that Labor represents no alternative to the Liberal-Nationals, on this or any other issue confronting the working class. Backed by the trade unions, Labor is spearheading the corporate drive and seeking to suppress working-class resistance to it. The only alternative is the development of an independent movement of the working-class, fighting for the elimination of COVID. That requires the formation of workplace rank-and-file committees, completely independent of the unions, and a socialist perspective that rejects the subordination of health and life to private profit. The need for, and viability of, a worldwide program to eliminate the virus will be explained at this Sundays online global webinar hosted by the WSWS and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), featuring a distinguished panel of scientists and epidemiologists, as well as parents and workers. Inside an Amazon warehouse (Photo: Wikimedia Commons) The Baltimore Amazon Worker Rank-and-File Safety Committee calls for the widest attendance and participation in the Sunday event hosted by the World Socialist Web Site and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees. The event is titled How to End the Pandemic and will explain the necessary scientific response to completely end COVID-19, once and for all. Amazon workers have been placed on the front lines of this pandemic since day one. We have been forced to endure the full brunt of the pandemic in unsafe conditions. While the corporation deemed us to be essential workers, we were not given appropriate protective gear. Amazon claimed that this was because we had to wait our turn even while CEO Jeff Bezos and other company management worked from the comfort of their own mansions and made immense profits from our work. Amazonians have been treated to the disgraceful spectacle of Bezos flying to space while leaving us in disease-ridden warehouses to build his fortune. In his own backhanded and insulting way, Bezos recognizes that we, the workers and our labor, are what make space exploration possible. Amazonians deserve real information about COVID-19 and the state of the pandemic, which Amazon and the politicians refuse to provide. Every day at our job is like living in a war zone. There is no telling what the next day might bring us. Amazon refuses to give us up-to-date information about workplace infections. It has now been over a year since the company publicly admitted that over 20,000 Amazonians had been infected with COVID-19. How many more thousands has it been since that time? Masks were discontinued in May and June of this year only to be brought back in August as the pandemic again surged. The Baltimore Amazon Workers Rank-and-File Safety Committee wrote at the time: this is a way for the company to put the blame for any continued spread of COVID-19 on the workers themselves, absolving itself and its reckless policies of any of the blame. The real reason for Amazons slow response to the pandemic is because fewer precautions equals more profit for the company. Figures published last year show that Amazon could have quadrupled our long-forgotten hazard pay which was retracted from us in May, 2020 and still made a profit. Amazon expects to profit by double digit percentages over last years earnings, which were already record-setting. It is possible to stop this pandemic. This requires a deep knowledge of science. While Amazon and its executives lord their wealth over us and deny us basic lifesaving information such as how many coworkers have been infected and in which area of the warehouse they worked, the World Socialist Web Site and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees are providing us with a forum this Sunday in which an accurate, scientific understanding of what is required to end COVID-19 can be learned. As the WSWS proclaims: The working class cannot advance the fight against the pandemic without the aid of science, and the implementation of the scientifically necessary measures to stop the pandemic depends on the building of a movement in the working class. Science is necessary to combat the cynicism and misinformation that big business media outlets and political figures feed us, insisting that we must learn to live with the virus. This view is being promoted by the Washington Post, which former Amazon CEO Bezos owns. The day after the event to end COVID-19 was announced, an article published in the Post tells us we must first accept that covid-19 is here to stay. We need to hear from doctors who are more interested in saving lives than in protecting Jeff Bezos stock portfolio. We get enough of the latter at AmCare, the company-owned medical service which promotes unqualified medical advice designed to get us back on the floor as quickly as possible. Amazon workers will be in a powerful position once we have been educated with such life -saving information. There are 1.3 million Amazon workers worldwide and we are the second largest workforce in the United States. It isnt empty boasting to state that nothing in this society can be done without our participation. Our fight must be linked to workers across the globe. As our statement endorsing the IWA-RFC earlier this year stated, [t]he pandemic has revealed just how interconnected society is. Whether it is in schools, hospitals, factories, transportation, logistics, retail or food services, the pandemic has revealed how essential we are to one another. The medical professionals and epidemiological experts on Sunday can provide us with the science of the coronavirus, but we also need strategy and organization to support their findings. We workers need a collective voice to speak through. Without it, we have nothing. We are vulnerable to whatever the capitalist system wishes to do to us. While the government of Democratic President Joseph Biden in the United States pursues a reopening policy which is creating mass infection of children at schools, it also claims to be supporting the building of trade unions at Amazon. While many of our co-workers may be under the false assumption that the unions are our allies, the Retail, Warehouse and Department Store Union (RWDSU), Teamsters and other so-called independent trade unions trying to get into Amazon are opposed to the fight against COVID-19. They demonstrate their support of the company wherever they are present by keeping warehouses and other locations open during the pandemic. The Baltimore Amazon Workers Rank-and-File Safety Committee encourages all workers, and especially our fellow Amazonians, to sign up both for our committee to become active in the fight against Amazons exploitation of the work force and to attend the Sunday, October 24 event. On Thursday, the House of Representatives voted to approve a referral presented by the House Select Committee charged with investigating the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. The referral recommended that former White House special advisor and co-conspirator in Donald Trumps attempted coup, Stephen Bannon, be held in criminal contempt after defying the Select Committees subpoena earlier this month. In this Nov. 9, 2017 photo, Steve Bannon, speaks during an event in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm, File) As the Select Committees report made clear and was previously reported by the World Socialist Web Site, Bannon played an integral role in Trumps coup plot. In the months leading up to the coup, he incited fascistic violence on his War Room podcasts, warning on the January 5 broadcast that All hell is going to break loose, and Its all converging, and now were on the point of attack tomorrow. As confirmed in the book Peril by Bob Woodward and Robert Costa, Bannon joined Trump alliesincluding the former presidents personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, One America News Networks Christina Bobb and lawyer John Eastmanat the Willard Hotel in Washington D.C. on January 5 in a war room to discuss their plan and lobby Republican lawmakers to join them. Previously confirmed Trump-aligned figures who participated in the war room include retired Army General Michael Flynn and Roger Stone. Bannon also spoke at several Stop the Steal rallies propagating Trumps lies that the election was stolen. Two of these fascist rallies were held in Washington D.C. and were heavily attended by far-right militia groups, such as the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys. Bannon has a close relationship with the former, while Trump infamously directed the Proud Boys to Stand back and stand by in his September 2020 debate with Joe Biden. Both groups, along with other neo-Nazis, retired and current police officers, ex-military and small business owners, spearheaded the attack on the Capitol. Bannon acted as an intermediary between the Trump White House, fascist lawmakers such as Marjorie Taylor Greene and right-wing paramilitaries helping to organize and plan Trumps attempted putsch. The close relationship between the Oath Keepers and Bannon was further documented in a recent report by the Herald-Tribune, which uncovered through the Epik leak of Oath Keeper email and communications data the fact that a longtime associate of Bannon, Andrew Badolato, was a member of the Oath Keepers. Badolato and Bannon were both indicted last year in fraud scheme that revolved around raising money for a southern border wall. In furtherance of the scheme, Oath Keeper founder Stewart Rhodes spoke at a proposed construction site for the privately financed border wall. In this 2019 video, Rhodes praises the construction work for Bannons border wall and advocates for the US military to be deployed to the US-Mexico border. Rhodes was on the Capitol grounds communicating with subsequently indicted Oath Keepers during the attempted coup. Yet Rhodes has not been arrested. Despite the prodigious evidence linking Bannon to Trumps coup plot, Bannon has refused to cooperate with the Select Committee, citing Trumps claims of executive privilege. Trumps rejection of the committee, and with it the US constitutional framework, was made clear in a statement he released before the House vote was held. The insurrection took place on November 3, Election Day. January 6 was the Protest! declared Trump. He added, The Unselect committee of partisan Democrats and two very weak and pathetic RINOs [Republicans In Name Only] should come to the conclusion after spending many millions of dollars that the real insurrection happened on November 3, the Presidential Election, not on January 6, which was a day of protesting the Fake Election results. Reflecting deep divisions within the ruling class and the embrace of Trump by virtually the entire Republican Party, all but nine House Republicans voted against the measure, producing a near party-line final vote of 229-202. The Select Committee passed the referral by a unanimous 9-0 vote on Tuesday. Now that it has been passed by the full House, it will be delivered to the Department of Justice (DOJ). Attorney General Merrick Garland will decide whether federal prosecutors in Washington D.C. will indict Bannon and present the case to a grand jury for prosecution. This is by no means a foregone conclusion. During a town hall event Thursday evening on CNN, President Biden, the immediate target of Trumps coup, apologized for publicly saying Bannon should be prosecuted last week. I should have chosen my words more wisely, Biden demurred. I did not, have not and will not pick up the phone and call the attorney general and tell him what he should or should not do. While the Democrats, who control the House, the Senate and the executive branch, refuse to prosecute Trump and his accomplices, the Republicans, seizing the initiative, continue to unite around Trump and his fascistic America First program. After the House vote, fascist Georgia lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene confronted Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin and Republican Liz Cheney, two members of the Select Committee. This is a joke, Greene yelled at the pair. Greene told Cheney, Youre done. Youre a joke, Liz. Your party rejected you. Taylor Greene later appeared on Bannons War Room podcast to defend her fellow fascist. Taylor Greene said she was sick of listening to the lies... accusing you of organizing the January 6 riot. You had nothing to do with it. You werent even there, you did not cause it, you did not plan it and everyone knows the truth about that. These developments are a serious warning to the working class as to the advanced decay of democratic rights in the United States. The nine Republicans who voted to hold Bannon in contempt included Select Committee members Liz Cheney (Wyoming) and Adam Kinzinger (Illinois), along with Representatives Peter Meijer and Fred Upton (Michigan), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pennsylvania), Anthony Gonzalez (Ohio), John Katko (New York), Nancy Mace (South Carolina) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (Washington.) Of the nine who voted in favor of the contempt charges, Trump is supporting primary challenges against four, including Cheney (Harriet Hageman), Gonzalez (Max Miller), Upton (Steve Carra) and Herrera Beutler (Joe Kent). As of this writing, according to Ballotpedia.org, Trump has endorsed 42 Republican candidates for office. Of the 183 endorsements Trump gave in 2020, 77 percent, or 141 Trump-endorsed candidates, won election. Gonzalez, one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump in January, has already decided to bow out and not seek re-election, to which the would-be Fuhrer responded, 1 Down, 9 To Go! People thought to be migrants who made the crossing from France are brought into port after being picked up in the Channel by a British border force vessel in Dover, south east England, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) British Border Force staff imposing Home Secretary Priti Patels plans to push back boats carrying migrants in the English Channel will be granted legal immunity from conviction if refugees drown as a result. A provision in the Nationality and Borders Bill states that officials would 'not be liable to any criminal or civil proceedings for anything done' when they forcibly push back dinghies into a busy commercial waterway carrying refugees seeking asylum in the UK. In September, the Home Office announced it was training Border Force guards to bully and reverse the course of small boats carrying migrants in the English Channel. Kim Bryan, from the charity Channel Rescue, which observes migrants arriving in small vessels across the Channel, told the BBC Breakfast on Sunday show that from the Dover cliffs her group had recently witnessed local Border Force officials practising push back using jet-skis. Bryan warned Patel the consequences of using these controversial tactics would be horrific. The UN Convention on the law of the sea says that all nations are required to give assistance to 'any person found at sea in danger of being lost and proceed with all possible speed to the rescue of persons in distress. Under existing laws, officers would be in danger of being prosecuted if a migrant is endangered or drowns because of their actions or lack of actions. Schedule 4A, part A1, paragraph J1 of the Conservative governments new bill is an attempt to give officers immunity from conviction. It reads: A relevant officer is not liable in any criminal or civil proceedings for anything done in the purported performance of functions under this part of this schedule if the court is satisfied that (a) the act was done in good faith, and (b) there were reasonable grounds for doing it. The Guardian described the provision as being tucked away in an obscure corner of the bill and questioned whether, by blatantly breaking National Maritime Laws, the Bill will ever become law. But Prime Minister Boris Johnson government is serious in its intention to make deliberate acts of murder official government policy at their maritime borders. According to the Bill anyone arriving in the UK via what the government calls an illegal route, such as by a small boat across the Channel, will automatically have their claim ruled inadmissible, receive a jail sentence of up to four years, have zero recourse to public funds, and have family members barred from joining them. But the only means for migrants and asylum seekers fleeing the wars and devastation created by the actions of British, US and European imperialism across Central Asia, the Persian Gulf, the Levant and North Africa are deemed illegal routes by the British government. A two-tier asylum system is being created whereby the government plans to treat those arriving by irregular means and illegal routes such as in small dinghies and boats, shipping containers and other dangerous methodsas having even fewer rights than those who reach British shores by means the government deem legitimate. Such moves are in gross violation of the UN Refugee Convention and the European Convention of Human Rights. Patels Bill breaches international and domestic law in at least 10 different ways, a report from a team of leading immigration lawyers has concluded. It described the Bill as the biggest legal assault on international refugee law ever seen in the UK. The 95-page joint legal opinion piece written by four barristers; Raza Husain QC, Eleanor Mitchell, Jason Pobjoy and Sarah Dobbie, on behalf of the campaign group Freedom from Torture, illustrates the unlawfulness of multiple aspects of the Bill. The Bill is also potentially in breach of the UN Refugee Convention articles 31 and 33. Article 31 states that countries cannot expel a refugee for arriving by irregular means if they are coming from 'a territory where their life or freedom was threatened', provided these people present themselves to authorities and show good cause for entering via illegal means. It also states that nations will not apply restrictions to the movements of refugees other than 'those which are necessary' until their status is confirmed or they gain admission into another country. Article 33 concerns returning refugees to the area from which they are fleeing and states that this should not happen where the person's life would be threatened on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. These articles can be contravened only where there are reasonable grounds that the refugee is a danger to the security of the country or has been convicted of a serious crime which would constitute a threat to the community of the country. The lawyers conclude, This bill represents the biggest legal assault on international refugee law ever seen in the UK. The principle at the heart of the bill is the penalisation, both criminally and administratively, of those who arrive by irregular means in the UK to claim asylum and the bill seeks to reverse a number of important decisions of the UK courts, including at the House of Lords and court of appeal level, given over the last 20 years. A fascistic media campaign is underway to provide high profile support for the Johnson governments murderous immigration policies, which dovetail with its herd immunity response to the pandemic. Nana Akua, a host on the new right-wing channel GB News, has vocally supported the idea that border patrol staff shouldnt be prosecuted for the push back policy. Akua, British born with Ghanian parents, appeared alongside author Jemma Forte on the Channel Five Jeremy Vine chat show where she said that it was fair enough to know that migrants wont be rescued if their boat sinks. Akua was allowed to spew her bile at length, declaring, I personally think look, as long as you know that if you come across you wont be rescued if your boat sinks, I think thats fair enough, and thats why theyre saying if they come across with jet skis, then they cant rescue them, it will actually hopefully stop the people trafficking, because if you are supporting that they should be rescued, youre actually supporting people trafficking which means that more people will come across because they think theyll be ok. Forte replied to Akuas odious opinions, I think its one of the most disgusting things Ive ever heard in my life. She pointed out that the Bills provision was a breach of international law and called it state sponsored manslaughter. Forte continued, To dehumanise these human beings who are coming over why do they do it? Because theyre desperate, theyve come from war-torn countries, they are fleeing places like Syria A coalition of hundreds of groups, Together With Refugees, has been formed to oppose the Bill. One of several protests and campaigns was a letter to Johnson calling for a kinder, fairer and more effective asylum system, signed by 40 prominent individuals, including actors Olivia Colman, Joanna Lumley, Stephen Fry, Fiona Shaw, Simon Callow, Imelda Staunton, Zoe Wanamaker and Thandiwe Newton, the band Kaiser Chiefs, TV personalities Robert Rinder and Gok Wan, as well as comedians Romesh Ranganathan, Frankie Boyle and Shaparak Shappi Khorsandi. Workers and youth in Britain and across Europe must oppose the fascistic attacks on migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. In the UK and every country they are being scapegoated to shift the blame for the social ills of the failing capitalist system and to divide the working class. A student taking a test in Manaus, Brazil. (Credit: Divulgacao/Seduc) While Brazils fascistic President Jair Bolsonaro is being indicted for crimes against humanity for his herd immunity policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brazilian ruling class as a whole is continuing these homicidal measures, radically expanding the reopening of schools in the country. The predictable effect of this policy will be massive infections and deaths of children and teenagers. Brazil continues to register ominous figures in the pandemic, with daily averages of 12,000 cases and 350 deaths. Serious scientists, like neuroscientist Miguel Nicolelis, continue to warn of blatant underreporting of infections in the country and of the imminence of a new explosion of cases and deaths driven by the Delta variant of the coronavirus. As part of the efforts to declare a fictitiousend of the pandemic, states like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, governed by the openly right-wing PSC and PSDB parties, as well as Ceara and Bahia, governed by the supposedly progressive Workers Party (PT), have decreed the end of any social distancing within schools. The so-called hybrid teaching systems, that alternate between in-person and online classes, are being replaced by exclusively in-person teaching in overcrowded classrooms with unvaccinated children. There is growing opposition from Brazilian parents and educators to this criminal policy. We publish here a statement by musician Anderson Pequeno, father of a six-year-old son enrolled in a municipal public school in Rio de Janeiro. He is actively fighting against the disinformation campaign by the federal and state governments along with the corporate media and demanding safe education in Brazil. With the purpose of unifying the struggles of parents like Anderson with other workers around the world, and arming them with the most advanced scientific knowledge about the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Socialist Web Site and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) will hold the online event How to End the Pandemic, Sunday, October 24. *** WSWS: Can you speak about the situation you are experiencing with your son and what the RJ government is imposing on parents like you? Anderson: I live with my mother and I have shared custody of my son, as his mother and I are divorced. When the pandemic started, I didnt see him for a while for fear of putting his grandmother at risk. We saw each other only by video calls. But in October 2020, my mother went to her sisters house, and I started to stay with my son, week in and week out. Anderson Pequeno Last year, my son was having only online lessons. We were able to accomplish his age-appropriate activities, sent by his teacher. We were safe in the house, and that was the most important thing for me. But since the beginning of this year, there was a lot of pressure for the return to schools. I wasnt in favor of his return, but his mother was. The week that school was about to start, the principal and one of the teachers at my sons school, who had already returned to prepare the school, were infected with the coronavirus. The school suspended its reopening. After a week, we had the news that the principal of the school passed away. It was very heavy for the teachers and for us as families to know that she passed away in the middle of this pandemic, a week before the in-person learning was proposed to start. After watching a disaster so close to us, I imagined that my son would not return to the school. When the school reopened, he went back to in-person learning in the hybrid mode, with the classroom divided in order to have few students. One group went in-person each week, with online activities for those who stayed at home. During this hybrid learning period, the school had infections, but it didnt close. I think that only the classrooms with someone infected were closed, something that I also found absurd. I think that teachers and principals must have been under a lot of pressure to keep the school open. It must have been hard for them too, to have lost the school principal and being there seeing infections, but with pressure to keep the school open. About two weeks ago, the mayor of Rio de Janeiro [Eduardo Paes, from the Social Democratic Party (PSC)] and the secretary of education announced the return of 100 percent of the students, with no distance between desks. Since then, I cant sleep anymore. I have no peace. It has been two weeks now that I am looking for some way to fight against this. Because we still have outbreaks in England, children suffering from long COVID in Israel and the United States with many child deaths. I even have family in the US, and a nephew who got infected. So, we are watching everything that is happening internationally and we are making the same mistakes in Brazil. I dont see the media talking about these issues in other countries, which are very serious today. I have already sent emails to congressmen, city councilmen, senators, and nobody answers. It seems that everyone agrees; that they dont see what is happening out in the world. At the very least thats it. But there are certainly other issues involved. WSWS: What are, in your opinion, the interests involved in this irresponsible reopening of schools? Anderson: I think that the big stakeholders in this forced return to the schools here in Brazil are the television networks, which make a lot of money from the New Year celebrations and Carnival. But there is also an interest of politicians, because in 2022 we will have elections for president, governors, deputies and senators, and the campaigns are already starting. Many politicians claimed to be defenders of science in the middle of the pandemic, but this moment has passed and now their interest is purely electoral. I must also mention the big businessmen. We saw during the pandemic how the billionaires made money on top of all the suffering. They are certainly interested in life getting back to normal faster and their profits continuing. They are not interested in whether one will die or a thousand. So, they are interested in this faster return of the economy to the way they like it. Specifically, here in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, this return also has to do with the food vouchers the government is obliged to provide to the neediest families. It is a voucher of only 54 reais (US$ 9.50) that these families receive to buy food. Some months ago, the government went to court demanding not to pay it and lost. It was after this legal defeat that they announced the return to exclusively in-person classes and with all the students. This way, the city government would no longer need to pay food vouchers to these people who need so much at a time of widespread hunger and many difficulties here in Brazil. The fact is that rulers want our children to get infected. They are aware that children contract this disease. They know that in a closed environment with many students there will be infections, but they are not worried about it. WSWS: What is the current situation of schools in Rio de Janeiro? Anderson: Even before the pandemic, Brazilian schools needed more attention, especially public schools. Those who study in private schools, who can pay for a better education, have a huge advantage to get into universities. And those who come from public school struggle a lot to get there. Now, with the pandemic, what is going to happen is that the classrooms will be crowded. Sometimes classrooms have 40 students, without ventilation, without enough employees to clean the schools, without structure. And it is the perfect scenario for the virus to learn how to break down anyones immunity. That is why I think that this is not the moment yet. In a little while vaccines will arrive for the children. In the meantime, lets fight for quality distance education. Lets give some assistance to the teachers as well. This is possible, and this is what we have to fight for now. Because putting children who can get infected inside schools is the worst option. WSWS: How are you and other parents responding to this irresponsible reopening policy? Anderson: The cause that I stand for is nothing more than defending children and teenagers from a deadly virus, a virus that has already killed thousands of children and adolescents here in Brazil alone. Our country is one of the leaders in deaths of young people by this virus. How can I not defend my child from this? What parent wants to risk their child having long COVID, with memory loss in a formative period? In this search for support, I met parents and caretakers here in Rio de Janeiro and in other states in Brazil who think like I do. We are getting together and looking for some way to have our voice transmitted. Even this is difficult, because nobody is interested in talking about schools being closed. When you see a reporter on TV talking about the return of schools with 100 percent of students they are smiling, as if we were not in a pandemic anymore. But we who dont agree with the return of schools in this way are uniting. After having tried with politicians and not getting the slightest support, I joined groups of parents from Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo who are in the same fight, so that our children can continue protecting themselves from being infected. And I created a petition here in Rio de Janeiro to show the government our dissatisfaction with this abrupt return at the end of the Brazilian school year. WSWS: How did you decide to join the October 15 international school strike? Anderson: Seeing that the Brazilian media wasnt interested in talking about the pandemic anymore, I searched the internet for information and came across Twitter. I found groups of scientists who do amazing work in Brazil and were warning that we still live in a critical moment in the country. This message was much more real to me, and I saw how different it was from the media and the current political message. I also met parents and caretakers who were experiencing similar difficulties in the US, UK and several other countries. I saw that a mother from the UK, Lisa Diaz, had just posted a video talking about all that is happening to the children who returned to school in her and other countries, about the amount of child deaths happening in the US. So I started to follow Lisa and her other followers. I saw that the cause was more than just and that there were other people thinking like me. That was a great relief, to feel that you belong to a cause. From then on, I started using Twitter a lot, reposting their posts, and I saw that on the week of October 15 I would be with my son at home and could participate in the school strike movement. And thats what we did. I made a post with the hashtags proposed by Lisa, and my son and I participated in this strike. And we are prepared for future dates. I would like to remind people that we have already passed 600,000 official COVID-19 deaths in Brazil. But there is underreporting, and some say we are above 700,000 or 800,000 deaths from this disease. We are very tired, there are reports in the groups in which I participate of mothers with psychological problems, fathers who cant sleep like me. But we will not give up. For us it is so fair what we are doing: on one side it is possible to solve the pandemic, and on the other to put everything to waste and have bigger problems again because of irresponsible reopening of schools. Thank you very much for the opportunity and keep on fighting! Members of the Cross-Canada Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee (CERSC) have been campaigning for the October 24 webinar, How to end the pandemic, which is being co-hosted by the World Socialist Web Site and International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). The event, which will consist of a panel of expert scientists and workers, will explain the scientific issues involved in combatting COVID-19 and why a global elimination strategy is the only viable policy to end the pandemic and prevent further mass infection and death. The CERSC was set up to fight for the closure of all schools and nonessential production until the pandemic is brought under control, with full pay for all workers affected to be paid using the multi-billion-dollar fortunes accumulated by Canadas pandemic profiteers. Several CERSC members provided statements to the WSWS on why they are attending Sundays event, which begins at 1 p.m. eastern time. I am attending Sundays webinar to learn about the science of elimination, wrote a school caretaker from Toronto. This knowledge will help me explain to my friends and colleagues why eradicating COVID is the only way to truly end the pandemic. With this knowledge we can mobilize all education workers to immediately close schools until there are zero reported COVID cases for several weeks in a row. We also demand that the entire working class be paid a living wage to meet their basic needs while staying home to protect themselves and their families from a disease that is evolving into more lethal variants. This will put the needs of workers ahead of the profits of Bay Street. A teacher from Ontario stated, Im attending because I have witnessed first-hand the impact of reactionary practices in schools which are all a result of ignoring the clear science that this virus is airborne. Im unwilling to watch COVID-19 rip through my school community impacting my students and their families, and my colleagues and their families. It is clear schools have been a driving force in the rise in infections, students can and do catch and spread COVID-19, while policy makers continue to ignore these realities making the same mistakes and implementing the same weak safety measures expecting different results. This pandemic cannot end with compromises that aim to benefit the economy at the great cost of human lives. Our only hope of ending this pandemic is a global approach where the people reclaim their power by working together to help eradicate this virus. Malcolm, an educator from Vancouver Island, stated, I believe the struggle against the virus has reached a critical juncture. While COVID has continued to mutate, becoming more transmissible, more virulent and more immune-resistant, the last capitalist countries, like New Zealand, are formally abandoning eradication attempts. The struggle now falls to the international working class, the only social force with both the means and the motivation to eliminate this disease from humanitys midst. The webinar will hopefully provide clear and concise scientific methods that will guide our advocacy. Parents and workers attracted by the WSWS international campaign also sent messages in support of the webinar. Paul, a retired educator from British Columbia (BC), commented, From the start, Ive always considered the half-measures implemented by the governments of BC and Canada to be fully inadequate. By failing to shut down international air travel, Canada guaranteed the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 and all of the troubles weve seen over the past two years. Aside from global warming and the threat of nuclear destruction, eliminating the pandemic is priority one! wrote John from Toronto. Chris from Saskatchewan remarked, WSWS is one of the few media sources investigating the COVID pandemic with the general populations best interests in mind. David said, I want to hear ideas how we can end the pandemic and fight the climate emergency at the same time. In her message, Tammy denounced the policies of BCs New Democratic Party (NDP) government. Im in BC, Im a mom and very worried, she said. BC hides hospital information, case, ICU numbers and says kids get seriously ill from the flu, unlike COVID So I am scared for our kids of Canada. More information the better. Jennifer agreed, adding, I live in BC, Canada and I am tired of our Premier and PHO (public health officer) Bonnie Henry choosing the we are going to live with it approach so they can keep the economy open. They are willfully choosing economy over lives, and I am terrified. Jen wrote, I want this pandemic to end. Our health care is collapsing. I havent been off my property except for emergencies in nearly 600 days. It has impacted my family due to no access to health care. All my friends and community has deserted us just because we cannot see them in person. I am tired, I am angry, I am frustrated with everyone working in silos without moving the needle, and I want to join a movement who is actually doing something impactful to make change. Joanne pointed to the important role scientific experts, like panellists Dr. Eric Feigl-Ding, Dr. Malgorzata Gasperowicz, and Dr. Deepti Gurdasani, have to play in combatting the pandemic. I am attending to continue to get the best information surrounding this pandemic. Going forward, it is essential to use guarded caution and ample knowledge. The knowledge this panel will be able to offer is invaluable, she said. Asked why she was attending, Susan replied, Because the public health authorities in my jurisdiction believe that vaccination alone will be enough to control COVID. They have never had the objective to eliminate it. Louise from Vancouver answered simply, global health is important! Lisa from Hamilton wrote, I have been trying hard to follow what is going on both in Canada and globally about the COVID pandemic, new strains, and how people and especially medical staff and educational staff are negatively affected. This is why I want to be part of this meeting... To learn. Angel, a parent from BC, commented, I am excited for this weekends webinar hosted by the WSWS. I am hoping to learn more on how and what we can do to help end this pandemic. The pandemic continues to harm families like mine and is impacting more than case numbers and deaths. We need to start treating the systemic issues that allow politicians to normalize deaths of marginalized and underprivileged people. BC mother Angel Matthew, a music instructor from Ontario, said in his message, Thanks to the misinformation that is promoted in the corporate media, and the reactionary regionalism that is the stock in trade of the ruling class, many Ontarians have the idea that they are in a bubble and that the pandemic is something that happens to other countries or even other provinces. But a pandemic, by its very nature, is a global event. Unless there is a coordinated response on a world scale, SARS-CoV-2 will continue to spread and mutate, potentially resulting in a vaccine-resistant strain in addition to thousands of needless deaths. An elimination strategy is possible. This was the strategy that led to the elimination of the virus in China and, until relatively recently, New Zealand. I think that the October 24 webinar is an important step forward in the fight to bring a scientifically informed programme into the working class to counter the lies of the ruling class. We must use this knowledge in the fight to save human lives, not corporate profits. Ken, an educator from Ontario and CERSC member, summed up the central issues raised by the webinar, declaring, I am attending because it is high time workers end the pandemic. For far too long we have sat by waiting for our governments to solve this crisis. They have failed us badly. It has become as clear as day that corporate interests determine public policy to societys peril. Workers need to be armed with science so we will no longer be fooled when we are told that we just have to learn to live with the virus. No! I do not want to live with the virus anymore! I want to end the pandemic! Socialist Equality Party (SEP) electoral members have voiced their opposition to the homicidal reopening agendas of Australian federal and state governments. Placing profits before lives, the Labor government in Victoria and its Liberal-National counterpart in New South Wales (NSW) are ending their limited lockdown measures. Cheryl Crisp addressing an SEP public meeting in Sydney, 2015 [Credit: WSWS Media] The electoral members link these reopening measures and Canberras involvement in the US-led preparations for war against China to Australias new anti-democratic electoral laws, which were rushed through parliament with bipartisan support on August 26. The laws, which target the SEP and 35 other parties that do not have members of parliament, require that these parties submit a list of 1,500 members, treble the previous number, by December 2 or face deregistration. This means these organisations will not appear under their party name on federal election ballot papers. As part of the campaign to defeat these laws, the SEP is holding an online public meeting on Sunday, October 31, at 1:00 p.m. (AEDT). The meeting will explain the socialist program for the elimination of COVID-19 and its critical connection to the new electoral laws. Click here to register. To join the SEP campaign against the legislation, sign up as an electoral member today. **** Dolores Martinez, 55, was politicised by her father, Juan, who was born in the immediate aftermath of the Spanish Civil War (19361939). She was born in Madrid in 1966 and came to Australia in 1969 with her parents. While Doloress mother was from a middle-class family, her father came from a poorer family. He has always had an anti-capitalist outlook, she said, and was involved in a so-called Communist Party in Geelong where we lived. I developed a communist mentality in my youth. When she was 25, Dolores met the Socialist Labour League, forerunner of the SEP, in the north Melbourne working-class suburb of Glenroy, during the partys 1993 election campaign. Dolores Martinez Party members, she said, explained that Leon Trotsky was a revolutionary figure of the Russian Revolution, something that Id never heard during my entire time around the Communist Party in Geelong. I went home and told my dad. We were immediately interested in the party and Leon Trotsky and wondered why he had never previously been mentioned to us. As we later learned, Trotsky was seen as a threat because he represented international socialism. The Stalinist Communist Party wanted to rub his name from history, she continued. Both the Stalinists and the capitalists sought to present the Soviet bureaucracy and its theory of Socialism in One Country as genuine socialism. They presented Stalins nationalist perspective as socialism. Stalinism helped save capitalism, Dolores continued, by ridding the world of the leadership of the proletariat, which was Trotsky and the old Bolsheviks. This was the case in Spain, where the revolution was betrayed by Stalinism. Its important to know what socialism really represents, and that it is based on the idea of Workers of the World, Unite! which means forming rank-and-file committees and being guided by an international program fought for by the SEP, she said. These historical questions are more important than ever. These are burning issues because the world is confronting a catastrophic situation with climate disasters, the collapse of the ecosystem and the threat of wars. The coronavirus pandemic is claiming tens of thousands of victims daily. Here in Victoria the Andrews government is reopening, even though there are now over 2,000 cases a day. He has gone further than the government in NSW. The media is trumpeting Freedom Friday. Its disgusting The reason theyre telling us to live with the virus is because the economy is going downhill, and capitalism has to continue generating profits for companies and businesses. But the consequence of opening up is more infections, illness and deaths I agree with the October 24 meeting because it will explain the dangers of allowing the pandemic to spread and educate the working class with science on how to put an end to it. The Socialist Equality Party is uniting the working class with scientists for the elimination of the virus, Dolores said. To register for the October 24 meeting click here. William, 65, is from Molong in regional New South Wales and became an electoral member earlier this year. He has struggled to find work over the past year because of the pandemic and had to try and survive using his savings. He only recently resumed work as a theatre safety inspector. Labor is Liberal lite, there is almost no difference, he said, referring to Australias dominant parliamentary parties. During the pandemic they have run down the medical side of things and the Pharmaceutical Benefits System has been wiped out. While there has also been no support given to education and health, big business, such as Coles, has been given huge support. This has been going on for decades, they say theres never enough money for health, education, the humanities, he added. Referring to Australias new electoral laws, William said. Theres a move to fascist governments internationally, witness Trump in the US, Bolsonaro in Brazil, Johnson in the UK. I think it expresses itself in Australia with the major parties running roughshod over democratic conventions. John Thomson, 70, is a longstanding SEP electoral member from the NSW Central Coast. The laws are based on breaking down or eliminating those parties that take votes from the two major parties, both of which seem to be merging together. When you add in the Greens, its a red, blue and green coalition against the working class, he said. Commenting on the preparations for war, he added, My grandfathers brother worked on the wharves in Sydney during WWII and was jailed for going on strike. In order to go to war, workers rights need to be destroyed. These new electoral laws are directed against the SEP because its a party that opposes the drive to war. Australia is no stranger to wars, and theres quite a long list, going right back to the Boer wars [in South Africa] beginning in the 19th century. Today Australia is making moves to incorporate nuclear submarines; there are more US bases in the Northern Territory, and it is heavily involved in the pivot to Asia announced by Obama to encircle China In the 80s I used to work as a draughtsman in the construction department for the Water Board. There were lots of strikes, but then Hawke and Keating, in conjunction with the unions brought in the Accords. Any gains in previous decades were capped by the Accord, and workers struggles were suppressed. Now the cost of living has increased, the ruling class is demanding things go back to normal and get profits rolling, and the unions are struggling to contain the class struggle, he said. Crowded COVID-19 isolation room at the University Emergency Hospital in the Romanian capital Bucharest, Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda) Official propaganda of the end of the pandemic notwithstanding, the spread of COVID-19 in Europe is taking on ever more dramatic forms. Every day, about 220,000 people become infected with the virus and almost 3,000 die. Last week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported a 7 percent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Europe. The WHO pointed to uneven vaccination rates across the continent and stressed that the development poses a significant threat. Significantly, according to the WHO, Europe was the only region of the world where the number of daily reported cases is rising. The situation is particularly acute in Eastern Europe. Yesterday, 1,064 people died of COVID-19 and 37,141 new cases were recorded in Russia. Experts assume that the number of unreported cases is far higher. In Ukraine (614 dead yesterday, 23,785 cases) and Romania (356 dead, 15,410 new cases), more people are dying now of COVID-19 than ever before in the pandemic. Yesterday, with overflowing emergency wards threatening to swamp the hospital system, Ukraine announced a two-week shutdown of schools in high-infection areas, including in the capital, Kiev. Only 6.8 million of Ukraines 41 million population, and less than one in four of Bulgarias population, are fully vaccinated. The situation in the Baltic States is also out of control. The cabinet in Latvia was forced to impose a night curfew and a month-long lockdown on Wednesday. Earlier, according to the health authority in Riga, there had been 1,400 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in 14 daysa record since the beginning of the pandemic. In many hospitals, intensive care units are already fully occupied, said Health Minister Daniels Pavluts. In the rest of Europe, the trend is moving in a similar direction. In Poland, the number of new infections is currently doubling from week to week. If this situation continues, it will break through all the forecasts we have had so far, warned Polands Health Minister Adam Niedzielski in Warsaw on Wednesday. Great Britain currently has the highest number of recorded COVID-19 cases, with about 50,000 new infections daily and around 200 deaths each day. In France, Italy and Spain, where cases had remained comparatively low after a surge in cases and deaths in the late summer, the number of daily new infections has again begun to rise after hitting a low October 10-15 of 4,203, 2,456 and 1,464, respectively. Germany has also recorded another drastic increase. For several days now, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has been reporting an increasing number of new daily infections; on Friday, there were almost 20,000. The seven-day incidence was 95.1 per 100,000 inhabitants, the highest level since mid-May. In its current weekly report, the RKI warns that the increase in the number of cases will accelerate as autumn and winter progress. Across much of Europe, the situation is worse than it was at the same time last year, when hundreds of thousands died of COVID-19 during the winter. Now a similar scenario is looming. The WHO warned in early September of 236,000 additional COVID-19 deaths by December 1. Nevertheless, the European governments did nothing to halt the spread of the virus and avert mass deaths. On the contrary: they opened schools and businesses and almost completely dismantled remaining protection measures such as mask mandates and school mitigation procedures. The current mass infections and deaths are a direct result of these policies. Governments of all stripesconservative, social democratic and pseudo-leftare pursuing a deliberate policy of herd immunity, putting profits over lives. In order not to jeopardise the orgy of enrichment on the stock exchanges, they insist that parents send their children to school completely defenceless against the virus and that there must be no more closures and that one must live with the virus. Whether or not they claim to be following procedures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the results of the policies the European powers pursue are largely indistinguishable from the far-rights calls to develop herd immunity via mass infection of the population with coronavirus. Indeed, the far right has long called for an end to all social restriction measures linked to the pandemic. In Germany, Health Minister Jens Spahns plan to end the epidemic situation and de facto eliminate all remaining protective measures by November 25 is supported by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as well as by the Left Party. The Left Party in Saarland, led by party founder Oskar Lafontaine, even wants a Freedom Day on October 30, following the British example, demanding that COVID-19 measures be ignored. It is high time for a Freedom Day instead of German Angst, the party declared in an official statement. Hard experience has shown it is impossible to obtain a more rational, scientific policy against the pandemic by voting establishment parties labelled as left into office. In France, allies of the Left Party in Jean-Luc Melenchons Unsubmissive France party, together with the Revolution permanente web site and the Workers Struggle (LO) party, all endorsed participation in anti-vaccine demonstrations despite overwhelming popular support for vaccination. More than 75 percent of the French population is vaccinated. In Spain, the left populist Podemos party is in power together with the social-democratic Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE). Yet there have been over 100,000 excess deaths in Spain during the pandemic, and the courts are now ruling that even the limited lockdowns imposed last year to halt the initial wave of the pandemicin response to mass strikes in Italy, Spain and across much of Europewere illegal and unconstitutional. The ruling elites contempt for the massive deaths and suffering caused by the pandemic was on full display at the two-day European Council summit that ended yesterday in Brussels. The discussion centred largely on how to deny Afghan refugees passing through former Soviet republics entry into the European Union (EU), and the Polish governments attempts to disregard European legal rulings. COVID-19 was barely mentioned in news reports on the summit, though the summit web site briefly called for efforts to overcome vaccine hesitancy to be stepped up. At the same time, the EU countries are pouring hundreds of billions of euros into military budgets, which continue to increase even despite the fall in economic activity due to the pandemic. Mass death, now unfolding on a scale usually only seen in times of war, must be stopped. Already, over 1.27 million people have died of COVID-19 across Europe. Worldwide, almost 5 million have officially succumbed to the virus. Recent studies suggest that the actual death toll is much higher, with the COVID-19 pandemic leading to approximately 15 million deaths worldwide, including approximately 1.8 million in Europe. To save lives, workers must arm themselves with a scientific and political understanding of the pandemic and build a political movement to impose a scientific policy to eliminate COVID-19. Ending the pandemic requires the implementation of lockdownswith full compensation for affected workers and small businesses, combined with vaccination, contact tracing and isolation of infected people. International support for the third global school strike on October 22 has again underlined that there is broad support in the working class for a policy aiming to halt all human-to-human transmission of COVID-19 and eliminate the virus. On October 24, the WSWS and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) are holding an online webinar to explain the scientific basis for such a strategy to a global audience. We call on all our readers to register today, inform your friends, relatives and colleagues and spread the word about the event as widely as possible on social media. Willie B. Smith III Willie B. Smith III, 52, was executed Thursday night in Alabama, despite overwhelming evidence of his intellectual disability. The US Supreme Court declined to hear an 11th-hour appeal on Smiths behalf, clearing the way for his execution. Smith was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1991 murder of Sharma Ruth Johnson, 22. Smith robbed Johnson, the sister of a police officer, then forced her into the trunk of her car, shot her and set her car on fire. Smith spent close to three decades on death row. Smiths jury voted 10-2 to recommend the death penalty, and his trial judge sentenced him to death. Alabama is the only state that still allows a death sentence to be imposed without a unanimous recommendation from the jury. His execution was delayed by several hours while the US Supreme Court considered a petition by his lawyers over the method of execution. Smith later died by lethal injection in the execution chamber of the Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama. He was pronounced dead at 9:47 p.m., according to the Associated Press (AP). On October 17, a federal district court denied for a second time Smiths claim that putting him to death by lethal injection violated his rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Smith was set to die by lethal injection, Alabamas default method of execution, after he failed to fill out a form from the Alabama Department of Corrections in which he could have designated the alternative method of execution, nitrogen hypoxia. State death row inmates, including Smith, were given 30 days from June 1, 2018, to choose lethal injection or nitrogen hypoxia as their means of execution. They were required to sign, date and return the provided form. The Montgomery Adviser reports that several inmates received the notice a few days before the deadline and described a scramble to contact attorneys and understand the offer to them. Smiths legal team said he needed assistance to understand the form and what to do with it. They said their clients significant cognitive deficiencies qualified him for protection under the ADA and required Alabama to provide him reasonable accommodations to designate a method of execution. A successful appeal on this issue would have stayed Smiths execution, not prevented it outright. Alabama is one of three states, the others being Oklahoma and Mississippi, that authorizes nitrogen hypoxia as an execution method. No state has used it. In a nitrogen hypoxia execution, the prisoner would breathe pure nitrogen, depriving the body of oxygen and causing asphyxiation. Oklahoma, the only state other than Alabama to have publicly discussed plans to use nitrogen hypoxia executions, said in 2019 that at least seven companies declined to sell them agas delivery device for executions. Pharmaceutical companies in the past have refused to sell drugs to states to be used for lethal injection, saying the use of their products for executions violates their terms of business. In a very real sense, execution by nitrogen hypoxia is experimental, Death Penalty Information Center Executive Director Robert Dunham told Newsweek. It has never been done before and no one has any idea whether it is going to work the way its proponents say it will. And there is no way to test it because it is completely unethical to experimentally kill someone against their will. Alabama says that its nitrogen hypoxia execution protocol and facilities are nearly complete, but the state has not indicated whether it plans to carry out nitrogen-gas executions by filling a specially designed chamber with the gas or by administering a lethal dose of the gas through a breathing apparatus strapped to the prisoners face. Arizona announced in June that it is ready to revive another method of execution, saying it has refurbished its gas chamber and is prepared to use cyanide gas, which was used by the Nazis to murder more than a million people during the Holocaust. Willie Smiths final appeal, and its deadly outcome, was the latest in a series of legal developments in his case. The US Supreme Court ruled in 2002 in Atkins v. Virginia that the use of capital punishment against individuals with intellectual disabilities violates the Eighth Amendments ban against cruel and unusual punishment. In July 2020, however, the high court declined to review Smiths appeal of Alabama state and federal courts denial of his Atkins claim. Alabama denied Smiths claim on the basis that he had not proved that his intellectual and adaptive functioning were sufficiently impaired to be diagnosed as intellectually disabled. The state courts ruled that Smiths IQ score was 72, unadjusted for measurement errors. This was just two points above the states IQ cutoff of 70. Focusing on his adaptive skills, the courts claimed these skills outweighed his intellectual disability. In 2014, the Supreme Court ruled in Hall v. Florida that the use of IQ cutoff scores is unconstitutional, and subsequently ruled in Moore v. Texas that the focus of a determination of adaptive functioning should be on the presence or absence of deficits, not on whether there are counterbalancing strengths. The US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit agreed that Smith would have been ineligible for execution if Alabama had applied a constitutionally valid standard for determining intellectual disability. However, it ruled that his execution could proceed because Hall and Moore should be applied only to cases that had not yet been decided on appeal at the time of the Supreme Court decision. It was, they argued, simply a matter of timingtiming that arbitrarily condemned Smith to death. On February 10, 2021, a three-judge panel of the Eleventh Circuit voted to enjoin Alabama from carrying out Smiths execution on the basis of the states refusal to allow his spiritual adviser to attend to him in the execution chamber. The Supreme Court left the injunction in place unless the state would allow Smiths pastor to be present in the execution chamber, which they agreed to in June, removing that barrier to his execution. Willie Smith was the eighth person to be executed in the US in 2021, including three federal prisoners. Since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976 after a brief hiatus, 1,537 condemned prisoners have met their deaths, including the intellectually disabled, those convicted of crimes committed as juveniles and foreign nationals denied their consular rights. Victims of capital punishment in the US are overwhelming poor and working class. Ethnic minorities are disproportionately represented among them. 1: The pandemic is still raging Contrary to the claims of the media and governments worldwide that the pandemic is nearing its end, the virus is still raging. In the US, more than 125,000 people have died of COVID-19 in the past three and a half months. Thats more than 1,600 deaths per day, including an average of three children per day. Official figures have recorded 750,000 total deaths in the United States and nearly 5 million globally. But these are underestimates. By tracking all those that have died since the start of the pandemic and comparing those figures to historical trends, the actual number of excess deaths can be calculated as about 1 million in the US and a staggering 11 to 16 million globally. Compared to this time last year, the US is seeing even more new COVID cases per day. Last winter saw the largest surge of the virus so far in the US, when daily new cases reached above 250,000. Many scientists fear that this winter will see another major surge. 2: Auto plants are one of the top sources of community spread COVID-19 is an airborne virus, which means it spreads rapidly when people gather in enclosed or badly-ventilated spaceslike factories and schoolsand breathe the same air. Most states dont publish location-based outbreak reports, but in Michigan, factories and construction sites have frequently traded places with nursing homes and K-12 schools as the #1 most-likely place to catch COVID-19. Michigan currently reports 35 ongoing outbreaks at manufacturing and construction sites, and we know that most workplace outbreaks are covered up by the companies and unions. The Delta variant is so contagious that outbreaks are taking place even at schools and workplaces where masks are worn. Stellantis workers in Warren, Michigan (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) Understanding Aerosols When the pandemic began, we thought the virus was spreading only through droplets, which are small particles of moisture that are ejected when we breathe, cough or sneeze. Wearing a cloth mask stops the spread of droplets. But scientists have improved their understanding of COVID-19 transmission over the last two years. We now know that COVID-19, unlike some other viruses, can become suspended in the air, or aerosolized. Aerosolized viruses are airborne, and can hang in the air for hours, even after the infected person has left the area. This makes workplaces like auto plants extremely dangerous. Workers can be exposed to COVID-19 even if no one on our shift is sick. 3: As the pandemic goes on, new variants are emerging that are even worse The Delta variant is more than twice as contagious as the wild type COVID-19 virus from which it evolved. To understand how quickly viruses spread, and how they can be fought, scientists calculate an R value. When COVID-19 first became a global pandemic in early 2020, it had an R value of about 3. This means that without vaccinations or other measures to stop the spread, every person infected with COVID-19 went on to infect 3 other people, on average. Since then, several new variants with new characteristics have evolved, including the UK variant which ripped through Michigan in spring of this year. Now, the Delta variant has become dominant in most countries. It is responsible for 99 percent of new COVID infections in the US. Delta has an R value of 6. It also has been shown to cause breakthrough cases in people who are completely vaccinated. As long as Delta continues to spread, there is a danger that an even more contagious or deadly variant will emerge. 4: The pandemic could be ended in a matter of months Smallpox is a virus that once plagued humanity but has now been totally eliminated from the planet. Measles and polio have been totally eliminated from the US. Scientists have shown that even though Delta is extremely contagious, it too can be eliminated. Moreover, this could be achieved in just few months. To eliminate a virus, R must be brought below 1, so that on average each infected person will infect less than one other person. One way to lower R is to vaccinate a large percentage of the population, which reduces the likelihood that the virus will spread between people when they come into contact with one another and share the same air. Vaccines greatly reduce the likelihood of catching and transmitting COVID-19, and of developing severe symptoms. But they are not 100 percent effective. A more effective way to lower R is to reduce social interaction by temporarily closing schools and non-essential workplaces. If a virus cannot spread from one person to another, it will die. To stop a virus as contagious as Delta, both vaccines and temporary shutdowns will be required. This graph is based on the research of Dr. Malgorzata Gasperowicz. Follow her on Twitter: @GosiaGasperoPHD This graph shows how Delta could be eliminated. A moderate rate of vaccination would reduce Deltas R value to 3.7. A higher rate of vaccination could reduce R to 2.9. A program of public health (PH) measures, including the temporary closure of schools and non-essential workplaces, but with no vaccines, would reduce R to 1.2. This is still not enough to end the pandemic. The only strategy which results in elimination is combining vaccines with shutdowns, which brings R down to 0.74. 5: Workers all over the world have started to fight for better conditions Since the pandemic began, US billionaires have seen their wealth surge 71 percent, or $2.1 trillion. All of this wealth was created by workers, who continue to fall ill and die from a preventable disease spreading in their workplaces. But workers across the US have begun to fight to put lives over profit. 10,000 John Deere workers are now on strike in Illinois, Iowa and other states, after voting down a contract backed by the United Auto Workers union by 90 percent. And thousands of nurses and healthcare workers are on strike in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut and California, in addition to more than 1,400 Kelloggs workers. Kellogg's workers picket line in Omaha, Nebraska, October, 2021 (Photo: BCTGM Facebook page) Not only is this is the biggest strike wave in the US in generations; it is part of an international upsurge of the working class. 150,000 metalworkers are currently on strike in South Africa. On October 15, parents in the England conducted a school strike which won huge support from workers in the US and all over the world on social media. In all these struggles, workers are rebelling against so-called unions, which falsely claim to represent them. Far from protecting workers, the UAW, the American Federation of Teachers, and other unions have enforced the back-to-school and back-to-work policies of the ruling class which have led to mass illness and death. In order to fight to put lives over profit, the working class needs science. It also needs organization and leadership. That is why the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) was formed on May 1 of this year: to free workers from the shackles of the existing trade unions, link up the working class internationally. To explain the scientific knowledge workers need to stop the pandemic and save lives the IWA-RFC is co-hosting an upcoming webinar titled How to end the pandemic. The third global school strike was held yesterday to fight against the deadly reopening of schools as the COVID-19 pandemic rages. Two previous strikes were held on October 15 and October 1, called by Lisa Diaz, a parent of two children from Wigan, England. Laura, a college student in central Germany The strikes won international support, with parents, educators, workers and students sending messages of support on social media, including short videos, from the UK, United States, France, Germany, Australia and other countries. The main hashtag for the event, #SchoolStrike2021, has been tweeted nearly 50,000 times in the past month since Lisa first announced the October 1 school strike. The World Socialist Web Site supported the global online picket line, compiling messages of support throughout the day. Lisa Diza calling for the school strike in one of her Twitter videos [Credit: Lisa Diaz @Sandyboots2020] Prior to the latest action, Lisa announced that the school strike will take place every Friday. In a video posted Thursday evening and viewed over 17,000 times, she said, I support the school strike tomorrow because the unfettered and dangerous reopening of schools is not only infecting 20,000 children each day with a novel virus of which weve no idea of the long-term consequences, its fuelling in the pandemic. Weve had 52,000 new cases today of COVID. The Health Secretary Sajid Javid said that hospitals are okay. Well, theyre not okay Weve got the worst COVID rates in the world. The UK accounted for 20 percent of the worlds COVID yesterday. Its an absolute farce. Its disgusting. Speaking from the United States, Socialist Equality Party (US) National Secretary Joseph Kishore commented at the end of the school strike, Todays school strike again reflects a growing movement of workers throughout the world to demand an end to the deadly reopening of schools and for a policy to finally put an end to the pandemic. Kishore added, The demands of workers, however, are falling on deaf ears. Governments, far from implementing measures to save lives, are reversing whatever measures had previously been in place. The universal line is that workers must learn to live with the virus. Noting the growth of the class struggle in the US and globally, both in response to the pandemic and the extreme exploitation of capitalism, Kishore urged all those participating in the global school strike to attend the upcoming webinar this Sunday hosted by the WSWS and International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees, titled How to end the pandemic. The latest strike took place as the UK recorded another 49,298 COVID-19 cases and 180 deaths Friday. In the last week, Britain has recorded 324,483 new cases, a rise of almost 20 percent on the previous week. The Office for National Statistics reported that one in 55 people had COVID-19 in England last week. In Wales, it was one in 45, Scotland one in 90, and in Northern Ireland it was one in 130. The surge of COVID-19 is being propelled by the millions of unprotected children in schools who returned to classrooms in August and September. The ONS found that the highest rate of infection was among secondary school-aged children. Among 11 to 16 year olds, the infection rate was 7.8 percent. Among those supporting the strike was Malcolm Bray, a former miner who fought in the yearlong 198485 miners strike against Margaret Thatchers Conservative government. In his video, Malcolm said, As a former miner who went through the 8485 strike, I have some experience standing up to vindictive governments I fear for the safety of my own grandchildren and other parents children This is why I fully support the brave and courageous efforts waged by Lisa Diaz and the call for school strike action. The government has shown complete indifference in pursuing its dangerous and criminal herd immunity perspective. Malcolm also called on those involved in the school strike to attend this Sundays WSWS webinar, stating, None of these questions can or will be addressed by parties like the Labour Party and trade unions. The webinar is an independent response to these outmoded organisations. The time to act on this is now. Join Lisa Diaz, the WSWS and the webinar on October 24. Charlie, a father of three, said in his video, My family and I will be taking part in the school strike today. Our children are sitting ducks. I have a CV Brittle Type 1 diabetic son who is only 10 years old and too young for a vaccine. My family is currently being threatened with fines and prosecution by my eldest sons secondary school Our children are sitting ducks. Enough is enough. Children are dying, children are being hospitalized, children are suffering from Long COVID. Schools are not safe, our children are not safe and my children will not be returning to school until they are vaccinated and schools are adequately mitigated like many others across the world. Enough is enough. Tall Paul, a supporter of SafeEdforAll, tweeted, Another 19,181 confirmed positives in under 19s accounting for 43.2% of todays total 43,363 cases in England. Its clear schools are unsafe & driving transmission into older age groups. Mother Sally Bourliakas tweeted, Make our voices heard. We will not sit in silence as children & school staff face more harm. Parent, National Health Service mental health worker and SafeEdforAll member Lucy Garrard SafeEdforAll supporter Lucy Garrard, a National Health Service worker, posted a message along with her video reading, Children are getting ill and dying. The NHS is overwhelmed. Also speaking from the US was WSWS writer Evan Blake, who commented, The fact that these strikes have been organized globally, and independently of the trade unions and political parties which have enforced the reopening of schools, gives them tremendous strength. Calling on school strike participants to join Sundays meeting, Blake stated, In order for the working class to protect children, stop the pandemic and save millions of lives worldwide, we must be armed with a scientific understanding of COVID-19 and the measures necessary to stop viral transmission once and for all. He added, The event will provide a comprehensive overview of the state of the pandemic, and make clear how the virus spreads, its impact on children and adults, the role that schools play in spreading COVID, and what measures must be taken for the global elimination of COVID-19 in every country. James, an educator in Michigan, stated in his video, The school conditions in Michigan are horrible. Two weeks ago, there were over 375 children under the age of 12 years old infected each day with COVID-19, while hospitalizations have doubled from a month ago. Its not safe to go back into the building, even if we have mitigation measures. Andy Thompson, a member of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in Chicago, commented, By putting forward a scientific program and plan, and by mobilizing the world working class to make it happen, theres nothing we cant achieve. Whether its defeating COVID and eliminating it from the population, or other issues such as climate change, ending wars, and ending poverty and inequality, these are all things we can achieve. But we must put forward a plan to do it and mobilize the working class. Tamino Several German students registered their support. Tamino said, Like many others around the world, I support the third school strike for safe education. Even though there has been a positive Covid case in our class, classes are continuing at full capacity. In Germany last week, the number of infections exploded with a 7-day incidence increase from 66 to 86. Florian said, The elimination of the virus is never talked about in the media, even though it would save many thousands of lives. Together with scientists, students and workers must now fight for the global elimination of the virus. Jane, an unpaid carer in Edinburgh, tweeted, I support the global parent strike on October 22 because the infection rates in Britain are some of the worst in Europe. Governments publish death statistics for COVID, but none publishes long COVID statistics. Neurological damage from post-viral illness can last a lifetime. Children can and do die from COVID, but politicians never mention the many more who will suffer with long COVID No one is fit to hold a seat in government who decides to condemn a significant percentage of children to long-term and potentially life-long suffering through the living hell of post-viral illness. The WSWS urges all of our readers and supporters to register and attend Sundays meeting, which will arm the working class with a scientific understanding of the pandemic and what measures must be taken to stop the spread of COVID-19 worldwide. Invite your coworkers, family and friends to attend, and share the event widely on social media. Asia Half a million South Korean workers strike to demand labour law changes Tens of thousands of South Korean workers walked out on Wednesday and demonstrated across the country to demand labour law changes and nationalisation of key industries. According to the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), the countrys largest umbrella labour union with 1.1 million members, about 550,000 workers in cities and rural areas participated in the strike. The main demands were for the abolition of irregular work, such as part-time, temporary and contract labour, and for the nationalisation of key industries and socialising basic services like education and housing. The union leadership demanded more collaboration with government and employers on economic-restructuring decisions. South Korea ranks third highest in annual working hours and in 2015 had the third highest number of workplace deaths among Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development member countries. Over 40 percent of all workers in South Korea are irregular employees with a growing number in the gig economy and no guaranteed income. India: Punjab public servants on strike for permanent jobs Striking workers from the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) demonstrated in Patiala on October 19 demanding permanent jobs and pay revision as per the Sixth Pay Commission report with revised multiple increases. The workers have been on strike since October 6. Workers complained that after several meetings with department officials their grievances had not been resolved and that they will continue their protest until October 24, then intensify their action. Punjab public school teachers and nurses demand better pay Punjab State Teachers Alliance members and nurses marched in Chamkaur Sahib on October 17 and held a sit-down protest on the Chamkaur Sahib-Morinda Road for about an hour. Teachers and nurses were demanding implementation of the 6th Pay Commission report and removal of ambiguities in the new pay scales of 24 categories of employees. Protesters claimed that senior government authorities in meetings on September 8 and September 28 had agreed to increase the salaries of 24 categories of employees but the Finance Department was delaying implementation of the deal. Visakhapatnam Steel Plant workers continue protests against privatisation Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) workers in Andhra Pradesh held a 25-hour hunger protest on Tuesday against the Modi governments planned privatisation of the plant. The day marked the 250th day of VSP protests. The government has approved a 100 percent disinvestment of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), VSPs corporate entity, and private management of the steel plant. Widely supported demonstrations against privatisation have been ongoing since February 1. Jharkhand National Health Mission contract workers on strike Contract workers from the National Health Mission (NHM) Jharkhand unit have been on strike since October 11 for increased wages as compensation for working during the COVID-19 peak period. They also want the reinstatement of Jwala Prasad, a senior contract worker who was harassed by senior officials, a defined employment policy for contract workers, and for Sunday to be declared a holiday. Initially 140 contract workers from Ranchi participated in the strike but were gradually joined by other district workers. Strikers include drivers, computer operators and miscellaneous workers. Salon and spa home service workers in Delhi strike Workers from a salon and spa home service provider Urban Company struck for 24 hours in Delhi on October 8 in protest against exploitation. Urban Company employs workers through online app platforms, such as Swiggy, Zomato, Ola and Uber. The female workers claimed that the company was brutally exploiting and fleecing them. About 100 workers were involved in the strike. They also protested by signing out of the app during the weekend. The workers said the Urban Company was using sly tactics by down rating them and frequently blocking their access to the app. Workers demanded the company provide a transparent way of showing commission deductions. Pakistan: Hyderabad municipal workers demand unpaid salaries and permanent jobs Hyderabad Development Authority (HDA) employees and Water and Sanitation Agency workers protested in Hyderabad on October 13 to demand 11 months of unpaid salaries and pensions. Demonstrators also called for contract workers to be made permanent and accused the Sindh provincial government of failing to transfer funds to local government agencies in Hyderabad. They have threatened to stop water supply and sewerage services if the government fails to grant their demands. Australia and New Zealand Lockout at Konecranes in Tasmania enters eleventh week Transnational company Konecranes Demag has locked out six Communications Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) members from its Tasmanian operations without pay since August 5. The enterprise agreement dispute is for higher pay in the companys latest offer. The company locked out the CEPU workers in response to low level industrial action called by the union following 12 months of failed negotiations. The company, which specialises in the installation and maintenance of heavy-lifting equipment at building construction sites and overhead gantry cranes at ports, is using outsourced labour to maintain operations. The workers want wages and conditions brought in line with maintenance fitters and engineers doing similar work in Tasmania. They also want as access to secure income protection and severance pay. The CEPU has made no attempt to mobilise any of the tens of thousands of its members in other states to defeat the companys scabbing operation and win workers demands. Queensland government building maintenance apprentices strike Apprentices from Qbuild, a commercialised construction and building maintenance business unit of the Queensland government, walked off the job for three days in Brisbane on October 14. They were demanding access to proper trades training and claimed they were being treated as cheap, unskilled labour. The apprentices voted unanimously for the strike, complaining that much of their four-year apprenticeship period is spent on menial tasks. The Construction Forestry Maritime Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU) which covers the workers, ordered the apprentices back to work after the Palaszczuk Labor state government forced the dispute into the Industrial Relations Commission. Mediation on the demands of the apprentices will commence on November 3. New Zealand nurses union pushes through slightly improved pay offer The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) has announced that it accepted the latest pay offer from the countrys 20 District Health Boards (DHBs). Of its 32,000 members who work in DHBs, 83 percent voted in favour in an online ballot. A NZNO spokesman said the DHBs had taken the advice of the Employment Relations Authority after mediation last month and presented an acceptable offer. The deal, however, is in line with previous offers rejected by an overwhelming majority of nurses. Most of the headline $5,800 increase to base pay comes in the form of down payments on a so-called pay equity settlement. This is a separate bureaucratic process to purportedly bring nurses pay in line with similar male dominated professions. Years in the pipeline, it is yet to be finalised by the Labour government. The NZNO also claims to have achieved a DHB contractual obligation to safe staffing, based on a vague pathway when members concerns arent addressed. The NZNO sought to wear down nurses and overcome resistance during the unions 15 months of negotiations and then used the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown to call off strike action planned for mid-August. The final ballot was conducted as nurses were attempting to deal a crisis in the hospitals as the Delta virus continues escalated. A Dickson County, Tennessee mother died of COVID-19 this week after giving birth to a baby she never had a chance to hold, both victims of a homicidal social policy of herd immunity which has allowed the deadly virus to spread far and wide. Amanda Perry, 36, had been admitted in mid-September to a local hospital emergency room with COVID-19. She was 32 months pregnant at the time and an emergency C-section was performed. Placed on a ventilator, she was then eventually airlifted to Richmond, Virginia for increased COVID-19 support and treatment in hopes of saving her life. Her husband, Billy, had driven to Richmond and rented an apartment to be near his wife, who died October 18. GoFundMe by family of Amanda Perry, who died of COVID-19. (GoFundMe screenshot) The baby, Nolan, remained in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for a month and is reportedly doing well, living with his father, grandmother and two older brothers We had three miscarriages before having Nolan, Billy told NewChannel5. She loved being a mom, she was put on this earth to be a mom. Amanda and Billy had a total of five children from previous marriages, one a special-needs child. No doubt the couple faced intense economic pressures during the pandemic. The family lived in White Bluff, Tennessee, but Amanda had been working as a hair stylist in Franklin, Tennessee. Franklin is the county seat for Williamson County, Tennessee, the richest county in the state. It is 31 miles away and a 48-minute drive with light traffic, according to a Microsoft mileage search. Williamson County is noted for the large number of retail, service and hospitality industry workers who commute from surrounding counties because it is impossible to live in the county where they work with what they are paid, often having to commute for almost two hours a day. The median cost of a three-bedroom home in Williamson Countypossibly the right size for a family the size of Amandas and Billys is $439,900. Amanda was also under pressure over vaccination. Perhaps because she had suffered three previous miscarriages, she wanted to wait for the vaccination, a friend told the media. She wanted to be vaccinated but did not want to risk the pregnancy, Carlene Bennett told News4 Nashville. She said she was going to get vaxxed after she gave birth, but time ran out. It was not reported how Amanda contracted COVID-19. It is possible with school-age children one might have brought it home. It was not reported if the family had been tested. It is also possible she contract the virus at work. Working in a beauty and hair salon with many different clients coming in and out increases the possibility of exposure. It is also often next to impossible for clients to remain masked when they are having their hair shampooed, styled or cut. Amanda, like millions of other workers, was forced to work and live with increased risks. There are a lot of exposures, and pregnant women dont have the luxury, in general, usually, of being able to really isolate themselves, Dr. Ryan Loftin, a Minnesota specialist in obstetrics, gynecology and maternal fetal medicine told the media in an interview in August with CBS Minnesota. Dr. Loftin noted that at that point, 86 percent of cases of COVID-19 in pregnancies involved unvaccinated women. Although the science does not support it, expecting mothers have avoided getting vaccinated at a higher rate than other sections of the population. The vaccines are safe and effective, and it has never been more urgent to increase vaccinations as we face the highly transmissible Delta variant and see severe outcomes from COVID-19 among unvaccinated pregnant people, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky noted in August. The CDC recommends not only pregnant mothers, but also breast-feeding mothers and even those considering pregnancy, get the vaccine. CDC analysis of current data on vaccinations before 20 weeks of pregnancy indicates no increased risk of miscarriages. Miscarriage typically occurs in 11 to 16 percent of pregnancies before 20 weeks. The study of the 2,500 pregnant women who received vaccinations for COVID-19 reported a miscarriage rate of 13 percent. It can be as severe as it is in anyone else, requiring intubation, mechanical ventilation and even including deaths of pregnant women because of severe illness, Dr. Lofton noted of the threat of COVID-19. Pregnant women are at increased risk for severe disease if they do develop infection, and our data have demonstrated an increased risk for mortality with COVID-19 infection at the time of childbirth compared to childbirth without COVID-19 infection, Dr. Jennifer Jolley, a study author and OB-GYN with the University of California-Irvine Medical Center, told U.S. News and World Report. I have seen some pregnant women get really sick. I mean, I have seen some die, Dr. Mark Turrentine, an obstetrics professor at Baylor College of Medicine, and co-chair of a COVID-19 work group for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), told NPR. And you know, you go into this business as an obstetrician gynecologist because patients are young and they are healthy. And most of the time you have great outcomes. This is a bad virus. It is a bad virus indeed, but the ruling class is determined to force workers back to work, shoulder to shoulder, 12-hours a day pumping out profits even as the pandemic continues to kill more than 1,500 people every day in the United States. Workers are getting sick on the assembly line, poultry farm, meat processing facilities, supermarkets and at the hair salons. More than 750,000 lives have been needlessly lost over the last 18 months. While workers are exposed to the highly contagious Delta variant, the Democrats and Republicans, along with their union allies, pack unvaccinated children into poorly ventilated, overcrowded classrooms to catch the virus and take it back into their homes and communities. Only through the organization and mobilization of the worlds working class, armed with science, can the necessary steps be taken to bring about the global elimination of COVID-19. The October 24 webinar sponsored by the World Socialist Web Site and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) will bring together scientists, public health specialists and working people who are all engaged in the struggle to save lives. The discussion will be aimed at educating, clarifying and laying the basis for effective mass action to end the pandemic. We urge all of our readers internationally to register today, invite your coworkers, friends and family, and promote the event as widely as possible on social media this weekend. New York Police Department officers in masks stand during a service at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, Oct. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File) Across the US, police are refusing to comply with COVID-19 vaccine mandates, with many quitting their jobs or filing lawsuits rather than receive a vaccine. In August, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot mandated that all city employees not fully vaccinated by October 15 had to undergo COVID-19 testing twice a week. Each unvaccinated employee is required to submit a test every three to four days, on their own time and at their own expense. The testing option is available only until the end of this year. After December 31, city employees must be fully vaccinated, unless they have received an approved medical or religious exemption. The mayoral mandate sparked opposition among Chicagos police. Nearly one-third of Chicagos 13,000-member police department has so far refused to register their vaccination status, putting them on track for dismissal. City officials report that 21 police have been officially removed from active duty so far. John Cantanzara, head of Chicagos largest police union, called for the unions approximately 11,000 members to defy the citys requirement to report vaccination status. After the city announced the vaccine mandate in August, Cantanzara compared it to Nazi Germany, telling the Sun-Times, This aint Nazi Germany. Step into the ... showers, the pills wont hurt you. He said up to half of Chicagos police force would take unpaid leave rather than report their vaccine status. It is the citys clear attempt to force officers to Chicken Little, the sky is falling into compliance, he said last week. Do not fall for it. Hold the line. A judge granted the citys request for a temporary order barring Cantanzara from making any public comments encouraging union members to resist the mandate. However, he has continued to post videos on the unions YouTube channel in defiance of the order. In a video posted online Tuesday, Cantanzara threatened to sue the Lightfoot administration if it tried to enforce the mandate. Senator Mike Braun, a Republican from Indiana, announced that officers in Illinois who lose their jobs due to vaccine mandates can look to Indiana for new positions, saying that the officers deserve respect. In a statement to Fox News, Braun said, Our police do the hardest job in the world, and they deserve respectnot losing their pay or being fired for refusing to comply with a ridiculous vaccine mandate. The conflict in Chicago reflects a broader trend across America. Police departments have faced resistance in their efforts to get police officers to comply with vaccine mandates, despite reports indicating that COVID-19 is now the leading cause of death of police in the country, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. According to the organization, 133 police officers died of COVID-related causes in 2021, higher than firearm and traffic-related deaths combined. Some cities have released figures showing that police department employees tend to be vaccinated at lower rates than most other government workers, and at lower rates than the general public. In Los Angeles, where vaccines are required for city workers, more than 2,600 police department employees said they intended to seek a religious exemption. Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said he would not enforce the countys new vaccine mandate within his agency. He oversees the largest sheriffs department in the country, with approximately 18,000 employees. LA County set a deadline for county employees to be vaccinated by October 1. Villanueva said his employees are willing to be terminated rather than get vaccinated. I dont want to be in a position to lose 5, 10 percent of my workforce overnight on a vaccine mandate, the sheriff said. Los Angeles County has recorded more than 26,000 COVID-related deaths, and health officials report an average of 14 deaths a day, despite slowing hospitalization rates. The union representing New York City police officers vowed to sue the city government Wednesday, hours after Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all New York City municipal employees. Sheriff John Mina of Orange County Florida said he brought in a doctor to answer deputies questions about vaccination and offered three days leave to those who got shots. However, the latest figures show about 45 percent of employees, who submitted their vaccination status, were still not vaccinated. The sheriff said he opposed mandates and said that his officers deal with violent criminals all the time carrying guns, and I think they think that may be more of a threat. In Milwaukee, city officials were pressured into an agreement with the citys police union earlier this month that requires union members to be vaccinated or wear masks while on duty, except when eating or drinking at a safe distance from others. Firefighters and police officers from across New Jersey gathered in protest against vaccine mandates last week in Newark, the states largest city. Multiple unions representing officers and firefighters have filed legal challenges to Newark Mayor Ras Barakas vaccine requirement for city workers. In Seattle, dozens of police officers and firefighters were fired Monday for refusing to comply with a vaccine mandate. On Tuesday, dozens of former cops and firefighters left their boots on the steps of Seattles City Hall and posted videos on social media of them feeding the homeless. The Washington State Patrol also lost 127 employees following the mandate, including 67 troopers, six sergeants and one captain. On Thursday, veteran actor Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun that tragically killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza. The terrible incident occurred on set during the filming of the Western Rust, which Baldwin is a co-producer, on location in New Mexico. Hutchins died after being airlifted to the New Mexico University Hospital in Albuquerque. Actor Alec Baldwin, left, stands with his attorney during a hearing, Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019.(Erik Thomas/New York Post via AP, Pool) Hutchins, 42 years old, worked out of Los Angeles and was a member of the Cinematographers Guild, IATSE Local 600. She was a 2015 graduate of the American Film Institute Conservatory. She was considered a rising star in the industry, and among her previous film credits are Archenemy, Blindfire and TheMad Hatter. Originally from Ukraine, she is survived by her husband, Matthew Hutchins, of Los Angeles. The accident occurred while Baldwin was rehearsing a scene. As he backed out of a building, he discharged the firearm that shot Hutchins in the stomach and Souza in the shoulder. Originally listed as being in critical condition, Souza has since been released from the hospital. International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 44, the bargaining agent for prop makers, set decorators and a variety of other film professionals, sent out an email that asserted, A live single round was accidentally fired on set. Union officials later clarified that they were unaware of what sort of projectile was in the gun, and that the term live only denoted that the weapon was loaded with material, which are usually blanks. In reference to what type of ammunition had been in the gun, Juan Rios, a spokesman for the sheriffs department investigating the case, declared on Friday that The incident occurred not even 24 hours ago. We dont have any forensics on those particulars. We cant confirm that one way or another. Were going to allow our investigators to conduct our investigation. In an article Friday, the Los Angeles Times reported there had been a number of issues concerning poor working conditions on the set before the tragic incident. In fact, just a few hours earlier, camera operators and their assistants were escorted off the Bonanza Creek Ranch set near Santa Fe where filming was taking place. Once escorted off, they were replaced by non-union workers. According to the Times, the production company was supposed to arrange accommodations for the film crew, but rather than provide them with hotels in nearby Santa Fe, the crew was expected to drive back and forth over 50 miles to and from Albuquerque on a daily basis. Film workers on social media have explained the project was an ultra-low budget project. Camera crews had been working over 14 hours a day with one-hour lunch breaks and were begging for rooms nearby so they would not have to continue sleeping in their cars. One camera crew operator said crew members walked off the job in the morning and that each had written a letter of resignation the previous evening. The worker stated that crew members cited everything from lack of payment for three weeks, taking our hotels away despite asking for them in our deals, lack of COVID safety, and on top of that, poor gun safety. There had apparently been an issue with three misfires of guns over the course of the previous two weeks. The worker continued, We wrote about this exact issue last night, and walked this morning because of it! Thats not in any of the papers! They brought in 4 non-union guys to replace us and tried calling the cops on us. The devastating episode comes less than a week after IATSE officials called off a scheduled nationwide strike by 60,000 members after announcing a tentative agreement (TA). IATSE workers were not only ready to strike, they brimmed with confidence after over 90 percent of the union membership turned out to authorize a strike with 98.6 percent voting in favor. Workers voted massively in favor of a walkout and have been vociferously attacking the TAand the highly paid IATSE bureaucrats who blocked the strikeon social media and at town hall meetings. The conditions that existed on the Rust set are not an anomaly but rather the norm across the entire industry: brutally long hours, few or no breaks, lack of decent food, the overall neglect of safety, all while workers are continuously on their feet. There have been numerous deaths on the sets of films and television shows over the years. One of the most notorious occurred on July 23, 1982, when Vic Morrow and two child actors, Renee Shinn Chen and Myca Dinh Le, were killed during the filming of Twilight Zone: The Movie. While director/co-producer John Landis and five others were found not guilty of criminal charges based on their violations of labor laws concerning child actors, working hours and other conditions, Warner Brothers, Landis and Steven Spielberg (co-producer) later settled civil suits with the families for millions of dollars. In a subsequent statement, Spielberg essentially admitted that the working conditions were responsible, by stating, No movie is worth dying for. I think people are standing up much more now than ever before to producers and directors who ask too much. If something isnt safe, its the right and responsibility of every actor or crew member to yell Cut! Two other tragic shooting deaths have taken place since the mid-1980s. In 1984, Jon-Erik Hexum shot himself in the head with a blank on the set of Cover Up, and nine years later, Brandon Lee (son of Bruce Lee) died after being shot in the abdomen with improperly made blanks. Many workers have been drawing comparisons between the Lee and Hutchins incidents and asking how could such a tragedy possibly take place, with safeguards having supposedly been put into operation. After Thursdays shooting, the Lee family tweeted, Our hearts go out to the family of Halyna Hutchins and to Joel Souza and all involved in the incident on Rust. No one should ever be killed by a gun on a film set. Period. And they included a broken-heart emoji. A number of workers pointed out on social media there was no reason why a hot gun (the term used for a weapon containing live rounds, blanks or otherwise) should ever be used on a film set. One prop master explained he had never even seen a weapon capable of firing anything on the productions on which he has worked. He noted that the productions either used rubber or plastic weapons, and that the real ones had their barrels sealed. It should be stressed that the investigation is ongoing, and relatively little has been made public about the concrete circumstances of the shooting. Baldwins role in the death is obviously accidental and personally devastating. Nonetheless, as co-producer he bears some responsibility for the conditions on the Rust set. All in all, the awful death appears linked to the general circumstances prevailing in the film industry, the source of widespread and legitimate outrage among film workers. Indian and Sri Lankan workers and students spoke to the World Socialist Web Site this week about the importance of the October 24 online global webinar. Hosted by the WSWS and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees, the webinar will be chaired by WSWS Chairman David North and include distinguished scientists and epidemiologists who will explain the case for the elimination of COVID-19. Health workers from Kayts Hospital protesting in Jaffna in September (Credit: WSWS) According to official statistics, almost five million people have paid with their lives, because of the criminal response to the pandemic by capitalist governments around the world, for nearly two years. Shocking numbers of infections and deaths are being reported in many countries as new, more virulent variants, of the virus appear. Governments everywhere are removing health care restrictions and claiming vaccination is the only solution to the pandemic. Implementation of the murderous so-called herd immunity policy has opened the door for this catastrophic situation. Alarming rates of infections and deaths are now being reported among children as a result of the premature reopening of schools. On October 31, Sri Lanka will become a fully-opened country, following the lifting of limited travel restrictions between provinces by President Gotabhaya Rajapakses government. In a dangerous manoeuvre to hide the real situation, the Rajapakse government is only conducting 5,000 PCR tests per day, while the Modi government in India, which is blamed for almost half a million COVID-19 deaths, is celebrating the administration of a billion vaccine doses, claiming this as a great achievement. In this context, workers and students in Sri Lanka and India have voiced their support for the WSWS campaign for the elimination of the virus. Senthi, an IT worker in Chennai, said: I was infected with COVID-19 in May and underwent a terrible experience. There were no beds available in [the public] hospitals but I managed to get treatment from a private hospital. It saved my life but cost me 180,000 rupees ($US2,400). Its only a matter of time before theres a new surge in India. The government has created a situation where everything is supposedly back to normal, but nearly 200 deaths and 20,000 cases are being reported every day. The government is promoting the myth that vaccinations are the one and only solution, and all the so-called opposition parties have aligned with this false claim. As everyone should understand, the vaccination just helps to fight the virus, but it does not wipe it out. Ive never seen or heard anyone in the Indian media professionals or scientistscalling for eradication. We, as workers, are now experiencing how dangerous it is to live with the pandemic. Almost all workplaces are now open in India, and all the schools, apart, from the primaries, are also open. Workers are forced to use public transport and the streets are full, with hardly any social distancing. Companies are pretending that they follow the health guidelines for physical distancing, but in practice its not happening because of limited available space. I believe that eradication is the only solution and look forward to participating in the webinar. Kubenusha, a nurse from Kytes Island in northern Sri Lanka, commented: A big lie is being spread all around the world to try and hide the real dangers of the pandemic. The capitalist ruling class wants to cover up the real situation in order to break up public opposition. Thats why this online webinar is very important for the working class and the masses, now threatened by the pandemic. The government in Sri Lanka has massively reduced the number of daily PCR tests, and is claiming that the pandemic is under control, but there are many unreported patients in their homes. We will therefore face a very bad situation with the government reopening the country. The vaccine alone cannot protect us from this plague. Although both doses have been administered, my whole family became infected with the virus. No one should live in fear of falling victim to the pandemic. Therefore, eradication of the pandemic must be the demand of the working class and all the oppressed. An ATG worker from the Nittambuwa trade zone in Gampaha district, near Colombo, said: We, as workers in the manufacturing industries, are very well aware of the danger of the new normal. We have to work now knowing that there are infected people among us. We only know when a person is infected, and after they show severe symptoms, but by then many more have been infected. Only through reading the WSWS have we learnt that this pandemic can be stopped. All the other media tell us that we have to live with the virus. Workers need to be made aware that there is a way to eliminate the pandemic, then theyll have an urge to fight. I fully support this webinar. Mohotti, a small business owner in Colombo, said: From the beginning of the pandemic we saw that the ruling class had no interest in stopping the virus. This pandemic didnt suddenly come about; all the capitalist governments simply ignored the warnings made by scientists. When the capitalists say that COVID-19 cannot be eradicated, they mean that their profits cannot be stopped in order to eliminate it, and they say we should die for their profits. The only obstacle to ending this disaster is the capitalist system. Workers need to attend this crucial meeting, in order to have a proper understanding of this. Ive learned from attending previous meetings that the pandemic can be wiped out in a very short time, if we do exactly what needs to be done. These meetings have given me hope for the future of the entire human race, so Ill be attending the next meeting with the same enthusiasm. On Sunday, October 17, the Tennessee, Texas and Alabama Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committees held a joint meeting to discuss the state of the pandemic and the impact of school reopenings in the South and chart a path to mobilize the working class to stop the pandemic and save lives. Panelists Tony Jackson, Emma Arceneaux and Dr. Benjamin Mateus spoke to the herd immunity, mitigation and global elimination strategies respectively, with the disastrous impact of the former two being explored in depth. The viability of a strategy aimed at eliminating COVID-19 in every country was decisively proven. Those at the meeting unanimously approved the drafting of the statement below endorsing the October 24 webinar, How to end the pandemic. All committee members pledged to promote the event widely on social media and among their coworkers. *** The Southern Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committees, comprised of educators in Alabama, Tennessee and Texas, call for a mass movement of the working class to fight for the global elimination of COVID-19. A child receives a COVID-19 test (Credit: Envato) In the past week alone, 2.8 million people were officially infected with COVID-19 and 45,256 people died from the virus across the globe. Soon, the official global death toll will exceed 5 million, while credible estimates of excess deaths place the actual death toll at above 15 million. The corporate media and governments worldwide are promoting the narrative that the pandemic is all but over, but the numbers of sick and dying across the globe are proof that the spread of COVID-19 is accelerating. As governments embrace and promote a strategy of learning to live with the virus, scientists warn that yet another catastrophic surge will be ushered in by the cold of winter. US President Joe Biden and the Democrats have sent workers and children back into schools throughout the country, triggering a surge in COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths among school-aged children. Nearly 2 million children have been infected, 6,523 have been hospitalized and 200 have died from the virus since July 29 alone. The numbers of affected children in the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil and throughout the world are just as heartbreaking. It is imperative that scientists and workers refuse to capitulate to the herd immunity strategy advocated by the ruling elite and fight for the global elimination of COVID-19. Only the mobilization of workers armed with knowledge and objective scientific evidence will put an end to the tragedy of this pandemic and the senseless illness and death that threatens us all. Nowhere has the ruling elite demonstrated more unapologetic disdain for the health and safety of workers, children and communities than in the Southern United States. Alabama, Tennessee and Texas have been among the hardest hit from the recent surge of the Delta variant. In Alabama, Republican Governor Kay Ivey proclaimed a limited state of emergency as the Delta variant ripped through the state in late fall. Like many states across the country, Alabama allowed its mask mandate to expire at the end of May 2021. Since then, the states COVID-19 website has promoted voluntary vaccination and mitigations, but the state has made no organized effort to prevent mass infection. Schools reopened throughout Alabama this fall, with school districts implementing a hodgepodge of mitigation measures, from mask optional to mask preferred. As a result, students, teachers and other school workers continue to get sick and die from COVID-19. Alabama has had 15,000 deaths from COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. According to the Alabama Education Association, there have been 65 reported teacher deaths in the state so far. However, the AEA acknowledges that no one is tracking deaths by profession, so the real number is likely higher. In Tennessee, Republican Governor Bill Lee also allowed all mitigations in schools to expire at the end of May 2021. At the peak of the winter surge in January 2021, Lee forced all schools to reopen, threatening them with a loss of funding if they refused. As a result, unprepared teachers and students flooded back into unsafe schools. This summer, Lee passed an executive order allowing parents to opt out of mask mandates that schools or districts chose to implement. This order has since been overturned by federal judges in Memphis-Shelby County and Knoxville-Knox County. As a result of Lees herd immunity policies, schools have witnessed all manner of disruptions this year, including school and district shutdowns due to the number of COVID-19 infections, and parent and student actions to protest local mask mandates. These disruptions have exacerbated tensions in schools and given students conflicting messages about expectations, undermining the routines and order which are foundational to classroom management and a respectful and safe learning environment. Currently, an average of 30 people in Tennessee die every week from COVID-19. In the entire year of 2020, fewer than 23 Tennesseans died every week in automobile accidents. While there is no tracking of COVID-19 deaths by profession in Tennessee, at least 21 educators have died from the virus so far this year. Texas has enacted an even more draconian herd immunity policy than either Alabama or Tennessee. Republican Governor Greg Abbott banned mask mandates in schools on June 4, 2021, in order to defend Texans liberty to mask or not. More recently, he has banned vaccine mandates from all entities, public or private, across the state. The State Supreme Court upheld mask and vaccine bans when challenged by local counties and districts. The impact on workers and their families from Abbotts homicidal policies has been brutal. A total of 69,071 people have died in Texas since the beginning of the pandemic, including 40,916 in 2021 alone. As with Alabama and Tennessee, Texas does not track COVID-19 deaths by profession. The most recent report from May 2021 states that at least 80 educators had died from COVID-19 in the state. That number has likely risen to 150 or more in the intervening months, which saw the Delta variant devastate Southern states beginning in late summer. In the early days of the pandemic, Republican governors in the South embraced President Trumps phrase, first coined by New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, the cure cant be worse than the disease. In the minds of the ruling elite, the cure is costly, life-saving lockdowns, upgraded ventilation systems and other capital concessions that would keep the public safe and healthy. For them, it is better to let the working class risk illness and death than risk a shortfall of profits. But herd immunity is not a strategy for controlling or stopping COVID-19, as the experiences in Sweden, Brazil, the US, the UK, India and other countries have proven. In Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro has notoriously minimized the threat of the pandemic, promoting anti-science myths and conspiracies from the beginning. In March 2020, he told his country, In my understanding, the destructive power of this virus is overestimated. Since then, 604,228 Brazilians have died of COVID-19. Only the United States has more dead from the virus, with 751,723 lives lost so far. The herd immunity policy adhered to by many world leaders and the governors in Alabama, Tennessee and Texas has spread confusion and conspiracy theories within the population through the use of disinformation. These leaders have fostered the most anti-scientific and fascistic elements in our communities and empowered those who would break the bonds of society in the name of individual freedom and profit. Amid the tragedy and chaos of the pandemic, we are starting to see an upsurge of opposition in the working class to the ruling elites brutal policies and the massive social inequality which predated the pandemic. The pandemic can only be stopped through the independent mobilization of the international working class. The October global school strikes initiated by British parent Lisa Diaz have been an important initial step in this fight, signaling the demand of the international working class for an end to the herd immunity strategy embraced by the ruling class. Since the reopening of school this year, 59,000 children in the UK have become ill with COVID-19. These children will potentially suffer the long-term effects of the virus for months and years to come. The ruling class wants us to believe that thousands of workers dying every day is the solution to the pandemic. But as Lisa Diaz said, There is no living with COVID because millions of people will end up dead. Millions more will live with the debilitating symptoms of Long COVID. We need a Zero COVID strategy. There is no middle ground. As a result of the urgency of the situation and the outpouring of support they have received, Lisa Diaz and the UK parents have now issued the call for weekly strikes, which our committees fully endorse. The role of the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committees around the world, from the US to Sri Lanka, has increased their militancy and determination. The Southern Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committees support the UK school strikes, which represent the demand of the working class for humane policies that put people before profits. This call for safe, disease-free schools is originating from the working class, not the unions which work with world governments to force students and teachers into classrooms so that parents can get back to work. The unwillingness of the unions and the Democratic and Labour Parties to do anything but safeguard the profits of the corporations is proof of the urgent need for a movement of the working class to end the pandemic. We call upon all educators, parents and students in Alabama, Tennessee and Texas who agree with our demands to help us build the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committees across the South as part of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). Sign up today to get involved. On Sunday, October 24, the World Socialist Web Site and the IWA-RFC are hosting an online webinar featuring scientists and epidemiologists who will explain the case for the global elimination of COVID-19. Register now to learn more about what must be done to end the pandemic. Invite your coworkers, family and friends, and share this event widely on social media! US President Biden bluntly declared at a Town Hall meeting on Thursday that the US was committed to going to war against China in defence of Taiwan. The statement is another provocative step that undermines the basis of US-China diplomatic relations and intensifies the already acute tensions between the two countries. President Joe Biden participates in a CNN town hall at the Baltimore Center Stage Pearlstone Theater, Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, in Baltimore, with moderator Anderson Cooper. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Biden was asked from the audience what he would do to keep up with China militarily and can you vow to protect Taiwan, to which he replied yes and yes. He dismissed the suggestion that China would overtake the US militarily, declaring that the world knows we have the most powerful military in the history of the world. The meetings moderator, Anderson Cooper, clearly aware that Bidens unconditional military support for Taiwan represented a fundamental shift in US policy, sought to clarify the comments leading to the following exchange: Cooper: So, are you saying that the United States would come to Taiwans defense if Biden: Yes. Cooper: China attacked? Biden: Yes, we have a commitment to do that. The White House subsequently sought to play down the remarks, declaring that Biden was not announcing a policy change. [W]e will continue to support Taiwans self-defence and we will continue to oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo, it said. Biden did not, however, simply misspeak. As the most senior Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for 12 years, Biden is fully aware of the diplomatic implications and potential dangers of unequivocal military backing for Taiwan. The establishment of US diplomatic relations with China in 1979, following President Nixons trip to Beijing in 1972, was premised on the so-called One China policy whereby Washington de facto recognised Beijing as the legitimate government of all China including Taiwan. The US severed diplomatic ties and ended its military pact with Taipei and withdrew all military forces from the island. For more than 40 years, US policy towards Taiwan has been governed by the Taiwan Relations Act, under which Washington has provided defensive weapons to Taipei and warned Beijing against any invasion of the island. However, in what has been described as strategic ambiguity, it did not guarantee military backing for Taiwan in the event of war with China. Strategic ambiguity was aimed not only at reining in Beijing but deterring Taipei from any declaration of formal independence from Chinaa move that could precipitate war. Bidens comments effectively overturn strategic ambiguity, in favour of a policy of strategic clarityan unconditional commitment to go to war with China over Taiwan. Bidens declaration this week follows a string of similar comments beginning with a statement in late January shortly after taking office reaffirming his administrations rock solid commitment to Taiwan. An interim National Security Strategic Guidance released in early March declared the US would support Taiwan, a leading democracy and a critical economic and security partner, in line with longstanding American commitments. Describing Taiwan as a security partner is a clear breach of US undertakings given to Beijing that acknowledged Taiwan as part of China. In August, shortly after it approved his administrations first Taiwan arms sale, Biden, under fire over the US debacle in Afghanistan, declared that the US could keep all of its commitments. Speaking on ABC News, he declared: We made a sacred commitment to Article 5 that if in fact anyone were to invade or take action against our NATO allies, we would respond. Same with Japan, same with South Korea, same withTaiwan. The clear implication of these remarks, which the White House also sought to play down, was that Taiwan would be afforded the same military commitment to fight alongside it as formal military allies such as NATO, Japan and South Korea. China reacted angrily to Bidens latest remarks. Its UN ambassador, Zhang Jun, rebutted accusations of Chinese aggression towards Taiwan. We are not the troublemaker, he said. On the contrary, some countriesthe US in particularis taking dangerous actions, leading the situation in Taiwan Strait into a dangerous direction. Dragging Taiwan into a war definitely is in nobodys interest. Taiwan has rapidly moved to centre stage in the US confrontation with China, eclipsing dangerous flashpoints like the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea. The Biden administration has flouted longstanding diplomatic protocols and established stronger ties with Taiwan, sent US warships through the narrow Taiwan Strait in provocative freedom of navigation operations and garnered support from allies such as Britain in its goading of China over Taiwan. Bidens latest comments take place amid a debate in strategic and military circles over ditching the policy of strategic ambiguity. In an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday, Trumps former national security adviser and warmonger, John Bolton, went far further. He declared that not only did the Biden administration have to unambiguously back Taiwan in any war with China, but it should affirm Taiwan as a sovereign, self-governing country and establish formal diplomatic relations. He called for Taiwan to be included in Washingtons formal and informal regional military alliances including through an East Asia Quadcomprising Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and the USto complement the existing Japan-India-Australia-US Quad. Bolton is well aware that transforming Taiwan into a US military ally, formal or informal, against China would greatly accelerate the risks of war. Beijing regards Taiwan as a renegade province and has warned any moves towards formal independence would be answered by force. Bidens actions, let alone Boltons policies, only encourage the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party administration in Taipei to do just that, plunging the region into crisis. The alarm in international ruling circles over a potential US-China war is palpable. The Financial Times (FT), for instance, published a worried editorial yesterday entitled Avoiding the next nuclear arms race, following another less than a fortnight ago, The acute dangers of a conflict over Taiwan. The editorial pointed to the shock in US military circles over Chinas testing of a sophisticated nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in July. Referring to the 1962 Cuban missile crisis that put the world on the brink of nuclear war, the FT issued a lame appeal to Washington to pull back from a nuclear arms race with Beijing and sit down and talk about weapons able to destroy the planet. Far from pulling back, however, the Biden administration is recklessly accelerating the decade-long confrontation with China that began with the Obama administration of which Biden as vice president was part. Bidens actions on Taiwan have the character of goading China into taking the first step in precipitating conflict. Two interconnected factors lie behind the US war drive: the historic decline of American imperialism and the fear in US ruling circles that China could challenge its global hegemony; and the rapidly deepening economic, social and political crisis that is engulfing the US and propelling the working class into struggle. Biden is continuing the vicious anti-China propaganda of Trump and with the same political aim: to project the immense social tensions outwards against a foreign enemy. The logical outcome is war. The re-emergence of the class struggle in the USthe centre of world imperialismalso points to the means to end the danger of a catastrophic nuclear war. Workers in the US, China, Taiwan and around the world face a common class enemythe ruling classes and the capitalist system that puts lives ahead of profit not only when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic but also war. The only means for ending the drive to war is a unified struggle of the international working class on a socialist program to abolish the profit system and its division of the world into rival nation states. The West Coast Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committees fully support the fight for the global elimination of COVID-19 in order to save millions of lives worldwide. We recognize that the first step toward fighting for an end to the pandemic is a scientific understanding of COVID-19 and the measures involved in a globally coordinated elimination strategy. Analyn Tapia, left, and Dezirae Espinoza hold their supplies as they wait to enter the building for the first day of in-class learning since the start of the pandemic at Garden Place Elementary School Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, in north Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) At a meeting of our committees last Saturday, October 16, we voted unanimously to attend and promote the upcoming webinar organized by the World Socialist Web Site and the International Workers Alliance of Rank and File Committees (IWA-RFC) entitled, How to End the Pandemic. We pledged to build the October 24 meeting in order to help generate the widest possible attendance and to broadly share the science presented at this meeting. A current myth being presented by the mainstream media, as well as federal and state governments, is that COVID-19 is swiftly becoming endemic and therefore we all must learn to live with the virus. Despite the bombardment of a return to normal narrative, official daily new cases in the US remain near 85,000, still higher than all prior stages of the pandemic aside from the peak weeks of the devastating winter 2020-21 surge. Eighty-five percent of counties in the US are facing ongoing high levels of community transmission according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the past two months alone, there have officially been over 10 million cases and over 114,000 deaths. Recent Kaiser Family Foundation data shows that COVID-19 was the number one cause of death for people ages 35-54 in September. Across all age groups, COVID-19 remains a leading cause of death, while during last winters surge the virus killed more people than heart disease. In the schools, the past two months have been a disaster, with over 2 million children officially infected and at least 180 children killed by COVID-19. One in seven children are experiencing Long COVID, meaning that roughly 280,000 children of the 2 million infected in the past two months across the US will likely experience long-term effects of COVID-19, including flu symptoms, neurological issues and organ failure. As the data clearly shows, the pandemic is not over, mass infection and deaths continue to climb in the US and internationally, and all indicators point to the very real possibility of the virus further mutating and the pandemic continuing to intensify unless we take aggressive measures that are coordinated globally to stop this from happening. The entire political establishment has doubled down on promoting herd immunity policies that will continue to result in further unnecessary deaths and illness. This includes the use of openly right-wing policies such as lifting restrictions entirely in order to reach natural immunity, as well as the use of inadequate mitigation measures that focus solely on mask or vaccination mandates to slow the spread of the virus. We say that mitigation, outside of any plan to eliminate or eradicate COVID-19, is still a policy of mass infection. At our recent rank-and-file meeting, we discussed these conditions on the pandemic. David Moore, a member of the Northern California Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee and recent gubernatorial candidate in the California recall election for the Socialist Equality Party, presented the latest scientific developments regarding COVID-19, including a recent study assessing the impacts of the pandemic in Iran. Another myth currently being presented is that a combination of vaccinations and COVID-19 infections in a population will lessen the impacts of future waves of the virus. Moore explained during his report that there is no evidence that herd immunity is anywhere near being reached across the planet, noting that the Iran study reveals that herd immunity through natural infection may not even be possible given the virulent character of the virus. Researchers concluded that despite several waves of infection and high attack rates in many provinces in largely unmitigated areas, herd immunity through natural infection has not been achieved. Moore also shared that the data shows that the third and most recent fifth waves in Iran had significantly intensified impacts on younger age groups. Finally, the study revealed extremely high attack rates in multiple provinces, indicating that in these areas there were more cases of COVID-19 than there were people in the province, showing high rates of reinfection and an increase in severity of the virus as more people became infected. All of this data points to the necessity for an end to the pandemic. When left in the hands of the political establishment, they will choose to protect their interests, which as we have seen so clearly over the past 19 months rests in maintaining a steady flow of profits, even at the expense of countless human lives. A look at the accumulated wealth of US billionaires since the beginning of the pandemic shows an increase of $2.1 trillion, a massive sum of money for a handful of individuals. Tens of millions of working people have faced unemployment and illness. Over 724,000 people in the US have died from COVID-19, placing devastating impacts on families. The chasm between the ruling elite and the working masses could not be more stark. Allowing COVID-19 to become endemic would mean devastating impacts on the global population for generations to come, including loss of life and increased disease burden, a decline in life expectancy, long-term health issues, and socioeconomic impacts on individuals and families. We are fighting for the elimination of COVID-19 across the globe. With the Delta variant, vaccines alone are not enough to eliminate the virus. Public health measures alone are not enough. Only the combination of mass vaccinations and aggressive public health measures coordinated on a global scale can put an end to the pandemic. This requires the shutdown of nonessential production and schools with social supports for affected workers, mass testing, contact tracing, the isolation of infected individuals, masking and more, which would only need to last for a period of six to nine weeks. It is essential that the international working class fight to unite and build a movement to end the pandemic once and for all. This is why we are attending Sundays webinar and will continue to educate ourselves on the science behind COVID-19 and the means by which we can eliminate this horrific virus worldwide. We urge all educators, parents, students and workers across the West Coast to attend this important meeting, invite your coworkers, family and friends, and join and build our committee to coordinate the struggle to end the pandemic in our region in alliance with similar committees worldwide. The Supreme Court allowed a Texas law that bars most abortions after six weeks to remain in place for now, but it agreed to hear oral arguments on the law next month. The law, banning abortions often before a woman knows she is pregnant is in stark contrast to Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark decision legalizing abortion nationwide prior to viability, which can occur at around 24 weeks of pregnancy. In agreeing to hear the case under such an expedited time frame, the court said Friday that it would focus specifically on the unusual way in which the Texas legislature crafted the law. It also said it will review whether the US Justice Department can challenge the law in court. Texas officials are barred from enforcing it. Instead, private citizens -- from anywhere in the country -- can bring a civil suit against anyone who assists a pregnant person seeking an abortion in violation of the law. Justice Sonia Sotomayor criticized her colleagues for once again allowing the law to remain in effect, despite the quick schedule for oral arguments. The expedited schedule, she wrote in a dissent, offers "cold comfort" for women in Texas seeking abortion care "who are entitled to relief now." She said "the impact is catastrophic." "I cannot capture the totality of this harm in these pages," Sotomayor said, adding that Texas, "empowered by this Court's inaction," has "thoroughly chilled the exercise of the right recognized in Roe." "Women seeking abortion care in Texas are entitled to relief from this Court now.," she continued. "Because of the Court's failure to act today, that relief, if it comes, will be too late for many. Once again, I dissent." The court acted with unusual speed, coming at a fraught time as the court's new conservative majority seeks to move decisively to the right, while progressive justices are trying to limit the damage and Chief Justice John Roberts is focused at times at more incremental changes and the court's legitimacy. On September 1, the Supreme Court agreed to allow the law to go into effect, splitting bitterly in a 5-4 order released late at night on the court's emergency docket. Liberal Justices Elena Kagan, Stephen Breyer and Sotomayor blasted the timing in a dissent They said the court's "shadow-docket decisonmaking" had become more "unreasoned, inconsistent and impossible to defend." Polls released afterward showed that public opinion of the court had fallen to a new low. Less than one-third of the country believes that the landmark opinion should be overturned. Friday's order may have been a compromise of sorts. Sotomayor was the only justice to say that the court should have immediately blocked the law. Kagan and Breyer may have held their fire because they were placated by the fact that the court scheduled arguments so quickly. Steve Vladeck, CNN Supreme Court analyst and professor at the University of Texas School of Law, said the timing shows justices realize they have to act on the six-week ban even if they're split on the ultimate fate of Roe v. Wade. "This is the quickest argument the court will have heard after granting review since 2000, and it suggests that, although the justices may not be sure how they're going to rule, they understand the urgency of deciding, one way or the other, whether states can so transparently and cynically try to frustrate judicial review of laws that violate existing constitutional rights," Vladeck said. In December, the justices are already scheduled to hear a separate dispute concerning a Mississippi law that bars abortion after 15 weeks, in which Mississippi is explicitly asking to overturn Roe. Impact on ability to obtain abortions Amy Hagstrom Miller, CEO of Whole Woman's Health, criticized Friday's ruling. "Texans deserved better than this," she said in a statement. "The legala limbo is excruciating for both patients andaouraclinic staff. We've had to turn hundreds of patients away since this ban took effect, andathis ruling means we'll have to keep denying patients the abortion care that they need and deserve." In sworn declarations, abortion providers said that the law has had a chilling effect because staff are "plagued by fear and instability," and they "remain seriously concerned that even providing abortions in compliance with S.B. 8 will draw lawsuits from anti-abortion vigilantes or others seeking financial gain" under the law's enforcement provision, which offers up to $10,000 in damages. Providers in neighboring states said under oath that they have been overwhelmed with patients traveling from Texas seeking an abortion. When Judge Robert Pitman of the US District Court for the Western District of Texas temporarily blocked the law earlier this month, he said that from the moment it went into effect, "women have been unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their lives in ways that are protected by the Constitution." And in a stark response to the Supreme Court, Pitman wrote: "That other courts may find a way to avoid this conclusion is theirs to decide; this Court will not sanction one more day of the offensive deprivation of such an important right." The 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals, however, stayed Pitman's ruling, allowing the law to go back into effect. Is the Justice Department allowed to sue? A key issue in the case is whether the federal government has the legal right or "standing" to bring the challenge at hand. The DOJ says it does, in part, because private individuals bringing suit are acting as agents of the state and the government has the power to protect the fundamental rights of its citizens. Critics of the law say that it was written specifically to make it difficult to challenge -- and if the court did not step in to block such an enforcement mechanism, other challenges could be brought in areas like the gun control. But Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton told the justices that the federal government doesn't have the right to step in and sue Texas, when state officials aren't enforcing the law. In a filing Thursday, Paxton, a Republican, said that the law does not violate the Constitution "either as it was originally ratified or under current doctrine" "The idea that the Constitution requires States to permit a woman to abort her unborn child is unsupported by a constitutional text, history or tradition," he said. The Justice Department responded Friday, calling Texas' arguments "breathtaking" and "dangerous." "If Texas is right, no decision of this Court is safe. States need not comply with, or even challenge, precedents with which they disagree, the Justice Department wrote. "On Texas's telling, no one could sue to stop the resulting nullification of the Constitution. Fortunately, Texas is wrong." Attorney General Merrick Garland, testifying on Capitol Hill Thursday, said, "what we're particularly concerned about is the inability of anybody to challenge what is a clear violation of the Supreme Court's precedent with respect to the right to abortion because of the way that the law is structured." He added: "We can't have a system in which constitutional rights evade judicial review, whether it's about abortion or any other right." This story has been updated with additional details. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Indianas governor is asking the states high court to review a judges ruling that upheld a new law giving legislators more power to intervene during public health emergencies. Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb said Friday in a statement that he has appealed the Marion County judges ruling to Indiana Supreme Court to seek clarity and finality on this important issue. The Republican-dominated Legislature enacted the law over Holcombs veto following criticism from conservatives over a statewide mask mandate and other COVID-19 restrictions that Holcomb had imposed by executive orders. The measure establishes a new process under which legislative leaders can call the General Assembly into what it calls an emergency session. Holcombs lawsuit argued that the law violates a state constitutional provision allowing only the governor to call the Legislature into a special session. FULTON, Miss. (WTVA) - Fulton Police are asking for help locating Marc Cobb. He was last seen Jan. 12 at Americans Inn on Access Road in Fulton. He was reported missing after he did not go to his job or contact his family. He is 6 feet tall, weighs 200 pounds, has brown hair and blue eyes. He also is missing a front tooth. Anyone with information about his whereabouts can contact the Fulton Police Department at 662-862-3441 or Crime Stoppers of North Mississippi at 1-800-773-8477. Here is the latest Minnesota news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT Alec Baldwin attends the World Premiere of National Geographic Documentary Films' 'The First Wave' at Hamptons International Film Festival on October 07, 2021 in East Hampton, New York. Mark Sagliocco/Getty Alec Baldwin "is canceling other projects" following an accidental shooting on the set of his film, Rust, that left cinematographer Halyna Hutchins dead and director Joel Souza injured. A source tells PEOPLE that Baldwin, 63, is looking "to take some time to himself and re-center himself," as he has during difficult times in the past. "This was pretty devastating," the source says. "This is how he handles difficult times. Whenever something bad happens, in the short term, he removes himself from [the] public eye." The source confirms to PEOPLE that Baldwin was "hysterical and absolutely inconsolable for hours" following the shooting: "Everyone knows this was an accident, but he's absolutely devastated. RELATED: Alec Baldwin 'Trying to Get His Head Around' Rust Shooting: 'This Has Been Devastating' (Source) On Thursday, authorities responded to an incident at the New Mexico set of Rust around 1:50 p.m. local time following 911 calls indicating "an individual had been shot on set," the Santa Fe Sheriff's Department wrote in a press release obtained by PEOPLE. For more on the shooting on the Rust set, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day. Upon further investigation, the sheriff's department learned that Hutchins, 42, and Souza, 48, were "shot when a prop firearm was discharged" by Baldwin, 63, during a camera test. Alec Baldwin - Halyna Hutchins Jim Spellman/Getty; Fred Hayes/Getty Hutchins was airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital where she died from her injuries, according to the sheriff's department. Souza was hospitalized, but his reps told Deadline he has since been released. "[Baldwin] is someone who really deeply cares, so he can be very hard on himself," the source shares. "That's true in general, in situations nowhere near as serious as this. But in this situation, it's a whole other level because of the loss of life involved." Story continues "It's going to take him time to figure all this out," they add. "He needs to take a while to himself, to be with his family." So far, no charges have been filed and an investigation remains ongoing. RELATED: 911 Call Reveals Details About Alec Baldwin's On-Set Shooting Accident: 'We Need Help Immediately' In the wake of the tragedy, a source previously told PEOPLE that "Alec is still trying to get his head around everything that happened. This has been devastating. It's been incredibly difficult." Baldwin first spoke out regarding the incident on Friday morning, issuing a two-part statement on Twitter. "There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours," the actor began. RELATED VIDEO: Alec Baldwin Seen Distraught After Accidental Shooting on Set of Rust Movie, Killing Cinematographer "I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family," he continued. "My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna." Hutchins' husband Matthew, with whom she shares 9-year-old son Andros, has since been in contact with Baldwin. "I have spoken with Alec Baldwin and he is being very supportive," Matthew told the Daily Mail. RELATED: Halyna Hutchins' Husband Matthew Honors His Late Wife in First Instagram Post Since Her Death: 'We Miss You' The Rust film set has been shut down following Hutchins' death, with production indefinitely paused, according to the production company, Rust Movie Productions, LLC. "The entire cast and crew has been absolutely devastated by today's tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Halyna's family and loved ones," the company said in a statement on Thursday. "We have halted production on the film for an undetermined period of time and are fully cooperating with the Santa Fe Police Department's investigation. We will be providing counseling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event." For more on the shooting on the Rust set, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day. Alec Baldwin was in tears Thursday after firing a prop gun that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza on the New Mexico set of the indie Western Rust. But could the actor, who was also a producer on the film, face criminal charges for the death? Legal experts say the star faces some risks perhaps more as a producer than as the performer who discharged the fatal shot. In the worst case, legal experts tell TheWrap that Baldwin could face an involuntary manslaughter charge if he is found to be reckless in his handling of the weapon like if he fired the gun even after being warned against doing so. Under the New Mexico law, involuntary manslaughter does not require specific intent of wanting a persons death. (Involuntary manslaughter is a fourth-degree felony in New Mexico, with a penalty of 18 months jail time and up to $5,000 in fines.) The prosecution would have to show that Mr. Baldwin acted with at least a negligent state of mind when he discharged the prop gun, criminal defense lawyer Robert J. DeGroot said. There have been instances of accidents involving prop weapons on sets which have led to deaths or other injuries. Such tragic incidents are foreseeable and should lead crew and cast to follow safety protocols to ensure that any prop gun discharge does not lead to harm. But experts said on-set shootings with prop guns have generally been deemed accidents that do not lead to criminal charges as was the case with the 1983 killing of Brandon Lee on the set of The Crow. Rarely do people on set get convicted. Everyone agrees it was an accident, Richard Kaplan, criminal defense attorney of Kaplan Marino, said. Trial lawyer Neama Rahmani said a murder charge is unlikely, because it would require showing intent to kill. A manslaughter charge might be more likely, because it does not require intent to kill, but does require criminal negligence or gross negligence, Rahmani said. In this case, there are reports that the prop gun was loaded with live rounds. If that is true, that is grossly negligent, and whoever loaded the gun is going to be responsible. (Authorities have not yet determined if live ammunition was used and the IATSE union official who suggested that a live round was used later walked back the statement. Story continues Authorities in New Mexico are still investigating the case, and on Friday, New Mexicos First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said the investigation was still in its preliminary stages and it was too soon to say if criminal charges might be filed. However, personal injury attorney Miguel Custodio noted that Baldwin may bear more legal responsibility as a producer on Rust than he does as the actor who discharged the fatal shot. Liability certainly points to Rust Movie Productions and the prop manager, Custodio said. As the actor, Alec Baldwin has little liability because youre given something and youre trusting the prop manager to have checked everything out. Baldwin the producer may bear more responsibility, depending on if he is just an investor or has a more active role in the making of the film, which I suspect he does. Experts also suggested that the film company and prop manager could face criminal charges. Its also clear that somebody failed her in the most basic way to check whether a gun was safe and may be criminally negligent, Custodio said. Its likely theyll go after Baldwin the actor, Baldwin the producer, the film company and the prop manager. And remember, director Joel Souza also was injured, and many others on set also are traumatized and affected by this. On Friday, the production team responded to reports that a half-dozen crew members walked off the set hours before the accident to protest safety and other working conditions on the production: Though we were not made aware of any official complaints concerning weapon or prop safety on set, we will be conducting an internal review of our procedures while production is shut down. We will continue to cooperate with the Santa Fe authorities in their investigation. There is a precedent for prosecuting filmmakers for negligence. In 2015, Midnight Rider director Randall Miller and executive producer Jay Sedrish pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter after camera assistant Sarah Jones was killed on a railroad trestle on the first day of the shoot. Miller served one year in jail for the incident, and the production was cited by OSHA for serious and willful safety violations. In past incidents of accidental killings on set, the individual firing the gun was generally not charged. In 1993, when actor Brandon Lee, Bruce Lees son, was filming The Crow, a prop gun was mishandled that led the cartridge with a projectile tip to become stuck. A blank round was fired that ended up killing the 28-year-old star, but the local prosecutor later decided against charging the production company with negligent homicide. The police investigation had found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing. A criminal charge is unlikely unless something is found to be negligent or reckless for example, if Baldwin was firing the weapon as a joke, and it was not during filming or rehearsing for a scene versus accidental discharge, Kaplan said. (Baldwin on Friday expressed his shock and sadness over the accident, and said he was fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred.) There are a lot of open questions that need to be determined, including whether it was an accidental discharge and how two people came to be shot by a prop gun. (Souza was released from the hospital late Thursday and is expected to make a full recovery.) There will also be further examination into how the gun was handled before it was given to Baldwin, though authorities said Thursday that the actor discharged a prop gun that another producer told him was loaded with blanks and misfired. Theres a lot of scenarios I can run in my mind, Kaplan said. We dont have an answer yet on why it was pointed at these two people. Was Alec reckless or were the prop people reckless? Thats what is being investigated and looked at. Regardless of any criminal charges, legal experts suspect that there will be civil litigation from the case. The family will pursue the civil side, but the question is how much does the family pursue the criminal side, Kaplan said, adding that many families do not want to go through the torment of long trials. Attorney Jamie White also said that a civil suit seemed more likely than a criminal case. If Baldwin or another person was negligent, a civil suit is almost a no-brainer at this point a very high likelihood, White said. But the criminal side is going to be very fact-sensitive. Only if someone was recklessly negligent would there be criminal consequences. We see criminal negligence charges when people leave kids in hot cars, when they are recklessly driving. Its too early to know that this will happen to Baldwin, but its not unheard of. Determining negligence in a civil suit will come down to whether Baldwin and any crew members acted unreasonably, attorney Evan W. Walker said. Both sides would attempt to find experts and argue aspects of safety checks on the gun or whether or not there was any breach to the standard of care. Answering that question gets into legal analysis such as the custom, practice, and procedure of using guns on the set, safety checks, etc., Walker told TheWrap. If the parties are unable to settle, a jury decides that question. As the facts have thus far been presented, Baldwin will not be charged with an intentional act of violence, White said. However, it is not unheard of to be charged with significant negligence. There are a lot more facts that need to be developed, but studios take extensive cautions in light of Brandon Lees death in 1993. Facebook executives routinely dismissed or downplayed employee concerns about the spread of misinformation on its platform, both before and after the 2020 presidential election, according to a wave of articles published Friday citing newly leaked internal documents. The dismissive attitude among the companys higher-ups left Facebook unprepared to deal with the events of Jan. 6, when a pro-Trump mob descended on the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the election, the articles allege. More from Variety In response to the articles, Facebook VP of integrity Guy Rosen said it was absurd to suggest the events of Jan. 6 were the result of how Facebook responded to the attack. [R]esponsibility for the insurrection lies with those who broke the law during the attack and those who incited them, not on how we implemented just one series of steps we took to protect the U.S. election, Rosen said in a statement. Some of the reports Friday said the documents, provided in a coordinated release, were from Frances Haugen, a former product manager at Facebook, who previously leaked information to the Wall Street Journal, filed complaints with the SEC and testified before Congress. But other outlets, including the Washington Post, said their reports were based on an affidavit filed with the SEC from a second whistleblower, an ex-Facebook employee formerly on the companys integrity team, who wished to remain anonymous. According to the Washington Post, the new SEC affidavit alleges that Facebook executives undermined efforts to fight misinformation, hate speech and other problematic content out of fear of angering then-President Donald Trump and his political allies, or out of concern about potentially dampening the user growth key to Facebooks multibillion-dollar profits. Story continues CNN cited an internal Facebook analysis of the Jan. 6 insurrection, which the news org said was provided by Haugen, that found that the policies and procedures put in place by the company were not enough to prevent the growth of so-called Stop the Steal groups. Almost all of the fastest growing FB Groups were Stop the Steal during their peak growth, the Facebook analysis said, as reported by CNN. Because we were looking at each entity individually, rather than as a cohesive movement, we were only able to take down individual Groups and Pages once they exceeded a violation threshold. We were not able to act on simple objects like posts and comments because they individually tended not to violate, even if they were surrounded by hate, violence, and misinformation. Per the New York Times, of the several dozen emergency steps Facebook employees recommended on Jan. 6, some were put into place, like mass-deleting posts that were being reported for promoting violence. But other countermeasures, such as preventing groups from changing their names to terms such as Stop the Steal, were not fully implemented because of last-minute technology glitches, the Times reported. A Bloomberg report cited comments by Facebook staffers who expressed outrage after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The remarks, directed at Facebook CTO Mike Schroepfer, were included in disclosures provided to Congress in redacted form by lawyers representing Haugen. Im struggling to match my value to my employment here, one employee wrote on an internal discussion board, according to the Bloomberg article. I came here hoping to affect change and improve society, but all Ive seen is atrophy and abdication of responsibility. According to the New York Times report, citing the leaked documents, a Facebook data scientist wrote in a Nov. 9 internal memo that as much as 10% of all U.S. views of political content on the site were of posts alleging that the 2020 U.S. presidential was fraudulent. But Facebook didnt take steps to reduce the spread of such misinformation, fearing a user backlash, per the Times. In a Jan. 11 interview at the Reuters Next conference, Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg acknowledged that our enforcement is never perfect, so Im sure there were still things on Facebook, after the company removed groups associated with QAnon, the Proud Boys and Stop the Steal. But, she said, I think these events were largely organized on platforms that dont have our abilities to stop hate, dont have our standards and dont have our transparency. In a 1,200-word blog post Friday evening, Facebooks Rosen defended the companys actions with respect to the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. He said Facebook put numerous protocols in place ahead of and after the 2020 election. According to Rosen, that included putting a series of temporary product measures in place where there were specific risks that spikes in activity on the platform could mean that the many systems we had in place to enforce our policies may not be able to keep up. He said Facebook took these steps to respond to specific signals we were seeing on the platform, such as spikes in reported content and turned some of them off responsibly and gradually as those signals returned to their previous levels. To blame what happened on January 6 on how we implemented just one [measure] is absurd, Rosen wrote. We are a significant social media platform so its only natural for content about major events like that to show up on Facebook. But responsibility for the insurrection itself falls squarely on the insurrectionists who broke the law and those who incited them. Rosen added that Facebook worked with law enforcement in the days and weeks after January 6 with the goal of ensuring that information linking the people responsible for it to their crimes is available. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Halyna Hutchins Husband Matthew Honors His Late Wife In First Instagram Post Since Her Death Matthew Hutchins/Instagram Halyna Hutchins' husband Matthew Hutchins honored the life of his late wife on Saturday. In his first social media post since Halyna, 42, was killed Thursday in an accidental shooting on the set of the movie Rust, Matthew, 48, shared a brief yet heartfelt message alongside a trio of images of the couple and their 9-year-old son Andros. "We miss you, Halyna!" Matthew captioned the Instagram post. The widower received an outpouring of support in the comments section, many wishing Halyna "rest in peace." RELATED: Halyna Hutchins' Husband Speaks Out After Her Death on Rust Set: 'I Don't Think There Are Words' The cinematographer and director Joel Souza were accidentally shot on Thursday by Rust star and producer Alec Baldwin during a camera test at the Bonanza Creek Ranch set in New Mexico. Halyna died from her injuries after being airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital. Souza, 48, was treated at the Christus St. Vincent Medical Center in Santa Fe and released on Friday. On Friday, Matthew told Insider that "there are words to communicate the situation." RELATED: Halyna Hutchins' Husband Says Alec Baldwin Has Been 'Very Supportive' After Her On-Set Death "I am not going to be able to comment about the facts or the process of what we're going through right now, but I appreciate that everyone has been very sympathetic," he added. "I think that we will need a little bit of time before we can really encapsulate her life in a way that is easy to communicate." In an interview with Daily Mail the same day, Matthew said Baldwin, 63, was "very supportive" when the two spoke following the tragedy. Halyna Hutchins Mat Hayward/Getty Also on Friday, Baldwin confirmed in a statement that he had been in touch with Matthew. The actor added that he was "fully cooperating" with police as they investigated the incident and how it occurred. Story continues Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours," the actor wrote, in part. Halyna Hutchins Fred Hayes/Getty He added: "My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna." A source later told PEOPLE that the ordeal has been "incredibly difficult" and "devastating" for Baldwin, who was still trying to get his head around everything that happened." The upsetting turn of events on the set of Alec Baldwin's latest film is like something, well, out of a movie. Here's a breakdown of the awful events that occurred: Exactly what happened? The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office said late Thursday that deputies responded to a call that someone had been shot on the set of the Western Rust, at the Bonanza Creek Ranch at about 1:50 p.m. MT. The office reported that two individuals, a female and a male, had been shot, apparently when a "prop firearm" was discharged, but they did not name the victims, one of whom they said had died after being airlifted to a local hospital and another who was receiving emergency medical care. The shooter also was unnamed, and deputies continued to investigate. Two hours later, the office identified that Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer for Rust, as the woman who died. Writer/director Joel Souza was the other person who was shot. The shooter, they said, was Baldwin. "This investigation remains open and active," law officials said. "No charges have been filed in regard to this incident. Witnesses continue to be interviewed by detectives." The cast and crew of Rust were filming near Santa Fe, N. Mex., when Alec Baldwin, the movie's star and producer discharged a prop firearm that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and writer/director Joel Souza. (Photo: Sam Wasson/Getty Images) Who are the victims? Hutchins, 42, was born in Ukraine. She had a husband, Matthew, and a son. Professionally, she earned a graduate degree in international journalism from Kyiv National University and worked as an investigative journalist on documentaries. In 2015, she graduated from the American Film Institute and, just four years later, American Cinematographer magazine named her a rising star. She worked on dozens of projects, such as Archenemy, with Joe Manganiello, the 2019 horror movie Darlin' and this year's The Mad Hatter. According to IMDb, she was signed on to do two short films that were marked as in "pre-production" and another that was in "post-production" even as she filmed Rust. Halyna Hutchins was 42. (Photo: Mat Hayward/Getty Images for AMC Networks) She was beloved by many of her colleagues, who paid tribute to her on social media. They said she was "a ray of light," and "an ally to anyone in front of her camera." They praised her "immense" talent and "vibrant command of the room" in a field that has traditionally been dominated by males. Manganiello marveled that she could handle any amount of pressure. "Everyone who knew her was rooting for her," he said. Story continues As for Souza, he has directed several films since his writing and directing debut, the 2015 movie Hanna's Gold, a PG-rated adventure that starred the late Luke Perry. He's helmed a handful of movies since then, including the 2019 crime drama Crown Vic, which Baldwin also produced. Rust writer/director Joel Souza has been released from the hospital. (Photo: Jim Spellman/Getty Images) What is Souza's condition? Souza was released from the hospital late Thursday, which Rust actress Frances Fisher explained on Twitter, in response to actress Patricia Arquette's words of sympathy for the victims. Frances Fisher said Thursday night that Joel Souza had been released from the hospital. (Photo: Twitter) What has Baldwin said? The actor issued his first statement on the tragedy Friday morning: "There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours," he said. "I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna." 1- There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and AlecBaldwin(HABF) (@AlecBaldwin) October 22, 2021 2- I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna. AlecBaldwin(HABF) (@AlecBaldwin) October 22, 2021 Photos of the actor taken by the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper after the shooting appeared to show him doubled over in grief. Will Baldwin or anyone face charges? Tragedy struck the set of Alec Baldwin's movie Rust. (Photo: Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images for National Geographic) Unclear. Baldwin was photographed outside the sheriff's office, where he had spoken to deputies. (He said in his public statement that he's "cooperating with the police investigation.") The person who handled the guns on the set the film's armorer was reportedly interviewed by authorities too. As of Friday afternoon, officials said that no charges had been filed and that their investigation remained open. A warrant had been executed on the property. Per the New Mexican newspaper, the accompanying affidavit said Baldwin was told that the gun was a "cold gun," with no live rounds. Local District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies told CNN that it was too early to say what will ultimately happen. "This case is still in its preliminary state of investigation," she said Friday. "We are assisting the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office and have offered our full support to them. At this time, we do not know if charges will be filed. We will look into all facts and evidence of the case with great discretion and have further information at a later time. Our thoughts are with all affected by this tragedy." The state's Occupational Health and Safety Bureau is investigating too. How could a prop gun have hurt someone? USA Today reported in the wake of the tragedy that the term "prop gun" can be used to describe either a fake gun or a real gun being used as a prop, which may fire blanks rather than traditional bullets, on a movie set. Even blanks can be dangerous, though, as they often use some kind of paper or plastic they're missing the bullet to hold the gunpowder in a round. Depending on where and how they're fired, they can harm someone, as evidenced by the 1984 sad death of actor Jon-Erik Hexum, who died after accidentally shooting himself in the head with a blank on the set of the CBS show Cover Up. In 1993, actor Brandon Lee infamously died while filming a scene in The Crow something people were talking about again after Hutchins's death. Our hearts go out to the family of Halyna Hutchins and to Joel Souza and all involved in the incident on Rust. No one should ever be killed by a gun on a film set. Period. Brandon Bruce Lee (@brandonblee) October 22, 2021 IATSE Local 44, a union of prop masters, said late Thursday in an email to members that the Rust gun had contained "a live single round." However, a spokesman for the sheriff's office said that had not yet been determined. What's this about a walkout? Multiple sources told Deadline that, just hours before the shootings, seven members of the film's crew had walked off the job in protest. "We cited [in resignation letters] everything from lack of payment for three weeks, taking our hotels away despite asking for them in our deals, lack of Covid safety, and on top of that, poor gun safety! Poor on-set safety period!" one of the members reportedly wrote on a private Facebook page. "They brought in four non-union guys to replace us and tried calling the cops on us." The outlet reported that there had been "at least one previous incident involving a misfiring of a weapon that was used days before in a scene." And said that, "Even before Rust went into production, a number of armorers turned down the gig citing concerns about the budget of the film and the sheer amount of firearms to be utilized." Separately, three unnamed crew members told the Los Angeles Times that standard industry safety protocols were "not strictly followed" on the set and that at least one camera operator had complained to production managers about the lack of gun safety. One crew member told the newspaper that, on the previous Saturday, Baldwin's stunt-double had accidentally fired two rounds after he was told that the weapon he was using had no ammunition in it. There should have been an investigation into what happened, the crew member said. "There were no safety meetings. There was no assurance that it wouldn't happen again," the crew member told The Times. "All they wanted to do was rush, rush, rush." The newspaper noted that Hutchins was one of the people calling for safer conditions. In a statement, the film's Rust Movies LLC said they planned to conduct an internal investigation: "The safety of our cast and crew is the top priority of Rust Productions and everyone associated with the company. Though we were not made aware of any official complaints concerning weapon or prop safety on set, we will be conducting an internal review of our procedures while production is shut down. We will continue to cooperate with the Santa Fe authorities in their investigation and offer mental health services to the cast and crew during this tragic time." What happens now? Will the movie ever be completed? Production on Rust shut down immediately, and a spokesperson for the film told Deadline that it would remain that way "for an undetermined period." "The entire cast and crew has been absolutely devastated by today's tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Halyna's family and loved ones," the spokesperson said Thursday. "We have halted production on the film for an undetermined period of time and are fully cooperating with the Santa Fe Police Department's investigation. We will be providing counseling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event." Meanwhile, at least one show, ABC cop drama The Rookie, took steps to prevent a similar tragedy from happening. Showrunner Alexi Hawley wrote in a staff memo obtained by the Hollywood Reporter that "live" guns were banned from the set and that, going forward, they would only use "Air Soft guns," which the trade publication described as "effectively BB guns that use a form of pellet instead of bullets, meaning they produce less energy than a gun." Amanda Knox shares photo of her newborn daughter. (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP via Getty Images) Amanda Knox just shared what she says will be the only photo of her daughter she posts on social media. The journalist, who was famously exonerated of the 2007 murder of her roommate Meredith Kercher after spending four years in an Italian prison, took to Instagram on October 22 to share a moving post about her daughter, who was secretly born months earlier. In the caption of a photo of herself and her daughter, who she and her husband Christopher Robinson named Eureka Muse Knox-Robinson, Knox wrote, Since my exoneration, I've struggled to reclaim my identity and protect the people I love from being exploited as tabloid content. It's not easy, and I often feel like I'm trying to invent good choices out of bad whole cloth. I know that I cannot 100% protect my daughter from the kind of treatment I've suffered, but I'm doing the best I can. Which is why this will be the only picture of her I will ever share on social media. The mom, who previously opened up about suffering a miscarriage, added that she is so grateful to everyone who has wished her and Robinson well on their journey to parenthood. Thank you for believing in us, she concluded. Knox, who documented her pregnancy journey with the podcast Labyrinths, as well as with belly update pics on Instagram, recently spoke to The New York Times about the anxiety she has surrounding the medias interest in her child. Im still nervous about the paparazzi bounty on her head, she explained to the newspaper. I will say Im excited to not have to keep pretending not to be a mom. Cause its like, my brain is just there. Recently, Knox has spoken about about the media borrowing from a story without permission. Director Tom McCarthy's film Stillwater, which stars Matt Damon, was loosely inspired by Knox's case something that did not sit right with the exoneree. In a lengthy Twitter thread she posted in July, Knox wrote of the film, "Tom McCarthys fictionalized version of me is just the tabloid conspiracy [guiltier] version of me. By fictionalizing away my innocence, my total lack of involvement, by erasing the role of the authorities in my wrongful conviction, McCarthy reinforces an image of me as a guilty and untrustworthy person. And with Matt Damons star power, both are sure to profit handsomely off of this fictionalization of 'the Amanda Knox saga' that is sure to leave plenty of viewers wondering, 'Maybe the real-life Amanda was involved somehow.'" Officials in New York City are receiving criticism after residents learned they had reportedly moved five registered sex offenders, two of whom are convicted pedophiles, into a homeless shelter close to schools. The former Radisson Hotel, a temporary homeless shelter in Manhattan's financial district, was still home to at least four of the sex offenders Thursday, according to the New York sex offender registry. "As parents, we cannot count on local government to look out for our children," a local mother said. "I am not opposed to helping those in need and providing shelters for the homeless in my community, but I am against placing violent pedophiles with a block of schools." ALABAMA PRISONER EXECUTED AFTER MONTHSLONG DELAY The five deviant ex-convicts who called the shelter home include Lee Jackson, a 42-year-old Level-3 sexually violent offender, who was convicted of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl in Brooklyn in 2005. Lonzel McNeil, 53, was convicted of raping an 11-year-old girl from Brooklyn in 1993. He was assigned a private room in the shelter fewer than one block away from Pine Street School, a pre-kindergarten and elementary school, according to the report. A complaint to have the men removed was filed by officials at the school, according to a mother of two children who attend Pine Street School, aged 3 and 5, the New York Post reported. "It's scary," she said. "Families no longer feel safe. We don't feel our kids are safe. I used to take nightly walks, 10 to 11 p.m. I no longer leave my house alone at night." The news of the sexual deviants' move upset other homeless residents of the Radisson. "If you got kids, you should feel the same way," said 52-year-old resident Don Parker. "There are certain things you just don't do." The placement of the five sex offenders is not the first time the New York City Department of Homeless Services has made what many consider a severe lapse in judgment, according to the report. Story continues In August 2020, Manhattan's Upper West Side Belleclaire hotel was used as the location to house at least six pedophiles on parole. The Belleclaire sits one block away from an elementary school playground. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER The New York City DHS did not immediately respond to the Washington Examiner's request for comment. Washington Examiner Videos Tags: News, New York City, Homelessness, Crime, Schools Original Author: Luke Gentile Original Location: New York City officials reportedly move convicted pedophiles into homeless shelter surrounded by schools World number one Ashleigh Barty will not defend her season-ending WTA Finals title nor compete further in 2021 due to quarantine restrictions in her native Australia. The 25-year-old, who spent two weeks in quarantine after returning from the US Open in September to her home in Brisbane, said she is not willing to compromise my preparation for January when the Australian Open is scheduled to begin. I wanted to let everyone know that I wont be competing in any further tournaments in 2021, including the WTA Finals in Mexico, Barty said in a statement on Saturday. It was a difficult decision but I need to prioritise my body and my recovery from our 2021 season and focus on having the strongest preseason for the Australian summer. With the ongoing challenges of travelling back to Queensland and quarantine requirements, I am not willing to compromise my preparation for January. I wish the WTA team and the players all the best for a successful WTA Finals and rest of the year. My focus is now on the Australian summer and doing everything I can to win the Australian Open. I cant wait to play at home again. Barty claimed a maiden grand slam crown at Roland Garros in 2019 prior to winning Wimbledon this year. Prior to her third-round exit at the US Open, Barty had been on the road since March. She endured an up and down time, winning Wimbledon and four other tournaments, but also having to retire injured in the French Open and losing in the first round at the Olympics. Kate Middleton Reportedly Keeps Three Bottles of This Anti-Aging Face Oil on Her Nightstand Getty Images As phenomenal as the new Spencer movie looks to be, it's difficult to predict what actually goes down inside the royal households (which might be why fans are so eager to look on from the fringes. No judgement. I've watched a 10-second clip of Charlotte waiting to greet Kate Middleton as she dismounts from a helicopter). So the secrets of Middleton's beauty routine are a precious commodity and for the next 72 hours, one of her confirmed skincare favorites is part of a rare sale. As People magazine reported in 2016, a bottle of Beuti Skincare's Beauty Sleep Elixir was hand-delivered to Middleton by a Kensington Palace insider. The brand is a small, woman-founded, independent British line, and per founder Leila Aalam, made such a fan in the royal that she reportedly kept three bottles of the stuff on her bedside table. "We were ecstatic to know that she liked it and was actually using it," Aalam told the outlet. According to shoppers, Middleton's not the only one who's seen persuasive results. The Sleep Elixir wins a 4.8 rating from over 400 reviewers on Credo's website, where it's marked down 20 percent for the store's annual Friends and Family sale. "Magic elixir in a bottle. As I creep into middle age, dullness and fine lines are greeting me in the mirror on a daily basis," wrote a customer of the results within two weeks. "My skin is positively glowing, [and] my forehead lines are almost gone, although they did start off fairly light. Skin texture overall is more glowy." Beuti Skincare Beauty Sleep Elixir Courtesy Shop now: $56 (Originally $70), discount applied at checkout; credo.com More reviewers add that the oil's effects are so addictive, they're on their second bottle and like Middleton, they already have a backup on hand. Some note that they've seen wrinkles around their eyes diminish within the first week of use, and others said that it helps "tremendously" with dry skin and puffiness, especially around the eye area. Story continues Continued use pays off: As someone in the 55+ range wrote, after two years with the Elixir, they see a marked shift in their skin when they run out. "I really didn't expect this to do much, but I was very wrong," said a different person. "After about a week, I actually noticed that my fine lines and wrinkles were disappearing. In addition, I even had someone say that I was glowing. I haven't heard that for quite a while." Those results stem from the oil's luxurious formula. The Beuti Sleep Elixir includes a "super boost" of omegas 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9 to nourish skin and soften creases, along with 14 plant oils; those include camellia seed oil, chia seed oil, bitter cherry seed oil, strawberry seed oil, pomegranate seed oil, blueberry seed oil, cranberry seed oil, raspberry seed oil, sea buckthorn fruit oil, and sea whip extract. That mix makes for a plethora of antioxidants to tackle free radicals, soothe skin, and help regenerate cells and might be why Middleton looks practically ageless (along with all the amenities that royal life provides). "Hands down, this face oil has transformed my skin," wrote a shopper with dry skin of the "life changing" product. "I literally wake up GLOWING. Pores look smaller, texture looks smoother, tone is more even, [and] I haven't had a single pimple, which I know some people fear with oils. I want to buy this for everyone I know." If you're in the mood to follow their and Middleton's leave, snag the Beuti Beauty Sleep Elixir for $56 until Credo's sale ends on Sunday. Attorney Scott Bruns raised the question of whether anyone proved that Jacob Ozuna, whom Donato is accused of beating to death in the Yakima County jail, had killed another gang member and thus violated a tenet of the Norteno gang organization. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) Republicans have succeeded this year in passing a range of voting restrictions in states they control politically, from Georgia to Iowa to Texas. They're not stopping there. Republicans in at least four states where Democrats control the governor's office, the legislature or both California, Massachusetts, Michigan and Pennsylvania are pursuing statewide ballot initiatives or veto-proof proposals to enact voter ID restrictions and other changes to election law. In another state, Nebraska, Republicans control the governor's office and have a majority in the single-house legislature, but are pushing a voter ID ballot measure because they have been unable to get enough lawmakers on board. Republicans say they are pursuing the changes in the name of election integrity," and repeat similar slogans easier to vote, harder to cheat. Democrats dismiss it as the GOP following former President Donald Trump's false claims that widespread fraud cost him the election. They say Republicans have tried to whip up distrust in elections for political gain and are passing restrictions designed to keep Democratic-leaning voters from registering or casting a ballot. Its depressing that this is the way that (the Trump) wing of the Republican Party thinks they have to win, instead of trying to win on issues or beliefs, said Gus Bickford, the Democratic Party chairman in Massachusetts. They just want to suppress the vote. A common thread among the Republican proposals is toughening voter identification requirements, both for in-person and mail voting. In Michigan and Pennsylvania, Republicans are trying to get around Democratic governors who wield the veto pen. Wisconsin Republicans say they also are considering such a strategy. In California and Massachusetts, Republicans are a minority in both houses of the legislature. In Republican-controlled Nebraska, the hang-up is an officially nonpartisan legislature where more liberal lawmakers can derail legislation that enjoys broad conservative support. The road to gain voter approval is uphill in California and Massachusetts, but there's a clearer path to success in the other states. The leader of the California effort, Carl DeMaio of Reform California, said his organization is pursuing a ballot initiative because Democratic lawmakers will never take up his group's proposals. That would mean theyre validating Donald Trump, and they have so much hatred for Donald Trump that they dont even want to acknowledge that theres even a problem here," DeMaio said. Trump's baseless election fraud claims aside, DeMaio said Trump's message is resonating with people who have had doubts about the election system based on their own experience, such as getting duplicate ballots mailed to them at home. Voter fraud is exceedingly rare, and when it's attempted is typically caught by local election offices. In any case, Democrats say voter ID laws will do nothing to prevent the little fraud that exists. Rather, it will serve only to force the elderly, poor and disabled to go to unnecessary lengths to get proper government-issued identification cards they may not have, they say. Despite Trump's false claims of a stolen election, his own Justice Department and scores of recounts have debunked them, and courts up to the U.S. Supreme Court have swept aside such assertions. The government's own cybersecurity agency declared the 2020 presidential election the most secure in U.S. history. No state legislature has produced evidence of widespread election fraud. Even so, at least 10 Republican-controlled states have enacted laws so far this year that toughen voter ID or signature requirements or pare back opportunities to register to vote or cast a ballot. Putting voter-related matters to a statewide vote is nothing new. In recent years, for example, voters in California and Florida restored felons' right to vote. In 2018, Michigan voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing people to register on Election Day and request absentee ballots without having to give a reason. The difference this year is Republicans using the process in an attempt to enact restrictions they couldn't pass otherwise. In California, Massachusetts and Nebraska, Republicans are trying to gather enough signatures to get their proposals on ballots in next years general election. In Michigan, Republicans are using an unusual provision in the state constitution to gather enough petition signatures so the GOP-controlled Legislature can pass a veto-proof voter ID bill. Among other things, the Michigan initiative would prohibit sending mail-in ballot applications to people who did not request them, with backers saying it sowed confusion and mistrust in 2020. Democratic leadership is out of step with their voters, said Jamie Roe, a Republican campaign consultant and strategist with the Secure MI Vote initiative. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, is preparing to veto similar legislation on her desk, telling reporters this month that there was not one scintilla of evidence of widespread voting fraud in last year's election and that Republicans are simply unhappy over Trump's loss. Our elections work. You dont like the outcome? Well, then you run in the next election and try to win and earn peoples votes not cut out a segment of people that cast their ballot as Americans and have a right to do that, Whitmer said. In Pennsylvania, which allows no direct access to the ballot for citizen initiatives, the earliest the Republican-controlled Legislature could put its election changes on the ballot through a proposed constitutional amendment is 2023. The Pennsylvania proposal is among several that would go beyond changes to voter ID. As Trump allies go state to state, pushing partisan reviews of last years presidential election, the measure in Pennsylvania would require election results to be audited by the states auditor general. It would require paper ballots to bear a watermark and be open to public inspection after an election is certified. The measure is awaiting a vote in the state House, perhaps as early as next week, before it can go to the Senate. Its sponsor, Republican Rep. Jeff Wheeland, said it will give back to the voters surety that their elections are safe and secure. Another Republican, Rep. Eric Nelson, said it would let voters address what many feel is a frenzy of mistrust in our current election system. Democratic Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, referring to Trump's loss in the battleground state, said the only reason the measure is coming up is because some are disappointed in the result of the election." Under the proposed initiative in California, counties would be required to do more to clean up voter registration rolls, evaluate wait times for in-person voting in every election and show how they will fix unreasonably long waits. In Nebraska, groups including Black Votes Matter and the League of Women Voters have joined forces to oppose the Republican-backed ballot initiative. John Cartier, director of voting rights for Civic Nebraska, said the initiative would violate Nebraska's constitutional protections for voting access. He said there has never been a single conviction for voter impersonation fraud in the state's history. Besides, he said, states such as Arizona and Georgia already have tough voter ID laws and people dont really trust the system there, Cartier said. So passage of a voter ID law doesnt do anything for trust. If anything, it hurts it. Associated Press writer David Eggert in Lansing, Mich., contributed to this report. Follow Marc Levy on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/timelywriter. 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. But, according to court documents, the vehicle excessively gained speed and traveled to Platte Avenue and then north on Platte Avenue. The white sedan then made a left turn onto Fifth Street and excessively gained speed up to approximately 60 mph in a 25 mph marked zone. The white sedan tried to make a right turn onto Division Avenue, but due to the speed the vehicle was traveling the driver could not negotiate the turn and crashed into the curb disabling the vehicle. (The deputy) exited the patrol vehicle and he displayed my service weapon. (The deputy) gave multiple verbal commands to the driver to show his hands. After multiple verbal commands, the driver exited the vehicle and placed his hands inside the front pockets of his hooded sweatshirt. (The deputy) gave verbal commands for Long to show his hands and get on the ground, to which the driver did not comply. Long started walking toward the deputy with his hands continuing to be in his pockets. He then ran on foot in a north direction and (the deputy) pursued on foot. Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson expressed concern Friday about pending federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates previously announced by the Biden administration and said his office "will be prepared to take appropriate legal action" if they are implemented. "The attorney general is concerned that some or all of these federal mandates could be unlawful," his office stated in a news release. Peterson and his staff "plan to carefully review them as they become available," according to the statement. Vaccination mandates earlier announced by the Biden administration would require businesses with 100 or more employees to require their employees either to get vaccinated or undergo regular COVID-19 testing; require most health care facilities that receive Medicaid or Medicare reimbursement to vaccinate all their employees; and mandate vaccinations for employees of companies that contract with the federal government. Federal guidelines for only the latter directive have thus far been released. "Nebraskans want to know whether these federal mandates are enforceable," the news release from the attorney general's office stated. NEW DELHI, India (AP) Facebook in India has been selective in curbing hate speech, misinformation and inflammatory posts, particularly anti-Muslim content, according to leaked documents obtained by The Associated Press, even as the internet giant's own employees cast doubt over its motivations and interests. Based on research produced as recently as March of this year to company memos that date back to 2019, internal company documents on India highlight Facebooks constant struggles in quashing abusive content on its platforms in the worlds biggest democracy and the companys largest growth market. Communal and religious tensions in India have a history of boiling over on social media and stoking violence. The files show that Facebook has been aware of the problems for years, raising questions over whether it has done enough to address the issues. Many critics and digital experts say it has failed to do so, especially in cases where members of Prime Minister Narendra Modis ruling Bharatiya Janata Party are involved. Across the world, Facebook has become increasingly important in politics, and India is no different. New Delhi: Drishyam Films has launched the trailer of Tryst With Destiny, the internationally acclaimed anthology which is all set to release on 5th November on SonyLIV. The trailer has released today and has been receiving appreciations from the critics and the moviegoers alike. Watch the official trailer over here: Bringing to life entertaining yet hard-hitting stories, Drishyam Films has given the world of cinema some incredible films like Aankhon Dekhi, Masaan, Dhanak, Kaamyaab and Newton. The anthology, which deep dives into real-world social issues, was the only Indian film to be a part of the Tribeca Film Festival, 2020. Internationally recognized and lauded by critics, Tryst With Destiny went on to win Best Screen Play at the renowned film festival. The anthology features a power-packed ensemble cast that has been critically acclaimed for their work in Tryst With Destiny and beyond. Directed by Prashant Nair, Tryst With Destiny stars Ashish Vidyarthi, Suhasini Mani Ratnam, Ishwak Singh, Lillete Dubey, Victor Banerjee, Vineet Kumar Singh, Kani Kusruti, Jaideep Ahlawat, Palomi Ghosh, Amit Sial and Geetanjali Thapa. The anthology has been penned by Prashant Nair, Neeraj Pandey and Avani Deshpande. Manish Mundra, Founder Drishyam Films Tryst With Destiny is an anthology we are incredibly proud of. It delves into the shocking realities of class in modern-day India. SonyLIV offers a bouquet of great content with compelling and entertaining stories, and we are excited to launch the anthology on the platform. With its release, we are certain that the series is set to widen its reach even more, given the vast reach of Sony LIV. We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it for you. Ashish Golwalkar, Head-Content, Sony Entertainment Television, SonyLIV, Sony Pictures Networks India At SonyLIV it is our endeavour to give our audiences fresh and relevant content and bringing an award-winning anthology series like Tryst With Destiny is our step towards that. Narrating stories about Indians and their struggles since India achieved its independence, the anthology series will surely resonate with every Indian. I am positive, just like all our previous release, this too will be well-appreciated. New Delhi: The happy, vibrant and colourful festival of Karwa Chauth will be celebrated this year on October 24 and the festive vibe can already be seen around. On this special day, wives pray for their husbands' long life and prosperity. It is also known as Karak Chaturthi in various parts of the country. KARWA CHAUTH PUJA MUHURAT AND CHANDRODAYA TIMINGS: Karwa Chauth on Sunday, October 24, 2021 Karwa Chauth Puja Muhurat - 05:43 PM to 06:59 PM Duration - 01 Hour 17 Mins Karwa Chauth Upavasa Time - 06:27 AM to 08:07 PM Duration - 13 Hours 40 Mins Moonrise on Karwa Chauth Day - 08:07 PM Chaturthi Tithi Begins - 03:01 AM on Oct 24, 2021 Chaturthi Tithi Ends - 05:43 AM on Oct 25, 2021 (as per drikpanchang.com) Karwa Chauth falls on the fourth day after the full moon, as per the Hindu lunisolar calendar month of Kartik. It is largely celebrated in parts of North India, especially Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh as well. KARWA CHAUTH PUJA RITUALS: On this day, women wear bright clothes which are preferably new. They get up in the wee hours and savour the Sargi before sunrise. Sargi comes from her mother-in-law and Baya from her mother. It comprises fruits, sweets, clothes, jewellery etc. The Baya contains the Karwa, the pitcher which is of utmost importance in the Puja. After consuming it, they observe the fast for the whole day, only to break it after catching a glimpse of the beautiful moon. In the evening, women folk dressed in their new, beautiful traditional attire, decked up in jewellery and make-up, sit together in a group and the Karwa Chauth Katha (legend) is narrated. After praying to the goddess for their husband's long life and well being, the women wait for the moon to rise patiently. Also, the application of henna (Mehendi) on hands is a tradition that is very popular amongst women and even unmarried girls. WHAT IS KARWA? Karva or Karwa is a pitcher (pot) filled with water or milk and coins that are used by the women during the festival. It is later given as charity for the well-being of the family and future generations. On this occasion, Akhanda Saubhagyawati Goddess Parvati is worshipped. Women also worship her husband Lord Shiva and their sons Ganesha and Kartikeya on this day. A woman seeks blessings from the supreme powers to bless her as she observes a nirjal vrat (fasting without even drinking water) until she offers her prayers to the moon god in the evening. " " Meaning Bless me as I observe this fast for the well-being of my family, wealth and prosperity. After offering her prayers, the Karwa is donated. Then, the Suhagan catches a glimpse of the moon through a sieve with a Diya (lamp) placed on it. Then she looks at her husband through the sieve. Her husband helps her break her fast by making her drink water and offering her sweets. Today, even men observe Karwa Chauth fast with their wives, expressing their love and honouring companionship. Here's wishing everyone a very Happy Karwa Chauth! New Delhi: The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on Saturday (October 23, 2021) sent a notice to the Delhi Police demanding strict action against perpetrators in a minor girl's rape case. In the letter addressed to Ranjit Nagar Police station, the DCW chief Swati Maliwal detailed the horrific incident where a 7-year-old girl child was lured and raped by a 20-year-old. Swati Maliwal demanded an action report be sent to the commission by October 26 along with a copy of the FIR. Further, she appealed to the police to arrest the accused persons immediately. Delhi Commission for Women Chairperson Swati Maliwal writes to SHO, Ranjeet Nagar over the rape of a 7-year-old girl who is admitted to a hospital in a critical condition, demanding a copy of FIR registered, details of accused arrested & detailed action taken report in the matter pic.twitter.com/b8OeyEbX9v ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2021 "The Delhi Commission for Women has received information regarding rape of a girl child in Ranjeet Nagar of Delhi 22.10.2021. The Commission has been informed that a 7-year-old girl was lured by a man who offered her a 10 rupee note and thereafter raped her brutally. The father of the girl took her to a nearby hospital... she was referred to another hospital where she is admitted in a critical condition," the letter read. According to news agency ANI, the accused is still absconding. The DCW wrote that in case the suspect is absconding, the Delhi Police should provide a report of the steps taken to apprehend the accused as well as an action report in the matter by October 26, 2021. Live TV Srinagar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has arrived in Srinagar today (October 23) for his three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. This is Shah's first since the revocation of Article 370, and during this visit, he will review the security situation in the valley. Shah was received at the Srinagar airport by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha where other senior officials of the Jammu and Kashmir administration were also present, officials said. The Home Minister is scheduled to chair a high-level security review meeting later in the day and will also inaugurate the first direct international flight between Srinagar and Sharjah in UAE. He is also likely to interact with members of a youth club in Srinagar. This is Shah's first visit to Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir state into two Union Territories on August 5, 2019. Security was beefed up across Kashmir ahead of Shah's visit to the valley. Additional deployment of security forces has been made across the valley, the officials said. They said the security apparatus has been beefed up, especially in the city. The visit comes at a time when the Valley has been rocked by a spate of civilian killings by terrorists. Ahead of Home Minister's visit to the union territory, several traffic restrictions were imposed in Srinagar including those driving two-wheelers subjected to intensive security checks. In addition, a total of 50 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) teams have been deployed to Jammu and Kashmir for security purposes. Official sources said 50 companies of additional paramilitary forces are being inducted into the valley in the wake of the recent spate of civilian killings. Bunkers manned by CRPF forces have come up in several areas of the city as well in other parts of the Kashmir valley, the officials said. New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to begin his visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday (October 23, 2021). During the three-day visit, Shah will chair a meeting to review the security situation and will virtually interact with the young members of the J&K's Youth. The Home Minister will also inaugurate the first Srinagar-Sharjah international flight. On Saturday, Shah's meeting to review the security situation is likely to begin around 12:30 PM at the Raj Bhawan in Srinagar. He will then interact with the young members of J&K's Youth Clubs around 4:45 PM and then inaugurate the Srinagar-Sharjah International flight via video conference around 6 PM. Meanwhile, security has been beefed up across Kashmir in view of Shah's visit to the Valley. Officials said that a thick security cover has been thrown around the BJP office at Jawahar Nagar in the city where Shah is likely to pay a visit. Similarly, roads leading to Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) have been made off-limits for three days from Saturday as the Union home minister is expected to attend an event there, they added. The officials said the additional deployment of security forces has been made across the valley, especially in Srinagar. The mobile internet services on a dozen towers -- mostly in the areas where non-local labourers were killed in the past week -- were snapped three days ago as part of the security measures, they said. Official sources said that 50 companies of additional paramilitary forces are being inducted into the valley in the wake of the recent spate of civilian killings. It, notably, is Amit Shah's first visit to Kashmir after the Centre revoked J-K's special status and bifurcated the erstwhile state into union territories in August 2019. His visit comes in the backdrop of the ongoing anti-terror operation in Poonch forests in which nine Army personnel have been killed, increasing use of drones by Pakistan to ferry weapons and explosives along the Line of Control, and attacks on security establishments in the region. A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and four other security personnel laid down their lives in a fierce gunfight during the start of the counter-insurgency operation in the Surankote forest of Poonch on October 11. Four other soldiers, including a JCO, lost their lives in another encounter in Nar Khas forest in Mendhar on October 14 evening after the security forces extended the cordon and search operation. Over the past two weeks, in October alone, as many as 11 civilians have also been killed in the Kashmir valley. (With agency inputs) Live TV New Delhi: The International Institute of Population Sciences (IIPS) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) released the findings of a new joint study on Thursday (October 21, 2021). The new study revealed that the in 2020 life expectancy at birth in India was reduced by two years due to COVID-19. As per the authors of the student, the reduction was due to the excess deaths caused by COVID-19 in the 35-79 age group. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, BMC Public Health on Thursday. The study also highlighted that the age-wise mortality disruptions caused by the pandemic impacted more men than women. A report in the Hindustan Times quoted one of the authors of the paper Suryakant Yadav from IIPS as saying, The inequality in the deaths by age groups was higher in men...It could be because men were exposed more to the external factors compared to women. According to the World Health Organization, life expectancy at birth reflects the overall mortality level of a population. To conduct this study, the authors considered life expectancy data between January 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020 from COVID-19-India Application Programming Interface (API) portal available in the public domain. We collated these data sets and altogether had 22 causes of deaths with the addition of Covid-19. We used a life table methodology to analyse the impact of Covid-19 and found a drop of two years in the life expectancy at birth, said Yadav. Live TV FIFTY1 International, a prominent Gurugram based luxury properties and real estate company is set to launch its website 51intl.com on 24th November 2021. The company has created a unique platform that offers end-to-end services in the real estate segment to showcase verified listings and offers luxury properties from INR 2 crore onwards. Leveraging innovative techniques using the latest technology, FIFTY1 International offers a powerful marketing network and a strong base of luxury properties on its website to cater to demands from all segments. FIFTY1 Internationals website offers listings verified by its team that involves thorough background checks and inspecting property documents for hassle-free transactions. The platform offers news on the latest developments related to real estate and the overall development of Gurugram to provide and amplify, luxury and bespoke lifestyle. Its unique state-of-the-art network system has been designed to connect the property sellers with the right buyers in the market including the finest independent real estate companies/consultants with prospective buyers. FIFTY1 International also supports its clientele and affiliates with a host of services including Marketing, Professional Photography/Videography, Operational Services such as Legal Advocacy, Background Checks, Home Finance, Tax Assistance, Vaastu Shastra, Structural Audit and Home Interiors. A host of these services can be availed directly from the company website which will be a one-stop solution for buyers, sellers and real estate channel partners. Further, FIFTY1 International employs the highest ethical standards in every action while striving to execute a win-win outcome for all involved in the transaction The company is equipped with a constantly learning, customer-centric system to match the clients requirement with a set of experienced and skilled agents, adept at the workings of the real estate market. While FIFTY1 International caters to clients all across India, their primary market is in the Delhi-NCR region and parts of Haryana. The company envisions raising the investment bar through innovative techniques using the latest technology and their teams in-depth knowledge about the Gurugram real estate market. Akshay Sardana, Founder & CEO of FIFTY1 International, said, At FIFTY1 International, we are set to redefining the standards of excellence, bring trust and transparency in the real estate industry. With the same aim, we are expanding to the digital realm and bringing our finest services across a platform for our esteemed customers. For us, every client at any price point deserves the same level of service, attention, and marketing and the team delivers on that promise. Hence, we are looking forward to providing bespoke services and bring ease and accessibility to our customers through our website. FIFTY1 International is known for its three virtues that symbolizes transparency, stability and prosperity in the real estate industry. The company aims to be the most admired real estate consultancy firm in India and abroad backed by its diverse team of excellent and hand-picked professionals. The teams at Fifty1 International are diverse, passionate, and exceptional people driven to excel, do right, and realize positive change in everything. As one of the youngest CEOs and the Founder of FIFTY1 International, Akshay Sardana is conceptualizing and implementing a scalable business strategy. A highly accomplished professional, he leads his team towards setting new benchmarks in residential and commercial developments, including winning the clients trust through innovation and bespoke servicing. PR Courtesy ADFocus Media To know more, visit: 51intl.com (Disclaimer: This is a featured content) New Delhi: India has proposed to Pakistan mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccine certificates. Mutual recognition of vaccination certificates means travellers from either country can enter the respective country without any hassles with regards to COVID-19 vaccination and will be allowed to leave the airport/ transport hub as per laid norms. It essentially eases the movement of people as COVID-19 crisis abates. So far there hasn't been any word from Islamabad on the issue, but if it gets a nod, it will help many Indian pilgrims-- especially the Indian Sikh pilgrims who will be going to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur once it is opened. A corridor was opened to the holy Gurdwara with much fanfare, that allowed visa free travel from India to Pakistan, but then COVID-19 struck and its operation was suspended. Travel between India and Pakistan was impacted due to COVID-19, as was the case world over but Islamabad before that had taken steps to decrease people-to-people movement in the aftermath of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. Pakistan had suspended all rail, bus services between the two countries following New Delhi's decision. Indias proposal comes days after New Delhi sent out invitation to Islamabad for National Security Advisors meet on Afghanistan. New Delhi will be hosting a meet of NSA in the second week of November involving countries like Pakistan, Iran, Russia, China and some central Asian countries. For Pakistan, its NSA Moeed Yusuf who has been invited. As of October 20, India has agreement with 11 countries for mutual recognition vaccination certificate for individuals fully vaccinated with Nationally recognized or WHO recognized COVID-19 vaccine. These countries are UK, France, Germany, Nepal, Belarus, Lebanon, Armenia, Ukraine, Belgium, Hungary, Serbia. India is reaching out to more and more countries for mutual recognition of vaccine certificates. Earlier this week, India and Israel agreed on mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccine certificate which will help in easy movement of people. EAM after his meeting with Israeli FM Yair Lapid said, "I know, in principle we have agreed on mutual recognition of our vaccination certification process. And while we are working that out, in interim, Israel would allow people, having Covishield vaccines to travel to Israel. Live TV Chennai: The Indian Coast Guard conducted a mid-sea rescue early Saturday (October 23) morning, following a collision of MV Navious Venus and fishing boat Sijumon 01 near Indias southernmost region. Two crew members of the fishing boat were thrown overboard due to the impact following which the Indian Coast Guard vessel carried out a rescue operation, as per information shared by ICG Station at Vizhinjam. After administering first aid and immediate medical assistance, the two fishermen were transferred from ICGS Shaurya to another Coast Guard platform C-427. The duo were then taken to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College by a Medical team from Indian Coast Guard Station, Vizhinjam. In a wee hours operation @IndiaCoastGuard rescue two indian fishermen off kerala-TN coast, after a merchant vessel and the fishing boat collided. Two fishers were taken to Thiruvananthapuram hospital, the boat involved in crash returned to its harbour in Colachel, TN#India pic.twitter.com/iHWedpP2Ov Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 23, 2021 Fishing boat Shujumon-01 entered the Colachal fishing harbour with its remaining 15 crew, while being safely escorted by other local fishing boats. Pictures and videos of the wee-hours incident show Indian Coast Guard personnel helping the two middle-aged fishermen, climb onto the Coast Guard ship, following which they are offered first aid. ALSO READ: Nitish Kumar announces Rs 2 lakh aid for Uttarakhand rain victims from Bihar Live TV New Delhi: The Indian Railways is reportedly considering resuming catering services and other passenger amenities in trains as the COVID-19 cases continue to decline across the country. According to the IRCTC sources, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav is likely to conduct a meeting next week to discuss and mull over the resumption of services related to food being served in the trains and other related issues. In the meeting, the Railway Minister is also likely to discuss the possibility of resuming services like base kitchen, on-board kitchen, providing bedrolls and blanket. It may be noted that the e-catering services in the trains were suspended since March 2020, owing to the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown. Taking into account the issues faced by passengers, various committees have sent their inputs to the Indian Railways. ALSO READ | IRCTC Package: Visit Mata Vaishno Devi in budget with Indian Railways, check details E-catering services allowed on trains Notably, while the on-train pantry services were suspended, the passengers were allowed to order food on trains directly from the RailRestro website or app. RailRestro, which is an IRCTC-authorized e-catering wing, received confirmation from the Ministry of Railways to resume services inside the trains this January. Following which the company laid down strict guidelines and rules including thermal scanning of the restaurants staff and delivery personnel several times during the operational hours, sanitization of kitchens daily at regular intervals, use of protective face masks or face shields by the restaurant staff, etc. The IRCTC-authorized e-catering wing also set some rules for the customers like mandatory use of Aarogya Setu app by delivery personnel, collecting orders only after washing hands, contactless delivery to ensure zero human contact, constant use of protective face masks or covers and sanitization of delivery bags after each delivery. ALSO READ | Indian Railways gets creative, uses Squid Game reference to urge people to follow COVID norms Heres how to place an order via e-catering app Individuals can download IRCTC e-catering app Food On Track from play store or Apple store Step 1. Visit IRCTCs official website and click on e-catering tab- http://ecatering.irctc.co.in Step 2. Enter your ten digit PNR number (You can find this on your ticket) Step 3. Choose food/ dishes Step 4. Place your order and make the payment Step 5. Your food will be delivered on your respective seat Live TV Jammu: A rape convict `judge` was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000 on Saturday by a fast track court in Jammu and Kashmir. Two days after convicting a judicial officer for rape and cheating a woman who had sought legal help in 2018, a fast track court in Jammu on Saturday (October 23) sentenced him to ten years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000. The convict, Rajesh Kumar Abrol of Jammu, has also been sentenced to seven years of jail and a fine of Rs 20,000. Arbol was a sub-judge before being tried for rape and cheating. Fast track court judge Khalil Choudhary said both sentences shall run concurrently. The court in its judgement said, "It is not only the duty of the court, but social and legal obligations are clearly enjoined upon it to impose adequate punishment according to law while taking into consideration not only the crime, but also the criminal. Furthermore, deterrence and reformation are primarily social goals. "It is the duty of the court to impose adequate sentence, for one of the purposes of the requisite sentence is protection of the society and legitimate response to its collective conscience." "The paramount principle that should be the guiding laser beam is that the punishment should be proportionate. It is the answer of the law to the social conscience. In a way, it is an obligation to the society which has reposed confidence and faith in the judicial system of the country to curtail the evil while imposing the sentence." "Persons of influence, keeping in view their reach, impact and authority they wield on the general public or the specific class to which they belong owe a duty and have to be more responsible. They are expected to know and perceive the meaning of authority and law with experience and knowledge. It is reasonable to hold that they would be careful in their lives". Live TV New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to interact with beneficiaries and stakeholders of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Swayampurna Goa programme on Saturday (October 23). The interaction will take place at 11 AM via video conferencing following which the PM will deliver an address. Goa Chief Minister Promod Sawant will also attend the event. Under Swayampurna Goa initiative which was launched on October 1, 2020, a state government officer is appointed as `Swayampurna Mitra'. This Mitra visits a designated panchayat or municipality, interacts with people, coordinates with multiple government departments. They are also responsible for ensuring that various government schemes and benefits are available to the eligible beneficiaries, as per ANI. The CM had earlier informed that seven people from Goa, including a sarpanch, chairman of the municipal corporation and a beneficiary of Swayampurna Goa will interact with PM Modi. The programme (scheme) is an extension of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative launched by the central government, PTI had quoted him as saying. The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Swayampurna Goa scheme commenced on October 2, 2020. Under this program, government officers, teachers and students reach out to every village panchayat to ensure that every village becomes self-reliant by harnessing the locally available resources, PTI reported. The impact of the scheme can be seen now. There is a 40 per cent increase in horticulture production, 10 per cent in milk production and 60 per cent rise in floriculture produce in Goa, the CM had said. Notedly, Goa will go to the polls in February next year. (With agency inputs) Live TV New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet seven Indian COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers on Saturday (October 23, 2021), a meeting that comes in the wake of the country achieving the landmark of administering 100 crore doses of the jabs, official sources said. Representatives from seven vaccine makers -- Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Zydus Cadila, Biological E, Gennova Biopharma and Panacea Biotech -- will be participating in the meeting. Modi is likely to emphasise on ways to vaccinate eligible people in India as quickly as possible and also help other countries in inoculating their population as part of the mantra "vaccine for all", an official source said. The cumulative COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has exceeded 101.30 crore, according to the health ministry data updated at 7 am. India on October 21 achieved a major milestone in its vaccination programme against COVID-19 as the cumulative vaccine doses administered in the country surpassed the 100-crore mark, resulting in celebratory events across various parts. More than 75 per cent of India's adult population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, with nine states and union territories administering the first dose to all eligible people. Over 31 per cent of the country's around 93 crore adults have been administered both the doses, according to health ministry officials. So far, all adult population in nine states and union territories -- Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Dadra and Nagar Haveli -- have received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine. Three vaccines -- Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and Sputnik V -- are currently being used in the country's Covid vaccination drive. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Italy and the UK for two crucial summits, the G20 summit Rome and the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference or COP26 in Glasgow, respectively. He will be leaving for Rome on October 28, and will be the city for the 16th G20 leaders' summit that takes place on October 30 and 31. A number of bilateral dialogues a scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the annual meet of the 20 most powerful economies. The key priorities under Italian presidency will be dealing with the COVID crisis, its economic impact. Notably, the last edition of the summit took place virtually under the Saudi Presidency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That was the first time the summit was conducted virtually in more than a decade since its formation. There will be a few notable absentees who are likely to skip the summit; including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japan's PM Fumio Kishida, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. While, Japanese PM and President Cyril Ramaphosa will be busy with elections during those dates, the Russian President had to skip the summit due to COVID-19 crisis at home. The absence of Japanese, Russian and Chinese leaders mean no in person trilaterals- JAI (Japan, America, India) or RIC (Russia, India, China) will happen. It had traditionally become a part of key meets on the sidelines of the G20 meetings. Climate change will be another key focus at the G20 summit, which comes ahead of the crucial Glasgow climate summit from October 31 to November 12. PM Modi will be leave Rome on October 31 for Glasgow and on November 1 he will address the meet. He is also expected to hold in person talks with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, something both sides were waiting for. Remember, UK PM was supposed to be the chief guest at India's Republic Day parade this year but it was cancelled due to COVID-19 crisis. Later PM Modi was to visit G7 leaders meet as special guest which also could not happen either due to the pandemic. Ahead of PM Modi's UK visit, British foreign secretary Liz Truss who is in India held talks with her counterpart External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Friday. At the meeting, Liz said, "There is so much more we can do in areas like sharing our expertise on the environment ahead of the COP26 summit, we are delighted the Prime Minister will be there". Her visit coincides with the visit of UK chief of staff General Sir Nicholas Carter, Chief of Naval Staff of UK Admiral Tony Radakin (First Sea Lord). Meanwhile, a UK Joint Tri-Service exercise Konkan Shakti is also underway from to October 21 to 27. The harbor phase took place in Mumbai from Oct 21 to 23, the sea phase from October 24 to 27, land phase in Chaubatia with air tactical operations involving F35s and MiG 26Ks. New Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba will also be in Glasgow, and a bilateral cant be ruled out with Indian PM. PM Modi will be back in the country on November 3. This will be his third foreign visit amid COVID-19 pandemic and in this year. He has been to Bangladesh in March and US in september. Before pandemic hit, his last visit was in November of 2019. Next in schedule is the key ASEAN summits and meetings, including the East Asia summit. The meetings are taking place virtually and India will be present in the meetings. Brunei is the host of ASEAN this year. PM was also invited for the Saudi Green Initiative and Middle east green initiative by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The Saudi summits are taking place in Riyadh from 23rd to 25th October, with India's environment minister representing the country in many of the meetings. Live TV Singapore: Singapore on Saturday announced the removal of India and five other South Asian countries from its travel restriction list as the island-state continues to adjust border measures in response to the global Covid-19 situation. All travellers with a 14-day travel history to Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be allowed to enter or transit through Singapore from Wednesday, the health ministry said. However, travellers from these countries will be subjected to the tightest of border measures, which involve a 10-day, stay-home notice period at a dedicated facility, it said. The ministry said in a release that it has reviewed the Covid-19 situation in the six South Asian countries it was previously closed off to. Addressing a virtual press conference, health minister Ong Ye Kung said the situation in these countries has stabilised for some time. "There is no longer a need for strict rules that prevent travellers from these countries from landing here," the Straits Times quoted Ong as saying. The health ministry said changes that come into effect on Wednesday include the loosening of measures for travellers from Singapore's closest neighbours, Malaysia and Indonesia. As of Friday, Singapore has reported a total of 165,663 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. The disease has claimed 294 lives so far in the country. Live TV New Delhi: Ahead of her two-day visit to Goa, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday (October 23, 2021) called upon all individuals, organisations and political parties to join forces to 'defeat' the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and 'its divisive agenda'. Taking to Twitter, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said that the people of Goa have suffered enough over the last 10 years. "As I prepare for my maiden visit to Goa on 28th, I call upon all individuals, organisations and political parties to join forces to defeat the BJP and their divisive agenda. The people of Goa have suffered enough over the last 10 years," she said. "Together, we will usher in a new dawn for Goa by forming a new govt that will truly be a govt of the people of Goa and committed to realising their aspirations," Mamata added. Together, we will usher in a new dawn for Goa by forming a new govt that will truly be a govt of the people of Goa and committed to realising their aspirations! #GoenchiNaviSakal (2/2) Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) October 23, 2021 Her October 28 visit comes ahead of the elections to the 40-member Goa assembly early next year. Although TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee had ruled out the possibility of allying with any other party for the upcoming assembly polls in Goa, the party supremo is likely to meet leaders of smaller political outfits in the state. This is noteworthy that ex-Goa chief minister Luizinho Faleiro had recently ended his decades-long association with the Congress and joined the TMC. Many others from the party followed suit. TMC, notably, after its landslide victory in the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections, is trying to increase its footprint nationally and has made inroads in BJP-ruled Goa and Tripura. The move, however, has evoked derision from the BJP, which called it a sheer "political tourism". "The weather in Goa now is apt for tourists. She is going there for a vacation," BJP state spokesperson Shamik Bhattacharya said. Earlier this month, the relationship between the Congress and the TMC touched a new low after the ruling party in West Bengal took a dig at Rahul Gandhi's defeat in Amethi in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, wondering whether the Congress could erase the loss just with a Twitter trend. The relationship between the two was strained after TMC mouthpiece 'Jago Bangla' claimed Mamata Banerjee, and not Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, is the face of the opposition against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (With agency inputs) Live TV Los Angeles: A 25-year-old California-based Indian-origin woman techie, who travelled to Mexico to celebrate her birthday, was one of the two foreign tourists killed in a shootout between two drug gangs in the Caribbean coast resort of Tulum, according to media reports. The incident happened on Wednesday (October 20) night. Anjali Ryot was killed along with another German tourist in the crossfire, the Californianewstimes.Com news portal reported. Ryot arrived in Tulum on Monday (October 18) prior to her birthday on October 22, it said. Her Instagram account listed her as a travel blogger from Himachal Pradesh, living in San Jose, California. Ryot has been working as a Senior Site Reliability Engineer on LinkedIn since July. She was previously employed by Yahoo, the Californianewstimes.Com report said. On Wednesday (October 20) night, Ryot and four other foreign tourists were dining on the terrace of La Malquerida restaurant when four men armed with assault rifles fired at an adjoining table in the premises around 10:30 pm, the Spanish newspaper El Pais reported. The stray bullets hit the foreigners. Ryot and the German woman were killed, while the three others -- from Germany and the Netherlands -- were wounded. Authorities point to a confrontation between rival organised crime gangs. Ryot and her friends were just the collateral victims, it said. The fight was between two rival groups that operate drug sales in the area, the Quintana Roo state prosecutor's office said in a statement. Several drug cartels operate in the Mexican state, which is known for a lucrative retail drug market and as a landing spot for drug shipments, the Associated Press reported from Mexico City. Meanwhile, Ryot's brother Ashish Ryot has asked the mayor of Tulum to speed up the procedures to be able to repatriate her body, the El Pais report said. Ashish urged the authorities for help so that his visa was approved and he could enter Mexico to take his sister's body back to India for her last rites. Live TV Kanpur: A fire broke out at an electronic showroom at Fazal Ganj police station area on Saturday (October 23, 2021), informed Kanpur fire Service. The fire also engulfed a restaurant on the second floor of the showroom. It was brought under control by two fire tenders after half an hour`s effort. During this, goods worth lakhs kept in the showroom were burnt to ashes. The cause of the fire is not clear. ALSO READ | Massive fire breaks out in residential building in Mumbais Parel, several feared trapped According to Kanpur fire Service, no casualties have been reported as of now. Live TV New Delhi: Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has claimed that he was told he would get Rs 300-crore bribe if he cleared two files belonging to "Ambani" and an "RSS-affiliated man" during his tenure but he cancelled the deals, and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting his decision by saying there is no need to compromise on corruption. Malik, who currently holds the gubernatorial post in Meghalaya, also supported the ongoing farmer agitation against the Centre's farm laws and said he is ready to leave his post and stand with them if their protest continues. "After going to Kashmir, two files came to me (for clearance), one belonging to Ambani and another to an RSS-affiliated man who was a minister in the previous Mehbooba Mufti-led (PDP-BJP coalition) government and claimed to be very close to the prime minister. "I was informed by secretaries in both the departments that there is a scandal involved and I accordingly cancelled both the deals. The secretaries told me that 'you will get Rs 150 crore each for clearing the files' but I told them that I have come with five kurta-pajamas and will leave with that only," Malik told a gathering at an event in Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan. ALSO READ | PDP sends legal notice to Satya Pal Malik for 'defamatory' remarks against Mehbooba Mufti Malik did not elaborate on the two files, but he was apparently referring to a file related to the roll-out of a group health insurance policy for government employees, pensioners and accredited journalists, for which the government had tied up with Reliance General Insurance, part of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group. In October 2018, Malik who was then the governor of J&K, had cancelled the tie-up with Reliance General Insurance Company for providing the group health insurance to employees as there was "some bungling" in it. Two days later, the governor approved foreclosure of the contract with Reliance General Insurance and referred the matter to the Anti-Corruption Bureau for examining the entire process to see whether it was conducted in a transparent and fair manner. "As a precaution, I took time from the prime minister and briefed him about the two files and the scandal as the people involved were taking his name. I straight away told him (PM) that I am ready to leave the post but if I stay back, I am not going to clear the files," he claimed and praised Modi for saying that there is no need to compromise on corruption. Malik also alleged that Kashmir is the most corrupt place in the country. "In the whole country, four to five per cent commission is sought, but in Kashmir 15 per cent commission is demanded," he said without explaining but added that under his leadership, there was no big case of corruption reported in J&K and that he even declined a favour to his relatives in the valley. He said after his return from Kashmir, he made a statement in favour of the agitating farmers. He said that he being poor is his strength and he can fight any powerful man in the country. "If the farmer agitation continues, I will leave my post and stand with them without caring for anyone. It is possible when I have done no wrong and do not have any wrong item in my wardrobe. I am satisfied that I have not done anything wrong," he said. Advising newly recruited officers not to budge under pressure and work honestly for the betterment of society, he asked them to remain alert against their wives who "spoil everything" by demanding more and prompting their husbands to indulge in corrupt practices. "The pressure will come and you will also feel good (by taking bribe).... In Jaipur, there are officers who did not even have thatched houses in their native places have built palatial houses. But if you remain steadfast and honest, you can fight anyone," Malik said. The former J&K governor said he does not have a house to live in after his retirement but "I do not have any worry that I have no house." Malik said he had been an MLA, an MP, a union minister but the people from Rajasthan who have a lot of money would come to his place and be surprised on seeing his small accommodation. New Delhi: Indian stock market investors keep a keen tab of shares in Rakesh Jhunjhunwalas portfolio. The big bull is a marquee share market investor who has made his fortune by investing in several stocks that have provided serious returns. One such stock in his stock, Federal Bank, has rallied over 115% in the past 13 months. On Friday, October 23, the shares of the Federal Bank jumped 9% in an intra-day trading session, marking a new 52-week high at 105.10. The share appeared to be tiding against the bearish sentiments of Dalal Street on Friday. The share jumped 9% after posting a strong earnings result for the second quarter of the ongoing financial quarter. Federal Bank has posted a 49.5 per cent year on year jump in net profit to Rs 460 crore for Q2 FY22, thanks to the lenders healthy operational performance. Moreover, the stock has outperformed the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex in the past three months. Federal Bank shares jumped 30% in the last three months against 3% rise in the index. Moreover, Jhunjhunwala has also increased his stake in Federal Bank. He and his wife Rekha Jhunjhunwala have together purchased a 1.01 per cent additional stake in the Kochi-headquartered private lender, according to the companys latest shareholding pattern. Also Read: WhatsApp new update: Users may soon get Undo button for Status emergencies Jhunjhunwala and his wife now hold about a 3.65 per cent stake in Federal Bank. According to the shareholding pattern for July to September 2021 quarter, Jhunjhunwala and his wife jointly added 2.10 crore shares of the bank to their portfolio. Also Read: Setback for Apple! Tech giant loses battle against Huawei 'MatePod' trademark Live TV #mute New Delhi: Actor Jacqueline Fernandez is being called to testify as a witness by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an over Rs 200 crore money laundering case, her spokesperson said on Saturday. The statement comes two days after the actor deposed before the federal agency after skipping its summons at least thrice earlier. Fernandez's spokesperson said she will completely cooperate with the agency in the investigations. "Jacqueline Fernandez is being called to testify as a witness by the ED. She has duly recorded her statements and in future will also be completely co operating with the agency in the investigations. "Jacqueline also categorically denies alleged slanderous statements made about relationship with the involved couple," the spokesperson said in a statement. On Wednesday, the actor's statement was recorded under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with a money laundering case filed against alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekar and his actor wife Leena Maria Paul. Fernandez, 36, previously appeared before the federal agency in this case in August and had recorded her statement. Actor and dancer Nora Fatehi, 29, had recorded her statement with the ED last week in this case Fatehi's representative had said that she is the victim in the case and being a witness, she is cooperating and helping officers in the investigation. Chandrashekhar and Paul were recently arrested by the ED while being lodged in a local jail after they were taken into custody by the Delhi Police on charges of cheating some people, including some high-profile individuals like former Fortis Healthcare promoter Shivinder Mohan Singh's wife Aditi Singh. In August, the ED had raided some of Chandrashekhar's premises and seized a sea-facing bungalow in Chennai, Rs 82.5 lakh cash and over a dozen luxury cars. It had claimed in a statement that Chandrashekhar is a "known conman" and is being probed by the Delhi Police in a case of alleged criminal conspiracy, cheating and extortion to the tune of about Rs 200 crore. New Delhi: The Internet has got no chills, literally, no chills at all! Recently, Shahid Kapoor returned from his Maldives trip along with his wife Mira Rajput and kids. And guess what? Trolls got a chance to pinpoint Mira's airport look and question why she's wearing shorts? Well, celebrity pap Viral Bhayani posted a video of the star couple returning to Mumbai from the Maldives and his Instagram timeline got flooded with negative comments. Take a look here: Mira Rajput was clicked wearing a black sweatshirt and ripped denim black shorts, twinning with his wifey, Sasha also donned an all-black outfit. Check out the comments here: Much like hubby Shahid Kapoor, Mira Rajput Kapoor is also a fitness freak and is often spotted outside the gym. Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput got married 5 years back on July 7 at a Gurudwara in Gurgaon. Theirs was a family affair with only close friends in attendance. They are one of the power couples in the Hindi movie business and also a regular at various fashion dos. The duo got blessed with a baby girl named Misha on August 26, 2016, and welcomed their second child, a baby boy named Zain in September 2018. Mumbai: Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, in his plea in the Bombay High Court seeking bail, has said the NCB was "misinterpreting" his WhatsApp chats to implicate him in the case of seizure of banned drugs aboard a cruise ship off the Mumbai coast earlier this month. Aryan Khan, currently in jail, on Wednesday moved the HC after a special court rejected his application for bail. The HC will hear his bail plea on October 26. In his appeal in the HC against the special court order, Aryan Khan said the Narcotics Control Bureau's "interpretation and misinterpretation" of the WhatsApp chats collected from his mobile phone was "wrong and unjustified". The 23-year-old claimed no contraband was recovered from him after the NCB raided the ship and maintained he has no connection with any of the other accused in the case except Arbaaz Merchant and Aachit Kumar. So far, the anti-drugs agency has arrested as many as 20 people in connection with the case. The appeal further said the WhatsApp chats that are being relied upon by the NCB are "ex-facie (on the face of it) of a period prior to the incident". "By no stretch of imagination can those purported messages be linked to any conspiracy for which the secret information was received," it said. "The interpretation of the WhatsApp messages is that of the investigating officer and such interpretation is unjustified and wrong," the appeal said. Aryan Khan also questioned the special court's contention, while refusing him bail, that since he is an influential person he may tamper with evidence in the case if released from custody. "There is no presumption in law that merely because a person is influential, there is likelihood of him tampering with the evidence," the appeal said. Aryan Khan was arrested on October 3 by the NCB along with his friend Arbaaz Merchant (26) and fashion model Munmun Dhamecha (28). The trio is presently in judicial custody. While Aryan Khan and Merchant are lodged at the Arthur Road prison in central Mumbai, Dhamecha is at the Byculla women's prison. A special court, designated to hear cases related to the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), refused to grant them bail noting that "they were part of the conspiracy". The lower court had said Aryan Khan had a "nexus with drug peddlers and suppliers and had indulged in illicit drug activities on a regular basis". New Delhi: Global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas, on Saturday, shared her condolences for cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who lost her life due to the prop gun firing incident on the set of 'Rust', which involved Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin. During the production on 'Rust', Baldwin had fired what was described as a "prop firearm" at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico, resulting in the incident, where Hutchins died and the film's director Joel Souza also got wounded. Priyanka took to her Twitter handle and shared a photo of the late cinematographer, and along with it shared a heartfelt note. She wrote, "I'm so shook. I cannot imagine what everyone involved in this tragedy is feeling. There are no words. No one should die on a film set. Period. My heart goes out to Halyna Hutchins family and everyone who knew her." Im so shook. I cannot imagine what everyone involved in this tragedy is feeling. There are no words. No one should die on a film set. Period. My heart goes out to Halyna Hutchins family and everyone who knew her. pic.twitter.com/C6fxT8kyir PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) October 23, 2021 At the time of the incident, Hutchins was transported by helicopter to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque, where she died. Souza was taken by ambulance to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe, where he received emergency treatment for his injuries. He has subsequently left the hospital. Sources told a local newspaper that Baldwin was questioned by investigators following the incident. However, no charges have yet been filed in connection with the case, which is under investigation, Juan Rios, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, said in a statement, reported Fox News. Apart from Baldwin, 'Rust' also stars Frances Fisher, Jensen Ackles, Brady Noon and Travis Fimmel. In addition to featuring in the film, Baldwin is a co-producer on the upcoming project. New Mexico is a busy film location, and the Bonanza Creek Ranch has hosted productions including 'Hostiles', 'Cowboys and Aliens', '3:10 to Yuma', 'Appaloosa' and 'Longmire'. Meanwhile, on the work front, Priyanka is busy shooting for her thriller web show 'Citadel', which is being created by Russo Brothers. New Delhi: Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan's manager Pooja Dadlani visited the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) office here on Saturday morning, sources said. Dadlani arrived at the anti-drug agency's office at Ballard Estate in south Mumbai around 10 am, carrying an envelope in her hand, they said. While stepping out of the office over an hour later, the media persons waiting outside tried to seek her comment, but she left the place without speaking to them. Aryan Khan (23), son of Shah Rukh Khan, was arrested by the NCB on October 3 following a raid on a cruise ship off the Mumbai coast. On Thursday, an NCB team had visited the actor's residence 'Mannat' in suburban Bandra seeking some documents related to the investigation of the alleged drug seizure case. On Friday evening, the Shah Rukh Khan's bodyguard had visited the NCB office and handed over some documents in a sealed envelope on the actor's behalf. New Delhi: Entrepreneur and founder of SpaceX and Tesla, Elon Musk, is known for taking a dig at rival tech firms and their chiefs. The latest to get roasted by Musk is none other than Apple CEO Tim Cook. In a tweet announcing the opening of Apples latest retail store in Istanbul, Cook had said, Introducing Apple Bagdat Caddesi, our beautiful new store in Istanbul. Were glad to be a part of this vibrant community and we can't wait to welcome customers to this spectacular new space. Introducing Apple Bagdat Caddesi, our beautiful new store in Istanbul. Were glad to be a part of this vibrant community and we can't wait to welcome customers to this spectacular new space. pic.twitter.com/BtJiGDAeqq Tim Cook (@tim_cook) October 22, 2021 Responding to Cook, Musk jokingly said to visit the store to see one of Apples latest offering - an Apple Cloth that is priced at about Rs 1,900 on the companys official online store. Come see the Apple Cloth Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 22, 2021 For those uninitiated, Apple had unveiled a Polishing Cloth, along with two new high-performance chips, as well as the third-generation AirPods, new HomePod Mini colours, and a new Apple Music plan. The Apple-branded cloth is made of nonabrasive materials and can be purchased in India for Rs 1,900. The microfiber towel bears an Apple logo. As of now, it is unclear how Apples Polishing Cloth differs from other microfiber cloths that are selling for prices much lower than at what the tech giant is selling its cleaning cloth. Also Read: PhonePe vs BharatPe: PhonePe withdraws petition against Postpe to file fresh suit Apple suggests cleaning its gadgets with "soft, lint-free cloths" and avoiding "abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, or similar items." According to Apples official page, the company will start delivering the merchandise between October 28 and November 1 in India. Also Read: Setback for Apple! Tech giant loses battle against Huawei 'MatePod' trademark Washington: US officials warned companies and universities about the risks of working with Chinese entities in key emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology and quantum computing. Ellen Nakashima, a national security reporter with The Washington Post said that US counterintelligence officials have begun a concerted push to caution companies about risks of working with Chinese entities. Officials stressed they are not advocating that industry and researchers "decouple," or cut all ties with these entities, but they say they want people to understand that the Chinese government has a sweeping national plan to dominate in these fields. Beijing`s strategy includes acquiring data and know-how, not just through hacking and other illicit acts but also through legal means such as acquisitions, investments and partnerships that businesses and researchers may not realize pose risks, top officials at the National Counterintelligence and Security Center said, said Nakashima. "We think there`s a lot at stake with a lot of these technologies," said Mike Orlando, acting Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC), an arm of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. "If we lose supremacy in these areas ... we could be eclipsed as an international superpower." He said "hundreds of billions of dollars` worth" of American technology is being targeted by the Chinese government. Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly urged scientists to make advances that can help ensure the country`s self-reliance. In a speech a year ago, he called for efforts "to foster strategic emerging industries such as quantum communications to gain an upper hand in international competition and build new advantages for development," reported The Washington Post. Other areas that China is particularly active in are semiconductors and autonomous systems, officials said at a briefing for reporters on Thursday (October 21). China, for instance, is making a concerted effort to buy Western semiconductor firms, Orlando said. Chinese are also targeting genomic technology that can be used to design disease therapies and identify genetic vulnerabilities in a population, said Edward You, the national counterintelligence officer for emerging and disruptive technologies, said Nakashima. He pointed to China`s largest genomics company, BGI, which purchased the US firm Complete Genomics in 2013. Over the years, BGI has made inroads in American hospitals and health-care institutions, offering inexpensive large-scale DNA sequencing, he said. Providing such services is not illegal, but at the same time, You said, BGI is gaining access to massive amounts of Americans` genetic data. "Unbeknownst to patients, your data might be transferred to the Chinese government," You said. In July 2020, the United States imposed sanctions on two BGI subsidiaries for using genetic analysis to further the Chinese government`s repression of Uyghur Muslims in China`s Xinjiang province. BGI denied the claims, reported The Washington Post. You said the risk is not just to privacy but to national security. If China can pair such genetic data sets, including the data authorities are already gathering domestically, with artificial intelligence and quantum computing, he said, it may be able to advance to the point where it is first to market with cures for diseases. Further, Orlando urged companies and universities to come up with best practices, review how data is stored and transferred, determine who has access to what and ensure vetting of contractors and subcontractors, reported The Washington Post. "If we can get the research community and private sector to be aware of what they`re doing and engineer security measures, we have a much better chance" of mitigating the risks, You said. Live TV